Sports Unlimited Blog

Good American Workout Guide to Excellence and Prosperity

I thought I’d do you the kind favor, the patriotic duty of a blogger, of creating for you the Good American Workout Guide to Excellence and Prosperity.

In preparation for July 4th festivities, I have been on a torrid streak of working out for the past two weeks doing approximately 30 minutes of soul-crushing, teary-eyed workouts that leave me clinging to the ground afterward. I do these workouts on my backyard patio and usually end up with cement creases in my face from the inability to gather myself after my muscles retire. All of this so that when I put on my American flag bandana and Philadelphia Phillies tank-top, I look like the good ol’ American boy that everybody loves.

After all of the sweating, I thought I’d do you the kind favor, the patriotic duty of a blogger, of creating for you the Good American Workout Guide to Excellence and Prosperity. Now, settle down, we’re all excited to begin, but you must make sure to never compromise form because safety in athletics is paramount. The use of this program is not solely restricted to the 4th day of July this year 2013 or any other.

Equipment Needed:

One of the following

1. The George Washington

The first exercise of the program is dedicated to the first President of the United States of America. A tremendous commander, both physically imposing and intellectually astounding, the 6’2″ leader of colonial forces was called the “best horseman of his age” by none other than Thomas Jefferson. In honor of the great strength and ability of Washington, grab your wiffle ball bat or equivalent and with it between your legs, gallop 5 times around the lawn. Remember, form over speed!

Once you have completed the 5 galloped-laps, you will surely be tired and hungry. Take a ten minute break and have a peanut butter sandwich to re-energize your body. Drinking one cup of water is recommended along with the sandwich. No stretching is required at this point.

2. The Tom Brady

Once you’ve cooled down from the gallop and had your lunch, make sure your teeth are clear of leftover bits because it’s time to take pictures with family and friends. Hopefully you are already dressed patriotically, but if you aren’t, go put on some Old Glory Red and Blue. Do your best Tom Brady and look as beautiful as possible. This task should not be difficult because you will be absolutely glowing from The George Washington. If friends and family are not available, take a selfie.

3. The Miles Davis

Now that you’ve got your muscles warmed up and ready to work, we move into the next stage of the workout. The Miles Davis once again makes use of the lightweight stick/bat/mallet you’re using. This exercise contains some tricky maneuvers, but just remember, form over speed.

Depending on the object you’re using, bring one end of the Wiffle Ball Bat or equivalent close to your mouth, but make sure it does not touch your lips because often times Wiffle Ball Bats get dirty. With the barrel of the bat initially straight out and parallel to the ground, begin to slowly tilt the bat upward so that the end of the bat is high in the air and the handle is still close to your lips. Next, make a few funky jazz moves. This is much of an improvisation exercise and really works your core as you balance and use muscle confusion to maintain contraction throughout the abdominal area.

Some people have a tendency to over-perform during this task and I would like to remind you to stay safe and do not overexert.

4. The Annie Oakley

You’re probably drenched in sweat already, but there are just a couple more exercises in the circuit and remember, You Can Do This! The Annie Oakley requires only a bit of space and is essentially an innovative way to achieve greater success than running in place. Begin by closing your eyes and imagining the world’s greatest markswoman standing in front of you. Now you better start running in place because she’s taking aim at your feet! Keep ‘em moving! This should bring your heart-rate up a good bit. Remember to use controlled motions and proper technique to avoid Annie’s bullets.

5. The Bald Eagle

Now that we’ve made it to the final exercise, you would be remiss to not read on and complete the journey. The bald eagle is a magnificent creature and is symbol of many things that are great about the USA. That is why we conclude our workout with our imitation of this great animal. Either crouching or sitting in a chair, straighten your back as if you were a bald eagle perched on a branch. Slowly gaze out into the distance of where you are. Keep breathing, Eagle. Perch for three minutes silently.

How do you feel? Excellent and prosperous?

Happy Independence Day.

