Sports Unlimited Blog

Kate Middleton the New Duchess of Field Hockey

Kate Middleton plays field hockey with the 2012 British Olympic Field Hockey Team, and even scores a goal!

If golf is truly the game of kings, then it seams field hockey is now the game of Duchesses, at least as of Thursday. That afternoon, Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, took to the field hockey pitch in London’s Olympic Park to join the British Olympic women’s field hockey team in a practice for the upcoming 2012 games.

A former captain of her high school field hockey team, Kate admitted it had been awhile since she took a field hockey stick out for a swing. But once she changed out of her street clothes into some less glamorous sneakers and a sweatshirt (although she still decided to keep her skin tight coral jeans on), and started handling the ball a bit, she seamed to relax and let her old talents resurface.

“The last time I played was 2005, maybe. ” Middleton said. “It feels like I haven’t held a stick for 10 years. This is going to be so embarrassing. My brain thinks I can do all these wonderful things but my body just doesn’t play ball.”

Playing, laughing, and shooting around with the British field hockey team and Olympic team captain, Kate Walsh, (as well as hordes of reporters and media also in attendance) Middleton flexed some of her old field hockey muscles, and even managed to score a goal…albeit on an empty net, and after four tries, but hey, she’s a Duchess now, so we’ll give it to her!

Kate Middleton high school Field Hockey career — Kate's high school field hockey days

Kate had asked to join the British Olympic field hockey team as part of her role as Olympic ambassador for the 2012 games, and although her new royal title doesn’t afford her much time to play regular team sports, she admitted that it’s a part of her old life she desperately misses.

“She told me that she missed playing as part of a team,” Kate Walsh said. “She also told me that she used to hit the penalty corners and you could see that. She got low and her shots were really sweet.”

Kate Middleton’s highly publicized visit has shed some additional light on an already growing sport, in both the states and across the pond. But although field hockey continues to gain traction amongst kids and adults, many parents and players are still unsure of the game and the rules. But by far the most complicated, and in turn the most important piece of the puzzle, is the field hockey stick. Although Kate plays with an elite level Adidas X24 Touch stick, it’s important to understand that just because a field hockey stick is more expensive, or more elite, doesn’t mean its right for you! Because field hockey sticks are made with a wide variety of materials, from wood to carbon, they all play differently. Less expensive wooden and composite sticks are less powerful, but are also a lot more forgiving for the new or developing player. On the other hand, expensive rigid, carbon and fiberglass sticks pack a ton of power in an unforgiving package, perfect for the well-trained, elite player like Kate (Or more accurately, like the 4th ranked British Olympic team). So if you or your daughter wants to play like a Duchess, just remember that you don’t have to spend like one! Look for a stick that works for your game…don’t just think that the most expensive is undoubtedly the “best.”

For more information on how to buy field hockey sticks, check out our field hockey stick buying guide, or browse our wide selection of field hockey sticks for beginners, competitive, advanced, and elite players.

By Brandon Porter.

Brandon is a product specialist at Sports Unlimited.

How to Buy a Baseball Glove

Buying a new baseball glove can be a confusing process. Most gloves look the same to the layman, so learn how buy a baseball glove, tell gloves apart, and find the one that works for your needs, and fits into your budget.

Handing down your old baseball or softball glove to your kids for a game of catch in the yard can be a loving rite of passage…and something moms and dads look forward to for a long time. But when it comes to serious little league games and beyond, that worn out old glove just isn’t going to pass muster. At some point, your kids are going to need a new glove, and hey…you might need one too! But to most new baseball moms and dads, all gloves look exactly the same.

So how do you tell baseball gloves apart, let alone find one that meets your needs and fits into your budget?

Glove Features:

Even I’ll admit that almost all baseball gloves have a similar look. But there are three main features of a glove’s build that make it unique, and determine its use and performance in the field. Recognize them, and an entire world of differences will open up before you:

Webbing – This connects the thumb of the glove to the fingers and expands the catching area well beyond the hand. There are many, many different types of webs, each with their own cool name (like the Modified Traz-eze web!), but they all generally fall within two categories:
- Closed Webs feature tight woven patterns of leather that create a solid, strong web.
- Open Webs use loose cross patterns of leather or leather lacing to create spaces between each piece of leather webbing, for a web you can see through.
Pocket – The indentation in the palm of the glove where the ball rests when it’s caught. Pockets range from shallow to deep, and pocket depth can affect your hold on the ball, as well as determine how long it takes to retrieve it from the pocket.
Back– The wrist closure of the glove.
- Open backs have a space above the Velcro adjuster for more flexibility around the wrist.
- Closed backs have no space for more strength and support.

