Spring Assisted Knives – Automatic And Assisted Opening Knives

Posted on August 6, 2011 by admin

About Spring Assisted Knives

Assisted Opening KnifeSpring assisted knives, sometimes called assisted opening knives are a type folding knife with an internal mechanism, usually a torsion bar, that opens the knife automatically once a certain point or pressure is reached. Spring assisted knives offer easy, one handed access to your blade, which is essential in emergency situations. The blades are not completely automatic, as they do take some force from the user on the thumbstud or flipper to begin the opening motion. However, with as little as 45 degrees of articulation, the spring coils inside the knife take over and lock the blade into place.

Switch Blades Vs. Spring Assisted Knives

There is a lot of confusion regarding the difference between spring assisted knives and switchblades. Switchblades, or automatic blades open and sometimes close with the press of a button. Switchblades have been illegal since 1958 when the Switchblade Knife Act was signed into law. However, there is an amendment to the act that specifically allows for spring assisted, or assisted opening knives. The critical difference between the to knife designs is that switchblades operate automatically with a button, while assisted opening knives operate when leverage is applied to the blade itself.

Choosing A Quality Blade

Whether you a selecting a classic folding knife, or a spring assisted knife, there are several indicators of quality that you should pay attention to. Poorly built spring assisted pocket knives are a danger to you and those around you. Some characteristics of a quality knife include:

  • Quality Locking Mechanism – Whether you prefer a frame lock knife, or a linear lock mechanism, it is important that the blade slides easily into the locking position, and holds firmly in place even under direct pressure. For linear lock knives, you want a thick liner to ensure the blade won’t accidentally slip off the edge.
  • Blade Play – Poor quality knives use cheap materials and components which can cause dangerous blade play. Test for blade play by holding the handle firmly in one hand while wiggling the blade in the locked position with your other hand. If you find the blade moves in any direction, the components are probably not quality made.
  • Knife Edge – Most spring assisted knives have either one of two edges- v-grind, or chisel grind. V-grind knives are extremely common with gerber spring assisted knives, and kershaw spring assisted knives. Although a chisel grind edge may be the sharpest edge, it usually dulls much faster than other edges and is more difficult to sharpen.

Whichever type of assisted opening knife you choose, always be sure to use it safely- cut away from yourself, never point it at anyone, and keep your knife folded or sheathed when you carry it.

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Roller Hockey Skates – Inline Skates For Roller Hockey

Posted on August 2, 2011 by admin

About Roller Hockey Skates

Inline Roller Hockey SkateRoller hockey skates are used in the sport of roller hockey which is a played on a dry surface with wheels rather than on an icy surface with blades. The name is used interchangeably to refer to both the quad wheel skates used in traditional roller hockey, as well as the inline skates used in inline hockey. The skates were designed in 1979 when the Olson brothers saw a pair of inline skates made by the Chicago Roller Skate Company and saw the potential in out of season training for hockey. They redesigned the skate with a traditional ice hockey boot and founded Rollerblade Inc.

Types Of Roller Hockey Skates

Although the term roller hockey skates is used interchangeably, it actually refers to one of two types of hockey skates. The first, quad roller hockey, most common in Latin America uses traditional 4 wheeled skates with a rubber stopper on the nose of the skate. However, as the popularity of “Rollerblades” grew, inline hockey roller skates began to overtake the market.
Beyond which style of skate that is used, there are several varieties of traditional and inline skates that can be distilled into two categories, entry level vs. professional grade. Entry level skates are usually much softer, less durable, and more comfortable for the infrequent use it will we receive. Professional grade roller hockey skates are much stiffer, more durable, and offer more dexterity and articulation.

Choosing Roller Hockey Skates

Whether you are planning on purchasing entry level or professional roller hockey skates, there are several characteristics you should be aware of before you buy.