By Isaac ClarkIsaac is a Fitness/Sandwich Monster at SportsUnlimited.com

Happy Father’s Day

This Sunday, we will recognize one of the biggest supporters in our lives: our fathers. As a family owned company, we at Sports Unlimited value the relationships we have with our families and on this day especially, we are grateful for everything our fathers have done for us.

The smallest things can make all the difference, so why not make this Father’s Day a memorable one? Whether it’s a simple “I love you, dad” or a hand-written card, it will forever be cherished in his heart. Try to think back to your favorite memory you shared with your dad. Maybe it was your first fishing trip, or when he was the coach of your sports team, or more importantly, when he walked you down the aisle on one of the most remarkable days of your life. Whatever it may be, remind him of how special that memory is to you. Spending the time to acknowledge the impact he has made on your life is better than any gift that money could buy.

But, let’s face it; men love their sports and tools. If you are looking to splurge for this Father’s Day, purchasing a small gift for Dad isn’t the worst thing in the world. Maybe you could even buy him something that relates to your cherished memory or perhaps you could try to find something that will be used during your time spent together that day. It could be a day filled with golfing, barbecuing, hiking, etc. However you wish to express your gratitude to dad, remember that the sincerest gift comes from the heart. As one of our Founding Father’s once said, “happiness depends more on the inward disposition than on outward circumstance.” –Benjamin Franklin

Sports Unlimited wishes all families a Happy Father’s Day that is filled with love and memories.

By Alexa Shumate

Alexa is an Advertising Ninja at Sports Unlimited.

Unlimited Potential Project: Ryan Marquez

The Unlimited Potential Project is going to shine a spotlight on some of our Sports Unlimited athletes around the world to acknowledge their sporting achievements because family involvement, community involvement, and playing sports we love are such important parts of life.

Relatively new to SportsUnlimited.com, I (Isaac) have been striving to provide content on the blog and e-commerce site that is engaging and positive for the sports community in general. While it does help for SportsUnlimited.com to sell products, the idea is to not just provide the newest, coolest, and best products to the customer, but to provide the right product that will make that customer the happiest. This has led me to develop a side project that allows me to have a bit of fun and not sell, sell, sell with something I’m calling “The Unlimited Potential Project”.

I am very happy to announce that for the first ever Unlimited Potential Project post, I will be highlighting a remarkable 10-year-old boy from Carrollton, Texas…

Ryan Marquez

Team: Brooklyn

League: North Texas Little League

Favorite Team: Texas Rangers

Favorite Player: Nolan Ryan

Favorite Active Player: Mike Napoli

Hits: Switch (L/R)

Throws: Right

Ryan plays ball for Brooklyn in the North Texas Little League and has had quite the year. Primarily a catcher, Ryan has also put in some time as a pitcher and third baseman, but his favorite part of baseball is, in no great surprise, hitting! Using his skills as a switch hitter, which he has honed since he was just five years old, Ryan leads the team in RBIs. Through natural athleticism, great focus and instruction from his hitting coach, JT Blair, Ryan has had many keys hits this year to help his team to a 12-1 record, which has Brooklyn tied for 1^st place in the league.

One example of his prowess as a hitter occurred early in the season with a lot on the line. In a game against arch rival Yankees (12-1), Ryan was up to bat with 2 outs and the game tied. Providing Brooklyn with some clutch hitting that the team has become accustomed to seeing from Ryan, he drove the ball to the opposite field and went on to win the game by a score of 6-5. Being able to achieve consistent success for the team in critical situations signifies the drive and the ability of an extraordinary player even at such a young age.

