My friend and running buddy Jacob 'Jake' Dinardi (http://HikeItLikeIt.com/) and I were talking the other day and thought it would be rad to do some sort of collaborative post since both of us are blogging nuts. We put our heads together and came up with the idea to talk about some hydration vests. BOOM! I'm going to talk about the Orange Mud HydraQuiver Single Barrel and the Ultimate Direction Anton Krupicka (“AK”) Race Vest; whereas, Jake will be covering the Ultimate Direction Peter Bakwin (“PB”) Adventure Vest, and the Nathan HPL 020 Hydration Vest. There are a lot of hydra-vests on the market of course, but this small group covers the bases pretty well from the most minimal all the way up to something an adventure racer would reach for. In this installment we'll review Orange Mud's Single Barrel Quiver. Check it out and let us know what your favorite vest is!
Showing posts with label Product Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Product Review. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Product Review : Ultimate Direction AK Race Vest (2.0)
My friend and running buddy Jacob 'Jake' Dinardi (http://HikeItLikeIt.com/) and I were talking the other day and thought it would be rad to do some sort of collaborative post since both of us are blogging nuts. We put our heads together and came up with the idea to talk about some hydration vests. BOOM! I'm going to talk about the Orange Mud HydraQuiver Single Barrel and the Ultimate Direction Anton Krupicka (“AK”) Race Vest; whereas, Jake will be covering the Ultimate Direction Peter Bakwin (“PB”) Adventure Vest, and the Nathan HPL 020 Hydration Vest. There are a lot of hydra-vests on the market of course, but this small group covers the bases pretty well from the most minimal all the way up to something an adventure racer would reach for. In this installment we'll review Ultimate Direction's AK Race Vest (version 2). Check it out and let us know what your favorite vest is!
Overview of The Hydra Vests in this Roundup
- Orange Mud Single Barrel: A minimalist vest that offers an alternative to carrying a handheld. (Read more at Dirty Trail Shoes)
- Nathan HPL 020:A small vest that carries a 70 oz hydration bladder and provides just enough room for some snacks or small items. (Read more at Hike It Like It!)
- Ultimate Direction AK 2.0: A small vest with the ability to carry two 20 oz bottles AND up to a 70 oz hydration bladder, or other gear.
- Ultimate Direction PB 2.0: A large vest with the ability to carry two 20 oz bottles, up to a 70 oz hydration bladder, AND room for clothing/other gear. (Read more at Hike It Like It!)
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Product Review : Update : Skechers GoMeb
In a previous post I looked at the now classic GoRun (GR) 2 versus GoRun Ride 3s and I promised to review the GoMebs. I try not to disappoint.
Overview of The Skechers 'GoRun' Shoes in this Roundup
- Go Run 2 (GR2) : A minimalist, lightweight, flexible 4mm-drop racing shoe. (read the review here)
- Go Run 3 (GoRide 3) : A more traditional, generic 4mm-drop running shoe. (read the review here)
- Go Meb : A minimalist, stability 4mm-drop racing shoe
| Model | GoBionic | GoMeb Speed | GoRun | GoRun Sonic | GoRun Ride | GoRun Ultra |
| Weight (OZ - size 9) | 6.5 | 6.8 | 6.8 | 7.25 | 8.4 | 8.7 |
| Heel Drop (mm) | 0 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 4/8 |
| Support | Moderate/Hybrid | Stability | Neutral/Flexible | Traditional |
Friday, October 17, 2014
What's coming? What's on your mind?
Here are some of the posts I'm working on:
- GPS/Battery performance of Garmin 310xt vs 410
- Review of several bluetooth earphones for comfort, battery life, sound quality
- DC50 pacer report
- Review of several hydration packs / tweaks
- DONE : Is regular exercise / improved eating habits worth it? Review of lab results over two year time span.
- DONE : Road running shoe comparison : Sketchers GR2 vs GoMeb
Friday, September 26, 2014
Product Review : Update : Skechers GoRun 2 vs 3
I was one of those that bought the Skechers GoRun (GR) 2 when it came out and loved it. So when it came time to purchase a replacement set I was shocked to find that they have been discontinued. Fine you say, just find the 'next' generation that replaces it. Well, that is easier said than done because Skechers has a million different models now and it is not exactly clear which replaces the GR2!
