All posts in “Sport”

Go All-Electric With The 2019 Audi E-Tron SUV

Tesla is still the reigning carmaker when it comes to availability and sales of electric vehicles (EVs). However, the competition is about to get a little heated as more automotive companies make the switch from traditional engines. European badges such as Porsche, Volkswagen, Renault, and more are already working on their projects. Meanwhile, the 2019 Audi e-tron will apparently make its way into dealerships this spring.

It’s clear that burning fossil fuels have a detrimental impact on our environment. Researchers are urging various industries to cut back their usage in order to avoid an ecological disaster in the near future. That’s why EVs are steadily becoming more popular options for buyers.

This five-seater SUV, the first ever battery-powered model from the German brand. The dual AC induction motors draw power from a 95kWh lithium-ion battery. The setup manages to produce around 402 horsepower with 490 lb-ft of torque. It uses a single-speed direct-drive transmission to transfer power to its all-wheel-drive system. With a top speed of 124 mph, the EV can go from 0-60 in under six seconds.

According to the manufacturer, charging the 2019 Audi e-tron using the 150kW public charger can get you up to 80 percent in 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the supplied home charging capsule takes around 9 hours to completely charge the SUV. Tests claim that a full battery can drive you up to 160 miles before it needs to top up. To sum it all up, those who want to break away from Tesla’s shadow over the EV market now have alternatives in near future. Prices start at $74,800 for the Premium Plus version, while the snazzier Prestige edition goes for $81,800.

Images courtesy of Audi

2019 Audi e-tron

January 23, 2019 / Comments Off on Go All-Electric With The 2019 Audi E-Tron SUV
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Self-Lacing Nike Adapt BB Makes Its Debut

Talk to anyone who loves pop culture and chances are you’ll probably hear about Back To The Future a lot. The film gave viewers a fantastic glimpse of what could possibly be in store in the coming years. One iconic on-screen product eventually made its way into the hands of die-hard collectors. Fans of the original trilogy can probably guess what we’re talking about—the self-lacing pair of shoes that blew everyone’s minds back then. The company released limited working replicas of the footwear and it sold out almost immediately. Now, we finally have a chance to own of a pair of futuristic kicks with the Nike Adapt BB.

The original self-lacing Nike Mag made its debut on October 21, 2015, which is apparently the date when the movie’s protagonist visited the future. After missing its original release date of March 20, 2016, it eventually hit retailers later that year. The limited number of pairs available, as well as its outrageous reseller prices, made it an impossible dream for most of us. Fortunately, the company will make the technology available for the masses albeit for $350 a pair.

Most sneakerheads believe that the Mags, which relies on its tie-in with the blockbuster movies, is all a marketing gimmick. Meanwhile, the Nike Adapt BB, on the other hand, is reportedly for serious athletes. Using futuristic technology and sensors, the shoe will supposedly provide the perfect fit for its user. A companion app for both Android and Apple devices is likewise available to make manual adjustments. Each pair features wireless charging and its definitely a pair that Marty McFly would rather have. Expect to see these sweet kicks in retailers on February 16, 2019.

Images courtesy of Nike

Only From Nike

January 16, 2019 / Comments Off on Self-Lacing Nike Adapt BB Makes Its Debut
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Sea-Doo Fish Pro PWC For Anglers

Unveiled back in September, the Fish Pro is the latest by Sea-Doo, famed makers of personal watercraft and boats. As the name suggests, this PWC was designed specifically for anglers, made with the help of PWC fishinger expert Andrew Hill, who, in the past decade, has specialized in customizing personal watercraft for fishing expeditions.

The Fish Pro, which Sea-Doo claims is the “first and only true personal watercraft built specifically from the factory for fishing,” is based on one the ST3. That’s the same hull you’ll find on the on the Sea-Doo RXT-X, GTX Limited, and Wake Pro. However, it now boasts an extended deck that’s 30cm longer, providing room for a cooler box and spare fuel. The hull has longer strakes for better stability as well, which should help keep the boat upright when standing still on water.

On the back, you’ll discover a slew of fishing essentials. Among them is a 51-liter LinQ cooler box with two drain holes, a grip mat on the lid, and four fishing rod holders. There’s also a mesh pocket included on the front, complete with a secure clip to prevent the lid from popping open when you hit bumps while seafaring.

One notable change is the included Garmin fish finder, the industry standard when it comes to accurately locating fish. On the dash, you’ll find a 7.6-inch widescreen digital display. No touchscreen, though.

The Fish Pro has a 70-liter fuel tank, up from 60 liters in its other PWC models. Underneath it all is a 1.5-liter three-cylinder Rotax engine that tops up at 155 horsepower. With these specs, Sea-Doo promises the Fish Pro will have a longer riding range than any boats in its lineup.

BUY HERE

Photos courtesy of Sea-Doo

January 5, 2019 / Comments Off on Sea-Doo Fish Pro PWC For Anglers
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Top 14 BBCOR Baseball Bats

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f you’ve had anything resembling an average American boyhood, then you’ve spent more than a bit of time on a baseball diamond. You can remember everything perfectly. The lines of chalk in the sand, the smell of a new glove, the THONK! when bat meets ball. The wild chasing down of a ball with miracle catches. The glory of a home run, and even constant bickering over the best baseball bats. Eventually BBCOR baseball bats would get top billing.

Actually, that last bit might still be true today. Changes and standardizations of sports equipment over the past few decades has increased, particularly when it comes to baseball gear. Thus, conversations over what really makes up the best baseball bats are as fierce as ever.

Some prefer wood, some prefer composite material, but the choice is seen as anything but neutral.

This is why we at Men’s Gear have taken it on ourselves to go through some of the best BBCOR baseball bats a man can buy. We pride ourselves on being your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about the stuff men love, and we’d be remiss if we didn’t spend some time on the American man’s favorite pastime.

Just in case you’re not in the know, we’ll be discussing just what exactly BBCOR means and how it affects the materials (and build) of our favorite piece of sporting equipment.

What makes a good baseball bat?

We plan to talk about what, exactly, a BBCOR baseball bat is.  However, it would be good to spend a bit of time discussing what is it that makes a good baseball bat in general.

Traditionally, baseball bats have been made out of a single, unbroken piece of hardwood. Ash has been the traditional material, although other kinds of wood have been used. They were often made to order by woodworkers and were so durable that they rarely broke.

Heft and smoothness are also important factors here too.

Bats started to settle into standardized shapes back just before the turn of the twentieth century. The fattest part of the bat, near the far tip that typically hits the ball, is called the barrel. Larger barrels with thin areas close to the handle make up the better bat.

Barrel-to-handle ratios are key to what makes a bat work well. These standardized set of dimensions are regulated by an organized body these days.

A good grip is just as important, no one wants the bat to slip out of their hands while they’re swinging! How to hold a bat is likely the most debated thing in the sport, as everyone seems to have their own style.

However, the materials used make it easier to allow a player not to swing wildly or let go of the bat as easily in a swing.

Bat-to-ball energy transfer is an extremely important thing to discuss too. The right dimensions can make all the difference. Eventually, bats were in the wild west with no regulation as some hit balls a lot further than assumed. That was where BBCOR stepped in, as it leveled the playing field.

The better player would do well, and it wouldn’t be about the bat.

What Are BBCOR baseball bats, specifically?

As mentioned before, BBCOR (Bat-Ball Coefficient Of Restitution) was used to bring baseball equipment up to standard and help even the playing field overall. Though systems like BESR were in play before this, they were not regulating as they needed to.

High ball speeds, particularly close to the batter, ultimately led to the change. This is possibly why BBCOR stepped out with understandable praise initially.

However, issues came out of this, such as not caring for the equipment itself. This also only affected schools and not the professionals. We wanted to highlight some of the things BBCOR did, which was useful and maybe too far. Letting you decide.

BBCOR’s mindset was that by building bats to particular specifications, a universal experience of batting is in play. One that only slightly surpassed the capacities of a wooden bat.

Eventually, the level of craftsmanship went down and great bats of the past were getting harder to find. Plus, the relative ease composite materials could be used to make a good bat was only getting higher. The problem was that there wasn’t a way to regulate the materials at first.

This became a problem and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) eventually stepped in to remedy things.

BBCOR rigorously tests using accelerated break-in (ABI) tests. This made sure that ball speeds would not be able to exceed a certain threshold, even when used to their absolute limit. Many hated this, feeling it hurt the game. Meanwhile, others applauded the focus on safety and fair play.

Only those part of the NCAA or NFHS has to abide by these BBCOR guidelines regarding equipment. This is obviously the high school and college ranks. These rules affect bats made of composite materials only, and all brands much follow it. Easton, Rawlings, you name it.

BBCOR Baseball Bats vs. Wood Baseball Bats, What Is The Difference?

The biggest difference between BBCOR baseball bats and the wooden baseball bats is the fact that BBCOR-certified bats are often made of composite materials. A bat made of wood is usually made of a single piece, often ash.

Certifications such as BBCOR were originally made to help standardize bat construction so that there weren’t wild discrepancies in terms of how the game works.

Unknown Things About BBCOR Baseball Bats, And Why We Have Them:

Those certifications mentioned earlier helped to assist producers of U.S. baseball bats. It did this by allowing them to make sure that their products would be able to be used across a wide variety of games. This meant both the high school and college market.

This would even end up bleeding over into the “park baseball” world as well.

This is due to kids being sold on something so much in the world they’ll be entering, that coaches prepare them using the same bats they’ll use there.

The introduction of aluminum bats (as well as ones made of other materials) into the game was a big controversy. With wooden bats, there was at least a threshold of how far or fast a ball could go. Introducing bats made of other materials seemed to open the door to all sorts of discrepancies.

With a metal bat, could a weak slugger perform better than a pro using a classical bat?

Standards like BBCOR came into being as an answer to some of these questions. While they haven’t entirely silenced their critics the game has certainly gone a long way to make sure the playing field is leveled.

Rules, Regulations, And Why Wooden Bats Aren’t As Frequent:

BBCOR certifications are also available for wooden bats that are made of bamboo or of composite pieces of wood. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a metal piece of equipment. However, due to the other types being better for hitting, they are more popular.

This is why BBCOR has their own rules in play.

The highest allowable BBCOR score a bat can have is .50. This gives a performance that’s just a bit better than the average wooden baseball bat. However, this kind of threshold can only be reached with a great deal of luck and skill.

This also limits ball speed, with a good hit flying at maybe 100mph. This is better than the average we used to see at 125mph that could be reached with previous standards. This is still fast enough to injure, but it’s uncommon to even be this high.

One of the biggest advantages that a BBCOR baseball bats made from composite material have over wooden ones is the higher degree of control with them. Wood can be notoriously unpredictable, yet BBCOR baseball bats do as their told, essentially.

It also removed controversies used with wood, such as pine-tar lacquering.

An infamous incident with pine tar happened in 1983 when a big two-run home run was hit allowing the Kansas City Royals to beat the New York Yankees. Yankees’ Manager Billy Martin disputed the call, claiming the hitter used too much pine tar.

Thus, the “Pine Tar Game” was born.

With composite materials, you don’t have to worry about this kind of problem. They’re useful and cheap baseball bats that don’t need a whole lot of maintenance. No matter how many people claim to still prefer the grain of an old-fashioned wooden bat, composites are the future.

BBCOR certification helps bring us there.

What Are The Main Sizes for BBCOR Baseball Bats?

One of the main things that make BBCOR baseball bats one of the best out there is a particular set of physical dimensions. While there’s still a bit of room for variation, since the end of the 1800s, there’s been a general agreement on what size a baseball bat should be.

When it comes to the barrel (the wider part of the bat that actually hits the ball), the size has to be around 2 ¾ inches. This was up from the 2 ½ inches that were common before that.

When it comes to what weight a bat should have, there’s a bit more discussion. The heavier the better, they said.

The heft of a bat was directly linked to how far a ball would go, at least that was the initial idea. However, baseball bats have gone past that line of thinking – now the emphasis is on the speed a bat’s flying at when it hits the ball. A lighter bat can be swung faster and hit harder.

Thus, it sends a ball flying as good as or better than a bigger bat.

Weight has a lot to do with size these days. The general rule is that bats are between 33 and 36 inches long, and their weight is usually about three ounces less than their length in inches. This’s known as the “-3 drop,” in baseball lingo. Most equipment today, from Louisville Sluggers to Marucci baseball bats, favor lightweight models that follow this rule.

In case you’re wondering, the bats used by players who beat Babe Ruth’s home run records were about a third lighter than the ones he used. However, numbers are only fun for superfans. For the rest of us, here are the reviews for the best baseball bats with BBCOR certification!

1) Easton Best X Speed Baseball Bat

Starting our list off is this entry from Easton. The Best X Speed is among the best BBCOR baseball bats around. Especially for those wanting to really start getting into the swing of their game. With a central-loaded balance swing, it helps batters find a sense of control while they play.

This all adds up to a more controlled swing and a satisfying hit!

This bat has a length of 31 inches and a weight of 28 ounces, which is standard for a drop -3 length-to-rate ratio. This is a great choice for high school or college ball heavy hitters, mainly because it helps you get used to your equipment. Meanwhile, it also packs a powerful punch.

These BBCOR baseball bats might not be among the discount bats you might find, but it’s a stellar model nonetheless!

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2) Easton Mako Beast Comp 3 Baseball Bat

Another powerful model from the masters over at Easton. These BBCOR baseball bats have one of the longest possible bat lengths as well as one of the fastest swing speeds available. With a classic -3 drop weight, the bat is powerful without being heavy.

This kind of power makes the difference between a good game and a great game!

Our set of BBCOR baseball bats review wouldn’t be complete without entries like this. With its TCT Thermo composite barrel, it’s one of the best two-piece barrel sets out there! What’s more, Easton’s ConneXion technology allows for some of the most effective energy transferrals from bat to ball.

Like any of the best baseball bats, this is a model that has to be seen to be believed!

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3) Louisville Slugger Omaha 518 Baseball Bat

The Louisville Slugger is one of the best and most well-known baseball brands out there! This great model is one of their steadiest entry points to the game. With its accessible price and one-piece composition, it has an appeal to amateurs and pros alike.

The best BBCOR baseball bats all have a set series of dimensions and this Slugger is no different, making it ready for the field!

Baseball bats nationwide wide all have a particular place where its ideal to hit the ball. This is often referred to as the “sweet spot.” This model from Louisville Slugger has a rather large sweet spot and it makes for a satisfying hit when you’re right in the middle of the game.

No matter if you’re a veteran player or new on the diamond, this model is one you’ll be wanting to keep close by.

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4) Rawlings Quarto Baseball Bat

This entry from Rawlings makes you feel like a winner! This particular bat’s specifications and abilities are some of the best you’ll come across. It’s a four-piece, 100% carbon fiber composite bat that fits snug into your hands as you swing!

What more could a college or high school player ask for?

The big selling point here is that, while even the best BBCOR baseball bats might have a lot of kickback on hitting the ball, this entry has very little vibration. This is majorly in part due to the custom Vibration Dampening Tech (VDT) built in by Rawlings, and it makes this bat worth every penny.

While it might be on the pricier end on this list, the comfort you’ll feel makes everything worth it.

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5) Marucci AP5 Maple Baseball Bat

Marucci is one of the biggest brands producing some of the best baseball bats in America. Their BBCOR baseball bats are also special, with this model being made from maple alone. This is a call back to the days when wood was the standard.

Bone-rubbed to make for an excellent wood density, this bat feels fantastic in your hands. When you swing, you can’t help like you’re batting with the big names back in the Roaring Twenties!

The best wood baseball bats are made with professional-grade wood and incorporate modern standards in their composition. With all the dimensions of a composite-material bat, this entry from Marucci is not one to be left behind in the dust.

With a world full of boring metal materials, coming to the game with a classy wooden bat is going to have you turning heads. Many great games will be playing while using this bat. Ultimately, you’ll be earning extra attention as a result, due to your extremely impressive game.

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6) Rawlings Velo Hybrid Baseball Bat

If you’re looking for a set of cool baseball bats, you don’t have to look further than the Velo Hybrid models! Made by Rawlings, one of the most famous sports brands in the world, this is a great bat. BBCOR baseball bats like this make it hard for wood to ever compete again.

With a crazy cool color along with an easy, balanced swing, you’re going to be the center of attention either in high school or college ball. Who doesn’t want that?

This one is fully up to BBCOR standards, with a -3 weight drop (from inches). Like the best baseball bats, it makes you feel like a winner just by holding it! It might be a bit pricey, but you can’t really put a price tag on quality, can you?

Once you do your homework about what exactly your needs are, don’t be afraid to invest in this model as a way to up your game!

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7) Combat Maxum Baseball Bat

Some of the best baseball bats are also some of the most versatile. This Maxum model from Combat wants to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible. This is why it offers four different length openings for you to choose from.

All of them are -3 in weight dropped, making for a lightweight swing experience. Speaking of swing, it’s balanced instead of load-ended, making for a more controlled experience overall.

This Maxum boasts a great feel that makes you embrace your inner superstar. Like most BBCOR baseball bats, it’s a composite model (one piece) that is calibrated for success. No dead spots here!

The sweet spot is quite broad, making this a great entry to use if you’re still learning your game.

What are you waiting for? With a model this versatile, you’ll be upping your skills in no time!

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8) Demarini Uprising Baseball Bat

Looking for good BBCOR baseball bats for entry players? Then look no further! With this Demarini model, you’ll be setting your little one up for success! Ideal for young players, this is an ultra lightweight bat. Normally bats are -3 dips (three fewer ounces than the total amount of inches).

However, this model is -10 for a quick swing. It’s as light in your hands as you’re light on your feet!

Evenly balanced for more control, this entry is among the best baseball bats for people looking to improve their swing in a low-stakes environment. With its BBCOR certification, it will be good for high school ball. Although many Little League games don’t require BBCOR bats, this is still a good option if you want to prepare your child for further play.

Don’t let him down – get him the best and watch him grow!

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9) Easton Zcore Speed Adult Baseball Bat

Another winning model from Easton. The Zcore is made for heavy hitting and is built longer for taller players. Its tapered barrel design is made for faster swinging, and the Hmx Hyperlite Matrix makes the whole bat feel lighter in your hands. It’s built with an expanded sweet spot, which makes it even easier to hit one out of the park!

When it comes to the best baseball bats, you can’t get any better than this.

This model, like all on this list, falls into the USA approved baseball bats list and can be used for high school and college games overseen by the NCAA. This is a pricier model than a number of the ones reviewed here, but the added value is undeniable.

However, that’s what we’re looking for here, isn’t it? An opportunity not only to invest in our game but in our growth as players. With this model, you’ll be surprised at the heights you reach!

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10) DeMarini Pro Maple Composite Baseball Bat

The second wooden bat on this list, the Demarini Pro Maple has a great grip and feel. The Canadian maple encloses a core made of composite metals. While some might not like the fact that it isn’t wood all the way through, this core makes the bat much more durable than would be otherwise.

Among the best BBCOR baseball bats on this list, it is also one of the most attractive.

With a mid-range price and a gradual taper out near the end, this is one of the best baseball bats for players looking to up their game. If you’re trying to find a series of DeMarini BBCOR baseball bats that won’t disappoint in quality or versatility, this model is the one for you.

What are you waiting for? With a bat that feels this good, you’ll be counting the days until next ball season starts!

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11) Rawlings Alloy High School/Collegiate Baseball Bat

When it comes to looking for baseball bats that have BBCOR certification, you have to be thinking about equipment that’s as versatile as it is high-quality. It’s one thing to be looking for a bat that a college-age man or woman can hit a home run with, but it’s another to be thinking about high school kids.

This Rawlings Alloy bat is a lightweight yet powerful bat that caters to both demographics with ease.

Its one-piece alloy composition keeps it light. Like the best baseball bats, it packs a punch when you hit the ball in the sweet spot. With a balanced swing, you won’t be worried about things being end-balanced in ways that will throw off your game.

What’s more, the aerospace-grade alloy involved makes this a durable bat that won’t let you down.

It’s not as expensive as other bats on this list, making it a great choice specifically for younger players. Don’t let that dissuade you from having it as part of your college ball arsenal though!

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12) Louisville Slugger Prime Baseball Bat

Looking for some of the best BBCOR baseball bats for you or your team? Look no further! Louisville Slugger is one of the most respected names in batting equipment, and this model lives up to the hype. A longer, heavier build, this one is made for hard hitting and knocking balls clean out of the park!

As a BBCOR approved model this bat will be able to enjoy full use in collegiate baseball for mature players. However, it’s also cleared for high school baseball as well.

This is a three-piece composition outfit, with a custom grip made from lizard SKINS that’ll never let you down when you’re swinging hard. Like the best baseball bats, this is an investment in improving your game and your game performance. As such, it won’t be the cheapest model on this list, but it will show off when you’re on the diamond.

If you’re looking to step up your game, you can do no better than with the Louisville Slugger Prime.

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13) Easton ZCORE Hybrid 3 Baseball Bat

Tired of smaller, lightweight bats that don’t give you as much power as you need? Exhausted when all the alternatives mean heavy pieces of wood or alloy that feel ungainly or off-balance? Easton’s ZCORE Hybrid is the model for you, then!

The best baseball bats make sure that there’s a balance between power and speed, and this model is no different. While the longer, heftier build helps with heavy-hitting, the Hyperlite Matrix Alloy gives it the edge you need for quick swinging!

One of the big differences with BBCOR baseball bats vs wood is how multi-piece alloy composition can increase your control over how you want to hit. Nothing is left to chance, as every aspect of this bat is honed to give you a better grip and control over how you swing.

This alloy design is in two pieces and has an expanded sweet spot. With a bat this good, and at this price, you’ll want another to keep as a spare!

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14) Marucci Cat 6 Baseball Bat

While looking for the most expensive BBCOR baseball bat won’t guarantee you find the one best suited for your needs, looking at high-quality equipment is an important start to investing in your game. If you’re looking to up the ante in terms of your personal performance, this Marucci model might be just what you’re looking for.

It has a ring-free barrel construction, meaning a faster swing and a harder hit. Harder hitting usually means unpleasant vibrations, but this model’s got patented anti-vibration technology that minimizes discomfort and maximizes the pleasure you get in the game!

The best BBCOR baseball bats are ones that help you reach new heights. If you’re looking to extend your reach more, you can opt for the longer, heavier models in the same series.

This particular model is not meant for beginners, as its benefits are offset by a smaller sweet spot. However, for experienced players, this won’t be a problem.

When you hit the ball just right, it’s going to fly way out into the end zone!

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Game on!

Sport is the closest thing most of us will get to science fiction. It’s the combination of human power and the best equipment helps us to achieve near superhuman feats. Nothing less is true of baseball. The country’s greatest pastime sits at that intersection of technology and effort.

That said, making sure you have the right bat can make all the difference.

