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Hiking vs. Trekking vs. Backpacking

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Writer Kittie Turmell once said, “Happiness walks on by feet.” If you’ve ever spent the day walking outside through mountains and forests, you know how much happiness your feet can bring you. But before you set out, you’ll need to decide how long you plan to spend travelling through nature on foot.

Are you planning on spending a few hours outside, or is your trip more of a multi-day or multi-month-long journey? That decision determines whether you’ll be hiking, trekking, or backpacking.

Figuring out whether hiking vs. trekking vs. backpacking is right for you depends on what you’re hoping to get out of your outdoors experience. The three modes of exploring also have very different gear requirements and physical demands on your body. To help you decide which activity is right for you, we’ll take a closer look at what differentiates hiking, trekking, and backpacking and highlight some helpful tips for each.

How are Hiking, Trekking, and Backpacking Similar?

The main thing that hiking, trekking, and backpacking have in common is that all three activities involve walking in nature. They typically aren’t very strenuous, although you can choose the difficulty of your route and the terrain you want to cover. It’s possible to go for a very difficult hike in one area and a very relaxing backpacking trip in another area with flatter terrain.

Importantly, none of these activities involve mountaineering. They shouldn’t require technical climbing gear like metal crampons, ice axes, or ropes. The only things you need for hiking, trekking, and backpacking are able feet and a sense of adventure.

The basic gear between these three activities is also shared. At the very least, you’ll need a good pair of hiking socks and a sturdy pair of shoes. Your choice of shoes can vary from lightweight hiking shoes to sturdy boots – while some styles are better suited for hiking and others for trekking or backpacking, any outdoor shoe will work for any of these activities. You may also want trekking poles, which can relieve stress on your knees when going uphill and downhill and make walking more efficient.

For food and water, it’s up to you to decide how much is right for how long you plan to be outside. In most conditions, you should plan on bringing about two cups of water for every hour you’ll be out to stay hydrated.

Finally, consider navigation and emergency supplies. You should have a map of the area you plan to explore and a compass, and know how to use them together. It’s also a good idea to carry a small survival kit, which can include an emergency blanket, matches, and first aid kit.

How are Hiking, Trekking, and Backpacking Different?

While hiking, trekking, and backpacking have their roots in common, they’re pretty different once you dive into them. To start, let’s look at what each activity entails.

  Hiking Trekking Backpacking
Description Hiking involves walking for a few hours to a full day, typically on moderate trails and with a small pack. Trekking is a long journey, which may be on or off trails. Trekkers can stay at lodges each night or bring camping gear. A multi-day or longer form of outdoor walking in which you carry everything you need for the entire trip with you.
How Long Does It Take? A few hours to a full day Two days to one month or more Two days to one month or more
Where Can You Go? You’ll need to be within half a day’s walk of a road or trailhead Anywhere, although trekking is best on established paths with lodging nearby Anywhere, although you’ll want to plan camping sites ahead of time
Required Equipment Food, water, hiking shoes, survival kit, navigation equipment, hiking poles (optional) Everything for hiking, plus food for dinner at lodges, and a sleeping bag Everything for hiking, plus water filtration kit, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, and stove
Suitable Terrain
Starting and Ending You end at the same place you started from You have to get from A to B in a day. The next day, you go from B to C. Ending back where you started is optional You have complete freedom to follow the trails, with no specific destination each day
Advantage Can be done in a day or less Go deeper into nature without needing camping gear Disconnect from the outside world and immerse yourself in the trails
Disadvantage You can’t get that deep into the wilderness in a single day You have a set itinerary and need to keep to a schedule Requires a lot of time and your pack is likely to be very heavy
Recommended Boots Hiking shoes or trail running shoes Hiking shoes or mid-cut hiking boots Mid-cut or high-cut hiking boots

Hiking

When you go for a hike, you’re only walking for a few hours to a day at most. You leave for a trail in the morning, and return to your car before it gets dark. Hiking doesn’t require you to sleep outside, or even away from your home.

The distance you can cover when hiking depends on your speed. Extremely fast hikers who want to spend all day outside can cover more than 20 miles in some cases, but that’s very ambitious for a lot people. Many hikers aim for more modest trails that are less than 5 to 10 miles in length, or simply set a specific time at which they will turn around.

The main advantage to hiking over trekking and backpacking is that it’s relatively easy. Since you’re only outside for a day at most, you don’t need to carry a heavy pack that’s weighted down with overnight gear on the trail with you. That makes every hill easier to conquer, and in turn increases your speed on the trail.

In addition, hiking requires a little less planning. Not only is there less gear to worry about, but you don’t have to think about where you’ll camp each night or figure out what meals you want to bring along for breakfast and dinner.

The disadvantage to hiking is that you can’t explore quite as far. Some areas deep in the mountains simply won’t be reachable within a day, even if you’re hustling down the trail. You also typically lose out on seeing the sunset or sunrise from the trail, which can be a very rewarding experience.

Trekking

Trekking is a much more open-ended journey than hiking, and as such it has a lot more potential. Treks start at two days, but there’s no limit on how long they can go – you can stay outside for two weeks, two months, or two years depending on your goals.

While trekking can be very similar to backpacking, the term trekking is typically reserved for trips in which you stay at established lodges each night. You may camp a few nights during a trek when there’s no lodging available, but many trekkers are able to get through a trip without any camping equipment.

If you have overnight lodging planned, your trek will have a preset number of miles you need to cover each day to reach your destination. However, when planning out these miles, keep in mind that you will probably have more gear than for a standard hike – and that can slow you down a little bit. It’s better when trekking to err on the side of too few miles in a day rather than too many, as the latter case can leave you stranded on the trail after dark.

The advantage to trekking is that it’s much more immersive than hiking. When you can walk through nature day in and day out without having to leave, your outlook on the world and connection to the environment completely changes. Plus, trekking allows you to go much further into the wilderness, since you don’t have to return to your car at the end of a single day.

Trekking also has a big advantage over backpacking: you don’t have to carry nearly as much stuff. Trekking allows you to focus on enjoying the experience, rather than suffering under the weight of weeks’ worth of gear.

But, trekking doesn’t provide quite as much freedom as backpacking. You’ll need to stay on a relatively established route or close to towns if you want to have lodging options each night. In addition, the cost of staying at a hut or lodge every night for weeks on end can add up quickly, whereas camping as a backpacker is often free.

Backpacking

Backpacking involves the same open-ended timeframe as trekking – a backpacking trip can be as short as a single night, or it can take months to complete. Depending on how long you plan to spend backpacking, you may cover just a few miles or thousands.

The main difference between backpacking and trekking is that for backpacking, you have to carry everything you need for your trip with you. That includes not just food and supplies for the daytime, but also camping supplies – a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, stove, and warm clothes for being outside at night.

That can add up to a lot of weight, so you’ll need to be realistic about how much ground you’ll cover per day and adjust your trip accordingly. If you plan to be out for more than a few days, you can plan resupply points along your route where you can get more food and any other supplies you need. One nice thing about backpacking is that, depending on the terrain, you can camp whenever you feel tired – you don’t have to make it to a specific destination.

Another advantage to backpacking is that you have a lot more freedom for setting your route. While you might need to come close to a town for a resupply, in general your route can take you far from any established trailheads or mountain lodges. As a result, you can explore some places that hikers and trekkers won’t often make it to.

Of course, the downside to backpacking is the weight. It can be grueling to walk with a heavy pack for days on end if you haven’t prepared for it. Most backpackers get used to their pack weight, but it does take some time to settle in.

Tips Before Starting Your Journey

Before you head out, whether it be for hiking, trekking, or backpacking, it’s important to thoroughly prepare. Here are some tips to help:

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  • Consider hiking with trekking poles. While they’re not strictly necessary, they can improve your posture and hiking efficiency. They also take stress off your knees when hiking up and down steep sections of trail.
  • When selecting a trail, start out with something shorter than what you think you can handle. That way, if you hike slower than expected, you won’t be left out on the trail after dark. You can calculate your hiking pace as your normal walking pace plus an additional hour of hiking for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain.
  • Always remember to check the weather before you go out. Even if the forecast doesn’t call for rain, it’s a good idea to stuff a lightweight rain jacket in the bottom of your pack just in case.
  • Make sure you have a map of the trail and surrounding area, plus a compass and the knowledge of how to use it. There are plenty of GPS-enabled smartphone apps that hikers can use, but never leave your paper map and compass at home.
  • Always tell someone where you’re going. Even something as simple as a twisted ankle can turn deadly if no one knows where you are and you can’t make it back to your car on your own.

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  • Ease into it. Don’t try to do the longest day of your trip on your first day, as you’re likely to injure yourself. Instead, slowly build up miles over the course of your trip.
  • If you’re planning out lodging, try not to book huts at the limits of what you can cover in a day. A day that’s slightly shorter than you’d like is better than trying to find your way to your lodge in the dark.
  • It’s important to stay fueled and hydrated over multiple days on the trail. Be sure to take in plenty of water and calories each evening to replenish what you lost during the day.
  • You may need to bring a sleeping bag with you – not all mountain huts provide bedding. Check to see what the lodges you plan to stay at provide.

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  • Minimizing the weight you’re carrying is key to a successful trip. If you don’t need it, don’t bring it. Starting out with a few short two- to three-day backpacking trips can help you determine what gear is essential and what is extraneous.
  • Set up camp well before dark. That way, you can pitch your tent and make dinner while there’s still light to see by. Plus, you can relax and enjoy the sunset as a way to celebrate the day.
  • If you’ll be backpacking for more than a week, you’ll need to identify resupply points. You can buy food in most trail towns, but if you need specialized backpacking supplies you should mail them to yourself.

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Hiking vs. Trekking vs. Backpacking: Which is Right for You?

Hiking, trekking, and backpacking all have their merits. Each activity will let you spend time in nature and explore new areas, and it’s hard to go wrong with that. But, the three activities are very different in their physical demands, where you can explore, and how you go about planning and executing a trip.

Ultimately, deciding whether hiking, trekking, or backpacking is right for you comes down to your goals. If you want to spend the occasional day outside or aren’t ready to quit your job to spend weeks on end in the mountains, hiking is a great choice. Trekking allows you to immerse yourself in nature for long periods, but doesn’t require you to carry a heavy load. Backpacking provides the most freedom, but it’s also the most physically demanding of the three activities.

Keep in mind, you’re not limited to one activity forever. You can try out hiking, trekking, and backpacking on various trips and decide which methods of getting outside work best for you.

Conclusion

Spending time outside on your feet is one of the best ways to disconnect from the stress of the world and to explore new places. Hiking, trekking, and backpacking each allow you to immerse yourself on the trail to varying degrees, and no one activity is better than the others. What’s important is that you enjoy your time outside, wherever it takes you.

Swimming vs. Running – Which is Best for You?

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It’s time to exercise. You’ve heard both swimming and running are beneficial. Yes, each helps improve your health, fitness, and weight loss, but which is best?

Like many, you may find yourself stuck in choosing between running shoes and swimming trunks. In fact, it’s a very common dilemma for those looking to start a new exercise program or expand on their current one.

You hear positive things regarding both swimming and running, but which reigns supreme? 

Well, if you are looking for a comparison of swimming vs running, you’ve come to the right place. By the end of this guide, you will not only know the difference, but you will have discovered an action plan to get started today.

So, whether you are looking to lose weight, increase endurance, or improve cardiovascular health, you will find the answers. You will find the answers to all of the questions…and much, MUCH more.

Let’s get started. Read below for a quick-chart comparing swimming vs running.

Comparison Chart: Swimming vs Running

Swimming Running
History 1830 776 B.C.E
Definition Propel through water with limbs Moving fast on foot.
Average Pace 2 min per 100 meters 9.5 min per mile
Average Speed 2 mph 7.4 mph
Time Best in the afternoon/evening Best in the afternoon/evening
Style/types Freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, side stroke. Long, recovery, base, tempo, progression, fartlek, hill repeats, intervals.
Intensity Low-impact High-Impact
Benefit All-body workout, low-impact, veristle, increase endurance, burn fat, tone body, builds muscle strength. Burn fat and gain lean muscle mass, ease of entry, increase endurance, connect with other runners, builds strong bones.
Harmful Risk fungal infections, skin allergies, cold pool, extra gear. Stress on the cardiovascular system, injury.
Gear Swim suit, goggles, nose plugs, ear plugs, caps. Running shoes, compression and/or activewear, and hydration bottle.
Common Injuries Shoulder irritation, rotator cuff tendonitis, Neck and lower back pain. Runner’s knee, plantar fasciitis, and ITBS.

 

As you can see from the chart above, running and swimming have many differences. Yet at the same time, concerning health and fitness, they are similar as well.

In this section, I will expand a bit more on some of the critical points. This way, you can determine which exercise you not only prefer, but one that will last a lifetime.

First things first, what exactly is running and swimming? To help, here are the definitions of each.

First up, swimming…

“The sport or activity of propelling oneself through water using the limbs.”

Next up, running…

“To go quickly by moving the legs more rapidly than at a walk and in such a manner that for an instant in each step all or both feet are off the ground.”

Pretty simple, right? For running, you move by land, and in swimming, you move by sea. But when did it all began?

Well, the actual act of swimming and running date so far back that they are painted on the ancient cave walls of Egypt. They’ve been a part of the human race since the beginning of time. They are basic motor skills. I’m no anthropologist, but it’s my guess that our ancestors did not walk away from deadly predators. No, they ran and ran fast…really FAST. Running was survival.

So, what we really want to know is this: when did swimming and running begin competitively? Fortunately, we can narrow this down to a more precise time in history.

Running dates back to 776 BC as it’s highly regarded as the first event ever in the Olympic games. Whereas swimming didn’t make an appearance until much later. In fact, it wasn’t until 1830 Britain when competitive swimming hit the scene. At this time, the world began to see regular contests of speed and distance. The main style of swimming was the breaststroke.

Now, although the history of running and swimming is an interesting conversation, what grabs most people’s attention is speed and time. People want to know the averages and determine where they rank.

So what is the average speed and pace for swimming vs running?

Although they differ between males and females, the combined averages for swimming are 2 mph and 2 minutes per 100 meters, while running is 7.4 mph and 9.5 minutes per mile.

Click here for a chart on one-mile averages broken up by sex and age.

So now you know more about speed and pace, but when is the best time to maximize these efforts? Meaning, when is the most suitable time of day to swim and run?

Personally, I prefer the morning. I recommend performing these exercises whenever you feel most motivated. This way, you stick with your training until it turns into a healthy habit rather than a temporary adjustment to your daily routine.

Nevertheless, experts say different. They likely base their studies more on the body than the mind. Experts believe both swimming and running are best in the mid- to late-afternoon.

There are two reasons for this. One, your body reaches its peak muscle temperature during this time of the day, hence the term “warm-up.” As you can imagine, warming up prevents injuries as compared to being cold and stiff.

Think of it this way, would you sit in a freezer for 10 minutes and then go for a sprint? Of course not. You’d be asking for a world of problems. Well, by waiting until later in the day, you generate more heat, thus warming up your muscles for a run or swim of any intensity.

The second reason is based on caloric intake. By midday, your body has likely taken in some calories. More calories equal more energy. Now you won’t feel bogged down or too tired to start moving. Because isn’t the first step the hardest part of any workout? From the coach to the car, and from your car to the pool?

There are also different styles and types to consider for running and swimming. Although we will not get into the details of each, here is a list of the most common…

The 5 basic swimming styles

  • Freestyle
  • Backstroke
  • Breaststroke 
  • Butterfly
  • Sidestroke

The 8 basic running styles

  • Long run
  • Recovery run
  • Base run
  • Tempo run 
  • Progression run
  • Fartlek 
  • Hill Repeats 
  • Intervals

Are you new to swimming? If so, start with learning how to breaststroke. Consider the breaststroke the easiest style. It’s more comfortable. Think about it, since your head is out of the water, you can breathe freely. And then, when ready….and only when ready…you put your head underwater.

When it comes to running, start with a base run. Just get moving. As you gain experience, add in long and recovery runs. This will be your easiest entry point and keep it simple. Try not to overcomplicate the process as many new runners do.

From here, you’ll need gear. If you are looking to start swimming or running, there is specific gear to use. The most common for runners are running shoes, shorts, socks, and shirts. The whole point of running clothes, better known as “activewear,” is to absorb sweat and reduce friction. That’s why it’s critical to wear clothes geared to running specifically. As add-ons, consider a music device, hydration belt, and/or GPS watch to track your time and distance.

In like manner, you’ll need the basics for swimming. To begin, grab a swim suit, goggles, cap, and backpack. Swimming gear is designed to protect your body and promote efficiency. Trust me, you don’t want to hit the pool without a pair of goggles. Your eyes need protection. Also consider ear and nose plugs, kickboards, fins, and swim shoes.

Now that you know the many differences between swimming vs running, let’s get into the benefits. Let’s discuss both the advantages and disadvantages to reach your goals faster.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Swimming Vs Running

Maybe you’re new to both swimming and running, looking for guidance. Or perhaps you have experience in one exercise type and are looking to cross-train. For example, swimming for runners.

Either way, like anything new in life, there will always be both advantages and disadvantages. Although, rest assured that with any form of exercise, you’ll find many more advantages than disadvantages. Remember, movement is medicine.

With that said, let’s start with the pluses and minuses of running. Read on for a list of both.

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  • Increase endurance and strengthens muscles.
  • Ease of entry.
  • It helps build strong bones.
  • It provides a sense of freedom, running anywhere, anytime, in any direction.
  • Less procrastination (e.g., no traveling to a pool like swimming)
  • Multiple running surfaces: street, pavement, track, treadmill, beach, and trails.
  • It improves cardiovascular health.
  • Boost mood from runner’s high.
  • It helps with weight loss and regulation.
  • Strengthens knees if done correctly.
  • Increase life expectancy.

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  • Overuse injuries.
  • Lower-body workout only.
  • Shoe wear causes the cost to add up.
  • Hard on joints, bones, and ligaments.
  • It takes time to learn proper form to prevent injuries.