I've read in some threads the following Skechers running shoe lineup in terms of cushioning from 'minimal' to the left and 'maximum' on the right:
Overview of The Skechers 'GoRun' Shoes in this Roundup
- Go Run 2 (GR2) : A minimalist, lightweight, flexible 4mm-drop racing shoe. (read the review here)
- Go Run 3 (GoRide 3) : A more traditional, generic 4mm-drop running shoe.
- Go Meb : A Minimalist, stability 4mm-drop racing shoe. (read the review here)
I've read in some threads the following Skechers running shoe lineup in terms of cushioning from 'minimal' to the left and 'maximum' on the right:
| Model | GoBionic | GoMeb Speed | GoRun | GoRun Sonic | GoRun Ride | GoRun Ultra |
| Weight (OZ - size 9) | 6.5 | 6.8 | 6.8 | 7.25 | 8.4 | 8.7 |
| Heel Drop (mm) | 0 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 4/8 |
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Product Review : Finding the right trail shoe to support how you run
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Product Review : Suunto Ambit 2R GPS sampling modes vs Garmin 410
If you would like very detailed analysis of various GPS watches then I suggest you read DC Rainmaker's reviews:
After running with both watches on a 50K trail race today, I'm specifically going to compare one of the Suunto Ambit 2R (2R) four GPS modes called 'OK' with that of the unchangeable Garmin 410 (1 data point every 4 seconds mode - Similar to 2R's 'Good' GPS mode).
The 2R has four GPS modes:
The Skyline 50K trail course was 'measured' by the race director (RD) using Nike Tailwind and is believed to be 31.3 miles with 4,750 ft gain/loss (via USGS Topo! software) on the loop course. Both numbers probably have 10% variance.
Here is what was measured by Ambit2R and Garmin410:
Clearly the 2R only recording every 60 seconds in 'OK' GPS mode was having a difficult time determining distance and elevation gain. From an end-users point of view, I found the displayed 'pace' value more than delayed by just a minute and was often frustrated waiting minutes for the watch to catch up to my actual pace. I ended up using the Garmin for pace feedback.
It is a long distance trail runners dream to have a single watch that can log GPS data for 25 hours! However, the 'OK' mode logging data every 60 seconds is mostly useless (for me).
I have another 50K coming up where I plan to wear both watches again but this time I will use the 2R in 'Good' mode which logs GPS data every 5 seconds (comparable to every 4 seconds for the Garmin 410) and the 2R has a reported 12 hour battery life (again compared to 8 hours for Garmin 410). I will update this page when I have additional information to share.
Update : I recently ran the Overlook 50K and ohh what a test of battery life that was. The race was a point to point race with RD reported elevation gain and loss: 7,000' gain / 9,200' loss. I took 9:10 to finish the 50K due mostly to the 98+ deg heat in the canyon and extreme dehydration. The Ambit2R automatically saved the race and shutdown at 3% battery at about 8 hours; the Garmin 410 amazingly was still going after I finished, then died 10 minutes after. I don't know if you can disable the 3% auto save/shutoff 'feature' of the 2R and am currently investigating that. However, I did NOT get the advertised 12 hours out of the 2S only about 8. The Garmin 410 actually performed much better. There is no point in trying the Ambit2R in 'Best' GPS mode given I only got 8 out of the advertised 12 hours of battery life. I have purchased a Garmin 310xt multisport watch because I mostly run, found my Garmin 410 to be solid tool and the Garmin 310xt is supposed to have very good battery life (>12 hours). We shall see on my next 50K!
Update 11/02/2014: I just ran the Morgan Hill Marathon with both the Garmin 410 and 310xt and both performed flawlessly. I started with both at 100% battery life and after 4:24 hours I had 26% battery left on 410 and 75% on 310xt. Time, Distance, Elevation Gain, AvePace are below and very similar.
PS Both watches were charged to 100% full battery and after nearly 7 hours of running I had 13% left on the Garmin and 78% on the 2R. Reducing the GPS sampling frequency truly has a remarkable impact on battery life. These pics are from after the Skyline 50K race.
