Sporting Goods Review Reviews


Paul Westlake reviews the latest instalment of new products to hit the shelves of SGB


Puma Red Pulse Cricket Spikes


£90.00 www.pumacricket.com


Ninja Kasai


Overview: The shoe is designed for the premium end of the cricket market and is currently worn by ex Ashes winner Geraint Jones. The Red Pulse is guaranteed to add colour to the fi eld due to the eye catching ‘bittersweet’ red design. The interchangeable steel and TPU spikes allow the user the freedom and fl exibility in the outsole.


Verdict: The garish nature of the colour won’t be to everyone’s taste, and may provide the opposition with a bit of ammunition! Having said that, the EvaFoam slow recovery foam heel allows for a very comfortable fi t and the breathable mesh is a godsend for those long days in the fi eld. Cushioning is usually lacking in cricket footwear and often feels uncomfortable to wear but Puma seemed to have nailed the design here and the spike feels more like a normal trainer.


Rating 4 / 5


SGB Summary- A sledging magnet but a terrifi c spike to keep you comfortable in the fi eld all day.


Cricket Bat From £154 www.ninjacricket.co.uk


Overview: Kasai has specifi cally tapered edges to increase middle size and create power. With no concaving, Kasai has a large sweet spot. Bats are talked about having high middles, low middles. Kasai is said to have all middle, thanks to its long spine height and innovative weight spreading techniques.


Verdict: The Kasai is an aesthetically pleasing looking bat with a satisfactory pickup. Although a lighter bat than I usually use, there is certainly enough ‘meat’ in the blade to satisfy the power players. The middle certainly pings nicely although the supposedly enlarged middle thanks to the long spine is misleading and is no diff erent to many other bats on the market. The Kasai is however very competitively priced and should certainly be considered for any enthusiastic club player.


Rating 3.4 / 5


SGB


Summary- An attractive looking bat at an aff ordable price but the ‘all middle’ assertion is slightly misleading.


Puma Cobalt Cricket


Overview: A new and improved profi le for 2012 which improves balance and weight distribution. Cosmetics have been updated using PVC free labels and solvent free inks. The bat has an enlarged profi le with a large hitting zone designed for dynamic front foot stroke-making.


Bat RRP Contact Supplier www.pumacricket.com


Verdict: As a keen front foot player, Puma bats certainly suit my style due to the low middle. For the fi rst few months of the season this is certainly a positive, particularly due to the poor weather we have seen so far to start the season! With pitches likely to be slow and low, playing on the front foot is likely to be important. For those favouring back foot play, the Cobalt may not be for you. However the bat picks up nicely and the enlarged profi le gives you increased confi dence when striding out to the middle.


Rating 4 / 5


SGB Summary- Front foot stroke makers look no further!


GU Energy Mint Chocolate


Gel RRP £1.50 each or £36 for a box of 24 gels www.guenergy.co.uk.


Overview: GU’s carbohydrate blend is designed to deliver easily-digested and long-lasting energy for athletes in every sport and at all levels. The GU Gels combine patented carbohydrate blend with electrolytes to ensure hydration, an antioxidant blend to stave off muscle tissue damage and an amino acid blend to delay muscle fatigue. Some of the fl avours also include caff eine for an added energy boost. This new fl avour in the range combines a rich chocolate taste with a refreshing mint aftertaste.


Verdict: Every time a new ‘energy’ product arrives on my desk I am very sceptical. However each GU gel package is packed full of minty chocolate goodness and is without doubt the nicest tasting energy product I have tasted. After using the Gel in a variety of sporting activities, I was impressed with my lack of fatigue and increased energy which I account for the blend of carbohydrate and amino acid. My one gripe would be the price, which at £36 for a box of 24 small gels is too pricey.


Rating 4.8 / 5


SGB Summary- Expensive but a taste sensation packed full of energy. SGB-SPORTS.COM | 37


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