While some might think that BBCOR regulations might make the game more restricted, it helps bring out the best in human performance. While a simple swing won’t be sending a ball soaring away at 125 mph, a carefully calculated one will be more than enough.

With these BBCOR baseball bats, you’ll be practicing your skills in a number of new ways. Your mind will be constantly asking itself: a heavier bat, or a lighter one today? Am I skilled enough to use a bat with a smaller sweet spot? Will I get good enough that it won’t make a difference?

A man has to know challenge to grow, whether in college or high school leagues (or even with the guys after work). You’ll be stretching yourself and growing as an athlete.

Go ahead!

Pick one of these great bats, try it out, find what’s best for you. Then hit that ball out of the park!

December 30, 2018 / Comments Off on Top 14 BBCOR Baseball Bats
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Top 15 Tennis Rackets On The Market Today

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odern tennis is not something anyone should get into lightly. It takes a lot of dogged determination, practice and a fair amount of skill. What kind of player are you? Do you see yourself as the dashing all-court all-round shot-making wizard like Federer? Perhaps you see yourself as more of an aggressive backhand returner like Djokovic? Whether you’re one, the other or someone completely different, proper tennis rackets will be needed.

As you’d imagine, there’s quite a wide variety of different tennis rackets out there to choose from. Some are bigger than others, yet some are lighter. Figuring out which is best for you is not always easy. However, there’s no reason for racket throwing or outrageous outbursts like John McEnroe or the newer hot-head Nick Kyrios.

Well, you can, but let’s save all that aggression for the court, shall we?

Instead of losing your cool, you come to your friends at Men’s Gear. That’s why we’re here, to help you find the best of the best. In this guide, we are going to use our forehand to slice through the choice and single out our seeded stars.

Before we look at the best tennis rackets of today, we’re going to look at a few key areas concerning these all-important tools of the tennis trade. You’ll learn all the fundamentals and be more than equipped to make a better decision about which of the 15 you should invest in.

Wait before you slip on your tennis shoes and head down to courtside with whatever racket you think is best. Let us help choose the one that is the best for you.

What Should Beginners Know About Tennis Rackets?

A tennis racket is the main piece of equipment used to hit a ball from one end of the court to the other. We’re guessing you knew that already. In the past, they were made from aluminum, fiberglass, steel, and even wood. However, modern rackets are made from graphite composite.

This is key to know, as these particular tennis rackets won’t be what people may expect. This is sort of a learning experience to figure out what really makes up a true tennis racket. Some of the greatest in history used the type of material we mentioned above.

Billy Jean King, one of the greatest women’s Tennis players ever, used those for example. Meanwhile, a guy like Roger Federer or Serena Williams will use the modern-day type. Overall, the new school tennis rackets hold up a lot better and often last a lot longer.

Sure, they break on occasion. Yet this is not a regular occurrence.

Think about it, Roger or Serena hit a ball over 100 mph numerous times during a tennis match. Yet the tennis rackets they use are incredibly durable despite this. That is saying something.

What Are The Different Parts of Tennis Rackets?

Although they may seem like one single item, tennis rackets are actually made up of 10 different parts that all have an important role to play. Each serves a purpose, with a few being less key to the overall racket as others. There are about eight things each racket brings to the table that can be critical, which is why we’re going to go over those below.

Check them out!

Head:

The head is pretty easy to know about. It’s the top of the racket that the strings are attached to. The size of the head varies from racket to racket. It also plays an integral part in the performance of the racket. Generally, a bigger head means more power.

While power a person has naturally will be a huge thing to consider too, those who cannot hit the ball incredibly hard can avoid the issue. They’ll simply get a bigger head on the racket. This could allow them to go from 60mph ball hits to 90mph.

Obviously, speed is key and the harder you hit something, the better.

Beam:

The beam is the thickness of the head, which varies for different types of rackets. This is probably the part of a tennis racket that is overlooked. This is in spite of the fact that essentially plays the biggest role in how well a tennis racket performs.

Overall, the user of any tennis racket will have the biggest say in how well the racket does.

However, some rackets are better than others simply because of critical additions. The beam is obviously a massive thing because thickness can play a role in how hard the ball is hit. It’s also critical to the durability of tennis rackets. Meaning, it won’t break often during competition.

Strings:

Very self-explanatory, without strings you’d not be able to play. Of course, strings are different with various tennis rackets too. The strings are obviously what you hit the ball with, so the better quality versions serve a bigger role than those of less quality.

Lesser quality strings may break often during play, especially if you went up against a top professional.

That said, quality strings are essential. Keep in mind what each does as well. Certain patterns will differ in tennis rackets, of course. However, the strings can be different in things like stiffness, tension retention, thickness, string texture, and rebound efficiency.

Since all can differ in these areas, you want to get one that does all relatively well. Of course, the way you play, as in your style of play, may also play a critical role in the type of strings you’d want too.

Bumper Guard:

There’s a guard at the top of the racket that protects it from any impact it makes with the ground during those tricky groundstrokes. Made from plastic, these need to be replaced regularly. This is a pretty critical thing to have in tennis rackets as protection for your tennis racket is pretty huge.

Bumper guards often help in hitting by avoiding the “shock” feeling as you go down lower with those ground shots. That said, not all will have great bumper guards. However, due to needing to be replaced regularly, you can always replace with better and better versions.

Throat:

The throat of a tennis racket starts at the top of the handle and separates into two sections. This then extends outwards to either side of the head. The center is hollow to reduce the weight of the racket, helping you swing easier. This is also the part where most of the flex comes from.

Quality throats on tennis rackets can make or break how the racket holds up in competition or even practice. If this sucks, you might as well throw it out and start all over.

Handle:

Of course, the handle of tennis rackets is self-explanatory, to say the least. It’s interesting to note that when brands want to make longer rackets to give more power and leverage, they lengthen the handle. The reason for lengthening is most likely due to the amount of power a larger racket has versus a smaller one.

Many theorize bigger is better.

This is not always the case, of course. However, in objects used to hit other objects, larger things can be more of use. If nothing more than for power alone. This is also key in leverage because the bigger handle allows you to have more of a swing with each hit.

Overall, this gives more momentum and power, which is all a leverage thing.

Grip:

This is simply the covering on the outside of the handle. As the name suggests, this aids your grip of the tennis racket. Meanwhile, it also protects your hand from the harsher surface of the handle underneath. It also provides a secure connection between the butt and handle of the racket.

Of course, proper grips give you more control. When trying to hang onto something slippery, you’ll suffer. You’ll see it slip out of your hand often. Grips come into play to ensure a proper grip, even in rainy conditions. Since grips promote control, you’ll also see accuracy improve.

Due to control having a say in how you hit something, it ultimately affects your entire game.

Types of Racket:

There are typically three different types of racket – power, control, and tweeners. Power rackets are better for beginners as they generate a lot of power. This is self-explanatory but nonetheless important to point out.

Meanwhile, control rackets are better for skilled amateurs and professionals.

This is likely due to having more overall ability to do whatever you like with these rackets. In essence, having more control over what it does. Of course, tweener types are as they sound. They fall somewhere in-between control and power and have a bit of a balance with the two.

How do you Choose a Tennis Racket?

Now that we’ve discussed racket basics, it’s time to look at how you choose a tennis racket from the selection available. We realize it’s tough to choose between them, as they all seem like they are exactly alike. They don’t look much different right? This isn’t exactly true.

That said, we have a lot to discuss below that will surely help enlighten you a bit.

This will be useful to check out before we show any of the tennis rackets to you. Mainly because you’ll understand key things you may not have realized. Check these out.

Think About Budget:

Budget is important, but there’s no need to spend a lot when you’re purchasing a racket. It can be tempting to spend out on an incredibly expensive one. However, unless you’re ATP-ranked and/or a seasoned pro, you really don’t need a flashy, all-singing and dancing racket.

You need to also be careful not to throw good money away on cheap and inferior rackets too. Some of those rackets come disguised as a bit expensive to make you think they are better than they actually are. When in fact, a cheaper version is far better.

It’s best to test out any tennis racket that interests you or even check with friends to see what they use.

Head Size:

As a beginner, you’re better opting for a racket with a large head. This will ultimately provide you with a bigger sweet spot. The sweet spot is in the middle of the strings and offers the most power and the better hit each time. It’s ideal for a beginner because you’re still developing your technique.

This means you’ll hit the ball more often than smaller heads would allow. While smaller heads might be used by professionals a lot, they’re not called pros for no reason.

Weight:

Lighter rackets are better for beginners, as it’ll enable you to swing easier and play tennis longer without tiring so quickly. Heavier rackets are harder to maneuver, as you’re still developing the necessary muscles for the game. Lightweight rackets should feel effortless to swing.

This may make you more interested in the game too.

After a while, you can always switch to a heavier tennis racket. Be sure that you’re careful not to buy a racket that’s too light, as you may develop bad habits and techniques, such as flicking the wrist. Trying the wrist thing with heavier rackets will possibly tear stuff in your wrists or even break/fracture things.

This is due to long-term use, as the flicking wrist isn’t useful for heavier rackets. They actually hinder the progress of the ball once you hit it. Don’t develop this habit and you’ll be fine. Your wrist will thank you later.

Grip Size:

The right grip size is important to the tennis racket you buy. If it’s too small, you’ll squeeze the handle too much, tire your muscles and lead to injury. If it’s too large, it’ll be harder to use and change through grip styles easily.

It needs to feel comfortable while you play with a full range of motion in your forearm and wrists.

If a grip isn’t comfortable, it means you bought the wrong racket. You can easily correct this before buying by paying attention to the type of grip you’ll think you need. Every pro differs, which is for good reason. The grips are different for everyone as it’s something unique to you as a player.

If for some reason you do not want to spend the money to buy a new tennis racket, you can always overgrip or regrip them too. Speaking of this…

How do you Grip and Regrip Tennis Rackets?

As noted earlier, the grip of a tennis racket is not just how you hold it, but the outer coating around the handle. This needs to be replaced or altered over time, as it wears away. This is normally known as a regrip. However, if you need to enhance your hold on the handle or want to try a slightly different playing style, you might need to invest in an overgrip.

What Differentiates a Regrip from an Overgrip?

There are a few differences between the two. Regrips are replacement grips that are directly applied to the handle and feature a sticky backing and provide cushioning. However, overgrips do not have any sticky backing.

While regrips are used to complete re-grip your tennis racket, overgrips are used to either provide a tacky surface for better grip or absorb sweat. One of the biggest advantages of overgrips is that they are generally a lot cheaper and therefore easier to replace more often.

They’re also available in various colors.

Why Choose a Textured Grip?

A textured grip, one with large perforations or contours, are the go-to choice for people who like something to hold in their fingers and feel the control benefits.  Although they do not have as much impact on how a racket feels, they do provide more absorption and cushioning.

This can be a key addition to tennis rackets, as you’ll be using it a lot. During a given match, you’ll be swinging that sucker over one hundred times most likely. Having something to absorb some impact and cushion things a bit can be a massive help.

1) Babolat 2018 Pure Aero Tennis Racket

We decided to go big with the first item on our product with a tennis racket endorsed by the one and only King of Clay, Rafa Nadal. If he’s the man you aspire to be when you hit the court, whether it’s clay, hard, or grass – this could be a great option.

This is technically a replacement for the incredibly popular AeroPro Drive.

It comes with an improved aerodynamic beam along with much higher swing weight. There is a real sense with these tennis rackets that you could really smash the ball. You’ll do so almost like it’s nothing.

Along with this, it’s incredibly comfortable to use. This is obviously a key thing to have in tennis rackets of today. It’s able to do this thanks to the longer holes for the grommets. This enables the racket’s strings to absorb more of the vibrations.

The FSI Spin Technology used by Babolat gives the racket wider spaces between the cross strings.

This produces extra bite and improves the level of comfort due to the more comfortable and open string bed. It will help you win those baseline plays and as well as those points at the net. However, it’s your serves that will definitely benefit.

This is especially true if you are looking to drive home some easy winners or throw your opponents off with serious spin.

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2) Wilson 2018 Ultra 100 Countervail Tennis Racket

Feliciano Lopez swears by this Wilson Ultra 100 Countervail tennis racket. Known for his powerful serves and baseline plays, he is also confident with any serve, volley, or play at the net. With this, the 2nd Gen of the impressive Ultra 100, you get a whole lot of precision, spin, and power.

We’re not necessarily saying you’ll become the next Lopez, but it’ll at least get you halfway there. Intermediates will love the light feel of its 11.2-ounce weight, which will help you to easily swing it to devastate your opponent.

Martin from the Sales team better keep one eye open at all times, that’s all we’re saying.

The addition of the Countervail mentioned in the name provides it with greater comfort. This material tech helps to lighten the load on your muscles and tendons. These tennis rackets also feature Uncontaminated Design. This means it has the same simplistic design and almost-velvety paint finish that can be found in their Blade and Pro Staff lines.

This is definitely a weapon for the intermediate and advanced players. If you’re like Lopez and love a good attack from the baseline, you’ll do some real damage with these tennis rackets.

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3) Babolat Pure Strike 100 Tennis Racket

Babolat is back, this time with their Pure Strike 100 tennis racket. This racket provides a particularly nice mix of maneuverability, control, and spin. Obviously, all three are drastically important.

All intermediates will enjoy the weight in their hand and the fact it still retains the Hybrid Frame Construction. However, it features key points along the beam that have been thickened for improving its precision, stability, and power.

These tennis rackets were notably used at one point by the Austrian powerhouse Dominic Thiem, an aggressive baseliner. Interestingly, this actually provides an awesome amount of spin thanks to the FSI Power tech which sees the upper cross strings having wider spacing.

Thiem has moved onto other Babolat tennis rackets, but it doesn’t mean you have to. The Babolat Pure Strike 100 is the perfect option if you’re looking for an old-school racket feel and control combined with the modern precision, spin, and speed.

This is definitely not a racket for beginners.

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4) Yonex EZONE DR 100 Tennis Racket

The Yonex EZONE DR 100 tennis racket is tremendous. Considering the EZONE DR range has a champion in Nick Kyrios as an ambassador, you know you’re onto a winner with this weapon. The layup of the racket has been infused with the new Nanometric DR.

This is essentially premium-quality carbon graphite that enhances the racket’s ball repulsion.

Alongside two pieces of tech that Yonex faithful will be familiar with, the iconic Isometric head shape yields a more forgiving sweet spot. Meanwhile, the Oval Pressed Shaft gives extra dwell time and flex.

At the baseline, the EZONE DR 100+ will feel powerful, stable, and accurate. This will provide you with the tool necessary to hit those heavy spinners that’ll send your opponents into a spin. All you aggressive and big servers looking for free points will find the Yonex EZONE DR 100+ a dream.

However, you must be careful what you wish for. This is only for those who really can handle that power. Don’t just assume you can either, as you truly need to know first.

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5) Volkl V-Sense 8 300G Tennis Racket

Due to the combination of comfort, spin, and sheer power, the versatile V-Sense 8 series from Volkl has gained a loyal fanbase. In the middle of the new line sits the 300G stick. These tennis rackets feature the brand-new C3 material that’s a clever mixture of different materials to provide a stiffer frame.

Despite this, it still offers a lot of give when using it.

This makes it perfect for intermediate adults and strong beginners who are looking to increase their pace. To give the racket the feel of a ‘classic Volkl’, it features a much less angular construction in the beam.

Strong baseliners will enjoy how easily the racket cuts through the air to give you a nice bit of spin and speed on your shots. It’s far from a faultless tennis racket if we’re honest with you here.

However, if you’re a player on the up and looking for the precision and spin that modern play revolves around so often, yet you don’t want the weight of modern rackets, this is ideal.

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6) Head Ti.S6 Tennis Racket

It’s quite funny that because of the quality tennis rackets in our guide is so high, this is the first Head racket we’ve listed. Head has and will always be one of the top manufacturers of tennis rackets. There’s no surprise really that this is not a heavy stick.

It’s made from a Titanium and graphite composite after all.

The widebody and straight beam does feature a heavy head but is under 9-ounces. However, despite its weight, it still provides more power than the Ti.S5. It’s also more stable and easier to control than the Ti.S7 that’s now been discontinued.

This is perfect if you’re an intermediate player with a very compact or even medium stroke style that’s also looking for a bigger sweet spot. This is due to the fact that it matches the power it produces with a very open string pattern. Quick note, open-string pattern equals spins sophisticated and stunning spins.

If that’s what you’re looking for in a tennis racket, this is the right one for you.

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7) Babolat Pure Drive 2015 Tennis Racket

Annnd we’re back again with Babolat for an updated take on one of their most popular and versatile rackets, the awesome Pure Drive. Thanks to its ability to deliver a mixture of mobility, precision, and power, this is a great stick for both beginners and the seasoned pros alike.

Those reading this will see that the Pure Drive 2015 will appeal to most are those aggressive baseliners. This will give them one of the best tennis rackets for their style, and offer a lot of fun. Stand up and be counted, you know who you are!

This is sublime for those powerful spin-shots.

Also, if you’re a hot-head that looks good in pink, you may enjoy this racket a lot. No, we don’t mean the hot-headed Italian, Fabio Fognini.

Fognini has continued to play with this tennis racket for a number of years and had a reasonable run of success. With the addition of FSI Technology, the sweet spot is lifted. Meanwhile, the upper cross string spaces are tightened to give a much more responsive zone for contact.

This is a definite favorite among the Men’s Gear staffers.

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8) Prince Textreme Tour 100P Racket

The Prince Textreme Tour 100P Racket might remind you of tennis rackets formerly known as another racket. However, they are excellent and well worth the investment.

The dense 18 x 20 string pattern helps to give control to the speed you’d expect from a modern racket. This Prince Textreme Tour 100P is definitely made with intermediates, advanced players, and touring professionals in mind.

The Textreme in the name refers to the special substance used to reinforce the layup to give a nice and tasty boost of both stability and flexibility. Similarly to the Textreme Tour 95, this racket has appealing playability and awesome feel.

With such a low flex rating the string bed does not feel off-center, even when absorbing any and all impacts. It won’t let you down on the groundstrokes either. On top of this, these tennis rackets have the added bonus of feeling particularly robust, despite its weight.

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9) Babolat Boost Strike Tennis Racket

Babolat Boost Strike Tennis Rackets

Back again with Babolat. Before anyone moans about so many Babolat rackets making the final draft, it’s with good reason that they repeatedly show up.

They get the job done and so many people use them. Rafa, Dominic Thiem, the Bryan Brothers, Fabio Fognini and Sam Querry. All big hitters, all big winners – need we say more? This Babolat Boost Strike tennis racket sounds impressive and to be perfectly honest, it delivers what it promises.

What does it promise? To be a nice first full-size racket for the juniors and beginners moving up in the world.

If you’ve been perfecting your back-hand slice or your volley shots and feel capable of taking on something a bit meatier, this is for you. For under $100, you’re actually getting a pretty sweet deal, considering the brand and their prestige.

At just 10.4-ounces, it’s very light yet it has enough strength behind it to give you the power you need. Of course, this is useful in making those winning shots, without losing the forgiveness you need when you’re still on your way up.

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10) Wilson Blade 98 16×19 Countervail Racket

Wilson Blade 98 16x19 Countervail Tennis Rackets

The newer Blade 98 has a much sleeker and silky finish, akin to the Pro Staff series. Compared to the 18×20 model, you’ll get a lot more spin and power for your buck. This comes with all the feel and precision we’ve come to expect from the Blade range.

The Countervail, previously noted in this guide, is a new addition and helps to provide a special layer of carbon. This enhances the dampening in the layup. As noted by Wilson, this is able to reduce muscle fatigue and increase arm protection.

Another key component that makes this a beautiful beast is the parallel drilling used. This improves the string bed’s ability to transfer additional energy into the ball when it absorbs vibration.

You’ll find on your groundstrokes that this stick offers controllable power and a very smooth feel. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for those big swings you’ll be rewarded with spectacular amounts of spin and driving depth.

Even with this racket being lightweight and fast, you still have a large enough head to keep it stable and steady. This is perfect for redirecting a big serve back and dealing with heavy balls.

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11) Babolat AeroPro Team Tennis Racket

Babolat AeroPro Team Tennis Rackets

From Babolat, the AeroPro Team tennis racket occupies a nice ground between the lighter AeroPro Lite and the heavier AeroPro Drive. This has a very balanced feel that’s not too heavy or even too light. It gives you enough drive and power to hit those big shots without losing control.

This is an especially good option for doubles players, particularly if you enjoy time at the net. This is due to being very quick and responsive. For a much smoother and enjoyable feel, it has the updated version of the Active Cortex Dampening System.

This is another extremely popular model from the master crafters at Babolat. If you’re wanting to get the benefit of Babolat’s craftsmanship and technology, without paying an exceptionally high price. Perhaps you’re just looking for something that’s not too heavy or too light if so, this is a great place to look.

It’s ideal for improving beginners and intermediate players who want a good mix of control and power.

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12) Wilson Pro Staff 97 Tennis Racket

Wilson Pro Staff 97 Tennis Rackets

The Wilson Pro Staff 97 tennis racket is tremendous. This is perfect if you’re an intermediate or even an advanced player looking for a great deal of feel and precision from a racket.

The members of this particular racket family tend to have more flexibility in the beams than the likes of the Ultra and Burn lines. Ultimately, this gives them that classic butter-smooth responsiveness. Control has also been enhanced by having a smaller head.

The most notable thing about the Pro Staff line is the fact that Roger Federer himself helped develop it. If that isn’t enough to get you to try this one out, nothing will!

Although it only has a weight of 11.7-ounces, it’s still capable of withstanding and returning those bigger blows from heavy-hitting aggressive players. If you’re a net technician, you’ll appreciate the balance it provides as well as the maneuverability.

This is a very sophisticated racket, despite how it looks and in the wrong/right hands can be a devastating shot maker.

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13) Head YouTek Graphene Instinct MP Tennis Racket

Head YouTek Graphene Instinct MP Tennis Rackets

Are you looking for the power and versatility in your game like Czech player Tomas Berdych? You should look to his go-to racket known as the Head YouTek Graphene Instinct. Thanks to its special design, you’re able to generate a lot more power.

However, the added bonus of less effort and weight will help to never hold you back. Graphene is used in the shaft which gives it a heavier bottom and tip, making the above possible.

This tennis racket is one that feels incredibly solid regardless whether you’re taking or making shots from on court. However, it delivers exceptional devastation from the baseline. If you’re an intermediate or even an advanced player and have a medium-long swing, you’ll find a lot to love with this racket.

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14) Wilson Federer Tennis Racket

Wilson Federer Tennis Rackets

Yet another Wilson tennis racket comes up to bat, but this version stands out because of something in particular. It has been made with the great Roger Federer himself in mind. Not really for him, but for players looking to emulate even just a tiny bit of his class and style.

