winter Archives | Sports Unlimited Blog

Sports Unlimited Internship Program – Winter 2014

The Sports Unlimited Internship Program (SUIP) has been developed to help students pursue a career within the sports industry, while gaining realistic hands on experience and knowledge.

The SUIP accepts candidates of either undergraduate or graduate students. As well as gaining experience, students will be paid for their time and efforts.

We are currently looking for Interns to work during their Holiday Break. Students can expect to work 40 hours a week.

The maximum of two interns will be selected per term and each will aid Sports Unlimited in achieving its overall mission through product knowledge, multitasking, team coordination and great positive attitude.

Office Location:

Our corporate headquarters are located at 346 Godshall Drive in Harleysville, PA.

Work Hours:

Shift times differ, however we will be open Monday-Friday around the hours 830-9pm. Saturday and Sundays times differ and will not be more than 8 hour days. There will be opportunities at which you will be asked to work certain weekend days and nights.

General Intership Description/Duties:

Work along side other departments to make sales and serve our customers

Gain product knowledge translate information to customer helping them make informed decisions

Answer customer phone calls

Provide customers outstanding service

Enter phone-in orders into our order management system

Problem Solving and Multi-tasking

Compensation:

This is a paid internship which differs for every candidate and will be discussed if given the internship opportunity.

Parking:

Free parking is directly outside our location.

Evaluation:

Interns will be evaluated at the end of term. The evaluations are used as a tool to help improvement of the program and the intern’s development. Constructive criticism is vital and used to determine if the job duties and working conditions match the intern’s interests and expectations.

Application Procedure:

Interested candidates should take the following steps to submit their application for consideration:

Cover Letter
Resume
A minimum of three (3) references

We request that all applications be emailed to:

CustomerService@sportsunlimited.com

Please include Name & Winter Intership 2014 in the subject line

End of Season Sale – Winter Edition

It has been cold, quite cold. And as you tire of polar vortexes or vortices or whatever horrifying scientific terms you discover, I want to assure you that winter *does not* last forever. So I am declaring the end of winter. Oh? Well, winter is not technically over, but I am over it. Be gone, I say!

And with the (fake) end of winter, we arrive at the Winter End of Season Sale. Hip, hip, brrr…ay!

Take advantage of some ridiculous deals on The North Face, Under Armour, Patagonia, Sleds, Bern, Oakley and more.

Click the big, beautiful graphic (courtesy of our web-genius, Doug) to land on our Sale!

Polar Vortex, Polar Shmortex

What Are the Differences Between Ski Jackets and Snowboard Jackets?

Learn the differences between ski and snowboard jackets, to find the right winter jacket for sport.

At first glance, there really aren’t any. All ski and snowboard jackets are water-proof, durable, and great in the snow…and honestly, for most people the terms are pretty interchangeable. But for serious skiers and snowboarders, there is a world of difference between snowboard and ski jackets. Put them back to back, and these disparities quickly become evident.

Traditional skiing jackets are built for mobility, comfort, and performance. They’re streamlined, sleek, lightweight, and fully featured to seal out cold air and snow.

Ski jackets are typically more fitted shells, cutting down on excess material to improve speed and aerodynamics on the mountain. Style wise, most ski jackets are simply patterned, with bright and sometimes loud color combinations. They stand out, but don’t push the envelope, focusing on performance over bold style.

Alternatively, snowboard jackets are inspired by, and aimed at skateboarders, surfers, motocross, and bmx riders. They’re designed by guys like Shaun White, and companies like Burton, Oakley, and Billabong. In other words, (and not surprisingly so) snowboard jackets are street styled for the thrill-seeking kids who would be into snowboarding! So you’ll find more edgy, artistic patterns and designs in snowboarding jackets than you’d usually find in skiing jackets. Similarly, snowboarding jackets are baggier and longer than skiing jackets, for a younger, more urban look than the streamlined, fitting, and fast performance skiing jackets offer.

Why different?

Snowboard and skiing jackets are different for two reasons; they’re aimed at different audiences, and they’re meant for different sports.

Skiing comes from a racing tradition, which has always focused on speed and finesse. Thus, you get bright colors, lightweight fabrics, and shorter hems in a skiing jacket. After all, skiers need extra mobility in both of their legs for better forward and backward movement. For most skiers, style is secondary to speed, mobility, and comfort, so skiing jackets try to deliver accordingly.

On the other hand, snowboarding evolved from skateboarding and surfing…two sports that have always been closely intertwined with style, street fashion, music, and fringe art. So it should come as no shock that snowboarding jackets feature boundary-pushing patterns and colors, modern media integration, and a more youthful look to them with long, baggy styles.

