Reviews about Sports Equipment

rlt007 says "The Banjo Minnow is a Bust" about Banjo The Banjo Minnow

rlt007 — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 15:38:45 GMT

I have tried several of those products that you see in the Infomercials and the "As seen on TV" products, so I have decided to write a serious of reviews on these products, good or bad. todays candidate is the "Banjo Minnow". If yuo are a serious Angler such as myself, then I am sure you have had your favorite fishing show interupted by a commercial for "The Bajo Minnow". This is supposed to be God's gift to Anglers. No fish is supposed to be able to resist it's life like motion as it moves through the water. It is supposed to make fish strike when they are even hungry. I heard them say that it will trigger a fish's natural preditory insticnt. This is all a bunch of BUNK. I have tried this minnow in various fishing applications and for a variety of fish. I did it just the way the they show me on Television. After a couple of hours of nothing but the ridcule of my friends for being gulible, I shitched to my trusty nightcrawlers, wax worms and live minnows and they start...

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hofertennis says "Great quality at a reasonable price" about Dunlop & Slazenger 300G

hofertennis — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 06:17:03 GMT

The picture here shows a Dunlop Aerogel 3 Hundred. The Dunlop 300G was a much older version of this racquet. Slazenger does not make a 300G or Aerogel 3 Hundred. However, Dunlop and Slazenger are sister companies. I would not buy this product unless I knew exactly what it was I was buying. If it is indeed the Dunlop Aerogel 3 Hundred then it is a great racquet for advanced and intermediate players. It has a 98 square inch head size and a head light balance. This racquet has a great feel and balance to it. The Aerogel 3 Hundred has good power but is more of a control racquet.

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Britmick says "DOWNRIGHT DANGEROUS BIKES!!!" about Walmart Bicycles

Britmick — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 20:09:48 GMT

I am now on my third Roadmaster mx Sport bike,(it's actually a look-alike mountain bike)

The first two bikes got returned because they were almost unrideable, & the third bike needed the handlebars tightening (after I fell off it!) the gears adjusting, the brakes tightening & having to phone one of their bike technicians to seek advise after giving up on keep returning them.

At least he was helpful, & guided me through how to adjust & tighten up what needed doing, BUT WHY AREN'T THEIR BIKES IN A ROADWORTHY CONDITION WHEN THEY LEAVE THE STORE????

I would advise anyone who isn't good with wrenches or anyone who isn't prepared to spend time getting a Walmart bike roadworthy to go to an independant store who will treat you with the respect that should be given to customers who's money they take.

Walmart have not even had the good grace to answer my queries & findings when I e mailed their customer service department, & just sent me a multi-page general customer product...

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nebg9 says "It's terrible" about Schwinn 12 Function Bike Computer

nebg9 — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:42:06 GMT

ve used various bike computers, the schwinn is a basic (basic but enough) strong, reliable, easy to set up model.
The schwinn as only one drawback: the manual as been written by some kind of sadistic psychopath. On the other hand, setting it up on the bike is a 5 minutes process (configuring settings requires some zen lessons, but once its done its done, so...).
Under all other aspects, the schwinn does want it pretends to do : give basic data about your ride in a very reliable and precise manner (i checked for example the distance with a GPS.. perfect).
Display is easy to read (even if switching from one display set to another while riding is not that easy, because the button is small and requires a strong pressure).
On the reliability department, my schwinn as never had a single problem (Ive had numerous problems with wireless computers, the wire seem to be a better solution when it comes to reliability) I even use it under the rain without problem.
For those living in an area where...

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TDPOPE says "Zebco 33, a natural step up for weekend fishing" about zebco 33 Authentic Spincast Reel

TDPOPE — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 05:58:06 GMT

The Zebco 33. It seems as far back as I can remember, Zebco reels have been part of my fishing experience. My father used a Zebco 33 when I was a child. When I got older I bought a Zebco 33. I have since graduated to more specialized reels but I still keep a Zebco 33 in the boat. For ease of use, dependability, and introducing someone to the great times that can be had fishing, the Zebco 33 is great. It's easy to use, and holds up pretty well over time. The Zebco 33 is virtually maintinamce free. Just put on some line and go fishing. For the price you can't get a better reel for someone who wants to just go fishing and enjoy the day. If you are wanting to get someone hooked on fishing without them becoming frustrated while trying to learn how to cast. It's perfect. Fairly smooth action and easy to use. Drawbacks. They aren't designed for big game fish. They will get one in the boat, but you run a risk ruining the gears. For Panfish of all kinds, it's a great reefl

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Britmick says "Downright dangerous bikes!" about Walmart Bicycles

Britmick — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:31:46 GMT

So I thought to myself, "time to get fit!", & here started the story!

