Monday, June 27, 2016

Armpocket Ultra i-35 Armband Review



If you are like me, then taking your phone with you on a run is a must.  I have three crazy kids, so I want to make sure my wife can get a hold of me if something happens.  We might need to bring our phones with us for different reasons, but the need is still there (I know that some people don’t bring their phones when they run, but you probably aren’t worried about an armband if that’s the case).

Armpocket claims to be the number one source and premium carrying solution for phones and other small items.  They were founded in 2006 by Mark Morgan and Jytte Nielsen.  There initial launch to the public happened at the 2008 Miami Marathon Expo where they introduced their new eco-friendly and patented armband designs.  Through intense research, development, and testing, the Armpocket was created.  Armpocket wanted to create a durable, high-quality product that would outlast their competitors’ products.  Their lineup has grown to provide different sizes to meet the needs of your particular phone.  You simply go to the Armpocket website, click the “Start Here” button, pick your phone, what case you have on your phone and that’s it.  The best options for your specific phone and case will come up. 

I have a Samsung Galaxy S6 with a standard sized case.  The suggestion for me was the Ultra i-35 armband.  I received it in the mail and took it out of the box to check out what makes it so special.  Here are some of the really cool features.

The strap is extremely comfortable with bamboo-rayon edges.  It provides even and comfortable compression with a great fit that won’t slip or move in the middle of your run.  It also has a high-quality Velcro that stays put.

The Ultra i-35 armband comes with an ultra-soft, moisture wicking panel that is made from bamboo-rayon that will keep your arm dry.  Then they use a soft, breathable memory foam to really add comfort to the armband.  The next layer is an important part, the waterproof barrier.  It ensures that your sweat doesn’t ruin your phone or other important items in your armband pocket.

The main pocket features a Zip-N-Stow Velcro strap that holds your zippers from bouncing, which can be a little annoying.  There are two zippers to make it easier to open the pocket.  Along the zipper is a reflective edge to increase visibility and the front logo is reflective as well. 

The front screen uses a touch-through plastic that works well.  I never had any issues with trying to use my phone in the pouch.  The best part is there is a slip-resistant silicone strap on the inside that keeps your phone against the plastic screen cover.

Inside the pouch there are several pockets that are sized to perfectly fit your license, credit cards, or money.  I also keep a spare house key in there when I run.  I really liked the Ultra i-35 armband.  It was comfortable from the second I put it on and It was great to have all of my important stuff right there on my arm.  I didn’t feel any heat buildup where the armband was and it never slipped or moved around.  I also didn’t feel that it was too heavy, even with my personal items in there. 


Pros:
Comfortable to wear
Memory foam padding
Weather and sweat proof
Two access ports on the bottom accommodates most phones.
Multiple interior storage pockets
Machine washable
Great price $44.95


Armpocket’s Social Media Links:

I have tried a bunch of armbands, most of them cheaper, and this is the best that I have tried, hands down.  It is extremely comfortable, looks great, and is a decent price.  Especially if you consider how long it will last.  The materials and construction are awesome!  You can buy your Armpocket from their website, Amazon, or at a local store near you (click here for locations).  Pick one up today and let me know what you think. 

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Under Armour Spring 2016 Trail Gear Review



Under Armour clothing and sports gear is everywhere.  It’s an American sports clothing and accessories company.  They have also branched out into casual apparel as well.  Under Armour was founded in 1996 by Kevin Plank, who at the time was a 23-uear-old former special teams captain in the University of Maryland’s football team.  Plank started his business in the basement of his Grandmothers Washington D.C home.  In the beginning, he traveled up and down the Eastern United States with a bunch of apparel in the trunk of his car.  He got his first team sale ($17,000) at the end of 1996. (1)

So if this is an American company, why did he chose to use the English spelling of Armour?  Simply because Armour was still available for the toll-free telephone number.  In 2006, Under Armour started selling footwear.  After 20 years in business, they have grown to become one of the largest sports clothing companies in the world and expect to have revenues in 2016 just short of $5 Billion. (1)

I got to test out the ArmourVent Trail Shorts and CoolSwitch Short Sleeve Shirt.  They are both a part of the 2016 Spring Trail Collection from Under Armour.

ArmourVent Trail Shorts

The ArmourVent Trail Shorts are a loose, fuller cut short that is extremely comfortable.  They uses Under Armour’s Storm technology that repels water without reducing the breathability of the material.  Not bad when you are running through a shallow stream and water splashes on your shorts. 

The main part of the shorts utilizes a breathable micro-mesh fabric, which makes it ultra-durable and provides superior ventilation.  The waistband is really cool as well.  It’s super stretchy, which makes it extremely comfortable.  There is a snap closure and a zipper in the front. 

There are two side hand pockets and a low profile cargo pocket to store some goodies.  The shorts are longer than most road shorts with a 10.25” inseam. 

You can buy a pair from Under Armour for $69.99 or on Amazon for as low as $47.96.  The ArmourVent Trail Shorts are so comfortable that I tend to use them when I trail run and even on the weekend around town. 

Pros:
Comfortable to wear, for casual or running use
Water repellant (Storm) fabric
Very breathable material that stretches with your body
Great price $47.96 (on Amazon)

CoolSwitch Short Sleeve Shirt

The CoolSwitch Short Sleeve Shirt is a great choice when you are hitting the trails on those hot summer days.  It features a next to the skin feel without squeezing you too much.  I would describe it as the perfect combination of snugness while still allowing for some airflow in the shirt.  The material is a stretchy 4-way fabric that allows you to have the maximum amount of mobility.

Under Armour utilizes their CoolSwitch technology that is an exclusive coating on the inside of the shirt that pulls heat away from your body.  This will allow you to feel cooler and preform at your peak for a longer period of time (see the video below).  There are mesh panels on the back of the shirt and the underarm area.  That way you get a great amount of ventilation to help keep you cool as well.


The material that Under Armour uses has a Moisture Transport System that wicks sweat away and dries quickly.  There is also an anti-odor technology that they use to prevent growth of microbes that make your clothes smell.

You can buy the CoolSwitch Short Sleeve Shirt from Under Armour for $39.99 or on Amazon for as low as $21.65.  The CoolSwitch Short Sleeve Shirt has a next to the skin feel and was designed to keep you cooler.  This is a great shirt for on the trail, pavement, or around the house.

Pros:
Comfortable to wear, for casual or running use
CoolSwitch material pulls heat away from your skin making you feel cooler
Very breathable material that stretches with your body
Anti-odor and Moisture Transport System technology
Great price $21.65 (on Amazon)

Under Armour’s Social Media Links:

Under Armour did a really great job in designing the ArmourVent Trail Shorts and CoolSwitch Short Sleeve Shirt.  They are both functional and they look good as well.  They are my go to trail running clothes and if you try them, they will probably be yours too.  Give them a try and let me know what you think.  Check them out on the Under Armour website, at Amazon, or at a local retailer near you (click here for locations).

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.

References:
(1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Under_Armour#Present_day_-_major_expansion_in_other_sports