Peter Suciu | Evolving Consumer

Get a Grip

Having a good grip on a firearm is not only better for comfort, but also safer. With older, and more favored firearms this can be an issue as owners might not want to make cosmetic changes, or risk damage. But now gun owners can get a grip, as in the Tuff 1 Grip Covers, which are made of highly-elastic and robust rubberized material imprinted with a variety of unique patterns that provide just the right amount of hand grip traction.

The Tuff 1 grip Covers can easily be fitted to revolvers, semi-auto handguns, molded grips and even AR and AK rifles and shotguns. These come in a one size fits all, and are made of a proprietary formulated rubberized material that has incredible stretch (up to 200 percent) and shape retention and will not alter the shape of the firearm’s grips. The grips also will help reduce recoil as well. They roll on like a pair of socks, and roll off the same.

The grips further provide a bit of individuality too, featuring multiple surface patterns, including boa snake, double cross and a skull and cross; and are available in black, olive drab, desert tan even hot pink. These are made in the U.S.A., and have a limited lifetime warranty. Not bad for $14.95. So now you just need to get a grip.

Tuff1Grips Official Website

GoPro HERO HD Covers Up

Super heroes tend to put on a “disguise” if you will, a cap, a mask or some other sort of cover to hide their identity, and in some cases even provide a little protection. Now another HERO is getting the covered up treatment, and this time it’s in HD. The GoPro HERO HD, which is that camera that can mount to a helmet or handle bar and capture those moments of triumphs (and hoping no one’s final moments trying something truly dare devil worthy), now has the new Hooded Silicone Cover that protects the housing from scratches and impacts, but also helps with battery life in cold conditions.

The cover, which is available in a variety of bright colors, can stretch over HERO HD, while leaving the lens and LCD screen unobstructed. It is available now for $29.99 with opening for LCD screen; or $19.99 for those without the LCD option. Continue reading GoPro HERO HD Covers Up

Is Plywood the Next Big Bicycle Material?

This year we’ve seen bikes that have simulated wood grain and even bikes made of bamboo in a variety of form factors. Now words comes that a couple of manufacturers are working with plywood, a very odd choice for frame building at first thought, but isn’t plywood technically a composite material?

Well, it isn’t carbon fiber but plywood has advantages in that it is strong, can be made into shapes that typical wood boards can’t, and it has a springiness as well. Polish designer Stanislaw Poloski has created a one-of-a-kind bike called the Bonobo, which is made of curved, laminated layers of plywood. The bike, which weighs about 16 kilograms, is fitted with a single-speed drivetrain and disc brakes. Continue reading Is Plywood the Next Big Bicycle Material?

On the Green With Robotic Putter Helper

In the future there could be robotic caddies that help golfers choose the right clubs, keep track of important data and eventually take over the world – if not at least the golf course (yes, I worry a lot about robots taking over the world). Now however, there is a new robotic device that will potentially aid golfers on the greens. Katherine Kuchenbecker at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia is leading the way with a new project that could help players improve their putt.

To achieve this goal, the team devised a 1.5-meter long training frame with a practice hole. Players take aim and practice with a wired putter that measures the swing and actually corrects deviation to the swing, encouraging better form. The wires actually pull the club, and the golfer can feel the forces, which in turn force him/her to swing correctly. It certainly has promised to get golfers not only in the swing of things, but to get into a better swing in the process.

[Via NewScientist.com: Wire robot yanks your golf game into shape]

FX Offers New Way to Trek by Bike

There are bikes that are ideal for off-road adventures, and bikes that will get you going fast on the road. For everyone else Trek Bicycles has revamped its line of bestselling fitness riding-targeted FX bikes. These are aimed at commuters as well as modern fitness riders, and are built around the concept of the “the fastest way to fit.”