It has a nice 11.5-ounce weight so it’s great for hitting shots with the depth and power you need to win a point from anywhere in the court. Sound like someone we know? They’ve really worked on stabilizing their sturdy frame by using their Arc Technology.

When you consider the work put into it and the tweaks, this has a very lively string bed and capable of greater control. Considering the ridiculously low price, this is an awesome deal.

While the racket is important, Roger Federer became who he is today due to practice, patience, and perseverance. A fancy racket didn’t get him there. If you’re a beginner, start with this and work towards something else. Though you’ll still need a sweet tennis racket to do all of that with.

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15) Wilson Tour Slam Lite Tennis Racket

Wilson Tour Slam Lite Tennis Rackets

This is another budget-priced tennis racket that will give you a good start in the game if you’re just looking to get on the court. Wilson made these tennis rackets with a reasonably large head, allowing you to generate a lot of power. However, they will also be comfortable to play with, if you’re not used to using your arms.

Really, when you’re starting out you want to see balls actually return and stay in play. It can be disheartening if anything else but that happens.

The Tour Slam Lite enables you to attack balls with exceptional momentum for a beginner and it’s also easy to control the spin and power. It also benefits from Power String Bridge technology.

It won’t turn you into Djokovic, but then we’re not sure there’s any racket that could actually do that. Sorry, dude!

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Game, Set and Match!

Tennis has definitely progressed into quite an elite sport. However, the basics of the game are perfect for just about anyone with patience, determination, and a decent level of fitness overall to get into.

Therefore, if you’re just starting in the sport, you’ll find it challenging. Yet with the right weapon in your hands, you’ll be able to start making some impressive shots. The tennis racket you choose should complement and deliver what you need for your own unique playing style.

If you haven’t developed a playing style yet, beginner rackets are best. Remember, it’s not a good idea to just get the cheapest. You want a racket with a good sweet spot, and one that’s very forgiving that’ll essentially do most of the hard work for you.

When it comes to style, the more advanced players know if they are a drop-shot volleyer or a baseline bruiser.

That said, we should seek to be like them in the beginning stages and figure out the style that suits us best. You’ll know if you have a devastating forearm or a masterful backhand smash. Know your style, and it’ll be easier to pick between amazing tennis rackets on the market.

In this guide, we found some great Babolats, Wilsons, a Head, and a few other notable rackets well worth anyone’s well-earned money

Remember the tips we’ve given about grips and what to look for in a tennis racket. Doing this will help you pulverize your enemies and bring you to victory. Of course, victories are also won by those who make the impressive shot too.

December 30, 2018 / Comments Off on Top 15 Tennis Rackets On The Market Today
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Top 14 Table Tennis & Ping Pong Paddles

E

veryone has played table tennis or ping pong as it’s better known. No life is complete without having done it before. It’s actually something of a standout sport because it doesn’t really divide people in the same way other sports do. Some sports we watch more than actually playing. This is often because of the cost involved, level of skill, or class and background. Ping Pong is different as you just need proper ping pong paddles to get going and you’re on your way.

Whether you’ve played it in the rec room at work, at a club, or in your friend’s basement…it doesn’t matter. You’ve done it!

You’ve probably considered investing in your own paddle to show off your ping pong greatness. Why not? Practice makes perfect (ish), as the old saying goes. However, if you’ve just been playing it at a purely recreational level, you’re probably still new to the more intricate details of the sport.

Perhaps you’re one of the many people who thought all ping pong paddles were exactly the same? Maybe you’re just overwhelmed by the different terminology, components, styles, and brands. We’d like to offer a helpful nudge in the right direction.

Whatever brought you here, we’re going to do our best to get you what you really want and need. That’s an awesome paddle to sharpen your skills and WOW your buddies.

We’ve selected 14 ping pong paddles that we believe are the best available right now.

Before all that, it’s important that you understand a little bit more about ping pong paddles and what to look for when you’re buying them. We want to highlight the main things to consider, mistakes people make, and main brands of ping pong paddles. Then, the fun begins!

What are the Main Things to Consider when Buying Table Tennis or Ping Pong Paddles?

There are many different ping pong paddles to choose from out there. Trust us when we say that it can be hard to even know what a paddle can do compared to another. You could find it more than a little intimidating trying to find the best one for you.

Therefore, there’s a number of important considerations you need to make. These considerations are important for a number of reasons, but the most important is its “value for its buy.”

This means your ping pong paddle needs to be perfect for you as you’ll use it often. If you don’t play much, you may want to spend less on a paddle compared to those who play frequently. Yet this is only one thing to consider in order to get the best value for what you’ll buy.

We decided to go over some important things below, check them out.

Skill Level:

You need to consider is your actual skill level. The paddle you choose will have a direct impact on how well you perform at the sport. Buying the most advanced and expensive ping pong paddles on the market could actually have adverse effects on your ability to play the game.

This is because you may not be able to control the shots you make effectively.

Certain paddles are made for more experienced people. They will have things made for them that differ them to others, which could make a novice struggle. Their skill level isn’t as great so they do not see the appeal of that paddle versus another.

This makes their play worse, but what also may is the style one person plays versus another.

This means that they are not picking up on the way a paddle is designed because they may play differently than what that paddle was designed to do. On top of this and contrary to what some may believe, “expensive” does not always mean “best.”

That means you may struggle with certain paddles that do not work for you directly, regardless of what you paid.

Simply put, don’t try and run before you can walk.

Way You Play:

We highlighted this above but we made an entire section of it because we feel it is THAT important. Think about the type of game you play. Are you more of an all-arounder or do you prefer to play offensively or defensively? If you’re starting your journey in this sport, you haven’t developed a playing style yet.

This is totally cool, we promise.

This just means you’re better off with sticking to an all-around paddle or defensive one. Once you’ve established the type of playing style you have, you can make a proper decision on the type of paddle you need. Ping pong paddles are not hard to deal with, but you need to think of them slightly like golf clubs.

Are you going to use a driver to put or a 3 iron when a 5 iron is needed? No. A proper golfer would know the difference, just as ping pong or table tennis experts will know the difference in paddles.

Once you discover your style of play, you’ll be fine.

Categories Given To Ping Pong Paddles:

You have finally picked a style, eh? Tremendous! Now it’s time to pick between ping pong paddles. The majority of companies tend to use three criteria – control, spin, and speed.

Control is not actually a measurement of anything on the paddle itself, this is more an opposite measurement to spin and speed. Generally speaking, as you gain spin and speed while playing, you lose a certain degree of control. Offensive players mostly use paddles that have a mixture of high speed and spin.

Meanwhile, defensive players prefer paddles that offer higher control.

It’s worth noting though that when considering these measurements, you need to compare them from the same manufacturer. As there are different methods of testing used by different companies and therefore different rating scales shown.

Although you have the option between buying a fully customized or a preassembled paddle. Custom versions suit the more experienced player. However, our top picks feature preassembled paddles, as we wanted something for everyone.

When you’re just learning how to play the game you don’t need to worry about the different blades and rubbers there are to choose from.

What are the Common Mistakes People Make when Buying a Ping Pong Paddle?

Newcomers to the sport often make the mistake of trying to emulate other, more experienced players. Players need to learn how to walk before they run when playing this sport. Don’t get caught up in buying incredibly expensive ping pong paddles.

Expensive paddles are great as they offer more control or speed. As we highlighted earlier, this does not really help you. Less experienced players will likely not know how to use them properly. Using paddles far too advanced for you may even damage your progress rather than help it.

We don’t want that!

On the other hand, don’t feel you have to buy a dirt-cheap paddle either. While it may seem like common sense to only buy a cheap paddle, don’t. Just don’t. They’re cheap for a reason and that reason will not help you improve your game one bit.

Another mistake people make is not asking more advanced players for their advice.

You don’t want to use the same paddle as them in the beginning, they know this too. That’s why they’ll be able to guide you to the one you should be using. We can let pride rule us too much sometimes, and ping pong is way more complicated than newcomers often think.

Simply learn to be humble if you’re not already.

The final mistake we want to discuss that people who are new to ping pong seemingly rushing into buying a customized paddle. They spend a whole lot of money on choosing the rubber, the sponge and the blade. Yes, they’ll undoubtedly have an amazing paddle on their hands.

One that will be of no use to them whatsoever because it’s likely they won’t be able to control it properly.

What are the Main Brands of Ping Pong Paddles?

We’re not about to tell you that you should invest in products from a specific brand just because they’re popular. You should always keep the above in mind, However, the main brands that make a particular product are a good place to start.

Especially when you’re trying to find high-quality and reliable items.

Again, your level of experience, budget, and playing style should always be factored into any decision you make. However, a company with a good track record is worth investing in.

There are many brands that produce ping pong paddles, but some stand out more than others. For example, look anywhere online and you’ll see one name showing up, time and time again. It’s Killerspin, right? They’re undeniably one of the best and most popular brands currently making table tennis bats and with good reason.

They know what it takes to make paddles for all levels. Other names to look out for include Palio, Butterfly, and Stiga. Many even include guides with the ping pong paddles they sell. Stick with these brands and you’re bound to have success with your new-found passion.

Now that you’re more clued up with what’s what when it comes to table tennis, it’s time to get you tooled-up with an awesome paddle. One that’ll leave your opponent devastated on the mat as you walk off victorious. Please remember to be a good sportsman and gracious when you win or lose.

A fist pump is acceptable though. Just do us a favor and don’t Michael Bolton it!

1) Killerspin JET800 Speed N1 Table Tennis Paddle

There’s a lot to love about the JET800 by Killerspin, especially if you’re a more advanced or improving player in the sport. The power it has is amazing, allowing possible mastery over your opponents due to it.

The blade of the JET800 N1 consists of carbon fiber in two layers. This comes between five different layers of premium-quality wood. A total of seven layers perfect these ping pong paddles for offensive players that want to take more control.

It features Killerspin’s own renowned high-tension Nitrx-47 rubber. It’s fully approved by the ITTF for competitions and provides enhanced power and spin to your game. Not only that, its top sheet offers you an amazing grip on ball strikes when serving, allowing heavy spins on balls as well as countering spinny returns easily.

The wood and carbon all work together with this beautifully handcrafted flared handle that ensures you have the best grip on it, regardless of hand size. The wooden side tape technology adds an extra touch of artistic flair while also protecting the blade.

The side tape won’t peel either!!

It comes with elegant packaging with its memory book that enables you to store your paddle safely when it’s not being used. This also keeps a record of your scores, signatures, and anything else you want to cherish.

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2) Palio Expert 2 Table Tennis Racket and Case

Next up to the table is a collaborative effort between Expert Table Tennis and Palio. While the rubbers that feature in the Palio CJ8000 are not different, they provide the same level of spin and approved by the ITTF. The blade has been redesigned from the previous, however.

Expert Table Tennis has worked on it to give enhanced feeling and control. These ping pong paddles have all the things that beginners should take note of.

Underneath its slick and stylish exterior, this paddle benefits from two of the aforementioned Palio CJ8000 rubbers all wood blade. Those rubbers are known for the spin they generate, while the softer sponge helps to rein it in so it can be wielded effectively.

The top-sheet has the right level of tackiness to provide sidespin, backspin, and topspin when necessary. To top it off, its flared handle fits in your hand like a glove.

The accompanying case gives you a nice place to protect your paddle between victories. Of course, this also works for the occasional loss, no doubt. It’ll ensure your rubbers stay as clean as possible.

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3) MAPOL 4-Star Professional Training Ping Pong Paddle

We bring you not one affordable ping pong paddle, but TWO ping pong paddles from MAPOL. These paddles have everything the training player could want and need. If you’re relatively new to the game but have a willingness to improve, you’ll find these incredibly helpful.

They have flared handles that provide a comfortable and versatile grip, regardless of hand size. The seven layers of wood in the blade helps to give you a nice bit of weight. This is coupled with specially-chosen rubber and 2mm sponge to complete the awesome package.

Don’t be alarmed by the price, because MAPOL has given them some serious attention and the detail is remarkable. They weigh around twice as much as the average beginner’s paddle. Yet they have an exceptional tackiness that helps to generate the spin you need for trickier returns you want to throw at your opponent.

Compared to some paddles, these have a little more padding. This may or may not be to your liking. Make sure you’re aware of that.

In addition to the two ping pong paddles, this set also comes with its own branded MAPOL Sports carry case. This helps to keep the paddles in good condition between your various bouts you’re sure to get into. As noted, these are marketed more beginners as well as those with ongoing training or who play casually.

However, for the price, they deliver much greater value for the money than you’d maybe expect.

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4) STIGA Supreme Performance-Level Table Tennis Racket

Our next competitor is this beauty from the masters at STIGa. The Supreme is aptly named, for when this baby delivers, it makes the hit count. With its performance ratings for control, spin, and speed calculated as 89, 92, and 90 respectively, this is a seriously good paddle.

These ping pong paddles utilize future-inverted rubber with a lightweight blade comprising of six layers of wood sandwiched between it. The 2mm of sponge provides that nice bit of tackiness. This is something you’re looking for when you want to put a little spin into your shots.

With its Italian-sourced and produced composite handle this paddle gives you grip you need to stay in the game. With the addition of the company’s own ADT or Shock Dispersion Tube, the paddle absorbs vibrations and transfers that energy out of the handle.

This allows you not to feel the same level of fatigue you might have when playing with an inferior shot maker.

While the Weight Reduction Balance(WRB) reduces its weight dramatically, it retains the ideal shape for increased ball sensitivity. This also offers an enhanced recovery rate and superior blade balance.

These ping pong paddles are called “Supreme” because it delivers a supreme paddle for excellent playing performance at an equally amazing price. Word of warning though, this has clearly been made with more advanced offensive or tactical all-rounders.

Meaning, if you’re more of a defensive player or rank beginner, you may want to look elsewhere.

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5) Butterfly Pro-Line Hand-Assembled Professional Racket

The Butterfly Pro-Line is tremendous, offering a hand-assembled model with Timo Boll all-rounder blade. This also comes with a beautifully flared handle. The blade gets its name from a German Table Tennis star who plays for Borussia Dusseldorf.

He’s a top-ranked player currently in the German Table Tennis National League and the ITTF rankings.

Perhaps the idea of playing like a legendary player of the game is attractive to you. If so, you need to give this expensive, but great value paddle your consideration. These ping pong paddles feature two rubbers. One for the forehand, that is a red Tack Fire Drive 2.0 and the other on the backhand, where you’ll see a black Tack Fire Drive 2.0.

What kind of player are you?

As we discussed at the outset, it’s important to establish your playing style and technique before investing in more expensive paddles. Needless to say, if you’re an all-around type that has a penchant for those offensive attacks, you’ll want to get your hands on this paddle.

Combined with the rubbers, this model has a flared handle with five layers of wood in the blade. This makes it a devastating weapon in the right hands.

Although it has a performance rating of 69 for control, it scores 81 of speed. Meaning you’ll be able to fire those spinny returns and serves easily. That’s if you’re ready to handle such a tool, of course. The Butterfly brand is known for producing high-quality paddles made from well-sourced materials.

This paddle appears to be no different.

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6) Killerspin Jet Black Intermediate Ping Pong Paddle

Back on the court with Killerspin again for another reminder of why they are masters when it comes to manufacturing ping pong paddles. The Jet Series ping pong paddles are designed with the everyday player in mind.

Although looks aren’t everything, imagine slipping this incredible looking black paddle out of its smart sleeve, with your enemy looking on. What’s going through his or her mind? Are they trembling? We think they should be.

The wooden handle has been flared to perfection to provide you with the kind of control and comfort. This will allow you to hit those shots with the spin and power you desire.

Like most Killerspin paddles, this paddle features the highly effective Nitrx-4Z rubbers and have five layers of wood between them. It may not be the most powerful, but it sure offers a lot of control and spin for a very mid-range price.

When you consider what is included in the price, a professional level black case, you’ll be insanely happy. You can fit a maximum of two paddles in the case with an elastic fastener holding them in place. There will still be enough room for four, count that, four balls.

If you’ve been playing for a while and are looking to up the ante a little, this is a great way to do so.

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7) JOOLA 4-Player Table Tennis Hit Set

Perhaps you’re playing table tennis for a good laugh with your work buddies or the guys when they come around on a Saturday night. The professional stuff isn’t for you it seems. If that’s what you’re looking for, the JOOLA 4-Player Hit set may just be what you need.

You get everything you need in one package. The ping pong paddles themselves are quite interesting. They offer a three-layered blade that favors backhanded players. This gives a very smooth surface that manages to produce an interesting amount of spin and speed to keep your games exciting.

The selling point here is the four ping pong paddles you get. This comes along with a whopping eight balls and a compact carry case to keep it all in. All this comes in under the $20 mark.

How can anyone actually argue with that value?

We’ll overlook the JOOLA Racket Performance Scores of 34 for Spin and 33 for Speed. As we’ve noted, this is not for experienced or even intermediate players looking to devastate their opponents at the local club or courts.

Maybe you’re looking for a great way to shoot the breeze with your friends after work. Perhaps you’re wanting to bring a bit of friendly competition to the rec room. Either way, this is perfect for it.

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8) STIGA Evolution Performance-Level Table Tennis Paddle

If you have a real thirst for victory at a higher level, then this next offering from STIGA might just give you what you need. These are extremely high-quality ping pong paddles from the manufacturer, and features the Shock Dispersion Technology (SDT) mentioned in the model we covered further up the page.

This involves a cutting-edge composite rod that’s been integrated with the blade and handle. With the tubing, vibration and energy are generated when the ball makes contact with the paddle. This passes through the tubing and out of the bottom of the handle.

By converting that kinetic energy into sound energy, it helps to improve the feel, control, and speed of the paddle. This is one of the reasons why these ping pong paddles have a performance rating of 90, 94, and 96 for control, spin, and speed respectively.

Another reason though could be the fact that the premium quality rubber used that has full approval from the ITTF for tournament play. Meanwhile, the 2mm layer of sponge and the six layers of wood that form the blade also help this. All in all, this is not one to easily pass on.

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9) Butterfly Pro-Line Balsa Carbo XS Fl

Yet another set of Butterfly ping pong paddles are up to serve. This differs from the previously Pro-Line model due to the blade being made from a Balsa carbo combination. This makes it a first in the world of table tennis/ping pong.

The lightweight quality of balsa wood has been used to create a blade that gives you the control and precision to block effectively and effortlessly. A lot of that power is derived from the carbon also used in the blade. A total of five layers is divided into three wooden plies and two carbon plies.

While the paddle benefits greatly from the inclusion of Tenergy 80 FX rubbers. This is Butterfly’s own creation and ensures there is a well-measured balance between speed and spin. Its sponge has been softened to better suit those who enough joy mid-distance looping or all-around attack forms of place.

Definitely not for amateurs, this is for the truly serious professionals or those looking to move into professional levels of play. The performance ratings speak for themselves – 80 for control, 95 for spin and 100 for speed.

This is truly a miraculous piece of paddle engineering and ingenuity indeed.

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10) STIGA Pro Carbon Performance-Level Table Tennis Paddle

STIGA are well-known for their trailblazing attitude to developing and incorporating advanced technologies and evolved materials in the construction of their paddles. The next product from this amazing company is representative of their reputation.

The SDT that’s been mentioned a number of times already is ever present in this particular paddle. This comes along with the layers of carbon that help to enhance the response level and improve the paddle’s rigidity. Seven plies of balsa wood have been crafted to increase the response time and speed.

As ever, there’s premium-grade rubber used in the construction and sponge to help achieve nice spins you need to give your opponent the runaround. All in all, it’s incredibly affordable for one of this quality of design construction.

These ping pong paddles are certainly for the advanced beginner who is looking to move up a level. It’s also for the intermediate types as well as experts looking for a lightweight weapon to put a different spin on their game. See what we did there?

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11) Duplex 6-Star Ping Pong Paddle Set of 2

Another value bundle pack, this set from Duplex offers affordability and all you need for a game of ping pong. Compromising of two ping pong paddles and three balls, this is more suited to the casual player than anyone looking for a serious professional career in ping pong.

That’s not to say it’s not without merit. After all, for just over $20, you get two ping pong paddles made to a reasonably high standard, and three decent balls to play with. Turn up to work with these in tow and a ping pong table and you’ve made a battleground for lunch-time tournaments and gripping near-knuckle rallies.

Just don’t expect anything more. That’s all we’re saying.

This lives up to what it was made for and we’d be pleased to turn up to the Men’s Gear office and see these babies waiting for us. We wouldn’t recommend them if you’re looking to work on your blocking, chopping, or backspins though.

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12) DHS Hurricane-II Tournament Shakehand Ping Pong Paddle

From one extreme to another, blowing onto the court like some kinda strong wind comes the DHS Hurricane. This is a shakehand-style paddle that was designed especially for Wang Liqin to use during the Olympic Games in 2000.

Red and black pimpled rubbers provide versatile play, depending on which side you use. If you’re looking for a more defensive bouncy game, the black will suit you. Whereas if you are looking for those crushing forearm offensive strikes, stick to red.

The biggest selling point aside from its Olympic heritage is the fact it looks and feels well-constructed. You know what it’s like when you hold something and just know it’s a good product. That’s the impression you get with these ping pong paddles.

It’s designed to produce a lot of spin in the ball, meaning if you’re not used to that kind of play, you may find it tricky to use. Have patience or get back to the end of the line and aim for something more beginner.

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13) Killerspin JET200 Table Tennis Paddle

The penultimate paddle on our list is the Killerspin JET200. We’re big fans of Killerspin here at Men’s Gear and it’s not too hard to understand why. Just take the JET200 as a great example of what this company does best. First things first, it comes in three different colors.

While ours is the more traditional-looking Blue-Vanilla, some of you may be more Lime or even Mocha dudes. Now to the important side of things – the playing. With these ping pong paddles, you get a great level of play that belies the price tag.

Lots of control, spin and speed are produced by the five layers of wood that are covered in the Jet Basic range of rubbers from Killerspin.

This paddle is perfect for the beginner looking to get the basics perfected before moving on to something with more bite and aggression. Like many Killerspin products, you get a really cool gift box that includes a memory book to keep a record of your scores.

It may even have signatures of ping pong legends and as well as something to write your own notes.

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14) Palio Master 2 Table Tennis Racket and Case

Finishing up our guide is this Palio Master 2 paddle that is a collaborative effort between Expert Table Tennis and Palio. It still utilizes the CJ8000 rubbers that offer high-quality spin and are fully approved by the ITTF. It is a great all-rounder and provides the perfect balance between control and speed.

The rubbers have a great degree of tackiness meaning you can produce a lot of different types of spin. Think of things like the sidespin, backspin, and topspin. It does all of them with relative ease. As is pretty standard, it features a comfortable flared handle which won’t cause you fatigue even during longer matches.

Although it’s not designed to cope with the level of play an experienced or even advancing intermediate plays at, this is a great all-rounder. Ping pong paddles such as this are tremendous, despite pros not being as big of a fan of it.

