Sports Unlimited Blog

Outdoor Games For The Summer 2018

Memorial Day weekend is finally here! At Sports Unlimited, we look forward to the unofficial start to summer. It’s a long winter here in the northeast, and we’re ready to get out and enjoy everything the beautiful weather has to offer. From backyard bbq’s with family and friends, to trips to the beach, and outdoor games and activities, it just doesn’t get any better!

We can’t be there to flip burgers and hotdogs for you, but we can provide you with the best selling outdoor games this summer. Here is a list of some of our favorites, along with high rated customer picks.

The Park & Sun Spectrum Classic Volleyball Set – It’s called the classic for a reason, because it’s a summer staple year after year. Whether it’s a graduation party, birthday celebration, or summer bbq, everyone can enjoy some volleyball fun. It’s easy to setup, portable, and comes in a variety of net colors.
St. Pierre American Professional Series Horseshoe Set – Made of solid steel, these American made horseshoes are finished with a powder coating to resist chipping and wear. Whether you’re a casual player, or take your game a little more serious, this set works for everyone. Perfect for the backyard or beach.
Victory College Cornhole Set – If you have a favorite college team, then Victory probably has a cornhole game for your school. They have hundreds of schools to choose from, with many designs for each team. Not only do these sets look good, they’re also made in the USA with high quality materials. They’re constructed cabinet grade 1/2″ birch plywood tops, and strong 2 x 4 frames and legs. These cornhole boards blow the competition away. No cheap plastic here.
Morey Cruiser 42.5″ Bodyboard – Beach goers will love this classic bodyboard! It’s easy to grip, maneuver, and contours for proper body positioning. The slick bottom will help you maximize speed so you can ride
waves like never before! It’s recommended for riders 160 – 210 pounds.
Park & Sun Badminton Pro Set – Another summer classic from Park & Sun. It includes everything you need to play, including a weather resistant net, four steel frame rackets, and three shuttlecocks. This set is easy to setup and will be a family favorite. A great game for all ages!

These are just a handful of the many backyard games we offer at Sports Unlimited. Check out all of our outdoor games including other summer classics like bocce, washers, croquet, ladder golf, and more!

– Steve

Golf Gifts For Father’s Day 2018

Father’s Day is just a month away, and if you’re like me, you’ll be scrambling for gift ideas two days before. You might pick out a new tie or dress shirt, or perhaps a fancy belt, just to remind him he has work the next day. Well don’t be that son/daughter, get him a gift that he’ll actually want to use and enjoy.

If your dad likes to spend his summer days on the golf course, we have a number of golf training aids that are simple to use, yet provide valuable feedback. To make things easier on you, I’m recommending two of our hottest selling training aids for 2018.

First, we have The Hanger from Watson Golf. This tool is used to promote muscle memory in your swing for consistent, crisp golf shots. From addressing the ball, to your backswing, and follow through, you’ll get a feel for where your arms, hands and wrist should be positioned. It provides feedback at the moment of impact, so you can make sure your hands and club face are in the proper position at impact. It’s super easy to attach to any golf iron, and is available for both right and left handed golfers. Check it out here, along with a video which explains in more detail.

The second product I recommend is The Navigator. This training aid is designed to help with your putting game. This isn’t some fancy contraption that requires a list of directions, a golf pro, and $500 worth of golf lessons. You simply attach it to your putter (works on any putter), and go to work on the putting green. The biggest challenge golfers on all skill levels have when putting is aligning the putter face squarely, and following through on the path intended. Many times, a golfer will read the putt correctly, but when it comes time to putt they don’t hit the ball squarely, resulting in either a pull to the left, or push to right. This tool will help with alignment when both addressing the ball and following through with the putt. Check out it now!

Those are only two options for a golf training aid to get for Father’s Day this year, but there are plenty more at Sports Unlimited in our golf section. If you’re reading this late and getting something last minute, make sure to check for the “In Stock // Ships Super Fast!” message because all In-Stock Orders Placed before 3PM ET Weekdays will ship out the same day!

