Essential Gear Guide » Competitor

FitFlops – workout while you walk

craig — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:52:33 +0000

If they don’t fit, they’re just flops.

FitFlops, aren’t just another pair of cheap flipflops, in fact they hug your feet so uniquely that they don’t even really flop; which is nice in and of itself. The real reason FitFlops are a step above the rest is the patent-pending micro-wobbleboard^TM technology incorporated into the midsoles. Developed by Darren James and Dr. David Cook at LSBU the multi-density midsole mildly challenges the balance muscles of the foot and leg to inconspicuously strengthen your step while you walk; initial investigation has even shown increased muscle response to gluts, hamstrings, thighs and calves.

*Just be sure to get the correct size, we wouldn’t want them to not Fit.

Every step you take in your FitFlops helps tone and trim your legs:
Studies at Salford University by Dr. Philip Graham-Smith and Richard Jones have shown that the FitFlop midsole extends the amount of time that the slow twitch* muscles are engaged during each step (by approximately 10-12%). So just by wearing a pair of FitFlops you’ll get more exercise while doing just exactly what you’re normally doing. (*slow twitch muscles produce energy by converting fats into energy aerobically)
FitFlops work your bum muscles more. FitFlops have been proven to increase the amount of time that the gluteus maximus muscle is ‘activated’ during every single step.
FitFlops have been shown to have a significant effect on the toning muscles of your thighs: The rectus femoris muscle (one of the large muscles in the group of muscles in your thigh) is activated for a longer period of time while walking in FitFlops than while normally shod or barefoot .
Walking in FitFlops is like walking barefoot, but a little bit better. According to a study done at the University of Salford in Manchester, UK, the FitFlop wearer’s gait is very similar to that of a barefoot walker, but the added cushion provided by the EVA midsole helps reduce joint strain and absorb shock. In fact, several FitFlop wearers have already reported relief from back pain after a few days of wearing them.
FitFlops make it easier to stay in shape. Just throw them on while you’re running errands, walking to work, or working around your house. Most first-time FitFlop wearers report feeling their muscles working more, while ‘fitter’ wearers feedback has been more toward great comfort and cushion. One woman reported feeling like she’d had a ‘bum-blasting’ workout after a half an hour of FitFlop-shod walking.

Digital Camera Swim Mask

craig — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 18:00:10 +0000

[Get It $99]

The sneaky way to snap photos of women in their bikini’s.

The Digital Camera Swim Mask from Liquid Image is the worlds only swim mask with an integrated waterproof digital camera. Don’t mess around with handheld underwater cameras that you have to carry as you swim. The 5 MegaPixle swim mask camera is able to operate in depths up to 15 feet, perfect for snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef or the subterranean lake of fire.

Easily line up your photo with the crosshairs etched into the tempered glass eye pieces. Press the shutter button to capture and store up to 30 high-resolution pictures (2560 x 1920) or up to 52 seconds of video with the built-in 16 MB memory. You may also choose to expand the memory with a microSD card. An LED inside the mask indicates whether you are in still picture or video mode.
When your underwater adventure is over simply connect the included USB cable from the mask to your Mac or PC and allow the images to download. The included software allows you to edit your content.

*Requires two AAA batteries. Ages 8 and up.

Smarty Pants- don’t get your panties in a bunch

admin — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 20:00:51 +0000

[Get It $22]

If you’re an active woman, you need to get yourself a pair of smarty pants; unless you’re stupid.

Smarty Pants women’s underwear is designed to conquer the problems associated with conventional underwear*, which bunches and uncomfortably rides between your legs. Smarty Pants are lightweight, non-binding and anti-microbial, which is great because my last pair of undies were pro-microbial which caused a major rift with my Republican husband.
You’re going to love your new Smarty Pants, and if you wear them by themselves, so are all the men with a healthy set of eyeballs.

* Sorry, will not defend against or deter aggressive hairy men from hitting on you at the gym.

Flat lock stitching provides a durable, non-bulky fit while the breathable gusset is double layered. The extra stretchy fabric wicks away any moisture to keep you dry and comfortable regardless of the elements (save the rain). As previously mentioned, the specialized fabric resists odor, bacteria, fungus and mildew; too bad they didn’t make men out of this stuff!

Skin-friendly, super-stretchy knit moves with you, not up on you
Perfectly invisible; cut to hide below pants, shorts and jeans
Breathable, odor resistant fabric helps you stay fresh all day
Unique moisture wicking fabric keeps you dry, cool and comfortable
Narrow waistband wonâ

VICTORY RED Split Cavity Irons- reserved for the best

admin — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 20:59:31 +0000

[Get It $900]

Besides being absolutely beautiful, the newest line of irons from the most winning brand of iron on the PGA TOUR (Nike of course), are also the best set of clubs I’ve ever used- really, they are. If you prefer a compact blade but need a little forgiveness on those off center hits, you’re going to crap your pants with excitement when you try the new Victory Red Irons from Nike. Tiger Woods himself worked directly with the development team to create these tour caliber clubs, they couldn’t be more perfect if they were forged in the fires of Mordor by Sauron himself.

