Josh Herder

G-Shock MUDMAN G-9300

2012-09-17T10:45:18Z

A few weeks ago the deranged geniuses over at Casio asked us to use and abuse their new G-Shock MUDMAN G-9300 on an adventure we took into the depths of the Northern Michigan wilderness. We quickly accepted the challenge and got down to business! Featuring a compass and thermometer, the G-Shock MUDMAN G9300 is an outdoorsmen's dream watch. It's shock resistant, mud resistant and sit-on-your-butt resistant. The MUDMAN begs to be taken off-road where it's capabilities can truly shine. And that's exactly what we did!

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Key Features:

Tough Solar
Digital Compass
Thermometer
Moon Graph
Shock Resistant
Backlight with Afterglow
Mud & Dust Resistant
200M Water Resistant
Digital Compass
Full Auto Calendar
12/24 Hour Formats
Thermometer
Moon Data
1/100 Second Stopwatch

The Review:

Design: (9.5 out of 10) The G-Shock MUDMAN looks fairly simplistic, yet eye catching without being flashy in the least. It's red accents give it some nice color and the afterglow back light make it easy to read day or night. Beyond it's rugged beauty, the G-9300 has an excellent layout that is easy to read despite it's almost ridiculous amount of features. Some of our favorite design aspects include the moon phase indicator, digital compass and thermometer which we used often and with great accuracy!

Comfort: (10 out of 10) The G-9300 may look over sized and clunky, but the truth is that it's one of the most comfortable timepieces we've ever slapped on our wrists! I'm the kind of person that who takes off my watch when I go to bed and before taking a shower. With the MUDMAN I consistently find myself forgetting it's even on! The resin band is soft and flexible which helps it form nicely to your wrist without slipping around or being so tight it cuts off your circulation.

Ease of Use: (8.5 out of 10) With five buttons in-all (mode, adjust, light, comp, and search), the MUDMAN is actually quite simple to operate, even without the use of the instructions. Though if you're seeking to get the most out of this watch we suggest you at least give them a glance. To operate the compass and thermometer simply push the "COMP" button. The compass takes a few seconds to calibrate, but the temperature comes up almost instantly. We found both the compass and thermometer to be extremely accurate in our adventures. These are two excellent features for anyone who finds themselves spending extended periods of time in the wilderness! Switching to moon phase, stopwatch, timer mode and alarms are also quite simple.

Durability: (10 out of 10) Without a doubt Casio built this watch to take some serious abuse! It's internals are sealed in a hard plastic and steel casing which give it it's mud resistance and waterproofing (up to 200 meters). The resin band is super comfortable, flexible yet highly durable. After 2 days of hiking and another day kayaking the MUDMAN came back to camp a little dirty, but no worse for the wear!

Value: (9 out of 10) At $200 the G-9300 is a steal in our opinion. It's built better than most bomb shelters and is powered by the sun. That means no batteries to mess with and no maintenance! It's probably not the timepiece we'd suggest wearing out on a date, unless you're taking her mountain biking, climbing or trekking through the back country... then it's totally acceptable!

The Bottom Line: If you're looking for an everyday watch that is extremely durable, comfortable and easy to operate we highly recommend you check out the G-Shock MUDMAN G-9300 for yourself. Whether you're trying to find your way home or looking to get lost, the MUDMAN will keep you pointed in the right direction and keep you on-time! We love it for it's rugged durability and simplistic design which is easy to read and it's ability to display temperature, moon phases and direction with a click of a button. Oh! And did we mention... it also keeps time quite nicely too!!

Price: $200 or go to: GShock.com

Deuter Aircontact 65+ 10 Backpack

2012-08-21T16:16:16Z

Hailing from Gersthofen, Germany, Deuter has cemented it's place as one of the leading technical pack manufacturers in the world over the past 114 years. Their new Aircontact series of backpacks are revered for their comfort and versatility and were designed with unique features such as an internal frame, pivoting hip belt, removable rain cover, and a u-shaped front panel for easy access to gear. Over the past several weeks we've gotten to know the Deuter Aircontact 65 + 10 in-and-out. We hauled it though 45 miles of pristine wilderness and at the request of the Deuter staff we didn't hold back or treat it with too much respect. It was a rough and rugged couple of treks, but we made it back in on piece and we're prepared to share our results with you!

]]> "The Aircontact backpacks are our newest and top-of-the-line heavy-weight haulers, the Aircontact suspension is used on NOLS courses, expeditions and by people on extended backpack trips that want the most comfort, versatility and features for the trail." -Christian Mason, Director of Sales and Marketing at Deuter USA.

Key Features:

Zippered Side Bellow Pockets
Bottom Compartment Access with Internal Zip Divider
VARIQUICK Adjustable Shoulder Harness
Multi-Chamber Aluminum X Stays Hip Belt Pockets
Ice Axe & Trekking Pole Attachments
Hydration Compatible
SOS Label
Aircontact Back System
VARIFLEX Pivoting Hip Belt
Integrated, Detachable Rain Cover
Large U-shape Front Panel Access

The Review:

Design: (9 out of 10) Built to carry heavy loads long distances comfortably, the Aircontact 65 + 10 is an excellent companion for weekend camping adventures or several day excursions. As we found out, it's massive storage capabilities and thoughtful placement of pockets and straps make it easy to access gear while protecting your necessities from the elements. Deuter has incorporated many design features that are worth going over, but the one feature we felt was hands-down the best has to be the large u-shaped front pocket, which allow access to all your gear. If you've ever stuffed a backpack full to the gills you understand how hard it can be to access clothes, gear and equipment stored near the center or bottom of the pack. Typically this means stopping and unloading the majority of the pack, but with the integration of this pocket you'll never have to worry about finding that extra pair of socks again! Additionally we'd like to mention that the Aircontact back system for which the pack is named also is very effective. It channels warm air away from your back and cool air in. It's won't keep you from sweating, but defiantly made a difference on our treks. A cool back is a happy back, remember that!

Comfort: (10 out of 10) This pack is an absolute dream to carry! We're talking padding, padding and more padding! That's right... your shoulders, back and hips are surround with soft breathable materials which make even the heaviest load feel manageable. Take the time to properly fit the pack using the VARIQUICK adjustable shoulder harness as we did and you'll find that the Aircontact 65 + 10 can be adjusted to your specific torso length quite easily. This may not sound important, but it truly does make a world of difference when you're logging 10+ miles a day! Additionally we were very impressed with the simple yet truly effective VARIFLEX pivoting hip belt, which allows the load weight to stay centered over your hips as you move while not adding any unwanted or unnecessary strain to your back and shoulders.

Durability: (9.5 out of 10) Upon arrival of our test pack, we also received a note from the staff at Deuter asking us to enjoy the pack, have fun and don't be gentle... they actually asked us to use and abuse it. I guess the confident folks at Deuter don't know me very well after all and I thought that was a huge mistake on their part, but after spending a few long days making tracks I fully understand why they were so confident. This pack is ultra heavy duty despite it's relatively lightweight (6 lbs). The fabric is is extremely resistant to tears, scuffing and punctures. We were pleasantly surprised with the almost ridiculous amount of stitching. I think it's safe to say that with a minimal amount of care this pack should keep it's owner very happy for many many years to come!