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As you can see, there are both advantages and disadvantages. But when you weigh the two, the advantages surely tip the scale. Plus, once running feels natural, over time, many of the disadvantages fade. Now you’re left with an exercise that can be performed for a lifetime.

When it comes to swimming, there are also both positives and negatives. Read on for a list of both…

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  • Less impact on the body.
  • Full-body workout.
  • Many different styles/strokes
  • Increases endurance and muscle strength.
  • It helps with weight loss and regulation.
  • It improves cardiovascular health.
  • Alternative when injured.
  • Top choice for those with asthma
  • Helps relieve stress
  • Great exercise during pregnancy.

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  • Limited to pool or body of water.
  • Travel time to water.
  • Higher risk of shoulder injuries.
  • Risk of fungal infections and skin allergies.
  • Gym membership for pool.
  • Easier to give up in the winter from cold.

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Now that you know some of the most common advantages and disadvantages of swimming vs running, let’s dig into the particulars. At this point, you may be thinking, “I see both help with weight loss, endurance, and cardiovascular health, but which one is best?”.

And I completely understand. We live in a fast-paced life. To keep up, we look for fast and proven results to reach our goals. So, continue reading into the next sections for more clarity and direction.

Swimming vs. Running – Which is a Better Weight Loss Workout?

Here’s the thing, although we search for some magic pill to become healthier, sexier, and smarter, that fact is…no such pill exists. Yet, by following a proven system, you will reach your goals faster. Fortunately, when it comes to weight loss, the formula is not complicated. See below for the weight loss formula:

[su_highlight background=”#888″ color=”#fff”]Calories used in exercise > calories eaten = weight loss.[/su_highlight]

Simply put, if you want to lose weight, then you must burn more calories than you eat. How’s that look numerically? Well, the Mayo Clinic recommends the following…

“Over the long term, it’s best to aim for losing 1 to 2 pounds (0.5 to 1 kilogram) a week. Generally to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week, you need to burn 500 to 1,000 calories more than you consume each day, through a lower calorie diet and regular physical activity.”

What do 500 calories of swimming vs running look like? For a person who weighs 160 lbs, it will take 61 minutes of swimming, 45 minutes of jogging, or 18 minutes of interval running sprints. Click here to view the “Approximated Number of Minutes To Burn 500 Calories”.

So which is better for weight loss when you compare swimming vs running?

Although we can argue the answer, my recommendation is running. Not only does it take less time overall, but the ease of entry is much better. No trip to the gym necessary like weightlifting and no pool required like swimming. Here’s all you need to do: wake up, lace up your running shoes, and run. Not bad, right? So go run and lose weight. 

Swimming vs. Running – Which is the Best Way to Build Endurance?

Before we look at swimming vs running for building endurance, let’s define it. When I say “endurance,” I’m referring to “the ability to sustain an activity over a period of time”. Being physically active is one thing, but withstanding resistance over time is another. That’s why it’s essential to build endurance.

Generally speaking, the longer you can remain active, the more benefits you’ll receive. Endurance is the catalyst to all your health and fitness goals.

So, you now know the importance of endurance. But that still leaves us with a pressing question. Which is best for building endurance: swimming or running?

Well, although swimming and running both build endurance, it will likely happen faster from running. Here’s why:

Swimming technique takes time to master. Yes, efficiency eventually comes, but until then, you waste a lot of energy. For beginners, this can typically turn a desired aerobic intensity swim (endurance-building) to an anaerobic one (strength-building). That’s why if you are looking for the shortest path to build endurance, then running will be your best choice.

Although, over time, you’ll master different strokes. It’s here where you develop the discipline to hold an aerobic capacity. And since you use your entire body to swim, this could become a better avenue for increasing stamina. But it will depend on the person.

Here are my recommendations for choosing between swimming vs running to build endurance…

If you prefer running over swimming…great! Run and jog. Staying at an easy to moderate intensity will be most effective. Whether through short or long runs, you’ll be on a path to increased stamina from day one.

On the other hand, if you prefer swimming but wish to build endurance today, you can approach it differently. Instead, run while you practice your swimming technique on the side. As swimming begins to “click,” start supplementing running workouts for swimming workouts. Eventually, you’ll reach enough swims per week to make the switch without a decline in endurance.

As you can see, both running and swimming build endurance. However, if you are looking for a shorter path, choose running. Because once you build endurance, every exercise will come easier…swimming included!

Swimming vs. Running: Whose Heart Reigns Supreme?

Since the beginning of time, across most cultures, the heart is giving the highest importance of all organs. Like in heavy machinery, the heart is the pump, without it, our machine we call the human body cannot operate. That’s why it’s crucial to improve cardiovascular health in any way possible.

So, whether you are being proactive, or looking to become healthier, running and swimming are both useful tools to a better quality of life. To help, I will now outline which exercise is best for heart health…running or swimming.

But before we begin, let’s first decide on the most reliable measure for heart health. One of the best and easiest measures is through blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force exerted in the arteries by blood and can be a clue to the current health of your heart. Nowadays, you can order a monitor on Amazon and have it at your front door by the morning.

So now the question becomes, is swimming or running best to lower blood pressure?

The answer: both (most of the time)

Harvard Health Publishing released an article titled “Take The Plunge For Your Heart” outlining the heart health benefits available through swimming. They based their conclusions on a study from the International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education. Here’s what they say…

“One study compared blood pressure, cholesterol levels, maximum energy output, and other measures of cardiovascular health across nearly 46,000 male and female walkers, runners, swimmers, and couch potatoes. Swimmers and runners had the best numbers, followed fairly closely by walkers.”

As you can see, not only is swimming and running equally beneficial for cardiovascular health, but they are the top exercises for lowering blood pressure, period.

Now, here’s the kicker. In a second study by the same Journal, they were able to differentiate the two based on life expectancy. When looking at deaths among 40,557 men between the ages of 20 to 90 for 13 years, they found swimmers to reign supreme. Over the course of two years only 2% of the swimmers died. That’s compared to 8% of runners, 9% of walkers, and 11% of nonexercisers.

What makes the difference? There’s no definitive information available. Yet, I can provide an observation based on experience…

It’s much easier to push yourself as a beginner while running. This has the potential to put excess wear on your heart. Between the marathons, supplements, and ease of entry, many beginners tend to push themselves too fast too early. In other words, they rush.

Never forget these words: No matter your speed, introducing running into your life is a marathon…not a sprint. It’s about gradual progression, allowing each day to be a new foundation to build from.

So, take your take time, progress each day, and remember the importance of recovery. If you find balance in your running, you will find balance in your life. And as studies have shown, a longer life can be the result of your efforts through running.

Conclusion

Should you exercise by land or sea? The answer is up to you. As you have read, both swimming and running have a positive effect on weight loss, cardiovascular health, endurance, and more. Running is easier to begin while swimming has less impact on the body.

Stuck on deciding? Try both. Take my advice from the endurance section. Start by running, and at the same time, work on your swimming technique on the side. If you lean towards running, stop swimming. If you like swimming, then start substituting your running days with swimming sessions.

Or if you like both, then do both. Next, if it interests you, add in cycling and start training for your first triathlon. But before anything, lace up your running shoes and get moving today!

The 8 Best Bowling Ball Cleaners in 2020 – Buyer’s Guide

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Best Bowling Ball Cleaners

You’ve done the research and invested in a bowling ball to help you take your game to the next level. But, in order to get the most out of your ball, you need to keep it clean.

Bowling balls are known for their shiny, spotless surfaces, but it may not look completely spotless after a night at the alley. The ball can get oil from your hands or the lane on it, or it can get scuff marks or even pick up dirt. While these particles may be so small as to be invisible in some cases, they can still affect the performance of your bowling ball. After all, it just takes a little bit of dirt to change how the surface of your ball interacts with the surface of the lane, affecting everything from speed to spin.

Thankfully, keeping your bowling ball clean is simple and inexpensive if you have the best bowling ball cleaner. You can use a bowling ball cleaner after every time you take your ball out to the lanes to keep it in like-new condition and ready for the next time you bowl.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about choosing the right bowling ball cleaner for your ball. We’ll also highlight eight of the best bowling ball cleaners on the market today, plus some of our favorite brands that are known to make consistently high-quality cleaning products.

Features to Consider When Choosing the Best Bowling Ball Cleaner

Choosing a bowling ball cleaner is significantly easier than figuring out which bowling ball will most contribute to your score. But, there are still a few important things you need to consider when picking a cleaning product. Let’s take a look at some of the most critical features.

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  • USBC Approval

The United States Bowling Congress is the sport’s governing body in the US. If you participate in USBC bowling tournaments, you need to go out of your way to make sure you don’t run afoul of this regulator. Only USBC-approved bowling ball cleaners are allowed to be used in professional tournaments – if you’re caught using a non-USBC-approved cleaner, you could actually be disqualified.

The good news is that most trustworthy bowling ball cleaners have earned USBC approval. The company’s seal also indicates that the cleaner has been tested, which ensures that you can trust your ball to that cleaning product.

  • Cleaner Composition

The majority of bowling ball cleaners are alcohol-based, since alcohol is safe to use with every bowling ball surface and does a pretty good job of removing dirt, grime, and lane oil. Most popular bowling ball cleaners also include a degreasing chemical or emulsifier to more effectively remove lane oil from the surface of your ball. The only chemicals you need to watch out for are acetone and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), which can damage the surface of urethane bowling balls.

Some bowling ball cleaners are designed to be environmentally friendly, which is a plus. These cleaners won’t have the harsh chemical smell of traditional cleaners – because they don’t have the same harsh chemicals in the first place.

  • Bottle Size

Some bowling ball cleaners are only available in a tiny bottle, leaving you to purchase more cleaner every few weeks. Others come in gallon-sized jugs only, making it hard to bring your cleaner with you to the lanes so you can wipe down your ball at the end of your game.

Thankfully, many bowling ball cleaners come in multiple bottle sizes, so you can choose how much you need based on how frequently you bowl. Just keep in mind that you typically get a discount for a larger bottle.

  • Expiration Date

You don’t have to worry much about the expiration date when buying a new bowling ball cleaner, but it’s important to take into account if you already have an old bottle of cleaner lying around. Once a ball cleaner is past its expiration date, your best bet is to simply throw it out. Chemicals can change form or become more reactive over time, meaning that they can degrade the surface of your ball rather than clean it after enough time passes.

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Our Reviews: 8 Best Bowling Ball Cleaners on the Market 2020

1. Pyramid Monster Tac Bowling Ball Cleaner – Best Cleaner for Reactive Balls

The Monster Tac bowling ball cleaner is a USBC-approved cleaner designed for highly reactive bowling balls. In addition to cleaning dirt and oil from your ball, the cleaner adds some stickiness to the exterior of the ball that gives it more grip on the lane surface. As a result, any spin you add to the ball during your bowl will translate into a more powerful break down the lane.

This cleaner is safe for use with all types of coverstocks, although Pyramid doesn’t publicize the chemicals that go into the ball. There’s no alcohol odor, but the cleaner does smell pretty harshly of chemicals. Depending on how much cleaner you need, you can buy this in a 4, 8, or 32-ounce spray bottle. The 4- and 8-ounce bottles are a bit pricey, but the 32-ounce bottle offers an attractive deal.

[img_products img_code=”51JxRvgD0WL” alt=”Pyramid Monster Tac Bowling Ball Cleaner” code=”B00JL9LS16″]

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PROS:

  • Adds tackiness to your bowling ball
  • Perfect for reactive resin and proactive balls
  • Multiple sizes available
  • Comes in spray bottle

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CONS:

  • Smaller bottles are somewhat expensive
  • No ingredient list available

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2. Hammer Bowling Remove All Bowling Ball Cleaner – Best Budget Bowling Ball Cleaner

This USBC-approved ball cleaner from Hammer is a great choice for bowlers on a budget. It’s not the most effective cleaner in the world – it leaves you ball a bit too sticky and doesn’t get rid of scuff marks as easily as other cleaners. In addition, the cleaner comes in a somewhat strangely labeled bottle that makes it look as if you’re buying cleaner from a wholesaler. But, the 8-ounce bottle is incredibly inexpensive compared to its competitors, which is a big plus if you go through a lot of ball cleaner.

Hammer doesn’t reveal what ingredients go into this cleaner. However, it has the harsh chemical smell that’s familiar to anyone who’s used another bowling ball cleaner in the past. The cleaner is designed to be safe for plastic, urethane, and reactive resin coverstocks, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility with your ball.

[img_products img_code=”61iuW519LOL” alt=”Hammer Bowling Remove All Bowling Ball Cleaner” code=”B073XR26BX”]

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PROS:

  • Works with most bowling balls
  • Very inexpensive
  • Comes in a spray bottle

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CONS:

  • Leaves your ball somewhat sticky
  • Bottle is not marked with Hammer branding
  • No information about ingredients

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3. Storm Reacta Clean Bowling Ball Cleaner – Best Large-volume Ball Cleaner

If you go through a lot of bowling ball cleaners – either because you’re a frequent bowler or you’re cleaning balls for the whole family – this cleaner from Storm Reacta comes in a one-gallon bottle. Most other cleaners aren’t available in more than 32-ounce bottles, if even that, so this can save you a lot of money in the long run. Just make sure you’re able to use all of the cleaner before its expiration date.

The Storm Reacta cleaner is USBC-approved and does a nice job of cleaning off oil, dirt, and most common grime your ball picks up at the alley. It also has some tackiness to it, which helps it restore spin to reactive resin bowling balls. Like other cleaner manufacturers, Storm doesn’t offer details about what’s inside the bottle – but it smells strongly of alcohol, as you’d expect. The only thing to keep in mind with this large-volume cleaner is that you’ll want to purchase a spray bottle for it to disperse it onto your ball.

[img_products img_code=”519YmEeagBL” alt=”Storm Reacta Clean Bowling Ball Cleaner” code=”B00GUL1V9W”]

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PROS:

  • Available in one-gallon volume
  • Adds tackiness to your ball
  • Designed with reactive resin balls in mind
  • Relatively inexpensive

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CONS:

  • Doesn’t come with spray bottle
  • No information about ingredients

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4. Bowlingball Bowling Ball Cleaning Kit – Best Bowling Ball Cleaning Kit

This handy cleaning kit from Bowlingball.com is compact enough to throw into your bowling ball bag and take to the lanes. It includes a four-ounce bottle of Monster Tac ball cleaner, an applicator pad, and a microfiber towel that you can use to remove excess cleaner and wipe down your ball. All in all, it’s everything you need to give your ball a thorough cleaning in between games.

The Monster Tac cleaner itself is the same USBC-approved cleaner produced by Pyramid. It’s perfect for reactive balls thanks to the tackiness it adds to your ball, but it can be used on any coverstock without a problem.

The downside to this cleaning kit is that it’s somewhat expensive. At the end of the day, you’re spending more on a four-ounce bottle of cleaner than you would for an eight-ounce bottle of Monster Tac on its own.

[img_products img_code=”71yVcYrqm9L” alt=”Bowlingball Bowling Ball Cleaning Kit” code=”B079G6H6XY”]

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PROS:

  • Includes applicator pad and microfiber towel
  • Compact enough to fit in your bowling ball bag
  • Comes with Monster Tac cleaner
  • Works for any coverstock

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CONS:

  • Expensive for the amount of cleaner you get

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5. Tac Up Bowling Ball Cleaner – Best for Reactive Resin Bowling Balls

This tacky bowling ball cleaner from Tac Up is the ideal cleaner for reactive resin balls. It’s designed to restore the stickiness of reactive resin, which has a tendency to quickly accumulate lane oil over the course of a set. Tac Up’s cleaner not only removes this oil, but also works very effectively at removing grime and scuff marks from the ball belt.

The cleaner is USBC-approved, so it’s safe to use it in professional tournaments. The only real downside to the Tac Up cleaner is that it’s only available in an eight-ounce spray bottle. Given that reactive resin balls should be cleaned after every game, you can run through an entire bottle of this cleaner very quickly.

[img_products img_code=”41DYR436BoL” alt=”Tac Up Bowling Ball Cleaner” code=”B006VPBSTU”]

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PROS:

  • Ideal for reactive resin bowling balls
  • Restores tackiness to enhance spin
  • Effective at removing dirt and grime

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CONS:

  • Only available in eight-ounce bottle
  • Somewhat pricey

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6. Motiv Power Gel Clean – Best Gel Bowling Ball Cleaner

This gel bowling ball cleaner from Motiv does a very impressive job of restoring your ball to like-new conditions. It’s much easier to get lane oil in particular off of your ball’s coverstock with this cleaner than with standard liquid cleaners. Of course, Motiv Power Gel Clean is USBC-approved to work with any coverstock, so it’s safe to use for professional tournaments. In addition, while Motiv doesn’t give details on the ingredients, this cleaner is environmentally friendly and doesn’t have a harsh chemical smell.

Since this cleaner is a gel rather than a liquid, you only need to apply a tiny bit to your ball each time you use it. So, the 16-ounce bottle lasts for at least several months and often longer for most bowlers. That makes the price – which is in line with what most 8-ounce bottles of liquid cleaner cost – very attractive.

[img_products img_code=”71b3FnqZH-L” alt=”Motiv Power Gel Clean” code=”B003C37DFM”]

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PROS:

  • Comes as a gel rather than liquid
  • Very effective at removing oil
  • Environmentally friendly
  • 16-ounce bottle lasts for a long time

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CONS:

  • Can be difficult to get off if you apply too much

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7. That Purple Stuff Bowling Ball Cleaner – Overall Best Bowling Ball Cleaner

That Purple Stuff is distinguished by its color – it’s a bright shade of purple – but also by its price. This cleaner is surprisingly expensive for a small eight-ounce bottle. But, bowlers are consistently willing to pay the premium for this cleaner because it’s simply the most effective option on the market.

It’s hard to overstate how effective this bowling ball cleaner is at restoring the spin and speed of bowling balls, and reactive resin balls in particular. Professionals routinely rely on this cleaner thanks to its quality – you can see many bowlers at USBC tournaments applying it between sets. Just keep in mind you’ll need an application pad to use with this cleaner, as it doesn’t come in a spray bottle.