The average Joe will surely enjoy them, and it seems the reviews agree.

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Time to Serve!

It can seem like a bit of a minefield when you start navigating through the many different ping pong paddles on the market. However, we’ve hopefully shown you that once you know what you’re looking for in a paddle, it’s a lot easier than you imagined.

Especially so when you know what style of play you want, level of play, etc.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a weekend warrior looking to improve your skills or just hit some balls on your garage. You may even play in an actual club with real bonafide ping pong pros.

Even if all you’re looking to do is to own a decent paddle to take to work when Steve from Human Resources comes in. He’ll try to tempt you and place his filthy money on your desk, speaking of challenges of the ping pong variety. We all hate Steve from Human Resources and you need to smite him, smite him good.

One of the paddles above will help.

Whatever you’re looking for, we’re sure you now have everything you need to find the right ping pong paddle for you!

December 30, 2018 / Comments Off on Top 14 Table Tennis & Ping Pong Paddles
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Top 10 Outdoor Adjustable & Portable Basketball Hoops

I

nstead of dunking your chicken wings into a rich blue cheese sauce, how about you start dunking some hoops? Basketball is a great game to get some competition going between the guys. It’s also a great form of exercise and a way to have fun with the kids. There are lots of reasons to get a basketball hoop. However, there are even more benefits and reasons to look into adjustable and portable basketball hoops for the outdoors.

We’ve done some research on your behalf to make sure you don’t end up with an airball of a basketball hoop purchase. We’d had to Kwame Brown this up and show you a low-quality basketball hoop. No one wants one that crashes to the ground with every gust of wind, bank shot, and slam dunk.

Poor quality portable basketball hoops don’t just interfere with the play and prevent you performing your wicked moves. Rather, they can also be extremely dangerous, especially around the little ones. To make your search even easier, we’ve been playing basketball all week, well sort of.

What is “playing” if you don’t miss a lot while yelling “make it rain!” right?

In this time, however, we found the best adjustable and portable basketball hoops on the market.

Want to see what we’ve got in store for you? We first need to go through a triangle offense to help people defend themselves best with some FAQs first. If need be, you could pull up from halfcourt like Steph Curry and go straight to the hoops. It’s up to you.

Although unlike Curry, you may need to know a bit about these as well. Go for the layup this time.

What Are The Benefits Of Buying Outdoor Adjustable & Portable Basketball Hoops?

You might have come here already being sold on the idea of a portable and adjustable basketball hoop. That’s great and you’re a smart guy. For the other smart guys who are yet to realize all the benefits of owning one of these types of basketball hoops, come close.

It’s likely the best way to discuss this would be to discuss normal versus portable.

Normal Basketball Hoops And Issues Of The Street, Yo:

Having your own basketball hoop is great. If you head down to your local street court, you’re likely to find the hoops are already in use due to the popularity of basketball. You may find a group of teenagers up to no good – maybe causing trouble in the neighborhood.

We just warn you not to get in a fight and scare your mother.

These same people, whom we call “court-hogs,” seem to state ownership of these local amenities. They then use them for hours and hours of each day. This means you perhaps some of your friends joining in are left to play other things that you and they don’t always want to.

If you own your own basketball hoop then this isn’t an issue. It’s yours to enjoy whenever and wherever you want. No need to race to the court early morning or before the school bell goes. Your hoop is always awaiting your dodgy shots and cringy celebrations.

Many have them in their driveway or backyard.

However, not all are mobile or adjustable. This is an issue, as it takes away from the user experience you might need from one.

Portable Basketball Hoops:

Having a portable basketball hoop means you can enjoy it wherever you want. You’re also able to make your own user experience out of it. You can take it to the park, the beach, a picnic, or a friend’s barbeque. It can even be moved around your own premises to escape the beating sun and your neighbor’s windows.

If people come around to visit there might be more cars on your driveway, which means you could hit cars accidentally. That’s not an issue with portable basketball hoops, because you just roll it elsewhere to keep the game going.

Adjustable basketball hoops fall in this same category of useful things to have. Their real attraction is the ability to adjust their height. This will allow younger and/or shorter people to have a better way to play. However, some of these may be harder to move. This is the only drawback.

The sport of basketball is great to introduce kids to. The game can teach proper sportsmanship, motor skills, competitive nature, and team mentalities. It’s also a great way to bond with a kid. However, height can make them feel odd so having it be adjustable is terrific.

When you’re on your own you can increase the height again. It’s a toy for them but it’s also a toy for you without them knowing. Merry Christmas to both!

There are many other benefits to getting off the recliner and shooting some hoops with your pals.  You didn’t come here for a lecture, but the benefits of these basketball hoops being portable and adjustable in height are good to know.

They’re cool products, right? Now, are you wanting to play?

What Are The Main Things To Consider When Buying An Adjustable & Portable Basketball Hoop?

Before you get ahead of yourself and choose a portable and adjustable basketball hoop you’ll regret, it’s important to consider your purchase wisely. Not everyone wants to buy portable basketball hoops for the same reasons. What’s one man’s perfect product may not be yours.

To help you figure out what adjustable basketball hoop is best for you and your needs, here are our key considerations:

Playing level:

Playing level of who will be playing happens to be drastically important. You and your boys may also play in a league at a high standard. If this is the case, you need a basketball hoop that’s of that same standard.

You’ll need one that adjusts to the standard playing height and one that is going to allow you to practice all your shots without issues, including slam dunks. However, you and the boys may only want something to do at halftime during a real game.

If that is what you’re looking for then you’re not going to need to splurge on some regulated-height basketball hoop.

Adjustability:

A question you’ll need an answer to is simple, who are the players? To add another, who is on your team? These questions are for different reasons, but both are crucial. If you have kids and this is your present disguised to them and your wife as their present, then you’ll still have to accommodate their uses.

If your young ones really are young, then you’ll need one that decreases to a playable height. Give yourself some chance of bringing up an NBA superstar and don’t give the game away!

Portability:

The level of a basketball hoop’s portability is extremely important in this case. First of all, you need to check the obvious features that make it transportable. Wheels likely give that away. Thankfully, all of the adjustable basketball hoops on our shortlist below have wheels secured.

Add this to your checklist if you decide to hunt elsewhere.

The second design feature to look for is any other portable-type aids. Some models have a specific design to help you roll the product. There are several other types, as you’ll see below.

You’ll also need to know the average number of people it takes to transport the basketball hoop. Most of these can be transported by one person. However, some higher quality and/or heavier ones may require a second person or possibly more.

If you want to practice alone then make sure you get a high-quality hoop set-up that can be taken from one place to another by yourself. If product descriptions don’t say this directly, make sure you take a look at their weight. The bases usually can be filled with sand or water to stabilize them.

Meaning you can remove this if the weight is too heavy then simply refill it when you get it set up.

On Average, How Big Are Basketball Hoops?

The standard size of a basketball hoop is ten-feet high. By standard size, we’re referring to the regulated size that the professional players use. As you know, the basketball hoops we’re going over are all adjustable in height Some of them can reach the standard heights but some aren’t quite as tall.

In terms of the backboard, the regulated height is 42 inches tall. Again, some of these portable basketball hoops reach these measurements while the smaller ones don’t. This is common more so for the less expensive models or those made for “youth” types.

If you see the “youth” tag in the name, it’s a safe bet it possibly will miss regulation sizing. Most often you’ll find the tallest ones also have the biggest backboards as well.

How Easy Is It To Set Up And Install Basketball Hoops?

Due to the size of these products, they don’t come assembled. You’re going to have to dig out your tools and get to work. The good news is that you’ll probably only have to do it once because they can be left outside in most weather conditions.

The basketball hoops will come with instructions to make your job easy. If you can follow instructions and there are no manufacturing defects, there should be no issues.

The average time to set them up is between one and two hours.

Once you have it set up and standing there’s only one thing left to do – add weight. Keeping it secured to the floor is important and usually done with water or sand. You’ll find holes to add the water or sand right at the base of the product.

However, some people have complained that these holes tend to be too small. In these situations, it’s better to find a funnel so you fill it up more efficiently.

1) Sports God Adjustable & Portable Basketball Hoop

Sports God is quite a name for a brand of portable basketball hoops. With this name, expectations have just skyrocketed! Thankfully, they have a slam dunk on their hands.

This product comes in a choice of red or black. This predominantly refers to the backboard, but the color can be confusing. This backboard is made from a sturdy and high-density polyethylene and withstands corrosion impeccably. The base is made of the same material.

It’s safe as well, proven by its BSCI certification.

It can be adjusted between 5.6 and 7 feet so you can play with Tiny Tim, your other pals, and even have fun with the kids.

These portable basketball hoops are quite versatile, proven by its standard basket size to cater for full-size & smaller basketballs. It’s also fully adjustable to bring down too.

It is perfectly designed to make it exceptionally durable. The main pole running down the middle of the product is made from strong steel. The net is made from extra-thick nylon that provides quality. It’s also protected against the sun and is fillable with 75 pounds of sand or 65 pounds of water to keep it stable.

It has wheels and pulleys to make getting it from A to B seamlessly in transport. All you have to do is tilt the product forward slightly and start walking with it – no stress and no backache.

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2) Silverback Portable & Height-Adjustable Basketball Hoop

Silverback provides our next portable basketball hoops. It’s a bit more expensive, but you’ll see why. You can get this model with a 50- or 54-inch backboard, with Silverback offering these backboard options over color options. However, you have to pay for a few more inches.

Silverback uses an Infinity Edge Backboard. Most portable basketball hoops have a backboard with a metal or plastic framing, but not Silverback. Instead, an Infinity Edge Backboard uses one material that wraps over the edges to the back of the board. This removes dead spots and adds rigidness

The Silverback brand put extra thought into improving their design by making an interestingly shaped base, improving stability. This continues in the pole, which is slanted to improve weight distribution. This then connects to a steel frame, linking the structure at the base.

This is a tall version, capable of adjusting from 7.5 to 10 feet in increments of only 6 inches. Thus keeping kids involved.

You can transport the basketball hoop to the park or even the neighbor’s house easily with its wheelbarrow design. This allows you to lift and roll it to where it needs to be. Although, it’s heavy and will require two people to move it.

Other cool things to take note of is its exceptionally quick 90-minute set-up time. It also has a base drain that allows you to empty the water without a struggle.

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3) Seatopia Basketball Hoop System

Seatopia and their Basketball Hoop System are being subbed in here. Don’t let their name confuse you, this hoop for a swimming pool. This is also a wallet-friendly option!

You can adjust the main pole so its height stands between 5.73 and 6.87 feet. This makes it one of the smallest basketball hoops on our list. We don’t believe this takes the fun away too much as you can easily make a get-together more enjoyable with these portable basketball hoops.

The backboard is also a little smaller at 28 inches wide and just under 18 inches tall. To be fair, it would be a little silly of them to add a huge backboard to their smaller design.

The other half of its key features is that it can be transported effortlessly with its attached wheels.

It’s been designed to ensure you get to enjoy playing for a long time. The main components of the structure are made from heavy-duty stainless steel to stand strong in heavy rain and wind. The base holds up to 9.53 gallons of sand or water to keep it from moving when you place it somewhere.

The backboard is made from rigid polyethylene with the net being made with nylon one. Both will work in the elements and hold up well over long-term use, making it a perfect outdoor goal.

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4) Lifetime Portable Basketball System

Lifetime offers spectacular portable basketball hoops. This particular design comes in many colors, including red, blue, dark blue, gray, red, and white.

Their design has the common, yet reliable telescoping pole. This means you can adjust the height of the product in increments of 6 inches between 7.5 and 10 feet. This is the same height as some products double its price.

The three-piece pole is made with steel and added with a powder coating to withstand erosion and reduce daily wear and tear. The net sits below an all-weather classic rim that makes it perfect for outdoor use all year round. Other pieces of manufacturing genius are the inclusion of a large and durable shatterproof backboard, with graphics that won’t fade easily.

All of this is made stable thanks to a heavy-duty base that uses water or sand. Be sure to remove this before the winter, or it can be a huge issue.

Lifetime has added weight-bearing wheels to tackle different terrains and slopes while you move the hoop. The brand feels their product is built to last, quintupling down by adding a five-year warranty. This surely is great for the money asked of it.

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5) Spalding NBA Portable Basketball System

Spalding is a massive brand in basketball, having put out all kinds of basketball-related products for over a century. They’re certainly a brand you can trust.

This particular design comes in black and white with NBA branding on the backboard. The backboard can be purchased in two sizes. You can rebound shots off a 45-inch acrylic surface or set up your buddy’s slam dunk with a 60-inch board.

The adjustability of this model outshines the other designs to get an extra nod of approval from us. It equals some of the more versatile basketball hoops by adjusting between 7.5 and 10 feet. However, unlike others, this can be increased or decreased at any measurement you prefer.

This lets you tailor the height to accommodate your abilities rather than making it slightly too easy or difficult. Spalding removed the telescoping pole system and swapped it for a screw jack lifting system, allowing the extreme adjustability.

These portable basketball hoops have a 3.5-inch steel frame capable of withstanding even the most aggressive play and weather. Spalding’s also includes its trademark Arena Slam Breakaway Rim.

It’s unarguably portable due to its wheels, allowing it to portable in spite of the 100lbs weight from its durable and robust material. Once you’ve found the perfect place for it, you can add up to 40 gallons of water or sand to ensure stability and safety.

What size headboard would you get?

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6) Giantex Adjustable Basketball Hoop System

One of the best adjustable and portable basketball hoops on the market today come from Giantex with this creation above. This is another smaller and cheaper basketball hoop. If you’re looking for a first basketball hoop for the kids at a great price, this is perfect.

You can adjust its height between 5.5 and 6.10 feet. This lets you match it to your kid’s height or adjust it depending on how many beers you and the boys have already had. It has a steel frame to keep it sturdy and other elements are made from widely-used polyethylene.

Add the heavy-duty base to store your 55 pounds of water or 65 pounds of sand and this makes for a quality product. Unlike poorly made designs of the same size, this will not spend half of its time on the floor.

Assembling it will take a little while but the end result will be more than worth it. Don’t worry, because all hardware will be supplied for your convenience. Once you’ve got it up and ready, you can easily transport it on your own from the garage, to the garden, and to the park with rolling wheels.

We know we’re supposed to be featuring outdoor versions but these portable basketball hoops could even be used indoors. That’s if you can convince your wife that’s a good idea – good luck, pal!

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7) Lifetime Portable Basketball Hoop

The Lifetime brand is back with impressive portable basketball hoops once again! They include their normal five-year warranty, making it known right off. The design includes a powder-coated steel telescoping pole that allows height to be adjusted from 7.5 to 10 feet in six-inch increments.

The pole itself is incredibly sturdy, allowing it to handle major dunks.

The backboard is 44-inches wide. Lifetime even claims it’s virtually unbreakable, so perhaps you want to test this. To be fair, Lifetime may have the “virtually” line in there due to rogue Shaquille O’Neal attacks.

Just below the backboard is an 18-inch solid black rim with 0.5-inch braces, both made of steel. The base holds 27 gallons of sand or water and includes wheels to enable you to roll it to your preferred location.

The only negative is the filling holes are a little on the small side, which makes getting it set up more time-consuming. All of these materials are weather resistant to keep rain, wind, snow, hail, and sleet at bay.

For the quality on offer, this is a cheaper option. Ultimately, it’s perfect for those looking for regulated height and exceptionally portable basketball hoops!

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8) Benlet Portable Basketball Hoop

The Benlet Portable Basketball Hoops are the next product we’d like you to know about. They offer their cheaper basketball hoop in two different color options. One is a white backboard with red lines and the other has a black backboard with a yellow-striped design.

They both have the traditional tri-colored net in red, white, and blue. God bless America!

It has shorter height adjustability between 6.9 and 8 feet, but it’s still perfect for you and the future Men’s Gear readers. You can place these adjustable and portable basketball hoops inside or outside your home.

Getting it back and forth is made incredibly easy with the attached and reliable wheels. These wheels can take on difficult terrains and uneven surfaces so you’ll never be left stranded.

Wherever you place the product it will be made safe and secure by filling the cleverly-designed base with either 60 kilograms (132 pounds) of sand or 35 kilograms (77 pounds) of water. Although, we’re not sure if these are the exact numbers due to Benlet’s issue with over-thinking numbers.

Just don’t mix them together or your Benlet Portable Basketball Hoop might not be so portable anymore.

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9) Vogvigo Basketball Hoop

The penultimate adjustable and portable basketball hoops come from Vogvigo. You can get their design in a clear backboard or a black and blue one. Both backboards are 44-inches wide. You can also choose a PVC or HDPE backboard as well.

Note, the PVC version is much more expensive.

There is a spring attached to the hoop to bounce back after you make your shot. The hoop has a nylon net attached so you can leave the product outdoors in any month, no matter how extreme the weather is. The base is made heavier by adding sand or water to keep it stable and withstand your forceful shots.

Wheels have been added for convenient transporting. This allows you to carry it off for some alone practice before the Sunday showdown with the gang. If you’re a bit of a more serious player then this one is worth a further look!

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10) Lifetime Height-Adjustable Portable Basketball System

These amazing portable basketball hoops from Lifetime make us continue to love the brand. Offering an adjustable 10-foot hoop, this is for serious players. The features this model has made it a favorite among the Men’s Crew staff. Apparently, Rob from catering has hops, who knew?

Anyway, back to the only Lifetime men care about.

You can pick one of these UV-protected basketball hoops in either a black and orange design as well as black and red aesthetics. The 44-inch backboard is made of high-density polyethylene for impeccable strength and amazing durability.

The round pole connects all the main aspects of the product in three reliable pieces. This enables the telescoping system to adjust the basketball hoop between heights of 7.5 and 10 feet. It also includes an all-weather net attached to a classic rim.

These portable basketball hoops are lightweight, durable, and great for the price. Plus, it includes the standard Lifetime 5-year warranty!

This model also has a base at a 27-gallon capacity, completed by wheels for easy transporting. Lifetime has claimed this base is really easy to fill. However, many of their previous customers have been a little frustrated at the size of the holes and the time it takes to fill it up.

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Picking One Should Be A Layup For You!

What’s that? The referee spots a foul and points for a free throw! It’s time for you to step up and take a shot. Who’re you going to throw your money to? Did you miss? Get the rebound and head for the layup that is guaranteed to get the win as the clock expires!

We’ve shown you some quality adjustable and portable basketball hoops that you can take anywhere you want. You’ve seen products from the likes of Spalding, Lifetime, and other impressive brands.

Unfortunately, we don’t go into overtime here. We believe these portable basketball hoops are the ten best options on the market today. Remember our earlier advice and consider our key points before making your shortlist or final decision.

Thanks for sticking around and we hope to show you more fun and cool gear on one of our buyer guides in the near future.

December 29, 2018 / Comments Off on Top 10 Outdoor Adjustable & Portable Basketball Hoops
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Top 10 Gym Shorts for Men

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e know what you’re thinking, you have gym shorts already. Come on dude, are you really going to stand by those shorts you’ve been using for three years now? The ones that are all ratty, don’t provide any movement, and are faded? You can do better than that and you know it, that’s why you’re here. Congratulations and well done on your decision to switch up your gym shorts for men. Give those old ones to the dog.

Whether you’re a track and field amateur star, a tennis enthusiast, or prefer to go for the home runs, it doesn’t matter. You may even just be looking for a reliable pair of gym shorts to use at the gym. Regardless, we’re here to help you.

Gym shorts are a funny thing. People in the know realize their importance rivals that of the right sneakers. Clearly, you need a good pair. Various brands just put the tag “gym” as part of their shorts to increase profits, but the product isn’t made for such.

This makes navigating to find the be shorts can be harder than many like to admit.

If you’re expecting a wide array of options, then think again. We’re not going to sit here and rattle through 25 different pairs of gym shorts for men that essentially do the same thing. Instead. we picked pairs that we feel should be highlighted.

Before we get down to it, we need to look at some FAQs. By answering these, we’ll also be helping you take one step closer to getting the right gym shorts. That way, when things get physical, you’ll be ready. We’re talking sports dude, come on, men are writing this ya know! Although Carl in accounting said he wouldn’t mind helping you…

What Are the Main Benefits of Wearing Gym Shorts For Men?

There’s a lot of skepticism when it comes to clothing that’s marketed as having a particular purpose like sunglasses for rock climbers, or swimmer’s ear muffs. However, is it true for gym shorts? Does it actually make a difference if you wear gym shorts or regular, normal shorts when working out or participating in sports? What are the main benefits of wearing these kinds of clothes?

Well, if you’re serious about working out or performing on the pitch, track, field, or court then wearing the right clothing can be paramount. There are some distinct benefits to wearing gym shorts, including:

Better Movement & Greater Comfort:

Gym shorts are designed to ensure that you don’t feel restricted and give you better movement. This will then ensure you have the necessary comfort to concentrate on your workout, backhand, pace, or whatever discipline you’re involved in.

Makes Your Performance Better:

As noted earlier, the above benefit follows through nicely to this. When you’re more comfortable you’re able to concentrate more which ca, in turn,n improve your performance.

Prevent Injury & Gives You Added Protection:

When you opt for a pair of proper gym shorts that are suitable for certain activities, you’re ensuring you’re protected and safe. If you wear clothing that is too restrictive or ill-fitting, for instance, you could injure yourself by slipping up or worse.

Are Gym Shorts Comfortable?

Again, it all depends. Take a look at just how many shorts are out there. We’ve only highlighted 10. There are lots of different styles of shorts out there. If you choose the wrong type for the wrong activities, they won’t be very comfortable.

However, you could make sensible decisions by purchasing unrestrictive pairs that are designed for the gym and sports-based activities. Many of those are mentioned in our list, in fact. You’ll likely find that they are incredibly well designed with comfort and practicality both in mind.

What Materials Are Gym Shorts Usually Made of?

Although no two pairs of gym shorts for men by different brands or even the same brand are the same, there’s a lot of crossover between them. The fabric is used more commonly than others. Most commonly you can expect natural fabrics such as cotton or bamboo to be used in various ways.

Often high-quality shorts will be made completely from cotton, whereas bamboo is generally used in the lining as it has antibacterial and moisture-wicking properties.

Other, synthetic fabrics are used even more commonly. Spandex and polyester are the favored materials by many of the biggest and best sports apparel brands. They are used extensively in gym shorts, like the ones listed below.

In addition to the main paneling and construction of the shorts, there is always some form of elastane used. Although, this element is usually only used in the waistband to provide the fit you’re looking for. If you’re not prone to suffering from allergic reactions very often, the fabric may not concern you much.

However, if you have a known allergy to materials such as polyester, spandex, or even cotton, you’ll want to avoid shorts with those materials in them and opt for alternatives. We’ve included a wide selection of shorts made from various fabrics for that very reason. Let’s take a look at the top gym shorts for men.