– Steve

New 2018 Adult and Youth Football Shoulder Pads from Sports Unlimited

For the first time in Sports Unlimited’s history as a major equipment retailer, football shoulder pads have been added to the Sports Unlimited branded product roster. With so many years of experience selling the best shoulder pads in the world from companies such as Schutt, Riddell, Douglas, Gear Pro Tech, Xenith, X-Tech, and more, 2018 is the time to add Sports Unlimited to that list of equipment brands. Using customer feedback, extensive football gear knowledge, and an in-house design and testing team, the PROSPECT ($42.95) for youth and PROSPECT PRO ($114.95) for adult have been released. Take a look at the designs below.

Sports Unlimited Prospect Youth Shoulder Pads

The 30 years of experience Sports Unlimited has had as a retailer helps it break into selling its own products because using the millions of interactions directly with customers and seeing the successes and failures of selling other brands provides a deep knowledge of products across the category. As a small business in America, it takes creativity and the ability to change who you are to compete with the biggest stores in the world and going from a sports equipment retailer to a sports equipment brand and retailer is a necessary move to combat those challenges.

Sports Unlimited Prospect Pro Adult Football Shoulder Pads — Sports Unlimited Prospect Pro Adult

The goal for developing the Prospect line was to create superb quality, lightweight, and cheap football shoulder pads that would stand up against the already well-known brands in the industry. Football is an expensive sport to play with equipment to buy for every part of the body and dealing with so many players, parents, and coaches over the years, it’s important to provide these people that are passionate about football an option that is able to balance on the line of quality and price. If someone can afford $600 shoulder pads, a $600 football helmet, cleats, pants, girdle, gloves, jerseys, back plates, among other equipment, that’s fantastic (and Sports Unlimited can provide it), but that isn’t true of the vast majority of football players and parents. The game should be accessible. Gear should be accessible. And that shouldn’t come at the cost of quality or safety. The Prospect and Prospect Pro for youth and adult aim to make the game more accessible through low costs, but also without being ‘cheap’.

Product Info:

The Prospect Pro uses a flat pad design, dual density foam, and stainless steel hardware among other great features that have had first users saying it is “amazingly light, breathable, comfortable, and [gives] the best range of motion”. The youth pad is built for all positions, uses an extended body length design with double layer EVA foam. As always, the best place to look for more features and specifications for these football shoulder pads is on the product pages themselves at SportsUnlimited.com. If you want more information about the differences between the adult and youth versions of these shoulder pads you can check out our comparison page here: Adult vs. Youth Shoulder Pads Comparison.

SHOP NOW

2017 Best Gifts – For Her

Black Friday has past, and so has Cyber Monday. But we know most guys won’t start their holiday shopping until the last minute leaving them desperately searching for the right gift. Sure jewelry is always a great choice, but we know what you like and what she likes aren’t always the same thing. In an effort to avoid the inevitable scenario where you get her something you think she’ll like, only to find it stashed away a few months later, we’re here to help. We’ve had the female staff select a few gifts we’re sure any lady in your life will enjoy receiving this holiday season. So for all the procrastinators out there, here is a guide to some gifts she’ll love, whenever you get around to it.

Patagonia Re-Tool Snap-T Fleece

One thing everyone loves is to be comfortable and cozy during the winter. What could be better than to gift that feeling in a piece of clothing every time they put it on? Look no further that the Re-Tool Snap-T Fleece pullover from Patagonia. Even just from the look of it, you know that it’s going to have you feeling like you back in bed under the covers. Its Deep-pile fleece of 51% recycled polyester keeps the warmth in with its extra-long fibers. The stand-up collar features double fleece, keeping your torso warm from the neck down. Complete with yoke and princess seams (we know you don’t know what that means) that add contour the fit. So if you are looking for a smart and easy decision, the Re-Tool Snap Fleece from Patagonia is lay-up when it comes to gift giving this holiday season.

Sorel Joan of Arctic Snow Boots

Now getting any women a pair of shoes is territory most men will steer clear of, and for good reason. But these Sorel Joan of Arctic Snow Boots are totally different story. When the deep of winter is here, and the snow is piling up, there are few boots that will stand up to the elements like pair of Sorels. Waterproof from top to bottom with seam-sealed construction keeps you dry and a removable felt lined inside keeps you warm. Faux fur cuffs keeps them fashionable and the vulcanized rubber outsole makes them functionable in wintery conditions. These are the perfect choice to get that, “Wow, I actually like these!” reaction.