Hitting can often times affect the result, but defensively, the skill of the catcher affects the game every single inning. The catcher must work with the pitcher, block pitches, block the plate, throw out runners attempting to steal, and keep the defense in control of the inning. Ryan’s poise behind the plate has come to him not only because he has the innate ability of a catcher, but because he practices hard and trusts his protective gear. His father, Joe Marquez, and some of the other coaches have worked with him over the past year on getting quickly to his knees and taking short hops and bad pitches off his chest protector. When we see major leaguers, not so much Mike Napoli anymore, but perhaps someone like Yadier Molina, blocking a bad pitch in the dirt, we take for granted how difficult it is to willfully put our bodies in the way of a pitch to prevent runs. Ryan, through his desire to help the team in any way he can, does just that, in what he calls, his “Samurai Warrior Gear“.

With remarkable intuition and secretive hand signals with his first baseman, Isaiah Escalona, Ryan uses ‘snap throws’ to pick off unsuspecting runners who have strayed off base. If you fall asleep on first, Ryan and Isaiah will get you out before you even realize it happened.

With clutch hitting, smart defense, and all-around athleticism, Ryan is a Little League All-Star in his league and an Athlete of Unlimited Potential for SportsUnlimited.com. We are proud to highlight Ryan’s year and wish him and Brooklyn the best of luck in the playoffs.

I’d like to extend special thanks to Ryan’s very gracious father, Joe Marquez, for his willingness to participate in the project.

Do you think you or your son/daughter is an Athlete of Unlimited Potential?

Shoot me an email at iclark@sportsunlimited.com with your story and for all of your youth catchers gear and other baseball needs, shop Sports Unlimited!

By Isaac ClarkIsaac is a writer at Sports Unlimited.

Left Handed Rawlings Players Series 9″ Youth Baseball Glove – Product Spotlight

Finding a left-handed baseball glove for kids is not always easy, but we’ve asked around, we’ve done our research, and we found one that seems to be unanimously loved by kids and parents alike. This left handed youth baseball glove from Rawlings brings high quality at a low price. With the Basket Web pattern, the glove is already broken in and easy for the player to squeeze, all you have to do is put the kiddo’s hand in the glove, adjust the kid-friendly Velcro back, and send him or her to the field to play!

Perfect for T-ball players aged 3-5, the glove is 9 inches and can be used at any position. It is such a joy to watch your child, nephew, or grandson playing the sport we’ve grown up loving. and lefties can get discouraged by not finding a good youth glove, but the solution is here and it comes with a soft-core training ball for free.

Of the sixteen reviews that parents and grandparents have posted about this glove, all 16 gave it 5 stars. Seems like a no-brainer to feature this product in the Product Spotlight!

Reviews

Joanne says, “I looked in every retail store I could think of to find a left-handed glove for my 5-year old. Finally decided to look online and came across this one. It’s PERFECT for my little boy!! Fits his little hand nicely! Well-made and fast shipment too!! THANK YOU!!”

Denise: “Perfect size for my 3 year old!”

Susan calls it an “A+ Mitt” and says, “This mitt is everything I wanted! It’s difficult to find a leftie mitt in the 9″ size…thanks for helping my 4 year-old to play ball.”

It feels pretty good to provide a great and affordable left handed baseball glove to kids who want to play the game. Thanks Rawlings for doing it right!

Find it at SportsUnlimited.com

By Isaac Clark

Isaac is a writer at Sports Unlimited.

What football helmet has the best field of vision?

Football helmet safety is something you hear about all the time. Everyone wants the latest, lightest and safest helmet, but sometimes there are other factors consider.

One of these factors was brought to our attention by blog reader “aundrew” who asked, “i really need help on deciding which is better for a wide receiver. which one has more VISION the revo 360 or revo speed?”

Field of vision isn’t something that’s often stressed in helmets. But why not? Quarterbacks need to see to survey the field to find receivers and use their peripheral vision to avoid pass rushers. For wide receivers and defensive backs, the more they can see of the field, the better jump they can get on a ball. Sight lines are important at any position.

A big factor to consider is facemasks, but judging on helmets alone there are some noticeable differences from one to the next.

We went inside the football helmets to compare the view and make our picks based strictly on field of vision. A few hours of wearing and comparing helmets, countless odd looks from co-workers and one sore neck later, here are the results.

