Best Swimming Wetsuits for Triathletes & Open-Water Swimmers

Whether you're getting into triathlon or open-water swimming, a quality wetsuit is an important piece of gear to help you get the most out of your sport. How? Here are a few benefits of investing in a good swimming wetsuit:

• Swimming wetsuits are designed with smooth-gliding neoprene which helps minimize drag in the water.
• Depending on the thickness, most wetsuits provide a thermal regulating barrier that can keep you warmer in cold waters.
• The neoprene also adds floatation to the wetsuit, helping improve buoyancy and allowing swimmers to stay streamlined easier.
• Triathlon wetsuits in particular are designed with specific cuffs and zipper systems for easy removal.
• Some swimming wetsuits have displaced paneling designs with greater thickness in the sides, torso, and upper thighs to encourage natural rotation during a freestyle stroke.

Depending on how well-crafted a wetsuit is - both in terms of material quality and engineering - the price tag will range dramatically between one hundred to one thousand dollars for a suit. The spectrum of quality is vast, so it's smart to stick with a trusted brand, like the recommendations below. 

Best Triathlon Wetsuits & Brand Names 

If you're in the market, here are a few high-quality, triathlon-friendly swimming wetsuits to consider. See more swimming wetsuit options by visiting BetterTriathlete.com, the photo credit for this post.

1. Zone3 Vanquish Swimming Wetsuit

The Zone3 Vanquish is a proper swimming wetsuit for serious swimmers and triathletes who want one of the fastest options to give them a competitive edge. Made with ultra-thin 0.3mm Yamamoto BRS SCS neoprene, the Vanquish is very flexible, and lightweight, but is also surprisingly buoyant, allowing athletes to easily cut through the water.

For triathlon, the Vanquish is also designed with "Pro Speed Cuffs" from Zone3 which enables easy removal when going from swimming to cycling in the first transition. Designed to maximize speed and reduces excess fatigue to stay streamlined, the SCS nano-coating helps to reduce drag and increases efficiency, providing a fantastic design for triathletes. And despite being relatively thin compared to most swimming wetsuits, the Zone3 Vanquish is fairly warm and protective.

2. Blueseventy Reaction Swimming Wetsuit

The Blueseventy Reaction is a performance-minded swimming wetsuit that will help maximize your potential in the water. It's the perfect balance of streamlined, smooth, and flexible, making it an exceptional option for all types of swimmers and triathletes.

Like most swimming wetsuits from Blueseventy, the Reaction model was recently upgraded with a slightly thinner neoprene around the upper body and shoulders. This provides greater mobility for freestyle swimming. Blueseventy also designed the torso with displaced neoprene thickness paneling to facilitate natural body rotation and improved buoyancy.

3. TYR Hurricane Cat 1 Swim Wetsuit

As a more affordable option, the TYR Hurricane Cat 1 is a popular swimming wetsuit in the triathlon space. It's crafted with high-quality neoprene and is well-reviewed for its highly-comfortable fit around the neck and shoulders, allowing swimmers to move more freely with less restriction.

The Hurricane Cat 1 from TYR is very buoyant, which makes it an awesome option for beginners looking for a little extra lift in the water. In turn, it's also a fantastic option in colder temperatures by providing ample thermal protection and keeping you warm. For triathlon and quick removal, the zippered back closure makes it a breeze to remove.

4. ORCA APEX Flex Swimming Wetsuit

The ORCA APEX Flex is an elite-caliber swimming wetsuit that's tailored for optimal speed, flexibility of movement, and exceptional comfort for long-distance swimming. Its neoprene thickness is only 0.5mm and is made with Yamamoto 40 technology. This material is some of the best for open-water swimmers and triathletes who obsess about every angle of performance.

Additionally, the neoprene is layered with a comfortable wetsuit lining that has a titanium coating for better thermal regulation. So while thin, the ORCA APEX Flex does not compromise on warmth. It's not a cheap option, but it is one that will last many great years in some of the most competitive environments. See more at ORCA.com.

