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Sports

  • Choosing a complete set of golf clubs can not only be a challenge, but also overwhelming to the one-stop-shop buyer looking for value as well. It’s large portion of the reason why complete sets are so attractive to buyers. They offer a simple method to buy golf clubs that can be otherwise difficult to achieve one club at a time.That said, for those with a high-handicap, or those who have just picked up the game, it might be difficult determining what’s important when purchasing a complete set, and what is not. For every golfer shopping complete sets there are 3 criteria which should never be discounted or ignored.First, you need to have an understanding that a complete set should not be a sacrifice, meaning the money the manufacturer is putting into the set is distributed throughout the bag, and not just focused in one area. For example, a complete set retailing for $300 and contains a driver valued individually between $100-200. That means the manufacturer didn’t spend that much money developing the clubs in the rest of the bag, and that’s cause for concern.Next is understanding that a golfer with a high handicap or who has just picked up the game has specific needs the set of clubs have to address, so you’ll need the right clubs in the bag. Surprisingly, when it comes to a complete set of golf clubs, people often assume the more clubs in the bag the better. However, the truth is the right clubs for the right player are far more important factors than just having a set of clubs with multiple options.Finally, we have the technology component. It’s important to have the right clubs at your disposal anytime you’re playing the game, but when you’re just starting out and struggling with a high handicap, it’s of the utmost importance. Good golf technology means clubs with large faces and sweet spots, a low center of gravity, aerodynamic design to enhance swing speed, and powerful structure to boost distance. Below are the list of best golf sets in 2022.
    November 13, 2014
  • All suitable tennis balls have to conform to standard size and weights restrictions. They have to be between 2.575–2.700 inches and they have to weigh between 1.975–2.095 ounces. I'm old enough to remember when tennis balls were all white, but in 1972 the current "optic yellow" (a vibrant chartreuse) was introduced and later became the standard. If you search, you can find tennis balls in other colors, but we'll stay with the basics here.When you play tennis you have a wide range of options for best tennis balls in 2022. The ball makers designate their products as being in the categories of recreational, championship, or professional. Serious tennis players will opt for championship or professional quality tennis balls, but the best tennis balls for you depend on your level of play and what you are going to be using the balls for. For example, if you are using a ball machine, then "practice" balls may be perfectly fine for you. These are often either used pressurized balls or new pressure-less balls.If you are playing on a clay court, there are balls designed specifically for that surface. If you are playing at high altitudes, then it's important to consider high-altitude balls because regular pressurized balls will fly noticeably faster at 4,000 or more feet above sea level.On a hard court it helps to look for heavy duty felt balls rather than regular duty, which will wear out faster and are better for softer surfaces. Here are the best choices for tennis balls as each of these picks meet the required above specifications, the quality of production is reliable, and their quality of play is consistent.
    November 07, 2014
  • A fairway wood can be one of the trickiest, yet most important clubs any player can carry at any given time. The difficulty in hitting a fairway wood, combined with the advent of the hybrid iron, have made fairway woods a little less common. That being said, it's still incredibly important to have a good fairway wood in the bag to rip off the tee on those days when the driver isn't going where you'd like. After all, most amateurs can get as much distance off the tee with a strong 3 wood, as they can a driver. The most important factors we considered while evaluating these best fairway woods in 2022 was the distance you could gain with the club, the forgiveness of the club, and the playability from different lies around the course.
    October 31, 2014
  • Fifteen years ago, it was easy to pick out a snowboard. All you had to do was decide whether you wanted a freestyle or freeride board (maybe, but unlikely, a carving board), compare a few prices and features among the handful of top brands, and find a local shop to buy it at. While actually buying the board is easier in 2011 thanks to the number of online snowboard shops and shopping comparison engines out there, deciding which board to buy is exponentially more difficult. Not only are there multiple times more brands out there, but there are far more specialized categories of boards.Try sorting through the never-ending sea, and it can quickly become frustrating and mind numbing. We've cut through all that mess and provided some short, simple recommendations. Consider this your industry cheat sheet. Check out our list of the best snowboards in 2022.