After running with both watches on a 50K trail race today, I'm specifically going to compare one of the Suunto Ambit 2R (2R) four GPS modes called 'OK' with that of the unchangeable Garmin 410 (1 data point every 4 seconds mode - Similar to 2R's 'Good' GPS mode).
The 2R has four GPS modes:
| Mode | Battery Life | Sampling Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Best | 8h | 1 sec |
| Good | 12h | 5 sec |
| OK | 25h | 60 sec |
| Off | 160h | N/A |
The Skyline 50K trail course was 'measured' by the race director (RD) using Nike Tailwind and is believed to be 31.3 miles with 4,750 ft gain/loss (via USGS Topo! software) on the loop course. Both numbers probably have 10% variance.
Here is what was measured by Ambit2R and Garmin410:
| Skyline 50K ('OK' GPS Mode) | Overlook 50K ('Good' GPS Mode) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ambit2R | Garmin410 (reference) | Ambit2R (*) | Garmin410 (reference) | |
| Distance | 27.3 | 30.2 | 27.58 | 29.64 |
| Elapsed Time | 6:52:32 | 6:52:42 | 8:13:12 | 9:03:05 |
| Moving Time | 4:41:13 | 6:43:20 | TBD | 8:05:44 |
| Pace | ?, 10:19/mi | 13:38/mi, 13:23/mi | 15:52/mi, ? | 18:19/mi, 16:23/mi |
| Elevation Gain | 6106 ft | 4219 ft | ? ft | 6484 ft |
Clearly the 2R only recording every 60 seconds in 'OK' GPS mode was having a difficult time determining distance and elevation gain. From an end-users point of view, I found the displayed 'pace' value more than delayed by just a minute and was often frustrated waiting minutes for the watch to catch up to my actual pace. I ended up using the Garmin for pace feedback.
It is a long distance trail runners dream to have a single watch that can log GPS data for 25 hours! However, the 'OK' mode logging data every 60 seconds is mostly useless (for me).
I have another 50K coming up where I plan to wear both watches again but this time I will use the 2R in 'Good' mode which logs GPS data every 5 seconds (comparable to every 4 seconds for the Garmin 410) and the 2R has a reported 12 hour battery life (again compared to 8 hours for Garmin 410). I will update this page when I have additional information to share.
Update : I recently ran the Overlook 50K and ohh what a test of battery life that was. The race was a point to point race with RD reported elevation gain and loss: 7,000' gain / 9,200' loss. I took 9:10 to finish the 50K due mostly to the 98+ deg heat in the canyon and extreme dehydration. The Ambit2R automatically saved the race and shutdown at 3% battery at about 8 hours; the Garmin 410 amazingly was still going after I finished, then died 10 minutes after. I don't know if you can disable the 3% auto save/shutoff 'feature' of the 2R and am currently investigating that. However, I did NOT get the advertised 12 hours out of the 2S only about 8. The Garmin 410 actually performed much better. There is no point in trying the Ambit2R in 'Best' GPS mode given I only got 8 out of the advertised 12 hours of battery life. I have purchased a Garmin 310xt multisport watch because I mostly run, found my Garmin 410 to be solid tool and the Garmin 310xt is supposed to have very good battery life (>12 hours). We shall see on my next 50K!
Update 11/02/2014: I just ran the Morgan Hill Marathon with both the Garmin 410 and 310xt and both performed flawlessly. I started with both at 100% battery life and after 4:24 hours I had 26% battery left on 410 and 75% on 310xt. Time, Distance, Elevation Gain, AvePace are below and very similar.
Device | Time | Distance | Elevation Gain | AvePace | BestPace Battery%Left |
Garmin 410 | 4:25:04 | 26.45 | 1,073 | 10:01 | 6:56 26% |
Garmin310xt | 4:25:25 | 26.34 | 1,074 | 10:05 | 6:48 75% |
PS Both watches were charged to 100% full battery and after nearly 7 hours of running I had 13% left on the Garmin and 78% on the 2R. Reducing the GPS sampling frequency truly has a remarkable impact on battery life. These pics are from after the Skyline 50K race.