5. ROKA Maverick Pro II Triathlon Wetsuit

The ROKA Maverick Pro II is an upgraded version of the Maverick line from ROKA that's specifically designed for competitive triathletes and open-water swimmers. As one of ROKA's fastest and most comfortable swimming wetsuits, it's manufactured with high-end Yamamoto neoprene and slipstream SCS nano-coating.

The Maverick Pro II delivers more buoyancy compared to its older versions and offers the best in streamlined body position. It's also made with several freestyle-specific features that are patented technologies from ROKA, such as the RS2™ buoyancy profile that encourages natural body rotation and its ARMS-UP™ technology that provides unrestricted shoulder mobility.

Related Triathlon Reading

For related triathlon reading, see Better Triathlete's recent cycling posts on:

• Best eBike Brands & Types
• Aero Helmets for Triathlon, Time Trial, and Road

Stay tuned for more sports gear reviews from the Smarter Shopper blog.

Top 3 Golf Christmas Gifts for 2016

Golf is among the few games that's enjoyed by a wide range of people, whether male or female, young or old. It is a game for both the enthusiast player and the newbie looking to improve their golfing skills. Any golf fan understands the challenges that come with this game that’s why they spend lots of time trying to find the best equipment that’ll help them improve their skills.

If you know any golfer fitting this description, then perhaps it’s time you thought of the best golf Christmas gifts to surprise them this holiday season. Unfortunately, with the holiday fast approaching and numerous gift options available in the market, it may be such a daunting task finding the perfect gift for your loved one.

We’ve put a list of three top golf Christmas gifts available in 2016 deserving of your attention before making an informed decision.

1. Portable Putter Set Practice Kit

This portable golf putter set from Neon houses everything any golfer would require for their practice. It is the best golf Christmas gift you’d want to give your golf fun whether a starter or a pro. The set allows them to create an indoor putting condition perfect for sharpening their putting skills.

Moreover, they can always take it even while on the move since it has a compact case that stores the golf set. While you may want to try other golf Christmas gifts this year, this putter set would be ideal for the golf-lover always confined in the office. It can either be used in the office or at home and is perfect for killing time aside from practicing.

You can find the portable putter set practice kit available on Amazon for an affordable price.

2. The Mark Mender Golf Divot Tool

Now this is a divot tool your loved one will surely love, not only because of its unique and elegant design but equally because of its special features and multi-purpose functionality. The Mark Mender divot tool is a pocket sized tool that will help you easily repair ball marks quickly and easily you can always take it on-the-go.

Further, the Mark Mender doubles as a golf cigar holder allowing you the freedom to take your cigar with you rather than restrict your enjoyment of the game to your cart.

Any golfer will love this divot tool because unlike other conventional tools, the Mark Mender will allow them the opportunity to repair their divots with care since it has been designed with a spring-loaded squeeze mechanism that won’t pull up along the ball mark’s sides.


Conversely, aside from the fact that it is designed with strong and durable material that will serve your golf fanatic for long, it is also very affordable. There's a reason why the Mark Mender has been touted as one of the best golf Christmas gifts by countless golfers on the web.

To learn more about this incredible divot repair tool, visit MarkMender.com. For the holidays, take advantage of custom Mark Mender tools for an added layer of personalization to your gift.

3. Rory McIlroy PGA Tour Video Game 

Is your golf lover also into video games? Well, then perhaps this video game would be the perfect gift. You won’t even have to dig deeper into your pocket to get this EA Sports video game. The game allows them to break free from their regular golf game, create a new world and freely enjoy the game the way they want.

Further, they can even play with top pros on big fantasy courses while building their legacy in a whole new virtual world. The Rory McIlroy PGA Tour is the best video game option available on PlayStation 4 and Xbox one. It's available at Amazon.