The North Face Aconcagua Vest

Keeping with the “Warm and Comfortable” theme, the Aconcagua Vest from The North Face comes in as another sure fire gift for her this holiday season. Soft to the touch and insulated with 550 fill goose down, this vest is perfect for those who want to keep their core warm on the go. The active fit means there are no restrictions, giving her mobility and a generous range of motion. This insulated down vest is ideal as a layer in the coldest winter months, or as an in-between as warmer weather approaches. This again is a great option for the guy who has left himself little time to decide.

Spyder BRRR Berry Hat

It may be smaller in size, but that won’t diminish its ability to make her happy on the morning of the 25^th.The Spyder BRRR Berry hat is just the right size to make it a great stocking stuffer. With a hand knit construction and popcorn style stitch, you may be able to convince her you knitted it yourself! But a warm fleece liner and logo charm on the side will let her know that it was made by the trusted people at Spyder. Keep their ears warm and the smile large with the BRRR Berry hat this Christmas.

Nathan Chroma Steel Ombre Water Bottle

Our final pick for our suggested gifts for her is simple in concept. The Nathan’s Chroma Steel water bottle is exactly as it sounds. A steel water bottle that keeps your hot drinks warm and cold drinks cool. Perfect for the office, home, or on the go. But the Ombre color styling on the outside lets her know you picked it out just for her. Great for that last gift for the stocking, or even an additional gift if you aren’t sure the first one is good enough. Whatever the situation may be, the Nathan’s Chroma Steel Water Bottle is never a bad solution.

Written By Dylan Hamilton, Sports Unlimited

Black Friday Sale – 2017

The turkeys aren’t even in the oven yet, but the deals are already plentiful at SportsUnlimited.com. Black Friday may not officially be here, but the savings you expect have come a few days early. You can commence your holiday shopping knowing you’re getting amazing savings on the gear everyone is hoping for this year. Big name brands like Under Armour, Adidas, Nike, and more are all stocked in our warehouse and ready to ship same day. This means you not only save, but also avoid the stress of not knowing if your gifts will arrive in time for the holidays.

This year’s Black Friday Sale is offering savings at three different tiers, allowing you build up your order and increase the savings. For those just picking up one or two smaller items, you can look forward to saving $10 on any order over $50. For those crossing a few people off their list, or perhaps picking up a new field hockey stick for Christmas, you can expect to receive $20 off any order over $100. Anyone who is looking to make the most of this year’s savings, and might be considering a new football helmet, will be delighted to receive $30 off any order over $150. Whatever it is you are looking for, there are some serious savings to be had this season.

Also available through Sports Unlimited this Black Friday is some great savings on outerwear brands Patagonia, Helly Hanson, Marmot, and The North Face. Receive up to 30% off select styles, and give someone a gift they’ll thank you for all winter long. This includes popular items like the Patagonia Better Sweater and The North Face Thermoball. Do not sleep on these amazing savings and take advantage of the deals before they’ve disappeared like the pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving.

Written By Dylan Hamilton, Sports Unlimited

2017 Best Gifts – For Guys

This time of year, you are probably already being hit with a wave of holiday decorations, Christmas music, and seasonal sales. And while the last of the Halloween candy may not be eaten, many of us are already shopping for the perfect gift. We aren’t sure what this year’s hottest gift will be, but we’ve got a pretty good idea what will make any guy smile on the morning of the 25^th.

We’ve gathered some of this year’s coolest gear, in an effort to help you sift through endless advertisements and keep you out of the crowds on the morning of Black Friday. With a wide range of sporting goods and apparel, there’s little doubt that there is something for every guy here.

Hyperice Vyper 2.0 Foam Roller

Anyone who’s active these days seems to have roller laying around the house or gym. But what you’ll quickly discover is that this isn’t your typical piece of cylindrical foam. The Hyperice Vyper 2.0 is the next generation in muscle recovery, which is why it’s trusted by professional athletes across the globe. The Vyper 2.0 provides three speeds of high intensity vibration which make it twice as effective at helping you warm up, activate, and recover. You can use this new piece of fitness technology to improve your flexibility and circulation, while also reducing soreness and stiffness. Complete with a rechargeable battery that lasts over two hours, you can be sure any active guy would love this addition to their workout routine.