Glove Patterns:

Every baseball glove on the market uses these three features in various combinations to create a unique glove “pattern.” This pattern, along with the size of the glove, tailors its performance to meet the needs of players at different positions around the diamond. For instance;

Outfielders need a longer reach, wider catching area, and added support to catch pop-flys. To meet their needs, outfielder glovestypically feature:
- A closed back for strength and wrist support
- An open web to see through when catching fly balls, filtering out glare from sunlight or stadium lights
- A deeper pocket for better hold on the ball
Infielders need to stop hard hit shots and make fast throws. To get that kind of performance, infielder gloves generally feature:
- Shallower pockets for faster catches and quicker throws
- Open backs for added wrist flexibility and faster movements
- Open webs for 3^rd basemen, to help field hard hit balls down their baseline,
- Closed webs for short stops, 1^st, and 2^nd basemen, for faster transfers from glove to throwing hand
Pitchers are less specific in their needs, and generally rely on personal preference in a glove pattern. But almost all pitching gloves use a closed web to help hide the ball and grip from the batter.
Catchers have a very specific role behind the bag, and all they’re typically worried about is catching the ball and not breaking their hand. That’s why catcher’s mitts are unique and finger-less, designed to protect the hand with heavy padding. A shallow pocket provides easy access to the ball for fast throws, and a closed web snaps shut when catching pitches.

When choosing a new baseball glove, it’s also important to consider the leather it’s built with. Leather quality has a dramatic affect on the glove’s durability, longevity, softness, performance, look, feel, and break-in time. It also happens to be a central factor in its price! High-end gloves with pro-stock, pro-choice leather, like the Wilson A2000, are definitely worth the price as they practically last forever, and can dramatically improve your game. However, if you’re looking for a youth baseball glove for your son or daughter, who is just starting out, playing in smaller leagues, or still growing rapidly, it’s not practical to buy such an expensive glove. Instead, check out Mizuno Prospect Series baseball gloves or Franklin baseball gloves, for a more affordable, but still high quality option.

This is a great year for baseball gloves, and there are tons of new 2012 baseball gear and gloves that you and your kids are sure to love! So look around, and use all of your new-found baseball glove knowledge to find something perfect. And if you still need some more help, be sure to check out our complete Baseball Glove Buying Guide.

By Brandon Porter.Brandon is a product specialist at Sports Unlimited.

Kobe Bryant’s Mask Keeps Him on the Court

Always one step ahead of the trends, Kobe Bryant is sporting a new look these days! Donning a “Richard Hamilton-style” clear plastic mask over his face and nose, the LA Lakers star admittedly looked a bit funny on the court Wednesday night. His dominating performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves, though, quickly quieted any lingering laughter in the crowd or at home. With 31 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists, all while wearing a new and custom-fit nose and face guard, Kobe showed what it means to play hurt.

Kobe Nose Guard

During Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game, an awkward foul from Miami Heat guard and buddy Dwyane Wade left Kobe with a broken nose, headaches, and dizziness, sending him back to Los Angeles worse for the wear and in the hands of physical trainers and doctors. After a battery of tests and concussion-reviews this week, Bryant was cleared to play Wednesday night’s game, with the custom nose guard, of course.

“It happens,” Bryant said. “You just have to deal with it and try to heal up as quickly as you possibly can, and get back on the court.”

Kobe’s sentiments are echoed by athletes across the country who refuse to let injuries keep them sidelined. From wrestlers to soccer stars, basketball players to martial artists, competitors young and old trust nose guards and face protectors to keep their injured noses safe and healing, so they can stay active and useful to the team. Although they may look awkward and funny to some, masks like the Bangerz HS-1500 Nose and Face Guard are safe and effective. They also feel comfortable and don’t hold you back. Just ask Kobe. A concussion and broken nose won’t keep him off the court. You think looking a little strange is going to stop him? I’ll let Wednesday night’s scoreboard answer your question there; 104 – 85, Lakers.

By Brandon Porter.

Brandon is a product specialist at Sports Unlimited.

The Latest Under Armour, Nike, and Mizuno Catchers Gear Sets

Behind the plate, you need that perfect combination of lightweight performance and durable protection in your gear, to enhance your natural abilities and keep you off the DL. Thankfully, in 2012, the three big names in baseball catchers gear are back with new catchers sets that combine industry experience, technological advancements, and new performance materials to improve your game like never before!