[img_products img_code=”51jwKFWbbRL” alt=”That Purple Stuff Bowling Ball Cleaner” code=”B01LBHQR0W”]

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PROS:

  • Incredibly effective ball cleaner
  • Trusted by many professional bowlers
  • Quickly restores spin to reactive resin balls

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CONS:

  • Very expensive
  • Requires an application pad

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8. Bowlerstore Products Tac Up Bowling Ball Cleaner – Best Biodegradable Bowling Ball Cleaner

The Tac Up cleaner from Bowlerstore products is a great option for urethane and reactive resin balls, although it works nicely for any coverstock. The reason it performs so well for those two coverstock materials in particular is that the cleaner adds a significant amount of tackiness to your ball’s surface at the same time as it removes grime and oil. So, you get more spin and more reaction from your ball when you need it.

At the same time, this cleaner is free of harsh chemicals. It’s fully biodegradable, making it one of the most eco-friendly bowling ball cleaners we’ve seen.

The USBC-approved cleaner comes in a 32-ounce bottle, which can be capped with either a standard cap or a spray nozzle for easy application. The price is pretty reasonable, too – it’s right in the middle of the price range for 32-ounce bottles of the most popular bowling ball cleaners.

[img_products img_code=”41EFHE8KoML” alt=”Bowlerstore Products Tac Up Bowling Ball Cleaner” code=”B006VPBT30″]

The Top Bowling Ball Cleaner Brands

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One of the best ways to ensure you’re getting a top-quality bowling ball cleaner is to look for products made by trusted brands. A lot of bowling ball cleaner companies are familiar names in the world of bowling, but some are cleaning companies with product lines for bowlers.

  • Brunswick

Although Brunswick’s bowling ball cleaners didn’t make our list of the top cleaners in 2020, this is a ubiquitous company in bowling with a strong reputation. Brunswick’s cleaners are known for restoring your ball’s shiny polish in addition to removing dirt and oil. Just watch out for high prices, as this company can be a bit expensive.

  • Monster

Monster designs a wide range of bowling ball cleaning products. The company’s product line has one important thing in common: versatility. All of the company’s cleaners can be safely used with any bowling ball coverstock material, and they’re designed to clean your ball, add back tackiness, and give it a shiny gleam all at the same time.

  • Storm

If you have a reactive resin bowling ball, Storm offers a variety of high-quality cleaners made with your ball in mind. The company’s focus is on restoring the stickiness that reactive resin needs to spin properly on the lane. Most of Storm’s cleaners are available in a wide variety of bottle sizes, making it easy to get the amount you need and the discount you want.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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A: In most cases, you can simply spray cleaner onto your bowling ball and then use an application pad to spread it around. If you don’t have a spray nozzle or are using a gel cleaner, you can also apply the cleaner directly onto the application pad.

Keep in mind that you want to use an application pad rather than a cloth or microfiber towel, since the pad will help you get the cleaner deep into the pores of your bowling ball’s coverstock. Once you’re done, you can use a microfiber towel to wipe away any excess cleaner from the surface of your ball.

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A: If you’re looking to save money, you can clean your bowling ball with rubbing alcohol. Simply mix water and rubbing alcohol in equal parts, then add a drop of dish soap as an emulsion agent.

The problem, though, is that this mixture typically isn’t as effective as a custom-made bowling ball cleaner. So, you’ll probably want to clean your ball with a dedicated cleaner every so often in any case.

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A: At a minimum, you should clean your bowling ball after every time you go bowling. Grime and oil that’s left to build up can slowly degrade the surface of your ball. Many professionals prefer to clean their ball after every game, or even every several frames. This is important if you have a reactive resin ball that is losing spin mid-game because it’s being covered in oil from the lane.

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Conclusion

Properly cleaning your bowling ball can improve your performance and help extend the life of your ball. Cleaners are generally inexpensive to purchase and simple to apply, so there’s no excuse not to clean your bowling ball. Thanks to our guide to the eight best bowling ball cleaners on the market in 2020, you can give your ball a thorough cleaning and improve your chances of bowling a strike on every frame.

The Best Bowling Shoes for Men, Women, and Children – Buyer’s Guide

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Best Bowling Shoes for Men, Women, and Children

Head to your local bowling alley, and you won’t find anyone wearing standard street shoes. Instead, everyone at the lanes will be wearing specially designed bowling shoes.

Bowling shoes were first introduced around 1888. They are leather shoes with a sliding surface on the sole, which allows you to slide as you release the bowling ball. That’s critical, since the slide allows your approach and ball release to meld together into a single smooth motion. Without sliding on your feet in the lane, you wouldn’t have nearly the same control over where your bowling ball ends up.

Most bowling alleys rent out shoes to bowlers, but it’s well worth your while to invest in your own pair of shoes. Bowling shoes can be matched to your dominant hand for more precision and they can be customized to give you the amount of sliding and traction you need. In addition, if you have your own pair of shoes, you can make sure that you’re getting the perfect fit, with no room for your feet to move around inside the shoes.

So, if you’re looking to improve your bowling game, investing in a pair of bowling shoes is a great place to start. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to choose the best pair of bowling shoes for your game and review 15 of the most popular options for men, women, and children.

What to Look for in the Best Pair of Bowling Shoes?

How to Choose the Best bowling shoes

The needs of every bowler are different when it comes to choosing the perfect pair of bowling shoes. However, there are a few key features that will have the biggest impact on your comfort and your game. Here, we’ll take a closer look at those features to help you understand what to look for when choosing a pair of bowling shoes.

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  • Durability

Durability should always be in the back of your mind when choosing a pair of bowling shoes. That’s because if your shoes decide to fall apart while you’re in the middle of a bowl, it could create a very dangerous slip and fall or tripping situation. With a bowling ball in hand, that’s not good.

Bowling shoes can be made from a wide variety of materials, including leather or synthetic fabrics. Leather is typically the most durable material, and you should have plenty of warning that the shoe is wearing through before it breaks in a catastrophic way. Synthetic fabrics are less durable, especially if you bowl frequently. But, they can be more comfortable and easier to fit – just keep in mind that you’ll want to replace them more frequently if you opt for synthetic shoes.

  • Design

The stylistic appearance of your shoes won’t necessarily have an effect on how you play. But, if you believe that you’ll play better and more confidently if you feel good about how you look, then design can be an important consideration. Entry-level shoes tend to look a little dorky in many cases – think the red and blue shoes that most alleys rent out – but mid-level and professional-level bowling shoes come in a much wider variety of styles to match any aesthetic.

  • Inner Sole

What type of inner sole works best for your feet comes down to personal preference, and in some cases trial and error. In general, you will want to look for an insole that offers a moderate amount of cushioning – not so much that you can’t feel the lane beneath your feet, but not so little that your feet are aching by the end of a night of bowling.

Bowlers with specific foot shapes will need to look for specialized types of insoles. For example, if you have high arches, you will want a bowling shoe that offers an insole that’s adapted with more arch support. If you have flat feet, you may want more arched shoes that offer better motion control as you slide.

Keep in mind that you can always replace the insole in your bowling shoe if it’s not quite perfect. However, this costs extra down the road, so it’s best to find the right type of insole at the time of buying your bowling shoes.

  • Outer Sole

The outer sole is one of the most important parts of a bowling shoe. This is what controls the amount of slide you’ll get out of your shoes or the amount of traction that will hold you back.

Most entry-level bowling shoes are built with smooth outer soles, which give you the most possible slide with both of your feet. More advanced bowling shoes, though, actually feature a traction pad on the sole of one shoe in a pair. The traction pad is designed to give you more control over your feet, since you can actually drag your back leg to help arrest your slide. When choosing a more advanced pair of bowling shoes like this, the shoe with the sliding outsole should go on the side of your dominant (bowling) hand.

  • Size

Sizing your bowling shoes correctly is absolutely essential. If your bowling shoes don’t fit right, they won’t help you improve your game no matter how much sliding or traction they offer. We’ll cover the appropriate way to size your bowling shoes in more depth below.

  • Weight

The weight of bowling shoes depends in part on the materials and how thick they are. Beginners will want to opt for a lighter shoe, since this will feel less cumbersome while you’re approaching to bowl. However, as you get more accustomed to wearing bowling shoes, you may want to look into heavier shoes as a way to get more durability or more control over your feet.

  • Warranty

The warranty that a manufacturer offers on its bowling shoes can be an important piece of information. In general, a longer warranty will signal that a pair of shoes is more durable and reliable – otherwise, the manufacturer will end up losing money on warranty claims. Of course, warranty isn’t everything, so this shouldn’t be a primary consideration in choosing a pair of bowling shoes.

  • Accessories

Bowling shoes, like evert other piece of equipment in your bowling kit, need frequent cleaning to work at their best. It’s worth investing in a brush to clean off your shoes without damaging them and a shoe cover to keep them safe in between days you go bowling. Some bowling shoes come with these to help sweeten the deal, but in most cases you’ll need to buy a brush and shoe cover separately.

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The 15 Best Bowling Shoes for Men, Women, and Children

Now that you know more about what to look for when choosing a pair of bowling shoes, let’s look at some of the best options on the market for every bowler. We’ve picked out 15 bowling shoes that we think stand out from the crowd. Our picks are categorized into shoes for men, women, and children, so anyone can get the shoes they need.

The 5 Best Bowling Shoes for Men

1. Dexter Men’s Kam Bowling Shoes – Most Comfortable Bowling Shoes for Men

These men’s bowling shoes from Dexter are about as breathable and lightweight as it gets. That’s thanks to the fact that the upper is built from cotton canvas, which allows free air movement and doesn’t rub uncomfortably against your feet like leather.

To be honest, these bowling shoes look more like stylish street shoes than bowling shoes until you get a look at the soles. On the bottom of the shoes, you’ll find sliding outsoles on both the left and right shoes. There’s a well-defined rubber heel, though, which adds some braking power to your slide so you don’t end up too far down the lane.

One thing that’s important to keep in mind about these shoes is that they don’t have laces. Instead, they’re designed to slip on. That’s extremely convenient, but you lose the snugness and control of traditional lace-up bowling shoes. So, the Dexter bowling shoes are generally restricted to use for occasional and entry-level bowlers.

[img_products img_code=”611-LccNsML” alt=”Dexter Men’s Kam Bowling Shoes” code=”B07D39VN6X”]

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PROS:

  • Breathable and comfortable cotton upper
  • Extremely stylish
  • Slip-on construction is very convenient
  • Rubber heel for braking action

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CONS:

  • Not very snug without laces
  • Only suited for entry-level bowlers

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2. Brunswick Vapor Men’s Bowling Shoes – Best Padded Bowling Shoes for Men

These mid-level bowling shoes from Brunswick are designed to work best for bowlers looking to up their game. The first thing you’ll notice about these shoes is that they’re thickly padded. The shoe is built with a nylon synthetic upper and is filled with foam padding on the tongue and sides. For many bowlers, that makes them very comfortable, although this comes at the cost of weight and breathability. It’s also worth noting that the shoes have a molded EVA foam insole, which provides plenty of padding under your foot.

The shoes aren’t all that stylish – they come only in black or silver color combinations – but they reflect the aesthetic of professional bowling. Both the left and right shoe have sliding outsoles, so they’re not quite ready for professional play. But, you’ll be happy to find that the rubber traction pad on the heel offers quite a bit of control once you start putting it to use in your back foot.

[img_products img_code=”71796FKh9SL” alt=”Brunswick Vapor Men’s Bowling Shoes ” code=”B01K28Q5TE”]

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PROS:

  • Thick padding for extra comfort
  • EVA foam insole
  • Rubber traction pad on heel
  • Not that expensive for Brunswick shoes

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CONS:

  • Slightly heavy because of all the padding
  • Not the most breathable shoe

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3. Pyramid Men’s Ram Black Bowling Shoes – Best Advanced Bowling Shoes for Men

If you’re looking for a shoe that verges on professional play, the Ram shoe from Pyramid is it. To start, these shoes are built to last. The upper is constructed entirely from synthetic leather, with metal eyelets around the lacing that won’t wear down over time. Pyramid added some padding to the tongue and sides of the shoe, which gives you plenty of comfort when wearing the shoes for long days.

The sole is felt, which starts out stiff and breaks in over time to adapt to your preferred level of sliding. That said, they can be extremely slippery the first few times you use them, so you’ll need to be careful. The rubber traction pads on the heel give you just the right amount of braking ability. But, keep in mind that these shoes are built with slippery outsoles on both feet, rather than on just one shoe.

It’s also worth pointing out how stylish these shoes are. They look professional, with white accents throughout the black material. It might not impact your performance, but you’re likely to get compliments from your fellow bowlers.

[img_products img_code=”41QA7ByCrpL” alt=”Pyramid Men’s Ram Black Bowling Shoes” code=”B005GJ75N0″]

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PROS:

  • Synthetic leather upper with metal lace eyelets
  • Padding around tongue
  • Felt sole breaks in over time
  • Very stylish, professional look

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CONS:

  • Only available with slippery outsole on both shoes
  • Extremely slippery during the first few uses

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4. Michelin Storm Gust Bowling Shoes – Best Cotton Bowling Shoes for Men

These interesting bowling shoes from Michelin are an ideal choice if you prefer the feel and breathability of cotton canvas shoes. The material is thicker and slightly less breathable than what you get with the similarly made shoes from Dexter. But, that also makes these shoes significantly more durable and adds just the right amount of weight to give you more control over your approach.

On top of that, these shoes add a traditional lace-up closure rather than take a slip-on approach. That allows you to get a perfect, snug fit for more competitive bowling play. The lace-up closure also doesn’t take away from the stylish nature of these bowling shoes.

However, you’ll need to be wary of the soles on these shoes. Both the left and right shoes are built with standard slipper outsoles and rubber traction pads on the heels. But, quality is a major issue and it’s not uncommon to find that the outsole needs to be replaced after less than a year’s worth of bowling. If you can commit to replacing the soles on these shoes, they’re a great choice. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle, it may not be worth the investment in a quality, comfortable upper.

[img_products img_code=”81-l2M8OGXL” alt=”Michelin Storm Gust Bowling Shoes” code=”B00ZBWE2QA”]

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PROS:

  • Thick, durable cotton upper construction
  • Lace-up closure for snug fit
  • Perfect balance of breathability and weight

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CONS:

  • Major issues with sole quality (plan on replacing the outsole)

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5. Hammer Men’s Bowling Shoes Slider – Best Bowling Shoe Slider for Men

Okay, this isn’t actually a bowling shoe. Instead, it’s a slider accessory that you can add to just about any men’s bowling shoe. This slider is designed to increase the slipperiness of your bowling shoe’s outsole, so it makes the perfect addition to your kit if you want to give your dominant foot more slide or to improve the slide of older bowling shoes.

Keep in mind that unlike many other bowling shoe sliders, this one doesn’t have a strap that runs around the back of your shoe. That means less fuss to put it on and take it off, but beware that the slider can fall off the front of your shoe if you wear a smaller size. So, this shoe slider is ideal for men’s shoes that are roughly size 9 or larger.

[img_products img_code=”61s2gPusE6L” alt=”Hammer Men’s Bowling Shoes Slider” code=”B07DHW84TQ”]

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PROS:

  • Shoe slider can add slide to your bowling shoes
  • Very inexpensive
  • Don’t have to deal with a strap to put it on

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CONS:

  • May fall off smaller men’s shoes because it lacks a heel strap

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The 5 Best Bowling Shoes for Women

1. BSI Women’s Classic Bowling Shoe – Best Leather Bowling Shoe for Women

This genuine leather women’s bowling shoe from BSI offers a level of snugness that synthetic shoes simply can’t match. While the shoes may be uncomfortable for your first few games, they break in relatively quickly to your feet. The tongue and collar are padded for extra comfort, so you don’t have to worry about developing blisters on your heel if your feet get sweaty while bowling.

Of course, the big downside to leather bowling shoes is that they’re not particularly breathable. That’s unfortunately true of these shoes – BSI did not add any mesh areas or breathable panels to help with airflow. But, the leather material is extremely durable, so recreational bowlers can expect to see these shoes last for years of use.

The other thing that’s worth noting about these shoes is that they’re very stylish. The color accents give them some flair, while the mostly black color is true to the historic style of bowling.

[img_products img_code=”819aOfyjKfL” alt=”BSI Women’s Classic Bowling Shoe” code=”B075ZB5BYX”]

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PROS:

  • Leather upper construction
  • Padded tongue and collar
  • Extremely durable
  • Stylish color pattern

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CONS:

  • Not very breathable
  • Take some time to break in

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2. Dexter Women’s Kristen Bowling Shoes – Most Comfortable Bowling Shoes for Women

If you didn’t know better, you could easily mistake these bowling shoes from Dexter for street shoes. They have a Nubuck leather upper that mimics the style you’d find in stylish street shoes, along with a colorful padded collar around the top of the shoe. The leather is snug once you break it in, but surprisingly not all that tough when you first try out the shoes, either. So, these leather bowling shoes are incredibly comfortable while offering great performance. While breathability is an issue with these shoes, it’s not all that bad compared to many other leather bowling shoes.

The biggest downside to these shoes is that the soles and heel pads can’t be replaced once they wear out. That means that once the sole starts to get tacky, there’s not much to do but replace the shoes. The sole only lasts for one to two seasons of frequent bowling, so you can end up spending a lot on these bowling shoes over time.

[img_products img_code=”51ITGeCjWTL” alt=”Dexter Women’s Kristen Bowling Shoes” code=”B07D3BMRWL”]

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PROS:

  • Extremely comfortable leather and padding
  • Snug without a long break-in period
  • Very stylish street shoe look

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CONS:

  • Soles and heel pads can’t be replaced

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3. Brunswick Aura Ladies’ Bowling Shoes – Most Breathable Bowling Shoes for Women

If you’re worried about getting sweaty feet while you bowl, these women’s shoes from Brunswick are the best option for you. The upper is made from the same breathable mesh material you’ll find in running shoes, so you get maximum airflow while you bowl. The mesh also makes these shoes extremely lightweight, which can be helpful for newer bowlers.

The sliding outsole on these shoes is pretty thin to keep the overall weight of the shoes down. However, that also means that the lifespan of these shoes is severely limited. The soles can’t be replaced and they wear through within a year if you bowl a couple times a week.