Timbuk2 Command Messenger Bag

Sleek and chalked full of thoughtful features, the Command Messenger Bag from Timbuk2 is a must have for any guy on the go. With seemingly an endless number of pockets, organized storage is at a premium. Quick entry storage is obtained through it Napoleon side-entry pockets (think of any portrait painting of Napoleon) allowing you to get to things on the move without the hassle of undoing the flap. You’ve also got a zipper secured lap top and tablet pocket on the back, which keeps your most valuable items safe and close by. The list of features seems to go on and on, but what you can know for sure is that this bag was meticulously designed to meet the demands of any situation.

Patagonia Better Sweater ¼ Zip

You may be hesitant to pick up any gift with the word “sweater” in it. But if you haven’t owned a Better Sweater from Patagonia, you truly are missing out on one of life’s joys. This is not a new product for 2017, but there is a reason it continues to be a best seller. The outside is sweater-knit polyester, which feels as good as it looks. The inside is lined with a soft fleece that keeps you warmer than you could have imagined. The ¼ zip version of the Better Sweater is notably popular for its versatility. Fashionable enough to be worn on a night out and durable enough to survive a relentless winter. “Man, I’m really disappointed with this Better Sweater” – No Guy Ever.

Mobile Warming Vinson Touch Button Heated Vest

Many will spend the holidays dealing with cold conditions, and what could be better than the gift of warmth. Not quite a trip to the Caribbean, but the Vinson Heated Vest from Mobile Warming will certainly keep any guy a lot warmer this winter. Originally designed for the outdoor enthusiast, its water resistant outer shell is ideal for hiking, skiing, and hunting. This heated vest can be worn under a jacket for extra warmth, or all on its own. Its simple push button operation allows you to easily change the temperature settings, and has the power to reach up to 135 degrees Fahrenheit. The 7.4V lithium-ion battery last up to six hours, meaning you can carry comfort around with you. Perhaps not the flashiest gift this Christmas, but a few hours into some cold weather exposure, and there surely isn’t anything they would be more thankful for.

The North Face Thermoball Mitts

Coming from The North Face, you know these Thermoball Mitts are all business when it comes to keeping you warm. Using the same features from their popular Thermoball Jackets, The North Face has repurposed this versatile warmth to cover the first thing that seems to get cold, your hands. Using clustered PrimaLoft synthetic insulation, you get the warmth of down but the improved performance in wet conditions. The synthetic material dries out quickly, meaning you’re back on the go in no time. Packs easily into a stowpocket (or stocking), making it a great little gift for any guy, big or small.

Written By Dylan Hamilton, Sports Unlimited

Breaking Down the Best in Winter Vests

The temperature has finally begun to drop, as falls late arrival will undoubtedly be met with an early arriving winter. As we pack away the shorts, sandals, and memories of summer, there are a few things we can look forward to. Of course there’s the holidays, snow days, and the Christmas cookies. But breaking out the cold gear or shopping for some new winter wear is always a great time. Dust off the scarfs and boots and head to your local coffee shop for a seasonally theme beverage.

But as you dress for the winter months, you’ll want to be sure you are properly prepared. The vest has made a return to the fashion world, as more men and women are turning to this functionable attire. Keeping your core warm and your arms free has been vital to those on the move. But with so many clothing brands delivering a range of options, it may be difficult to differentiate between them. Outerwear manufactures Patagonia, Columbia, and The North Face are all well known for producing quality apparel that is designed to handle the elements. Deciding which one is right for you can be tough. To make this shopping experience more enjoyable, we’ve broken down each vest’s fit and construction to help you selected the ideal garment.