1. RIDDELL REVO SPEED

I can see clearly now! — Riddell Revo Speed

The vertical vision is so great in the Revo Speed that you’ll have no problem noticing your friends in the top row and your coach on the sideline in the same view. The height of the field of vision is what sticks out most about the helmet and makes it our number one choice. Wearing this helmet is akin to wearing a baseball hat backward. From a peripheral vision standpoint, the sides of the Revo Speed aren’t noticeable when staring straight ahead and can barely be seen when your eyes are looking to either side. What really helps this is the V-shaped cut out on the side of the shell, making it seem like Riddell was looking ahead – or to the side – with the design of the Revo Speed.

2. SCHUTT VENGEANCE DCT

Schutt is all about the technology, but the Vengeance doesn’t skimp when it comes to viewing space. A wide open design is only slightly hindered by the amount of TPU cushioning (never a bad thing) that can be spotted at the top of the field of view. The deeper set jaw pads on this helmet cover a lower area, but are offset in a way that doesn’t block your vision when looking down and to the sides.

3. SCHUTT DNA PRO+

The DNA Pro+ has a field of vision nearly identical to the Vengeance DCT, just slightly more boxed in. The actual opening of the mask is just larger than the Revo Speed, but the curvature of the side of helmet obstructs the vision slightly. Like the DCT Hybrid, the TPU cushioning in the front of the helmet is slightly visible. Both Schutt models feel like you’re inside a helmet looking out, meaning you can definitely feel and see the safety and padding.

4. RIDDELL 360

A heavily padded helmet, the Riddell 360 doesn’t match the openness of the Revo Speed. The helmet sticks out further from your forehead and that padding is noticeable at the top of the field of view. On the bottom, the black jaw pads are a bit of a distraction and can easily be seen when looking to either side. While the 360 has the same V-cut of the Revo Speed, the padding overlaps the cut out on the side, slightly hindering the peripheral.

5. SCHUTT AiR XP PRO

The most limited of the group, the AiR XP Pro still offers plenty of viewing space. The shell seems to sit lower on the head, and the further down you pull on it, the more obstructed the top of your vision becomes. The bottom of the helmet where the jaw pads sit is fairly visible when looking to either side.

Remember, there are many factors to consider when buying a helmet and a facemask can make a huge difference. This is only a look at what to expect when taking into account the field of vision looking out of a helmet with a standard facemask.

By Lou Rusnock
Lou is a writer at Sports Unlimited.

Position Tech Football Cleats System: Product Spotlight

The concept is innovative, the technology is remarkable, and the execution is, well… Heisman-worthy. Notch up your game with the Position Tech Football Cleats System. Whether you are using them to benefit your game for a specific position, an area of improvement, or an adjustment in playing style, these custom low-carbon-steel-tip cleats screw into your football shoes to improve traction and game-day performance.

Product Spotlight: Position Tech All-Pro Replacement Football Cleats

Proven to increase traction by 20% over standard cleats, the Position Tech system is a favorite of players, teams and coaches at NFHS and NCAA levels (approved by both NFHS and NCAA). This pack gives advantages in the following areas: Speed, Agility, Power, and Balance. With specific cleat construction for each area, you can customize your configuration to best suit your needs as a player.

The Types:

Speed Cleats:

Anterior scoop improves vertical explosiveness
Lateral slashes bolster side-to-side acceleration

Agility Cleats:

Lateral scoops supplement swift change of direction
Anterior scoops augment cutting

Power Clears:

Lateral wings enhance directional burst
Anterior power pocket boost primary move burst

Balance Cleats:

Posterior channels help with stabilization
Lateral grooves improve traction

The pack contains the following: 12 power cleats, 10 speed cleats, 6 agility cleats, 6 balance cleats, cleat wrench, and a guide for configuring every position on the field.

