Category: Uncategorized

All-Season Hood vs. Thermal Winter Hood Comparison Guide

It’s that time of year to start thinking about winter gear, if you haven’t already been hit with cold temps. A must have for any outdoor winter activity is the thermal hood, our best selling winter accessory. You may have heard the hood referred to as a balaclava, ski mask, face mask, gaiter, skull cap, or neckwarmer. Whatever you call it, we will break down the differences between the All-Season Hood and Thermal Hood, so you can be prepared for whatever the weather brings.

Wearing a hood in the cold has many benefits, including:

  • Warmth: Hoods cover your head and neck, two of the areas of your body that are most susceptible to heat loss. This can help to keep you warm and comfortable in cold weather.
  • Protection: Hoods can protect your face and ears from the elements, including wind, snow, and rain. This can help to prevent frostbite, windburn, and other cold weather injuries.
  • Moisture management: Hoods are made from wicking materials that help to keep you dry. This is important because sweat can make you feel cold and can also lead to frostbite.
  • Versatility: Hoods can be worn on their own or under a helmet. This makes them ideal for a variety of cold weather activities, including skiing, snowboarding, snowboarding, and snowmobiling.

The comparison chart below shows the main features of the All-Season and Thermal Hood.

FeatureSU All-Season HoodSU Thermal Hood
TemperatureFor temperatures above 32 degreesFor temperatures under 32 degrees
ConfigurationsSix different configurations for personal comfort and needSix different configurations for personal comfort and need
DesignForm-fitting, can be worn under helmet or on its ownForm-fitting, can be worn under helmet or on its own
Moisture managementYesYes
Stretch4-way4-way
SeamsFlatFlat
LiningNylon lining for comfort and wind protectionSoft, fuzzy lining for maximum warmth
Head sizeFits 22-25″Fits 22-25″
Material95% polyester, 5% spandex92% polyester, 8% spandex

With 6 different ways to wear a hood, it’s such a diverse accessory. Find your most comfortable fit, and change the way you wear it when temperatures fluctuate.

Along with our traditional all-season and thermal hoods, we also have football hoods for both adult and youth players, so you stay warm on the field! They are designed to be worn under your football helmet, for a comfortable, distraction-free fit.

Small Business Owners – Beware of ADA Compliance

This blog post is to warn small businesses of a situation happening across the United States where law firms are trying to take advantage of small business owners. I want to share first hand my experience of how I was threatened and overcame a potential law suit / settlement.

I was sitting at my desk working away when an employee dropped off a FedEx overnight letter.  The letter was addressed to someone that didn’t work at the company and the return address was from a law firm.  My first thought through me head was, UGH! This can’t be good!

There was a document inside with the subject Re: Request for a Reasonable Accommodation to Access to your Website.  The letter started out like this: This letter is sent on behalf of client, ABC, who suffers from neuropathy, ataxia retinitis pigmentosa, or NARP.  As a result of this genetic disorder, this person lost all useful vision in 1986. Today, he is totally blind. He uses JAWS screen reader technology to navigate the Internet.  Screen reader “software translates the visual internet into and auditory equivalent. At a rapid pace, the software reads the content of a webpage to the user.”

Then the letter went on to talk about how our website www.SportsUnlimited.com is a service of public accommodation that must be accessible to screen ready technology pursuant to the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).  I’m thinking to myself, I have never heard of this, I’m angry, scared, and what the heck am I going to do.

On and on the letter went detailing items on our site that were not ADA compliant. The letter was extremely threatening!  The law firm said they would seek further action if we did not comply, quickly.

The law firm referred to the following standards… Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20/

After reading through the entire document, I started doing some research.  I did a quick google search on the law firm that sent the letter. Sure enough, many, many results appeared.  There were dozens of companies that had received the exact letter I received. This was basically a law firm out to get money from small businesses.  I don’t know if the plaintiffs mentioned in the letters are really people or not. Now, I’m really mad.

I contacted my attorney and shared the letter with him.  He did his research and found out that there was a ruling that was made and would make our site in need of being ADA compliant.  He asked that I start working on making our site ADA compliant.

After researching the web for a few hours I stumbled onto a company called Accessibe that claimed they could make your site ADA compliant within minutes.  I thought to myself, no way it’s that easy. I reached out to Accessibe and they shared a demo of the product and allowed us to test it on one page on our site. We tested it out and it worked great.  The next day the code was deployed on the entire site and just like that our site was ADA compliant. Accessibe designed and tested their software with the JAWS screen reader technology. Our site now has screen reader technology.

I responded to the letter I received from the attorney and told them our site is now ADA compliant back in February 2019 and I have not heard from them yet. Fingers crossed!

Best Field Hockey Sticks by Position and Skill Level

 

Which field hockey stick is best for my position and/or skill level?