Take Your Pick

While there may be lots of golf Christmas gifts options available to give to any golf fun, these top three gifts rank as the best because aside from being quite affordable, they are the perfect choice for any golfer regardless of their personal preference.

Sport Sunscreen Shopping? Know What To Look For

Athletes or people who are often active and outdoors need to opt for a sport sunscreen. There are many reasons to support this: broad spectrum protection (against UVA and UVB rays), sweat and water resistance, and enduring SPF, particularly with water immersion.

If you're sold on finding the best sport sunscreen, then this article is for you. From avoiding moisture-induced friction like runner's nipple to minimizing wear-off from being in the water, here we will discuss a few very important things to look for in a sports sunscreen before you purchase one. Not only does prolonged exposure to the sun put your skin at risk of burning and cancer, it can also make the skin vulnerable to aging or wrinkles. As a result, athletes and outdoor individuals need the proper protection.

Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection

What do we mean by this? We have many sunscreen products and choosing the right one is as important as using it. Some sunscreen products only protect you against the UVB rays which cause sunburns or reddening of the skin on superficial layers. However the UVA rays may cause damage in the deeper skin layers consequently causing skin aging or even serious problems like cancer. Your goal should be using reliable sport sunscreen products like SolRx that protect against both the UVA and UVB sun rays.

Solrx sport sunscreen spray products
make it easy to apply and reapply
when needed.

Application & Directions

This might sound very simple but it is of dire importance. When buying a sunscreen, it is very important to read and understand the directions of how to use or apply the sunscreen on your skin as well as plan to follow them closely. This means that if a type of sunscreen is supposed to be applied in certain way and you do not follow them you might apply less than required and end up getting sunburns. Some spray sunscreens require you to rub in which means that if you do not you may be left with spotty protection.

Active Ingredients

In short, know what ingredients are in your sport sunscreen product. Further, research those in which you may be unfamiliar with. There are sometimes over twenty active ingredients in over the counter sunscreens. This means that you need to ask a pharmacist about them if you do not know the difference. The pharmacists can also advise you on the effectiveness of particular sunscreen products or brands.

Sweat & Water Resistant

You should note that no sunscreen product is waterproof, though some products can be water/sweat resistant for 40 to 80 minutes. This means that you have to reapply if involved in sport activities that are making you sweat a lot, like short- and long-distance triathlons.

Check The Expiration Date

When purchasing a sport sunscreen product it is very important to check the expiration date. This is because an expired product is most likely to be ineffective in protecting your skin. Also ensure that you do not leave your sunscreen bottle in the sun for hours or in the car where it can absorb heat.

Always Reapply When Needed

You will realize that sunscreen products differ in SPF. This does not matter though. If you are outdoors for hours then you will have to reapply your sunscreen. This will help to keep your skin protected.

It is recommended that the best sunscreen products to use are those that are made using zinc oxide because it is one of the two known broad spectrum ingredients. You should also avoid all sunscreen products with avobenzone, oxybenzone, retinyl palmitate and also those that promise 50 plus SPF value. The highest SPF protection is 30 to 50.

Sport Sunscreen Recommendations

Do not be overwhelmed by the following information, here are examples of the most reasonably priced, best rated, less harmful sunscreen products which are made from the most protective components.

• SolRx Zinc Stix (Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Stick) SPF 50
• Butterbean Sunscreen SPF 30
• Aubrey Organics Natural Sun Sunscreen Unscented SPF 45

Choose the best sport sunscreen for your skin to ensure all day protection against harmful sun rays. There are many great products, so between those mentioned above those you can find online, you can land a great blend that will keep you healthy and safe.

3 Online Stores for Quality, Casual Cycling Clothing

When it comes to quality cycling clothing and apparel, companies are investing a lot of money in materials and talent to design casual cycling clothes that offer both comfort and performance.