Nike Pro Gold 2012 Adult Baseball Catchers Gear Set:

Play like a pro, and look the part too, in this advanced and striking catchers gear set from the masters at Nike. Designed for advanced, adult catchers looking to up their game, each piece in this set is built for lightweight manuverability, comfortable ventilation, and tough-as-nails durability. We particularly love the Camo Cage technology in the helmet, which tints the inside of the facemask giving you a clearer, unobstructed view of the field.

Other interesting specs include:

Lightweight four-layer chest protector, designed with Dual-Density Energy Arrest Padding, that kills ball rebound, to keep wild pitches in front of you and speed up throws out to the field.
Layer of “diamond vent pattern” padding vents out hot air and reduces the weight of the chest protector.
Precision Protection System in the shin guards shifts protection to the medial side of the leg, covering high-risk areas not normally protected.
Reinforced high-wear areas keep the shin guards playing like new longer.

Mizuno Samurai 2012 G4 Pro Youth Baseball Catchers Gear Set:

The next generation of Mizuno quality behind the plate; the G4 delivers improved comfort, ventilation, protection, and performance for the youth catcher. Trusted by parents and loved by players all across the country, Mizuno catchers gear is designed for serious, competitive play and high performance.

The new Samurai G4 catchers helmet improves on last year’s popular design, with a 3-layer, impact absorbing EVA foam liner and adjustable, moisture-wicking jaw pads, for a safer, more comfortable fit.

The Mizuno G3 chest protector uses a DryLite liner to wick moisture and lessen weight, for quicker manuevering. Detachable, customizable wings and shoulder pads let you strike the perfect balance between protection and performance.

Flexible, durable, and protective, the Mizuno G3 leg guards utilize a detachable kneepad and triple knee cap, for maximum performance and fit. Stainless steel buckles and a Grip-Tech slip-proof coating maintain the perfect fit all game long.

Under Armour Senior Pro Baseball Catchers Gear Set:

Built with innovative Under Armour technology, performance materials, and strikingly intimidating style, the Under Armour Pro Series Catchers Gear Sets are perfect for the serious catcher of any age. With sets designed for adult, senior, junior, and softball catchers, Under Armour gives everyone the quality, performance, and comfort they need behind the bag.

Injection molded ABS shell helmet with I-Bar vision cage gives you pro-level protection with maximum visibility
Chest protector enhanced with plastic throat, shoulder, and abs inserts, plus low-rebound foam to keep the ball in front of you.
HeatGear material wicks moisture and kills odor-causing bacteria in the chest protector
Shin guard with triple knee cap and thicker plastic in high impact areas for maximum protection.
Breathable mesh lining and 38 ventilation holes keep legs cool and comfortable all game long.

By Brandon Porter.

Brandon is a product specialist at Sports Unlimited.

New Easton Lacrosse Helmet Debuts Adjustable Tilt

If you’re a lax fanatic, then you know how it feels to get the perfect tilt out of your lacrosse helmet; to hit the field with your helmet sitting low, like an ancient gladiator staring down a hoard of enemies…and maybe a tiger. You strive for it, rip apart your helmet for it, and adjust chin straps, buckles, and padding to get it to sit just right for the perfect tilt…that sick, intimidating look.

Thankfully though, some lacrosse players grow up to design lacrosse gear. If not for that, then Cort Kim, Blake Kim, and Doug Appleton would never have inspired Easton Lacrosse and lead designer Genia Harbenova to finally create the world’s first lacrosse helmet with adjustable tilt!

Enter the Easton Raptor Helmet! This baby is the end result of decades of lacrosse experience meeting genius design skill, blended together with Easton’s ridiculous resources and a drive to flip the game on its rear. And we have to say, they did one hell of a job! The Raptor is everything lax players have been dreaming of in lacrosse helmets. Its shell is made of a single piece of polycarbonate, with a single-piece, impact-absorbing EPP foam liner heat-bonded to the inside. What does all that jargon mean for you? Well basically, the Raptor Helmet is the lightest lacrosse helmet in the world (1.8 lbs / 28.8 ounces). That’s feather light. Leaf-in-the-wind light. Obscenely, should-be-illegal, outright ludicrously light! And that’s just the first thing you’ll notice when you pick up the Easton Raptor Lacrosse Helmet.