More offset than the Victory Red TW Blades but less than the VR Full Cavity and with a slightly wider sole and thicker topline, the Nike Victory Red Split Cavity Irons still look and feel like traditional blades. The cavity also provides a higher trajectory with blade-like loft and lie. The center of gravity was positioned to Tiger’s specs so that you can practice to match the best in the business. With all the specs aside, these irons just feel good. Professional grade yet still ultra-forgiving; you just can’t find that anywhere else.

Split Cavity Back Design:
The split back design keeps weight behind the sweet spot of the club head for ball control while providing forgiveness.
Versatile Sole Design:
The cambered sole allows for greater playability from varied lies to ensure precise face contact shot after shot.
1025 Forged Carbon Steel: Precision forged and machined to precise tolerances for unsurpassed feel. The material of choice for accomplished players.
CNC Milled Face:
CNC milled flat face ensures uniform ball compression for consistent ball flight.
Victory Red Grip by Eaton Grips:
Designed for maximum grip on the top half, and fantastic feel on the bottom, these grips will give you control and power shot after shot.

SWISS BIKE XO 27-Speed Folding Mountain Bike

admin — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 21:31:45 +0000

[Get It $2,300]

The Montague XO Swiss Military ™ Mountain Bike is a smooth riding hard tail that can easily be taken anywhere. In 1997, Montague won a grant from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to design a high performance tactical mountain bike that could be deployed with a fully equipped soldier via parachute and be completely operational in a matter of seconds; the result was the X-Series. The civilian version weights less than 30lbs and folds to store safely in a closet, vehicle or travel bag.

Montague Corporation started in 1987 when David Montague, a graduate student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), developed a business plan around a patent for a full size, folding bike.

The SwissBike XO uses all standard Mountain Bike wheels and components serviceable at any bike shop, and comes equipped with a hand welded custom drawn aluminium frame, Sram^® X-0 Trigger Shifters, hydraulic front disc brake and Rockshox^® Recon front fork.

ADVANTAGES

Full-size bike for cruising city streets and mountain trails with 26″ standard wheels.
Folds to 36″ x 28″ x 12″ in under thirty seconds without the use of tools.
Compact size allows for convenient storage in a car trunk, boat, closet, or private plane.
Limited lifetime warranty on frame.
27-Speed with front suspension fork and disc brake.
Equipped with industry standard wheels and components serviceable at any bike shop.
Patented technology not available from any other company.
The portable nature of the bicycle allows it to be taken anywhere.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Montague Folding Integrated Technology (F.I.T.™): Our patented seat tube folding system preserves the structural integrity and inherent strength of traditional bicycle geometry. Unlike all other folding bikes, there are no wobbly hinges and no structural tubes cut in half.
Quick Releases: No tools are needed to fold and unfold the X-Series™ Bike. Just open one quick release lever on the top tube and remove the front wheel. Folds in under thirty seconds without tools.
Safety Lock: Recessed drop out for quick release prevents frame from folding even with quick release not tightened.
New CLIX™ Wheel Release System: Patented pending wheel release system that allows for easy wheel removal with only one hand.

Dyna-Flex- this thing is awesome!

admin — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:00:26 +0000

The Dyna-Flex made by Dyna-Flex International, is a small gyro used to strengthen your hands and arms. You simply spin the wheel inside the plastic casing and rotate the internal gyro. The force generated through angular momentum is held steady by the muscles of your arm, forearm, wrist, or fingers depending on how you hold and maneuver the device.

If you’re worried that the Dyna-Flex is a gimmick, don’t be. It’s not. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better exercise for your arms. If you rock climb, this is a must have. The Dyna-Flex is also beneficial for rehabilitation. Take a look at the video for starting instructions, tips, and assorted exercises.

Various models of the Dyna-Flex are available.

The Powerball Gyro Blue (shown to the right) generates 40lbs of torque with speeds up to 18,000 RPM, while the Powerball Gyro Amber (shown above) generates 35lbs of torque with speeds up to 13,000 RPMs; although I’ve maxed out at 12,171 RPMs.

There’s also a couple of Dyna-flex Pro Models that generate lesser amounts of force. When you get the Dyna-flex, you might also want the convenient docking station that starts the gyro spinning with the push of a button. I would also recommend the speed meter which measures the speed, rpm, highest rpm, and revolutions of the gyro. Have a fun workout!

[Get It $43]

I love this thing so much that I want it to have my babies.

ASICS NIMBUS 10- it’s one step above cloud 9

admin — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 23:34:18 +0000

[Get It $120]

After two months of running three plus miles per day, the Nimbus 10 running shoes from Asics aren’t showing any signs of wear; I on the other hand am.