This review gives credence to three particular online clothing stores that have redefined the fashion of cycling by offering the best selections of quality, and casual cycling clothing. Thanks to these online stores, cyclist can not only enjoy feeling comfortable, but also fashionable.

1. Retro2Ride.com

This is the one stop shop for both unique and casual cycling clothes. Retro2Ride.com has built its brand around delivering some of the best-quality, exclusively-designed cycling apparel and at absurdly affordable prices. They're clothing is also made of high-quality moisture-wicking fabrics that help prevent nipple chafing and skin irritation.

For both male and female, Retro2ride.com readily stocks all kinds of cycling clothing (long-sleeve jerseys, short-sleeve jerseys, sleeveless jersey, tech tees, etc.) while offering some of the most original and unique designs on the market. The online store offers modern, novelty, and elegant designs collections, helping individuals find something original that other stores don't offer.

Retro2Ride.com is popularized by its wide selection of retro, vintage, and classic cycling clothes that captures historic cycling races and notable turning-points in the sport. Other themes range from cannabis cycling jerseys to nature-centric cycling jerseys that in themselves, represent something new and different for most shoppers. In addition great designs, the materials used in the manufacturing of Retro2Ride.com's cycling apparel offer optional breathability and moisture-wicking performance, ensuring you remain dry and comfortable during your ride.

2. Bobshop.com 

This store has severally been named one the best cycling stores in the world due to the diversity in goods and services, as well as quick response and delivery of products. In addition to sale of casual cycling apparel, the Bobshop.comm also offers spare parts for bicycles as well as the sale of bicycles themselves.

Cycling must-haves such as caps and socks, are also in abundance in this particular store. Bobshop.com also has invested in modernity when it comes to its products. The graphics and color depict a modern store with beautiful casual cycling clothes. The material used also assure the user of comfort and durability a well as high absorption of moisture as well as ensuring the right temperature is maintained.

3. Velogear.com 

Velogear.com is famed for not only supplying sportswear, but also for bikes spare parts as well as the bikes themselves. The store stocks modern state of the art products with absurd prices of up to 75% discount depending on the economies of scale.

In addition, Velogear.com also stocks safe baby bike seats with straps to ensure comfort and safety to the child. Backpacks for hiking as well as covers and bells and horns are also stocked by Velogear.com. This store has overtime increased its product base to other sportswear for different cycling-related sports. It is no doubt a one-stop shop for all cycling requirements.

For people passionate about cycling, there is no better place to get cycling equipment like the stores listed above.

5 Industry Leaders on On-board Truck Scales

On-board truck scales and related on-board weighing systems for both load-bearing equipment and heavy-duty vehicles have played a vital role in many different industries. On-board truck scales assist in maximizing the efficiency of operation of the whole payload management process.

There are many manufacturers and suppliers of on-board weighing systems and on-board truck scales. In most instances, as an investor in a sector that handles heavy loads that need the utilization of on-board weighing systems, you need to know the nature of each supplier’s support, solutions, and product performance. Because of this reason, this article is intended to inform you of the five top names in weighing systems and on-board scales.

Walz Scale

This well-known truck scale leader offers custom-integrated on-board weighing systems and truck scales made to meet the special needs of clients. Walz Scale does not believe in a single size fits all approach, and therefore, they offer a wide variety of accurate scales beyond just on-board systems, such as portable axle scales, wheel weighers, weighbridges, and more.

Walz Scale also meets the demands of many industry users, which include agriculture, transport, waste management, mining, and many other applications. Walz Scale offers its high-tech weighing systems throughout North America, and equips most of the company's truck scales with software integration, ticket printers, and various other accessories for load management.

Vishay Precision Group

Vishay Precision Group has earned a global reputation for supply and manufacture of some of the top on-board weighing systems. Having spent 40 years in the business, they have gone through many improvements to fit an international market, offering accurate scales for wheel axle load weighing.