Storage: (9 out of 10) With a main storage area that's large enough to pack clothing and necessities for several days the Aircontact 65 +10 is impressive at that, but what's even more impressive is it's vast array pockets and organization including a valuables pocket, map compartment, external water bottle pockets, bottom compartment designed to fit a sleeping back as well as dual easy access hip pockets. If you're the type who doesn't understand the concept of packing light, the Aircontact 65 + 10 is what you've been waiting for!

Value: (9 out of 10) Based on it's durability and versatility we see no problem paying full price for a product of this quality. If the old saying "you get what your pay for" holds any truth, then it certainly applies here.

The Bottom Line: If you're an adventurous outdoorsman or woman who wants to enjoy all that mother nature has to offer in comfort and style, we highly recommend you consider the Deuter Aircontact 65 + 10 for your all of your backpacking needs. It was built to haul medium to heavy loads, take some serious abuse. We threw all we could at it and it came back just like new!

Price: $269.99 or go to: Deuter.com

Adidas Puremotion Golf Shoes

2012-08-21T11:05:19Z

Inspired by the recent explosion of barefoot training, the new Puremotion golf shoes from Adidas have been engineering to put your feet in closer contact with the ground while still providing every ounce of traction you desire. These bad boys are said to be lightweight, waterproof and flexible. Two weeks ago our buddies at Adidas Golf set us up with a pair of their new spike-less / minimalist shoes and we hit the course!

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"With puremotion, golfers at any level will get the best of both worlds, it gives you natural motion and stability without restriction. It's a shoe that forces you to find your own balance and tempo while improving your awareness of the ground and how it relates to your swing." - Bill Price, VP Adidas Golf Global Footwear

Key Features:

- Anatomical shape and versatile spikeless outsole provides a natural fit and feel for enhanced comfort, stability and performance.

- Wider, web-shaped forefoot allows for more natural movement, grip and flex for improved balance.

- CLIMAPROOF mesh upper provides waterproof protection with athletic functionality.

- Color Options: White/Metallic Silver/Satellite, Chocolate/Scout/Black, Black/Black/Red, Satellite/ White/Metallic Silver.

- 2-Year Waterproof Warranty

- 90 Day Comfort Guarantee

The Review:

Comfort: (9 out of 10) After walking a few rounds and breaking them in, the Puremotion's became extremely comfortable. At first I noticed a little tightness near the toes, but after walking around for a while any and all discomfort disappeared. The look and feel of these golf shoes are more in-tune with tennis shoe than anything else, which is awesome. Weighing in at just 11.5 oz the Puremotion won't drag you down as you reach the final holes either.

Design: (9 out of 10) These aren't your pappy's golf shoes! They're designed to be eye catching and extremely functional. A good pair of golf shoes should be: comfortable, lightweight, waterproof, stable and provide excellent traction. The Puremotion excels in all of these areas. In-fact we were very impressed with it's ability to remain waterproof while still providing surprising breath-ability. A one-two punch that isn't easily achieved!

Traction: (10 out of 10) During our time spent testing these golf shoes, stability and traction were never a concern. While yes, the Puremotion is a completely spike-less golf shoe, that doesn't mean Adidas didn't outfit it with an extremely aggressive tread pattern. The bottom of these golf shoes are like and off-road tire... built to take on anything and reduce slippage to a minimum!

Durability: (9 out of 10) The construction of the Purmotion is exactly what you'd expect from Adidas. The materials and stitching are impeccable, and the abrasion-resistant outsole is a fantastic protector against wear and tear. If properly cared for and stored in a dry area, there's no reason to believe that these golf shoes wouldn't last you several years.

Value: (9 out of 10) Let's face it... golf shoes aren't cheap, they never have been and likely never will be! The Puremotion's have a price tag of $120, which by most standards isn't exactly affordable, but when you take into account their impressive durability and the fact that you'll never have to replace any spikes it's easy to see the value here.

The Bottom Line: We highly recommend the Adidas Puremotion golf shoes to golfers of all skill levels. These golf shoes will keep you dry, comfortable and totally balanced for every shot. During our testing sessions with the Puremotion we found ourselves lacing up before we left the office and keeping them on long after the round was over, a true testament to their style and comfort. If you're looking for a new pair of golf shoes and dig the minimalist movement we suggest you check out a pair of the Puremotion's for yourself at your local pro shop or sporting goods store.

Price: $120 or go to: AdidasGolf.com

Eagles Nest Outfitters OneLink Sleep System

2012-08-02T14:18:13Z

On a recent backpacking expedition through the dense wilderness of Northern Michigan we decided to ditch our tents and sleeping mats for a more laid back approach to slumber in the forest. Leading up to our trek we called in a favor to our good friends at Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO) who hooked us up with their OneLink Sleep System, which consists of a single-nest hammock, rain fly, bug net, straps and stakes. The OneLink Sleep System was designed to be ultra lightweight and keep you well rested no matter the elements.

What You Get:

]]> Key Features:

Your Choice of Hammock
Your Choice of Rain Tarp
Guardian Bugnet Included
Slap Strap Pro or Atlas Straps
Set of Carabiners Included
Set of Stakes Included

The Review:

Comfort: (10 out of 10) The expression "feels like I'm floating on air" applies here! The single-nest hammock included with the OneLink is built from soft breathable nylon and hugs the contours of your body providing excellent support while you rest and relax. While tents typically become stuffy and covered with condensation we found the opposite to be true with ENO's hammock. I slept two full nights in this bad boy and I have to say it was extremely comfortable! WARNING: while yes the OneLink does insure a restful night of sleep it doesn't cure hangovers... you've been warned!

Protection: (9 out of 10) Whether you're seeking shelter from a terenchal downpour or pesky mosquitoes the included rain fly and bug net have your back. We ran into some nasty bugs on our adventure, but when bunker'd down under the vail of the bug net we were safe from nasty bites.

Pack-ability: (9.5 out of 10) The entire OneLink Sleep System is extremely lightweight weighing in at just 4.25 lbs and is what I like to call "Scrunch-able" meaning you can fit it easily into your backpack without taking up too much storage. Every accessory comes in it's own reusable bag, which then fit into a larger compression bag to keep the system organized. For fair weather excursions you can leave the rain fly and bug net at home and bring just the hammock and straps, which will practically fit into your pants pocket.

Setup: (8.5 out of 10) Initial setup was quite easy and intuitive. Though you'll want to make sure to bring along the instructions when camping and reference them as needed. After you've set it up once you'll be a pro!

Durability: (9 out of 10) The materials and construction are simple yet extremely well made. You can tell by the almost excessive stitching that the hammock and accessories were built to last and take some occasional abuse.

Value: (9 out of 10) At nearly $200 this isn't you average impulse buy, but serious hikers and campers should take note that this package isn't offered many other manufacturers and the cost of the individual pieces is quite expensive!

The Bottom Line: If you're a serious outdoors person who considers backpacking, camping and kayaking a relaxing way to spend your weekends we highly recommend you look into getting yourself a ENO OneLink Sleep System for your next adventure. It keeps you off the cold hard ground, provides excellent sleeping quarters, relief from the rain and bugs and all in a small lightweight package that is easy to transport. Seriously, what more can you ask for?