Configure any combination of speed, agility, power, and balance cleats to become like your NFL idol or a new prototypical player! What kind of player do you want to be?

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyI-oUsVRJg]

By Isaac Clark

Isaac is a writer at Sports Unlimited.

Sports Unlimited also offers smaller sets of Position Tech cleats designed specifically for…
Power & Balance
Power & Speed
and
Speed and Agility

Neymar To Barcelona, Will Play Alongside Leo Messi

Next season we’ll be seeing what has now been hyped for quite a few years. Neymar will be playing in Europe and to the chagrin of Madrid, he will play alongside Lionel Messi at FC Barcelona. The Brazilian phenom is 21 years old and has the offensive prowess of hmmmm, I don’t know, Leo Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. He may not yet be in their realm of quality, but he soon will be in their local realm and hopefully will use the opportunity to learn from two of the greatest players alive as a teammate and as a rival.

Neymar will leave Santos, his boyhood Brazilian club, for the big stage. This should excite soccer fans around the world; to see this young superstar play on field with the likes of Messi, Iniesta, and Xavi Hernandez. I have only seen the fun-haired Neymar sparingly in televised Brazil national games, but have watched highlights of the deft-footed and silky smooth forward on YouTube countless times. He doesn’t have a jersey number yet, but Blaugrana fans have been clamoring for jerseys ever since the news of his signing. The soccer season just ended in Europe, but Neymar to Barcelona is already prepping the world for an incredible and exciting year.

Maybe it’s time for me to swap out my Barcelona, Ronaldinho jersey for another Brazilian?

By Isaac Clark

Isaac is a writer at Sports Unlimited.

Sports Unlimited 2013 Football Catalog

The Sports Unlimited 2013 Football Catalog is coming soon. Check out some of the products we’ll be featuring in this video.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZH2yvET7v8w&w=560&h=315]

The Sports Unlimited 2013 Football Catalog is coming soon. Check out some of the products we’ll be featuring in this video.

By Lou Rusnock
Lou is a writer at Sports Unlimited.

Under Armour HeatGear vs Nike Dri-FIT – The Sports Apparel War

Nike vs Under Armour. Technological sounding names dominate the athletic apparel war between Nike and Under Armour, but what do they mean? Comparing Nike’s Dri-Fit and Under Armour’s HeatGear, we are going to review what these technologies do and which one is better for you!

Under Armour HeatGear vs Nike Dri-Fit

Technological sounding names dominate the athletic apparel war between Nike and Under Armour, but what do they mean? Comparing Nike’s Dri-Fit and Under Armour’s HeatGear, we are going to review what these technologies do and which one is better for you! Finding the right performance shirt, compression pants, running shorts, and compression socks for the summer can be tough, but when you discover the right ones for you, you may never go back to wearing regular clothes while working out.

Under Armour built its company with a foundation in performance apparel and turned into something much more significant. In 1996 the founder of Under Armour created the first t-shirt made of moisture-wicking synthetic fabric, effectively inventing the industry of ‘Performance Apparel’. To this day, the company continues to produce and improve upon their signature HeatGear.

Let’s get into the nitty gritty about these sportswear rivals.

Under Armour HeatGear

Basics:

HeatGear uses super lightweight fabrics to keep you cool and dry in warm and hot conditions whether you’re out for a walk, training hard, or dominating the football field. Its exceptional moisture transport systems wick sweat away from your body, while maintaining ventilation. Sounds like any ‘performance apparel’ I’ve ever heard of, so let’s dive a little deeper to get a greater understanding.

What Does Under Armour HeatGear Provide?

Moisture Transport Systems: Hydrophobic fabrics wick the moisture from your body and pull it through the material so that it evaporates quickly, keeping your clothes light and your body cool and dry.

Odor Control – Anti-microbial technology resists the growth and spread of bacterial odors within the fabric. The evaporation of sweat quickly and efficiently combined with the anti-microbial technology reduces odors better than any other system.