Despite the name, the GEL-Nimbus® 10’s aren’t meant for running on clouds, otherwise they’d be waterproof. They are however, meant for running on solid ground, which is where I prefer to run anyway. With about 300 miles under the soles, the functional stability of these sneaks are as sound as the first day I put them on. This isn’t hard to believe considering the 10 layers of comfort and performance that go into these kicks. If you’re a runner and you haven’t tried a pair of Asics, then you owe it to your feet to make the change. Yes, everyone’s feet are different, so before you get the GEL-Nimbus® 10’s, make sure you know your foot size and width…it does matter.

With a Division 1 Track and Field career comes a unique knowledge of running shoes, unfortunately it only comes after a slew of complications from not choosing the correct sneaker. The Nimbus 10 running shoe from Asics bridges the gap between providing rigidity for the high arch with comfort and support.

You’ll find the GEL-Nimbus sneakers to have a firmer heel and a series of firm gel midsoles to counter over-pronation. This combination also gives support to the arches during supination while providing outstanding support and motion control. The Biomorphic fit technology of the upper meshing allows for a loose feel environment; so even with all this control, your foot won’t feel like it’s buckled down in a straight jacket.

IMPACT GUIDANCE SYSTEM (I.G.S.®)-Linked componentry that enhances the foot’s natural gait from heel strike to toe-off

SOLYTE® MIDSOLE MATERIAL-Lighter than ASICS’ standard EVA and SpEVA®, combined with improved cushioning and durability

SPACE TRUSSTIC SYSTEM®- An advanced system that creates a pocket between the Trusstic System® device and the midsole, allowing for greater midsole deformation and more efficient foot function

BIOMORPHIC FIT-Provides a superior fit and function

ASYMMETRICAL LACING DESIGN-Enhances upper fit and comfort while minimizing the potential for irritation

2E Width: 7-14,15,16 (color 0141 only)

4E Width: 7-14,15,16 (color 0141 only)

Weight: 12.4 oz.

Dead Body Towel- appropriate for any body

admin — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 19:00:30 +0000

[Get It $8]

Could there be a more romantic beach towel?

The Dead Body Towel brought to us by Jumpin Banana is a plush 100% cotton beach towel perfect for the pool, ocean, or scene of the crime.
If you appreciate unique products and dark humor, you’ll want to get yourself this personal beach blanket.

* for use before and after death

Unlike some beach towels, one side is composed of a thick course cotton with strong absorption properties for cleaning up blood or keeping you dry, while the reverse side is a fine woven velvety texture for keeping you comfy while you sun bath.

Measures 30″ x 60″

HOME PLATE DOORMAT- there’s no plate like home

admin — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:00:07 +0000

[Get It $25]

House in the nice part of town: $350,000

Top of the line security system: $3,600

Being safe every time you get home: Priceless.

Depending on where you live, you might not always be safe, but one thing’s for sure, every time you leave you’ll be OUT!

This 100% hand-woven coconut fiber home plate doormat not only puts a smile on the baseball fans face every time he gets home, it puts 14 cents a day in some underprivileged 8 year-olds pocket after a long day of work.
I’ve always wondered, is home plate called such because it looks like a retarded kids rendition of an upside down house? And if so, shouldn’t it be called HOWE Plate?… give it a second, you’ll get it.

The durable coir bristles absorb moisture and catches dirt, while the hidden trap door below the Matt captures Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and girl scouts.
This doormat from Bungalow (part of Park Designs) is 24″ square (if it were square, which it’s not, so you’ll have to pretend).

Laser Guided Pool Cue

admin — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:00:52 +0000

[Get It $130]

The laser guided pool cue by CueSight Technologies is awesome for burning out the retinas of your billiard opponents; it also comes in handy when lining up your shot. CueSight’s laser design is unique in that the laser extends outward displaying an axial plane, so you can align the center of the cue ball and respective billiard ball at the same time; it’s not just a red dot that would be utterly useless without a transparent cue ball. Don’t expect the laser cue to take shots for you, it’s not a robot, you still have to possess some skill and maybe a preschoolers understanding of geometry.

I would recommend applying the chalk with the tip down to avoid plugging the laser. The best part of the CueSight is that it’s an all around awesome cue stick. Even though everything’s better with lasers, you can remove the laser tip and connect a standard tip; but what’s scarier than pool sharks with freakin laser beams attached to their heads?
I’m not sure what the APA ruling is on lasers in your cue, but I imagine it’s about as fair as running the Boston marathon with a scooter.

Package Includes:

top-of-the-line maple pool cue with pressed Irish linen wraps and stainless steel joint;
CueSight crosshairs-projecting laser sight;
conventional wooden end for non-laser play;
TWO sets of batteries;
attractive and durable velvet-lined hard box case;
Owner’s Manual;
LIFETIME WARRANTY!