  • Fit – Inline roller hockey skates do not go by your usual shoe size. For a proper fit, go by dress shoe size and then take off ½ of a size. For example if you where a size 10 tennis shoe, and a 9 and ½ dress shoe, order a size 9 roller hockey skate.
  • Width – Just as important in sizing is the width of your skate. For your reference, here are the markings for each width size in skates — C=Narrow, D=Standard, R=Wider, E=Wide
  • Wheel Size – Your wheel size will determine your speed and agility. Most skates will have an 80mm (Standard Wheel Size) wheel, and you can swap out replacements as you see fit.
  • Wheel Setup – In order to take advantage of high speed and high agility wheels, you can use different wheel sizes on the same skate. For example, a Hi-Lo setup will use a smaller wheel on the front than in the 3 rears. For even more flexibility, a Tri-Di setup will have several wheel sizes increasing in size towards the back of the skate.
  • Stance – Depending on your level of experience, you will want to choose a stance that suits your playing style, traditional or aggressive. Traditional skates will have a straighter back ankle brace while the aggressive roller hockey skate will lean forward giving you a more prepared stance.
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Airsoft Vest – The Ultimate Airsoft Tactical Gear

Posted on August 2, 2011 by admin

What Is An Airsoft Vest

Tactical Airsoft VestAn airsoft vest is a piece of gear worn by those participating in an airsoft game in order to help protect themselves from hits during combat. They are usually constructed with multiple pockets, holders, bags, pouches, and holsters to carry and organize gear for quick retrieval. Airsoft vests are made with high quality fabrics and durable PVC mesh to provide a durable shell that can be abused on the field.

Types Of Airsoft Vests

The most common type of vest you’ll see on the field is an airsoft tactical vest. The tactical vest is designed to help keep you alive on the field. Most importantly, it carries everything you’ll need to keep your gun firing such as extra magazines, batteries, and parts. Additionally it can hold life saving backups like a spare pistol. Another type of airsoft vest is the plate carrier vest which has an additional plate for stopping the impact of the BBs used in airsoft. Some find that plate carriers are a little too restricting for the amount of protection they provide.

Most airsoft vests are available with MOLLE construction. MOLLE stands for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. Meaning, the vest is designed without pockets, puches and holders sewn into the vest. Instead, you purchase pouches and packs separately for your equipment and arrange it in a way that is most efficient for you. For example, someone who is left handed will have an entirely different vest setup than someone who is right handed. MOLLE airsoft vests give players extreme versatility in function, features, and weight.

Features Of A Good Airsoft Vest

Whether you by a MOLLE vest or not, some of the most important features to look for in an airsoft vest include:

  • Magazine Holders – By far the most important pouch on your airsoft vest is your magazine clip holder. Some prefer the lightweight dexterity of a 4 pouch vest, others prefer to have plenty of ammo on hand with an 8 pouch vest.
  • Dump Pouch – You don’t want to loose your empty magazines in the field. Having a large collapsible dump pouch makes it easy to reload without loosing your spare mags.
  • Hydration – Some sort of camel back or hydration pouch is essential for long hours of game play in the heat. Choose a vest with a hydration pouch and velcro straps to hold your tubes securely in place.
  • Radio Pouch – Communication is nearly as important as ammo on the field. A radio pouch should be near your mouth on your airsoft vest for quick access and easy listening.
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Thinsulate Gloves – Leather, Deerskin, And Fleece Thinsulate Gloves

Posted on July 21, 2011 by admin

What Are Thinsulate Gloves

Thinsulate is a material developed by the 3M company in the late 1970s using fibers 15 micrometers in diameter- thinner than polyester. Becuase the fibers of thinsulate gloves are so thin, they are able to trap more air in a smaller space (thickness). Trapping more air in a small space will naturally make it a better insulator which is what sets thinsulate gloves apart. They are a thinner, lighter, and breathable glove that will outperform most other competitors in terms of warmth and moisture wicking. Thinsulate gloves are perfect for skiing, snowboarding, as well as other outdoor winter sports and activities.