1) Under Armor Mirage 8″ Men’s Shorts

First up are these great Under Armor Mirage 8″ gym shorts for men. Since 1996, Under Armor has been in the business of designing and manufacturing performance gear for all kinds of sportsmen and athletes. We’re sure you’ll agree that they’re a good place to start on your hunt for the best gym shorts for men. This brand is very popular and a lot of people respect them.

What do the Mirage have to offer? Well, they’ve been devised with comfort and freedom in mind. They have a fuller cut and are loose enough that you don’t feel restriction around your legs. Thanks to their 100% woven polyester construction, they have 4-way stretch which increases your level of movement. All while ensuring they keep their shape.

A number of excellent standards from UA are featured in these shorts too. The Moisture Transport System, for example, is notable because it helps to wick sweat. It’s also useful in eliminating unwanted liquid away from your body. The UA half-back elasticated waistband that features an internal drawcord keeps those shorts where they should be.

After all, the last thing anyone wants is a short-based catastrophe. Embarrassment or serious injury, neither sounds particularly thrilling.

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2) TCA Men’s Elite Gym Training Shorts

The highly affordable gym shorts for men from TCA are a triumph. Although TCA may not be a name you’re overly familiar with, they’ve been in business since 2010 and been producing high-quality sportswear ever since.

These TCA Men’s Elite Tech shorts are marketed as being suitable for either gym training or lightweight running. If you’re into those sorts of activities or similar, these are ideal. TCA designs them using a strong and light stretchy-fabric that has been woven to allow an excellent amount of movement and durability.

The pockets with fusion-welded zippers allow you to store anything valuable you don’t want to leave elsewhere. This means you can keep your music player of choice or smartphone nearby.

TCA has ensured that even the waistband will do its job without getting in your way while you train. The back elastic enables you to tighten it, so they’re snug around your body. One of the biggest draws we have to admit about these shorts is the no-quibble 360-day return policy the company offer.

Although, it’s unlikely you’ll have to use it, it’s nice knowing the company is willing to put its money where its mouth is. Gives you more confidence about how good these shorts might be.

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3) TCA Men’s Natural Performance Bamboo Gym Shorts

TCA products are tremendous, so it’s not shocking yet another pair of their gym shorts for men made our list. This time it’s the TCA Men’s Natural Performance Bamboo Gym & Running Shorts. Slightly cheaper than the previous TCA pair, these also benefit from having a great percentage of natural materials. Namely, they hype the 15% bamboo in the lining.

Though odd-sounding, bamboo is ideal for use in sportswear because it has natural moisture-removing and antibacterial properties. Those are the words you want to hear before you slide on a pair of shorts to go on that 10-mile run in the 30 degrees heat.

Similarly to the above pair, TCA makes them with running and gym activity in mind, so are very versatile.  This makes them ideal if you’re not stuck doing one discipline of sport each time you’re getting active. Much like anything else from TCA, they come with the full 360-day return guarantee.

If you’re not satisfied with them in any way, the company promise to honor their agreement to offer a full refund. That sounds honorable to us!

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4) Zenwow Men’s Backloop Gym Workout Shorts with Pockets

Zenwow, much like TCA, may not be a name that you’re particularly familiar with. However, at the price these shorts are available for, can you really turn your nose up at them without giving them a chance? Hear us out, when have we ever led you astray?

These Zenwow Backloop gym shorts for men certainly look the part, don’t they? How are they beyond looks? They feature breathable meshing in the hips and sides that ensures your body never feels too sweaty. The adjustable waistband, although standard, is a welcomed addition. Some shorts do not even offer this at all.

As you’d expect, there are some pockets to stash your gear in. They’re all fairly deep. This is perfect for storing those belongings you don’t want or left lying around. Of course, it’s also ideal for bringing your smartphone to the gym to chart your progress.

Perhaps, you wish to provide the Journey, Survivor, Toto, or Coldplay track that pushes you to make those last few reps possible.

The great thing is that these are very versatile so whether that pushing is on the basketball or tennis court, cycling, hiking, jogging, or beach sports. Heck, they’ll of course work for you’re working out at your local gym. It’s unlikely they’ll ever let you down.

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5) Under Armor RAID 8 Men’s Short

Back again with another pair of gym shorts for men from sportswear masters Under Armor. The Under Armor RAID 8 Men’s shorts are getting a lot of good press at the moment and it’s not hard to see why. Loose fitting, these also feature the highly desirable HeatGear fabric.

This ensures they’re smoother, softer, and incredibly comfortable. All without feeling bulky or heavy.

That’s not all UA has brought to the table with these shorts. They have UPF 30+ that provides your skin with protection against the most harmful sun rays. That means you’ll never need to worry when you’re working out or on that 5-mile jog in the blazing heat of summer.

UA offers a 4-way stretch standard that the construction provides for increased movement in all directions. Another is the Moisture Transport System that Under Armor is famous for.

You’ll feel unbeatable in these gym shorts for men. These shorts clearly show why so many big names in sport align themselves with Under Armor.

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6) Srizgo Gym Shorts with 3 Invisible Zipped Pockets

Srizgo might be another brand that isn’t quite up there with Under Armor. For the price and the bold claims the company makes, however, they’re worth a look at, aren’t they?

Fully made from polyester for a soft and breathable gym garment, these shorts are ideal for all kinds of activities. Whether you’re jogging around the block before heading to the office, intending on taking part in the next big Marathon or are just attending those trendy cross-fit classes, these are the perfect companion.

A major advantage of these gym shorts for men is that Srizgo designs them from super-quick drying fabric. So, if you’re a heavy sweater, you don’t need to worry about chafing or irritation. It simply won’t take long for that sweat to disappear.

As you’d expect for the price point and the fact that they market them as gym shorts, there’s an elasticated drawstring that helps you find the snug and perfect fit. They even benefit from having three pockets for the storing of all your belongings like keys and stuff.

If you’re not wishing to spend too much money on shorts you’re basically gonna sweat and bleed into, then these are the best for you!

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7) Under Armor Tech Mesh Men’s Shorts

Under Armor gym shorts for men are always terrific, so why not add another to our list? That’s exactly what the Under Armor Tech Mesh Men’s shorts are. They do have the trendy ‘tech’ word in their name, but they’re more than just a pair of shorts with a fancy name.

These differ somewhat from other UA shorts on this list because they utilize mesh fabric. The pinhole meshing provides a greater amount of ventilation not present in others. It also makes them incredibly soft against your skin. This ensures your comfort from the moment you slip them on to that moment you try to take them off after you nearly murder yourself at the gym.

Another big bonus with this pair of shorts is that the UA designs the polyester in the shorts to remove the sweat away from your body and dry super-fast. This means you can train for longer and don’t have to worry much about all that liquid you produce.

In older pairs of shorts had the drawstring on the outside, but not Under Armor. UA appreciate everyone’s annoyance, which is why they include a fully-encased elasticated waistband that has a hidden drawstring on the inside.

This pair of gym shorts for men are definitely one of our favorites so far.

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8) JINSHI Men’s Quick Dry Sports Shorts

We’d advise you seriously consider these JINSHI Men’s Quick Dry Shorts. Despite the rather silly name, these affordable gym shorts for men could be a sound investment.

They’re suitable for various activities including hiking, mountaineering, walking, training, running, working a sweat up at the gym, or just playing fetch with the dog in the yard. Sturdy and reliable, JUNSHI designs these shorts with a mixture of spandex and polyester. This includes sweat-removing properties and is quick dry to get rid of that liquid junk.

They also sufficient ventilation to provide your legs and waist with lots of air.

As a great addition, the shorts include a reflective strip along the edge of the pockets. This would help on a night run or walk on the road. Never know when a car is coming, right? To give you the range of movement you need and the security you need for them to stay on at all times and stay put. This is why they feature enhanced stretchability.

Laugh at the name all you want, but these are a great and affordable pair of gym shorts for men. We’re sure you won’t regret making an investment in them.

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9) Canterbury Men’s Professional Cotton Rugby Shorts

The penultimate gym shorts for men on our list are these slick and expertly-crafted Canterbury Rugby shorts. Canterbury is a company that specializes particularly in designing and manufacturing responsive and performance-enhancing gym shorts for men. Of course, people know them for other sporting apparel too.

Why do we trust the Canterbury name? They’ve been in business for more than 100 years, that’s why!

They’ve constantly been at the forefront of the industry with innovation after innovation, looking for ways to improve and enhance their products. They live and breathe rugby. Don’t be afraid if you don’t play rugby though. You’re not going imprisoned or beaten within an inch of your life for wearing rugby shorts for other activities.

However, if you’re a fan of the no-holds-barred sport, these will give you the support, movement, and comfort you need.

They are drill-style short with an internal drawstring that allows you to adjust the elasticated waistband. Canterbury designs them to last and they include various technologies to help remove moisture from your body and dry quicker.

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10) Under Armor LAUNCH SW 5″ Men’s Shorts

Did you expect anyone else to end our list? Under Armor and this excellent fitting and slick pair of shorts round our top ten out.

These Under Armor LAUNCH SW gym shorts for men are one of the newest additions to the Under Armor family. They offer a tailored-fit that gives you that streamlined, next-to-skin sensation without the chafing and squeeze that inferior pairs offer. This differs from the loose-fitted pairs above.

They’re also extremely lightweight and thanks to the stretch-woven fabric, this even provides freedom of movement. The mesh lining on the inside helps with moisture-removal and gives proper breathability. Perfect for heavy workouts!

Mesh paneling in the sides ventilate your legs and waist even further. With the 4-way stretch construction that Under Armor is famous for, you’ll never feel restricted in these shorts.

Another standard of Under Armor apparel is the completely internal drawstring and encased elastic waistband. This ensures you’ll always have the fit you need. UA even added their logo with reflective material to increase visibility in darker times, like a morning or late evening jog.

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CONCLUSION

There we go, the 10 best gym shorts for men around. We hope we were able to show why it’s so important to choose a pair of shorts for your workouts and sporting activities with a design specifically with that discipline in mind. Brands create shorts like the ones above to benefit you directly. As well as help you perform to the best of your ability.

The ones you choose might be different from the ones your buddy chooses, and there’s no problem with that. As long as you choose a pair that fits you well, suits your activity, and happens to be comfortable, that is what matters. You also want gym shorts to provide you with the support, ventilation, and movement you need. All the above supply that.

Too many videos and memes are out there today involving shorts hitting the ground in unexpected ways. Especially when you’re in front of a home crowd at a varsity football game.

We’ll leave you to ponder on all we’ve discussed and hope you find the awesome pair of shorts your gym workouts and sporting endeavors need and deserve.

December 7, 2018 / Comments Off on Top 10 Gym Shorts for Men
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Top 20 Cycling Socks For Men

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hether you’re a dude who dons your neon Lycra to commute to work or whether you prefer to hit the trails on two wheels at the weekend, it doesn’t matter. If you’re a smart guy upon your cycling steed, you’ll know the importance of finding the right pair of cycling socks for men.

You already know that getting the right cycling gear is pretty important. Almost certainly, you paid attention to getting the safest helmet, the most stylish jersey, and the most comfortable seat. You could be forgiven for overlooking what you wear on your feet, however.

Socks aren’t usually a high priority for cyclists, whether you’re a dedicated pro or just want to get more exercise without having to go for a jog.

While it might sound like an overstatement, many guys have suffered the irritation of sweating feet while riding. When you go through it, you’ll know just how essential it is to find the best cycling socks on the market. Cycling socks for men come in a host of colors, styles, and designs.

However, when you’re shopping around for a pair of socks that are comfortable, cool, and stylish, you’re going to need some expert advice.

If you ever thought that shopping for cycling socks was going to be a breeze, you’d be surprised. There’s so much choice out there today, that it can be easy to make a mistake. Those neon green funky cycling socks may make you stand out from the crowd. However, they could also make your feet smell like old cheese once you reach your destination.

We’re here to help you avoid making an embarrassing error. That’s why we’ve done all the hard work so you don’t have to – finding the top 20 best cycling socks for men.

What to think about when buying cycling socks online?

If you’re one of those guys who doesn’t want to pay too much time and effort to shopping for the essential gear, you probably won’t be reading this! However, if you’re in doubt about how to make the right choice, be reassured that buying the right cycling socks for men isn’t just about going online and choosing the first thing you see.

There’s a whole lot of things to consider. We know it might sound like overkill to have a checklist of points to keep in mind before you buy something that is essentially underwear. However, painful feet are no fun for anyone and if you’re entering a race you could find that the wrong socks seriously cramp your style. Let’s see what you need to think about:

Fit:

Your cycling socks need to have a smooth and snug fit without being too loose or too tight. This will stop any bunching up or rubbing around your toes and heels. Buying the right size for your foot is not just common sense, it’s essential. Loose material is just going to make your feet uncomfortable and cause pressure points.

At times, looseness can cause more sweat to build up as well. Even creating a pocket to catch all that come down your legs during a ride. Not good.

Length:

While we’re talking about fit, we need to consider length. Different cyclists have different preferences, so you need to choose the right length for you. Ankle socks are a popular choice with many casual cyclists, as most just like to ride for fun. However, for racing enthusiasts, long cycling compression socks are often seen as a better option.

Whether you prefer tall cycling socks or short ones is a matter of personal comfort. To us, it won’t really matter which you choose. Yet it may have more to do with what you’re wishing to do on your bike than anything.

Season:

It stands to reason that the socks you wear on a summer bike ride probably aren’t going to cut it in the winter. The same for winter gear in the summer. As a guy riding into the wind on a race or normal ride, you’re going to need cool cycling socks for men that allow air to circulate around your feet during the hot months.

Otherwise, your feet aren’t just going to smell terrible but they’re going to be at risk of blistering from rubbing.

On the other hand, winter cycling socks for men need to be thicker to insulate your feet from the chill. Waterproof cycling socks could also be a consideration during the winter months, especially if you’re into mountain biking. We cannot stress enough how important it is to keep seasons in mind.

This means putting the right clothing on for the right season. Don’t be that guy who wears next to nothing in a windy and below freezing climate.

Color:

It’s technically a minor consideration, but it might be the most important one to you if fashion is your main goal. In the old days, you had just one basic decision to make – would it be black cycling socks or white cycling socks? These days, you’ve got a world of options to pick from.

Do you want to make a statement in a pair of orange cycling socks? No problem! Do you want a funky pattern? Go for it!

You’ll easily be able to accommodate your requirements and express your unique and eclectic style. If you’re ready to take it up a gear and express your feminine side in pink cycling socks, go right ahead!

Fibers:

You can find cycling socks in a range of fibers. Cotton is the most common and most popular because it absorbs moisture well. However, it isn’t always the best choice for cycling. This is because it can expand as you sweat, leading to rubbing and blistering. You should consider a polyester or nylon sock instead.

These are woven closely allowing for a more snug fit, more effective moisture-removing, and reduce road dirt and grime working into the fibers.

Antimicrobial Fibers:

Some specialized cycling socks for men have integrated antimicrobial fibers. This will balance your bacteria levels to reduce the chance of irritation and, vitally, cut down on unwanted odors. Though not the biggest consideration to think about, it’s certainly useful to you to look into it.

If a sock already interests you and it has this, try it out and see how you like the fibers. If you do end up seeing a good result, perhaps all future athletic socks would need to include this for you.

Do I really need specialist cycling socks? Can’t I cycle in regular socks?

Although some cyclists don’t see why they should invest in specialized cycling socks, there are lots of good reasons to consider buying a pair. Regular socks might be okay for the occasional ride into the countryside. However, if you’re serious about your sport, or just want to look the part, cycling socks are essential.

If you wear socks designed for other sports you’ll find many have cushioning built in. This could affect how well your cycling shoes fit. Some general sports socks are also made of heavier fibers which not only cause your feet to sweat but also cause your shoes to feel too tight.

Another reason why specialized cycling socks are so important is to enhance your cycling performance. This may not be important to you if you’re only commuting to work or enjoying a family bike ride on the weekends. However, it could be a serious consideration if you’re a racing enthusiast.

Cycling compression socks are designed to help boost blood circulation to your muscles and help your calves to function more effectively as they work hard.

Specialist cycling socks are also designed to be extra comfortable by giving your foot better contact with the shoe and pedal below it. Thanks to their thinner weight, they enable you to “feel” your way on the road more effectively and save you energy by ensuring the most efficient pedal stroke.

As you can see, your cheap Walmart socks that you bought for work probably aren’t going to do the job. Not if you want to get the most out of cycling at least. We recommend that you definitely try a pair of good quality cycling socks to see the difference if you aren’t sure they’ll benefit you. We’re pretty sure that you’ll definitely feel the benefits.

What are the main brands of cycling socks?

A quick browse of the internet will reveal a surprisingly large number of cycling socks for men, and their several brands. However, as you might imagine, not all are equally good quality. With cycling socks, as with most things, you tend to get what you pay for.

If you’re paying just a few cents per pair you can’t really expect them to be up to the demanding task in hand.

If you choose one of the well-known brands, you’ll get a great pair of socks that should up performance on top of being comfortable. There are a number of leading brands in the cycling wear industry that are known for their high-quality materials and excellent manufacturing.

Looking for breathability, comfort, and long-lasting style? You might want to consider Defeet cycling socks, which are not only famous for their great quality but also their fantastic range of cool and funky designs.

Swiftwick cycling socks are also popular with professional cyclists thanks to their excellent quality and high performance. Having been in the industry for a decade, Swiftwick is a dependable and reliable brand. They offer both tall and short socks and seem to be the perfect pair to suit many feet.

Enhance your calves to show off all your hard work with a pair of long socks or express your funky style with a pair of patterned, colorful ankle socks. You’ll find something in their range to fit here.

Are you ready to find the perfect cycling socks for you? Here’s our round-up of the top 20 pairs on the market today.

1) Yijiujiuer Cycling Socks

These cycling socks for men are designed to prevent injuries to the muscles and promote better blood circulation to the lower legs. Thanks to the targeted compression zones, discomfort and pain will be a thing of the past. The graduated compression is designed to support the foot while reducing fatigue, soreness, and cramping.

The style has been designed to fit the foot properly so that there will be no slipping. Designed to fit sizes 6 to 11, these socks have a moisture-removing design for extra breathability. That means you won’t need to worry about bad odor or sweating.

These socks have also been designed to retain their shape in the long term and are resistant to pilling. They are machine washable, comfortable to wear and stylish. Clearly, they are the perfect socks for any cyclist who is looking for performance and style in one convenient and affordable package.

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2) Louis Garneau – Conti Cycling Socks

These high-quality cycling socks for men are made from a special fabric called Coolmax. They have been designed to enhance drying while also effectively removing moisture. With its 51% Coolmax content, these socks also have a 6% Lycra content, together with 20% polyester and 23% nylon for excellent stretch and a snug fit.

The arch support gives extra stability and comfort to the foot while there is also a mesh upper and under which is designed to be ultra-breathable. There are also reinforced toes and heels for better durability. The result is a comfortable sock which won’t make you sweat and won’t produce an unpleasant odor.

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3) Swiftwick Aspire Four Socks

Made with Swiftwick’s signature Olefin fiber, these cycling socks for men are designed to be high performance. The high-quality material removes moisture effectively. This allows you to stay comfortable and dry no matter how hot the weather or how far you’re riding.

Thanks to the impressively contoured compression fit, your foot’s contours will be well supported. This should help to reduce fatigue when you’re out on the road.

Even better, there’ll be no bunching of fabric to worry about and no resulting blisters – bliss! There’s a seamless toe too, so there’ll be no friction when you’re wearing your cycling shoes. Due to the socks being made by one of the USA’s top manufacturers, you won’t need to worry about quality.

Swiftwick is one of the top brands on the market. That means you can rest assured that if you buy these socks you’ll be enjoying optimal performance every time you get on your bike.

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4) LIN 7 Pack Sports Bike Socks

These high-quality cycling socks for men are made from a range of quality and high-performance materials. Including the likes of spandex, nylon, and polyester for excellent stretch and fit. Recommended for cycling along with other kinds of sports, these LIN socks have a flat seam at the toe.

This ensures that they are incredibly comfortable when worn for an extended period. This without any rubbing or blistering that could distract you from pedaling.

The socks are designed to help compress the foot and ankle for better blood circulation to the muscles. These socks are also made from a moisture removing fabric to reduce the moisture produced by sweating. You won’t need to worry about unpleasant odors when you take your sneakers off since either.

These socks have been treated with an antimicrobial agent. The horrible smell of cheesy feet will be a thing of the past.

The reinforced cuff also means that these socks won’t slip down with wear. Thanks to the mesh vent structure, there is excellent airflow around your foot for enhanced breathability and reduced moisture. The heel and toe have even been reinforced for extra durability.

Meanwhile, the Y-design has an integrated gel pad and arch support band. This allows your foot to be cushioned and supported without adding extra bulk when you’re wearing your cycling sneakers.

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5) Thirty 48 Low Cut Cycling Socks

If you’re looking for a great pair of cycling socks for men, this pair from Thirty 48 has been designed with the demanding requirements of cyclists firmly in mind. They are designed to keep your feet dry, cool, and well-supported even when you’re in the saddle for hours.

The socks are subtle in color yet effective in design. The integral elastic arch support minimizes any friction to your toes and heels while supporting your foot’s plantar arch to reduce any possible pain. Meanwhile, the CatalystAF technology ensures optimal airflow for excellent moisture removal.

In conjunction with the high-quality Coolmax fabric, the result is an unrivaled sensation of dry and cool comfort with no stickiness or odor even on the hottest days.

While these socks have been designed primarily for cycling, they can also be worn for other sporting activities. Thanks to the 90-day satisfaction guarantee, you won’t need to worry if they don’t meet your needs. All in all, you can’t get better value than that!

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6) LIN 7 Pack of Cycling Socks

Give your phone the deluxe treatment with our second case from Spigen. Offering protection for both the front and back of the phone, this is the first case on our list which pays more than lip service to looking after the screen.

Made from a blend of polyester, nylon, cotton, and spandex, these high-quality LIN socks are designed specifically to meet the needs of sportsmen everywhere.

With their flat toe seam design, these socks ensure that your toes don’t feel any discomfort while you ride due to rubbing or blistering. These cycling socks for men are designed to help compress your ankles and calf muscles effectively for better blood circulation.

As high-performance socks, they are able to help keep your feet blister-free no matter how long you spend in the saddle.

Their antimicrobial properties also mean that no unwanted odors will be released. The moisture removing ability means that your feet will feel cool and comfortable on even the hottest days. The reinforced cuff helps to prevent any unwanted slippage down your foot and ankle.

Meanwhile, the mesh vent structure allows the air to flow effectively around your foot. The heel and toe are even fully reinforced to help guard against wear and tear while the gel pad and arch support band are there to make sure your feet are as comfortable as possible throughout your ride.