Vulcan Scale

Vulcan Scale's on-board scales are usually a product of a Washington based Consultancy Company known as Stress-Tek, Inc. These weighing truck on-board scales are made for a number of markets which include the general trucking, timber market, aggregate and refuse. The firm’s accurate scales are trusted by the marine and aerospace sector. Many customers say the scales are usually easy to load and also work great.

Avery Weigh Tronix

Avery Weigh Tronix is a company focusing on the supply of on-board truck scales. Avery Weigh Tronix provides weighing systems and on-board weighing scales that can accommodate a huge number of vehicles and also weigh them in a short period of time. They offer large heavy-duty mining trucks as well as conveyors to any customer who wants to experience convenience and high productivity.

Cardinal Scale

Cardinal Scale is a supplier that gives on-board truck scales of high quality. They give on-board truck weigh scales which fully fit your needs thereby making them your choice of company anytime you want to shop these items. They have the weigh-in- motion systems set up on freeways. Therefore, you will obtain a great deal if you consider getting them in the course of your purchase.

There are several suppliers of weighing system and on-board truck scales in the world now, but the ones mentioned above have shown to be among the industry leaders. A company is rated as a leader when its weighing systems and on-board truck scales can maximize payload leading in cost-efficiency and high productivity.

Woods Mower Parts: Leading Dealers Offering the Largest Inventories

Woods mower parts are essential in the repair of a number of Woods lawn mowers and land clearing equipment. To avoid inconveniences, it is always a good idea to stock these replacement parts in case of unforeseen breakdowns. Woods rotary cutter parts and Woods mower parts are especially crucial for smooth and effective functioning of mowers and rotary cutters. Failure to stock these parts could mean that the next time your equipment stops working (i.e. because of a mechanical error,) your work can come to a halt for potentially several days.

The good news is there are online parts stores that supply quality and genuine Woods mower parts, including hard to find rotary cutter parts and zero-turn mower parts. These stores include German Bliss, Messick’s and, Best Line Equipment. Let's take a look at each leading online dealer of Woods mower parts.

German Bliss Equipment

German Bliss is the leading online dealer for a number of components and replacement parts. It was established in 1940 in Illinois and has grown to be the high ranking supplier for excavators, tractors, lawn mowers, skid steers and other utility vehicles. Bush Hog parts and Befco are some of the mower brands supplied by German Bliss.

Woods rotary cutter parts as well as mower parts are in abundance at German Bliss. Some of the models offered by this supplier are Batwing rotary cutters and Mow’n Machines from Woods. Their Woods parts are categorized into Woods mower parts and cutters and Woods landscape equipment with each category having dozens of Woods parts models for all kinds of requirements.

Address & Contact Info
Phone number: 309-385-4316
Toll free number: 800-728-4734
Fax number: 309-385-2540
Website: store.germanbliss.com

Messick’s 

Messick’s is an online parts dealer founded by Merville and Marvin Messick in 1952. The dealer offers a wide selection of both new and used equipment including their parts. More than 250 brands in construction, agricultural and garden/lawn equipment are available at Messick’s stores. Some of these brands include New Holland, Case IH, Miller Pro, Woods, Kubota, Newton Crouch, Apache, Stihl, and Cub Cadet.

Messick's is definitely a good choice if your looking for Woods mower parts on the web. Messick’s stores stock a broad selection of parts such as Mow'n machines, flail mowers, Woods Batwing rotary cutters, finish mowers and rear blades. Apart from these Woods lawn mower parts, the dealer also stocks most types of gearboxes, blades, belts, tires and bearings for Woods mowers.

Address & Contact Info
Phone number: 877-260-3528
Toll free number: 800.222.3373
Email number: parts@messicks.com
Website: www.messicks.com

Best Line Equipment 

Best Line Equipment is a Pennsylvania based company that specializes in a number of services including rental and sales of construction equipment, equipment service and supply of a variety of equipment parts. Having been in the industry for more than 30 years, this dealer serves over 60 manufacturers with a skilled and quality sales team of over 450 employees. Equipment parts for rotary cutters and land mowers are available on Best Line Equipment. Some of the parts’ brands features on their showroom include Terex, Wacker Neuson, Stihl, Eager Beaver and Woods.