I went to my local Walmart & bought a sub-$100 mountain bike, pretty standard, but adequate for my 57yr old frame & level of fitness.(l'm only 190lbs by the way)

So the first bike gets it's 1st outing, & there's a terrible clunking & grinding coming from the pedals or the pedal crank, l don't know which, so l phone around several Wally outlets after maybe 3 not being able to get hold of the bike technician, & 2 others were unable to get the correct department!

When l eventually do get hold of the onsite bike technician, he cannot help me, & tells me to return it to the shop l bought it from, which l do, & they just told me to go & get another, & they'd exchange it.

Same again with bike #2, except that as well as pedal noise & clunking, the rear brake is non-existant, & it doesn't change gear properly.

So back l go again for the 3rd time in 5days, & they just tell me to exchange it again, & that's that!

Well the 3rd bike...

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MommaCyndy says "Urban Rebound your way to fitness 15 minutes a day!" about Urban Rebounder Fitness System

MommaCyndy — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 04:01:34 GMT

Of course you have to talk to your own doctor before you start any exercise routine. My doctor said I needed to pursue a healthier diet and regular exercise to drop my cholesterol numbers. I told him I bought the Urban Rebounder and my doctor had no qualms about me using it. Two adult persons do need to help to stretch open the trampoline but really it is not that hard to figure out. Just line up the handle pop out screws to the holes and you have the safety feature ready. Always hold onto the bar or face the bar as you exercise. Sure the video is hokey, but you get the ideas on how to warm up, change the routine, how to use the balls of your feet, proper knee alignment quickly. Trampoline bouncing is an effective way to get the heart rate going. As with all regimens you have to do it faithfully, safely. The bar makes it safe if you use it. Kids who visit and are old enough to be above the bar have to hold the bar to jump on it.

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Jo says "The Agile Fitness Core Block is just right for my yoga practice" about Agile Fitness Core Building Block

Jo — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:43:20 GMT

My newest addition to my Yoga collection is a block by Agile Fitness. The Core Building Block is larger than any I have although at the Yoga studio in which I go there are two sizes of blocks and this is one of them.

The block makes some exercises easier and some harder according to the tag that came with The Core Building Block by Agile.

Like any block I have or use there are three sides for different poses. When the block is face down it is closest to the floor so I will use it if I don't need much boosting or if I want to stretch more. In that case that position will make using the The Core Building Block by Agile harder.

I stand the block up to make poses easier. On its side - well that's a compromise and probably the position I use for most of my yoga practice specially standing postures and postures like lunges (Ardha Mandalasana).

I have found the The Core Building Block by Agile very durable. Like any foam block if I dig my nails into it there will be a dent left so using...

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footbalamericana says "brilliant" about Dunlop & Slazenger 300G

footbalamericana — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 02:15:32 GMT

Dunlop's introduction of the "new" 200G will please the player racquet purists who demand heft and control. Unfortunately, most players can't wield a racquet like the 200G and enjoy the same success as they would with a slightly lighter racquet. Enter the 300G - the 200G for the rest of us. In a way, the 300G is a replacement for the lesser known Muscle Weave 200G 100, which was discontinued. While the 300G has many elements of the Muscle Weave 200G 100 the 300G has a more open string pattern and is a 27 inch standard length racquet. The 300G falls into the growing niche of 'tweener/player" racquets. It's too light to be considered a pure player's racquet and it's not powerful enough to be a 'tweener racquet.

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DigitalDuffer says "Add some launch and distance to your fairway woods!" about Cleveland Cleveland Launcher 15 degree Fairway Wood

DigitalDuffer — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:53:32 GMT

I spent months looking for a new 3 wood. In fact i think I drove the guys at Golf Galaxy a little crazy about it. Everday, I was in he cage tryng new and used 3 woods. Finally, I narrowed it down to a Callaway and a number of 3 woods by Cleveland. I absolutely loved the stiff shaft (something you definately need if you have a fast swing speed-like me) and the launch angle I was getting from the 13 degree club, but was also hitting the 15 degree in a regular shaft and a stiff shaft fairly well. Eventually, my favorite salesman convinced me that once I got the club in real conditions, I'd be topping the ball and yanking it all over the place. I wasn't sure, but trusted him and finally settled on the 15 degree stiff. First time out i absolutely hated the club, came over the top each time and punched it down the fairway 50 feet (not the 240 I was getting in the cage). I worked at the range and still was topping it more an more. Then suddenly, after a month of work, I said to...

