Equipment | Evolving Consumer

Under Armour Puts It Technology Where the Mouth Is

Fitness can get you in great shape, but some sports can also be downright bad for the mouth. Contact sports and other activities can result in teeth getting a different kind of extreme workout, one that is can be painful and costly. But Under Armour, the maker of protective attire, puts it technology where the mouth is with its Performance Mouthwear.

This includes the ArmourBite patented mouthwear technology that was developed by Bite Tech, Inc. And the Performance Mouthwear is essentially a new category of sport equipment that allows athletes in any sport to protect their teeth. There are also two models – the Performance Mouthpiece for non-contact sports such as mountain biking and even tennis, and the Performance Mouthguard for contact sports including football, lacrosse, martial arts and wrestling. Now you can get in shape, give it your best and protect those pearly whites!

Under Armour Official Website

Hydromax – The End of the Water Boy?

We may soon mark the end of the end of the era in football. Over the years there have been many changes to the game, the introduction of helmets and pads, the change of the grid field and even rules in scoring. But soon, the once proud water boy maybe out of a job thanks to a new wearable water supply system.

In truth, this could actually solve an increasingly worrisome problem. Dehydration remains an issue for many players, especially in southern states and on those sunny and warm fall days. The Hydromax system could just be the key to keeping athletes hydrated for those times when water remains on the sidelines – so close and yet so very far away. Continue reading Hydromax – The End of the Water Boy?

Get a Grip – a Tater Grip

This season has seen the “power” of baseball bats greatly reduced, at least in college, high school and little league as new regulations on bat size have taken affect. But one area that is still seeing forward development is in the “grips” – or more accurately the Tater Grip, which are now available nationwide at retail.

Tater Grip’s new patented, proprietary technology, ultimately a slide and shrink-to-fit installation system, allows ball players to custom design a bat handle label which is then visible through the slide-on, clear rubber grip.

Tater Grip comes packaged air-tight in a proprietary solvent which expands up to three times its normal size when exposed. When the grip is removed from the package simply slide the grip over the bat knob, and within a couple of hours, it forms and shrinks to the bat handle’s size.

(Video after the jump)

Continue reading Get a Grip – a Tater Grip

Miura Golf Introduces Old-World-Quality Craftsmanship With New Line of Forged Irons

We like to report on the latest innovation and new technology, but sometimes the “old” way is still better. Miura Golf shows this in its video highlighting its Passing Point 9003 forged irons.

Creator Mr. Miura and his sons Yoskitaka and Shinei think of their forged clubs as “active machines” says Adam Barr, president of Miura Golf. As the video shows there is art mixed with the forging process in how the clubs are crafted.

Miura Golf Official Website

Biodegradable Golf Balls Made From Lobster

Here is an interesting solution that could solve two problems. First, what do you do with all those lobster shells that must pile up at various seafood restaurants – at least the higher end versions that serve real lobster? Second, driving golf balls into the ocean probably isn’t that good of an idea – there was that Seinfeld episode that explained why.

So how about golf balls made of lobster shells? In a word, brilliant!

That’s exactly the result that a team from the University of Maine – a place likely known for its lobster – has come up, golf balls made from the shells of last night’s supper. Chemical Engineering Professor David Neivandt and undergrad Alex Caddell, working with The Lobster Insititute, created the biodegradable balls, which are made from crushed waste shells, a binder and coating. Continue reading Biodegradable Golf Balls Made From Lobster

Shift Into Gear With Hydraulics

Hydraulics have long been used in heavy industry, but in bikes the technology has been limited to braking. Now the technology could put you in high-gear – or really any gear at all. German component-maker Acros recently unveiled it’s AG-E hydradulic shifting system at the Sea Otter Mountain Biking Trade Show in Monterey.

This technology is used for both the front and rear shifters and works with a single push-activated thumb paddle. Sealed hoses carrying mineral oil run from the cylinder to the respective derailleur. According to reports the system will work with 8-, 9- and 10-speed cassettes. The company notes that this should cause less friction and that the oil can’t stretch over time – meaning that adjustments and tweaks shouldn’t be necessary.

The catch is that if air should get in the lines the system won’t be user-serviceable. The other downside is that while the system is said to weigh far less than the Shimano XTR or SRAM XX, it is also far from light on the bank account. The system will cost a reported $2,320!

[Via BikeRadar.com: Sea Otter 2011: Acros bring hydraulic shifting to market]

American Military Looks at More Padding in Helmets

ast week FoxNews.com noted that the researchers at the Lawrence Livermore National Labs have been testing the current issue helmet, the MICH, which is used by the U.S. military. It was noted that just a quarter-inch, or even an eighth of an inch of additional padding would helmet greatly reduce the force to the skull when there is an impact to the helmet. The findings suggest this could be as great as a 24-percent reduction.