    October 29, 2014
  • In a lake, river or even in the sea, its not always possible to see below the surface, and that is why a fishfinder is a necessary item among serious anglers. What is the Best Fishfinder? These are pricey, so you will want to make sure you purchase the right one the first time. If you want to catch more fish while in a boat you need to know where the fish are. You'll want to figure out the underwater terrain in your favorite fishing spot so you can avoid the debris under the surface and get to the big fish. Check out our list of the best fishfinders in 2022.
    October 28, 2014
  • Once you get serious about tennis, you need a ball hopper. Try going out to practice 100 serves without one and you'll be bending over to pick up the balls more than hitting serves. The basics of ball hoppers are very simple. They’re designed to hold a specific capacity of tennis balls, and they can be categorized into two groups: those you pick up and carry around and others you wheel around.The ones you carry around are smaller and allow you to place the hopper on top of a ball, push down, and have it go in the basket by squeezing through the metal frame, or you can open the top and place the balls in the basket that way as well. The ones you wheel around are generally intended for when you have hundreds of balls at a time and it’s just too cumbersome to lift all those balls in a hand basket. Wheeled hoppers will have a tray that disengages from the hopper so the balls can be poured into a smaller hopper or a ball machine.By the way, there are only a few standard brands in ball hoppers: Gamma, Wilson, and perhaps Hoag. After doing the comparisons, for the standard models we strongly recommend Gamm products. However, there's a kid and grown up-friendly friendly brand called Hop-A-Razzi who manufacture ball hoppers in a plethora of colors, with good features such as wheels to make it easier for juniors.With any hopper, look for a simple warranty or return policy when you purchase a hopper (regardless of brand) from your favorite outlet just in case you find that you need more or less capacity, or one with an additional feature.The following ball hoppers have varying capacities so you can choose the one that's best for your needs. The hopper with a capacity of 50 balls tops our list because that's where most people will start, but it all depends on your individual needs. The best tennis ball hopper in 2022 listed here each are made with sturdy materials which are welded when appropriate, weather resistant, and designed to last through years of practical use.
    October 10, 2014
  • Tennis strings are just as important as the racket because you can get a racket to demo and find it's just awful, but if it would have had a different string, it might actually have been a really good fit for you. You need to expect to experiment with strings before finding what works best for you, your racket, your style of play, and perhaps any injuries that you may be dealing with.Gut strings are sometimes called "catgut" but actually no cats are harmed making gut strings but cows aren't so lucky. Gut is the most expensive choice and perhaps not the best choice for most players. Gut tends to fray and if you’re hard hitting using a lot of topspin, you'll be restringing your rackets frequently. For playability, you will get a better feel from gut as compared to multifilament (and certainly compared to polyester), but I doubt most recreational and even moderately competitive players would notice a real improvement in their game with gut. Personally, I've played with many brands and types of gut and occasionally I've had a magic string job that I hoped would never break. Sadly, it's only been occasionally, so you'll see that reflected in the best list that follows.Multi-filament strings are most commonly made of nylon or other materials and are intended to play like gut, or at least as close at the manufacturer wants to get for the price. There are some multi-filament strings that really do play like gut for a time, but that time is usually just before they break. Still, these strings are very cost effective and offer great control with less strain on your arm. All other things being equal, I'd suggest beginning players start with these strings until they develop a game that can really benefit from gut or polyester.The polyester string, or "poly," is the other main alternative. It's much stiffer than multifilament strings and variations of the poly design are available from firms such as Luxilon and Babolat that have proprietary blends of poly and other materials. Sometimes you'll see a polyester string described as a monofilament so don't confuse that with multi-filament softer strings. Ask a tennis pro if you have any doubt about what you're getting.The options for strings vary considerably. There's a range of tension from loose to tight, and the same string will play very differently at the limits of the recommended range. There's the string gauge, ranging generally from 15-18, with 18 being thinnest. 16 is the common gauge that most players will find but again the same string in different gauges will play very differently. Finally, you can opt to hybridize two different types of string. For example, Roger Federer famously uses Wilson gut in the main strings at 48.5 pounds of tension and poly (Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power Rough) in the cross strings at 45 pounds of tension.The best tennis strings in 2022 on list have some common characteristics. Of the strings I've tried, these are the best in their class. These strings play consistently from one string set to the next and they generally don't play too much differently after several sets when their tension is much lower than the original string job. Still, string tension, gauge, composition, and feel can be very subjective and will vary by your choice of racket. So ultimately you should use this list as a starting point for your exploration of what works best for you.