Columbia Lake 22 Down Vest

Like the other brands featured, Columbia Sportswear needs no introduction. Headquartered in the Pacific Northwest, the folks at Columbia know a thing or two about outerwear. Their latest feature, of the sleeveless variety, is the Lake 22 Down Vest. Insulated with a 650 fill power down, this vest will keep your body temperate comfortably regulated whether you are on the move or not. It’s polyester shell is water resistant and you can even pack this vest into one of its zippered hand pockets for easy storage and travel. Of the three vests featured, this has the most relaxed or loose fit. It is also slightly longer in length than the other two, which could allow for it to be tucked in if used as a layer in the cold climate.

The North Face Aconcagua Vest

It should be of no surprise that infamous outerwear manufacture The North Face would produce a versatile vest built for the elements. Constructed from a water repellent shell, with 550 filled goose down, and synthetic-insulated side and shoulder panels. This unique design prevents the chill from getting to your core and keeps that ever important body heat close by when out in cold. As you would expect from an environmental aware brand like The North Face, the jacket uses more than 50% recycled materials and the carries the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) by Control Union. The fit on this vest is slightly slimmer than the Columbia, and also shorter in length. Works great for everything from holiday shopping in the city to hiking in the back country.

Patagonia Nano Puff Vest

Windproof, water resistant, and extremely efficient is exactly how you would describe the Nano Puff vest from Patagonia. The 100% recycled polyester shell and lining comes with the durable water repellent (DWR) finish. Unlike The North Face and Columbia vests, the insulation is 100% synthetic, made from top of the line PrimaLoft Gold polyester. What this means from a consumer standpoint is that this vest will keep you remarkable warm, whether it’s wet or dry. For those that are really active or moving indoors and out, you may find synthetic insulation is too effect at retaining heat. If this is your primary use, a down vest could be a better option. The Nano Puff is also much thinner and more form fitting than the other vests, making it ideal to be used as an underneath layer if you are exposed to long periods of low temperatures. Complete with an adjustable drop-tail hem and an internal pocket that doubles as storage bag, this Patagonia vest is a perfect choice if you are looking to add some extra warmth to your wardrobe this winter.

written by Dylan Hamilton, Sports Unlimited

A Universal Sports Training Aid Changing the Game

Athletes everywhere are always looking for a way to gain that extra inch, half second, or mile per hour that will change their game. Across all forms of athletics, sports training aids have been a way for competitors to increase strength and improve form through repetition. One of the more common types of training aids is a resistance device using weights or weighted equipment. We have all seen the baseball bat weighted ring, a weighted basketball, or one of the countless golf training tools. But what these all have in common is that they are sport specific. Younger athletes are often involved in a multitude of activities, playing different sports every season of the year. This has meant you were buying different training aids for different sports, filling your garage up with gadgets that were going to get your son or daughter a full ride. One company addressed this issue and designed a weighted training aid that work for a variety of sports like never before.

This company was LaceUp, and their idea was the Training Lace. This bendable, weighted “Lace” allows you to add weight to your bat, stick, wrist, racket, and more! Available in several different weights, the Training Lace is making an impact across the sports spectrum. Originally designed as a weight for a lacrosse stick, the Training Lace has become more dynamic than was originally thought. Now it is being worn by basketball players and swimmers on their wrists, tennis players on their rackets, baseball and softball players on their bats, as well as ice and field hockey players on their sticks. The list seems to be continuously growing, and new ways to use this little device are being developed every day.

What makes the Training Lace so valuable beyond its versatility is its adjustability. Specifically looking at it as a baseball training aid, this bat weight is different than your traditional ring. Unlike other baseball bat weights, the Training Lace does not move on contact, thus keeping the swing smooth which allows you to maintain form. The other unique feature is that you can move the weighted lace to different areas of the bat to focus on specific parts of the swing. Put the Lace on the middle of the bat to target bat path and plane. Move it down towards the handle to work on getting the “knob to the ball” and preventing you from letting your hands lag or drag. Using the Training Lace in batting practice or the cages can lead you to see an immediate improvement in your swing.

LaceUp has designed a product that truly can benefit athletes everywhere. From youth sports to the professional level, the Training Lace develops strength that will enhance performance. Lace up your training regime with the Training Lace today.