Price: $199.50 or go to: EaglesNestOutfittersInc.com

Taylormade RocketBallz Irons

2012-08-02T10:35:00Z

Wildly know as the #1 driver on tour, Taylormade hasn't exactly put much focus on irons in the past few years, but now it appears they're gearing up in a big way and have their sights set on dominating the irons industry as well. When TaylorMade introduced their RocketBallz irons back in December they were touted as a "game changer"... an iron set that was engineered to deliver effortless distance and a higher and straighter ball flight. Sound like something you've heard before? It's true, many golf equipment manufacturers are all bark and no bite, but recently we were approached by Taylormade and were given the opportunity to fully test and review the new RBZ irons for ourselves. It's time to separate fact from fiction!

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"Without a doubt, the new RocketBallz iron will be an improvement over any other iron in a golfer's bag, from a technology standpoint, we have done the unthinkable. We brought in metalwood engineers to help create irons with faces that behave like drivers, sending the ball easily high and far almost as if it was bounced off a trampoline. These technological advancements will be visible to the golfer upon first contact with a ball." -Sean Toulon, executive VP of TaylorMade Golf.

Key Features:

Individually engineered to promote more distance, improved accuracy and great feel.

Two-piece metalwood-inspired construction in 3, 4 and 5 irons for low CG and high COR.

Ultra-thin face flexes freely to promote COR up to the USGA limit for high ball speed.

Re-engineered face with new "Toe-Bar" controls face-flexion to direct shots straighter.

New vibration and sound control system promotes excellent feel and sound.

Wedges incorporate new ATV sole for maximum versatility and playability.

RBZ Steel Shaft - 85 grams.

RBZ Graphite Shaft - 65 grams.

The Review:

Design: (9 out of 10) What we look for in a set of irons: style, technology and functionality... the RBZ irons have it all! These irons are loaded with technology, have a truly eye popping facade and as you'll find out also preform quite nicely as well. We give props to the Taylormade R&D team, these irons look the part and best of all have the specs to back it up.

Feel: (8 out of 10) These irons supply surprising feedback at impact and are weighted very nicely! Also the new vibration dampening technology preformed as advertised and delivered no bad vibes, even with the long irons. One complaint we did have is the grips... they're not as tacky as we'd like out of the box, but we did notice that they softened up after a little use. Maybe with a few more rounds they'll be perfect.

Distance: (9 out of 10) Born from driver technology to supply maximum ball velocity, the RBZ irons are no joke! When struck properly the ball absolutely screams off the face at an ideal trajectory. Due in large part to the club-heads low center of gravity and its very thin face which actually flexes upon impact and provides a trampoline effect. On average our testing resulted in +5.7 yards gained when compared to similar sets of irons released this year.

Accuracy: (8.5 out of 10) We didn't find any staggering improvements in the accuracy department, though the RBZ irons did prove to be very reliable and surprisingly forgiving on miss-hits. Keeping the ball in the fairway and on the greens was never an issue during our testing sessions.

Control: (9 out of 10) If you're a player who knows how to work the ball, you'd love these irons! We found that they're extremely work-able from left to right and vice versa.

Value: (9.5 out of 10) Taylomade's pricing is on par (pun intended) with the Nike, Callaway and Cleveland, but for that price you're getting increased distance, reliable accuracy and control of the ball. Putting the RBZ value quite high in our book!

The Bottom Line: If you're a new golfer, old golfer, or somewhere in-between and you're looking to find a new set of irons that will send your ball blistering through the air, rolling down the fairways and sticking the greens we highly recommend you check out the Taylormade RockeBallz Irons for yourself. They my have a ridiculous name, but they're also ridiculously reliable! Loving the RBZ irons as much as we did? Then make sure to check out the embedded video below to get an up-close and personal look at the irons from every last angle.

Price: $599.99 or go to: TaylormadeGolf.com

Kelty Cosmic 35 Degree Sleeping Bag

2012-07-19T15:27:33Z

Designed for three seasons of camping enjoyment, the Kelty Cosmic 35 degree sleeping bag is a lightweight mummy bag that is said to be the perfect companion for all of your summer backpacking adventures. What do we know about the Cosmic 35? Well, it's light weight (2 lbs 1oz), it's rated for chilly nights down to 35 degrees, and it's quite affordable as well ($75). A few weeks ago we were given the opportunity to fully test and review the Cosmic 35 during a three day - two night trek in the wonderful wilderness of northern Michigan.

]]> Available in three temperature variations: 0 degrees, 20 degrees and 35 degrees. The Cosmic series of sleeping bags from Kelty also come in a slew of color options as well, including: blue, red, yellow, lime green, purple, light blue / black, and black.

Key Features:

- Two-layer off-set quilt construction

- Zipper draft tube with anti-snag design

- Internal liner loops

- Sleeping pad security loops

- Hang loops for storage

- Ground-level side seams prevent heat from escaping

- Differential cut to maximize loft and warmth

- Stuff sack included

- 3/4-length, two-way locking zipper

- FatMan and Ribbon drawcords

- Captured cordlock

The Review:

Design: (9 out of 10) Beyond it's eye catching exterior, the Cosmic 35 is jammed packed with design features which make it ideal for camping... especially backing packing excursions. Some of our favorite design aspects include the stuff sack, which is quite small and forces the sleeping bag to be very compact when stowed away, leaving lots of extra room in your pack for essentials. Also we were thankful for the 3/4 length two-way zipper and it's ability to unzip near the middle for increased ventilation on warmer nights. Another design element that's worth mentioning is the security loops which run along each side of the sleeping bag. They're designed to attach a sleeping mat to the bag, so that when you're tossing and turning you never roll off your cushy mat!

Comfort: (10 out of 10) When coupled with a soft sleeping mat we found the Cosmic 35 to be exceptionally comfortable. The inner lining is very soft and gives you the feeling of being nestled in a warm cocoon just seconds after zipping yourself in. For added comfort Kelty went ahead and their customers a solid and added internal liner loops for attaching aftermarket liners.

Durability: (9 out of 10) Constructed from 50D polyester taffeta this sleeping bag is actually quite rugged! All the seams, zippers and stitching are extremely secure and well done. During our time with the Cosmic 35 we had no complaints about durability and we weren't overly protective by any means!

Value: (9.5 out of 10) Sleeping bags come in a variety of price ranges, in our opinion the Cosmic 35 can be found in the "affordable" price range. It's $75 price tag is chump change compared to the fun experiences you'll encounter while toting it through the back country.

The Bottom Line: If you're a warm weather camper who is in search of a sleeping bag that is stylish, comfortable, light weight, and affordable we highly recommend you give the Kelty Cosmic 35 degree sleeping bag some serious consideration before making any hasty purchases online or at your local sporting goods store. We trekked more than 30 miles and camped for two solid nights with the Cosmic 35 and when we were finished it was begging for more!

Price: $74.99 or go to: Kelty.com

Adidas Crossflex Golf Shoes

2012-07-17T14:53:13Z

Ever wonder what you'd get if you took an ultra light running shoe, waterproofed it and then outfitted it with 96 strategically-placed triangular traction lugs? Okay, so maybe you haven't, but the engineers over at Adidas Golf certainly did and now they've officially released and branded it - the Crossflex. The Crossflex was created for golfers who want style, breathable performance, flexibility and comfort. Just last week we were given the opportunity to test and review these spike-less hybrids for ourselves!

