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Sporting Goods Review Paul Westlake and Lisa Fairclough review the latest instalment of new products to hit the shelves of SGB


Mantis Tour 305 Racquet


Overview: Specifi cally designed for players who have long, fast swings and are looking for a control orientated racquet to complement their playing style. The 305 has a more open string pattern to help generate additional spin and slightly more weight in the head for additional power.


Verdict: Compared to racquets I have used in the past, the head size is a lot smaller (95 sq.inches). This provided problems to begin with as there was less room for error. I blame my inadequacies on the court rather than the racquet itself though! However after some use, the added weight in the head enabled a fair bit of power to be generated. Frustrating on fi rst use but with perseverance, the racquet is defi nitely suitable for players who rely on a combination of spin and power like myself.


Mantis Tour 315 Racquet


Rating 3.7 / 5


SGB


Overview: The 315 diff ers from the 305 in having a denser string pattern to provide extra control for the advanced player.


Verdict: Like it’s brother the 305, the 315 takes a bit of getting used due to size of the head. Compared to the two, I preferred the 305 as I am more of a power player. But for those favouring control over power, the 315 is a better option. Retailing at around the £130 mark, the Mantis racquet range is well priced compared to its contemporaries on the market. The added bonus of signing Greg Rusedski as a brand ambassador will also undoubtedly be a bonus for retailers looking to stock the Mantis Tour range.


PureLime Sculpted Wide Strap Cami


Rating 3.7 / 5


SGB


Overview: PureLime provides a collection inspired by the healthy, active, out-of-door lifestyle of Scandinavia. The simple, clean style lines of each garment incorporate the latest in apparel technology, allowing you to look and play your best.


Verdict: The breathe-dri material does exactly that; the fabric allows your body to breathe and control its own temperature. The design allows you to adequately stretch and move around the court as the cami sits just below your hip level. The sizing is just about right. For instance a size 12 equates to about a medium. This is a pleasant change as women’s sizing can be a minefi eld at times! Highly recommended!


PureLime Tape Trim Skort


Rating 4.7 / 5


SGB


Overview: PureLime, the brand was created in 1995, above a sheet metal workshop in a backyard in Østerbro, Copenhagen. The mission then was simple - to produce functional and fashionable active wear for women that would refl ect their priorities to look good and then perform. The current spring/summer 2012 range from PureLime is no diff erent.


Verdict: The Skort feature inner shorts containing left and right ball pockets. The balls sit comfortably in the pockets when serving which is a bonus. Functional yet feminine, which is a welcome change from some women’s sports clothing. A slight criticism is that the Skort shrunk slightly in the wash. I would possibly recommend hand washing to ensure the product retains its shape.


Clif Shot Bloks


Rating 3.8 / 5


SGB


Overview: Billed as the latest nutrition option for endurance athletes. The Shot Bloks come in chewable, 33 calories cubes, making it easier to customise caloric and electrolyte intake during long outings and races.


Verdict: I used these on a 7 mile run. The blocks come in packs of six and are quite small so easy to store while running. The Bloks are like soft jelly wine gums and taste as pleasant as any other nutrition product on the market. Over the last mile and a half of my run I tend to struggle due to fatigue, but fatigue only really set in during the last half mile of my run. On balance the product deserves a 4 rating but an extra half point has been awarded for taste.


38 | SGB-SPORTS.COM


Rating 4.5 / 5


SGB


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