Friday, May 23, 2014
Product Review : Injinji medium-weight, mini-crew toe socks
On longer 10 mile plus training runs sometimes I'd get tiny blisters either between my pinkie and neighboring toe or on top of a toe. The blisters are mostly likely due a perfect storm of cheap socks I was wearing, sweat friction and toes getting jammed to the front of my shoes. I don't think my shoes are part of the problem per se since I wear a half size larger already and they have a wide toe box. I think the friction was due to aggressive trail running and cheap socks that just didn't provide much protection from the roof of my shoe and none between toes. I tried adding Glide which helped to some extent, but what finally prevented toe blisters was magic in the form of toe socks!
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Product Review : Sketchers Go Run 2
I held off trying the new Sketchers shoes because let's face it the parent company makes kids shoes!!! However, after reading RunBlogger's review of the shoe in February I bought a pair and have been truly impressed by how comfortable they are and how much they can improve your track workouts/5k sprints.
The shoes really should be called slippers as they are so flexible and comfortable. In fact I wore them to work for several days and really didn't want to take them off. However, track Tuesday finally came around and I had to take them for a test drive doing ladder runs. I was not only able to maintain my 5K race pace but completed a 6 min/mile 200 and 400 sprints in them. These are my 'goto' shoes for 5K and track work outs now. I've heard about people doing long distance runs and even trail running in them but two things concern me:
1) The bottom 'cleats' are very soft and within two weeks several wore right off.
2) There is little protection in the toe so trail running is out
I think they would do fine for a single marathon but then you'd have to buy a new pair for your second. Good for sketchers bad for runner's budget.
Overview of The Skechers 'GoRun' Shoes in this Roundup
- Go Run 2 (GR2) : A minimalist, lightweight, flexible 4mm-drop racing shoe.
- Go Run 3 (GoRide 3) : A more traditional, generic 4mm-drop running shoe. (read the review here)
- Go Meb : A Minimalist, stability 4mm-drop racing shoe. (read the review here)
The shoes really should be called slippers as they are so flexible and comfortable. In fact I wore them to work for several days and really didn't want to take them off. However, track Tuesday finally came around and I had to take them for a test drive doing ladder runs. I was not only able to maintain my 5K race pace but completed a 6 min/mile 200 and 400 sprints in them. These are my 'goto' shoes for 5K and track work outs now. I've heard about people doing long distance runs and even trail running in them but two things concern me:
1) The bottom 'cleats' are very soft and within two weeks several wore right off.
2) There is little protection in the toe so trail running is out
I think they would do fine for a single marathon but then you'd have to buy a new pair for your second. Good for sketchers bad for runner's budget.
Product Review : Tecnica Inferno X-lite
Everyone has their favorite running shoe for road, trail or just walking around in. My current favorite trail shoe is the semi-oversized Tecnica Inferno X-Lite.
The shoes weigh about 10.5 oz (without being covered in dirt!) so I don't use them for track or sprint runs (e.g. 5K). For track or sprint runs I like the 6oz slipper like Sketchers Go Run 2 or 9oz Montrail racing shoes. [More on those later]
However, for longer runs where the ground is uneven with rocks, roots, rivers and generally tough conditions you find on a trail the extra cushioning and hard toe help protect your feet. In addition to the nice ride, the quick bungee lacing system eliminates worrying about whether your laces come undone or not.
The top is breathable so you wouldn't want to submerge the shoe and I'd imgine the shoe itself would trap water; however, the shoe is sealed and I've gone through puddles and haven't noticed any water getting into the shoe at all. Very nice. I haven't purposely submerged my foot yet to see how much water the shoe retains but I guess that would be the next test to simulate real winter or spring running.
In short, I'm very happy with these shoes as a semi-cushioned long distance trail shoe.
[Update - June 2nd 2014]
Last weekend I did a training run in the Mill Valley, CA area in preparation for The Dipsea Race coming up. I wore my now second pair of X-lites which performed very well on a tough course. The shoes started off a white tone and everything came back covered in dust a nice light brown in color. I do own a pair of Hoka Stinsons but I still like the X-lites for tougher trail conditions with lots of exposed rocks, roots, etc; mostly, because the X-lites have a larger and reenforced toebox.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)