]]> Available in four distinct color-ways: White/Black/Red, White/White/Satellite, Black/Black/Slime and Light Gray/Black/White.

The Review:

Comfort: (9.5 out of 10) It's about time golf shoes were designed to be comfortable straight out of the box. I remember as recently as just a few years ago that it was common practice to have to break-in a pair of golf shoes before attempting to wear them on the course. The designers at Adidas have finally taken the comfort they integrate into their running and training shoes and successfully brought it to the golf course. The Crossflex are just as flexible, light weight and comfortable as your running shoes or sneakers and in our opinion look as good too!

Breath-ability: (8 out of 10) Overall, the Crossflex are quite breathable. In fact surprisingly so do to the fact that they are also waterproof, which typically inhibits most, if not all breath-ability in a shoe. That being said it's not like they're air conditioned, so after walking 18 holes you can still count on your feet getting a little sweaty, as did ours.

Traction: (9 out of 10) The 16 flexible hexagonal pods and 96 traction lugs which populate the soles of the Crossflex create an excellent base for swinging a golf club. During our time with the Crossflex we experienced no accidental slips or moments of unbalance. The outer "pods" give the Crossflex a wide base while the traction lugs keep your feet firmly gripped to the turf.

Waterproofing: (9 out of 10) Morning dew and casual water are no match for the waterproof mesh which Adidas outfitted these shoes with. Though you may want to make sure you keep water from collecting on the tongue and laces, as we found these to be weak spots in which water can enter.

Value: (10 out of 10) Factoring in comfort, waterproofing, and traction we're happy to say the price point seems perfect at $100. Not to mention the Crossflex doubles as a stylish shoe that'll fit in off the course as well if needed.

The Bottom Line: We highly recommend the Adidas Crossflex to golfers who are in search of a golf shoe that will deliver extreme comfort, spike-less traction, impressive waterproofing, and style that it typically reserved for off the course. Don't underestimate the importance of a great pair of golf shoes. Your swing starts from the ground up and your feet are the base! Need more proof? Check out the Crossflex for yourself at your local pro shop or sporting goods store... we think you'll quickly come to agree with our assessment!

Price: $100 or go to: AdidasGolf.com

JayBird JF3 Freedom Bluetooth Headphones

2012-07-04T22:15:27Z

As the exclusive training headphone partner of USA Triathlon, JayBird headphones and earbuds are engineered from the ground up to endure the rigors of long hard workouts and come with a lifetime "sweat-proof" warranty. The new JF3 bluetooth headphones are no exception! Inspired by the fog lamp grill of a sports car, the JF3's are said to provide an incredibly secure fit which is great for training, running, biking and anything else you can through at em'. And since they're bluetooth there's no messy wires to worry about!

]]> Early last week the fine people over at JayBird came knocking on our door. Realizing that we're well known for our hands-on reviews, they requested we take their new JF3's for a spin and go "ears-on" for a change. We've researched and even played with wireless headphones in the past, but none have quite stacked up to their wired cousins, so reluctantly we agreed... and today we're here to share our results.

But before we get too far along, here's some glossy product photos and some key information to fuel your inquisitive minds....

Key Specs:

Music Play / Call Time: 6 hours

Charging Time: 2 hours (via USB micro)

Battery Type: Rechargeable 50 mAh Lithium Polymer

Bluetooth Range: 10 meters / 33 feet

Audio Format: 16-bit Stereo

Overall Weight: 16 grams

Included at purchase: JF3 Freedom Bluetooth Headphones, USB Cable, 3 pair eartips, 3 pair secure fit ear cushions, Premium Carry case, User Manual.

JF3 Key Features:

Small wireless Bluetooth buds

Secure fit for sports thanks to the proprietary honey comb design ear cushions

Great sound performance, tuned to avoid listener fatigue during long work outs

Sweat proof design with Lifetime Warranty Against Sweat

The Review:

Design: (9.5 out of 10) Though they appear to be a little chunkier than your average earbud, the JF3's are actually quite small considering the power and technology they're packin'. As a fasion statement, we were very impressed with the sleek finishes JayBird selected to outfit their newest headphones with. Every aspect of these headphones feel ultra professional and premium grade. They're very lightweight, but not chinsey! We especially enjoyed the easy to find and use power, play/pause, call/answer and volume buttons.

Comfort: (9 out of 10) After selecting the correct size ear tips and cushions for my giant ears, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the JF3's fit nicely. The ear cushions provide a very stable way to secure the headphones into your ears without any discomfort. When most headphones / earbuds are falling out or come loose the FJ3's simply stay put! I discovered quickly that when running, mowing the lawn, biking, or head-banging it was easy to forget they were even in, until a text or phone call would come through interrupting my jams. Being wireless, these headphones are extremely comfortable and won't snag on anything or pull at your ears.

Bluetooth: (10 out of 10) It works flawlessly (up to 33 feet) and is exceptionally easy to setup. We didn't even need the users manual. No wires, no hassle!

Audio Quality: (9 out of 10) Up to this point everything about the JF3 headphones has been all sunshine and daises, but if they don't blast high quality audio, well... they're pretty much worthless. Thankfully they do in-fact supply excellent audio quality. The best listening experienced in our opinion can be had when the volume is between 70% and 80%. At this volume deep bass, clear voices and instruments can be heard in great detail without distortion.

Value: (10 out of 10) Free shipping is pretty much unheard of these days... that being said JayBird is offering it! And with a price tag of just $99 the JF3's are easily worth every last penny.

Pros: Cons:

- Fit great - Charging cord is very short (10 in.)

- Easy to use - Scratch easily

- Sound great

- Affordable

- Look great

The Bottom Line: If you own a bluetooth capable MP3 device and you're not currently using it to stream your music to your ear-holes, we highly recommend you stop living 90s and get yourself a shiny new pair of the JayBird JF3 Freedom Bluetooth Headphones! They're sports inspired, fit securely, deliver exceptional audio quality and are ridiculously easy to setup. Since reviewing these headphones ourselves, all other earbuds we own have found a new home... in the junk drawer. Digging the JF3's? Make sure to check out the quirky embedded video below from JayBird, where you can see the headphones in-action... and a little more!

Price: $99 or go to: JayBirdGear.com (also available at Best Buy)

Casio Pathfinder PAW5000-1

2012-06-28T11:47:46Z

Equipped with Casio's renowned Pathfinder triple sensor technology, the PAW5000-1 comes standard with an integrated digital compass, altimeter, barometer and thermometer, making it the perfect companion for rugged outdoor adventures. The Casio Pathfinder PAW5000-1 also has Tough Movement, a feature found in Casio's high-end timepieces which automatically checks and corrects the hand positioning (if necessary) at the 55 minute mark of every hour. When you add it all up you're looking at a ridiculously rugged, technology packed piece of equipment. And thanks to our good friends over at Casio, over the past two weeks we got an opportunity to go hands-on with the PAW5000-1 ourselves, and we left no stone un-turned as we brought it hiking, kayaking, swimming, and biking!

