Posts Tagged ‘Buyers Guide’
How to Buy a Bowling Ball
February 2nd, 2011 by Cale Loken
Here are the different types of bowling balls:
Polyester and Plastic Bowling Balls
• Great ball for beginners and entry-level players.
• Least expensive.
• Most durable.
• Usually more forgiving than other bowling balls.
• Not a good ball for using spin, typically a better ball if you throw it straight.
Urethane Bowling Balls
• Great ball for higher end or skilled players.
• Ball provides great feel and control for hooks.
• Has a sanded finish
• Great overall ball for performance, control and price.
Reactive Resin Bowling Balls
• Another great ball for higher end or skill players.
• Offer most versatility and pin placement.
• Less durable than polyester and Urethane balls.
• Offer the most hook potential.
• Offer greatest strike potential of all kinds of balls.
Particle Bowling Balls
• Same type of ball as Resin, however used on oil or heavily oiled lanes.
• Offer maximum friction and reaction.
The typical pricing for Bowling balls is from $39.99 all the way up to almost $200. Pre drilled balls typically cost from $39.99. Usually higher end balls are better suited for very good players. You can usually get a nice ball for around $60.
Other things to consider when buying a bowling ball:
• Average adult male usually bowls with a: 14-16 lb. ball.
• Average adult female usually bowls with a: 10-14 lb. ball.
• Juniors: 1lb. of weight per year of child’s age, i.e. 8 yrs old = 8-lb. ball.
• Generally, heavy balls have larger holes and lighter balls have smaller holes.
• It is better to have a ball that’s too light than too heavy.
• Make sure the holes fit your hands comfortably.
How to buy a Treadmill
January 2nd, 2011 by Cale LokenThere are many out there who’s new years resolutions are to work out and maintain a healthier lifestyle. We figured a few may go out and purchase some fitness equipment so an article about how to buy a treadmill would be helpful. Here are some things to think about when looking at treadmills:
What is the difference between Continuous Duty and Peak Performance?
Continuous Duty
- Continuous horsepower is how powerful a treadmill can continually operate without dropping off.
- The amount of continuous motor power that is consistently delivered during heavy usage over an extended period of time.
- Continuous duty works better for runners and for multiple users.
- All health clubs have commercial rated treadmills that feature heavy duty continuous horse power motors. These motors allow the treadmill to be used continuous hours throughout the day, every day.
Peak Performance
- Peak performance is the amount of power output at which the motor is rated. These motors are specifically designed for treadmill usage.
- Peak horsepower is the maximum horsepower a treadmill can generate for a short period of time.
- Peak performance treadmills are better for a single person for walking.
- What is the importance of the deck?
- The thicker the deck, the more cushioning and comfort it provides.
- Belt widths range from 16 inches to 22 inches. You typically know how wide you have to have it for your particular running style.
- Treadmill lengths start as short as 45 inches to as long as 60 inches.
PRODUCT PRICING:
- Most Peak performance treadmills sell from $299 to $799. Again, these treadmills are better served for a single user who will be walking. Peak treadmills do come with an assortment of programs, a solid belt and deck and a decent warranty.
- Most continuous treadmills range from $799 to several thousands of dollars. The higher the continuous duty horsepower, the higher the price. Usually, the horsepower, deck, belt and warranty get better as the price goes up.
Other things to consider when buying a treadmill:
- Most treadmills feature an incline that can raise the deck to a typical incline of 10 degrees. Some commercial treadmills can go up to a 25% incline.
- Most treadmills come with a heart rate sensor; however, these sensors are usually only about 75% accurate.
- Many treadmills have an emergency switch that stops the machine should you fall off of it or get too tires to continue.
- Several models will fold up for easy storage.
- Most treadmills offer speeds from 0 to 10mph. There are some treadmills that can go higher than 10mph, usually they are more expensive as well.
- Computer controls can provide feedback such as speed, distance, heart rate, pace, calories burned, laps taken, time elapsed, incline and more.
How to buy Football Shoulder Pads
November 11th, 2010 by Cale Loken
I recently wrote a guide on football pads and protection and now plan on covering football shoulder pads. Here is the characteristics of shoulder pads by position:
Quarterback
- Look for lightweight pads that won’t ride up high to limit your head movement or field of vision.
- If your team uses the option and you are part of the running game, you should consider a shoulder pad made for running backs or defensive backs.
Running Back, Wide Receiver and Defensive Back
- If you play on of these positions you want a pad that’s lightweight and won’t slow you down, while still absorbing the hits that you will take.
- These pads also are designed to provide flexibility and unrestricted movement.
Fullbacks, Tight-Ends and Linebackers
- If you play these positions you should consider pads that use a plated front rather than laces.
- Plated fronts do not require as much adjustment after each hit.
- Some pads also come with vinyl buckles instead of elasticized straps to more securely fasten the pad under the arm.
Linemen
- If you play in the trenches, you need a streamlined pad that uses fewer flaps and epaulets (the flaps that extend over the shoulder area) to prevent other players from grabbing and pulling on your pads.
- Linemen pads often use vinyl buckles to keep them more securely fastened.