Brunswick makes the Aura ladies’ shoe in three different color patterns. So, when you replace the shoe, you can always choose a new color to create a new aesthetic for your bowling.

[img_products img_code=”71rjxOBRx2L” alt=”Brunswick Aura Ladies’ Bowling Shoes” code=”B073C4YBWX”]

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PROS:

  • Very breathable mesh upper
  • Lightweight construction
  • Padded tongue and collar for comfort
  • Available in three color patterns

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CONS:

  • Lightweight outsole wears through quickly
  • Soles cannot be replaced

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4. Storm Meadow Bowling Shoes – Best Entry-level Bowling Shoes for Women

These women’s bowling shoes from Storm are a great choice for bowlers looking for their first pair of shoes. To start, they’re quite comfortable. A synthetic and cotton canvas upper offers a soft feel against your foot, while the collar and tongue are padded to eliminate any hotspots. At the same time, the lace-up closure allows you to snug down the shoe around your foot so there’s no extra space to interfere with your bowl.

Given the construction of the upper, it’s surprising how stiff these shoes can feel. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s easy to be fooled just by looking at the shoes. They do break in over time, though, so this isn’t a huge deal for most bowlers.

The soles on these bowling shoes are not replaceable once they wear out. But, unlike some lighter shoes, the outsoles are plenty thick to last most recreational bowlers for years of use.

[img_products img_code=”81JOgMHUY8L” alt=”MICHELIN Storm Meadow Bowling Shoes” code=”B00ZBWFCX2″]

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PROS:

  • Very comfortable with padded collar
  • Relatively durable outsoles
  • Breathable and lightweight upper material
  • Fits snugly with lace-up closure

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CONS:

  • Surprisingly stiff and need to be broken in
  • Outsoles cannot be replaced once worn down

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5. KR Strikeforce Women’s Curve Bowling Shoes – Best Advanced Bowling Shoes for Women

These bowling shoes from KR are designed for women looking to take their game to the next level. The shoes have a much more pronounced heel rise than most entry-level bowling shoes. By offering that, KR intends for bowlers to emphasize heel drag as a way to control the slide while bowling.

The construction of the upper on this shoe is also notable. It’s made of leather to offer maximum snugness. But, there are also a few holes poked into the leather to increase breathability. The collar and tongue are very thickly padded with foam, which improves comfort – especially in the days before you’ve fully broken in the shoe to your foot.

Perhaps the best thing about these shoes is how much slide the outsole offers. Compared to more entry-level women’s bowling shoes, it’s much more slippery on the lane. Just make sure you clean these shoes frequently to maintain that slide, or else they can become very tacky over time.

[img_products img_code=”61JQKYMoZJL” alt=”KR Strikeforce Women’s Curve Bowling Shoes” code=”B06XS5Z65C”]

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PROS:

  • Pronounced heel rise for more control
  • Leather upper construction for snug fit and durability
  • Thick padding around collar and tongue
  • Extremely slippery on the lane floor

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CONS:

  • Requires a break-in period
  • May be too slippery for entry-level bowlers

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The 5 Best Bowling Shoes for Children

1. Brunswick Karma Ladies’ Bowling Shoes – Best Slip-on Bowling Shoes for Children

When you’re putting bowling shoes on your kid, a simpler process will mean having a more enjoyable day at the lanes. These shoes from Brunswick help with the goal of simplifying bowling by offering a slip-on entry. But, your child also doesn’t have to give up on a snug and comfortable fit just to get convenience. A miniature lace-up closure allows them to tighten the shoe as needed once it’s on.

The upper of this shoe is made of highly breathable mesh, which is another plus. However, Brunswick didn’t pad the collar or tongue of the shoes, so they can cause hotspots or even dig into the heel over a long day of bowling.

The shoes are extremely lightweight, which is another helpful feature for small kids. They’re also available in three fun colors, so you can match your child’s favorite style. Just beware that the shoes are sized for women, so you’ll need to adjust for boys’ feet.

[img_products img_code=”71L1ieRbwNL” alt=”Brunswick Karma Ladies’ Bowling Shoes” code=”B078J2PBT9″]

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PROS:

  • Slip-on entry with lace tightening
  • Breathable mesh upper
  • Lightweight construction
  • Available in three colors

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CONS:

  • No padding on collar

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2. Pyramid Youth Skull Bowling Shoes – Most Stylish Bowling Shoes for Kids

Kids are sure to love the unique design on these bowling shoes from Pyramid. The shoes feature a skull and crossbones design on the upper, with a bright green tongue that’s sure to attract attention. Even better, the shoes glow in the dark – that’s something any kid will be excited to bowl in.

The upper of these shoes is made from synthetic leather. Unfortunately, that means they’re not very lightweight and not that breathable. So, as stylish as they are, they can be a little bit more difficult for young bowlers to control. Thankfully, there’s a lace-up closure system to help the shoes fit snugly around your child’s feet.

The outsole on these shoes is made from microfiber, so it offers an intermediate slide. It’s good for kids just starting out with bowling, but it won’t offer enough sliding for them to grow with as they get better.

[img_products img_code=”61cI6njO6zL” alt=”Pyramid Youth Skull Bowling Shoes” code=”B005GJ73B4″]

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PROS:

  • Very stylish design that glows in the dark
  • Synthetic leather upper
  • Microfiber outsole is good for beginners

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CONS:

  • Heavy and not very breathable
  • Intermediate slide isn’t great for mid-level young bowlers

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3. BSI Girls Basic #432 Bowling Shoes – Most Comfortable Bowling Shoes for Children

These girls’ bowling shoes from BSI are designed to make your child feel as if they’re walking on clouds. The shoes are extremely padded with foam, both throughout the upper and with a thick EVA insole. The upper itself is made of synthetic leather, so all that padding helps to ensure that your child’s feet will be comfortable yet snug.

Since all that padding is made of foam, these shoes are still very lightweight. Where they suffer more is in breathability. There are no mesh panels or airflow holes in the leather upper, so they can get pretty hot inside.

The sliding sole is made of microfiber, which offers an intermediate amount of sliding. Somewhat problematically, though, the microfiber layer on these shoes can be pretty thin. So, they’re best suited for kids that are still growing and will need to change out bowling shoes after a year of wear in any case.

[img_products img_code=”71AFG9KacPL” alt=”BSI Girls Basic #432 Bowling Shoes” code=”B001ETUG6E”]

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PROS:

  • Thick foam padding and EVA insole
  • Synthetic leather upper
  • Lightweight
  • Microfiber sole for intermediate slide

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CONS:

  • Outsole is not all that durable
  • Not very breathable

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4. Brunswick TZone Bowling Shoes – Best Beginner Bowling Shoes for Kids

This kid’s bowling shoe from Brunswick is very similar to what you’ll find at many bowling alleys for rent. It’s a terrific beginner shoe that can grow with your child as they get better at bowling. Plus, it’s unisex and available in several different color patterns, so it’s a shoe that can work for just about any child.

What makes this shoe so great is the design of the sole. The rubber heel cup is raised significantly compared to what you’ll find on most other children’s bowling shoes. So, it encourages kids right from the start to develop good form while releasing the ball. At the same time, the microfiber outsole provides just the right amount of slide for most kids to learn with.

The shoe’s upper is made with synthetic leather and features plenty of padding around the collar and tongue. It also has an EVA insole to cushion your child’s feet. The only major issue to speak of is that it’s not very breathable, so your kids may want to take the shoes off in between bowls.

[img_products img_code=”51eB-7nyR2L” alt=”Brunswick TZone Bowling Shoes” code=”B01MG5QLIH”]

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PROS:

  • Unisex, available in multiple colors and sizes
  • Raised rubber heel cup for developing good form
  • Microfiber outsole for slide
  • Synthetic leather upper with padding around collar

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CONS:

  • Upper is not very breathable
  • Can require some break-in time

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5. Dexter Bowling Ricky III JR Youth Bowling Shoes – Overall Best Bowling Shoes for Children

This bowling shoe from Dexter Bowling is specifically designed for kids, and it knocks the design out of the park. The shoe is built with a synthetic leather upper, but Dexter made sure to add holes to enhance breathability. At the same time, the shoe requires almost no break-in period and fits snugly right from the get-go. The shoe has plenty of padding, but that doesn’t add much to the weight.

The outsole is less defined than what you’ll find on the Brunswick TZone shoe, but it does a nice job at encouraging good footwork nonetheless. The heel cup is raised to help with foot drag, while the microfiber outsole offers plenty of sliding for most children.

The only thing that could be done better for this shoe is if it was available in multiple colors. Right now, it’s only available in white and black, which won’t appeal to most young kids’ senses of style.

[img_products img_code=”51jlW7zO-WL” alt=”Dexter Bowling Ricky III JR Youth Bowling Shoes” code=”B01GW7P2O8″]

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PROS:

  • Synthetic leather upper built for breathability
  • No break-in period
  • Very lightweight with plenty of padding
  • Raised heel cup and microfiber outsole

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CONS:

  • Only available in white and black color pattern

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How Should Bowling Shoes Fit?

Getting the proper fit from your bowling shoes is extremely important. In many ways, bowling shoes should fit just like most of your other shoes – they should be comfortable, yet snug. Your feet shouldn’t ache from being in a pair of bowling shoes for hours at a time, but you also don’t want to leave extra space between your toes and the front of the shoes. Any extra space leaves room for wiggle, which can throw off your slide and ball release when bowling.

Importantly, sizing your bowling shoes isn’t about balance. Bowling shoes have a different sole than standard street shoes, so they might feel a bit strange at first. Don’t let this fool you, and be sure to focus in on whether or not your feet are comfortable but snug. If you’re looking at shoes with a lace-up closure (like you probably are), make sure you do up the entire laces to determine whether you can get the perfect snugness just with the laces rather than a different shoes size.

The Benefits of Using the Right Bowling Shoes

Benefits of Using the Right Bowling Shoes

The benefits of using the right bowling shoes on your bowling game are immense. The most important thing bowling shoes do for you is to allow you to slide across the floor as your approach turns to releasing the ball. That might not sound like much, but it’s critically important in following through correctly with your body. Imagine if you approached the bowling lane then stopped suddenly just as you were about to release the ball. The resulting bowl probably wouldn’t turn out the way you intended.

Getting the right bowling shoes allows you to get the amount of sliding that’s right for you – not too much and not too little. Just as important, your shoes allow you to control the slide. Using the traction pad on the heel of your shoe, or the traction outsole on your non-dominant side, you can brake yourself just as much as you need to impart forward momentum on the bowling ball.

The other things that bowling shoes do for you aren’t as central to your bowl itself, but they’re just as important. For example, getting the right bowling shoes ensures that your feet will be comfortable over the course of multiple games. That in itself isn’t going to help your game, but just think of how hard it would be to concentrate and approach properly if your feet are in constant pain.

Along the same lines, bowling shoes help ensure your safety. You don’t want to either slip or fall forward from stopping suddenly mid-bowl. Getting the right bowling shoes ensures that neither of these dangerous situations can happen while you’re bowling.

Frequently Asked Questions

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A: Cleaning your bowling shoes is critical to getting the most out of them. If you fail to keep your shoes cleaned and maintained, the outsole will get stickier over time. Eventually, they’ll get sticky enough that you can actually stick when not expecting it and fall forward onto the lane.

The best way to clean your shoes is to simply wipe the outsoles with a wire brush. You don’t need to go very hard when brushing, but this will remove old oil and grime to keep up their slipperiness. You can also protect your soles by not wearing your bowling shoes off the bowling lane. For example, don’t go outside or even walk into the bathroom while wearing your bowling shoes.

On top of that, you can extend the life of your bowling shoes with a shoe cover or bag. Store them in a cool, dry place, and do everything you can to not let them get wet ever. If your feet sweat while bowling, it’s a good idea to dry out the inside of the shoes when you’re done bowling and use a spray disinfectant to prevent a bad odor from developing.

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A: How often you need to replace your bowling shoes depends on how frequently you use them. Professional bowlers may wear through a pair of shoes in as little as a few months, but most people who bowl a few times a week will find that their shoes last at least a couple years. Less frequent bowlers can make their shoes last for 10 years or more with proper care.

In any case, identifying when to replace your bowling shoes is simple – replace them whenever they become worn out. That could mean that there are holes or divots forming in the outsole, or holes or frays forming in the upper material. If your bowling shoes look okay, they’re probably okay to keep using.

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A: No. Regular sneakers are designed to give you traction, which is the opposite of how bowling shoes are designed. That means you won’t get a slide at all when releasing your bowling ball, and the sudden stop is likely to create a very jerky motion. On top of that, most bowling alleys won’t allow you to play at all if you’re wearing regular shoes. That’s because the soles of regular sneakers wear away at the polish on the lane in the approach area and leave behind unwanted scuff marks.

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A: It depends on the shoe. Some shoes are built so that you can replace the outsole easily or take it to a shop to have this done. In that case, you would be able to add a traction outsole to your non-dominant shoe to get more control over your slide.

However, many entry- and mid-level shoes don’t allow you to change out the outsole. If that’s the case, you can’t add a traction sole after you purchase your shoes.

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Conclusion

Getting your own pair of bowling shoes is one of the best ways to step up your bowling game. The right pair of bowling shoes can improve your bowl by giving you a perfectly controlled slide as you step into the lane to release the ball.

There’s a lot that goes into choosing the best bowling ball shoes. But, the most important thing to keep in mind is comfort and fit. If you have snug-fitting shoes that are comfortable to wear for full days of bowling, you’re well on your way to having the best possible game.

The 9 Best Bowling Balls Reviews 2020 – Buyer’s Guide

By · Updated on

Best Bowling Balls

Whether you’re just getting into bowling or looking to improve your bowling skills, having the right bowling ball can dramatically boost your game. The ball doesn’t just need to be the right size for your fingers – it also has to fit the exact weight, diameter, and other characteristics that will give you the best accuracy and ball spin.

With so many bowling balls on the market, choosing the best one for you can be a huge challenge. We’re here to help, though, with reviews of nine of the best bowling balls for every type of bowler. We’ll also dive deep into the factors you need to consider when choosing the right bowling ball for your style and skill level and answer some common questions.

Bowling Ball Materials and Construction

Bowling balls are constructed in two parts. There’s the outer shell, which is also known as the coverstock, and the inner sphere, known as the weight block.

The outer shell can be made of several different materials, each of which gives your ball different speed and spin properties. When choosing a coverstock material, keep in mind that this is the part of the ball that’s actually coming in contact with the lane with every bowl. A coverstock material that creates more friction with the lane will roll more slowly, but generate more spin and have more potential for hooking to the left or right.

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With that in mind, let’s take a look at the four main types of coverstock materials:

  • Plastic – Plastic balls are very smooth and generate little friction, so they tend to bowl relatively straight. That makes them popular among beginning bowlers who are just trying to get the mechanics of throwing the ball accurately down pat, without having to worry about hooking. More advanced bowlers may also prefer plastic bowling balls for bowling spares, since accuracy is essential to hit a single specific pin.
  • Urethane – This polymer material is the next step up from plastic in terms of hook potential. It’s a good choice for intermediate bowlers looking to add hooks into their bowling after practicing with plastic balls. Many bowlers also prefer urethane balls because they are very accurate to shoot with while offering good pin action.
  • Reactive Resin – Reactive resin balls are just that – reactive. They create a lot of friction and so can hook very strongly. In fact, they create so much friction that the hook you’ll see is very dependent on lane surface conditions and very minor mechanics during ball release. Reactive resin balls are generally only used by advanced bowlers, and they are not as durable as plastic or urethane bowling balls.
  • Proactive – Also known as “particle” balls, proactive balls have a bumpy exterior that maximizes friction. This is a more specialized ball for expert bowlers to keep in their arsenals, and it primarily makes an appearance on heavily oiled lanes.

When it comes to the weight block inside the ball, things are a bit simpler. High mass weight blocks are pancake-shaped and placed close to the outer shell. This type of weight block causes the ball to roll slowly and prevents it from picking up too much speed. Low mass weight blocks are placed in the center of the bowling ball and allow for more hook potential by allowing the ball to pick up speed on the lane.

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How to Choose the Right Bowling Ball for You

Choose the Best Bowling Ball for You

Beyond the material and construction, there are a number of different things you need to consider when choosing a bowling ball. Let’s take a look at some of the most important features.

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  • Weight

There’s no best ball weight for every type of bowler – it all comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for you. Most adult bowlers will need a ball that’s between 12 and 15 pounds in weight, but you may fall anywhere in this range. Younger bowlers will likely want to opt for a ball that’s between 10 and 12 pounds.

Typically, bowlers will increase their ball weight as they progress in skill. However, if a lighter ball gives you more control, there’s no reason you need to add more weight to your ball. It’s a good idea to practice with balls of different weights to see what feels most natural for you.

  • Grip

Bowling balls are typically drilled for one of two different grip styles. In a conventional grip, your thumb goes all the way into the hole, while your index and middle fingers go in to around the second knuckle. In a fingertip grip, your index and middle fingers only go in about one knuckle each. Most bowling balls at your local lanes use a conventional grip, but you may find that a fingertip grip gives you a smoother release.

It’s also important to think about whether you want inserts for your grips. These are often used for fingertip grip holes, since they give you more friction to hold onto the ball and allow you to apply more spin when releasing the ball. Some bowlers don’t like inserts, though, since they find that it gives them too much stickiness when releasing or forces them to add too much spin. They also need to be replaced occasionally, which can be annoying.

  • Pitch

The pitch is the angle of the thumb hole, which is often decided when your new bowling ball is being drilled. This is extremely important since it impacts how easily your thumb will release from the ball and whether you’ll be able to add the spin your desire. Forward pitch, in which your thumb is angled towards the center of the grip, is good for helping you hold onto the ball. Reverse pitch, in which your thumb is angled away from the rest of your grip, is better for letting you release the ball quickly.

  • Lane Conditions

For better or worse, there’s no single bowling ball that’s best for every type of bowling lane or pin situation. You’ll want to consider how well-oiled the lanes are and the type of board surface when choosing the outer material that’s right for your game. This will also impact whether you want a low-weight or high-weight ball, whether a fingertip or conventional grip is better, and even what ball weight is right. Many advanced bowlers have a quiver of bowling balls, each tailored for different lane conditions.