Performance wise, their bagginess and extra length are generally better for snowboarding as well, which is more park-oriented than racing specialized, focusing more on tricks, grinds, and grabs, than making quick runs down the mountain. Baggy jackets make it easier to move your arms and torso for tricks, and the extra length makes it more comfortable to sit on the snow in between heats.

You see the same differences in skiing and snowboarding pants. Traditional ski pants are straight hemmed, lightweight, and roomy enough to move in, but definitely designed for fast and active movement. Snowboarding pants, like snowboarding jackets, are baggy, heavier, more colorful, and lined with pockets and extras, for the more style-focused snowboarder.

What’s the same?

Ski and snowboard jackets are interchangeable for most people because generally, they do the same things and have a lot of the same features. Most are designed with similar water-proof shells, helmet-compatible hoods, adjustable cuffs, high collars, and most importantly, snow skirts, to prevent snow and ice from getting into the jacket. They both focus on keeping you warm, dry, and comfortable in the extreme cold of the mountain, and since both types of jackets are meant for active sport, they’re both performance-oriented.
At the end of the day, the differences between these two types of winter-sports jackets are negligible for most people, especially those just starting out. But since they differ functionally and stylistically, these jackets can definitely have an effect on your comfort and performance in the powder. For instance, if you’re a skier wearing a snowboarding jacket, it’s probably going to slow you down, catching the air like a sail and holding you back. Concurrently, if you’re a snowboarder wearing a skiing jacket, it’s probably going to be too tight for you to pull off any big grabs or tricks. All-in-all, it’s important to find the right jacket for your game before heading up the mountain.

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

Fast Fantom X Sled Puts a Modern Spin on Classic Winter Ride

The Wham-O Fantom X is the best sled on the market, updating the design of your classic wooden flyer with the latest metal alloy construction. Pivoting skis and a turning handle make it easy to maneuver, and make it the fastest thing on the hill this year!

The snow is on its way! And if you’re looking to really slice up the sled run this year, it’s time to toss old “Rosebud” in the furnace and get with the times. The Fantom X sled from Wham-O is now the standard in winter sledding! Whether you’re bringing the kids out to the freshly fallen powder of your backyard, or taking on the packed-down slickness of the local sledding hill, the advanced design and sleek style of the Fantom X absolutely dominates.

Similar in design, but technologically superior in every way to your classic wooden flyer, the Fantom X is seriously the fastest thing on the hill, and gives you plenty of control and comfort, well over anything else you’ve sledded on before.

I give it such high marks, not to try and push the sled on you, but because it truly is one of the coolest winter snow toys I’ve ever used! Not only does it ride faster and further than most other sleds, is durable and well-made, but it also looks like the sled of the future. Probably why it’s easily one the best-selling sleds for the passed few years running!

Made with a cool metal alloy frame and lightweight nylon mesh seat, the Fantom X holds up to regular use and abuse, and even stands up to humps and jumps along your run. Designed with a bike-style handle bar and two pivoting skis, the sled is easy to maneuver as you fly down the incline.

Now, to be honest, you’re not going to be slaloming Olympic-style, down any neighborhood hill. But it’s got more than enough turning power to get around obstacles like trees, dirt mounds, or other sledders that might be in your way. And thanks to its wide ski design, you get that kind of maneuverability on any type of snow, in any weather condition!

Sized right, for kids 8 and up, the Wham-O Fantom X even fits me comfortably, at 6′ 2″, 190 lbs, making it a perfect sled for everyone in the family. Kids can ride two at a time, but parents, you’ll probably feel better sledding solo. Easy to use sitting up or lying down, so everyone’s comfortable, no matter how long they’ve been sledding.

I honestly can’t say enough about this killer winter sled. It’s easily the fastest sled I’ve ever tried…almost too fast at times, and still gives you the feel of that classic wooden flyer. The lightweight alloy makes it easy to pick up and just carry back up the hill, so you really don’t have to exert a ton of energy hauling it back to the top. And with such a durable design, you’ll get seasons of fun times out of it.

But please, no matter which sled you choose this winter season, be safe out there! Keep your eyes open for other sledders, and only sled in safe areas, away from traffic and thin ice. Have a great winter and enjoy sledding season!

By Brandon Porter.

Brandon is a product specialist at Sports Unlimited.

What’s New with Hoodies These Days?

Check out the latest performance and athlete-inspired hoodies from Nike, Under Armour, and Burton, to make your fall and winter more comfortable, and more active!

Not just for teenagers anymore, hooded sweatshirts (or hoodies, as anyone besides my Mom calls them), have quickly become an essential in just about everyone’s closet. The reason? They’re flat out comfortable! Made of cozy, warm, and soft cotton fleece, most people laze around in a hoody on chilly Sundays, grab one before they head out on a fall afternoon, keep one in the car or the office in case the temperature drops, or use them as a layer under a jacket when shoveling snow off the driveway. They’re as comfy as they are versatile…but at the same time, haven’t they become a little stagnant? In this new age of performance wear; moisture wicking shirts, waterproof/breathable shells, quick-drying fleece, electronically heated jackets, and alike…why are our hoodies still the same old, same old? If you read this blog often, you see where I’m going with this.