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PAW5000-1 Key Features:

Solar Powered
100M Water Resistant (10 bar)
Multi-Band 6 Atomic Timekeeping
Tough Movement
Full Auto LED Light with Afterglow
Needle Indicator for Compass Direction, Altimeter Differential and Barometric Tendency.

The Review:

Design: (9.5 out of 10) The PAW5000-1 is a nerdy outdoors men's dream watch. It's stuffed with a ton of technology, but has the appearance of a stylish timepiece that can easily complement a freshly pressed dress shirt just as well as a sweaty cut-off t-shirt. It's large profile, analog face and digital display are the standout features, but we also fell in love with several other design elements, including: it's recessed glass, engineered to protect from scratching. Water resistance up to 100 meters, which means you'll likely never have to take it off. And of course the ABC (altimeter, barometer and compass) features which are shockingly easy to manipulate and fun to use.

Comfort: (8.5 out of 10) Weighing in at just 90 grams the PAW5000-1 has an excellent feel to it, despite it's somewhat chunky profile it's not too heavy and not too petite. The resin wristband is nice and unlike metal wristbands, it does not cause any pinching or unwanted arm hair removal. On the backside of the watch we found two cuff pads designed to increase comfort over the bony areas of the wrist. As it turns out these pads work exceptionally well and actually float the watch above the wrist a couple centimeters. Overall we felt this timepiece was quite comfortable and after the resin wristband has some time to break-in (become less stiff) the comfort level is even likely to increase.

Ease of use: (8 out of 10) The over-sized buttons make it a breeze to manipulate it's functions, but if you're not a techy person, you'll want to break out the owners manual ASAP. Heck, even if you are a techy person you'll probably resort to the manual at some point, and we actually suggest it! The shear abundance of features the PAW5000-1 is capable of delivering is shocking and to fully understand and take advantage of each of them will require a few minutes of reading. Once we were fully educated, operating the PAW5000-1 quickly became second nature.

Functionality: (9 out of 10) Strictly as a timepiece the PAW5000-1 functions beautifully, but where it truly shines is with it's vast capabilities to display and record altitude, trend pressure systems, read temperatures, and produce accurate compass measurements. We tested all four functions heavily during our time with this watch and we're happy to report each worked with a high degree of accuracy, even when compared with similar standalone instruments.

Durability: (10 out of 10) Designed and engineered to take some serious abuse and brave the elements, the PAW5000-1 is an absolute beast! It can stand up to temperatures of -10C and the glass face is protected with a large metal bezel. Casio has as also outfitted this Pathfinder timepiece with Tough Movement, which keeps the watch running on-time even if the hands are somehow knocked out of alignment. A feature that comes in more handy than you might think!

Value: (9 out of 10) Ringing up at just $50 under the $500 mark, it's hard for us to consider the PAW5000-1 to be affordable, but if you factor in the extreme durability and ridiculous amount of technology this timepiece offers it becomes easier to justify it's somewhat steep retail price.

The Bottom Line: If you are an active person who is in need of a stylish and ultra rugged wrist watch that can keep up with you and your adventures no matter where they may take you, we highly recommend you consider the Casio Pathfinder PAW5000-1 as your next timepiece investment. As avid outdoors men ourselves we found the PAW5000-1 to be an extremely well made product that is deserving of high praise. It's features work flawlessly and best of all it keeps great time! To see some of the cool features the PAW5000-1 encompasses, make sure to check out the embedded video below. The video shows a different ProTrek watch but the features are very similar. If seeing is believing, you'll surely want to check it out...

Price:$450 or go to: Casio.com

Kelty Rally 45 Technical Pack

2012-06-21T12:22:06Z

Designed to transport mid-sized loads ideal for weekend excursions, the Rally 45 technical pack from Kelty was engineered to keep you cool and comfortable on the trails. The Rally 45 is a member of Kelty's "Agile Series", which features the Agile suspension system; a lightweight, butterfly-shaped aluminum stay that transfers weight directly to the hips instead of the shoulders. A few weeks back we hit up our friends at Kelty who gladly encouraged us to test, use, and abuse their not too big, not too small multi-day pack on a recent 3 day 2 night backpacking trek. Well, we did... and now it's time we share the results with you!

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Rally 45 Key Features:

Side compression straps
Load stabilizer straps
Ice-axe loops
Zippered waistbelt pockets
Front pocket
Map pocket
Hydration compatible
Integrated pull-out raincover
Top loading
Sleeping bag compartment
Front-panel access
Stretch Mesh Waterbottle Pockets

Suspension Features:

Agile Suspension System
Ventilating Backpanel
AirMesh shoulder straps, waistbelt, and lumbar
Load-lifter/stabilizer straps
Sternum strap
Belt stabilizers
HDPE reinforced waistblet

*Color options: Wine or Graphite

Plan on roughing it? We found out that when full stuffed, the Rally 45 is fully capable of carrying every thing you need for a weekend camping expedition. Knowing what you NEED is the difficult part!

The Review:

Design: (9 out of 10) Built on a light weight sturdy aluminum frame for multi-day excursions, the Rally 45 is easy on the eyes, while remaining exceptionally functional. A few design elements that grabbed our attention right away were: the integrated pull-out rain-cover, which is easy to access, and since it's integrated into the pack itself you won't have to worry about loosing or forgetting it. We also found the mesh shoulder straps to be very comfortable and the pack itself to be impressively light weight at just over 4 lbs!

Comfort: (9.5 out of 10) Kelty's Agile suspension system and the ventilated back panel make trudging through the back country a total breeze. When properly fitted and fully strapped on the Rally 45 distributes it's load weight approx 80% to the waist and 20% to the shoulders. A ratio I found to be excellent for long intense hikes. The vented back panel is quite unique, it's actually designed to leave a 2.5 inch gap in-between the pack itself and your back, allowing air to circulate and your back to stay (mostly) sweat free!

Storage: (8.5 out of 10) The Rally 45 is ideal for a weekend stint in the wilderness. Not too big, yet not too small. This pack actually forces you to pack accordingly instead of over-stuffing, but has plenty of room for your sleeping bag, clothes, water bottles, gear, ultra light tent and then some. What really delighted us was the amount of pockets and zippers that are integrated into this pack. Most top loading packs are just that... top loading, yet the Rally 45 allows you access to your gear in three separate ways: the top (of course), the bottom, and from the back. If you've ever needed access to gear that is at the very bottom, or near the middle of your pack, you understand how great these added access zippers can be! On the downside organization for equipment is lacking and feels a little scattered.

Durability: (9.5 out of 10) Crafted from durable tare-resistant fabrics such as 300D Polyester Velocity and 210D Polyester HD, this pack can take a beating! The stitching is heavy duty in all areas, so stuffing this pack to the gills is no problem at all. During our time with this pack we ventured through thick brush and harsh terrain, in the end all the Rally 45 needed was a little dry cleaning. Additionally, the zippers and clips that Kelty choose to outfit this pack with are high quality and unlikely to malfunction.

Value: (8.5 out of 10) Similar packs can be found in a wide range of price points, some more affordable, many less. That being said, when you take into account the quality, durability and comfort this pack provides and the Kelty lifetime warranty... suddenly the $175 retail price isn't so bad after all.