The team behind the FX line looked at the needs of urban commuters and causal suburban riders alike and assessed what was needed for those who don’t always tone Lycra yet mostly stick to the road. The result is a bike that borrows from Trek’s road heritage and technology, combined with an emphasis on comfort and all around practicality. The FX line features road bike compact double cranks, and a tapered E2 headtube on key models to provide lively ride quality while the refined rack and rim lock mounts make the bike even more practical for city and suburban riding. Continue reading FX Offers New Way to Trek by Bike

DeLorme to Introduce Award-Winning inReach Two-Way Satellite Communicator

If a product wins a Best of Show honor for a product that isn’t even out yet you know it is probably something special. DeLorme, maker of GPS and satellite communication technologies has been honored with an Outside Magazine Gear of the Show award and GearJunkie.com Best of Show award for the new inReach two-way satellite communicator.

From the early reports this device is the next best thing to Captain Kirk’s communicator and it utilizes a number of unique advantages compared to other satellite communicators. This device relies on the market-leading Iridium satellite network, so inReach can deliver two-way text messaging with full-pole-to-pole global coverage and message delivery confirmation. It also provides remote tracking.

When paired with either an Android smartphone or a DeLorme Earthmate PN-60w handheld GPS, the inReach lets users send and receive 160-character messages to and from family and friends. Messages can also be posted to Facebook and Twitter. In case of emergency, inReach users can send messages describing their situation so that responders can come prepared. Continue reading DeLorme to Introduce Award-Winning inReach Two-Way Satellite Communicator

Terminus Bike Could be Terminal to the Bank Account

Having spent time in the factories “where dreams are made” – namely the Colnago factory in Italy – I’ve seen some expensive bikes. This reporter can also say that he’s seen some beautiful bikes. The M55 Terminus is certainly the former if not exactly the latter.

It isn’t just the name that evokes the metal interior of the Terminator either, and in all honesty this is probably what a T-80 in the guise of Arnuld would ride if the Terminator went mountain biking. Fortunately for us – and bad for Sarah Connor – the Terminator’s activities are limited (“He’ll find her! That’s what he does! That’s ALL he does!). This $35,000 bike is also heavy enough (heavy duty enough too), at 65 pounds to support a cyborg. And it is actually built like one too. The CNC-milled aluminum frame includes an electric motor powered by lithium-ion cells that give it a range of 62-miles – a bit limited we think were it to be used to actually hunt Ms. Connor.

Other advanced features aren’t exactly space age but they still impress, and include Syncros 26-inch rims, MXR air shocks at the rear, Fohloff twist gear shifters and Formula One braking technology. The good news for anyone worried about this machine potentially being used by our robot masters is that it will be limited to five very limited runs of 55 piece each.

The bike isn’t the product of the machines, but is coming a Hungarian developer, who has been financed by private investors and a $400, 000 grant from the New Hungary Development Plan. Isn’t that always how these sinister plans begin? But at $35,000 who besides a mad scientist or Terminator from the future (who could predict the stock market and bet on football) could possibly afford one!

M55 Terminus Official Website
[Via Wired: Hit the Hills and Highways on Hungary’s $35,00 Hybrid Hyberbike]

New “Impact Indicator” Being Added to Football Helmets for 2011 Season

Football season officially kicks off in a few weeks, and players in the United States and Canada will be taking to the field with the Impact Indicator as part of this season’s newest additions to the protective equipment. Fittingly it was developed by Battle Sports Science USA, as a way to measure the G-force and duration of hits (impact) sustained by an athlete’s head during play or activity in sports. It uses highly sophisticated technology and proprietary software, embedded in a helmet chinstrap, to signal the possibility of a head injury. This revolutionary new product will alert parents, referees, players and coaches to get a player off the ice or field for a medical assessment – maximizing treatment, recovery and possibly preventing subsequent brain injury.

In addition to making its way to the gridiron the Impact Indicator is being introduced as a safety device for use in the sports of hockey as well. Now players can keep their head in the game and protect it too!

Battle Sports Science USA Official Website

USA Pro Cycling Challenge: Strider World Cup Answers the Challenge

While the riders are probably too young to handle the climbs, not to mention the descents, of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, they’ll get their chance to make the podium as part of the Strider World Cup. Toddlers, age two to five, will take to the track at the Downtown Denver Finish Festival on August 28.

Every rider will receive a Team Strider t-shirt, Strider handlebar bag/number plate and souvenir cowbell, and every racer will earn a medal for participation, while the top-three finishers in each age group will be awarded trophies during the podium ceremony. Riders will race on the Strider No-Pedal Bikes, which can help toddlers age one to five learn balance and coordination.