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The 9 Best Bowling Balls of 2020

Best Bowling Balls Reviews

1. Sportime UltraFoam Bowling Ball – Best Practice Bowling Ball for Kids

This foam bowling ball is specifically designed for kids. It weighs just 1.7 pounds, so it’s easy for small children to handle – and won’t break their foot if they drop it! You can’t actually take this ball to your local lanes. Rather, it’s designed as a practice ball that you can use to teach your kids about release, timing, spin, and other fundamentals of bowling. Sportime does sell a set of foam pins, so you can set up a practice lane at home relatively easily.

The ball is eight inches in diameter, so it’s significantly smaller than most real kids’ bowling balls. This can be a problem for more advanced training purposes, but on the whole parents found that the ball encourages kids to get better at the sport. The foam construction is virtually indestructible, and friendly  patterns on the coverstock help to make the ball more appealing to kids that are new to bowling.

[img_products img_code=”81HGX11XMoL” alt=”Sportime UltraFoam Bowling Ball” code=”B0042SX0QC”]

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PROS:

  • Practice ball for kids
  • Lightweight
  • Indestructible foam construction
  • Works well for practicing release mechanics

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CONS:

  • Only eight inches in diameter
  • Very lightweight
  • Not perfectly round
  • Doesn’t work as a real bowling ball

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2. Pyramid Path Bowling Ball – Best Bowling Ball for Spares

This polyester plastic bowling ball from Pyramid is ideal for anyone looking for a ball that shoots perfectly straight. It’s outfitted with a pancake-shaped high mass weight block, so it bowls slowly and true. The ball doesn’t have any mass differential, the friction is low, and it’s designed to minimize hook even on relatively dry lanes. It’s perfect if you need to knock out a single pin to finish off a spare.

Pyramid sells this ball at a very reasonable price, which adds to the attraction. It comes in a variety of weights from 8 to 16 pounds and is available in more than 10 different color patterns, so it can be used by just about any bowler. The ball comes undrilled, and you’ll want to use a conventional grip to get the most accuracy from this straight-shooting ball.

[img_products img_code=”61hSATSs1HL” alt=”Pyramid Path Bowling Ball” code=”B005GJ3JXU”]

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PROS:

  • High mass weight block
  • Shoots straight with very little hook
  • Many weights and color patterns
  • Relatively inexpensive

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CONS:

  • Not the most versatile bowling ball design

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3. Ebonite Maxim Captain Odyssey Bowling Ball – Best Bowling Ball for Beginners

It’s hard to beat this capable bowling ball from Ebonite Bowling Products if you’re an entry-level bowler. The ball is made with a polyester plastic coverstock that adds durability without increasing the friction by much. Meanwhile, a pancake-shaped high mass weight allows the ball to shoot slow and steady. It’s great for accurate, straight bowls that don’t take a lot of spin.

Ebonite makes this ball in weights from 6 to 16 pounds, so it’s versatile enough for bowlers of any age. There’s very little to dislike about the ball, including the price – although it comes undrilled, this bowling ball is very affordably priced.

[img_products img_code=”51pNrXeCI1L” alt=”Ebonite Maxim Captain Odyssey Bowling Ball” code=”B072F49BFB”]

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PROS:

  • Good bowling ball for beginners
  • Available in wide weight range
  • High mass weight for straight shots
  • Relatively inexpensive

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CONS:

  • Difficult to impart spin on the ball

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4. Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball – Best Plastic Bowling Ball

This plastic bowling ball from Brunswick is a good choice for kids and entry-level adults, as well as intermediate bowlers looking for a ball that can take down spares with ease. The ball has very little friction, allowing it to roll straight and true on just about any lane surface. The high gloss polish removes any trace of friction left on the polyester plastic surface to further increase your accuracy while bowling.

The ball is available in weights ranging from 6 to 15 pounds, so it’s easy to find the weight that works best for you. Just be cautious when choosing a lighter version of this ball, since the plastic coverstock isn’t the most durable and can crack or chip with heavy use.

[img_products img_code=”61uT5xWlkXL” alt=”Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball” code=”B01DUWRVH4″]

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PROS:

  • Available in wide range of weights
  • No friction even on dry lanes
  • High gloss polish
  • Shoots very straight

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CONS:

  • Not the best all-around ball for intermediate bowlers

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5. Columbia 300 White Dot Scarlet Bowling Ball – Best Budget Bowling Ball

This impressively inexpensive bowling ball from Columbia 300 is another straight shooter. The low price makes it a very attractive choice for beginners and as a secondary ball reserved for shooting spares. It features a similar polyester plastic coverstock and pancake-shaped high mass weight block to many of the other beginner balls we’ve reviewed. What makes this ball different is that it’s optimized for lightly oiled lanes rather than dry lanes, so you’ll need to be careful of hooking if conditions are really dry.

The ball is designed for kids and adults alike, since it’s available in weights ranging from 6 to 15 pounds. There are a few different colors available, but the scarlet ball stands out in a crowd thanks to the bright and sparkling red finish.

[img_products img_code=”611-wVio6kL” alt=”Columbia 300 White Dot Scarlet Bowling Ball” code=”B07QQ3G88J”]

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PROS:

  • Inexpensive
  • Shoots very straight
  • Wide range of weights
  • Multiple colors that stand out

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CONS:

  • Not designed for dry lanes

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6. Brunswick Twist Sky Blue – Best Reactive Resin Bowling Ball

If you’re looking for a bowling ball with aggressive hooking potential, look no further than this ball from Brunswick. It’s built with a low mass weight block and a reactive resin coverstock, which combine to give this bowling ball a ton of spin. As a result, this ball is primarily recommended for advanced bowlers.

What really sets this ball apart is the fact that it’s designed for dry lane conditions. So, you can use it aggressively at your local lanes even when they aren’t oiled for professional bowlers. The backend reaction of the ball is very easy to control with practice, and the ball’s speed really reduces the length of the lane for throwing.

This bowling ball is available in weights ranging from 8 to 16 pounds. Just be careful when purchasing this ball for kids, since the spin can put them off the sport if they’re not prepared for it.

[img_products img_code=”714oAIBqsmL” alt=”Brunswick Twist Sky Blue” code=”B07D9MGC13″]

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PROS:

  • Aggressive hooking
  • Ideal for advanced bowlers
  • Wide weight range available
  • Works best on drier lanes

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CONS:

  • Difficult for beginners to use
  • Reactive resin coverstock isn’t super durable

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7. KR Clear Red Rose Bowling Ball – Best Straight-shooting Bowling Ball

This unique bowling ball from Bowlerstore Products is a replica of the famous ball used by Big Ern in the movie Kingpin. It’s designed to shoot perfectly straight thanks to the high weight block and plastic coverstock construction. There’s not a lot to this ball to differentiate it from cheaper competitors, but the red rose design makes it easy to always find your bowling ball when the lane is crowded – plus, you’ll probably draw plenty of compliments on your ball.

Unfortunately, the bowling ball is only made in a single weight: 14 pounds. That’s on the heavier side for a lot of entry-level bowlers and even many advanced women bowlers. So, this bowling ball is more limited in the audience that will be able to use it effectively.

[img_products img_code=”612Zc5gHZiL” alt=”KR Clear Red Rose Bowling Ball” code=”B0738VGK6G”]

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PROS:

  • Shoots extremely straight
  • Beautiful design

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CONS:

  • Expensive
  • Only available in 14-pound weight

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8. Hammer Black Widow Bowling Ball – Best Bowling Ball for Hooking

This aggressive hooking ball from Hammer is designed for advanced bowlers. It’s built with a hybrid urethane and reactive resin coverstock and a highly angular center weight block. Altogether, it’s designed to create a very strong mid-lane break that brings the ball right back into the pins for an effective strike. The ball simply does a great job of taking down pins thanks to its accelerating action.

Unfortunately, the Black Widow ball isn’t cheap, and it’s only available in a small weight range from 12 to 16 pounds. But, the price and weight won’t be too off-putting for the advanced bowlers for whom this ball was designed. The ball performs well in just about any lane conditions, so it’s easy to make it your new go-to bowling ball.

[img_products img_code=”61C0J0tCULL” alt=”Hammer Black Widow Bowling Ball” code=”B07FPSX2NN”]

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PROS:

  • Hybrid coverstock and angular weight block
  • Extremely effective hooking
  • Mid-lane break and accelerating action
  • Designed for advanced bowlers

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CONS:

  • Small weight range
  • Expensive

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9. Roto Grip Halo Bowling Ball – Best Bowling Ball for Well-oiled Lanes

This professional-quality bowling ball from Roto Grip was designed for advanced bowlers who are looking to get an edge over the competition. It features the proprietary MicroTrax-S18 coverstock, which is a custom reactive resin designed to maximize friction even in oily lane conditions. The weight block is asymmetrical as well, meaning that the ball takes a very hard hook back towards the pins just before it reaches the end of the lane.

The extreme hooking action means that you’ll need to spend a few games getting used to this ball. But, keep in mind that the ball will also mellow out with use as the reactive resin coverstock wears down. While the Roto Grip bowling ball isn’t cheap, it’s also very reasonably priced compared to many other advanced balls.

[img_products img_code=”71fPdcDRNeL” alt=”Roto Grip Halo Bowling Ball” code=”B07DYXW2VW”]

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PROS:

  • Proprietary reactive resin cover
  • Works well in oily lane conditions
  • Asymmetrical weight block
  • Reasonably priced

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CONS:

  • Small weight range
  • Takes some getting used to
  • Reactive resin wears down over time

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The 5 Best Bowling Ball Brands

Part of choosing the best bowling ball is finding a brand that you trust and can stick with. Many brands have similar, competing offerings, but their balls may offer proprietary coverstocks and other nice features. So, let’s take a look at five of the most reliable bowling ball brands.

  • Brunswick – Brunswick is a goliath of bowling, with dozens of ball designs for entry-level and advanced bowlers alike. The company has been around for more than 170 years and has played an outsized role in the proliferation of bowling over the decades. Brunswick balls are revered for their strong performance right out of the box, and you can be confident that Brunswick will always have a ball for you as your skill level increases.
  • Storm – Storm produces extremely capable bowling balls at affordable prices. The brand has something of a reputation for catering to beginner and intermediate bowlers, but there are many advanced bowlers who have stuck with the company over the years as well. What sets Storm apart is that the company’s balls are easy to use out of the box, with almost no break-in period.
  • Hammer – Hammer is known for it’s high-end bowling balls, so you’ll have to watch out for premium prices with this brand. That said, many bowlers feel the cost of a Hammer ball is completely justified. The company puts an emphasis on emphasis and has led the development of urethane balls for intermediate and advanced bowlers. Even better, most Hammer balls come with a three-year warranty.
  • Pyramid – Pyramid is a relatively new bowling ball brand, established less than 10 years ago. However, it’s made significant waves in the bowling market by offering balls for all skill levels at very reasonable prices. It remains to be seen whether Pyramid can keep up with older companies like Brunswick, but the brand’s balls are worth a closer inspection.
  • Ebonite – Ebonite is a huge name in bowling, similar to Brunswick. The company owns Hammer, as well as the Columbia, Dyno-Thane, and Track brands. It’s easy to find a bowling ball for any skill level from Ebonite, and long-time bowlers praise the company for its high quality and generally affordable prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

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A: You can get your new bowling ball drilled at your local bowling lanes. Most lanes offer this service for less than $50, and they’ll measure your fingers so that the new ball fits you perfectly. Make sure you talk to the driller about pitch and grip styles to help determine what is best for you and your new ball.

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A: As a rule of thumb, your bowling ball should be about 10% of your body weight, up to a maximum of 16 pounds. But, this rule isn’t nearly as helpful as simply going to your local lanes and trying to throw some house balls. See what ball weights feel the most comfortable, ideally using balls with near the same hook potential as the bowling ball you’re going to buy.

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A: Bowling balls do differ in diameter, but not by much. According to the US Bowling Congress, bowling balls should have a circumference between 26.7 and 27.0 inches. You don’t need to worry about the slight variation in diameter between different bowling ball models when choosing a ball.

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Conclusion

Having the right bowling ball can dramatically improve your game. Whether you need a straight-shooting ball to practice your release or take out a spare, or an aggressively hooking ball to get a strike every time, there are plenty of solid bowling balls available to choose form. With our reviews of the nine best bowling balls, it’s easy to find the right bowling ball for you.

Running in the Snow: Everything You Need to Know

By · Updated on

Running in the Snow

Running in the snow is a different type of animal. It takes a diligent mindset to remain active when the winter weather rolls in.

As you may know, it’s going to require much more thought to stay motivated in the cold. It will also take extra effort to keep warm, stay safe, and to run without losing too many seconds off your pace.

But here’s the good news: when you slice it down, there’s really no weather that’s too extreme for running. I say this because there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear. Running in the snow is no different.

So, if you’re preparing to face an upcoming winter run, then you’ve come to the right place. Consider this your official guide for running in the snow.

9 Steps for Running in The Snow

Below are nine steps for running in the snow. Review each before heading out the door. Afterward, make the necessary changes required for your training. You will soon discover that running in the snow doesn’t have to be a negative experience. In fact, it can be fun!

1. Get Your Head Straight

In the winter months, it takes more motivation to step outside and run. It takes longer for your muscles to loosen up, your body to warm, and your mental state to tolerate colder conditions.

So be proactive. Warm-up in the house. Say a few positive affirmations. Remind yourself that once you clock a few miles, your mind and body will feel much better.

The snow comes and goes, just like motivation. However, here’s the difference: you can’t control the weather.

But guess what? You can control how you feel. So, get your head straight and get running in the snow!

2. Dress for The Cold

Running in the snow requires extra layers. Better safe than sorry. You can always take layers off, but you can’t put on what you don’t have.

Here’s a tip: wear extra layers. If you become excessively warm, remove layers and hide them in a bush. Later, pick them up.

Here’s winter gear to consider: snow hat, a neck warmer, gloves, ski mask, warm compression wear, tights, compression socks, and jacket.

3. Check Your Feet

Different shoes are made for different surfaces. In other words, each running shoe is designed for a different goal. Fast road shoes may cause slippage in the snow. So, if possible, choose a running shoe with extra traction.

If the snow is heavy enough, consider wearing a pair of traction cleats. Yaktrax is one of the more common brands in the running world today. In addition, trail gaiters are an excellent option for blocking snow from entering your shoes. Especially if you are wearing standard cloth running socks.

Compression socks are heaven sent in the snow. Wet and cold feet can turn an enjoyable run into a run you’ll regret. The absorption of compression socks will keep your feet comfortable and prevent blisters as well.

4. Plan Your Winter Route

If you typically run the same route, you’ll have some planning to do. When running in the snow, you may find your usual route blocked. For example, let’s say you commonly run alongside the shoulder of a particular road. Yet, because of a winter storm, there are mountains of snow accumulated from plowing. In this case, you’ll need to find a new route, and it’s much more useful to have it mapped out beforehand, rather than attempting to create one on the fly.

Also, when running in the snow, it’s easier to miss a turn. Snow makes every street look similar. So again, plan your route beforehand. I recommend creating an out-and-back for consistency, familiarity, and safety. For example, if you are planning on a 10-mile route, find a safe stretch of 5 miles, turn around, and run back the same way.

Create your new route here

5. Warm Up Indoors

When the weather is warm, it feels incredible to be outside. The sun is shining bright, and the warm breeze feels like paradise. In fact, I can’t think of a reason not to go out and run on a warm, sunny day.

But running in the snow is cold and borderline intolerable for some. That’s why you may want to warm up inside. This way, you raise your body temperature. In effect, you won’t feel as cold at the beginning of your run.

A warm-up of 15 minutes is plenty of time. Work to loosen up your muscles and joints while raising your body temperature to a light sweat.

6. Run on A Clear Path

Running on top of snow is less demanding on the body. It reduces impact with every stride. Light, fluffy, and soft…running in the snow is harmless, right?

Well, not exactly. You have to be extremely careful of ice. Run on top of ice the wrong way, and you could easily find yourself on the ground, lying flat on your back. And no… I don’t mean to make snow angels.

I’ve been there myself, slipping on ice isn’t fun. You can easily hyperextend a leg or hit your head. To help, keep your head on a swivel and stay light on your feet. Take shorter strides and be alert at all times.

As the sun goes down, the chances of ice developing increases, so bring a headlamp and watch out for the slippery stuff.

Slipping on ice can happen to anyone, no matter your skill level. Watch the video below and see what I mean. It’s a classic…

Video Clip from Youtube

7. Stay Alert at All Times

Running in the snow can be a great workout. But it doesn’t come without its dangers. One of the most significant threats is moving cars…

Most of the time, the problem isn’t that you can’t see them. It’s the opposite. The real danger is that cars can’t see you. So, stay alert at all times. Don’t rely on the street lines or lights. Cars can easily slide off the road if the conditions are severe enough.

Here’s a tip: make sure to wear reflective gear. There are safety lights and reflective clothing available for runners. So do your research and find what works best for you.

8. Dress Warm Afterward

After your run, take your wet clothes off immediately and put on something warm. Although it’s not common, and it can easily be prevented with the right winter gear, running in the snow still comes with the risk of hypothermia.

WebMD defines hypothermia as “a potentially dangerous drop in body temperature, usually caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures […] Normal body temperature averages 98.6 degrees. With hypothermia, core temperature drops below 95 degrees. In severe hypothermia, core body temperature can drop to 82 degrees or lower.”

Some of the most common symptoms of hypothermia are shivering, shallow breathing, memory loss, drowsiness, mumbled speech, loss of coordination, and a slow, weak pulse.

If you ever feel you may be experiencing hypothermia, seek medical attention immediately. Although it rarely happens to runners, it’s still possible if ill-prepared.

9. Don’t Take Yourself Too Serious

I always remind myself to take my training serious…but not myself. Running in the snow should be fun, so enjoy yourself.

Yes, it makes training challenging, and yes, running in the snow takes more effort than not. However, you only get so many snow runs each year.