Put it on, and you’ll feel the difference immediately. First, you can barely feel it on your head. Second, it’s crazy comfortable. Let me repeat that, because it bears repeating. There’s actually a comfortable lacrosse helmet out there!

The difference with the Raptor, over any other helmet in the game, comes down to fit. Since the dawn of the modern game, lacrosse helmets have come in one size, with adjustable buckles, straps, laces, and maybe a micro-adjuster in the back…maybe. Easton Lacrosse threw that tired old model in the wood chipper and designed three different sizes (S/M, M/L, and L/XL). Then they went ahead and made each helmet completely customizable and adjustable…in every dimension. Get the best fit around your head with an In-Form Fit micro adjuster, the easiest-to-use fit band in the game. Adjust the helmet up and down, for the first time, with an innovative tilt system, to get the perfect helmet tilt, and avoid middle bar syndrome…all without going crazy adjusting chin straps and whatnot, or exposing the back of your head and chin to injury and impact. Heck, even the cheek pads come in two different thicknesses to give you that perfect, customized, comfortable fit!

But don’t think it’s all style and no substance here! When it comes to strength and performance, this Easton helmet doesn’t hold back either. Inside, the EPP foam liner delivers the maximum amount of thickness without adding weight. This way, it distributes impact energy over the widest possible area, reducing the risk of concussions and injury.

The chin bar is a separate piece, made of rigid fiberglass-filled nylon, for a stiffer, stronger construction than other injection-molded bars.

Easton tapered back the sides and top of the visor as well, intentionally shifting the steel facemask back and away from the face to improve facial protection, giving it a strikingly different look than other helmets out there.

We know it’s new, we know it looks cool…but trust us when we tell you; it’s so much more than that! The Easton Raptor Lacrosse Helmet is the future of lax gear, finally giving players the style, the tilt, and the safety they’ve been screaming about for years now. Also check out our lacrosse bags to store you new helmet, along with the rest of your lacrosse gear.

By Brandon Porter.Brandon is a product specialist at Sports Unlimited.

Schutt Justin Tuck Facemask Available at SU

By now you’ve probably seen it, and thought to yourself, “Wow…since when did Justin Tuck start wearing a chain-link fence around his face?” But then it probably dawned on you that now, nobody’s fat fingers can get at him, making him virtually impervious to grabs, eye injuries, and neck torques on the line! And later, I’m sure you found yourself thinking, “You know what, that actually looks pretty sweet and intimidating! Where can I get one?” Well funny you should think that my friend, because we’ve got them right here at Sports Unlimited!

Designed to fit his Schutt ION 4D football helmet, the strong carbon steel “Justin Tuck Custom Facemask” tweaks the traditional ROPO (Reinforced Oral Protection Only) facemask, delivering six horizontal bars across the face, just under the eyes, for maximum facial protection on the field. With this bar setup, there’s no space for other players to grab onto, keeping your eyes and face safe from pokes and gouges, and making it almost impossible for someone to twist your neck from your facemask. And bonus; it also looks incredibly awesome!

Schutt Energy Wedge Facemask Integration

Because it’s built for the Schutt ION 4D, the Justin Tuck facemask uses the popular energy wedge technology, integrating entirely into the helmet. With this specialized attachment, the facemask becomes a shock absorber; actually absorbing 15% more impact energy when you get hit. It also gives you an insanely wide field of vision, so even with the added bars, you get a great view of the field through the facemask.

Justin Tuck Facemask for Schutt DNA Helmet — Chris Canty wears Justin Tuck facemask on DNA Pro+

This sweet custom football facemask is also available for the Schutt DNA Pro + football helmet. Worn by New York Giants DT Chris Canty, the Schutt DNA ROPO “Justin Tuck” Custom Facemask packs the same aggressive look and protective six bar design in a facemask that fits the popular Schutt DNA line of helmets.

Everyone’s talking about it, and for good reason. So pick one up today and hit the grid iron with one of the baddest football facemasks in history!

By Brandon Porter.Brandon is a product specialist at Sports Unlimited.

New Life Is Good Spring 2012 Apparel!

With all of this cold, grey winter weather, the warm greenery of spring may seem impossibly far off. But to the people at Life is good, the scents of backdoor barbeques and fresh cut grass, the sounds of softly strumming guitars, and the joys of pure relaxation are never out of reach. That’s why we figured there was no better time than now to unveil the brand new Life is good spring line at Sports Unlimited, and to reveal our sweet new life is good deal! Stock up on these new styles, and when you buy 2 life is good shirts, get the 3rd 50% off! Sweet deal right?

