Sporting Goods Review SGB’s product guru Paul Westlake reviews a selection of products recently released onto the market
MuleBar Energy Bars
Overview: MuleBar use locally sourced, organic and Fairtrade products where possible. The mango fl avoured bar for instance uses Fairtrade dried mango from Uganda. MuleBar also employ the services of England RFU nutritional advisor Matt Lovell as a supplement researcher and developer.
Verdict: The bars are surprisingly fi lling and have proved to be a useful source of energy before going to the gym and as a mid afternoon snack at work. Although I found the apple strudel fl avour to be particularly tasty with a lovely hint of cinnamon, the taste test in our offi ce provided mixed opinions. A marmite product.
2XU- T: 2 Wetsuit
Rating 3.3. / 5
SGB
Overview: The T: 2 Team Wetsuit is an update to the popular T:0. The suit is engineered for Triathletes seeking superior buoyancy and fl exibility, without the usual expense. The product includes a limited two-year manufacturer’s warranty against defects in material and workmanship. The updates of the T: 2 include graduated Velocity Strakes in the front chest panel to off er heightened body positioning and a streamlined water tracking.
Verdict: There have been reports that the T: 2 sizing is incorrect and diffi cult to get on. I can understand where people are coming from and the suit did feel tight around the wrists. However you should bear in mind that once in the water, the suit stretches so this shouldn’t be too much of a problem. The buoyancy of the suit is second to none and is very warm. An excellent entry-level wetsuit.
Skins A200 Compression Series
Rating 3.8 / 5
SGB
Overview: The A200 series is the replacement for the popular Skins Sport range. Improvements have been made to the look of the recognisable contrast stitching and the waistband. The A200 is designed to be used in training, which incorporates a technology that has been tested on real athletes using a 3D body scanning and dynamic compression measuring techniques. This has helped Skins to determine exactly where the compression areas are needed.
Verdict: As a fan of compression wear, I was looking forward to testing the Skins A200 range. I was not disappointed! Gradient pressure doesn’t impact on the whole body as it only compresses the areas that are needed. This is benefi cial as it doesn’t feel like you are wearing compression wear unlike some other brands. Suitable for a variety of sports including squash, football and rugby. A real all-rounder.
Newton MV2
Rating 4.5 / 5
SGB
Overview: Engineered to be the lightest and most effi cient natural running shoe ever produced. Unlike other minimalist footwear, the MV2 models the action/reaction technology to provide greater protection for running on hard surfaces. With a level to the ground profi le, (0% heel to forefoot) and a unique biomechanical sensor plate, the foot is designed to sense the ground quicker and allowing for a faster paced rhythm.
Verdict: As I have previously suff ered from shin splints, I have tendered to stay clear of minimalist footwear, but a friend has recently converted me so I have been looking forward to a nice long run in these. The fi t is perfect although I would recommend going up half a size to make the most of the lugs on the sole. My only gripe is where they are so lightweight, they are not ideal for a long winter run as my feet did get a bit chilly!
Vibram FiveFingers Bikila Running Shoe
Rating 4.2 / 5
SGB
Overview: The Bikila is part of the latest range of innovative running shoes aiming to replicate near barefoot running for that increased energy transfer and a more effi cient foot strike.
Verdict: Takes the barefoot revolution to a whole new level! The only slight irritation is the time it takes to put the shoes on when you fi rst get them. There is a defi nite technique to it and you can soon pick up the technique but it can be frustrating at fi rst. The number of comments you get when you fi rst wear these is unreal; someone even stopped me whilst shopping to take a photo of them! Running in them is hard to explain… it just works!
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SGB-SPORTS.COM
Rating 4.8 / 5
SGB
Reviews
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