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gurnymac87 says "Best way for you to catch the ball" about Nike Outfeilders glove

gurnymac87 — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 22:46:50 GMT

Nike has a great line of gloves, me myself i use a outfeliders glove whitch works great since i started using this glove i havent missed a ball it can take the ball going at high speeds and has extra langth to it making it easier to make plays that are father away and harder to catch. I know all of this from exprience all nike equipment is good equipment never had any problem gloves, spikes they last a long time and are worth the money you pay for the product i wouldnt go to anyone else for my sports needs they have alway had good products even there bats are good. I brought the glove a year ago and im still using it today to help make play for my team in the outfelid and it help when you know that you glove is trustworth enough and it gives you more confindence to go out there and make the plays that you do because the glove is good quailty it doesnt rip unless you dont take care of it.

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addictedfisherman says "Best panfish reel I've ever owned." about zebco 11 Spincast Reel

addictedfisherman — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:25:38 GMT

I received this reel, which was almost brand new, from a flea market. I paired it up with a nice 5'6 ultra-light action rod. I actually cast the top part of the rod off and got it snagged on the bottom, so I needed a new rod.

I had an old 5'6 light-action Shakespeare rod in the building and paired this reel up with it. With a small 1/16-ounce Rooster Tail I was getting tons of casting distance. And with a bobber, split shot, & worm, I was casting it a good 50-yards or more!

The Zebco 11 is also a pretty smooth reel if kept clean but I will occasionally hear a "gear-grinding" sound. It does get the job done, and maintenance on the reel is easy. It does have bad line pre-spooled but when I bought mine it had brand new 4-pound Trilene spooled in it.

I use this reel frequently with small tubes and grubs for Crappie, Small Bass, Bluegilll, & Sunfish. Biggest fish yet this reel has caught, was an 11" and 12" Crappie. It handled them fine. If you're looking for an ultra-light panfish reel for...

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addictedfisherman says "Great combo but the rod was not durable." about Shakespeare Microspin Spinning Combo

addictedfisherman — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 02:22:59 GMT

I always wanted an ultra-light spinning setup to use in a local creek for Chubs or at other places for Bluegill & Small Bass. I found this very cheap, nice looking combo at Wal-Mart for $20 and knew it would be awesome!

I used it on numerous occasions including on a one week stay with my sister when we fished on 3-different occasions. I managed to catch a bunch of small Redear Sunfish, Bluegill, & Channel Catfish. The reel & rod held up great.

I really liked the cork handle and the hook keeper, along with the very short, light rod. I kept on using it in my creek for Chubs & Sunfish, along with the occasional trip to the lake for Bluegill, Sunfish, & small Bass. All went good until one trip to my grandpa's culvert to catch some Chubs.

I accidentally picked the rod up about a few inches from the tip. It snapped the rod in half like a twig. I found out that the rod was actually not that well made. But if I could go back in time I would have never picked the rod up that way.

I loved that combo!...

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addictedfisherman says "In my opinion, not a very good reel AT ALL." about Abu Garcia Maxxar Spinning Reel

addictedfisherman — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 01:48:02 GMT

I received this reel through the mail from someone in Wisconsin, still don't know who it is, but oh well. First day I received it, it looked like a decent reel. I sorta liked the "trigger" on the reel, so holding your line with your index finger was not needed. It also had a rear drag, which was totally new for me.

Well, all of this changed once I actually tried the reel out. I paired it up with an old 6'6 medium-action St. Croix spinning rod. The reel's line kept hitting the rod while I cast. It was awkward, and thought it was maybe the rod. Then I tried it with a 5'6 medium-action Shakespeare Firebird spinning rod. It did the same thing on it.

It made a LOUD noise when the line hit the rod while you cast. The reel was also very "wobbly". The spool and reel in all seems to wobble on retrieve, which makes for an uneasy feeling while you're reeling. It also doesn't get any casting distance at all. A maximum of, probably 15-yards with a large split shot, also, after an hour or so of fishing,...

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addictedfisherman says "Very good combo for an even better price." about zebco 33 Spincast Combo

addictedfisherman — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:54:55 GMT

My dad bought one of the Zebco 33 Spincast Combo's for himself because he had his other rod pulled in. Long story short, someone found his old rod in the lake, he got it back, so he was not in need of this rod. So he gave it to me.

I had already had a Zebco 33 Authentic Reel but never had the combo. It has a nice 6' medium-action rod that is very flexible. I've gotten into some big tussles with large Carp but the rod & reel handles it all.

I use 12-pound Stren on this particular combo. It's the farthest casting combo I've used, it even out casts my Spinning reels by far. Even light baits are able to get some distance with this combo. It's also very cheap, priced at only $20. I also like the rods cork handle which feels expensive even though it's not.

Biggest fish so far was a 22" Carp, but I've caught a few others of about the same size. This rod & reel is able to catch fish almost twice the size as well. I trust my 33 with just about any fish that swims.