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7) Giro Comp Racer Socks

As popular cycling socks for men, this pair from the Giro brand comes in a 3 pack for extra value for money. Its minimalist design has been constructed using premium quality fibers. That means the moisture is effectively removed completely, leaving your feet comfortable and dry no matter how long you wear them.

The three-inch cuff makes sure that these socks stay in place throughout your ride. As they’re made in Italy, you can be convinced of their high-quality manufacturing. These socks are from a reliable brand, and thanks to their high-quality fibers, you can rest assured that you’re getting what you pay for.

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8) VWU Mens Cycling Socks

Made from a mix of gauze, rubber, and Chinlon, these well-elasticated cycling socks for men are designed to fit anyone with a shoe size from 6 to 11. Made to have outstanding arch compression for better stability and comfort, these socks also have reinforced toe and heel construction for extra strength and robustness.

They are designed to suit men’s sizes 6 to 11, allowing a wide range of feet to be included.

These socks have a breathable mesh to make sure that your feet stay cool and comfortable no matter how hot the day. With their integral moisture management technology, these socks remove moisture from the skin for extra dryness. The thickening heel and self-adjusting cuffs ensure comfort for your leg and foot.

This pack contains 6 pairs for extra value.

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9) Giro Classic Racer Socks

With its Meryl Skinlife construction, this pair of racer socks has a classic three-inch cuff for better comfort and a better grip. Made in Italy, these cycling socks for men boast high performance and excellent quality. Their classic racer design is made with smart riders in mind, but with a more modern fabrication.

Soft, comfortable yet very durable, these socks can be worn every day thanks to their stylish appearance. Offering outstanding moisture management, these socks keep your feet cool while also having an excellent fit to your foot.

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10) SmartWool Men’s PHD Cycle Mini Socks

These SmartWool cycling socks for men have a 3% merino wool content for extra comfort, paired with nylon and elastane for excellent stretch and fit. Made in America, these socks have a virtually seamless toe so there will be no rubbing or blistering. The 200 needle construction ensures an outstandingly high knit density.

However, these socks are so lightweight that they are incredibly comfortable to wear.

With their mini height, the socks are ideal for anyone who prefers a lower level sock. They can be machine washed, so they are incredibly easy to take care of. Comfortable to wear, these socks can help to regulate your body temperature, and their Indestructawool technology ensures optimal comfort and durability.

As an added advantage, the mesh ventilation zones ensure optimal breathability for cooler, less smelly feet.

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11) Louis Garneau – Conti Cycling Socks

Made from 51% Coolmax, these performance cycling socks for men are capable of removing moisture and enhancing drying for better comfort. These Conti socks have been made with 20% polyester, 6% Lycra, and 23% nylon. They have a very stretchy cuff, so the pressure points are reduced and therefore blood flow is improved.

The integrated arch support ensures optimal stability and support for the foot. Meanwhile, the ultra-breathable mesh under and upper aligns ensure excellent breathability for better airflow and cooler feet. Not only that but there are also reinforced toes and heels for even better durability.

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12) LIN Coolmax 3 Pack Sports Socks

Designed to meet the needs of sports enthusiasts like cyclists, these socks have a flat toe seam construction. Made from spandex, nylon, and polyester, they are designed for comfort in the toe box. Designed to offer managed compression, these cycling socks for men are made to reduce the chance of blistering thanks to their antimicrobial properties.

With their reinforced cuff, the socks have a mesh vent structure to allow for better airflow and reduced odor. Also, thanks to their reinforced heel and toe, these comfortable socks won’t rub or cause blistering. The gel pad and arch support band also ensure high performance and better comfort when cycling.

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13) DeFeet Aireator Team Double Cuff Socks

Made from 100% polyester this United States-made pair of DeFeet socks have excellent shape retention. That means you can be sure that they will stay in place perfectly. Designed to be shrink resistant, these socks are also highly moisture removing so you can be sure of dry and comfortable feet throughout your ride.

Coming in stylish colors, these attractive socks are bright and colorful. They are made from Coolmax, so you can be convinced you’re doing your bit for the environment. Coolmax is made from water bottles that have been recycled so you can rest assured that you’re helping to improve the world while you cycle.

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14) Louis Garneau – Conti Long Cycling Socks

Conti makes their cycling socks for men with over 50% Coolmax content. This fabric designed to enhance drying while also removing moisture to reduce the chance of rubbing and blisters. The socks have been manufactured from 6% Lycra, 20% polyester, and 23% nylon.

This means you can be sure of the excellent stretchiness of the fabric.

The cuff is very stretchy to reduce any pressure points and to boost blood flow to the calves. Meanwhile, the arch support ensures better stability and comfort. The mesh upper and under alignments are ultra-breathable to ensure optimal airflow around the foot.

Also, Louis Garneau reinforces the toes and heels to offer even more durability.

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15) Swiftwick Socks For Cycling Aspire Seven

These fast drying and moisture removing socks have been designed for high performance. The fibers used to make the socks have inherent moisture moving qualities so you can stay dry no matter how hot the day is. The thin-channeled footbed and upper design ensure optimal ventilation.

This means there is even better breathability around your foot.

Created especially for cyclists, these socks have an especially thin profile for even more responsiveness. The firm compression design supports each of the foot’s contours. No matter how long your ride, the product can offer fatigue resistance.

SwiftWick even makes the toes without seams for zero friction in your toebox. They craft and design their products in America so you can be convinced of their quality.

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16) Defeet Ridge Supply Aireator Skyline Socks

Tremendous socks made from a blend of CoolMax, nylon, and Lycra are top notch. These soft and stretchy cycling socks for men are lightweight and perfect for sporting use. DeFeet offers a one year manufacturer’s warranty, to offer extra protection.

They make sure to design the socks to meet even the most demanding cyclist’s needs. With a six-inch height, they are designed to keep the feet cool even on hot days.

Thanks to their recycled material construction, they remove moisture for better cooling. The mesh ventilation keeps your feet comfortable even in hot climates while the double compression cuff ensures an optimal fit. The heel and toe panels are also extra durable so premature wear will never be a problem.

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17) Men’s Cycling Running Training Socks

Trainlife makes these cycling socks for men out of lightweight, high-performance fibers. They dry quickly and remove moisture, allowing them to be resistant to abrasion. The brain designs them to be colorfast and strong for excellent durability in the long term.

The Y-shaped stitching creates a heel pocket which contours perfectly to your foot and moves in perfect synchronization with it.

The toe seam is also virtually invisible and therefore eliminates any friction in your toebox. The footbed has a mesh knit pattern so there is optimal breathability. With a medium compression and medium cushion design, these socks are just as suitable for everyday wear as they are for high-performance cycling.

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18) DeFeet Aireator 3” Townee Socks

DeFeet once again made a high-quality cotton and nylon pair of socks. These USA made cycling socks for men have been constructed with Coolmax, an eco-friendly material. The design forces a resistance to shrinkage and removes moisture.

This allows you to wear them on even the hottest days without worrying about bad odors or sweating.

Many know the DeFeet brand well for its high-performance products. One can rest in the assurance that these socks are just what they might be looking for on the trail.

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19) GuaziV Mens Cycling Socks

Made from a mix of 10% Spandex and 90% polyester fibers, these cycling socks for men are designed to fit all sizes from 6 to 11. There are three pairs in this packet, so you can buy in the assurance you’ll see an excellent value for money.

Designed specifically for use by sportsmen, these socks are not only ideal for cycling. Yet they’re also perfect for other high-intensity sports like running, basketball, and hiking.

With integrated arch support and reinforced toe and heel construction, these socks help to prevent blisters. This is thanks to a breathable mesh which allows for better airflow around the foot. The integrated moisture management technology does wonders.

It offers moisture removal from your skin, leaving it dry and cool. The elastic cuff of the arch and top is strong to prevent slippage.

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20) Giro HRC Team Socks

With their Meryl Skinlife construction, these socks have a high rise six-inch cuff for a better fit. Made in Italy, you can rely on these socks for their high-quality construction. Taking sock performance to a whole new level, these quality cycling socks for men have similar qualities to compression socks.

They improve your blood circulation to the ankles and calves whilst also offer even better arch support.

These socks are supportive yet surprisingly thin. Giro designs them to remove moisture, they can help to maintain the natural balance of bacteria in the skin for better hygiene and reduced odor. The six-inch cuffs also ensure extra style and a better fit around the leg.

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On Your Bike!

Are you ready to buy your first pair of cycling socks for men? The advice here will help you to choose the perfect pair of cycling socks for you. You’ll find that any of the 20 pairs recommended here will help you to feel more comfortable while cycling, even on the hottest days of the year.

With their moisture removing capability, thin knit and comfortable feel, these socks aren’t only stylish, but also incredibly practical.

Whether you prefer a tall cycling sock or whether you prefer a shorter version that only comes to your ankles, you’re sure to find the perfect pair in our list. All of the socks that we suggest here have been through every test and found to be of high quality and incredibly comfortable.

With seamless toes, breathable mesh and stretchy cuffs, you’ll find that any of these 20 pairs will be perfect. Regardless of whether you’re hitting the trails, the mountains, or the road outside your front door.

December 7, 2018 / Comments Off on Top 20 Cycling Socks For Men
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Top 20 Nerf Guns For Men

T

oo much time on your game console isn’t great for your eyes or your waistline, so why not recreate your favorite shooter games outdoors? One can get more active and discover a new way to enjoy a Sunday afternoon. Nerf guns are nothing new, as we grew up with them. Yet many guys are getting back into using them. Who can blame them, though?

If your partner asked you to find a new interest or hobby, then you’ve got the perfect excuse to look through a store for possible Nerf guns to buy. Sure, you might be in the doghouse for a couple of nights. However, the fun you and your buddies are going to have with these boy toys will be totally worth it.

They’re great to kill some time on your own at home or to bond over with your kid, and they’re also perfect to play bigger gun games with your wolfpack.

There are lots of different types of Nerf guns for men on the market right now and they have many different capabilities and features. For this reason, choosing your weapon should be a careful and calculated process. To help you pick the best Nerf gun from the get-go, we had a shootout at our Men’s Gear office – don’t tell the bosses!

This wasn’t just great because we got to shoot our colleagues, but we also found the 20 best Nerf guns on the market right now.

Before we show you our impressive Nerf gun arsenal, let’s address some Nerf gun FAQs to help you figure out the perfect type of gun for you. “M” may have died but you and Mr. Bond still have us!

What Different Types of Nerf Guns are there?

Not all Nerf guns for men are the same, and this is a big deal to know about. Some of their models have been designed to provide outstanding power and reach impressive distances. Others have been made to be stealth-like and fire minimal but devastating shots.

The more powerful Nerf guns for men can reach impressive distances between 70 and 90 feet away. If your opponent thinks he’s outside your reach at the other end of the garden, he’s in for a sharp and unsuspecting surprise. Some Nerf guns may also be exceptionally powerful over these distances.

These guns can make contact with their targets around 24-30 meters away in just one second.

Stats like these give your opponent very little time to do his best Neo impression from the Matrix before being stung by your sharp shooting.

What Are The Main Things To Consider When Buying A Nerf Gun?

There are lots of things you need to consider when doing your Nerf gun shopping. We think the most important considerations should be ammunition capacity, size of the gun and power. Let’s explain why we think these are the most important.

Ammunition Capacity:

Obviously, ammunition is important in a lot of scenarios. You don’t want to be fumbling around trying to reload every minute while getting pelted from all angles. Having a gun that can store lots of bullets or darts at once allows you to take advantage of other people’s need to reload and put them under pressure.

Some of the best Nerf guns for men will even give you a warning that you need to reload, which is even more convenient. All hell will break loose while you and your friends run around the home. You’ll obviously need to be prepared for a Tombstone-like shootout when you have the right ammunition capacity.

The size of your gun:

Size is clearly an important feature you need to think about. Yes, sometimes size does matter gentlemen, just ask your partner. One of the biggest things to remember is that you want to find a powerful gun that is also light and easy to carry. There’s no point in getting a monster of a weapon if you have no mobility when carrying it.

Trying to find the balance is key. Nerf have considered this in some of their models and their longest gun can adapt and become shorter when needed.

The power of your gun is something else to take into consideration. If you have a powerful gun you can stand at great distances and still make clear and powerful headshots. Distance plus power equals success. We’re beginning to sound a bit like Einstein, but these things are important!

What Are The Best Nerf Gun Games I Can Play With Friends & Family?

A Nerf gun can be enjoyed on your own as you aim at targets in your back garden or it can be enjoyed in small or large groups. You can have a barbeque and beers in the back garden with Nerf Gun target games easily possible. When with friends, you may want to play target games.

This is where you score points for getting your shot inside or outside rings or knocking empty beer bottles over. This is a great game to play in small or large groups and can be played individually or as a team.

Nerf Gun manufacturers have already considered the team element within their product designs. Some of their range is made in blue or red colors. This goes well with their ongoing Team Blue vs. Team Red theme. They also have a specific sub-range of their guns.

This acts as a third team that can opt in and out of the blue and red team as the game progresses.

While in your teams, there are plenty of other games you can play. Capture the flag or every man for himself is massively popular. You could even play with the same rules you might use in the paintballing arena. Interestingly, you can now go to Nerf Gun arenas and battle it out in costumes.

You and your friends can see how you fair against zombies and other creatures in a simulated Nerf Gun battle scene. Well, if you live close to Oklahoma City at least. It’s likely more of these “Nerf Arenas” will start popping up soon though, so keep your eyes peeled and your Nerf Gun loaded!

Now, let’s go through our list of the best Nerf guns for men currently out. We’ve made sure our list has something for every situation and need.

1) Nerf Rival Artemis XVII-3000 Red

The first on our Nerf guns to grace our list of the best Nerf guns for men is this sharpshooter. It looks really cool and holds up to 30 rounds of rounded ammo. This means you can fire for longer without having to take cover and reload.

It’s easy to reload too, as one just needs to pull the magazine cover back and you’ll find a hole to insert your reserve ammo. They’ve designed this aspect well because the hole you insert the balls into is slightly smaller than the ammo itself. This means it’ll require a gentle push through. Why?

This is so your ammo doesn’t fall out when you are doing those Matrix-type cartwheels to dodge incoming shots. Exaggeration aside, it’s a great design for when you just run with the gun.

It’s one of the top-performing Nerf guns as well because it can reach impressive distances of around 30 meters in just one second. We’re sure you’ll have a lot of fun with this model so there’s only one question remaining. Are you Team Red or are you Team Blue?

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2) Nerf Rival Nemesis MXVII-10K, Red

This Nerf Rival Nemesis MXVII-10K is among the best Nerf guns for men on the market. It is perfect for stocking large amounts of ammo at a time. When we say a large amount, we mean up to 100 rounds of circular bullets at a time! They’re kept in a type of tank, just inside the hopper feed.

You then have them sitting around, just ready to unleash on victims.

It’s a good job this gun has a big capacity because it’s motor operated to give it much more punch. It also releases bullets at a rate of 30 meters per a second. However, it does this in quicker succession than the previous model. If you’re under attack and outnumbered, then this gun will be perfect to help you and the guys escape unharmed.

The bullets come out so quickly you can pepper the opposition with lots of shots in just a few seconds.

As this gun is a motorized design you’ll need to buy 6D batteries to make it work. Sadly, these aren’t included in the product itself. We know this is the second time we’ve pictured the red model and we promise we’re not trying to reveal where our loyalties lie. We also love the Team Blue version just as much!

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3) Nerf Rival Phantom Corps Helios XVIII-700

One from the smaller Nerf gun collection is the Nerf Rival Phantom Corps Helios XVIII-700. It has a unique design that sits on the forearm, meaning you can operate the gun with one hand. This will allow you to leave your other hand free for ammo supplies. Possibly, even another Nerf gun!

It has a much lesser ammo capacity than the two previous guns with just 7 rounds being able to fit inside at once. These are inserted using an easy-load magazine which slots into the gun’s handle. Despite its smaller stature it still packs a punch that keeps up with the bigger guns.

It fires up to 30 meters per a second through its spring activation, and no batteries are needed here!

This is the first gun we’ve shown you that isn’t part of the Team Red and Team Blue theme. However, they are not separate from this ongoing game. These guns are designed in a black and gray with orange trimmings but are supplied with red and blue flags. Owners of these guns can switch between teams as they wish.

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4) Nerf Rival Khaos MXVI-4000 Blaster (Blue)

The Nerf Rival Khaos MXVI-4000 Blaster is a big awesome Nerf gun that will definitely make you one of the most powerful members of your team games. It requires two hands to hold and use and is operated through a motor. This motor requires 6D batteries to work, but they are sadly not included when you buy this Nerf gun.

The motorized operation does enable you to rapidly release bullets onto your targets. These bullets are pulled from one of the coolest magazine designs you’re going to see on one of these guns. The magazine has four columns which steadily empty as you rain bullets on your friends.

With all this power you won’t be surprised that it also has incredible specifications. Your bullet can hit your pal Dave standing 30 meters away in just one second. He’ll never get out of the way fast enough! That’ll teach him for not to bring your lawnmower back for 3 months.

When you think Nerf guns for men, this Nerf Rival certainly takes the cake for most.

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5) Nerf Doomlands 2169 Lawbringer Blaster

The Nerf Doomlands 2169 Lawbringer Blaster definitely one of their most uniquely designed Nerf guns for men on the market. The added stock to the rear of the gun will sit under your armpit and allow you to be even more precise. It has a transparent part which allows you to see the inside of the gun and how it functions.

This will not be the last time you’ll encounter this feature on today’s list.

This very cool gun is backed up by a rotating barrel which is compatible with all of Nerf’s darts. One of the key features is its dart storage located on the back of the gun. This will keep your valuable darts close for when you need to reload and escape enemy lines.

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6) Nerf Rival Apollo XV-700 (Red)

The Nerf Rival Apollo XV-700 has earned its title as one of the best Nerf guns for men in our eyes. It’s another gun that’s part of the Team Blue and Team Red faceoff. They aren’t all part of this showdown and you’ll get to see some guns in other colors shortly – we promise!

It has a smaller magazine capacity and holds just 7 rounds. This is a medium-sized gun that can be operated with one or two hands. Use one when on the move and use two to steady your aim to take out an opponent in stealth-like fashion.

This is a spring-action gun that doesn’t require batteries which makes maintaining it easier. It has a trigger lock and a tactical rail that help it get appreciative nods and hit targets 30 meters away in a single second. What’s not to like?

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7) Nerf Rival Atlas XVI-1200 Blaster (Red)

The Nerf Rival Atlas XVI-1200 Blaster is a special gun. Why? It can fire two rounds at once! It has 2 magazines of twelve rounds that can be loaded into the gun at once. This is a bigger gun that will need to be used with both hands. It has a tactical rail and a trigger lock that make it a spring-firing design rather than a motorized Nerf gun.

It will hit targets 24 meters away in just one second which is not as impressive as the guns we’ve already featured but it’s still not going to give your best buddy time to move out the way before you shoot him. This is an awesome gun that will make you welcome on Team Red or Team Blue and you’ll definitely not be picked last among the gang!

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8) Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor

Known for firing darts instead of rounded ammo, Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor is quite amazing. It has a smaller capacity of just six darts that are inserted into a rotating drum. The darts can be released towards your target in one of two ways.

You can fire one at a time or you can release all 6 darts in rapid succession.

This gun will be operated using one hand unless you’re a little Nerf enthusiast and ahead of your school peers by reading Men’s Gear. Those little guys may need two hands. The gun has a cool purple, gray, and orange design and is super cheap compared to some of the other best Nerf guns for men on our list.

This is especially true when you consider this gun still reaches whopping performance highs of firing at 27 meters per a second.

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9) Nerf N-Strike BowStrike Blaster

An impressive and cheaper model from our Nerf gun collection is the N-Strike Bowstrike Blaster. It has a unique design which is a bit of a cross between a crossbow and a small airplane. Well, maybe that is just us who sees it. The bow arms extend and it has a sight that flips up to help you line up your shots and become more accurate.

It’s a great introduction to the Nerf gun scene for you or your child. It holds up to 3 darts at a time and fires through a pullback mechanism. The best part is that no batteries are needed! When you think about the best Nerf guns for men, you do not think about batteries failing you.

Especially in the middle of a great Nerf Gun War! Gladly, the N-Strike won’t let us down.

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10) Nerf Modulus Motorized Blaster (No accessories)

Another great option is to build your own unique Nerf gun. You can do just that with the Nerf Modulus Motorized Blaster. It’s part of the modular system where you can build your own Nerf destroyer by adding other Nerf accessories. In fact, there are up to 1,000 possible combinations. Of course, this depends on what accessory kits you choose to get.

On its own, this is a big cool gun in a white, green, orange, and gray colors. It’s a motorized model to give it more power. You’ll need to buy the ammunition clip, 4AA batteries, and other accessories separately. Once you have the gun exactly how you want it, you’ll be able to make your darts fly 27 meters per a second!

Are you up for a Nerf gun project?

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11) Nerf N-Strike Elite Infinus

The Nerf N-Strike Elite Infinus is like one of the best and high-quality Nerf guns for men on the market. It’ll surely allow men who buy it to impress and, well, shoot their friends. It comes in a black, blue, and orange design and is a big gun that requires two-handed operation.

It’s a fully motorized model with a 30-dart drum capacity.

You don’t remove the drum to load it up but simply load your ammo automatically by placing them into a chute. There is a traffic light system to give you information about your reloading progress. There’s a green light that informs the user when they’re ready for war.

Meanwhile, a yellow light lets you know when it’s time to reload and a red light to make you aware when there’s an ammunition jam.

The gun is compatible with other Nerf clips and drums so if one of these parts break there is no need to trade in your trusty weapon. The cool part is that you can easily find a replacement part online.

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12) Nerf Thunderhawk AccuStrike Mega Toy Blaster

The largest of all Nerf guns is the Thunderhawk AccuStrike Blaster. This gun measures in at a whopping 1 meter in length. However, you can adjust the length of the gun to make it compatible for stealth-mode sniper action and mobile use. This gun fires Nerf’s mega darts and can hold ten of them at once.

That’s not the only unique and cool feature that these Nerf guns for men have in store for you either! It also has folding bipod legs to help you make accurate shots when hiding out waiting for your prey.

This is one of the reasons that it’s officially one of the most accurate Nerf guns ever made. Nerf did some testing themselves to prove this, so you don’t just have to take our word for it.

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13) Nerf N-Strike Elite Triad EX-3 Blaster

One of the cheapest and best Nerf guns for men on the market is this Nerf N-Strike Elite Triad EX-3 Blaster. It holds three elite Nerf darts and is an exceptionally small gun. It can be hidden in the palm of your hand and fits into a pocket seamlessly.

This makes it perfect to conceal and can be a backup gun that the opposing team will never suspect in the event of a capture.