Address & Contact Info
Phone number: 1.800.679. BEST (2378)
Website: www.bestline.com

So there you have it. All the three Woods mower parts dealers above are committed to providing quality equipment and parts. They have a fast delivery service guaranteed to restore your construction, agricultural or garden equipment back to its original efficiency and functioning.

For more information on Woods parts for mowers, rotary cutters and a wide selection of other equipment contact these online suppliers today and make and experience quality customer service.

Gift Cycling Jerseys: 5 Classic-Vintage Ideas for the Win

It’s become a novel idea to gift cycling jerseys and gear to friends, teammates, and loved ones who enjoy riding bikes. In fact, this trend toward unique cycling jersey gifts is catching on thanks to the relentless creativity behind some of the cycling jersey designs out there today.

 In addition to funny, unique, and novel cycling jerseys gifts, many people are going a step further and gifting jerseys that have the classic vintage and retro styles. With so many options, it can be hard to find the ideal cycling jersey gift. To help get you inspired, below we've profiled five awesome designs that are sure to make your future cycling jersey gifts a win.

1. Chat Noir Cycling Jersey

If you are looking for a classic vintage cycling clothing that brings out unique and retro appeal, then you will appreciate the “Chat Noir” jersey. The name in English means “Black Cat” and the jersey features the image of the animal on its front. Designed for women of various sizes, the outfit remains one of the popular items given to women cyclists as well as other people who are passionate about the sport.

2. Cafe du Cycliste Cycling Jerseys

Cycling during the cold winter can be a big challenge for many people due to the extremely low temperatures. Fortunately, you can still adorn a unique and vintage looking jersey and still keep yourself warm. The Café du Cycliste jerseys are made from merino wool. In addition to keeping you warm, the jerseys are also breathable ensuring good ventilation during the activity.

3. Men's NASA Cycling Jersey

Many men are always inspired by space and the universe. When planning to gift cycling jerseys to such men, it may seem most appropriate to go for the NASA themed short-sleeved jersey. This classic cycling jersey features the official logo from NASA on the front as well as a red worm. The unique jersey symbolizes American Revolution when it comes to space discovery and will make a perfect gift to cycling enthusiasts. You can find this jersey and other casual cycling jerseys for men and women at Retro2Ride.com

4. Volero Club Jerseys

The Volero brand is making waves when it comes to cycling apparel. Started by two brothers who are passionate about cycling and fashion, the Volero range of cycling jerseys are quite unique and can be customised to suit a wearer’s ambition.

The line of Club jerseys from Volero are made from high quality materials and bring forth the novelty effect which makes the outfit a good gift. They are designed with simple and elegant colors and designs that offer a basic yet classic style appeal. These vintage cycling jerseys are not cheap, but the quality makes them well worth the price tag.

5. Women's Rosie the Riveter Cycling Jersey

This women's cycling jersey features a female figure and is available in different sizes. It follows the struggle and strength of a woman who has inspired many other women. Designed by J. Howard Miller following a story in the Saturday Evening Post on 29th May, 1943, the short sleeved women jersey remains amongst the top sellers. The model on the jersey is Geraldine Doyle who posed when she was 17 years old and passed away on December 26, 2010.

Cycling jerseys for both men and women come in all manner of sizes, designs, themes, and more. Some bring out the natural/landscape appeal; others are more cultural, while some portray social movements. The suitability of the outfit is dependent on market trends, individual tastes, culture and more. Whichever the cause or desire, it pays to look for a quality, well-designed, durable and authentic jersey. This is best achieved by purchasing the gift cycling jerseys from a reputable source.