2012 Life is good Women’s Spring Line:

Celebrating the many moods of the season, the new life is good women’s apparel spring line delivers a range of new, cool colors and styles, offering something for everyone and every occasion. Check out a few of our new favorites:

Perfect for all of those outdoor concerts this spring, the soft, semi-fitted Tune In Heart Women’s Creamy Graphic T-Shirt will keep you comfortable and uniquely stylish while you rock out to the sweet tunes of the season!
For cool spring nights under the stars, nothing is more cozy than the life is good Women’s Softwash Zippity Full Zip Hoodie!
The life is good Heart Four Seasons T-Shirt rocks a vintage style with a high-quality, feminine shape for a look that is all your own!

2012 Life is good Men’s Spring Line:

The latest life is good men’s wear continues to honor all that is man! From fishing to camping, golfing to barbecuing, life is good men’s spring apparel details the best parts of being a guy this season!

When there’s nothing better than just getting away from it all, make sure you take along the Life is good Man Cave Men’s T-Shirt!
Long sleeved and perfect for cool, evening baseball games with friends at the park, or in the stands under the big lights at the stadium, the Life is good Game On Baseball shirt will keep you comfortable and cool while you soak in the game.
The life is good Grill Seeker men’s t-shirt is a perfect gift for the master chef of your backyard!

Life is good for the kids too! The life is good kids apparel spring line has the coolest school clothes and weekend tee’s to keep them stylish, with that unique flare. Plus, there is no higher quality brand than life is good, so you know these shirts will last through years of horsing around!

Known for their unimaginably comfortable shirts and sweatshirts, sporting the cool colors of the seasons and uniquely heartwarming graphics, life is good has built their success by embodying happiness. What started with a simple t-shirt and the undeniably lovable grin of their character “Jake,” has evolved into full lines of apparel and accessories that define the many things that make life good! But it’s what life is good does outside of the stores that makes them really unique, and what makes them a favorite here at SU. Constantly and consistently charitable, life is good is dedicated to improving the lives of children everywhere, and hosts countless festivals every year to raise money for causes that bring joy and education to kids around the globe. So when you rock life is good this spring, know that you’re also making life a little better for others!

New 2012 Baseball and Lacrosse Gear is Here!

We know what it’s like. While most people are counting down the seconds to New Years, you’re counting down the days to the release of the latest and greatest lacrosse heads. While others are making new years resolutions, you’re already resolved to buying the lightest, strongest, and sickest looking new lacrosse shaft. And while all of your friends are bundling up against the winter cold, all you can think about is spring, when you get to break out that brand new 2012 baseball glove! Others may not get you, but we understand the itch for new gear. And unfortunately, there’s no ointment or cream to cure it. To trounce the competition this season, you’re going to need the edge, and that means getting the coolest, most advanced and technological gear for the New Year…before anyone else can get their hands on it.

That’s why we’ve already got all of the new 2012 lacrosse and baseball gear you’ve been jonesing for in stock and ready to go at Sportsunlimited.com! No pre-orders, no waiting around. In stock, ships to your door the next business day, in your hands and ready to rock, fast! You’ve waited all year for this stuff…why would we make you wait any longer?

New 2012 Lacrosse Gear

Ready to take your lacrosse game to a new dimension this year? Check out the brand new 2012 lines of lacrosse heads, shafts, gloves, and gear from Brine, Gait, STX, and Warrior.

Gait EXO CET Lacrosse Shaft

For insane checking and strength, look into the 2012 Gait EXO CET Mens Attack Lacrosse Shaft, enhanced with carbon fibers for extra checking power and protection from dents and dings.
We’ve also got the long anticipated 2012 Brine Swizzle Scandium Mens Attack Lacrosse Shaft, with the strength and lightweight speed of scandium, and a dominating new grip pattern, in every color imaginable.
To top that shaft, there’s the new M80X lacrosse head from Warrior, built with a durable scoop and perfect channel for incredible performance, plus double x sidewalls for crazy stiffness and strength, great for delivering serious poke checks!

In 2012, a few new players have entered the lacrosse game, and we’ve got ’em all! Under Armour and Easton have thrown their hats into the ring, and brought their decades of sports experience, knowledge, dedication, and resources to the game of games! See all of the new styles and technologies Under Armour Lacrosse, and Easton Lacrosse have brought to the table, and find what your game’s been missing.