UPF – Ultra-Violet Protection Factor – UPF protects you from the sun, plain and simple. Extra protection from UV rays is always a good thing for your skin, body, and overall health and Under Armour has added this screen to their impressive arsenal.

Some Under Armour gear is equipped with additional features. Check the tags for the following!

Strategic Ventilation + Armour Stretch

Modular Protection Zones + 360 Degree Reflectivity

Wind Resistance + Armour Grip

Those features are the foundation of HeatGear, but HeatGear is separated into different fabrics to help you differentiate what gear you need for what situation. Here is a run-down of Under Armour’s lineup.

FABRICS:

Under Armour Tech –

This is the classic, super-soft, natural feeling material that mimics cotton, but provides the performance benefits of synthetic material. Traditional UA look and feel and is generally the most affordable option.

Charged Cotton –

It’s cotton, but better. With Charged Cotton, you get the feel, weight, and comfort of cotton with the impressive moisture transport system that wicks 5% faster. This cotton dries 5x faster than standard cotton. Perfect for athletic activities or just relaxing, it’s a soft garment with performance tech built in.

Under Armour Catalyst –

Surprisingly made entirely of recycled plastic bottles, Catalyst is super soft and smooth. Incredibly light with body temperature regulating tech, the best feature of this fabric is how light and smooth it is.

Under Armour coldblack –

It shocks me how noticeably coldblack affects the temperature of the garment and in turn, your body. The technology makes dark fabrics act more like light fabrics in the sun, retaining less heat during performance. Oh, and it makes light colors act like nothing at all. Providing the best moisture-wicking tech and all other HeatGear benefits with the temperature regulation technology makes athletes flock to coldblack.

HeatGear Flyweight –

Ultra-light and smooth fabric with strategically positioned mesh panels to help regulate heat and allow sweat to evaporate faster. Raglan sleeve design and smooth Flatlock Seams do not restrict range of motion. This is lightweight, lightweight, lightweight.

All of these different fabrics are available in multiple fits: Compression, Fitted, Semi-Fitted, and Loose.

HeatGear Sonic –

The newest innovation from Under Armour, Sonic is a compression material that increases muscle power through ultra-tight fit. They call it a “second skin” because it provides the benefits of compression technology without sacrificing comfort so that you can wear it all day. Shirts, tanks, pants, shorts, they have it all.

Shop Men’s and Women’s HeatGear

This isn’t all about Under Armour. It’s Under Armour vs Nike, so let’s get to Nike!

Nike Dri-Fit

Basics:

Dri-Fit uses microfiber, polyester fabric to wick moisture from your body to the outer surface of the fabric so that it can evaporate quickly to keep you cool for a… dry fit. This sounds mighty similar to Under Armour’s signature moisture transport system.

What Does Nike Dri-Fit Provide?

Moisture Wicking – It does that whole ‘wick moisture from your body’ thing. This allows sweat to evaporate to keep you light and dry.

Dri-Fit UV – Provides minimum of 30 SPF to protect you from ultraviolet rays. This is only in certain Dri-Fit products so make sure you look for it on the label or tags!

LINES:

Nike Pro Dri-Fit –

Mesh panels and flat seams are featured in the Nike Pro Combat line to fit smoothly to the body for a close and comfortable fit. Different Pro products can be made of different materials so be sure to take closer looks at these.

Nike Legend Dri-Fit –

Crew neck and inside taping bring comfort through mesh design. Made of 100% recycled polyester and is constructed with flat-seam to reduce chafing.

–

Nike Miler Dri-Fit –

Basically the same as the Legend, but with added panels in the side improve mobility. 100% recycled polyester.

–

Nike Tailwind Dri-Fit –

This line features a mesh fabric panel and three eyelets in the underarm to provide air flow and reduce chafing. Nike designs this with flat seams to improve range of motion as well. Body is made of Dri-FIT 85% polyester/15% cotton. Side panel constructed of Dri-FIT 86% polyester/14% cotton. Also this line has a cool zip pocket at the waist/back for easily securing valuables when running.