Despite being the smallest Nerf gun you’ll find, it has unbelievable performance capabilities. Each one of its three elite darts can be propelled to an outstanding distance of 90 feet away! It’s extremely lightweight. something we all need when we’re in a team war.

You can make a shot by simply pulling the cocking handle back and release. This is a perfect Nerf introduction or a secret weapon to surprise the enemy!

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14) Nerf Rival Phantom Corps Hades XVIII-6000

Another option from Phantom Corps, these are perfect Nerf guns for men for those yet to commit to the Red Team or Blue Team. However, you do receive the two red and blue flags which can attach to the gun as the other Phantom Corps gun offers.

It has a massive ammo capacity and holds 60 rounds at once that are easily loaded via the magazine. It’s a spring-action gun which requires no batteries at all.

Other noteworthy features are its trigger lock and a tactical rail. It offers slam firing for repeated shooting in rapid time. All of these bullets won’t just leave the gun fast, they’ll stay fast by traveling at impeccable speeds of 30 meters per a second.

It’s a long gun measuring in at 70cms so you’ll need two hands to work it.

Unless you have hands the size of spades. Though in that case, you wouldn’t even need a gun to go to battle!

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15) Nerf N-Strike Elite Jolt Blaster

A cheap, lightweight, and an easily concealable option is the Nerf N-Strike Elite Jolt Blaster. It’s a gun that has been designed for super stealth rather than chaotic warfare. It’s supplied with 2 of Nerf’s elite darts that can be loaded into the barrel directly.

However, the gun only holds one of these darts at a time.

This is why our branding of this gun is that of a stealth-type gun. It is perfect for those looking for a killer shot. However, the low capacity does make it a harder option outside of the “shadows,” if you will. It comes in a cool orange color and can be fired exceptionally easily by pulling the cocking handle backward and then releasing it.

Another in the Nerf guns for men market that guys like is this Nerf N-Strike. Like others, it allows for more stealth. The limitations it has makes it more of a challenge to use, and that is half the fun.

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16) Nerf Modulus Recon Battlescout

The Nerf Modulus Recon Battlescout is a white, green, and gray gun that has a feature that no other Nerf gun can boast. What’s this special feature we referenced? It’s a high-def 720p camera attached to the gun that’s ready to capture your buddy’s faces when you pop out from nowhere and pepper them with Nerf bullets.

For serious Nerf gun warriors, this can also be used to analyze performance.

The camera can be reattached to other suitable Nerf guns that have a tactical rail as well. Despite having a camera, this gun is a pump action gun that releases up to 10 elite darts. It does require batteries if you intend to film the action.

However, if you’re going to spare your friends from embarrassing cowering and domination, then the batteries can be left in the designated house-battery drawer. You know, alongside with those multi-color rubber bands and spare light bulbs.

This is one of the most amazing Nerf guns for men on the market, and we strongly urge you to consider this model!

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17) Nerf Doomlands 2169 Negotiator Blaster (Amazon Exclusive)

The design of the Nerf Doomlands 2169 Negotiator Blaster is rather cool. It has a transparent part which unveils the inner working of the gun. It’s thump-powered and produces a hammer action which releases 8 elite darts in a row. When dudes think about proper Nerf guns for men, they often think of this model.

Why? It’s blending ability and rapid fire.

When you insert a dart into the drum and after firing that dart, the drum will automatically swivel around. This is to prepare the next dart for its intended target very quickly. Likely, a friend turned victim in your Nerf gun rage.

This Nerf gun can be used with one hand for mobile use or you can use both hands and steady yourself to take down your pal. How would you operate it? It’s truly up to you, as there are multiple possibilities with very few bad decisions possible.

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18) Nerf N-Strike Elite Stryfe Blaster

Among the many Nerf guns for men on this list, you should consider the N-Strike Elite Stryfe Blaster. It stacks up quite well against all previously listed. It can be operated with one or two hands, depending on which is best for you. If you use it with one hand it has semi-automatic firing.

When using it with two hands, you can use one hand to power the motor and the other to fire the trigger.

It is a motorized blaster with a clip that holds 6 elite Nerf darts. The motor will fire these darts to impressive distances around 75 feet away. That means nobody is safe in the backyard, no one! Another impressive feature is the tactical rail that is compatible with a lot of other Nerf accessories.

That means you can tailor this gun to make it a little more personal.

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19) Nerf N-Strike Elite DoubleBreach Blaster

Likely one of the best on our Men’s Gear top 20 best Nerf guns for men is the Nerf N-Strike Elite DoubleBreach Blaster. This isn’t just because of its cool red design, but rather, because it fires its ammo via a double barrel. Two shots come out at once giving you twice the threat and improved accuracy.

Near misses will become solid hits with twice the bullets in one shot.

Not only are two bullets firing at once in this thing, but they can reach their target a whopping 90 feet away. It’s a pump action model, which means no batteries are needed and should be used with two hands. It stocks 6 mega whistler darts that you’ll just about be able to hear over the squirms of your opponents.

However, it has an innovative clip attached to the side of the gun where you can easily store more darts for when it’s time to reload.

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20) Nerf N-Strike Elite Mega CycloneShock Blaster

The Nerf N-Strike Elite Mega CycloneShock Blaster may have a modest dart capacity of just 6 darts, but it’s another outstanding performer. It fires whistling darts up to colossal distances around 90 feet away. In fact, it has a lot of similar features to the Nerf N-Strike option above.

Nerf guns for men like this tend to be a favorite in the Nerf community due to their almost assassin-like quality. It also demands precision, making it a nice male challenge.

However, there are some ways in which they differ. First is the fact it has a rotating drum which you manually feed your whistling darts into. This is also a very light model and can be operated with one or two hands as preferred. This is one of the most solid Nerf guns around.

To top it off, it is much cheaper than other models of similar performance capabilities.

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Have You Targeted Yours?

Thanks for sticking with us through the onslaught of the best Nerf guns for men currently at your fingertips. Despite them coming from one company, there are plenty of amazing models to choose from. All of them have an array of exciting features we love, and we’re sure you do too.

There are guns with HD cameras that capture the action to bullets whistling past your head at insane distances.

These certainly aren’t the ordinary the toy guns that many of us grew up with. That is why it is so cool to get into Nerf guns for men. You’re celebrating childhood while also keeping your manhood in order too. It is nostalgia meeting good, old-fashioned, fun with your bros.

We hope you found the perfect one to equip yourself for your group’s next showdown, and we wish you well going into battle.

December 5, 2018 / Comments Off on Top 20 Nerf Guns For Men
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Top 12 Portable Ping Pong Tables

K

eep getting beat by your buddies at the weekly pool competition? Maybe it’s not the game for you. Why not start playing ping pong instead? Introducing ping pong to your pals isn’t just going to save you from pool beatdowns. It’s an extremely fun game that requires great hand-eye coordination and stamina. There are lots of different single and multiplayer games you can play on proper and portable ping pong tables.

This can be a good time for everyone!

Not everyone has the room for a table in their house, or the permission from their wife to have one. They are increasing in bar popularity, but aren’t as often seen as dartboards or pool tables. You could always join a ping pong event or group, but these can get expensive.

Thankfully, there’s a solution to these issues. You can now get portable ping pong tables that can easily be folded and transported!

Portable ping pong tables are the answer to space limitation and your girlfriend’s opposition. These smaller-sized tables don’t require as much room but offer a lot of entertainment. Being portable, you can take them to parks, the beach, parties, and even your office. They’re also easily folded and put away.

Also known as “table tennis,” Ping Pong is a major game played all over the world. Due to the vast need for more information on the game or tables, we wanted to help. That’s why we’re serving up 12 of the best options on the market for tables.

Although we didn’t get the Men’s Gear Portable Ping Pong Table Championship passed by HR, we’ve done our research. Before we show you what we found, let’s answer some of the most popular questions related to ping pong tables.

What Are The Main Things To Consider When Buying A Portable Ping Pong or Table Tennis Table?

Just like most products, there are good and bad portable table tennis tables on the market. Not everyone is looking for the same features and specifications. Whereas one person may find one table perfect for them, another may find the same portable ping pong table doesn’t work for them for various reasons.

It’s these reasons that are our focus here – and the things to consider when buying one of these immensely fun products.

Size:

How big are portable table tennis or ping pong tables? We know some of you may have been trying to disprove it using internet searches, but size does matter. When considering a portable ping pong table, size is definitely important. One dimension you need to really look at is its “folded dimensions.”

We’ve included the folded dimensions of our top picks in our product specification sections. These measurements will help you know whether you can fit it in your cupboard, under your bed, or in your car.

Buying a portable ping pong table because of its space-saving storage benefit but not really because of its portability? If this is the case, you also need to take a look at its unfolded dimensions too. This is so you make sure you can play in your man cave without having to stick to the walls like a crab or getting bruised elbows.

Portability:

We’ve touched on this above, but there’s more to consider when looking at portability features. One of the first things to look at is the weight of the product. Will you be able to carry it to Dave’s party without struggling? If it’s only going to be transported by car then this isn’t so important. Even still, it’s something to look out for.

Another portable feature that’s going to be really convenient is a handle. Some of the best models fold up like a briefcase with a handle to make transporting your table tennis table a doddle.

Lone wolf:

We can’t have our wolfpack around us all the time. Sometimes we like to occupy our man cave alone. Table tennis is naturally a game that requires two players. However, maybe you want to play when nobody’s around or get some practice in before the weekend competition with your pals.

In a few years you’ll probably be able to play against your home robot, but for now, you have to seek out specifically designed ping pong tables. Some tables split into two and one half can be placed against a wall to allow you to start rallies against the wall.

A man going by the name of Forrest Gump told us they were amazing. Although he also mentioned something about a ping pong paddle he was connected to and a girl named Jenny too. He’s right about the tables, nonetheless.

Equipment included:

If this is your first ping pong table then you’re likely to need some paddles and ping pong balls to go with it. If you’re weighing up two similar options, check our list. We included specifications for each to see if playing equipment is included or not.

Playing equipment can sometimes be overpriced. That means getting it with the table is a bonus and something to be aware of. Although paddles and ping pong balls may not be astronomically expensive, they can be far too much. When buying a table tennis table, you’re going to want to be aware of the inclusion.

Otherwise, you’ll make a secondary purchase. Due to this, you may spend more than you need to.

Secondary uses:

One way to help convince your partner into thinking a ping pong table as a great addition to your home is to explain its potential secondary functions. If you want more than just a table tennis table then there are some options you could consider. Check out the height of the tables, as some may offer the perfect extension to your dining table.

When friends or the extended family visit, this can be of great use for the home. One of the models we have to show you also comes with pieces for various other games. Before searching for your perfect ping pong table, try and have a think if this is something you want.

We cannot stress enough that the woman or, well, the man in your life may not want a ping pong table. That means it is best to reeeaallly push the secondary use, which should offer more opportunity for you to grab it.

What Are The Best Brands Of Portable Table Tennis or Ping Pong Tables?

We’re blessed with a lot of good brands that create exceptional portable ping pong tables. This is why our top 12 options don’t feature the same brands over and over again. We’ve thoroughly checked out the gear from different companies in different parts of the world.

Some examples of the brands featured here are STIGA. This is a Swedish company who has been providing awesome table-sport equipment for over half a century.

We also highlight companies like Killerspin as well. Killerspin is an American brand who know all about ping pong equipment and they even host their own competitions. There are no part-timer brands here! This list should offer the best possible choice for you, regardless of where you are in the world.

Are These Tables Easy To Assemble? Do Some Of Them Come Pre-Assembled?

All of the portable table tennis tables we believe are the best on the market come assembled. There’s no need to crack open your toolbox and prepare for an argument about screws. They actually just come in their folded state. Simply unfold the legs and you’re ready to play – almost!

You WILL have to attach the net. Nets are secured in lots of ways but none of them are very challenging. You’ll have it up in minutes, so the tournament can commence. Most of the time, it’s as easy as just attaching it or flipping it up. Seriously, you’ll have more trouble dressing your burger for a cookout than putting up a ping pong table net.

Where Can I Take A Portable Ping Pong Tables? What Cool Games Can I Play With Friends And Family?

Some people choose a portable ping pong table just because they can keep it out of the way when not in use. Other people choose one because they genuinely want to take it on the road and enjoy it with different people in different places.

Popular destinations for these tables are parks, friends’ houses, parties, dorm rooms, the office, and even the beach. When taking it outside, one thing you should be aware of is the weather. Most of these products can’t withstand extensive rain and you should definitely avoid leaving them outside.

The wind is also an important factor. It’s much harder to get a rally going with a 30 mph wind redirecting your light ping pong ball. There is such a thing as weighted ping pong balls. This can make playing outside much stabler in windy outside locations.

We’ve already told you how you can get some sneaky solo practice in on your own. However, what about games for when the whole gang is around? Obviously, you can play the conventional game with the standard rules but there are other options that include more of the family.

You can play the rally game where a bunch of you run around the table returning the shots until someone doesn’t manage to get there in time and is knocked out. You could play table tennis basketball and try and get your shots in solo cups for double points too.

When the kids are asleep, add some beer to these cups and make it a type of ping pong beer pong! There are other game options you’ll find with a quick internet search. You can even get creative and make your own games!

1) STIGA Compact Table Tennis Table

Serving first is STIGA with their exceptional portable ping pong tables. This product can be separated into two parts, perfect for those who want to rally against a wall and practice. When the bros come around this weekend, you want to be prepared!

It also makes the product multifunctional and the separate parts can be used for other purposes too.

It folds up effortlessly, so you can pack it up and place it in the car trunk. Once you arrive at Joe’s barbeque or your colleague’s party, you can simply unfold the table. Then just let the table tennis tournament get underway.

The top of the table is made from a smooth MDF material. It’s waterproof but you won’t want it to be too wet for too long, it affects the table. The blue surface measures in at just over half an inch thick to give a solid bounce. The steel framing has been powder coated to complete the reliability and durability of the product.

Along with not damaging easily, it’s also been designed to take measures against doing damage. STIGA have added rubber leg levers so the portable table tennis table doesn’t damage your expensive hardwood floors. The levers can be adjusted in height to make up for an unlevel floor.

The product comes with a net and suitable attachments. However, equipment isn’t included.

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2) Milliard Mini Portable Tennis Table

On the other side of the court, we have these lime green portable ping pong tables by Milliard. It’s an equal match to what we’ve just seen in terms of design. Although, this doesn’t split into two halves to let you get some sneaky practice in. You can add it to your man cave or place it in the corner of your office to give your weekly reports a break.

If you do keep it in your office you’ll be able to disassemble it before the boss reaches you every time. You just unfold the legs in seconds, fold it in half, and slide it in a cupboard or rest it against a wall.

The top of the table allows for outstanding bounce due to its composition of pressed wood. The legs have rubber grips so you won’t damage the flooring of whoever’s party you brought it to. If you’re one of our younger student readers and enjoy a game of beer pong, this table can also be the perfect portable beer pong table.

Take it to your buddy’s dorm for frat parties, and go nuts.

I think we just woke a few students up! This awesome product comes complete with a net and suitable attachments, two paddles and three balls. You need three for beer pong, right?

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3) Butterfly Family Table Tennis Table

One of the few portable table tennis tables that give you a choice on the colored surface is this model from Butterfly. You can pick their awesome table up in one of two classical colors – blue or green. It’s another space-saving design that’ll be perfect for a dorm, man cave, or an office. Just don’t settle your big deals over a first-to-ten-points game.

This is one of the lightest portable ping pong tables you’ll find. It’s perfect to go from your garage to the campground and back without stress. The assembly time is impeccable as it doesn’t require tools. Just flip out the legs and start playing.

You know how there’s always one guy in your wolfpack who seems to be good at everything? Well, it’s time to even up the playing field with this ping pong table.

You can adjust the top surface angle so one player is firing downhill and the other is receiving quicker shots and bigger bounces. Give that guy a few extra beers, adjust the table without him knowing and watch him eat his words. This feature also makes it perfect for some quality time with the kids – they can go easy on you.

This table comes with a three-year warranty to make this investment a protected one. It also comes with the net and suitable attachments, but yet sadly comes without balls and paddles.

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4) Park & Sun Sports Indoor & Outdoor Mini Table Tennis Table

If the last one was over the line, what about these portable ping pong tables for a second serve? This blue-topped ping pong table can be transported easily due to its lightweight design and compactness when folded. The product is made out of durable materials to ensure you can keep the fun going for years.

The top surface is made from MDF that’s then laminated to smoothen it out and provide another layer of protection. The frame of the product is made from one inch of steel. This is on top of the black powder coating to prevent corrosion.

Once you’re ready to head to the beach or park with for a fun-filled picnic, you simply fold it up and secure it together with reliable Velcro fastenings. Velcro is a clever inclusion because it’s not going to add unnecessary weight while you carry it. It also means it’s not going to unfold on you as you take it out of the car.

What makes its portability even more lucrative is the inclusion of handles. There will be no crab-like walking with your arms stretched wide as you maneuver it to your destination.

When you choose this product, you’ll receive a complimentary ping pong set. It consists of two paddles and two ping pong balls. Found your perfect portable table tennis table? Or is it game on?

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5) Viper Portable Table Tennis Top

This MDF design from Viper offers tremendous portable ping pong tables. Unlike all the other options you’ve seen, this table can’t be called a table exactly. That’s because it doesn’t have any legs.

Place the green surface onto existing tables and begin your brow-sweating rallies. You can place it on top of a kitchen surface, your office desk, over some stools in your man cave. It’s the perfect excuse to also get a pool table, right? Air hockey table maybe? Your wife will be banning you from reading Men’s Gear soon.

This is the ultimate must-have product for a boys’ night in. The portable table tennis top also comes with backgammon, checkers, and chess pieces for all-around entertainment. You can tell it was thought up by a company that started with a few guys in a bar. All trying to think of ways to get people through the door.

This triple-folding surface becomes exceptionally compact and is easy to carry. It comes with its own carry bag with a side pocket for all the accessories. The accessories being all those games pieces. As well as two paddles and two balls for the games of tennis, which are also included!

That means game night does not always have to be at your place as you can take the fun on the road!

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6) Killerspin MYT Lee Table Tennis Table

After the first set we’ve seen some awesome portable table tennis options and we’re committed to continuing with the same high standards. This is exactly why the next product is the love child of two trusted brands – Killerspin and MYT Lee (named after Bruce Lee). It’s a limited edition that won’t be down your regular retailers.

It‘s available in a not-so-orthodox black color and is perfect to transport to any gathering or to take on a family weekend trip. The product is foldable and has a convenient handle to make transportation seamless. You’ll become the eagerly awaited invite to any get-together with this cool and fun product.

Get the party started by having some friendly competition and a few beers. Whoever said alcohol and exercise couldn’t go together?

The only assembly that these portable ping pong tables require is to unfold it and attach the net. After you’ve done this a few times, we feel you’ll be set up before the teams are picked. Once the party is over you can easily fit it back in your trunk. Or you can keep it out of the way by folding it up and storing it in a cupboard or against a wall.

Choosing this comes with additional peace of mind in the shape of a one-year warranty.

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7) Hathaway Crossover Folding Portable Table Tennis Table

The next portable ping pong table we’ll be featuring is this great model from Hathaway. This is an exceptionally portable design that’s been made compact to carry. In fact, it’s one of the lighter models. It even has a handle so you can carry it like a briefcase.

The legs fold inwards and there’s a space to keep your free accessories in between. These free accessories we’re referring to are the two paddles and three ping pong balls that come with the product.

It’s evident that these ping pong tables have been made to withstand aggressive teenage boys and bigger kids. The steel frame is a one-inch cut of steel that’s been given extra protection through a powder coating. The top blue surface is made from half an inch of wood that has been silk screened and added with melamine.

This was to enhance how the ping pong ball reacts to impacts.

The aesthetics are finished off with the customary white-line markings. All of this excellent craftsmanship comes with a 180-day warranty for extra purchasing protection.

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8) JOOLA Midsize Compact Table Tennis Table

The JOOLA Midsize Compact Table Tennis Table is one of the bigger portable ping pong tables we’ll feature. It comes in a single dark blue color as the pros use in the Olympics. It’s actually the standard table height! The only dimensional difference is the top surface which is of course smaller.

It also wouldn’t be so portable if that was the complete regulation size now, would it?

The table is two separate halves that are placed together. Many of these designs are clipped or fastened together with a latch. However, this doesn’t have any type of secure fastening. You can position each half against a wall to be perfect for solo practices. It fits under a wardrobe or a bed when folded.

You could use them like a poker table for Sunday Night Football entertainment? This design comes with a screw-type clamp, but they don’t include player paddles or ping pong balls.

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9) Harvil Folding Portable Table Tennis Table

Looking for an outstanding ping pong table you can take with you just like a briefcase? Then you’re probably looking for the Harvil Folding Portable Table Tennis Table. You just don’t know it yet, and we can forgive that. A United States business designs this product, but it’s made in other corners of the globe too.

Not only does it look like a briefcase with briefcase-like handles. it also locks up like a briefcase.

You can secure its compact transformation with metal locks to make sure your product is safe. Not that it isn’t reliable and strong anyway! The table has a steel frame with powder coating to withstand daily and extensive use. The MDF top surface is of medium density to get the best of both worlds regarding exceptional durability and lightweight convenience.

If you do decide to opt for one or more of these portable ping pong tables, you’ll get some other stuff too. You get all your playing gear with three ping pong balls. They even offer a 180-day warranty to make your purchase risk free. Someone can also be assigned to come and install it in your home for a small fee if you want.

However, Men’s Gear readers are probably too smart to need that type of assistance!

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10) Franklin Sports Mid-Size Table Tennis Table

This is a contender for the heavyweight title in the portable ping pong tables territory. The design has a lot of innovative and convenient features that earn its place on our 12-place podium. It has the classical aesthetics of a green top and white lines.

The product will assemble and fold up without the need for tools. All you have to do is fold the legs inwards or outwards to put away or setup, respectively. When you’re carrying the product, things are simpler with the inclusion of comfortable handles.

The table is split into two halves. Both sides have an equal 9-millimeter thickness of high-density fiberboard. This high density is what causes it to be heavier than the portable tables that opt for a medium-density top surface. The legs are equally durable and made of steel.

At the bottom of the legs, you’ll find those leg levelers again. They are a useful feature to ensure the table is level and your floor remains mark free.

However, we’ve saved their most innovative addition for last. They’ve cleverly made the securing aspect of their net structure to accommodate equipment. This means you can place your paddles and ping pong balls in a secure place so you don’t see any damage or lose them.

After such ingenuity, it’s ironic that they didn’t give you some equipment to go with it. That’s on you.

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11) Goplus Portable Table Tennis Table 

We’re going from the heavyweight contender to the featherweight option at a friendlier price. Although it’s much smaller than what you’ve just seen. It’s more than 66% lighter than it too. At only 20 pounds, these ping pong tables are light and tremendously portable.

