Thursday, September 8, 2016

BUFF® Headwear Review



* Disclaimer: I received a BUFF® to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (Ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews

I have short hair, so covering my head is vital in making sure I don’t fry my scalp.  I have hats, visors, beanies, and headbands.  I recently received 2 BUFF® products to try and am excited to see what they are all about since I have read about them in the past.

So what makes BUFF® products so cool?  Let’s take a look.  The Original BUFF® headwear started the multifunctional headwear revolution.  You can use them in so many different ways, from a headband, to a beanie, to a balaclava, or even a hair tie. 

Each BUFF® Original headwear is made from 100% breathable microfiber polyester and is 100% seamless.  The material is soft to the touch and will not irritate your skin.  They have Polygiene Active Odor Control so they won’t stink, and I really put it to the test. It works! 

The polyester does an awesome job of wicking moisture away from your skin and keeps you feeling dry, no matter how wet the BUFF® gets.  The BUFF® provides thermal protection from the cold and wind, but also helps to regulate temperatures in the heat by letting the sweat evaporate.  It is quick drying as well.


Each BUFF® is a size fits all and will work for all adults.  It measures 20.8” tall and 9.75” wide weighing 2.9 ounces. 
 
Pros:
Lightweight and soft polyester material
Moisture wicking
One size fits all
Anti-odor
Has over 12 different ways to wear it
Thermal protection from cool, heat, and wind
Great price at $20 (Original BUFF®)

BUFF® Social Media Links:

BUFF® has so many different styles and patterns to choose from.  If you can’t find one that suits your personality I would be completely surprised.  Right now, BUFF® is having their “Fall Into Winter Sale”.  You can save 30%-50% off select fall/winter gear plus free shipping with any purchase over $40.  No coupon required.  I have tried all sorts of different headwear in the past and I would place BUFF® at the top of my list.  The breathability, versatility, and price makes it a must have piece of running gear.  Get yours and let me know what you think.

Thursday, September 1, 2016

AfterShokz #AwareWithPink Campaign



* Disclaimer: I received a AfterShokz Pink Trekz Titanium to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (Ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews.
 
I stress safety over and over again on my blogs.  I do a reason why.  A few years back, I watched as a 15 year old girl ran across the street and got hit by a car because she wasn’t paying attention.  She is okay now, but it left a lasting impression on me and stressed the importance of safety and how quickly things can happen.  That is why this review is so cool.  I read about headphones that don’t actually go in your ear, but in front of them and they use bone conduction technology (more on this in a little).  They allow you to still hear your surroundings while listening to music. 

AfterShokz began in 2011 and is committed to making situational awareness a priority, which I totally agree with.  They developed a suite of proprietary audio technologies and provide the only completely open ear design in a headphone.  The AfterShokz headphones provide premium quality stereo sound while still allowing you to stay safe.  The design provides a comfortable fit as well and there are no wires to worry about since the Trekz Titanium uses Bluetooth to connect to your phone.  AfterShokz does offer wired versions as well.

Bone conductive technology was first introduced by Voxtech in 2001 and was initially developed for military special operations and law enforcement.  You have probably seen these in some action movies.  Sound with normal headphones travels through your eardrums and bones simultaneously. Bone conductive technology use small transducers to guide miniature vibrations through your cheekbones to your inner ears.  That way you get great sound without impeding your hearing.  You can check out my review of the AfterShokz Trekz Titanium I did a few months back (click here).


AfterShokz has a pink version that they are releasing for a limited time to help fight breast and ovarian cancer.  October is usually Breast Cancer Month and AfterShokz is starting things off early with the sale of this limited edition (bright) pink version.

They call it the Aware With Pink Campaign and for every unit that is purchased on the AfterShokz website from Setpember 1, 2016 to October 31st, 2016, they will donate 25% of the proceeds to Bright Pink.  Bright Pink is a non-profit that focuses on breast and ovarian cancer awareness and action. 

To top that off, every time #AwareWithPink is used on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, AfterShokz will donate an additional 25 cents to Bright Pink.  How cool is that. 

This campaign hits close to home since my grandmother is a breast cancer survivor and I know several friends and acquaintance who are survivors as well.   It is nice to see a company that is willing to take money out of their pockets to help with such an important cause. 

In addition to helping with a great cause, there is an additional perk for you.  If you use the code “PINK” at checkout, you get an awesome small portable storage case for your Pink Trekz Titanium.   When I tested the original version, it came with a different case and this case is much better in my opinion.

If you want more information about Bright Pink, please click on their name anywhere on this post.


Pros:
Listen to music and still hear your surroundings
6+ hours of listening to music or talking on the phone
Water and sweat resistant
Great Bluetooth 4.1 connection (won’t stop working mid run)
High-quality sound.
Decent price at $129.99
Free Case
You help out a great cause

Aftershokz Social Media Links:

The Pink Trekz Titanium comes with a charging cable and a storage bag in a nice box.    You even get the free case, which stores everything and protects the unit.  While they aren’t super cheap, the Pink Trekz Titanium offer a great way to enjoy your music while still being able to hear cars, other runners, bicycles, or a predators.  At $129.99 at the Aftershokz website, I would strongly recommend this to runners.  You also get free shipping, so why wait?  Get a pair today, support a great cause, and let me know what you think.