    September 23, 2014
  • Pedal exercisers as a whole don’t seem like much but they may be one of the most important cardio machines out there. One may question what could be so important about a machine which is basically a pair of bike pedals. However, it serves two important purposes as a machine for both rehabilitation as well as calorie burning.Pedal exercisers are especially important because they can serve as cardio machine for paraplegics as they are small and can easily sit on a table. A lot more than meets the eye goes into these exercisers which is why choosing the best is a difficult task. These best pedal exerciser in 2022 were chosen because of their quality materials and manufacturing, quiet and dependable resistance, and compact size for table top and floor use as well as easy storage.
    September 22, 2014
  • Ankle and wrist weights may be thought of as aerobic gear with very little application in a real workout, but that could not be further from the truth. These weights can be a major addition to many cardio and weight lifting programs and are far from the miniscule.While there are a lot of ankle and wrist weights on the market, unfortunately not all of them are all that great. Fortunately these best wrist & ankle weight in 2022 use comfortable materials that won’t irritate the skin or distract from your workout, are flexible enough to conform to most ankles and stay put during movement, and very durable thanks to water-resistant fabrics and tough stitching.
    September 05, 2014
  • Without a doubt, catching is the toughest position in baseball. Foul balls, wild pitches, and collisions at the plate with charging runners make catching hazardous duty. For this hazardous position, you need the best in protective gear. Hockey-style helmets, padded chest protectors, and full coverage leg guards are all required tools of the trade and will help keep you safe behind the plate. Catcher's gear is now more technologically advanced than ever with leading manufacturers using innovative designs and materials to make catcher equipment stronger, more comfortable, and more functional, and more durable. Make sure to do research on various products and to test the gear for proper fit before purchasing. Though baseball equipment can get expensive, it is better to save a little on a bat than to scrimp on protective equipment. A good hitter can usually hit just as good with a $200 bat than he can with a $300 bat. However, you will not be as protected nor as comfortable with a $40 chest protector as you would be with a $140 chest protector. Protection and comfort count! Whether you are youth player, high school star, or an adult league player, you will want to choose quality, well-reviewed protects when you purchase catcher’s gear. Checkout our top picks for best baseball catcher's gears in 2022.
    September 05, 2014
  • Baseball is known as America’s pastime, and though baseball has lost some of its popularity to the NFL and the NBA, it is still a popular spectator sport and still enjoyed by millions of kids across the country. To play baseball, you need a baseball! Though all baseballs look fairly similar, there are many differences. They are made with either leather or synthetic covers, have raised or rolled seams, and are made with different cores (cushioned, cork, rubber, combination). There are also safety and reduced injury factor (RIF) balls for younger players. The best balls are made with a long-lasting leather cover because they offer consistent performance and durability. They are also made with a cushioned cork core, which consists of a cork center wrapped in a thin layer of premium rubber, and wound in wool and cotton thread. Major League Baseballs require windings of at least 85% wool. Wool windings help the ball return to shape after impact and increase the longevity and durability of the baseball. Safety balls are great for beginning players because they are soft and generally “sting-free.” Reduced injury factor (RIF) ball are a relatively new innovation that serve as a bridge between safety balls and regulation balls.. They are made with polyurethane cores and will not hit as hard nor hurt as much as regular baseballs. They are rated from level 1 to level 10 (1 is the softest while 10 plays almost like a real ball). The great thing about RIF balls is that they play like a real ball with true bounces and a similar feel. As a coach or a dad, one of the best things you can do for kids is to teach them to love the game of baseball. Selecting the right ball for the level of play and age is an important factor in a young player’s enjoyment of the game. Checkout our top picks for best baseballs in 2022.