The Bottom Line: This is a great pack for weekend warriors who understand what it is to pack light and want to ditch the city life to spend some serious time exploring the back country. We highly recommend the Rally 45 from Kelty to anyone who is considering a midsize technical pack for either hiking or climbing. From our experience this pack is perfect or 2 - 3 day treks, but no much more. It's comfortable, durable, and affordable for outdoors men on a budget... and what more could we ask for? Make sure to check out the embedded video below to hear from product manager Andrew Day as he explains in great detail everything the Rally 45 has to offer.

Price: $174.95 or go to: Kelty.com

Eton FRX 3 Safety Radio

2012-06-19T16:04:41Z

Developed utilizing feedback from Eton's passionate customers in an attempt to help stay prepared during instances of severe weather and other unexpected situations. The Eton FRX 3 is a self-powered safety radio, utilizing both hand-turbine and solar energy to re-charge it's internal Ni-MH lithium ion battery. The FRX 3 also features direct power transfer technology, allowing the internal battery to charge mobile devices (cell phone, iPod, etc...) when connected via the integrated USB port. Other features include a LED flashlight, glow-in-the-dark indicator for easy location, AC and DC input, AUX in-put, headphone jack and digital alarm. Thanks to our buddies over at Eton we were able to fully test and review the FRX 3 in some extreme conditions on a recent camping expedition up in gods country, aka Northern Michigan!

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The Review:

Design: (10 out of 10) For such a diminutive device (1 lbs 5 oz.) with the slim dimensions of just 7.9" H x 7" W x 3.5" D, Eton has somehow packed a ridiculous amount of technology into the FRX 3! Seriously, and it doesn't look like a pile of junk riddled with oddly placed buttons and knobs either. The design is extremely appealing from an ascetic perspective as well as being astonishingly functional and easy to use as well. There are two knobs, one for adjusting the AM/FM radio frequency and one for volume. A separate dial located above the turbine crank can be used to pick up the local NOAA weather band frequency. Beyond this their is 10 other dedicated buttons for power on/off, cell phone charging, flashlight, weather alerts, clock, etc... all of which were easy to operate and setup to be user friendly.

Battery Life: (8.5 out of 10) When fully charged the FRX 3 can play audio for up to 4 hours on low volume. 90 seconds of hand-cranking will provide approximately 5 to 7 minutes of radio, at low volume and 20 minutes of flashlight. Not quite impressed? Well, when you're without power for several days, maybe weeks, or spending a weekend camping in the wilderness you'll quickly come to understand that any amount of communication with the outside world can sometimes be incredible just as we did!

Audio: (8 out of 10) Understanding that the FRX 3 wasn't exactly designed to rock our socks off, we actually found the sound quality to be nice. There is no deep bass or custom settings to speak of, but it's single center mounted speaker gets the job done.

Turbine: (9 out of 10) The hand turbine dynamo motor is as simple to operate as you would think. Just pop out the crank, make sure to push the dynamo power button for charging, and begin cranking! It's like reeling in a fish, and if you have 15 minutes and your wrist and forearm can handle it, you can easily get up to 1 hour of radio play (on low) out of it.

Solar: (9.5 out of 10) This is my favorite kind of power! Except when it's cloudy or night... it's free, abundant and takes no work to acquire. To fully charge the FRX 3 using the solar array located on the top of the unit will take 10 hours. From that you get about 4 hours of radio (the battery's max capacity). Charging the FRX 3 via solar power was easy and our preferred method and if you do plan to charge your cell phone or other devices, we recommend doing it while solar charging.

Value: (10 out of 10) The FRX 3 is an excellent value! Try buying a hand turbine rechargeable AM/FM/WB radio, a flashlight and solar powered phone charger individually at your local sporting goods store... you're likely to spend $90 to $100 or more! With an asking price of just $60 for the FRX 3 you get all that and more. As an added bonus, a portion of each sale benefits the American Red Cross.

The Bottom Line: There's nobody we wouldn't recommend the FRX 3 to. It's compact, user friendly, and high quality. You never know when the next power outage or natural disaster might hit your area, but when it does you can be prepared. If you don't already have a similar hand turbine/solar powered device, we highly recommend you check out the Eton FRX 3 safety radio. It's a must have for any homeowner, outdoors men, and business owner. To see the FRX 3 in action check out the embedded video below, where you can see how each element works...

Price: $59.99 or go to: EtonCorp.com

Men's Reforge with ion-mask by Teva

2012-06-19T10:52:46Z

28 years ago, Teva made it's mark on the footwear industry in a big way by creating the world's first "sports sandal." Since then, Teva has relentlessly continued to develop products that power exploration, adventure and lead the action outdoor movement. Today Teva holds over 100 US patents and has products available in 40 countries world-wide! Earlier this month we decided it was about time we hooked up with Teva to go hands-on with one of they're most aggressive and technology packed hiking shoes to-date, the Mens Reforge with ion-mask.

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The definition of "Reforge" reads as so, "To forge again or anew; hence, to fashion or fabricate anew; to make over." The Reforge from Teva is exactly that... a new, re-designed version of it's beefy leather built brother, the Forge. While still maintaining many of the Forge's styling queues, the Reforge was built to tackle rugged terrain, all the while keeping your tootsies high and dry no matter how wet the trails may get!

Teva Technology Incorporated into the Reforge:

Spider365 Rubber - Versatile rubber outsoles are made for high friction and durability. A non-marking rubber that performs well on wet or dry terrain.

Shoc Pad - A blended polyurethane/EVA unit in the heel cup evenly transfers the energy of impact throughout the footbed and away from the heel. This energy return actually provides greater spring with each forefoot push-off.

Mush Infused Insole - Mush comfort is injected directly into the performance footbeds, insoles and sockliners for ultimate step-in comfort.

E-Brake - Reverse lugs in the heel area provide enhanced downhill traction.

ion-mask - Liquid repellent nano-coating technology. It enables the product that it's applied to to be impermeable to water at a molecular level.

Mens Reforge Key Features:

Forefoot drainage.

Synthetic and mesh upper.

Mush Infused topsole brings the absurd comfort of our flip flops into this shoe.

A molded frame around the upper adds durability and gives you a secure fit.

Spider365 Rubber sole will hold its grip in all kinds of environment.

Heel stabilizer keeps your foot centered and in control.

ion-mask technology actually prevents the materials in this shoe from absorbing any water on a molecular level. It sounds like sci-fi, but it's real.

The Review:

Comfort: (9.5 out of 10) When sized accordingly, the Reforge fit and feel comfy like skateboard shoes, yet are more flexible and surprisingly breathable. The Mush infused insoles which Teva is famous for are an absolute dream to hike on. The more time you spend breaking them in, you'll actually notice they start to form to your foot, making the shoes fit even better over time. Combine that with the integrated Shoc Pad and the E-brake technology, and it all makes for an exceptionally comfortable ride even after a full day of stomping up and down steep rugged terrain. If feet could talk mine would be giggling!