Benefits Of Thinsulate Gloves

The unique design of thinsulate gloves makes them much warmer than many other gloves on the market. This not only ensures your comfort, but also your safety in extreme conditions, however there are several other benefits that make thinsulate gloves a great value such as:

  • Lightweight – Everyone will enjoy the lightweight, less bulky, feeling of thinsulate gloves when they are enjoying any type of outdoor activities.
  • Hypoallergenic – Unlike traditional insulators such as down, thinsulate is a hypoallergenic material making it comfortable for almost everyone.
  • Durable – Being a synthetic material, thinsulate gloves are a quality product that will last you many seasons to come.
  • Breathable – Breathable and moisture wicking properties are crucial for any high intensity winter activity to keep your hands comfortable and dry.
  • Moisture Resistant – Crucial in the late season snow, moisture resistant gloves cannot be dipped in water, but will keep your hands dry when used normally.

Types Of Thinsulate Gloves

There are several different types of gloves that utilize the thinsulate technology to enhance their utility and function. Some of the most popular include:

  • Leather Thinsulate Gloves – Often made with supple deerskin, leather thinsulate gloves offer all of the durability and comfort of leather with the insulation of thinsulate.
  • Thinsulate Fleece Gloves – Less expensive than leather, thinsulate fleece gloves are lightweight, water resistant, and comfortable. However, they lack the durability of leather.
  • Thinsulate Fingerless Gloves – Fingerless gloves give you all of the dexterity of bare hands with the benefit of containing most of the heat of your hand in the palm. Fingerless gloves are perfect for fishing, hunting, or working outdoors.

Thinsulate gloves are measured using a metric of grams per square meter of insulation. Thinsulate products can have a rating of between 40 and 150 grams. Look for the thinsulate tag on your favorite products for an insulation rating. Although thinsulate gloves can be as dense as 150 grams per square meter, most people will find 40-100 grams more than warm enough for their thinsulate gloves.

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Instant Tent – Do Instant Tents Really Save Time?

Posted on July 20, 2011 by admin

What Is An Instant Tent

An instant tent is simply a tent that sets up in minutes as compared to the traditional tent set up time of anywhere between 15 minutes and 1 hour. Most instant tents utilize an embedded pole structure system that eliminates the time consuming task of assembling poles and then carefully inserting them into the materials seams. As an all-in-one piece, most instant tents such as the Coleman instant tent can be set up and broken down in less than a minute. Some instant tents utilize stakes and rope to remain upright, which can take longer than the exoskeleton style frame of the Coleman or Grand Trunk designs.

Benefits Of An Instant Tent

The benefits of an instant are obvious- convenience and time savings. Rather than spend your precious weekend hours interpreting difficult setup instructions, instant tents allow your to have base camp set up in just a few minutes. Spend your time fishing, hiking, hunting, rafting or anything you wanted to do besides set up your tent. However, there are other advantages to the instant tent design. For example, if you are a new or first time camper, these tents will make your first experience outdoors much more enjoyable rather than frustrating. Additionally, instant tents allow you to take advantage of any free time you might have. Even if you can only get away for a single day, you’ll still have plenty of time to enjoy the company of your family.

Instant Tent Drawbacks

For the first time or weekend camper, an instant tent is a perfect solution. However, there are a few drawbacks that make might be worth considering. First, it is generally understood that anything “instant” is not going to be a sturdy or durable as a traditional tent. The exoskeleton design by Coleman is great for camping in nice to moderate weather. But if you are expecting high winds or heavy rain, there are better tents that will keep you comfortable and dry. For the weekend camper, this is no problem as the forecast can be checked before leaving home.

Another problem with most instant tents is that they are designed to be convenient, not lightweight. Meaning, you don’t really want to hike into the woods with these tents. They are best suited for “car camping” with your family- driving to the location of your campsite. Instant pop up tents solve the weight issues of the exoskeleton design, but offer little in terms of weather protection.