    September 02, 2014
  • There are many reasons to use hand grippers because a strong grip not only prevents injury, but it can actually help you lift more; plus a firm handshake can get your places in life. Even though many people choose to forgo grip strengthening there are still a fair amount of grip strengtheners on the market and not every single one of them can be relied on.These best hand gripper in 2022 were chosen because of their ergonomic and comfortable design which lets you focus on the squeeze and not the position of your hand, the quality of the parts which makes the gripper durable and long lasting, and most importantly the level and type of resistance offered.
    August 26, 2014
  • Baseball Equipment Bags are becoming a vital piece of equipment for baseball players, both young and old. It used to be you could fill a backpack with a glove, cleats and carry your bat, but those days are long gone. Now with braces, uniforms and other baseball paraphernalia, a good baseball bag is essential. These best baseball equipment bags in 2022 are large enough to accommodate a number of items while also able to keep everything organized. These bags are also reasonably priced as well as sharp to look at.
    August 20, 2014
  • A batting helmet is the protective headgear worn by both baseball and softball players. It's primary function is to protect the head of the batter from wild pitches from the pitcher. Without a helmet, depending on the speed and impact of the ball, injuries could be as serious as death. While it’s not a rule to wear a helmet that covers both ears (just the one that faces the pitcher), it's not uncommon to see players (especially younger ones) wearing a helmet protecting both ears. When safety is the priority, there's no reason to cut corners.These best batting helmets in 2022 came down to a few key factors. The durability of these helmets is important, since you don't want it ever letting up and allowing you to be injured. Their comfort is also important, as they keep your head cool while maintaining functionality. And of course, their cost plays a factor as well because one doesn't want to break the bank just to avoid breaking their head.
    August 19, 2014
  • You would think there’s no way to improve on the most perfect exercise out there, but there is a way to make the push up even better. Traditional pushups are hands down the most complete exercise ever with the entire upper, and some of the lower, body involved in the movement but even the push up has its limitations. To be able to go deeper, relieve joint stress, and increase your movement variations you are going to want a push up bar. There’s a lot of bars and handles on the market so sorting through all of them may be a little difficult. However, on this list are the best push up bar in 2022 because of their sturdy bases, durable materials like steel and high grade plastics, grip comfort because of width and coated handles, and increased effectiveness in targeting muscles over a traditional push up.
    July 07, 2014
  • The weighted vest is a versatile tool to have in any workout arsenal as it can be used in both cardio and strength training workouts for added hands-free resistance. There’s a number of weighted vests on the market but not all of them are exactly the highest of quality; some manufacturers seem to simply throw a lumpy sandbag or weight stick into some nylon and call it a day. Sometimes you’re better off with lighter weights and a better fit which is why we’ve chosen these best weighted vests which offer perfect sizing fitted for most individuals, quality fabric and workmanship for long lasting use, and even-distribution of weights to optimize workout resistance.
    June 23, 2014
  • One may think a pull up bar is simply a pull up bar but the truth is subtle differences can make the difference between a viable piece of exercise equipment and another waste of money and space. There are multiple versions of pull up bars to suit the needs of any user whether they’re apartment dwellers, home owners, or garage exercisers. The pull up bars on this list made the cut because of their ease of installation, a minimum 300lb weight bearing capacity, safe and comfortable hand grips, and a suitable amount of options for grip placement.
    June 17, 2014
  • When it comes to finding the best ice cleats, the choice depends largely on your unique needs and circumstances. Factors such as where you plan on using your ice cleats and how often you plan to use them will largely dictate which is best for you. If you require cleats to maneuver everyday snow and elements, durability and longevity are important to ensure top performance and cost effectivenessFrequency of use and level of involvement can also dictate whether a lighter duty ice cleat will suffice versus a more durable, heavier duty cleat with replaceable spikes; for example, the difference between using cleats for a trip to the store vs. backpacking through an alpine wilderness area. Just remember replacing lower quality cleats over and over again may end up being more expensive than a single purchase of a superior, higher cost ice cleat.This list of best ice cleats in 2022 aims to filter the wide array of ice cleats down to the top 5 best options, keeping varied degrees of use in mind. These top picks were selected based on their superior performance and traction, ease of use and reliability in icy conditions, and outstanding consumer reviews.