When it does fold up ready to be taken to the family picnic or the guys’ beach day, it has two rubber handles to make the job easier. The folded legs are ample space to store the free playing accessories that come with it. And it includes a customary net.

Free accessories come in the form of two paddles and two ping pong balls. Storing them in such a location is more impressive when you realize the design includes six legs instead of the usual four. Once fully set up and awaiting the friendly competition between your gang, it has the regular height of a standard table.

Yet it’s half the size in length of normal size ping pong tables. Compact and useful, who couldn’t like this?

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12) Hromee Table Tennis Table

The final portable ping pong table on our list comes from the great guys at Hromee. Like most, this model folds up to become easy to carry and get from A to B. When folded there are two handles, but these handles work together in a clever way.

One handle sits on either side and clips together as a way of securing the whole product in place – no Velcro or locks needed!

It has feet on all of its eight legs to protect your floor from minor damages. However, these rubber feet don’t adjust the height of the table to make it level. As the image suggests, this table has eight legs that allow the table to be split into two parts.

To separate them, just release the latches. Two tables for whatever? We’re in! Practice your game or extend the family dining table this holiday season, up to you!

This model has impressive durability, and it doesn’t have an impact on its weight either. The steel frame has extra support as it uses steel brackets on each of the four corners. Add in a 1.6-inch thick top and you have a robust design that many other tables don’t have.

The only thing they’re missing is some free playing equipment. Not all ping pong tables come with them, but this table is terrific nonetheless.

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Game. Set. And A Match?

Have we served you well? Did you find a table that matches with your needs and preferences? We certainly hope we have because there’s no second serving. These are what we believe are the top 12 portable table tennis or ping pong tables on the market today.

You’ve seen some outstanding designs from renowned brands with a host of lucrative and convenient features. Remember to think about the key considerations we mentioned at the beginning of this buyer guide. You need properly prepare before rushing in with your choice, of course. Our work is done, now the ball’s in your court!

December 5, 2018 / Comments Off on Top 12 Portable Ping Pong Tables
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Top 14 Basketball Shoes for Men

D

o you play ball regularly? Are you sick of ruining your normal sneakers through play? Perhaps it’s time to switch your dribbling and dunking game up a little and invest in some quality basketball sneakers.

Whether you want to shoot some b-ball outside of the school or think of yourself as the next Lebron, you need the right equipment. We aren’t saying that you’re going to turn into Air Jordan himself by wearing a fancy pair of sneakers, but there’s reasons why so many guys, and not just NBA players, invest in a pair of good quality basketball shoes.

Even if you’re convinced they’re right for you, how do you whittle the choices available down? How do you find that one pair that is going to help you improve your game?

You really wanna know what you do? You let Men’s Gear sort the good from the bad for you.

Before we hit the courts with our list of the best basketball shoes for men though, it’s time to clear up some things first. There’s a lot of burning questions that come up regularly with regards to basketball shoes. We’re going to take a few moments to answer each of these important questions, then it’s nothing but trainers after that.

What Are the Main Benefits of Wearing Basketball Shoes When Playing?

(Seriously dude, surely, they’re just for show so that all you weekend part-time dribblers and dunkers can show off? There might actually be a lot of truth in this though. If you aren’t giving thought to the basketball shoes you’re buying and how you’ll help your performance. However, there are a number of benefits to wearing basketball shoes when you’re playing.

They Provide Protection – Although it may not look it, your feet are put under a lot of pressure on the court. So, they need protection. Basketball shoes have superior ankle support and impact absorption for that reason. Reebok, Adidas and of course, Nike have put a lot of time and effort into getting the support just right.

When you’re leaping high in the air and landing back down to earth, you want to know that your shoes will help cushion your fall.

They Help Your Performance –  You have to have the skills to pay the bills before you try to rock on the court. Wearing a pair of LeBron 15 Lows will not turn you into King Lebron, any more than putting on a large sparkly horn over your nose will turn you into a flipping unicorn! However, if you have ‘dem skills then a good pair of basketball shoes will enhance them and bring out the best in your natural ability.

The outer sole of basketball shoes has traction which you need for crossovers, driving and cutting in. While the upper is designed to give you support and covering while making it feel as if you’re wearing nothing at all. (Okay, so we just had a major flashback to Flanders wearing his skiing gear saying ‘It’s like I’m wearing nothing at all’) We digress.

They Last Longer – If you think wearing ordinary sneakers or even running shoes for that matter will suffice, go for it but it’s your wallet that’ll suffer. Particularly if you’re the kind of player who thinks he’s the king of the cut. The rubber sole on other kinds of shoes is just not strong enough to cope with the pressure they’ll be put under.

Are Basketball Shoes Comfortable?

The short answer to this question would be, yes, of course they are Like, why would anyone wear shoes that aren’t comfortable? However, due to the leather used in the construction of basketball shoes and the way they fit, like other well-fitting and snug shoes you they do need to be broken in somewhat.

You need to be careful though, to only break them in during practice sessions and light day-to-day tasks. Don’t take them to the court for that major weekend tournament game you have scheduled. That sweet spot where they feel like an extension of your feet will come. Give it time, dude.

What Are the Main Basketball Shoes Brands?

This is an interesting question because most people asking the question to know the answer already. The big three of the sneaker world is a permanent fixture in the footwear for various sporting disciplines and it’s no different with basketball. Nike, Adidas, and Reebok all pioneered basketball shoes over the years. In recent years, Under Armor have been a go-to choice for many a player.

Although there are other brands out there that have produced basketball shoes of varying quality, to ensure you only the best to choose from, we’ve highlighted three brands in particular below, Nike, Under Armor and Adidas. After all, there’s a reason why the top NBA players worth paying attention to only wear basketball shoes made by those brands.

So, let’s get to it.

BEST BASKETBALL SHOES

1) Adidas Performance Cloud Foam Basketball Shoes

First on our list is the first of quite a few (spoiler alert!) from German sportswear company Adidas. If it was all about the looks, these would already be winners. They’ve got a very minimalist look to them with the classic Adidas logo standing out on the tongue and along the side.

However, it’s not all about the looks. If you’re interested in playing and not just telling people you shoot hoops when really the closest you’ve ever gotten to breakin’ a sweat was when you played NBA on the PS2 years ago, then and only then might these shoes be right for you.

They are a mid-sized shoe, so are not quite as big at the heel as a high top, but they offer some additional protection around the back. The major selling point of these is the Cloudfoam technology used.

This is a feature of many Adidas shoes across the board and it’s a midsole and sock liner that provides lighter cushioning. With a leather and fabric mix, these shoes provide a good balance between durability and comfort. Crucially, the sole has a nice textured rubber for extra grip. Definitely not the best on our list, but not particularly bad, considering the price point too.

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2) Under Armor Men’s Curry 3 Basketball Shoe

Next on our list is this vibrant and striking pair from Under Armor and arguably one of the best shooters in NBA history, Stephen Curry. The Golden State Warriors point guard is owed a debt of gratitude from UA because ever since he left Nike to partner with them, their sales have skyrocketed.

These are a great looking pair of shoes, but do they actually deliver on the performance and comfort side? The answer would seem to be yes. The Threadborne upper is designed to be lightweight and secure enough to give directional strength, while the carbon-fiber shank provides the wearer with non-slip stability through the forefoot, arch and heel.

The Charged Cushioning of the inner sole is designed to help with change of direction and first-step speed. Overall, these shoes are meant for players who diversify their play techniques a lot and want to twist and turn on the court with ease. It has been noticed that there is a nice comfortable bounce to them as well, so if you find yourself in the air just as much as on the actual court, these might be an ideal pair for you.

Under Armor have come a long way in the basketball shoes department, and as noted at the outset, a lot of that could be to do with Curry’s input, influence and name.

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3) Nike Men’s Air Versatile Nubuck Basketball Shoes

If you’re on the lookout for an affordable pair of basketball shoes that suit players of all styles and levels, the Nike Men’s Air Versatile Nubuck basketball shoes might be ideal. As with most Nike basketball shoes they benefit from the air pocket cushioning that has made the sports brand a household name.

Even people who know diddly-squat about sneakers and shoes know about Nike Air. It’s crucial that your feet stay firmly locked in place in your shoes when you’re ducking and diving on the court and these Nike sneakers feature fly wire cabling on their outer to help make this possible.

With a padded ankle collar, padded tongue and all that cushioning on the inside, your feet will feel like their bouncing on air most of the time, even when they’re firmly on the court. The Nubuck leather in the upper provides a decent bit of durability and strength, as well as giving them a smart, ready for business look.

Nike have a reputation for producing well-designed, comfortable and performance-enhancing shoes and these, although at the budget side of the price range, are another fine representation of what everyone loves about the brand.

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4) Adidas Men’s Rise Up 2 Basketball Shoe

Another Adidas basketball shoe worth highlighting is this Rise Up 2 pair. These benefit from Adiprene in their forefoot which allows them to maintain the propulsion while keeping them effective and efficient. While the textile upper in two-tone coloring gives them a very cool and subtle look, and lightweight feel, we really like the fact that there’s EVA used to good effect in the midsole.

As well as providing a cushioned footbed to walk, dribble and run on, it’s effective at absorbing the impact on your feet when you take those really high leaps of faith when you’re trying to dunk or go for a three-pointer.

It wouldn’t be Adidas if they were in any way uncomfortable, and although these are another budget-priced pair, they definitely don’t feel it or look it. From the top to the bottom, these are a well-made and expertly designed pair of basketball shoes.

As they don’t require too much breaking in time, once you invest in these beauties you’ll be ready to hit the court for some b-ball action.

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5) Nike Men’s Air Visi Pro VI Basketball Shoes

This pair of Nike Air Visi Pro VI are the next we want to bring to your attention. They are another pair of Nikes that utilize the stylish and sturdy nubuck leather. They are a very smart looking pair as a result.

However, their smart looks hide the well-thought-out construction of the inner body of the shoe. This includes the breathable lining in soft, but strengthened fabric and the Phylon mid-sole that provides a lightweight solution for the cushioning necessary on the basketball court..

As ever, there is the loud and proud, visible air pocket design of the Nike Air heel that helps to absorb pressure that hits your feet whenever you return to the ground when you catch air or dunk.

Another aspect of the shoe worth highlighting along with all of the above is the rubber sole featuring herringbone that not only provides the necessary grip on the slippery surface on court but gives you the flexibility you need for quick directional changes, especially when you’re moving quickly.

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6) Nike Men’s Air Versatile Ii Basketball Shoe

Another basketball shoe, another great pair from Nike, available at a very reasonable price point considering the level of comfort and versatility they provide for your play.

As is the case with a lot of these Air Versatile shoes from Nike, there is fly wire cabling on the outer upper for enhanced lockdown and stability so that your feet don’t move while you’re at play. This is incredibly important because the last thing you want is your feet to move around inside their shoes when you’re trying to dribble, duck and swivel around your opponents.

No stability could mean at the very least that you fall flat on your face, and at worst you do damage to your foot or ankle.

Thanks to the premium-quality material used in the heel, your feet will feel comfortable even when used over one of those longer games. The ever-present air pocket in the heel helps to absorb a lot of that pressure that can damage your feet when you come back to earth after hitting a slam dunk, or those mini jumps that don’t really qualify for proper NBA height jumps, but still feel cool in your head!

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7) Adidas NEO Men’s CF Executor Mid Basketball Shoes

The next pair of Adidas basketball shoes we’re going to discuss is the rather awesomely named CF Executor line. These are another very subtle pair that are perhaps not the flashiest in the world, but, have a lot of great features that more than make up for their lack of character.

The Cloudfoam cushioning that Adidas is famous for across many of the footwear they make for numerous sporting disciplines and provides the shoe with a bed of air for your feet to rest on. This helps to absorb the tension and strength of impact on your feet and legs whenever you’re running or leaping around the court.

We’d say that although they’re described as being a mid-shoe, that they’re a particularly tall version of a mid and closer to a high-top shoe. This is ideal for anyone whose arches are higher than normal arches. They will help you feel comfort, especially on full games, week in week out.

To help with breathability, there is meshing in the upper and although we said they were subtle, there are still some nice embroidered touches.

If you’re a fan of Adidas already and basketball is something you want to play well at and not get hurt while doing so, but don’t want to invest too much in, these are the shoes for you.

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8) Under Armor Men’s Heat Seeker Basketball Shoe

The next pair of Under Armor basketball shoes we’re going to speak about are these great Heat Seeker ones. Although they do not have their sporting ‘face of the brand’ Stephen Curry connected to these, they’re still a worthy addition to any self-respecting b-baller’s collection.

The upper has been constructed using one piece of material to give it a lightweight quality that easily fits to the form of your foot to provide the necessary support for the top of your feet. The ankle collar on these shoes is almost like a bootie in that it provides a more snug and comfortable fit. As the overlay does not involve any stitching, it’s much better at providing protection for the shoe from the detrimental effects of drag and therefore makes them incredibly durable.

We’ve already spoken a lot about the importance of basketball shoes offering a locked-in effect to your feet and, thanks to the heel counter UA have included on this shoe’s exterior, the Heat Seeker sneakers provide increased structure and stability for your feet. That’s not all UA have done, with perforations at strategic places around the shoe, your feet will benefit from the breathability they need.

All in all, even without Curry’s input on this particular line, Under Armor have done a sterling job on these shoes.

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9) Under Armor Men’s Drive 4 Basketball Shoes

Under Armor have done it again, this time again without the talents of Mr. Curry. Though, it’s fair to say that ever since Curry aligned himself with UA when he left Nike, they have improved tenfold with their basketball shoe output.

The Drive 4 pair are another example of modern UA footwear and why you’ll find their basketball shoes ranking higher than the favorites of old like Reebok. These feature an expertly constructed full-length bootie-style body with a lightweight and very breathable upper.

The ankle collar is molded to offer structure, a snugger compared to other shoe lines and additional support. Much like the pair above, these also have the special heel counter on the exterior that increased the support given to your feet and ensures that the back of your foot is locked in securely against the back of the shoe.

Thanks to the precisely die-cut EVA-based sock liner on the interior, your feet have excellent support and cushioning, while the EVA midsole has been compression molded to provide containment of the lateral part of your foot.

The key take-away about these shoes is that they’re designed to give increased levels of support and stability.

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10) Nike Lebron XIV Low Men’s Basketball Shoes

It makes a lot of sense that King Lebron became the newer modern face of Nike, following in the great footsteps of who is arguably the best b-baller of all-time, Michael Jordan. It’s fair to say that debate rages on over which of these two actually is the best. Although we’re no experts on Basketball, in our opinion you simply cannot argue with Michael Jordan’s achievements on the court and for bringing with him a resurgence of interest in the sport, particularly on an international level.

However, we’re not here to speak about Jordan, or even Lebron, even if he had a part to play in these awesome shoes. We are here to discuss the shoes. So, what can we tell you about these Lebron XIV shoes?

Due to the low-cut on the collar of these shoes, your ankle has a lot of room to move and breathe and when couple with the fact that these are extremely light, it gives you the opportunity to move across the court with a good level of speed.

Fly wire is put to good use, those tough, ultra-light cables that work in conjunction with the laces to provide a locked-in fit as well as still allowing for a comfortable amount of flexibility.

It wouldn’t be a pair of Nikes without having the standard air cushioning. As these are a more modern pair though, they utilize the Zoom Air which cushions your feet to give you as soft landings as possible when you’ve just come down to earth after that hoop-grabbing dunk.

The shoes benefit from a layered approach to construction that ensures they’re as light as possible while retaining the right level of support. Stretchy material lining, with perforated foam and mesh for support and breathability.

The design of the inner sleeve has been devised to give it a very sock-like feel. A nice touch, paying appropriate to LJ is on the inside of the tongue where it reads “Just a kid from Akron”.

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11) Nike Men’s Zoom Devosion Basketball Shoes

Another great pair of Nike basketball shoe is up next in the form of these Zoom Devosion. Classified as a mid-sized shoe, these are the perfect mix of comfort and support in a lightweight construction. In the forefoot there is the Zoom Air unit to ensure you have a quick first step, every time you make a move on the court.

We could prattle on all day about how experienced and masterful Nike are at making basketball shoes, seeing as they have been in the game for so long. However, we aren’t going to here.

Breathable materials have been used to ensure the maximum level of comfort is experienced when wearing them. We also think that they look pretty cool too.

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12) Nike Men’s Lebron Soldier XI 11 Shoes

Our final entry from the combined talents of your boy Lebron and Nike is the Soldier XI basketball shoe. This pair has a very strikingly different look to the rest on this list. The price tag is also set a little higher.

The major difference between these and most ordinary basketball shoes is the unique support system they’re rocking that consists of four sturdy hook and loop-style elastic straps that can be adjusted to accommodate your foot width. The straps are there to provide additional support and give the top of your feet a snug, locked-in feel.

They kinda look and feel rather special with the straps, and because underneath there is all the usual things that make Nike shoes winners, you know you’re onto a good thing.

With Zoom air cushioning, a nice rubber sole that has been designed to provide traction on various types of surfaces (ideal if you play street b-ball as well as in an actual indoor court). Soldiers line up and get ready to dunk!

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13) Adidas Neo Cloudfoam Ilation Basketball Shoes

The final from the German sportswear and footwear giants are these Neo Cloudfoam Illation Mid Wide shoes. they’re made to a mid-cut but have an especially wider frame, for those of you who have trouble fitting into those narrower shoes. Don’t be so precious, princesses – we all got our problems!

The upper consists of a full-grain leather design with perforated detailing to allow your feet to breathe. The mesh tongue also provides additional breathability around the front of your foot, while the rear and collar have a comfortable amount of padding to ensure your feet stay in good, healthy condition even when you’re trying to be big Shaq.

The Cloudfoam is one of the innovations that Adidas introduced that ensured them their place in the top 3 basketball shoe brands, with the sock liner making for a lightweight, cushioned and importantly comfortable basketball shoe.

We can’t find too much to fault in these, if you love Adidas basketball shoes, you’re bound to love these!

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14) Nike Zoom Ascension Basketball Shoes

Bang! We thought we’d finish on a high, with perhaps the most outlandish pair on the list, apart from the strappy Lebron number mentioned a couple of places away from these bad boys. Look at that beautiful, aggressive Black Bright Crimson White coloring. Okay, so that might not be the most masculine sounding color, but boy do these look beastly.

Full disclosure: if you wear these, everyone will step out of your damn way and you’ll get to score 3-pointer after 3-pointer.

Further full disclosure: Get real, sunshine, you gotta have the skills to pay the bills. If you ain’t got the skills, these flashy and awesome shoes will not help you. With the ubiquitous Nike Zoom Air unit in the shoe’s forefront they have a very responsive cushioning system and feel very low-profile.

The mesh upper provides some of the best breathability of any shoe on the market right now and makes them look frickin’ cool. A modified herringbone pattern has been used on the rubber outer sole for additional durability and traction. While they feel very comfortable around your foot.

They could probably do with additional padding, but we still think they’re the nuts!

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Slam Dunk

We’re sorry, but we’ve ran out of basketball shoes to talk about. That’s it. We’re done. Finito. Completed. The task they say in Spanish was a ‘trabajo bien hecho’. That’s for all our Spanish readers. What have we learned?

There’s a lot of basketball shoes out there, and even more we didn’t cover.

Honestly, dudes, it’s like an iceberg. You know what they say about icebergs? No, not that they’re extremely cold and hostile places to be and that wearing basketball shoes on them, regardless of whatever amount of traction and grip they have, are not ideal if you want to say dry and warm.

No, what we have learned, we hope is that you need to be careful when buying basketball shoes. If you’re buying them because they look cool and you just want to look fresh when you hit the town, you’re better looking at a different type of sneaker. Alternatively, if you’re looking to wear them on the court, you need to be carefully of a number of things.

Not only do you need to make sure you buy a pair that fits your foot width properly, you want a shoe that gives you support and shock-absorption. Unless of course you don’t want to be the next Curry or James. Well…the chances that you’re going to be the next Curry or James is pretty slim, but if you want to play versatile b-ball, you need the shoes that will support your game style.

Although there may be other brands out there that we’ve not featured, and they might be good in their own unique way, we’re adamant that you need to stick to either Under Armor, Adidas or Nike these days. Reebok and all the others just don’t really cut it, even at amateur level.

So, we hope we’ve given you a good overview of what’s out there, but remember, if you think wearing a pair of sneakers is going to turn you into an NBA Hall of Famer, you’re sadly mistaken.

What’s that phrase we keep repeatedly using? Oh yes, that’s it. You’ve gotta have the skillz to pay the billz.

Having a decent pair of shoes, like one of the fine b-ball shoes we’ve listed above will certainly help you finetune your game, but it won’t make you a legend.

November 24, 2018 / Comments Off on Top 14 Basketball Shoes for Men
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Zero1 Football Helmet By VICIS And Artefact

Unexplained deaths and football players suicides are making us look twice about America’s greatest pastime. The debate around concussions roars still, but that’s a story for another day. What we want to talk about right now is a startup called VICIS. They worked with design agency Artefact to design a helmet that blends three things: form, function, and safety.

The helmet, called the Zero1, is poised to improve player safety while increasing comfort and performance. At the core is a concept called local deformation, which uses outer layers of the helmet to decrease acceleration. At the same time, it insulates the brain by absorbing the impact of a collision. VICIS and Artefact borrowed elements from the automotive industry. They also used scientific principles to address concussions, and they specifically designed the helmet to reduce the risk of head injury among football players. The absorbing layer inside deforms and moves omnidirectionally to absorb impact regardless from where it’s coming from.

The new technology has attracted a lot of attention. As of August, VICIS has raised a total of $70 million, plus a recent $15 million from private investors. The Zero1 helmet even made Time’s Best Inventions of 2017. It also earned the top spot in the NFL Player Association 2017 and 2018 helmet laboratory performance testing. Over 20 college football teams have signed on to use the helmet, including Alabama, Georgia, Florida State, and Texas A&M.

However, the question is just how much impact the Zero1 helmet will have in the current climate around football-related concussions and head injuries. It will take years before we get an answer to this. However, it’s at least reassuring that there are companies like VICIS and Artefact. They go through painstaking research to potentially erase the threats to football to players’ lives.

LEARN MORE HERE

November 5, 2018 / Comments Off on Zero1 Football Helmet By VICIS And Artefact
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Specialized Unveils Re-Designed S-Works Venge

The Specialized S-Works Venge is a bike that has won many races and the new model is lighter and faster than ever. The frame weighs just  1020 grams and was designed using a technology called Free Shape Optimization with advanced aerodynamics software. It features a disc braking system and electronic gears—compatible with Shimano Di2, SRAM eTap and Campagnolo EPS systems only. In other words, the best components available.

July 6, 2018 / Comments Off on Specialized Unveils Re-Designed S-Works Venge
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