Womens Hoodies Now, thanks to the same companies (Nike and Under Armour, I’m looking at you) that updated our wardrobe with those high-performance shirts, jackets, socks, pants, and yes, even underwear, we at SU, have in stock, the latest in hoody technology! High-performance, moisture-wicking, weather-resistant, lightweight, athletically-inspired, and still super cozy women’s and mens hoodies are here, and let me tell you, they are some of the best hoodies I’ve ever worn!

Nike

KO Hoody / All Time Hoody

Available as pullover hoodies for men, girls, and boys, in a variety of colors and styles, the Nike KO Hoodie has been around for a few seasons, and was one of the first true “performance hoodies” on the market. The All Time Hoody and All Time Swoosh are similar performance hoodies for women, specifically designed with more feminine seams and styles.

Every Nike KO and All Time Hoody is made with their proprietary Therma-FIT microfiber fleece fabric, a combination of cotton and polyester that is lightweight, breathable, insulated, and wind-blocking, keeping you warm and protected from the elements, without weighing you down. The material is really comfortable and smooth to the touch, noticeably different than traditional, rougher and natural-feeling cotton fleece.

Other important features include:

Dri-FIT moisture wicking mesh-lined hood, perfect for regulating temperature when you get active
Flat-lock stitching that prevents chafing when moving
Athletic design and fit that is more tapered than generously cut, for a great and flattering look

Nike KO Hoodies go well with Nike KO Fleece Pants, available for girls and boys, and made of the same performance Therma-FIT and Dri-FIT materials.

Under Armour

Team Fleece Hoodies

A classically styled pullover hoodie, the popular Under Armour Team Fleece Hoodie may look basic, but like every piece of Under Armour ColdGear, its design is anything but! Made of proprietary 2-Layer ArmourFleece polyester material, these sweatshirts are made to seal in heat and seal out the elements, while breathing, wicking moisture, and leaving you feeling comfortable and cozy.

An inner layer of brushed, soft, and comfortable polyester fleece fabric feels great against the skin and pulls sweat off the body.
A smooth outer layer is quick-drying and water-resistant, for a unique feel, and incredible performance.

Perfect for running, practicing, or training in cold, light rain, or snow, these loosely fit, minimally styled pullover hoodies are as comfortable as your favorite traditional cotton sweatshirt, but do so much more. Available for adults and youth.

Charged Cotton Storm Hoody

The latest and greatest addition to the world of performance hoodies, and possibly one of the best hoodies I’ve ever worn, the Under Armour Charged Cotton Storm is the first high-performance cotton hoodie that also slices through water, rain, snow, sleet, and hail like a samurai sword!

Utilizing Under Armour’s now-famous Charged Cotton material, which dries faster and wicks more moisture than any other cotton fabric out there, the Storm hoody takes it one step further, adding a DWR (that’s Durable, Water-Repellent) finish, to keep moisture out of the fabric. That means you can throw this baby on in the rain, sleet, or snow, and jog to the gym, bike to the store, or just run to the car, and come out safe (and dry) on the other side. It also means you can get as active as you want on chilly or cold days, and this hoody will wick that sweat off you, and keep you warm and dry…all with the look, the touch, the feel of cotton.

Available as a pullover or zip up hoodie, in dozens of colors, with Under Armour Charged Cotton Storm Fleece Pants to match, these water-resistant hoodies will blow you away!

Burton

Bonded Fleece Hoodie

If you’re looking for a sick snowboarding or skater hoodie to keep you warm and dry on the mountain this year, the fine people over at Burton have something really special for you. The unique and best-selling Burton Bonded Hoodie is the perfect combination of rider-inspired comfort and performance, designed with a brushed and soft interior, and a harder “shell-like” smooth outer. Performance-ready, the DryRide Thermex fleece fabric is incredibly breathable, quick-drying, and warm, with a really cool feel. That means while the rest of your friends are trying to shred powder, freezing and soaked through in their old (and quite lame) cotton sweatshirts, you’ll be cutting them up in something way above their heads.

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

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.

Ski Gear and Snowboard Gear

Winterize thyself

Depending on where you live, you may have felt the effects of this year’s winter. Here in the Greater Philadelphia area…we have. But there’s no reason to have the winter blues. Instead, be a half-glass-full kind of person and embrace this winter gold. Go skiing or snowboarding. Try snowshoeing. Me, personally? I’m going skiing tomorrow at Jack Frost in Pennsylvania. It’s much more fun playing in the snow than it is sitting inside miserably.