When’s the last time you ran free, in the snow, with a smile on your face beside when training/exercising? Chances are it was your last snow day as a child, home from school, having a snowball fight, and going sledding with friends.

So, act like a kid. Run through the flurries, and don’t take yourself too seriously. Never forget that running in the snow should be fun.

Benefits of Running in The Snow

Although running in the snow may not be an ideal situation for most, it definitely has its advantages. Yes, there are benefits from running in the snow. Read on for the top seven.

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  • Less impact means fewer injuries.

When your foot strikes the ground on snow, there’s less of an impact compared to pavement or road. This ultimately reduces the stress on your body.

What’s that mean for you? It means less chance of overuse injuries and more chance of having a relaxed and enjoyable run.

  • Uneven surfaces strengthen lower legs.

While running in the snow, the ground changes. No longer are you running on a straight, flat terrain, but instead, an uneven surface. As you can imagine, this places more force on the lower legs, feet, and ankles. But at the same time, if done right, the extra resistance will strengthen them.

So be light on your feet, and don’t lock your knees. Stay active in the core but loose in the arms and legs. Do this, and you’ll run with more confidence over the snow and prevent injuries along the way.

  • Soft surfaces help increase strength and endurance.

Running on soft surfaces—like snow and sand—will increase endurance and strength over time. I say this because there’s not as much bounce back. These surfaces absorb a significant amount of energy, thus requiring more work from your running muscles.

What’s that mean for you as a runner? 

The answer: a better workout over the same length of time. 

  • A change in scenery provides a change in mindset. 

Running outside is exceedingly beneficial for your health. Breathing fresh, clean air, and connecting with nature is only the start. However, after running the same routes over and over again, the law of familiarity kicks in. Meaning, after a while, no matter what you experience, the action will eventually get old and tedious.

When you face the law of familiarity, you can lose your motivation and passion—two qualities every runner needs to run longer and faster.

To help, it’s a great idea to change things up. In this way, the new and beautiful scenery of the snow provides just what you need to snap out of your same old running routines and to reconnect with the passion you may have misplaced.

  • The cold is less stressful on the body.

Although it may feel better to run outside in warm weather, the cold is much easier on the body. Here’s the reason why: less heat stress accumulates. Those who’ve trained in the summer will understand this best.

Plus, the body needs to work double-time when running in the heat to cool itself down. This creates even more stress, which can contribute to exhaustion over the long run. As you can imagine, there’s minimal cooling required when running in the snow. This frees up more energy for training.

  • Being uncomfortable builds mental strength.

For most, running in the snow can be discouraging. Simply put, it’s cold…really cold. It will take determination, persistence, and dedication to finish a run.

But here’s the good news: this will only improve your mental strength going forward. And the more mental toughness you have, the longer and faster you will run.

  • Trying new gear is fun!

Who doesn’t like buying new running gear? The wintertime is when you need it most. Hats, gloves, masks, hydration packs, compression wear…you name it.

Today, you can even find activewear that heats up electrically. So shop around. Trying out new gear makes running fun and provides more motivation to get moving in the cold.

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Running on The Snow – The Most Important Tips

As you now know, running in the snow is manageable. But you’ll want to keep a few things in mind. Keep reading for the most important tips of all.

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  • Choose Socks Wisely

The snow isn’t always light fluffy powder that transforms your running route into some winter wonderland. Most of the time… it’s wet, slushy, and bitter cold. A soaked pair of socks can turn a tough run into a miserable one. So consider wearing a pair of compression socks. A pair of compressions sock will provide more comfort and warmth than standard running socks.

  • Adjust Your Technique

As mentioned before, be cautious of ice. This becomes especially important in the evening when the sun goes down. To help, run light on your feet and keep your strides short. This technique will help prevent you from falling down.

  • Take It Slow

A snowy day is no time to attempt a record pace. Too much ambition can lead to slipping and falling. Instead, take it slow. The soft surface of the snow provides extra resistance anyway. So look at your winter run as a way to increase strength instead of speed.

  • Breathe Through A Mask

If you’ve ever run in the cold, you may have noticed the air hurts your lungs. That’s because cold air is dry air and can irritate airways. If you find yourself sensitive to the cold air, then consider running while wearing a ski mask with a ventilation mouthpiece. This will allow for easier breathing while warming your inhaled air.

  • Keep Moving to Stay Warm

One of the biggest problems when running in the snow is staying warm. This is most true during a long run. Eventually, you run slower and become colder. To help, try and hold a steady pace, even if it slower. And if you slow down more, pump your arms forcefully to produce more heat.

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FAQ’s for Running in The Snow

Below are a set of frequently asked questions for running in the snow. If you have a question and don’t see it here, feel free to leave it in the comment section below.

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A: Not exactly. There’s no shoe that I know of specifically designed for snow and only snow. However, although it’s not required, you’ll want a running shoe with extra traction. Snowfall on hard surfaces, like a pavement, can become slippery, especially with icy conditions. So consider finding a shoe with extra grip.

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A: Layer up, pump your arms and keep your head covered. Remember, you can always take layers off, but you can’t put on layers you don’t have. You won’t be setting a personal best on your next snow day, so don’t be afraid to go overboard with extra clothing. 

From experience, it’s better warm and a little slower than cold and a little faster. I’ve never regretted wearing extra clothing, but there’s plenty of times I’ve regretted not wearing enough. So layer up!

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A: That’s up to you. Some runners will back out, and sometimes, the race will cancel. Also, consider that you’ll likely run slower than usual. Personally, I believe that the colder season is a great way to stay motivated. I’ve raced in the snow a few times, and it usually ends up to be my slowest yet most fun race of the year.

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[su_spoiler title=”Q: What’s the best time to run in a winter storm?”]

A: Fresh snow is the best snow for running. Meaning, run at the beginning of the snowfall. This way, you’ll avoid ice or packed snow. Now you’ll have better traction and reduce your chance of slipping.

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Conclusion

Ready to get running in the snow? As you can see, there are some challenges involved. But these obstacles don’t have to stop you.

As long as you stay warm, be safe, keep it slow, and continue to motivate yourself, running in the snow can be a highly effective, enjoyable experience. A run that you will look forward to.

Is it snowing outside? If so, lace up those shoes and start running! It’s time to take action and run in the snow.

Paragliding vs. Parasailing: Which is the Best Sport for You?

By · Updated on

Paragliding and parasailing are exciting sports both to participate and to watch. But if you don’t have any parachute experience, you may be wondering what the differences between these two sports are.

Paragliding involves flying with a parachute without being connected to a vehicle. When parasailing, on the other hand, you and your parachute are connected to a boat, car, or other vehicle that pulls you along.

There is a lot more to know about each of these sports. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the similarities and differences between paragliding vs. parasailing.

How are Paragliding and Parasailing Similar?

Paragliding and parasailing both involve parachutes, but that’s about where the similarities end. The main thing that these two sports have in common is that you’re flying through the air, using wind for lift.

How are Paragliding and Parasailing Different?

Paragliding and parasailing are very different sports. Not only do they involve different dynamics, but the type of equipment and level of training needed to get started varies between the two.

Paragliding Parasailing
Description Paragliding involves flying on a foot-launched craft, using updrafts to stay afloat Parasailing involves flying on a parachute that’s towed behind a vehicle like a boat or car
Experience Required Paragliding is dangerous and only experienced paragliders should fly alone Anyone can parasail, even without experience
Parachute Design Paragliding uses a canopy rather than a traditional parachute. The canopy has two layers that combine to form cells Traditional parachute, designed to catch wind
Location Typically launch from a high cliff Typically on a lake or the ocean, or across an open field
Cost $4,000 and up Parasailing tours typically cost around $50 and up for 45 minutes
Equipment Needed Canopy, harness, backup parachute, flight suit Parachute, harness, tow rope, boat or vehicle
How Long Does It Take? 2-3 hours 45-60 minutes or less
Control You are in control of the canopy and must direct it using several hand brakes The parasailer does not have any control over the parasail. Everything is controlled by the tow boat or vehicle.
Safe Conditions Requires relatively gentle winds (less than 15 mph) for takeoff and winds less than 25 mph for flight. Never fly in wet conditions. Winds less than 50 mph. If on land, make sure there are no obstacles near the tow path
Origin Developed by the US military alongside the parasail during the 1950s and early 1960s. Developed by the US military alongside the paraglider during the 1950s and 1960s. Adapted for commercial use during the 1960s.

How Do Paragliding and Parasailing Work?

Paragliding and parasailing work very differently

When you paraglide, you have to launch the craft yourself, by foot. Typically, this means taking a running leap off of a high cliff and then flying over a wide open valley. Once the paraglider is in the air, you can control it using a series of hand brakes that allow you to turn the canopy or point it up or down. Ideally, you want to ride updrafts that keep you aloft without losing altitude. Paragliders can stay in the air for several hours before descending, at which point executing a safe landing is critical.

In parasailing, you are kept in the air by a boat or vehicle towing you along. That creates its own wind for the parachute to catch on, which then keeps you suspended in the air for as long as the vehicle is towing. The parasailer doesn’t actually have any control over their height or the direction of the sail – all of this is controlled by the speed and direction of the tow. When it’s time to descend, simply slowing the tow will allow you to gently lower to the water or ground.

How to Learn How to Paraglide or Parasail

Learning paragliding requires a lot of patience and can take several years. Since you’re in control of the canopy, safety is a major concern and you have to know everything from how to launch to how to fly to how to land. It’s highly advised to start out with a series of tandem flights to experience paragliding in action, and then move onto a certification course that provides hands-on training. You’ll also need your own equipment, which can cost upwards of $4,000.

Parasailing doesn’t require much learning at all if you’re simply going for the day rather than creating your own tow setup. You simply have to sit in the harness and enjoy. As a result, there’s no experience required to get started with parasailing.

Paragliding Canopy vs. Parasailing Parachute

The sails used for paragliding and parasailing were both developed together by the US military in the 1950’s, but they have evolved into very different structures.

The canopy used by paragliders is essentially an airfoil rather than a parachute. It is somewhat rectangular, with a wingspan of about 30 feet and a total area of 250 square feet or more. The canopy itself consists of two sheets of ripstop nylon, which are sewn together with interior structure to create closed cells. These cells are essential for smooth aerodynamics, since air will pass over and between them.

Parasailing uses something closer to what most people would think of as a traditional parachute. It looks like half a sphere, and a series of lines suspend it above and behind the parasailer. This parachute is designed to catch wind, whereas a paragliding canopy is designed to slice through the air.

Paragliding vs. Parasailing: Which is More Dangerous?

Paragliding and parasailing both come with some inherent risks – you’re suspended in the air, after all – but paragliding is by far the more dangerous of the two sports. There are a couple reasons for this.

First, you’re simply higher off the ground in most cases. Parasailers typically don’t get more than 100 to 200 feet off the ground since they are limited by the tow cable length and tow speed. Paragliders can be thousands of feet up and are able to take themselves higher by navigating through updraft currents.

Second, paragliders have much more control – and room for error – than parasailers. Paragliders are responsible for launching into the wind properly so that they don’t immediately spiral downward, and for executing every turn so that the canopy doesn’t stall out and descend unexpectedly. The landing, too, is more complex, as paragliders have to slow themselves down and navigate a gentle angle when approaching the ground. Parasailers don’t have to worry about any of this. Launching takes care of itself as soon as the tow is started, and landing works similarly. During flight, the parasailer isn’t responsible for controlling the sail at all.

Finally, the conditions matter a lot for safety. Paragliding is safe in a much narrower range of conditions than parasailing. When paragliding, wet weather is extremely dangerous because the canopy can become saturated and heavy, which can lead to an uncontrolled descent. Winds above 25 mph can also make it nearly impossible to control the canopy. When parasailing, wind only becomes a concern at much higher speeds. Parasailing is generally safe in winds up to 50 mph, and rain will not affect the parachute to a significant degree.

Conclusion: Which is the Best Sport for You?

Parasailing and paragliding are both extremely rewarding sports. But, since they’re so different, they often appeal to different types of people.

Parasailing is best if you are looking for the opportunity to fly on occasion, and primarily want to do it on lakes or on the ocean. This sport is ideal for those who don’t have the time to learn paragliding, the money to buy a canopy, or the desire to take on the risk that paragliding entails.

Paragliding is a good choice if you want to be in control of your flight. This sport takes dedication and focus over many years of training and practice, as well as a sizeable upfront investment. You won’t want to take up paragliding lightly, but it can be a highly enjoyable life-long sport.

Most important, both parasailing and paragliding allow you to experience the rush of air that comes with flying. So, whichever sport is more suitable for you, it’s time to get outside and fly.

The 9 Best Dive Computers Reviews 2020 – Buyer’s Guide

By · Updated on

Best Dive Computers

As a SCUBA diver for more than 20 years, I’ve seen dive computer technology come a long way. Dive computers started out as enormous watches with limited information, and they now offer everything you need to know about the progress of your dive in an easy to use package.

Having the best dive computer is now an essential part of diving safely and efficiently. Your computer plays a big role in planning decompression times based on your earlier dives, as well as tracking your dives so you know how much time you’ve spent at various depths. Your computer can also help you navigate underwater, so that you can be certain that you’ll be able to easily return to your boat or shore.

In order to help you get the best dive computer, we’ll take a closer look at everything you need to know about their features and how they work. Plus, we’ll review nine of the best dive computers on the market today to help make the choice easier for you.

Types of Dive Computers

The best place to start when considering a dive computer is to understand the different types that are available. Dive computers can be categorized according to how they are worn with your SCUBA gear and whether or not they come with a pressure gauge.

Wrist vs. Console Dive Computers

The first big decision you need to make when choosing a dive computer is how you want your computer to be configured. Some dive computers are designed to be worn on your wrist like a standard watch (albeit larger), while console-style dive computers attach to the rest of your SCUBA equipment via a hose.

This affects the accessibility of your dive computer, which is pretty important. With a wrist-based computer, you always know where your computer is. When your computer is attached via a hose that trails behind you as you dive, it can be a little bit harder to access it when you want to check on information.

On the other hand, wrist computers are much more space-limited than console computers – they need to fit on your wrist, after all. As a result, it can sometimes be difficult to see the information being displayed on a wrist computer. Console models often have more display area, allowing you to see more information on a single screen or to use bigger text.

Air-integrated Computers

Air integration is a terrific feature to have for your dive computer, but it can also be very costly. With air integration, you’re able to read the pressure information from your air tank using a pressure gauge that interfaces with your computer. Your computer can go one step further, estimating how much time you have left in your dive based on your rate of air consumption and your current depth.

Most console-style dive computers come with an integrated air gauge. In fact, the computer and gauge together simply replace the hose that is normally used for a pressure gauge alone.

For wrist-based dive computers, you can integrate air pressure information in one of two ways. You can attach a hose from your air tank to your watch, which is pretty inconvenient. Or, you can use a receiver that’s hooked up to your watch (or built inside of it) with a transmitter that connects to your air tank to read your tank pressure wirelessly. This setup can be very expensive, not to mention that you have to surface immediately if something goes wrong with the transmission and you lose information about how much air is left in your tank.

How to Choose the Best Dive Computer

How to Choose the Best Dive Computer

Beyond those big differences, there a lots of features to think about when choosing the right dive computer for your needs. Let’s take a look at a handful of the most important ones.

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  • Display Type

Dive computers use one of three different types of displays. Segmented displays are found on most entry-level computers. This display is very similar to what you’d find on a digital wristwatch and uses lines to create letters and numbers. Segmented displays are fine for reading numbers, but it can be hard to read letters or to display more complex information.

Dot-matrix displays offer far more resolution than segmented displays, which makes them easier to read. One big advantage of dot-matrix displays for dive computers is that they can show graphs of your dive, which allows you to monitor depth and air consumption over time. If your computer has navigational information, it probably uses a dot-matrix display.

Color displays are found on the most premium dive computers. Color isn’t strictly necessary, but it can make it easier to read important information while you are underwater.

  • Navigation

Traditionally, divers wore analog compasses for navigation. But today, many premium dive computers also include a digital compass. This is great if you’re leading a dive and need to know how to return to your ship or to the shore. Advanced divers may want to consider a computer that integrates GPS, which is even more accurate and allows you to follow a pre-planned route.

  • Water Activation

Dive computers can be activated either manually or when you hit the water. Many divers prefer water activation because there’s no chance that you’ll forget to start your computer at the beginning of your dive. This feature adds a bit to the price of your computer, but it can be well worth it so you never lose dive data.

  • Algorithm

There is no single best algorithm to use for calculating your decompression times, times needed between dives, and no-fly times after diving. Rather, it depends on how aggressive or conservative you want to be with the calculations.

As a result, different dive computers come with more or less conservative algorithms. Many computers allow you to choose between several different algorithms according to the one you prefer. This is extremely important, since the choice of algorithms will define a lot of the critical information you’re getting from your dive computer.

  • Nitrox Compatibility

If you dive with Nitrox – or plan to in the future – it’s important to have a dive computer that’s compatible with this gas mixture. Using Nitrox means you’ll have extended bottom times, but also very different decompression schedules and total dive times. So, your computer needs to be able to “know” that you’re using Nitrox for your dive and calculate the relevant times.

Thankfully, most modern dive computers can be used with Nitrox without a problem.

  • Backlight

While you might not think you’ll need a backlight for your diving conditions, it’s extremely important to have one. This can make the difference between being able to read your computer display or not, which in turn impacts your decision making during a dive. Most computers include a backlight, but it’s a good feature to check for before buying.

  • Alarms

Many dive computers come with visual alarms, audio alarms, or both. These are well worth having for safety. Alarms can alert you when you’re ascending too fast or exceeding your prescribed bottom time. Make sure your computer has alarms and that you know what they are signaling.

  • Watch Size

If you opt for a wrist-based dive computer, size matters. Watch size is a trade-off between having a computer that you can wear comfortably, without it being heavy and clunky, and having a computer screen that’s large enough to read. Ultimately, what size of wrist-based dive computer is too large or too small for you comes down to personal preference.