Anyone looking for a cheap rod...

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addictedfisherman says "Cheap quality reel that is made to last." about zebco 33 Authentic Spincast Reel

addictedfisherman — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:36:23 GMT

The Zebco 33 Spincast reel is a classic. When people think of the most popular fishing reel made, 7/10 people (or more) will say the Zebco 33. Why? Well, it's cheap, reliable, and it's just been along for so many years. Since the late 50's to be exact. Earlier this year I needed a new reel to use for Carp. Just had a $20 gift card for Wal-Mart.

I already had a rod, a 6' medium-heavy action Shakespeare Ranger. I had just really started getting into Carp fishing, and my dad had a 33 (older model) so I decided to buy one of the new ones. I'm glad I made that decision.

First off, the line pre-spooled, like most pre-spooled lines, is not good at all. It's pretty much prone to kinking and knotting up, not good for a Spincast reel. I originally spooled mine with 12-pound Stren but since re-spooled it with 12-pound Berkley Big Game. It casts great on a 6' medium-heavy action rod, and has the ability to catch nice fish.

I actually have two Zebco 33 reels, one is in a combo (rod & reel) and this...

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addictedfisherman says "This is the cheapest combo you can find that handles BIG fish." about Shakespeare Tiger Spinning Combo

addictedfisherman — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:20:38 GMT

The Shakespeare Spinning Combo is a great combo at an even greater price of $20. It features a large freshwater spinning reel that holds 240-yards of 12-pound test, along with a 7' medium-action spinning rod. It is the cheapest combo I've seen that will handle large freshwater fish along with smaller saltwater game.

The 12-pound test that is pre-spooled in the reel is not of the best quality, I took it off and put on 12-pound Berkley Big Game and use it for Carp. It's caught it's fair share of nice fish, biggest fish yet was 23-inches long, gave up one good fight but this combo had easily enough torque to pull the fish in.

I'm sure this reel will handle just about any freshwater fish that swims. I've had one major problem and a few minor ones. The only big major problem is the drag in this reel. To put it it in my own words, it's just not that good of a drag for a reel of this size.

Other than that, this is a cheap reel & rod that is built to last. I would surely recommend this for any...

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tallirish says "Viking cues are a well trusted brand with great products." about Viking Viking Billiard Cues

tallirish — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:52:59 GMT

I started playing pool when I was about 12 and havnt stopped since. Ive noticed that the equipment quality is key to playing well. Ive noticed that alot of places I go have beat up equipment including balls, tables, and most inportantly the cues. for my 17th birthday my folks got me a cue from a local billards hall that i played at regularly. It was a 57mm long 20 oz viking cue with leather wrap and awesome graphics. Ive had it for a number of years and it still plays as well as it did when i got it. I would reccomend viking cues to anyone buying their 1st cue. they are affordable, tough, and low maintance. the one I got came with a case and chalk. cheap single peice cues you find at most bars are made of low quality maple wood and are not cared for very well. you want a good cue that resists warping that you can get used to playing with. Viking cues have allowed me the chance to play my best.

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tallirish says "walmart bikes are of semi ok quality" about Walmart Bicycles

tallirish — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:23:27 GMT

Walmart has an array of bikes however there not the best quality. If you plan on using a bike from walmart as a primary means of transport your in for rough times. Unless you have the time and money to keep them in good shape I wouldnt buy a bike from walmart. Example mongoose was a good bike company until they let walmart buy them out. Now they are made of parts that when they break you cant fix them easily unless you buy expensive parts and tools, which makes it easier to buy a new bike. If you go to a bike shop and spend a bit more money on a nicer bike thats not ment to fall apart you will be happier in the long run. plus in most cases the bike shop that you buy a bike from will help you fix and maintain your bike unlike walmart whos bike builders are a bunch of crackheads.

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NMiller says "You can't get a better bike for the price" about Scattante Elite

NMiller — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:24:13 GMT

I bought this bike two years ago, and I absolutely love it! For the money I spent ($1400), you simply can't get a better bike. There are definately better bikes out there, but not for this price. The bike is fully carbon with Ultegra/105 components. Its a tripple, which I like, but if you'd rather have a double, there's a similar Scattante bike with a double.

You also get free adjustments for life at Performance Bike. I've taken the bike in about every 500 miles since I got it and they tune it up for you for free. Its also really durable, as mine has been trhough two pretty nasty wrecks (once was when I loaned it to someone else), and it only has a scratch on one of the shifters.

My only advice: don't pay full price for this bike (it's something like $2500). It always goes on sale for ~$1600. And Performance Bike almost always has 10-20% off coupons. Also, if you join the Performance Bike club (cost: $20), you get 10% cash back on all of your purchases. You do the math,...

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