Durability: (10 out of 10) The stitching and materials used to produce the Reforge are pretty hardcore. In-fact the front tips of each shoe are fitted with thick rubber to take all kinds of abuse from rocks and roots. After hiking and biking more than 30 miles, the Reforge showed no signs of serious ware or deterioration. Over time it is our opinion that the ion-mask technology will help these hiking shoes outlast the competitors, as water damage is a leading cause of deterioration and rotting when it comes to footwear.

Breath-ability: (8.5 out of 10) Built mainly to repel water, the Reforge are actually somewhat breathable as well. The main detractor of most shoes that tout their breath-ability is the simple fact that when they come into contact with water, your feet are instantly soaked! Teva's ion-mask technology prevents water from intruding while also allowing some descent ventilation. It won't keep your feet from sweating on a long trek, but it kept our dogs cooler than other waterproof hiking shoes and boots we've strapped on in the past.

Waterproofing: (9.5 out of 10) Teva's ion-mask technology is simply amazing. It took us some time to get comfortable with the idea for stomping our way through puddles and shallow creeks, but once we did it became quickly apparent that this waterproofing technology was no joke. The best way I can explain it is if you were somehow able to coat your shoes with Rain-X. The water simply wicks away and does not absorb into the shoe. Very impressive and awesome to see in action!

Traction: (9 out of 10) Spider365 rubber is some of the grippy-est stuff we've ever seen in a shoe. It's great on trails, rocks and logs, but where it really shines is on wet slippery surfaces. While fellow hikers were methodically plotting their way over slick rocks on the rivers edge I was (without knowing) blazing a trail more than 100 yards ahead of everyone else. I can't say that I never lost my footing while testing the Reforge, but I do know that they handled the terrain and slippery surfaces better than any shoe I've ever tested!

Value: (9 out of 10) Based on quality, comfort and the fact that these hiking shoes function exactly as advertised we're happy to report that they're worth every penny of the $130 retail price. And if you're able to find them on-sale consider it stealing!

The Bottom Line: We highly recommend the Teva Mens Reforge hiking shoe with ion-mask to guys who hike, bike and generally love spending time in the great outdoors. The Reforge were specifically designed for hiking, but I find myself wearing them everywhere! In-fact they double nicely as a fashionable golf shoe. To get a closer look at the Reforge, make sure to check out the embedded video below, in which Teva's "product guy" Chris Hillyer explains all there is to know about their go-anywhere shoe...

Price: $130 or go to: Teva.com

2012 Diamondback Overdrive Sport 29'er Mountain Bike

2012-06-12T16:26:47Z

For us, summer is all about hitting up the beach, camping, golfing, and of course pushing pedals down the dustiest and muddiest of trails we can find! That's why we reached out to our good friends over at Diamondback Bicycles a few weeks ago to see what was crackin' in their neck of the woods... and with out batting an eye, they suggested we go hands-on with their pride and joy - the 2012 Overdrive Sport. How could we say no? We couldn't!

]]> Built on a butted 6061-T6 aluminum frame, the 2012 Diamondback Overdrive Sport is no slouch! It was specifically designed to make short work of rocks, roots, and mud... in-fact the engineers over at Diamondback use words like "behemoth" and "beast" when asked to describe the true awesomeness that is the Overdrive.

It's been said that a picture can say a thousand words, well... we here at BeSportier.com have quickly come to understand that's simply not true in all cases. So whenever possible we always take the opportunity to go hands-on with the products and equipment we choose to feature. It keeps the manufactures honest, and not to mention we get to abuse and test the limits of perfectly good (some times expensive) equipment. Some would consider our testing and review process to be somewhat sadistic or cruel, we'd like to think of it as being very thorough!

Overdrive Sport Key Features:

Angle of Attack - Larger wheels decrease your angle of attack by allowing you to roll over obstacles easier and faster. Bigger wheel = smaller obstacle.
Momentum - A larger wheel enables one to carry momentum easier though obstacles.
Surface Contact - 29"wheels are less prone to sinking in soft material such as sand and mud due to the larger contact patch causing lower ground pressure. The longer contact patch increases cornering and straight line traction.
Stability - The relative position of the bottom bracket/cranks to the axles in the wheels also means that your relative center of gravity is lower. This results in a feeling of riding "in" the bike rather than on top of it.
Tire Clearance - with more tire choices than any platform, the 29"wheel easily accommodates off road as well as commuting tires.
Taller Riders - 29" bikes tend to offer taller riders a more "natural" frame geometry.

The Review:

Handling: (9 out of 10) Keeping the Overdrive Sport on track and under control even through the roughest and sloppiest of conditions proved to be quite simple, with much of the credit going the the monster WTB Wolverine Comp 29" tires Diamondback outfitted our rig with. These 29" tires are no joke, and they make short work rocky terrain and a wide variety of conditions. If you've never had the opportunity to ride with a pair of these beasts underneath your forks you're missing out!

Suspension: (9 out of 10) This mountain bike is a classic hardtail (no rear suspension) and comes standard with a SR Suntour XCR-LO 29 front suspension that provided a generous 100mm of travel to tackle every bit of the rocks, humps, and bumps the trails threw at us. When we weren't blazing rugged trails or found ourselves in need of a stiffer ride, the speed lock lever (located next to the gear shift), which when pushed instantly locks the suspension from "soft" to "hard" making it easy to select the perfect amount of cushion for any terrain. The true test of the suspension was how my neck and shoulders felt the next day after riding, and I can honestly say that I experienced very little pain or discomfort in the hours and days after riding this bike. Something not all suspensions have afforded me in the past.

Braking: (10 out of 10) The hydraulic disc brakes with 6" rotors from Tektro Draco give the Overdrive Sport impressive stopping power. Very impressive!

Shifting: (10 out of 10) Trail riding can reap havoc on a mountain bike's derailleur and gears. Typically this is only noticeable after the bike is fully broken in and the chain and corresponding equipment have had time to stretch... well, we've officially put more than 200 miles on this bike and it hasn't missed a beat or jumped a gear yet! That's not to say that it won't with a little more abuse and quality time spent on the trails, but as of today we're excited to say that shifting this bad boy 100s of times has been an absolute breeze. High quality parts from Shimano like the SL-M310 8spd Rapidfire shifter and the Acera 8spd derailleur are what give the Overdrive Sport it's power and we'd like thank Diamondback for not being stingy with the equipment!

Durability: (9 out of 10) Bar-none this is one solid bike! The welds that make up the frame are fantastic and the overall structure of the bike is right on par with some of the best we've tested (cannondale and trek). We put some serious miles on our bike and it took quite a bit of abuse, but it's still standing strong, with no signs of fatigue or weakness.

Value: (9 out of 10) With only a small amount of research you'll quickly find that the 29'er mountain bike market wasn't built for people on a budget, though Diamondback appears to be breaking the mold this year. The Overdrive Sport weighs in a just less than $800, not exactly cheap... but it does come standard with extremely high quality parts from Shimano, Tektro and Suntour. A package like this is easily worth $900 to $1000 in our opinion.

The Bottom Line: We had an absolute blast testing this mountain bike. It's fun to ride, has some serious style, and is extremely functional for a wide variety of terrain. If you're a budget conscious rider who plans to spend considerable time off-road and are looking to upgrade to bike that will stop on a dime, shift properly without fail, and is capable of taking some serious abuse, then we highly recommend you investigate the 2012 Diamondback Overdrive Sport 29'er mountain bike for yourself. We're confident you'll come to the same conclusion we did... this bike is totally bad ass!