  • Built-in Memory

Almost every dive computer has some amount of built-in memory to store your dive data. However, the amount of memory differs. Entry-level computers may only store data for up to 25 dives at a time before the data needs to be erased. Higher-end computers may store data for hundreds of dives.

In either case, it’s a good idea to make sure your dive computer can be connected to your desktop computer via USB or another cable. That way, it’s easy to transfer your dive data to a more permanent storage home before deleting it from your dive computer.

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The 9 Best Dive Computers of 2020

Best Dive Computers Reviews

1. Victorinox Swiss Army INOX Pro – Best Analog Dive Watch

This beautiful analog dive watch from Victorinox is built for diving. The stainless steel construction is able to withstand pressures down to 200 meters, far deeper than any recreational diver will ever go. The casing is also anti-magnetic so you don’t have to worry about it interfering with any of your sensitive equipment underwater. The rubber strap is also a nice touch since it’s extremely durable and resists corrosion from seawater.

It’s important to keep in mind that this is more of a watch than a true diving computer. You can get the time underwater, but the INOX pro won’t calculate bottom time or decompression intervals for you. Some of this can be done manually by turning the bezel to keep track of timing, but it’s nowhere near the utility of a digital diving computer.

[img_products img_code=”41vnXz9LrQL” alt=”Victorinox Swiss Army INOX Pro” code=”B07Q93XSNS”]

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PROS:

  • Very durable construction
  • Rubber strap fits over wetsuits
  • Bezel allows you to track time

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CONS:

  • Analog with basically no dive computer functions
  • Expensive

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2. Cressi Leonardo Underwater Diving Computer – Best Entry-level Dive Computer

This basic dive computer is very easy for beginners to use. It has only a single button, which makes navigating all of the computer’s functions impressively simple. Even better, the screen is large enough and the resolution high enough that it’s easy to read all of the information. There’s even a backlight.

For an entry-level model, this dive computer packs a lot of information. You can switch between three decompression algorithms depending on how conservative you want to be. The computer will track oxygen toxicity for deeper dives, and you can also pre-program in a deep stop for extra decompression. The watch features visual and audio alarm to keep you apprised of any developments or warnings, although the alarms come on relatively frequently even when there is nothing going wrong.

The computer has enough memory to capture up to 60 dives. Once it’s full, you can connect it to a computer via USB to transfer the data.

[img_products img_code=”81nr04NFnUL” alt=”Cressi Leonardo Underwater Diving Computer” code=”B00H2V1GD0″]

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PROS:

  • Inexpensive
  • Large screen with backlight
  • One-button controller
  • Memory up to 60 dives

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CONS:

  • Alarms come on too frequently
  • Not highly programmable
  • No navigation features

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3. Garmin Descent Mk1 – Best GPS Dive Computer

The Descent Mk1 from Garmin is one of the more expensive dive computers on the market, but it’s also one of the best. To start, this dive computer is completely outfitted with navigational features. It includes not just a digital compass, but also a GPS with topographic mapping. The display is very large for a wrist-based computer and it’s in full color with incredible resolution.

Even better, it’s very easy to plan complex dives without bringing your computer onto the boat with you. You can switch between air, nitrox, and trimix diving, as well as free diving, all from settings menus on the computer itself. In the water, the multiple customizable display screens make it easy to track everything from heart rate to water temperature to decompression stops.

The computer gets up to 20 hours of battery life while logging dives, or up to 10 hours while the GPS is activated. It has enough memory to hold 200 dives and connects easily to Garmin’s app when you need to transfer data.

The biggest downside to this dive computer is that it doesn’t support air integration. Given the price and all of the other advanced features, that’s a major drawback.

[img_products img_code=”61UtuXwZ%2B3L” alt=”Garmin Descent Mk1″ code=”B076H77MJX”]

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PROS:

  • High resolution color display
  • Includes GPS navigation
  • Plan dives right on the watch
  • Supports Nitrox and Trimix gases
  • Multiple customizable screens

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CONS:

  • No air integration
  • Only one algorithm included
  • Very expensive

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4. SHEARWATER RESEARCH Teric Wrist Dive Computer – Best Air-integrated Dive Computer

If you want a dive computer that supports air integration, look no further than the Teric computer. This wrist-based computer allows you to connect wirelessly to your air tank, regardless of whether you’re using air, Nitrox, or Trimix. You can monitor not just your remaining air pressure, but also the mix of gases in your tank.

The watch display is very large and comes in color, with extremely high resolution. There are multiple screens that you can customize, and complex settings menus allow you to plan dives right from the watch. You can even plot graphs of depth and air use to guide the rest of your current dive. On top of that, although the computer only supports the Bühlmann ZHL-16c decompression algorithm, you can switch between multiple gradient levels to choose your aggression level.

Another nice feature to this watch is that it supports vibration alerts in addition to audio alerts. These are easier to notice when there are other things happening underwater, and they aren’t noticeable to other divers.

[img_products img_code=”71ZKYqRoHPL” alt=”SHEARWATER RESEARCH Teric Wrist Dive Computer” code=”B083G6GF86″]

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PROS:

  • Wireless air integration (transmitters not included)
  • High resolution color display
  • Vibration alerts
  • Modifiable decompression algorithm
  • Supports multiple gas mixes

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CONS:

  • Very expensive
  • No GPS or navigation support

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5. SUUNTO Zoop Novo Dive Computer – Best Recreational Dive Computer

This recreational dive computer from SUUNTO offers a ton of functionality at a modest price. For starters, you can use this watch for diving with air or Nitrox, as well as for free diving. There’s a built-in apnea timer for free diving, although the computer doesn’t support air integration.

The dot-matrix display is large, easy to read, and comes with a backlight. However, not all of the information given by the computer is simple to understand. SUUNTO’s manual is basically impossible to get through, which makes it hard to figure out what the various audio alerts are warning you about. If you can get past this, though, the computer does a nice job of displaying decompression data.

The computer also connects to your computer via a custom connection cable. That allows you to download and log data using SUUNTO’s app, although the software is less easy to navigate than the comparable app from Garmin. It’s a bit hard to plan a dive directly on the watch, but if you have your computer with you the process becomes painless.

[img_products img_code=”71qYJFy%2BtnL” alt=”SUUNTO Zoop Novo Dive Computer” code=”B019YLOZRY”]

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PROS:

  • Relatively inexpensive
  • Supports Nitrox and free diving
  • Large dot-matrix display
  • Audio alarms

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CONS:

  • Manual is difficult to read
  • Hard to plan dives on the computer itself

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6. Aqua Lung i300C Dive Computer – Best Bluetooth Dive Computer

The Aqua Lung i300C wrist-based dive computer makes it incredibly easy to transfer your dive data. The computer connects wirelessly to your smartphone via Bluetooth to transfer data to the DiverLog+ app.

The watch is rather large, which is good and bad. On the one hand, the size makes it much easier to read the information on the line segment display. On the other hand, you probably won’t want to wear this dive watch outside of the water. Helpfully, the display includes a backlight so you can read it in murky or dark waters.

The computer supports air diving, Nitrox, and free diving. You can’t pre-program dives on the computer itself – instead, you need to use the smartphone app. This is another area where the Bluetooth compatibility is helpful, since it makes this process much easier. Once you’re in the water, it’s easy to keep track of decompression schedules and bottom times between consecutive dives.

[img_products img_code=”618L-rdlDlL” alt=”Aqua Lung i300C Dive Computer” code=”B07BFGJ3MK”]

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PROS:

  • Bluetooth connection to DiverLog+ app
  • Large display size
  • Supports Nitrox and free diving
  • Inexpensive

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CONS:

  • Cannot program dives directly on computer
  • Large size makes it bad for everyday use as a watch

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7. Sherwood Vision Dive Computer – Best Console Dive Computer

This console dive computer doesn’t look as modern or exciting as some of its wrist-based competitors. But, it has a ton of features to offer, including simple air integration through a pressure hose connection to your air tank regulator. The computer works with both air tanks and Nitrox tanks, so it can be used for a very wide range of dives.

The display is quite large and can be customized to a very significant extent. That makes it much easier to get the data you need from the computer, when you need it. There are just three buttons, too, which makes it simple to navigate the computer’s menus underwater. You can choose from multiple decompression algorithms and plan dives directly on the computer.

While this dive computer doesn’t support GPS, it does come with a digital compass that works very well. The compass allows you to mark out headings to follow, and it adjusts for tilt so you don’t have to worry about holding the computer perfectly level while navigating.

The only disappointment about this dive computer was the desktop software it comes with to log your dives. It’s not particularly user-friendly, making it unnecessarily difficult to move data off the console.

[img_products img_code=”51r3NtoLhcL” alt=”Sherwood Vision Dive Computer” code=”B00RYMALJW”]

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PROS:

  • Air integration with pressure hose connection
  • Supports Nitrox
  • Large display with integrated compass
  • Relatively inexpensive

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CONS:

  • Desktop software is difficult to use

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8. Oceanic Geo 2.0 Wrist Computer – Best Budget Dive Computer

This inexpensive dive computer from Oceanic is perfect for the occasional diver who wants to track dive data. The computer offers several essential features, like decompression scheduling and a deep stop function with a countdown timer. It also has audible alarms to warn you when you’re ascending too fast or running low on air.

The computer holds up to 24 dives in internal memory and is good to 100 meters depth. You can easily connect it via USB to your computer, which you’ll need to do to pre-program dives and save your dive data. Importantly, the computer won’t lock you out if it goes into decompression mode, which is a huge plus when you’re on a big dive trip. While the computer supports Nitrox, it’s a bit tricky to enter and confirm the details of your Nitrox gas mixture.

Unfortunately, figuring out how to operate this dive computer can be a bit difficult. The manual is not very well-written, and customer support from Oceanic is lacking. In addition, the display is very small for a dive computer.

[img_products img_code=”719oQ2kfbRL” alt=”Oceanic Geo 2.0 Wrist Computer” code=”B0037UVVZI”]

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PROS:

  • Very inexpensive
  • Includes audio alarms
  • 24-dive memory
  • Supports Nitrox
  • Doesn’t lock you out in decompression mode

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CONS:

  • Manual is poorly written
  • Poor customer service
  • Cannot program dives on the computer itself

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9. Mares Quad Computer – Best Dive Computer Display

This dive computer from Mares is designed to be simple, but powerful. It supports air and Nitrox diving, and has a bottom timer that allows more technical divers to add in extra data needed for accurate decompression scheduling. The computer can also be air integrated with a wireless transmitter (not included) so you can keep track of your remaining dive time.

One of the things that sets this wrist-based dive computer apart from the pack is the shape of the display. It’s rectangular rather than round. As a result, the information is displayed in relatively large, easy to read font, and it’s laid out in sections along the screen that make it easier to get key information at a glance. You can also customize the screens, which is a big plus.

The only downside to this computer is that, like many others, it will lock you out for 24 hours if it goes into decompression mode.

[img_products img_code=”51CVUFDT9XL” alt=”Mares Quad Computer” code=”B01IEYDN6G”]

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PROS:

  • Rectangular display for larger viewing area
  • Simple data layout
  • Can be used with wireless air transmitter
  • Supports Nitrox and bottom timer

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CONS:

  • Decompression mode will lock you out for 24 hours

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Frequently Asked Questions

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A: Dive computers are subjected to the stresses of pressure and salt water, which means maintenance is extremely important. The number one thing you can do to care for your dive computer is to rinse it thoroughly with freshwater after every dive. You’ll also want to take care to clean the metal contacts so that they don’t develop rust over time. Every year or two, it’s a good idea to have the manufacturer service your dive computer. They will typically do a more thorough cleaning, calibrate the computer, and make sure the waterproof seals are fully intact.

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A: Whether you need a compass or GPS depends on the style of diving you’re doing. If you are leading dives and don’t know the area you’re diving in, these navigational aids may be extremely important. However, keep in mind that you can always use an analog compass rather than opting for a dive computer that has an integrated digital compass.

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Conclusion

A dive computer can make your dives both more enjoyable and safer. By being able to carefully track your dive data, you can dive deeper and longer without worrying about having to deal with excessive decompression times afterwards.

Getting the right dive computer for your needs can be difficult since there are so many options on the market today. But thanks to our guide and reviews of the nine best dive computers available now, you can find the one that’s best for you and hit the water with confidence.

12 Extremely Helpful Half-Marathon Training Tips for Beginners

By · Updated on

half-marathon training tips

Crossing the finish line of your first half-marathon is a fulfilling experience. Running full speed as the crowd cheers, and the finish line gets closer, knowing that all your hard work is about to pay off…there’s nothing like it. Plus, you don’t only become a better running, but the benefits extend into your everyday life.

To set a goal of running 13.1 miles and then reaching that goal will not only build your confidence, but it will change your mindset. Now setting big goals and achieving them come much easier. Not to mention the laundry list of health benefits you will gain.

Building your endurance to the half marathon level is one of the greatest strengths a person can develop.

So whether the half-marathon is your end goal or a stepping stone to a full marathon, this guide will help show you the way.

Within this guide, you will receive tips steps for running your first half-marathon. You will also receive a beginner friendly training program to follow.

So…are you ready to run your first half-marathon?

Great! Let’s begin, starting with turning your thoughts into your reality.

1 – Make it a Goal

Make It a Goal

You can think of a near infinite amount of challenges you would like to accomplish. The fact is you can think all day, but unless you make your thought a goal…it will remain just that–a thought.

The key is to make your new challenge a goal. Make it an OFFICIAL goal. When you make a goal you fully commit yourself. By fully committing you will then hold yourself accountable and develop the discipline to see it through.

There’s a difference between being interested in running a half-marathon and committing yourself 100%. When you are interested it’s not a big deal to stop training because you were never fully committed. But when you make it a goal, and commit 100%, you will FOCUS entirely.

FOCUS is the key to accomplishing any goal. When you focus on a challenge, you give it all of your energy…not just some of it.

And remember–it will take a lot of energy to run your first half-marathon.

So make it a goal, commit yourself, and focus. You will then find it much easier to follow through on your training.

2 – Use Shoes That Work

Use Shoes That Work

Running shoes have the potential to help you or hurt you.

What do I mean exactly?

Well, when running long distances you need a shoe that supports your footstrike. Otherwise, the further you run the greater chance of pain and injury. It’s essential to determine if you have flat, neutral, or high arches and find a shoe to support it.

What’s the fastest and most reliable route to finding the best shoe for you?

Easy…get fitted.

Walk into your local running store and ask for help. They will look at your foot, have you stand on one foot, and provide you with a few shoe options to choose from.

Running with a shoe designed for your footstrike will not only prevent pain and injury, but it will build the foundation to exceptional endurance. It may even allow you to move up to the marathon distance.

3 – Sign Up For the Race

Sign Up For the Race

Goals will remain goals unless you take ACTION. To make your goal of running a half-marathon real, you must sign up for the race. Plus, as we all know, when you give a goal a deadline you are more likely to follow through.

Those who wait until last minute to finish something will know this best. Ever wait until the last minute to study or complete an assignment at school or work?

Whether it was due in 1 month or 1 week, you space the task out until the deadline. But in reality, if the task takes 4 hours of work, it only takes 4 hours of work.

The point is we are all prone to procrastinate. But the problem running and procrastination do not mesh well together. If you stop training, you will disrupt both your progress and momentum. Two critical components to finishing your training program.

Signing up for the race will eliminate excuses too. It’s the best step you can take to assure you start training immediately.

Ready to find a half-marathon to run?

Here’s the good news: signing up for a half-marathon is simple. There are plenty of registration websites online. Here’s a site you can use to get started

When searching through the different races, do yourself a favor, find one close to home. Save the traveling for another time. The day of your first half-marathon can be stressful. Don’t add any extra stress that traveling tends to create. Stress is a resistance that uses up energy. So save as much energy as possible for the race, not traveling to the race.

Also, I’d recommend staying away from races with high elevation. When reading the course description look for key phrases like “beginner friendly” or “great for your first half-marathon.”  Trust me, you will thank yourself for it later.

4 – Find a Training Program

After signing up for the race, it’s time to begin training.

Since you are a half-marathon beginner, it’s critical to use a beginner friendly training program. Your body needs time to break down, adapt, and grow. Patience is the key to running long distances.

For your convenience, provided below is a novice half-marathon training program.

HALF-MARATHON TRAINING PROGRAM: NOVICE
Week Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
1 REST 2 REST 2.5 REST REST 4
2 REST 2.5 REST 3 REST REST 5
3 REST 3 REST 3.5 REST REST 6
4 REST 4 REST 4.5 REST REST 4
5 REST 4 REST 4.5 REST REST 7
6 REST 4.5 REST 5 REST REST 8
7 REST 4.5 REST 5 REST REST 9
8 REST 5 REST 5.5 REST REST 7
9 REST 5 REST 5.5 REST REST 10
10 REST 5 REST 5.5 REST REST 11
11 REST 5 REST 5.5 REST REST 7
12 REST 4 REST 3 REST REST RACE

5 – Take the First Step

Here’s the problem: for some, routines are hard to break. Think about it, if you’ve been sleeping until 8:00 am for the past 5 years your body is not going to like waking up a 6:30 am for a training run. So EXPECT discomfort.

You will soon realize training for your first half-marathon is not only a physical challenge, but it’s a mental one as well. You will face many mental obstacles during training and on race day. This is not a maybe…it’s a guarantee.

The beginning of a training program is typically the hardest. But after a few weeks, you begin to develop momentum and walking out the door to run becomes much more manageable. It may even become enjoyable.

So know that taking the first step to start your training program will be the hardest part. But once you are moving forward, it’s a matter of maintaining momentum and taking each run one day at a time. Remember–if running a half-marathon was easy everyone would do it.

So, don’t just expect discomfort…WELCOME it. Understand stress and discomfort is a part of the process and when you overcome it, you grow. It’s the key to building the mental strength you will need on race day.

6 – Take It Slow

There are two types of physical activity: aerobic and anaerobic.

Aerobic activity is when you train “with air.” When you run from an aerobic state, you should be able to hold a conversation.

Anaerobic activity is when you train “without air.” It’s when you run fast and lose your breath.

If you want to run your first half-marathon, it’s recommended to train at an aerobic state. Make sure you never entirely lose your breath.