Written By Dylan Hamilton, Sports Unlimited

Introducing the Schutt F7 Football Helmet

The football community has been anxiously awaiting the newest unveiling from helmet manufacturer Schutt. It’s been years of research, development, and prototypes, but the time has come. Worn by the best professional and collegiate players, and now available for purchase, is the innovative Schutt F7 football helmet. Using the most advanced impact absorption system on the football field, the F7 is a revolutionary new level of protection.

When first seeing the new F7, the most apparent and important new design feature is the Schutt Tektonic Plates. These separated panels of poly-carbonate, with TPU cushion below, are specifically placed in the areas of the helmet most susceptible to big collisions. Adding these independently moving external layers allows the helmet to better absorb the impacts experience on the field, and improves the helmets performance against rotational forces.

One staple in the Schutt football helmets is their use of TPU Cushioning. Proven as an elite absorption material in any climate, the new F7 football helmet is loaded with. Featuring TPU in the Tektonic plates, the lining of the inside, and a newly design front pad. Developed to provide the same level of protection hit after hit, throughout a long season.

A feature found in several of the new football helmets from Schutt is their Helmet Stabilization System (HSS). A large jaw pad configuration that frames the face delivers a more secure fit. Constructed from impact foam wrapped in fireman leather, the helmet is more comfortable than ever. Also part of the HSS design are the stabilizers on the inside and outside of the helmet, which provide strength and durability.

Just like a luxury car, the features on this seem to be endless. Titanium facemask make it 60% lighter and extremely durable. Rapid Release quarter turn hardware let you take the facemask on and off quickly. The SUREFIT Air Liner allows you to easily adjust the helmets fit with the addition or subtraction of air. All of this is found on the most advance helmet shell ever produced by Schutt. Engineered Flexural Resistance in the back shelf and temporal wings allow the TPU Cushioning below the surface to perform at its best.

While the impacts on the football field are still momentous, and the repercussions significant, the Schutt F7 is an step in the right direction in making the game we love safer. It will take more creative thinking, like that which went into the designs of the F7, that will continue to push the advancement of protection for football players everywhere.

Written By Dylan Hamilton, Sports Unlimited

What you need to know about the new Youth Baseball Bat changes for 2018

Most of those involved in youth baseball have had the date of September 1^st, 2017 circled on their calendar for some time now. That is because this will be the first day you can buy a new USA Baseball certified bat, which will be the requirement for a large majority of the youth leagues come January 1^st, 2018. This is part of a campaign that was designed to create “wood-like” performance standard in hopes of preserving long term integrity of the sport. Bat manufacturers have spent the last two years redesigning their bats to meet the new certification standards, and will begin selling them this coming Friday.

So who is that affecting? These standards will now be enforced on players under the age of 14 player in the leagues sanctioned by the following organizations:

American Amateur Baseball Congress (AABC)
Amateur Athletic Union (AAU)
Babe Ruth Baseball/Cal Ripken Baseball
Dixie Youth Baseball
Little League Baseball
PONY Baseball

This does not affect those participation in leagues or travel clubs under USSSA (United States Specialty Sports Association). Tee ball play will be impacted as well, but will allow more leniency as a certification sticker program that lets players to continue to use their current bats will be available.

So what is changing? With these new certifications comes a new standard of performance. Currently, the required Bat Performance Factor (BPF) was at 1.15. The new standard will be lower to replicate that of wooden bat. In a separate but comparable rating system, the performance testing used on NCAA/NFHS bats sets a limit at .500 BBCOR. The new USABats will be at .530 on that same BBCOR scale. Other changes will be that players in these leagues are now able to use the larger 2-5/8” barrels, and no drop weight limit means younger players can still use bats made from lightweight materials.

Some of that may seem a bit technical, but the gist is that the new standards will translate to a similar performance of a natural wooden bat. The good part of this process is that the bat manufacturers have done all the hard work. Companies like Easton and Rawlings have been tirelessly working to deliver the same reliability in the batter’s box that many players call on. As of Friday, you will get a look at their latest lab creations and see what they’ve cooked up for 2018. All you’ll have to be sure of is that the bats have the USABat certification stamp seen below.

You can also be sure that Sports Unlimited will have the best youth baseball bats for 2018 in stock and ready for same-day shipping. Check them out for all your baseball equipment needs for next season.

Written By Dylan Hamilton, Sports Unlimited