Conclusion

Instant tents aren’t for everyone, but if you just want a taste of the camping experience, or don’t plan on camping frequently, they can be a great way to spend more time with your family and less time with your nose in the instruction manual.

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Carabiner Watch – Compact And Stylish Carabiner, Watch, Compass

Posted on July 19, 2011 by admin

What Is A Carabiner Watch?

A carabiner watch is an accessory for the adventurer who enjoys biking, climbing, hiking, camping, and fishing without the cumbersome nature of a wristwatch. Similar to the benefits of a pocket watch, carabiner watches do not get in the way of your outdoor activities like a wristwatch, and they are better protected attached to a bag, or belt loop. The structure of a carabiner watch is such that the base of the device has an embeded circular watch face, while the top still functions just as a traditional carabiner, able to clip onto any small loop or hook.

Benefits Of A Carabiner Watch

The benefits of a carabiner watch are twofold. First, you remove the bulk and weight from your wrist when engaging in demanding outdoor sports and activities. Second, the carabiner itself is able to collect and organize everything from your key chains to your fire starter all in one place. In addition, the watch itself is better protected from the elements when it is stored safely on a belt loop or backpack, rather than being near all of the activity of your hands.

Also because of its unique design, a watch carabiner is able to pack a lot of features into the device that wouldn’t normally be necessary in every day life. This makes it very easy to keep your carabiner with all of your camping supplies ready for your next trip, and your expensive wristwatch safely at home in a drawer.

Features Of A Carabiner Clip Watch

In addition to keeping time and organizing keychains, many carabiner watches have features that are extremely useful while camping. Some of the most popular features include:

  • Compass/GPS – Should you ever get lost in the wild, a compass can literally be a lifesaver, keeping you from spending unnecessary energy walking in circles.
  • Thermometer – Although the temperature can sometimes be skewed by your body heat, having a thermometer is a great way to make sure you stay cool and hydrated.
  • Alarm – Don’t waste your precious vacation sleeping the day away.
  • Whistle – In an emergency, a whistle can be an effective way to get the attention of the authorities, or to find lost campers.
  • File And Nippers – A file can be used for sharpening, while the nippers are perfect for small cutting jobs.
  • LED Flashlight – LEDs use very little power, making them the perfect accessory for carabiner watches. Used for both lighting a dark area and the face of the watch in hard to read areas.
  • Knife – Some carabiner watches even have small knives built into the side making them an even more useful survival tool.
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Custom Lacrosse Pinnies – Custom And Reversible Lax Pinnies

Posted on July 19, 2011 by admin

About Custom Lacrosse Pinnies

Custom lacrosse pinnies are a type of mesh jersey that are worn by lacrosse players over their clothing during a practice or scrimmage to differentiate the players between two different teams. Lacrosse pinnies are lightweight, breathable and easily identifiable. Many lacrosse teams choose to create custom lacrosse pinnies with their school colors, logo, or name to make them look more personal and professional. There are several ways to order custom lacrosse pinnies, including local screen printers in your area, as well as ordering them off of the Internet.

Types Of Lacrosse Pinnies

There are several different types of lacrosse pinnies to choose from, each with a specific function. Depending on the features, you can expect to spend anywhere between $15 and $50 dollars for a pre-made or custom lacrosse pinnies.

  • College Lacrosse Pinnies – Most sporting goods stores will stock custom lacrosse pinnies with your university’s logo and colors, which makes it cheap and easy to enhance the play of your games for both the players and spectators.
  • Reversible Lacrosse Pinnies – One way to get more value out of your custom lacrosse pinnies is to order the reversible type. Usually consisting of an bold exterior color and a blank or dark interior color, reversible jerseys can be turned inside out when you change teams during a scrimmage.