- Elastic buckles needs to be adjusted and replaced after heavy usage. However, elastic may be preferred since it expands and contracts more easily than vinyl buckles when you breathe.
Punters & Place kickers
- Most players in this group use quarterback pads since they are lighter and offer the best freedom of movement.
PRODUCT PRICING:
- Youth Shoulder Pads usually price from $59.99 to $149.99. Adult Shoulder Pads range from $69.99 to $379.99.
How should I size Shoulder Pads?
- To determine the proper size shoulder pads stand up straight with your arms at your sides.
- Using a soft cloth tape, have someone measure across your back from shoulder blade to shoulder blade and round up this measurement by one half an inch.
- When determining the proper size youth pads you will also need to know the players chest circumference by measuring (with a soft cloth tape) around the nipple line additionally you will need to know the players weight.
Football Pads & Protection
September 12th, 2010 by Cale LokenWe have detailed some of the most essential pads and protection for football players. We will talk about shoulder pads and helmets in future blog posts.
Collar Pads/Neck Rolls
These pads protect the collarbone, which attach to the shoulder pads on the back. Collar Pads and Neck Rolls usually price from $9.99 to $59.99. Cowboy Collars which attach to the shoulder pads are typically more expensive, while the round white neck collars start at $9.99.
Rib Vests
Rib vests are recommended for players with sore ribs or who often get tackled. Rib pads can be attached to shoulder pads or worn separately with suspenders. Rib Vests cost between $12.99 and $69.99. The rib pads with the shirt and combo with side protection sell for a higher price. The more the protection and padding the higher the price.
Forearm Pads
Forearm pads are preferred for offensive and defensive linemen who use their arms to block and tackle. These pads can come with combinations of forearm and hand pads as well as forearm, hand and elbow pads. Forearm pads typically sell in a range of $5.99 to $29.99. The higher priced pads typically fit better and add better protection.
Gloves
Different positions require different types of gloves. Lineman should look for gloves that are heavily padded on the top of the hand. Lineman gloves should also be designed to prevent a player from hyper-extending his fingers, usually have an extra heavy palm and an oversized wrist wrap for added wrist strength and protection. Receivers, Running Backs, Linebackers and Defensive Backs should have flexible gloves that have stickiness (tackiness) to them. Receiver Glove, Defensive Back, Linebacker and Running Back Gloves range from $14.99 to $69.99. Typically the more expensive gloves feature stronger material which prevents less ripping. The higher end gloves also feature more stickiness (tackiness) and are typically lighter. Lineman Gloves range from $24.99 to $79.99 and are more expensive because of the extra padding and some feature wrist wraps.
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Fits like a Football Glove
July 14th, 2010 by Ben RemingtonWith football season rapidly approaching, it’s time to fire up the fantasy football magazines, live online drafts, and alcohol-fueled trash talking that follows. One interesting development in the world of fantasy football is the falling value of running backs, and the higher value for wide receivers. Much of this is due to point-per-reception leagues, and also the rule changes that the NFL has made to help the passing game. One reason us sporting goods types might argue is the development of receiver gloves.
Back in the day, receivers developed a way to make their hands stickier to catch the ball better. The problem was, Stickem left crazy glue like goop on the ball that could have created some looney tunes type moments for centers and quarterbacks had they not replaced the ball. Fortunately, the NFL banned Stickem, and better football gloves were developed. First there was tackified leather, and that works just fine, but the materials used now in football gloves provide a great amount of sticky, without Stickem’s ‘icky.’ So here are a list of things to look for when buying a football glove:
Types
Receiver/Secondary gloves- For those who catch and run. They feature an ultra sticky surface, which varies by manufacturer, and an unpadded back with usually sweat wicking material, or in the case of cold weather gloves, insulated material. They are for catching the ball, and catching it fast, without a whole lot of contact.
Running Back/Linebacker gloves- These are the middle ground of gloves, for catching and carrying the ball and taking a pounding at the same time. These gloves will feature the same tacky material on the palm, but may have reinforced or a lightly padded back to protect those in the trenches.
Lineman’s gloves- These gloves are all substance, with little style by the way of tack. Usually they’ll feature a tackified leather, which is not as gripping as the tacky material used for receivers; but is much more durable for the beating that the trenches bring. Lineman don’t typically need to grip the ball, except centers; but in the event of a fumble or a pick, it doesn’t hurt. There are a lineman gloves that will feature padding to protect the fingers and hands as well as gloves that are fingerless for those looking to grit it out.
Sizing
It should fit like a glove. Sounds easy, but given that everyone’s preferences on “fit” are different; make sure you are comfortable with the fit of the glove. No one ever asks you what glove size you wear(and if they do, you might not want them on your team), so get the size that fits you best. Typically, the best “fit” is as tight as possible.
Colors
Actually, there are some rules on colors of gloves, but not usually until you hit the higher levels of competition. Always double check with your league to make sure you can buy a team colored glove. I believe most college football leagues require the use of a grey glove, but that will also vary.
Pricing
Most gloves will start at around $20-$25 dollars and go up to the $50-$60 range for higher end gloves. Usually, the extra money goes to thicker material all around, added padding, additional tacky material and extra features to provide a better fit.