Price: $770 or go to: Diamondback.com

CamelBak All Clear Microbiological UV Water Purifier

2012-06-05T10:54:20Z

Using the exact same technology that has been safely and effectively used by water treatment facilities for decades, the CamelBak All Clear Microbiological UV Water Purifier is a portable water purification system that takes all of the guesswork out of making water safe for consumption. The All Clear features a high-powered ultraviolet light that zaps 99.9999 percent of bacteria, 99.99 percent of viruses and 99.9 percent of protozoa... and it does all this in just 60 seconds! On a recent kayaking expedition we had the privilege of testing the All Clear for ourselves. The idea of gulping water straight from the river was unnerving to say the least, but we trusted the technology and CamelBak's unrivaled reputation.

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How it works:

To give you a precise description of exactly how the All Clear functions, we suggest you take a gander at the embedded video below from CamelBak, in-which head of R&D Jeremy Galten explains the ins and outs of the All Clear system. Check it out...

Key Features:

60 seconds per cycle.
Energy efficient design purifies 80 cycles per full charge.
LCD screen provides critical information, including: cycle start, cycle time, successful cycle completion, battery life, charging status.
Simple instructions permanently printed on the bottle
UV bulb lasts 10,000 cycles
Classic Cap: Versatile cap for use after the water in the bottle has been purified
Protective Cover: Protects the UV bulb when not in use
CamelBak All Clear Kit includes: All Clear Cap, 0.75L Tritan Better Bottle with Classic Cap, Protective Cover and Recharge Cable (mini USB plugs directly into cap and connects to a wide range of USB compatible wall chargers, laptops, cell phones, solar, etc.)

The Review:

Design: (9 out of 10) Produced to be lightweight, compact, and easy to transport, the All Clear is simply wonderful for a variety of applications, most notably: hiking, kayaking and camping. On a recent kayaking trip we used the All Clear several times to hydrate. We sourced water from both lakes and rivers and the system worked flawlessly. The only design flaw we could anticipate being a problem in the future would be accidentally getting the UV unit wet, as it is an electronic device. We took special care to always keep the UV unit high an dry!

Ease of Use: (10 out of 10) The All Clear couldn't be more simple to operate! All you need to do is: fill with water, screw on the UV cap, hold the "ON" button for 2 seconds until the LED display starts it's count down, and then agitate the water during the 60 second cycle. Once the cycle is finished, unscrew the UV cap and your water is ready to drink! And should you forget these easy instructions... no need to worry. Camelbak has printed them right on the bottle! When compared to similar systems utilizing UV light, nothing we've come across neutralizes bacteria this quickly, effectively, and easily.

Durability: (9 out of 10) The bottle itself is produced from a hard plastic material which is shatter resistant and withstood our barrage of typical campsite abuse. That being said we do suggest you take special care when handling the UV unit. It appears to be very well made and lacking no amount of durability, but it is an electronic device and should be treated with care.

Battery Life: (9.5 out of 10) We were impressed with the internal (rechargeable) lithium ion batteries, which provide a surprisingly long life. They are said to last 80 cycles... that's 60 liters of water! The batteries can be recharged using the (included) mini USB cord. Typical charge time is aprox. 2 hours.

Value: (10 out of 10) Accessing untainted water is critical for survival in the wilderness. The All Clear's asking price of just under $100 is fantastic in our opinion. We often take water for granted in our daily lives, but when you need it, and need it to be purified the All Clear is worth it's weight in gold!

The Bottom Line: The All Clear is the ideal solution for anyone who likes to pack lite and ensure the water they are drinking is absolutely safe to consume. If you live an active lifestyle and enjoy camping, hiking, or just generally spending time enjoying the wilderness we highly recommend you take a look at the CamelBak All Clear Microbiological UV Water Purifier for your hydration needs.

Price: $98.95 or go to: CamelBak.com

Adidas Limited Edition SAMBA Golf Shoes

2012-05-23T15:50:43Z

Introduced way back in 1950, the original SAMBA was created for soccer players to train on hard, icy ground and quickly evolved to become a dominant indoor soccer shoe. Today, the SAMBA has sold more than 35 million pairs worldwide and now, for the first time, golfers can showcase the legendary footwear on the golf course... and even represent their favorite major championship! A while back we were presented with a pair of SAMBAs from our good friends over at Taylormade Golf, who actually are owned by shoe manufacturing giant Adidas. Per usual we ran these shoes through the gauntlet. How did they fair? Well, you'll have to read a little further to find that out.

In the mean time check out these close-ups!

]]> The Masters: SOLD OUT.

US Open: Available - NOW!

British Open: Available - June 15th. (first picture above)

PGA Championship: Available - July 15th

Also available now in standard (non limited edition) colors as well:

Key Features:

Water-resistant, synthetic leather and textile upper provide soft, lightweight and durable performance.

6-Spike configuration with THINTECH low-profile technology for improved traction and stability.

Limited Edition Majors Collection: Each shoe is individually numbered on the heel (1-1950). Comes with custom gold script limited edition sock-liner. Limited edition SAMBA collection postcard in each box.

90 Day Comfort Guarantee

The Review:

Comfort: (9 out of 10) Without even breaking them in, the SAMBAs are already comfortable, but after spending a few rounds walking the course they become even more comfy, practically molding to your feet! There's a reason why the SAMBA shoe has proven to be so popular over the years, and it's not only they're iconic styling queues. I can say from first hand experience that when sized properly these shoes will produce no discomfort or blistering even before they've been fully broken in. A feat most golf shoes struggle to achieve.

Design: (9.5 out of 10) There's not much we can say about he design of the SAMBA that hasn't been already covered in the past 62 years. They're hip, a little old school and now they're integrated with new technology that any golfer can appreciate. The addition of the 6 golf spikes and the THINTECH low profile design give the SAMBAs a serious dose of functionality that translates quite well on the golf course.

Stability: (9 out of 10) First produced as a soccer shoe, the SAMBA is very stable by design. During our testing we noticed no significant loss of balance when swinging clubs or otherwise. If you're already a person who struggles with balance throughout your golf swing, these shoes may not cure it, but they definitely will not add to your wobbly woes.

Traction: (9 out of 10) Our testing proved that these golf shoes mean business. The six golf spikes hold tight to just about and surface you'll come into contact with on the course. Even if you're fishing your ball out of the drink on a slippery shore... not that we spent a lot of time doing that!

Value: (9.5 out of 10) Priced at $100 for the standard edition and just $20 extra for the limited edition we found the value to price ratio to be excellent with the SAMBAs. And since they're a product of Adidas, they're backed by a 90 comfort guarantee.

The Bottom Line: For golfers who are in need of a shoe that will give them all the traction and comfort they require while still offering trendy old school style, we suggest you look no further than the SAMBA from Adidas & Taylormade Golf. We put them through hell over the past month and they're still clawing away at fairways and greens! Do yourself a favor and check out the SAMBA in-person at your local sporting goods store if you get a chance and try them on. We think you'll quickly understand exactly what we're talking about!

Price: $100 - $120 or go to: AdidasGolf.com