So if you’re near the mountains and are planning a ski trip, make sure to get geared up, because there is nothing worse than being unprepared for the snow.

Ski and Snowboard gear can be confusing, but that’s why we’re here. That means layer up with thermals and baselayers, such as the popular Under Armour ColdGear Action Leggings. Wear a fleece jacket for warmth, such as The North Face El Cap Trek 1/4 Zip. Then top it off with a waterproof ski jacket.

Equipment wise, winter gloves are essential (See: Harry, Dumb and Dumber). And make sure to have waterproof gloves, because the only thing worse than being unprepared is cold, wet fingers while skiing or snowboarding. Gerbing’s Men’s S-2 Heated Gloves, (yes, heated gloves) are a gift to mankind, as they can heat up to 135 degrees Fahrenheit! A more economically wise choice would be the Gordini Men’s Gore-Tex Challenge XII Gloves which offer plenty of high quality Gore-Tex warmth and dry protection to fulfill your needs.

Neck warmers are a very underrated but important piece to the snow sport ensemble. They provide warmth at a critical area of the body, the neck and mouth.

Lastly, a ski helmet and ski goggles are imperative to anyone who thinks their brain is a somewhat important bodily organ. Back in the day, wearing a helmet while skiing or snowboarding might have been a big fashion no-no, but nowadays, its commonplace. The negative stigma of wearing a helmet is gone; people have finally wised up. Buying a helmet seems like a small price to pay to protect your BRAIN.

Ski goggles not only enhance your vision and protect your eyes from the wind, but they also look pretty sweet.

Take a look at the Oakley Splice Ski Goggles – Black Grey Shattered / Black Iridium, and just tell me those don’t look B.A.

So get out of the house, gear up, and embrace the winter wonderland that mother nature has offered us. And when you do go skiing or snowboarding, don’t try and act all macho by not getting the proper equipment to battle the elements. Prepare yourself and get all the necessary equipment.

Or, you could just wing it, and end up like this guy:

Fail.

Winter Sale – FINAL DAY!

Today is the Final Day of the mega-popular Winter Sale! Find major discounts on anything from Mens Outerwear, Womens Outerwear, to Winter Gear (including Ski Helmets and Ski Goggles)!

Make sure to check out the The North Face Mens Apex Bionic Jacket, this year’s most popular men’s jacket from The North Face, on sale in select sizes and styles.

Still not convinced? How’s an extra 5% off your order sound? That’s exactly what today’s email newsletter included! Don’t miss out on future deals by signing up for our email list at the bottom of our home page.

Winter Hats and Winter Gloves Sale – Buy One, Get One 25% Off

May I have your attention, please. Now through Friday only, we’re running a special winter hat and winter glove promotion. Buy one winter hat or one pair of winter gloves, get another 25% off. Now, I know what you’re thinking – what an amazing deal; I needed to stock up for winter anyway, this is perfect timing; I love Sports Unlimited. But before you go and tell all your friends about this spectacular winter accessories coup, let me give you a few reasons why you should take advantage of this special savings promotion.

Exhibit A: Quality

What if I were to tell you that Sports Unlimited has an assortment of highly technical winter gloves and winter hats; would that be something you would be interested in? I’m talking big-words technical: GORE-TEX (nice), Pittards Armortan leather (that sounds good), DuoCinch gauntlet closure (awesome), Radiametric Articulation (you lost me), Removable Idiot Cord (what?)…et cetera, et cetera.

This year, we’re stocked with some great new winter gloves and winter hats with numerous advanced features that are designed to keep you warm and comfortable. Period. A quick note: Are you tired of taking off your winter gloves to properly use your touch screen electronics? So are we. Apparently, we (that’s us and you) aren’t alone, as several winter gloves now offer touch screen friendly capabilities, such as The North Face Etip glove and the Timberland Mens Polartec Eco Powerstretch Touchscreen Gloves, which use silicone grip patterns that allow you to use your touch screen smartphone while keeping your gloves on. Genius.

Exhibit B: Quantity Continue reading “Winter Hats and Winter Gloves Sale – Buy One, Get One 25% Off”

New Products – Outdoor Research

Preparation is the key to success. That being said, prepare yourself for the cold days ahead with all new products from Outdoor Research! New gear includes jackets, winter gloves and winter hats, balaclavas (including the awesomely named Ninjaclava), gaiters, and the mega-popular, aptly named, Seattle Sombrero Rain Hat. Gear up now and prepare yourself for the frigid temps, whether you’re going to be hitting the slopes, shoveling the driveway, or taking part in a simple Arctic expedition.

This is some of the best winter gear on the market, with highly technical features to keep you warm and comfortable no matter how cold it gets.

Outdoor Research Gear