Nike Knit Dri-Fit –

56% polyester and 44% nylon, the knit line is a soft touch Dri-FIT moisture-wicking fabric. Knit fabric is designed with mesh panels for lightweight ventilation.

The Conclusion:

We can breathe easy, the information dump is over.

The major benefit that these workout clothes provide is their moisture wicking/transportation systems. If you have never tried these products before, it is amazing how different a run, a game, or a workout can feel when wearing clothes that are specifically designed to improve your performance rather than simply not get in the way.

Both brands of performance apparel are great choices for your athletic activities, but there are so many fabrics and so many lines just within the HeatGear and Dri-FIT names. In my years of using these fabrics and diving deeper into their technology and construction, it seems as though any of the Nike products would work for me and feel great, but I can find the proper sportswear specific to my needs through the fabrics and fits that Under Armour provides.

Nike has proven that people love their comfortable, performance fabric, but it seems as though Under Armour, the originator of performance apparel, may have a multitude of additional benefits and defined options.

Making informed decisions is the best way to choose between Nike and Under Armour, but sometimes it takes trying both to truly understand!

What do you think?

Product Spotlight: Schutt Vengeance DCT Hybrid Youth Football Helmet

The health and safety of youth football players is paramount to players, coaches, parents, and us at Sports Unlimited. At the core of the safety concern is the helmet; the one piece of equipment that is designed to protect the brain. Using an improperly-sized helmet is just as detrimental as wearing a helmet that does not provide great protection from cushioning systems and advanced shell construction.

As safety is the most important portion of the decision-making process for buying a football helmet, price and style still have their place because gearing Junior up for football season is time-consuming and cash-consuming. With all exaggerated grandeur, I do now present to you the new Schutt Vengeance DCT Hybrid Youth Football Helmet!

With Schutt’s mastery of helmet design and construction, the Vengeance DCT Hybrid is built with advanced protection technology in the most critical areas at an affordable price. The front, crown, and back parts of the helmet are strategically protected with Dual Compression TPU (DCT) technology that has elite protection against high and low velocity hits. This is accomplished with one layer of hard TPU supplemented by one layer of soft TPU to maximize the absorption of shock from impact. Schutt’s extensive research and development have determined those areas (front, crown, and back) as the highest levels of impact, needing the most advanced defense. The sides of the helmet are lined with a vinyl nitrile padding that supports and protects the rest of the player’s head. The comfort liner allows the DCT Hybrid to rest properly on the youth player’s head for a snug fit, which is not only important for comfort, but also for safety through proper fit.

The immediately noticeable difference from this helmet to others is the brand new Vengeance shell design. The largest standoff of any helmet manufactured, the Vengeance shell provides greater impact absorption as well as strength. The shell is made of ABS plastic, which is lightweight and is featured on all Schutt youth helmets to bolster protection for any young player on the field. Another impact of the new shell design is a redesigned Faceguard Line with offset eyebrow bars to augment impact absorption. Along with the face mask change, Schutt introduces the Twist-Release System to aid in the event of injury. This allows the facemask to be removed quickly and easily.

Schutt is really pushing their TPU technology, which is yet again in the AiR Maxx Jaw Pads to protect the youngster’s face. TPU is the same material used to make United States Armed Forces fighter pilot helmets. The advanced protection of this helmet through Dual Compression TPU, Vengeance Shell design, and new Faceguard Line is truly shocking at the $84.95 price.

Expertly designed and packed with new protection technology, this helmet is one that we recommend with great fervor. You can’t beat the price at Sports Unlimited and don’t forget that we’re rooting for the overall safety of all players and of course, your team!

I leave you with a video of the Doug, our Web Team Leader and the DCT Hybrid…

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXeeI3x_pKc]

By Isaac Clark

Isaac is a writer at Sports Unlimited.