With the vast amount of options these days, it can be difficult to choose which field hockey stick to purchase based on your position and skills.  Here we break down which sticks are best for each position or skill level and why, and we’ve included our stick recommendations for you to check out.

Beginners

It is recommended that a beginner player use a stick with a standard bow shape and no larger than 20 millimeters in size.

Beginner field hockey players should choose a stick with a wood or fiberglass composition.  Wood sticks will provide the most forgiving feel and the best touch on the ball, while fiberglass sticks also provide an excellent first touch with a lightweight feel.  Having a flexible stick will help them learn the fundamentals, so they can get accustomed to trapping the ball without too much rebound off the stick.  It should feature a larger hitting surface to help players get a touch on the ball.  A maxi toe or hook head shape will offer you the largest surface area, ensuring you make great contact with the ball when trapping it or driving it down the field.

Beginner Field Hockey STRYK Field Hockey Stick - Burst

When choosing a stick, you must also consider the bow size and shape.  It is recommended that a beginner player use a stick with a standard bow shape and no larger than 20 millimeters in size.  This will help him or her learn the basics while maintaining excellent control over the ball.  A larger size or later shape will more easily cause the ball to pop up in the air and earn yourself a dangerous play whistle.  A standard bow is very versatile and can be used on offense or defense, making it the ideal stick shape for beginners who have yet to discover which will be the best position for them.
Our recommendations:
and

Defenders

We recommend buying a stick that has a higher fiberglass content since carbon can be more brittle in a compound stress way.

When searching for the perfect stick, defenders will often choose heavier sticks with the weight concentrated in the head of the stick.  This allows them to make stronger block tackles, and the extra weight will help generate more momentum when hitting the ball down the field.  Also, often times, defenders will buy slightly longer sticks than their player height recommends to give them a little extra reach when tackling and jabbing at the ball.
TK 1.1 INNOVATE DEFENSE FIELD HOCKEY STICKSince defenders see a lot of stick-on-stick contact when tackling their opponent, they require a stick with a lot of durability.  We recommend buying a stick that has a higher fiberglass content since carbon can be more brittle in a compound stress way.  Including aramid in the composition can also help improve the strength and durability of the stick, and it dampens the vibrations felt in the handle of the stick for less sting in your hands.  In addition, we recommend choosing a stick with a maxi toe as it provides the largest sweet spot, allowing you to make better contact with the ball when hitting or trapping it.
Our recommendations:
STX Apex 901 Field Hockey Stick or other sticks in the STX Apex line
and

Midfielders 

The attribute we find most important in a midfielder’s stick is control.  Midfielders are responsible for controlling the ball and delivering it safely to the attackers to put it in the back of the net.  They are also sometimes trying to score themselves, or they are trying to stop their opponent from advancing down the field.  Therefore, a lightweight and well-balanced stick with a lot of versatility is a must.
The presence of aramid in a stick’s composition can make all the difference.  Aramid dampens vibrations to keep the ball from rebounding too far off the stick, allowing you to have great control when trapping the ball and dribbling.  It also adds durability to the stick, helping to prolong its life even with all the stick-on-stick contact it sees when making defensive blocks and tackles.
GRYPHON TOUR PRO STICK FIELD HOCKEYSince midfielders play with the defense and the offense, they need a lightweight stick that can keep up with the speed of their game and offer the necessary precision for ball handling and passing skills.  A midi toe provides a well-balanced feel that’s great for all around stick skills, especially reverse stick work, and it provides a decent sized sweet spot for quickly trapping the ball and passing to your teammate.  A standard or mid bow size (19 – 23mm) is recommended for midfielders because of its versatility, but any shape you are most comfortable with can be used.
Our recommendations:
and

Forwards

Offensive players, or forwards, prefer to use lightweight sticks that are well-balanced, giving them the necessary agility to move the ball around their opponent.  A lightweight stick is not only more effective when dribbling, but it allows you to swing your stick faster and quickly get a shot off before the defender can intercept it.  A midi toe also helps to enhance a forward’s abilities.  The toe is smaller in size and lighter in weight, and it increases maneuverability and offers more precise ball control.  It allows you to quickly and easily move the ball from side to side to dodge your opponent and dribble towards the goal.
OSAKA PRO tour gold pro bow field hockey stick for forwardsA forward demands power from his or her stick.  They must be able to generate extreme power when shooting and when passing to an open teammate across the field, which is why they need sticks with a high carbon content.  The higher the carbon content the more powerful the stick will be and the harder it will be for your opponent to stop you.  This added power will also improve your drag flicks and aerial skills to enhance your 3D game.  The attacking position is defined by speed, accuracy, and precision, so their sticks should be too.
Our recommendation:

Aerial players

The most important element of a stick that the aerial player should consider is the shape and size of the bow.  A stick that bends closer to the head will allow you to get under the ball more to perform aerials and lifts.  A low bow or late bow is most recommended since their point of maximum bow is the closest to the head the FIH will allow (200mm).  Also, the more the stick bends the easier it will be to execute 3D skills with precision and accuracy.  A large bow, such as a 24 or 25 millimeter, will help generate high velocities when drag flicking.
Another feature that has recently become more popular is incorporating a slight concave channel onto the face and shaft of the stick.  This helps to channel the ball where you want it and keep the ball on your stick as you lift it up for aerials.
Our recommendations:
If you’re uncertain which position you will be playing when purchasing your stick, it would be best to buy a medium-weight stick that’s versatile and can be used in any position.