Custom Lacrosse Pinny Ideas

There are a number of text and graphics ideas you can use to personalize your lacrosse pinnie beyond your school colors and logo. For example you could include the letters of your fraternity or sorority to proudly display your loyalty to your brothers or sisters. Alternatively, you could include the flag or colors of your home country, whether you are an American or a foreigner who is proud of your heritage.

Most custom lacrosse pinny shops also allow you to upload your own designs and graphics onto your team’s pinnies. This could be anything from a phrase or slogan that has importance to your team, or the logo of your particular team.

Finding lacrosse pinnies for sale will depend highly on your location and the popularity of the sport in your region. Most sporting goods stores in the North Eastern United states will carry lacrosse gear. However, if you are part of a team in the west or south, custom lacrosse pinnies will most likely need to be ordered from an online retailer in order to get the most options.

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Ski Gloves – Waterproof Winter Sports Gloves

Posted on July 19, 2011 by admin

Choosing Ski Gloves

Extremities have least amount of blood flow in the body, which makes ski gloves one of the most important elements of any skier’s gear. Ski gloves are not only thicker and warmer than traditional winter gloves, but they are also padded and reinforced to prevent injuries and frostbite. Additionally they also have thinner palm membranes which give you much better dexterity and sensation when your fingers are wrapped around the poles. If you plan on skiing for any extended period of time, don’t attempt to hit the slopes without a proper ski glove.

Types Of Ski Gloves

Generally speaking there are three main types of ski gloves. Each has a specific function, however the purpose of each glove remains the same- keep your hands warm. Among ski gloves, the most popular designs include:

  • Traditional, Five Finger – The traditional five finger glove is a favorite among amateurs and enthusiasts. For most people, it provides the perfect balance of warmth and dexterity.
  • Mitten – For those skiing in colder climates, or if you have poor circulation, a mitten ski glove will provide you with the most warmth. Because all of your fingers are together, heat is shared making it more difficult to escape. However, some dexterity is compromised for the added warmth.
  • Pipe Gloves – Used mainly by professional skiers and snowboarders, pipe gloves are usually reserved for competition level skiing. The thin layers give the most dexterity and control but offer little warmth. They are more suited for protecting your hands from ice burn and scrapes than keeping them warm and dry.

Features Of Ski Gloves

When choosing your gloves, there are several features that you should keep in mind. The best ski gloves for you might not have every one of these features, however cheap ski gloves often lack some functionality. You should be familiar with the following terms:

  • Articulation Of The Fingers – Most five finger gloves are stitched with a bias towards articulating inwards. Make sure you are able to easily make a fist when trying on your ski gloves.
  • Fit – In addition to a comfortable articulation, the fit of your gloves is dependant on two factors- the length of the fingers and the tightness around the hand. It should be comfortable enough to easily slide on and off, and there should be about a ⅜ inch gap at the tip of your fingers when your palm is flat.
  • Removable Liner – A removable liner is important for two reasons. First, during multi day ski trips, you want to be able to air dry the liner at night. Second, during warmer seasons, removing the liner can make the glove more comfortable.
  • Weatherproof – All good ski gloves should be both water proof and wind proof. This can be accomplished with either an outer coating, or an inner membrane.
  • Vents – Some high end ski gloves even include adjustable air vents on the back of the glove to either cool your hand, or place hand warmers in to add extra warmth.
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Snorkel Vest – Buoyancy For Beginners And Experts

Posted on July 1, 2011 by admin

What Is A Snorkel Vest?

A snorkel vest is a small, lightweight, inflatable vest that can be used by beginner and expert snorkelers to provide extra buoyancy on the surface of the water. While it is recommended that all inexperienced, underage, and weak swimmers wear a snorkel vest for safety, even expert snorkelers can enjoy wearing one from time to time. The added buoyancy makes it much more relaxing to observe the underwater wildlife, allowing you to concentrate on the reef rather than keeping yourself afloat.