Pre-registration is required, and limited to 200 racers. Entry fee is $25, but the chances of a podium finish… priceless. Just ask Cadel Evans!

(Video after the jump) Continue reading USA Pro Cycling Challenge: Strider World Cup Answers the Challenge

Transforming Laptop – More Than Meets the Eyes

The popularity of “Transformers” is a mystery to me, as I don’t exactly get why a robot would want to “transform” into the shape of a car or airplane. What’s wrong with being a robot? But when it comes to computers, transformers make a lot more sense.

GammaTech proves this fact with its newest mobile, rugged and convertible Durabook, the U12C. This computer is both regular laptop with a full-sized keyboard and is a tablet computer with LCD touch screen. It is ideal for on-the-go field technicians, mobile professionals, journalists who don’t work in a press room and just about anyone who needs to take their computer on the go.

“U12C is designed so it can be easily used in the most demanding professional environments,” says Jen Chen, GammaTech president. “Mobile professionals should have access to fully featured, convertible notebook computers that are rugged enough to stand up to grueling conditions. The GammaTech U12C has answered the call for dependability in mission critical situations.” Continue reading Transforming Laptop – More Than Meets the Eyes

Not so Trashy Swimsuits

We live in a disposable society, no doubt about it. Last year’s fashions end up piling up until they’re donated or thrown away. But what if you could send your swimsuit to the composite pile?

That’s the idea behind designer Linda Loudermilk’s new design, which made its debut at the Haute Natured sustainable-swimwear show during Fashion Week in Miami recently. While the show featured swim attire from several designers, reportedly being made from recycled plastic bottles, wood pulp and even parachutes (how 1980s sounding), Loudermilk’s design is made from plant starch, so it will biodegrade.

The suits reportedly can break down in about 180 days when buried underground, so it should be fine for a season in the sun and pool. It gives a whole new meaning to trashy swimsuit.

[Via Cnet: Compostable swimsuits make a splash in Miami]

Multiuse Headlight

As summer comes to an end dusk comes a little earlier. This means night time riding is picking up as well, and here is where a little illumination can ensure that you get home safely. River Rocks Designs has introduced a new affordable wearable light for cycling, hiking or even for spelunker helmets.

The TecTrek Headlamp is hands free and compact. It features a weather proof O-ring polycarbonate casing, with a l125 lumen LED light that is ideal for dark inside and outdoor activities. The light features multiple color modes – including red for night vision retention or emergency use, blue for fluid tracking, and green for night map reading. The red can also be switched to repeat to be used as single light.

The headlamp also allows for an adjustable focus, from long range to wide field soft light, and can be dimmed when the brightest light isn’t needed. It can run on full power white light for more than four hours, or low setting for over 20 hours, and green for greater than 100 hours! About the only downside is that it runs on AAA alkaline batteries, but at $34.99 it still sounds like a great deal and a good way to shed some light on your nighttime activities.

River Rock Designs, Inc. Official Website

Tip a Canoe – Make that Fold a Canoe

There are two words that don’t seem to sound right together, and those are “folding canoes,” but yes they exist. In fact they aren’t really all that new. There are many fitness devices that fold up, but then again most don’t have to float. And yet, canoes can do both. The problem is that most don’t pack up to be all that small or light weight. They’re only really portable in the sense that they actually fit in the car or truck.

But an Israeli designer has created a canoe that folds up to be compact enough to take on the go, and weighs in at just nine pounds! And it floats too – that latter point being the really important one of coure. Designer Ori Levin is the creator of the Adhoc, a single-passenger canoe that features a carbon fiber frame and outer hull made of aramid fabric, the same material used in racing sails.

As the video below shows, setup is easy as custom-made locking mechanisms hold the framework together. The whole thing can be stashed away in a backpack and still assembled in about five minutes. So far this is still a very much still in the concept stage rather than being commercial available.

So now you can tip a canoe or fold one too.

[Via DesignBoom: ori levin: adhoc folding canoe]

Video after the jump Continue reading Tip a Canoe – Make that Fold a Canoe