The researchers also looked to the helmets used by professional football players, as concussions are a big concern amongst the players. It was noted that a thicker foam system is used by the NFL players’ helmets than the spongier pads used in combat helmets, and that the NFL’s helmet padding worked better. Continue reading American Military Looks at More Padding in Helmets

Geigerrig Hydration Packs Win Outdoor Retailer Award

Spring is finally here, but for Geigerrig, winter went out in a big way. The company, which is maker of hydration packs and hydration systems, won the best new product award at the 2011 Winter Outdoor Retailer Show, and was selected as “Editor’s Choice” from Adventure World Magazine:

“These are the best hydration bladders on the market. They have plenty of well deserved awards to prove it. The bladders are actually called engines because, while they look similar to a regular bladder, they actually spray water. Just pinch the bite valve with your teeth or fingers and the water sprays right out so that you can keep the oxygen flowing into your lungs while you drink. You pump up a separate chamber in the engine to pressurize it with a ball similar to that of a blood pressure cuff which is stowed in a pouch on the shoulder strap of your pack.”

These packs are noted for their pressure pumps that mean users aren’t sucking water out of a tube. All you have to do is bite or pinch down and the water will flow. The result is that because water flows, users tend to drink more often. And staying hydrated is the key.

There is even a video of how easy this system is to use (video after the jump) Continue reading Geigerrig Hydration Packs Win Outdoor Retailer Award

AmpliVox Sound Systems to Come Through Loud and Clear for YMCA

This week AmpliVox Sound Systems announced that as part of its “Speak Up America!” public service initiative, the company would support the North Suburban YMCA of Northbrook, Illinois. As part of this commitment, AmpliVox will donate $15 to the NSYMCA for every megaphone sold between now and December 31, 2011.

We hear them loud and clear and AmpliVox CEO Don Roth noted, “We support the wide range of community services provided by the Y. AmpliVox is speaking up for all the teachers, community members and volunteers who encourage and inspire kids at the Y every day. This is a grassroots effort to support the Y’s work in the community.”

The “Speak Up America!” donation will help go towards the Y’s Strong Kids scholarship fund that enables financially disadvantaged families to participate in Y programs. Kudos to AmpliVox for speaking out and helping with this cause.

North Suburban YMCA Official Website
AmpliVox Sound System Official Website

HeathQuest On Station

There is no denying that kids today need to get out and get a little more active. And maybe putting them through some workout stations will be just the thing to get them on the path to better fitness. BCI Burke have announced a new initiative with its HealthQuest Fitness Stations.

Designed for ages 13 and up, HealthQuest Fitness Stations provide the tools and information needed to complete a total body workout for beginner, intermediate and advanced users. Each individual can work at their own pace and intensity, modifying the suggested exercises, circuits and workouts to suit their own needs.

These stations combine the advanced science of total body workout and conditioning technology with good old-fashioned playground fun. Each of the HealthQuest Fitness Stations includes four circuits addressing the elements of a whole body workout from start to finish. Separate workout stations address upper body, stretching and balance, core strength and cardiovascular exercises. Continue reading HeathQuest On Station

Polar Helps Users Determine their BodyAge

Many runners, cyclists and other top athletes swear by their heart rate monitor, and now Polar, one of the leaders in heart rate monitoring and fitness assessment technology, has introduced an integrated solution that will help users of all levels reach their fitness goals.

This is the BodyAge 5 software that is now available at health and fitness clubs nationwide. It analyzes a full range of health and fitness indicators, providing club members with a clear picture of their physical body age in comparison to their chronological age and overall fitness.

Users of the BodyAge 5 software are provided a questionnaire that evaluates the club member’s current physical activity level and medical history. In addition a series of tests that determine their cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, flexibility and body composition. Based on this information, the software creates a personalized fitness report, a customized cardio and strength training program and a health risk appraisal – giving them the tools they need – such as nutrition and prevention tips to reduce the risk of heart disease, stress and diabetes among other health-related issues. Continue reading Polar Helps Users Determine their BodyAge

Hex Jumps on Sport Watch Band Wagon

Hex, the designer and manufacturer of technology fashion accessories, has gotten on the sports watch band wagon, with it new Sports Watch Band. Set to be available later this month, the band will be compatible with Nike+ and offer fitness enthusiasts a simple solution for listening to music, whilst tracking their workouts. Each HEX Sport Watch Band features an easy pop-in, pop-out design that holds user’s iPod nano Gen 6 for a quick music playing option during workout sessions at the gym or outdoors.

This watch combines fashion and function, offering a breathable and vented band, with five bright colors to chose from including green, blue, red, black and white. Continue reading Hex Jumps on Sport Watch Band Wagon

Acura In the Bike Race With BMC Racing Team

Automaker Acura has announced that it is now the official North American vehicle sponsor of the BMC Racing Team, and will provide the team with a fleet of specially-equipped TSX Sport Wagons for use as the team cars at all North American races.

This is something we don’t think about, but it is part of the business of professional racing, and the cars are extremely important for the teams. During races, each modified TSX Sport Wagon will serve as a rolling command center, repair shop, hospital and cafeteria to support BMC Racing Team riders as they compete in grueling multi-day events through some of the most spectacular cycling terrain in North America.

“The BMC Racing Team is one of the top teams in professional cycling,” said Steve Center, vice president of national marketing operations for Acura. “Their aggressive approach and commitment to the best technology and constant improvement make them a perfect match with the Acura brand.”

The BMC Racing Team Acura TSX Sport Wagons will debut at the week-long 2011 Amgen Tour of California, starting May 15 in South Lake Tahoe, CA.

Acura Official Website

BMC Racing Team Official Website