Snorkel vests differ from life preservers in that they are not intended to be a life saving device. They merely make it a little easier to float on the top of the water. They are intentionally minimal in size as not in intrude or impede your view underwater or your flexibility. Additionally, snorkel vests differ from traditional life preservers because of their inflatable and deflatable design. Using the included inflator, a built in tube with small mouthpiece, you can inflate or deflate your vest to provide the perfect buoyancy allowing you to gracefully skim the surface of the water.

Snorkel Vest Buying Guide

Inflatable snorkel vest reviews are the best way to determine if a vest is built with quality materials and is comfortable to wear. However, there are a few specific features that should help you pick the best snorkel vest for your level of activity and budget.

  • Vest Material – The majority of snorkel vests are made with an abrasive nylon material. If you don’t snorkel very often, nylon will work just fine. However, for the avid snorkeler, materials like neoprene are much more comfortable and even offer advantages like an expanding air pocket. Remember your snorkel vest will be rubbing against your bare skin for hours when choosing a material.
  • Lockable Inflation Tube – Most snorkel vests are inflated and deflated by mouth with a small tube. Higher quality snorkel vests will have a spinning or locking mechanism that prevents air from escaping from the tube accidentally.
  • Strap Configuration – Most snorkel vests have two straps- one that goes behind the back and one that goes around the waist. Look for things like easy to adjust straps and quick release latches.

If you are going on your first snorkel trip, remember that most tour boats will offer a snorkel vest free of charge. If you are going on a self guided trip, don’t leave home without at least considering a snorkel vest for safety and comfort. For the most comfortable snorkel vest, choose something like the Scuba Max Deluxe with zippered front to ensure you can spend hours enjoying the beautiful underwater scenery.

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Kids Swimwear – Keep Kids Safe And Comfortable

Posted on June 30, 2011 by admin

Planning For Summer Activities

Once the kids are out of school and you’ve planned your weekend getaway, it’s time to focus on getting your kids swimwear so they can look good and feel comfortable. Depending on the age of your child there are plenty of things to consider ranging from keeping their diapers sealed to making sure they are protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Kids swimwear should be lightweight, sun protective, fast drying, and easy to clean. In addition, you want to be sure to get a tight fitting bathing suit as the fabrics tend to hang when they are wet.

If you are beginning your search for the perfect kids swimwear, your first step is to find swimwear lines that fit your child’s age group.

Kids Swimwear Diapers

For babies and infants, almost just as important as proper kids UV swimwear is isolating and containing the contents of their diapers. Swim diapers differ from generic disposable diapers in two areas. First, the waist and leg elastic bands are much tighter than a traditional diaper. This will keep any accidents from leaking out into the swimming pool. Second, swim diapers are made with waterproof materials which keep water out. Unlike traditional diapers which are designed to absorb accidents, kids swimwear diapers are designed to contain them.

Kids Swimwear Cover Ups

For travel to and from the beach or swimming pool, swimwear cover ups are a perfect way for girls to remain comfortable and modest. Usually consisting of a lightweight throw over dress or wrap, cover ups are designed to cover enough to go to the grocery store, but lightweight enough to be comfortable at the beach.

Kids Sun Protection Swimwear

By far the most important thing you can do for your kids in extreme climates or during prolonged exposure to the sun is to provide them with kids UV swimwear. Kids UV swimwear has coatings built in that reflect and protect your children from the harmful UVA and UVB sun rays. Luckily, sun protection swimwear can still look good while saving your kids skin. Many popular rash guards, board shorts, and even bathing suits have built in protection. The younger your child the more you should cover of their skin. It’s generally recommended those under six (minimum) wear long sleeve UV protection shirts and shorts.

Additional Tips

Nothing is more important than your child’s health, so don’t be fooled by kids designer swimwear which offers no UV protection. Also make sure to lather skin with sun block that protects from both UVA and UVB rays. Finally, for young children especially, add a swimwear hat to their wardrobe to protect their face and neck. Be sure to keep well hydrated offering your kids water at regular intervals and don’t forget to take care of yourself as well.

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