New 2012 Baseball Gear

Wilson A2000 Pro Stock Josh Hamilton Glove

If you’re like us, and can’t wait for spring training to get here, then you’re in luck, because we also have all of the coolest 2012 baseball gloves, bats, and gear to fill that void in your life until baseball season. As expected, Wilson has outdone themselves again with new lines of the Wilson A2000 and A2K baseball gloves, including the new Wilson Pro Stock gloves from players like Evan Longoria, Brian Wilson, and Josh Hamilton. Rawlings and Mizuno have also stepped their games up, with brand new glove styles and technologies, including the latest 2012 Rawlings Playmaker Series Softball Gloves!

To help you slug like never before, Demarini, Easton, and Louisville Slugger have all developed new bats for 2012. Loaded with space-age technologies, enhanced with futuristic alloys, and wrapped in slick styles and graphics, new bats like the Easton Power Brigade BBCOR bat will get you off to a great start in 2012.

Behind the bag, 2012 Easton, Under Armour, and Mizuno catchers gear takes comfort, protection, and performance to the next level. The new Mizuno Samurai G4 Mens Baseball Catchers Set and Samurai G4 Pro Youth Catchers Set capitalize on the popularity and success of last year’s models, upping the ante with new strategic ventilation, more comfortable padding, and an innovative construction to keep you light on your feet and quick to the ball.

Whatever your game, we’ve got the sweetest new gear for the new year right here at Sports Unlimited. So since 2012 may be the last year we have left, why play with anything else but the greatest and most advanced equipment on the planet? And hey, if those pesky “end of the world” rumors turn out to be false, at least you’ve got new gear right?

Heated Jackets and More Hot New Gadgets for the Holidays

Do you want to give the gift that gets the most “Oh’s” and “Ah’s” this year? The gift that they’ll remember, and also turns the neighbors a slight shade of jealous green? Then I’ll pass along some advice my father gave me years ago; “Get me some new cool stuff for once!” Ah, dad was always so forthcoming with the nuggets of knowledge…

Seriously though, what’s cooler than the latest new technology and new gadgets?

How about something hot? No Paris, not like that. I mean, actually hot.

Something that combines the latest technologies and coolest gadgetry with warm toasty heat!

Well, if you read the title of this blog post, then you know we’ve already got you covered.

Heated jackets, heated vests, heated boots, and heated socks have come to Sports Unlimited, and they are literally the hot ticket items this holiday season (sorry for the bad pun, but I couldn’t help myself)! Designed with the most advanced microwire and space-age compound heating panels, all powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, these pieces of heated clothing and heated apparel warm you to the core this winter. With technologies originally developed for the U.S. military, companies like Ansai and Gerbings have recently lead the charge (sorry, the puns keep on coming!) of bringing electronically heated vests, jackets, and heated gloves to the masses, in fashionable, casual, and comfortable designs, colors, and style

Other companies, like Columbia and Wenger, have developed and perfected the electric heated boot, to keep your toes, feet, and ankles nice and toasty when you trek out into the chill this season! The Bugathermo and Boar heated boots are perfect for the adventurer, hiker, or snow-shoveler in your life.

And speaking of hot winter gadgets for the holidays, check out the latest in winter glove technology! Didn’t know there was winter glove technology? Well then, it’s time to meet the North Face Etip gloves! The coolest thing to happen to gloves since the mitten, the North Face Etip features innovative material on the fingers that actually let you use your touch screen Smart Phones, iPod, iPad, and other iParaphernalia right through the glove! No more sliding off your gloves to make a call, or trying to change the song with your cold nose. Now your hands can stay warm while you stay connected thanks to these and similar touch gloves.

Finally, for the guy or gal on the go in your life, we present the Nathan VITAband! Now, this isn’t a winter-specific gadget, and it won’t keep you warm in the winter, but we all know how much runners are obsessed with the latest and greatest athletic gadgets andgizmos, and this one is honestly way too cool not to tell you about here. Get this; the Nathan VITAband is the first ID bracelet that stores emergency contact information and a personal emergency profile, and also acts as a convenient contactless payment system for water, energy bars, and other goodies on the go! That means you just strap on the lightweight wrist band, and that’s all you need. No more running with a wallet in your pocket, or a couple dollars and your ID clipped into your sports bra. You link the debit chip in the band to a credit card, load your personal emergency medical info onto the service and you’re safe, secure, and protected whenever you head out for a long run. Trust me, this is going to be the “it” gift of the season, and will make a perfect stocking stuffer for active folks, so get in on it early and pick one up at Sports Unlimited.