    June 13, 2014
  • Trekking poles aren’t a piece of gear vital for a successful adventure, but their contribution of increased stability and support is considered an indispensable advantage by many outdoor enthusiasts. They reduce impact and stress on your knees and hips especially during downhill descents, add stability when climbing steep rocks or crossing rivers, increase balance, and allow you to engage your arms to reduce the load carried by your legs. There’s an expansive selection of trekking poles for you to peruse, each with varied options in terms of grips, shaft materials, locking mechanisms, and additional amenities such as baskets and wrist slings.In your quest to find the best trekking poles in 2022, we’ve put together this list with products highlighting important factors to consider such as strong yet lightweight shaft construction, durability for rugged outdoor use, adequate grip type, and exceptional shock absorption. This list of best trekking poles details our five top picks based on these considerations while also taking into account the ideal forms of use for each type of pole.
    June 13, 2014
  • Ankle braces have all kinds of uses in both sport and everyday life such as physical rehabilitation, compression when recovering from injury, and preventative safeguard. There are hundreds of types of ankle braces out there designed for specific reasons from sports to daily use. The braces on this list were chosen as the best in class because of their popularity among athletes and everyday users, great design providing excellent stability and protection, and high end materials for long lasting comfort during extended periods of use.
    June 05, 2014
  • Exercise bands are one of the most brilliant exercise inventions ever made, offering the same or additional resistance and weighing less when compared to traditional dumbbells. They are easy to travel with and a handful of resistance bands can potentially replace an entire dumbbell set. Exercise bands can even recreate cable movements to open up your exercise options, something dumbbells can’t offer.The best resistance bands on this list were selected from criteria including the industry reputation of their manufacturer, long-lasting durability, and their variable range of resistance weight.
    May 06, 2014
  • Mini Trampolines, or rebounders, have gotten a bad reputation as a cheesy piece of equipment used in lame 80’s exercise videos. But the fact is they are an excellent piece of equipment that can offer a crazy cardio workout. Rebounders are actually making a comeback in the fitness industry and a lot of clubs are now offering rebounding classes. The trampolines on this list are widely considered the best in the industry. They are mostly portable, quiet, and offer a superior bounce to other rebounders on the market.
    April 22, 2014
  • Choosing the best pool cue depends on the characteristics of the player. Everyone has their own style and preferential attributes in their equipment, so there's never really one cue that is perfect for all. But there are some basic guidelines you can follow to find the one that's right for you.Heaviercues are usually better for beginners, as it stays in line longer and may be easier for a novice to get some extra spin. Lighter cues make it easier to control the speed of the ball but they require more accuracy and skill. The tip size is usually a matter of preference, though beginners should get a cue with a larger tip. Using a soft tip allows for extra feel through the shot, but a hard tip is more durable and retains its shape longer.Wraps are usually nylon or linen, though some come with leather or other exotic materials. If you are a beginner, it is best to test the different types since this is mostly a matter of personal preference. Best pool cues in 2022 can come in many different styles. Some players like cues that are more ornate and have many inlays or decorations; other players prefer a plain wood stick.No matter what your experience, skill level, or preference, we have compiled the best pool cues for any type of player below, along with a buyer's guide to help you along the way. Read on!
    April 04, 2014
  • The sport of first-dates, Homer Simpson, and weekend afternoon programming on ESPN2; bowling is suitable for everyone because anyone can play. Though maybe you're one of those folks who hears the crash of the pins like a siren's call, and it's about more than just a few beers and those cool-looking shoes. If that's you, then it's time to invest in a ball, and when you're picking out that very special one, the first thing to consider is the weight. If you go too heavy or too light, it will have an effect on your game. Go with the heaviest ball you can physically manage to wield. Anything heavier is going to be useless because you'll lack control and comfort every time you swing.You have a selection of materials to choose from in the composition of your ball; each one is best suited based on your style of play, the lanes you use, and your skill level. Beginners will want to go with a plastic ball since they haven't developed their game fully and will tend to roll the ball straight, without much hook. The intermediate player might want to go with urethane material, allowing for more hook on each roll; the surface will not only interact better with well-oiled lanes but also impact the pins at a lower sweet spot. Resin balls take most of these advantages and allow for greater success with each, especially with regard to hook and strike zone. So now that you've got some buying tips to work with, take a look at our list of the best bowling balls of 2022 below— each one is chosen based upon the following criteria: core materials, coverstock materials, power, weight availability, and overall performance.