Sure you can run fast and try to increase your pace. But when you lose your breath make to slow back down into an aerobic state. Pacing yourself will help build your foundation for endurance running. From here you can practice running faster.

Always remind yourself that you cannot build a house on a shaky foundation.

7 – Find the Right Gear

Find the Right Gear

Running gear is an essential part of running your first half-marathon. And it’s even more important to train with your gear before the race.

The primary type of running gear is running shoes, running shorts, running socks, and a sweat-wicking tech shirt. You may also want to consider the following…

  • Headphones
  • GPS watch
  • Compression gear
  • Hydration gear

As you train, make sure to do your homework and find the best gear for you. Each piece has the potential to make training and race day less complicated. And you want to keep things as simple as possible when running your first half-marathon.

8 – Nail Down Fueling

When it comes to fueling, there are many paths you can take. The way you fuel will be solely up to you. Different fuels affect different runners in different ways.

But whatever fuel you choose, do yourself a favor and test it during training. DO NOT experiment on race day.

In regards to fueling here’s what I can tell you: the majority of half-marathon and marathon runners use a sports drink+gel combination.

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Here’s a good place to start:

  1. Eat a pre-race/training meal 1-2 hours before your run. (eg. bagel + peanut butter or oatmeal + berries or banana + walnuts)
  2. Start hydrating with water between your pre-race/training meal and your run.
  3. While running start with water, then sports drink, then a sports drink + gel combination

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You will most likely not need gel until around mile seven. But again, fueling cannot be standardized, and you will have to determine when your body needs replenishment.

So, remember–training is the perfect time to practice fueling. Make sure to nail down your approach before race day.

9 – Take Recovery Serious

Rest days are a part of training too. Recovery is when your body grows back stronger. Your endurance is not developed during your run. Your endurance is developed during recovery. So, make sure you actually give your body time to rest.

During rest days you can take the whole day off, go for a walk, or perform some light cross training like swimming or yoga. Movement will promote blood flow which helps with recovery…just don’t overdo it.

10 – Show Up On Race Day Early

After your training is over and race day is here make sure to show up early. Better an hour early than two minutes too late. Trust me, you don’t want the added stress of rushing to the start line. This will only cause a waste of energy that could otherwise be used in the race.

So show up early, pin on your bib, and relax. As the start time nears set the intention to finish and get ready to run.

11 – Pace Yourself

You are running a half-marathon not a sprint. When the gun goes off, you will most likely feel some adrenaline. Excitement is typical at the start of your first half-marathon. This makes you want to run fast, that is, much quicker than you planned to run.

The problem is if you trained at a certain pace, your body is built for that pace. Any more and chances of burning out significantly increase. So even though you will want to run fast…don’t. Have the discipline to pace yourself. The real race is against yourself.

And here’s the extra bonus. If you get to the finish line feeling strong, then chances of jumping up to the marathon distance will be much higher.

12 – Enjoy the Process

Training for a half-marathon is fun! Running a half-marathon is fun! Setting a big goal and reaching it is fun!

Don’t lose sight that the process of running your first half-marathon should be enjoyable. Take the commitment seriously, but not yourself. Lighten up a bit, relax, and smile… you are about to accomplish something amazing!

Conclusion

Running your first half-marathon doesn’t have to be a complicated process. As you can see, by following a few simple steps the finish line can come with no trouble at all.

YES it will take patience, and YES it will take hard work, but isn’t that true for anything worth doing in life?

You are about to run your first half-marathon and become a real distance runner. It’s going to take consistent action every day.

Will it be easy? No, the miles will be tough.

Will it be worth it? Yes! The whole 13.1 miles!

The 7 Best Mountain Bike Pedals of 2020 – Expert Reviews

By · Updated on

best mountain bike pedals

When you first buy a mountain bike, you will notice the stock pedals work but not great. In other words, they do not allow you to get the most out of your riding. That’s why most mountain bike riders buy a performance-based pedal. This way you don’t worry about issues like your feet slipping off, mud build-up, and a poor power-take-off.

So, if you are in the market for new mountain bike pedals, then you just stumbled upon a convenient guide. That’s because there are some key components you should understand before buying a set. Starting the TYPE.

Basic Types of Mountain Bike Pedals

When choosing between mountain bike pedals, you should know the different types. There are two types of pedals: flat and clipless. There is also a “combo” pedal that uses both types in one. Let’s discuss each.

1. Flat Pedals

Also known as platform pedals, flat pedals are most popular for beginners and those who prefer shorter rides. The biggest plus when using flat pedals is you don’t need special shoes. Simply install them right out the box and go riding.

Also, flat pedals make it much easier to take your foot off while riding. So, if you need to jump off your bike for any reason, your foot is not attached. And maybe best of all, they are typically lower in price. This makes it a favorite for beginner riders because it doesn’t require too large of an investment to get started.

2. Clipless

Clipless pedals are perfect for riders who have a bit more experience or for beginners who want to improve.  It’s a three-part system between your shoes, cleats, and pedals. The top part of the cleat attaches to your mountain bike shoe and the bottom to the pedal. When you clip in, you become attached to the bike. Now you can achieve optimum performance from both pushing and pulling. And that’s one of the most significant benefits of a clipless pedal, that fact you can pull up too. Now you can achieve the most speed from your efforts.

Clipless pedals also improve pedal efficiency because you and your pedals become one machine. That’s the recipe for ultimate power transfer. Another benefit is you will improve your handling while on technical trails. Since you are clipped your feet stay attached to the pedals even when the trails get bumpy. And as mountain bike riders, we know trails will get bumpy. They are also typically lighter and smaller in size.

3. Combo

Lastly, combo pedals have been gaining more and more popularity within the industry. It’s a combination of a flat pedal and a clipless pedal. It’s the best of both worlds and perfect for beginners who want to use their bike for performance as well as short commutes.

Now that you know the different types of mountain bike pedals, let’s discuss how to choose the best one for you.

How to Choose the Best Mountain Bike Pedal

Choose the Best Mountain Bike Pedal

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Once you know what type of pedal is best for you, there are other key components you should become familiar with. Keep reading for a description of each. We will discuss weight, adjustments, maintenance, mud shedding, and price.

  • Weight – Different brand pedals come in different weight. What effects weight the most is the size and construct. Here’s the good news: the pedal weight is always listed in the product description. So, if having a lightweight pedal is important to you, be sure to compare it between all the pedals you browse through.
  • Adjustments – If you decide to go with a clipless pedal, then there are two types of adjustments: tension and float. Pedal tension refers to the force applied to the cleat when clipping and unclipping. Pedal float refers to what degree you can move your foot when it’s clipped in. So take a look at the adjustment process and make sure it’s as painless as possible.
  • Maintenance – Can you perform maintenance on your pedals? If so, how easy is the process? Make sure to have these two questions answered before buying a pair. Most pedals nowadays allow for maintenance and don’t take much effort to do so. Regardless, it’s still a good idea to check. If your pedal breaks or if your pins wear out, it’s good to know there’s a maintenance kit available in advance. You may even consider buying one along with the pedal.
  • Mud Shedding – It’s common for mud to get stuck in your pedals. If you are an experienced rider than you know just how frustrating this can be. Fortunately, some companies design their pedals to prevent mud build-up. So, read up on the pedals mud shedding capabilities. Remember this–what it really comes down to is the spacing between each connecting part.
  • Price – Clipless pedals tend to cost more money. However, the lighter and more durable the pedal, the higher the cost. So, consider how much you ride and your budget, and make a decision that’s best for you. Now that you know how to choose the best mountain bike pedal for you, it’s time to pick one out. To make things easier, we reviewed the top 7 best mountain bike pedals in 2020. Continue reading for each review.

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The 7 Best Mountain Bike Pedals to Buy in 2020

1. DMR Vault – Best Choice for Grip

The DMR Vault pedal reaches the number one spot not only because it’s top quality, but because it’s great for all riders. You will feel the grip from the moment your foot touches the pedal. It’s a flat pedal and its built super durable. Even when the pins eventually wear out, they can be easily replaced. Made with extruded aluminum, steel axles, high load bushings, and cartridge bearings, this pedal becomes one of the most robust and lightweight on the market. Built for riding on steep terrain, it’s perfect for experienced riders, and since it’s a flat pedal, beginners will love it too. That’s because it doesn’t require any clipless shoes. Simply take them out the box, screw them on, and start riding right away. It’s that easy. Users of the pedals love them because of their excellent grip and large platform.

[img_products img_code=”61sn6uKYPmL” alt=”DMR Vault BMX Pedal” code=”B005U5WIYG”]

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PROS:

  • Excellent grip for riding steep and challenging terrain.
  • Large platform for a secure ride.
  • Serviceable and a high quality build so they last longer.
  • Awesome color options
  • Super tough for the even the most extreme rides.

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CONS:

  • Some riders experienced confusing when swapping out the pins.
  • Taller than average.

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2. Shimano XTR PD-M9000 – Best Choice for Speed

If you are looking for a clipless pedal that is both lightweight and durable and has an excellent power transfer, then this is the pedal for you. It’s called the ShimanonXTR M9000, and they are built for speed. Whether it’s their alloy body, thin profile, or mud-shedding design, this pedal provides superior performance. Simply put: more speed, long lasting, and perfect for shattering new personal bests. For those reasons, we believe this pedal is the best on the list for racing. One look at the thing and it screams “PERFORMANCE!”. It’s users praise it for being top quality. It’s a pedal they can rely on.

[img_products img_code=”41riI2YZv-L” alt=”Shimano XTR PD-M9000 Race Pedal” code=”B00O66MSKE”]

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PROS:

  • Super lightweight for a faster and more comfortable ride.
  • Easy to use, just clip in and go.
  • Superior durability, this pedal is built to last.
  • Excellent power transfer, a top choice for race day.
  • Entry system and tension adjustments provide a nice and firm fit.

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CONS:

  • Higher priced than other mountain bike pedals.

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3. Crank Brothers Candy 7 – Best Choice for Functionality

The Crank Brothers Candy 7 clipless mountain bike pedal is described best in one word: functional. For starters, there’s a four-sided entry along with a two-sided platform. That’s in addition to its mud shedding capabilities, and it’s customization float angle. Add that to its superior ribs built into its integrated traction pad technology and your feet couldn’t fall off if you tried. Well, at least not as much as other pedals. All this functionality makes them easy to use. Ask any rider, and I’m sure they’d tell you how simple they are to step into. It’s a lightweight mountain bike pedal too. It’s aluminum body, and extra grip makes it perfect to use as a flat pedal as well. So, if you are a beginner and want to gradually move from a flat pedal to a clipless pedal than the Candy 7’s provide the platform to do so (no pun intended). Yes, it’s a little on the pricier side but as you can see–the value is there. It’s users love this pedal for its high-quality feel.

[img_products img_code=”61VotpJllAL” alt=”Crank Brothers Candy 7 MTB Bike Pedal” code=”B07DYFLRVS”]

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PROS:

  • 5-year warranty is a “you get your money’s worth” guarantee.
  • Ribbed body for a superior ride when unclipped.
  • Easy to clip in and out of for your convenience.
  • Built to shed mud and prevent a build-up within the pedal, which means less cleaning and irritation.

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CONS:

  • High price
  • Company has had seal issues in the past.

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4. Spank Oozy Trail Platform – Best Choice for Bumpy Trails

It’s essential for flat pedals to have extra grip when mountain bike riding. As we all know, trails can get bumpy, and the last thing we want is our feet jumping around uncontrollably. Well, with the Spank Oozy Trail Platform pedals you get a super grip. With 18 steel pins on each alloy pedal, it’s no wonder users say their feet feel secure when riding even on the most technical trails. Also, with their chambered edges and 12 mm profile, it becomes a perfect choice when rocky obstacles get in your way. Now you are much more comfortable riding more aggressively. This helps beginners and expert riders alike. It’s users praise these mountain bike pedals for their low profile and how easy it is to service them.

[img_products img_code=”91JsD7N3aTL” alt=”Spank Oozy Trail Platform Flat Pedals” code=”B00SLWWY80″]

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PROS:

  • Size and thin profile provide a safe and controlled ride so you can push yourself further as a mountain bike rider.
  • Quick and easy servicing to help increase the pedals lifespan.
  • 18 pins per wheel for extra grip while riding.
  • Various color options, cool design.

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CONS:

  • Some users have experienced issues with the bearings.

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5. Shimano PD-A530 – Best Choice for Getting Your Money’s Worth

The Shimano PD-A530 is best known for their two in one design. On one side you have a cleat pedal which is excellent for power-take-off and longer rides. But on the other hand, you get a flat pedal for convenient and shorter rides. So whether you are going on a long trip through the trails or a quick ride downtown, this mountain bike pedal has you covered. Besides their stellar versatility, they are built durable as well. Each pedal comes with steel spindles as well as a seal locked cartridge bearing to prevent premature wear. They are inexpensive too. So you can get this versatile and durable pedal for a great price. That’s why it’s our choice for the best bang for your buck. It’s users love the convenience of having the cleat pedal for long rides and the flat pedal for shorter ones.

[img_products img_code=”81rbZEwNxaL” alt=”Shimano PD-A530 Platform Pedal” code=”B0014UG3WE”]

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PROS:

  • Low cost packed with a lot of value: clipless & flat pedal combination.
  • Lightweight for a more comfortable ride and easier handling.
  • Comes with cleats, so they are usable right out the box, it’s not a “no batteries included” product.
  • Made by Shimano, one of the leading companies in the mountain biking industry.

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CONS:

  • Platform side is less grippy than other types.

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6. Race Face Chester – Best Choice for Shopping On a Budget

Riders buy the Race Face Chester for two reasons. One, because you receive a high-quality flat pedal at a low price. And two, they are easy to service. So, although it’s a low-cost pedal, if you keep up with service intervals then they will last longer. Plus, its body is made from a nylon composite while the axle is made from steel. This allows them to provide a firm and robust ride. Its platform is on the smaller side, but its lightweight nature ranks among some of the more expensive mountain bike pedals. It’s grippy too. Some users have even said, “They stick like glue.” No, it’s not your top of the line, high-performance pedal, but it’s without a doubt an upgrade to what comes stocked. If you are looking for a low-cost flat mountain bike pedal to enhance your riding, then give this one a shot. You may be surprised at what a positive experience you have.

[img_products img_code=”41FBxRMG3yL” alt=”RaceFace Chester Mountain Bike Pedal” code=”B018J1J6SI”]

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PROS:

  • Lightweight for a quick and comfortable ride.
  • Super grippy for riding of technical terrain.
  • Inexpensive relative to other pedals but provides excellent value.

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CONS:

  • Not good for racing.

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7. Time ATAC XC 8 – Best Choice for Experienced Racers

First things first, if you are a beginner mountain bike rider than this pedal is not for you. It’s much more involved and comes at a much higher price than other pedals. But if you are a serious mountain bike rider, or looking to begin your journey into racing, then check out the Time ATAC XC 8. It comes with a carbon body and a hollow steel pedal spindle which means lightweight and fast speeds. It’s also self-cleaning so as long as the cleat is connected to the pedal, you won’t have any mud or dirt build up. Plus, it’s really easy to step into because it’s built with a wider than average angle. It’s users praise this pedal for its durability and lightweight nature.

[img_products img_code=”61cPl8npYsL” alt=”Time ATAC XC 8 MTB BMX Pedals” code=”B00IYB9N0K”]

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PROS:

  • Excellent mud shedding abilities so no more build-up.
  • Extra play in your shoe while being clipped in for ease of making foot adjustments.
  • Super durable construct for the most challenging rides.
  • Lightweight and fast, great for racing.

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CONS:

  • High price.

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Now that you have read the top 7 best mountain bike pedal reviews you may still have a few questions remaining. But don’t worry, this is common. Especially when picking out a mountain bike pedal for the first time. So, keep reading for the most frequently asked questions about mountain bike pedals.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mountain Bike Pedals

Read on for the 5 most asked questions when it comes to choosing a mountain bike pedal.

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A: Most clipless pedals come with cleats included. The cleat attaches to your mountain bike shoes. So, yes, you will need a pair of mountain bike shoes if using clipless pedals. Once the shoe and cleat are attached, the cleat clips into the pedal and you can begin riding.

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[su_spoiler title=”Q: If you clip into a clipless pedal then why is it called “clipless”?”]

A: Confusing, I know, this is a question for all mountain riding beginners. At one time, your feet manually “clipped” into pedals and became a permanent fixture. As you can imagine, this caused a lot of avoidable accidents if there was a way to detach on the go. Today, with clipless pedals, your feet can connect in and out without manual adjustment, so they received the name “clipless” even though they technically still clip in.

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A: That depends on how much you ride and the quality of the pedal. But if you want your pedals to last longer then make sure they are serviceable. This way you can swap out parts like pins, bearings, and seals for a longer lifespan.

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A: Most mountain bike pedals screw on and off with a wrench.  An adjustable wrench is usually good enough. Some pedals will come with a small wrench also. In most cases, the left pedal is reverse threaded, so you must turn it clockwise to remove it. The right side is typically standard so you can go by the principle “righty tighty lefty loosey.” But double check the instructions to be safe.

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[su_spoiler title=”Q: Will my feet slip off of flat pedals?”]

A: Although clipless pedals will guarantee your feet to stay on the pedals, flat pedals do a great job too. That’s because they provide excellent grip. However, the pins dig deep into your shoes, so it’s a wise decision to use a flat mountain bike shoe also, although they are not required. The most significant benefit of clipless shoes is the power transfer. That’s because when you “pull up” you are providing a force in addition to pushing down.

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Conclusion

So there you have it, a mountain bike pedal guide to find the best one for YOU. Remember, we all ride different and perform at different levels. So, that’s why this guide doesn’t tell you precisely what pedal to buy. No, what it does is GUIDE you into finding the best pedal for YOU.

But the key is to not second guess yourself. While reading the reviews, you most likely had a gut feeling. And as you may know, our first choice is usually the best choice. So, pick a pedal, get it delivered, and get ready to feel a HUGE difference in your riding. Becoming a better mountain bike rider could possibly be only one pedal away, well…I guess TWO pedals away. So, grab a set of pedals and get to riding!