    April 03, 2014
  • Swinging a baseball bat is surprisingly taxing on the hands: Especially among new hitters and wood bat swingers that have not yet developed the upper-palm callouses that naturally occur through repetitious batting practice. As a result, swinging could cause painful blisters to emerge that could force the hitter to miss some time to heal. The idea of the batting glove is to prevent these hand injuries that occur from excessive batting practice.Over the years, the standard batting glove has evolved to meet the demands of the competitive hitter. Increased grip, innovative straps and varying thickness are all varying styles of batting gloves that cater to a specific market niche.As an self dubbed expert rater, I will be assessing and ranking the best batting gloves with the following characteristics in mind. Comfort, durability, protection, and grip will serve as the primary assessment criteria. Exclusive advantageous traits will also factor in the decision. Ultimately, price point will break any quality rating ties. Checkout our top picks for best baseball batting gloves in 2022.
    March 25, 2014
  • A great pitching machine will help you become a better hitter by helping to improve your bat speed and coordination through repetition. There are many different types of machines available, including machines that throw real baseballs, practice balls, whiffle balls. Some machines can be adjusted for defensive drills, while others can throw a variety of pitches - fastballs, curveballs, and sliders, among other pitches, reaching speeds as high as 100 MPH. Most pitching machines use regular AC power (you plug it in), and many also come with a battery pack for easy portability and use. The criteria for a high-quality baseball pitching machine will be determined based on its ability to improve your skills as a baseball player. The effectiveness of the machine's primary purpose (pitching) will be assessed. Under this criterion, pitching velocity, and versatility of pitch ability will be assessed. Second, overall machine versatility will be taken into account. Third, ease of practical use will factor into the decision. Finally, the price of the product will break any ties associated with quality.
    March 24, 2014
  • To some a free standing pull up bar may seem a little frivolous but the truth is there are many legitimate reasons for this type of equipment. Many of these bars are portable so they are perfect for outdoor workouts. There is also the issue of not having a solid surface to attach a stationary bar to. While there are not a lot of differences between free standing pull up bars it is the little details that make the big difference. These bars made the list because of their solid construction, industry reputation, and individual features that set them apart from other bars on the market.
    March 21, 2014
  • Camping chairs are handy little pieces of equipment that lend comfort, support, and convenience to an outdoor experience. They are more comfortable to sit on than rocks and logs, softer to lean against than a tree or slab of granite, and many offer handy little perks such as cup holders, pockets, and even lumbar support. When deciding on which chair is best for you, it is a good idea to prioritize comfort and quality to avoid having to purchase a new chair too soon after making your original purchase. This list does just that and explores some of the best camping chair options based on comfort, quality, and convenience. The choices on this list offer varying degrees of amenities and portability.For more information on what to look at in selecting the best camping chair in 2022, We have listed below the best garden chair available for you to help you decide what product is best to buy.
    February 21, 2014
  • A good camping cot can add many favorable bonuses to your camping experience: elevation from rough or uneven ground, increased comfort more akin to your sleeping experience at home, and durability without the hassles that may result from using an air mattress such as deflation in cold weather or holes that require patching. When deciding on the best camping cot in 2022 for your individual needs, be sure to consider size (to ensure it fits inside your tent) as well as capacity, packability, ease of setup, and overall quality. This list took all of these factors into consideration and also gave special attention to consumer reviews.
    February 19, 2014
  • Bodyboarding is a challenging and enjoyable sport that gives you the excitement of surfing without having to stand up. Whether you are enjoying the day at the beach while on vacation or looking to advance your skills to the next level, the type of bodyboard you will want will depend on your skill and budget. Bodyboards are made from a number of different materials and come in a wide range of designs. You will want to find a bodyboard that is lightweight, budget-friendly, and the right size. Prices will vary greatly, and that can make buying the perfect one a challenge. The best bodyboards in 2022 on this list were chosen because they are fast and easy to maneuver, are made from durable and buoyant materials, and suit a variety of budgets.
    January 17, 2014