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

Sports Unlimited Unveils Custom Football Helmet Builder

Since last October, SportsUnlimited.com has been operating on a brand new platform. After years of designing and developing their new website, the ecommerce sporting goods retailer has looked to provide its customers with an unrivaled shopping experience. As part of this process, new features have been added in throughout the last year, all aimed ti and give consumers more options. Their latest unveiling has been well received, and allows Sports Unlimited to do what they do best (football) in a whole new way.

If you were searching for some new football equipment, then Sports Unlimited was probably already on your radar. As the largest online football store, they stock more helmets, shoulder pads, and training equipment than any other football retailer. What that has meant for football players, coaches, and parents alike, is that they can get the gear the need shipped out same day. With more and more players and parents wanting control of the gear they wear on the field, having quick and easy access to the safest helmets and pads on the market has been essential.

This August, Sports Unlimited took that quick football service a step further, rolling out their Custom Football Helmet builder. Now you not only have the ability to choose from Riddell and Schutt’s latest helmets, but you can also select the facemask, chinstrap, and colors of each. This new customizable football helmet experience is made possible by two contributing factors. Sports Unlimited’s extensive stocks of helmets and accessories, and a step by step selection process.

To take advantage of this new feature offered by Sports Unlimited, simply visit the website (www.SportsUnlimited.com) and select your favorite Riddell or Schutt Helmet. On the right hand side of the page, you’ll find all your customizable options. Firstly, you’ll want to select this and color of your helmet. The large picture of the helmet will reflect the change in colors, as you select from an assortment of options.

Next you’ll get to decide which facemask style you want, along with its color. This process used to be complicated and time consuming, as certain helmets require specific facemasks. But Sports Unlimited has done the hard work here and separated the options that will work for your helmet. Choosing a facemask is also important, as different positions prefer different styles. Wide Receivers and Quarterbacks want more open masks so they can see the field. Linemen on both sides of the ball want larger more protective mask to prevent injuries when they are battling in the trenches. Simply select the style and the colors available will populate.

Choosing your Football chinstrap is done the same way as the helmet and face. Choose from the traditional soft shell or select hard cup protection in a range of colors and sizes.

The final step in the custom football helmet construction is a facemask attachment option. This allow you decide if you would like one of the professionals at Sports Unlimited to attach your new facemask to the helmet.

Sports Unlimited won’t be the first retailer to offer helmets and facemasks in different colors, but their large selection and fast same-day shipping make it tough to beat. Whether you shopping on a desktop, tablet, or mobile phone, this process is simple and easy to understand. As parents and players gear up for this upcoming football season, be sure to check out the new custom football helmet designer at Sports Unlimited.

Best Football Chin Straps – Top 5

Even the most casual football fans know the importance of a safe and protective helmet when engaged in competition. With the force and speed of the game, it is essential players equip themselves with a quality helmet. But one piece of the puzzle that is often overlooked, even by the most seasoned players, it’s that of the chin strap. Previously only seen as a way of securing the helmet to the head, the role of the football chin strap has transformed into playing a pivotal part in protecting players.

Helmet manufacturers and sports equipment companies alike have all seen the chin strap as an opportunity to provide players another line of protection from the impacts on the football field. Using the latest technology and protective materials, each has developed a product that will not only be more comfortable, but far more valuable in offering another layer of defense. We’re going to take a look at our Top 5 Football Chin Straps, giving you some insight on gearing up for next season.

  1. Schutt Elite Hard Cup

As one of the leading helmet manufacturers, it’s of no surprising that they have also developed a high quality chin strap. The Elite Hard Cup from Schutt is everything you would expect in an upgraded chinstrap. The hard plastic shell offers an excellent shield against the big hits. The foam uni-cup design uses an integrated splitter for extra strength, as well as providing a comfortable custom fit. Available in both Youth and Adult sizes, the Schutt Elite Hard Cup is a great choice when improving your protection.

  1. Under Armour Gameday Armour Pro

Few brands in sports do style and protection as well as Under Armour, and the Gameday Armour Pro chin strap exceeds expectations on both fronts. Designed to perform as good as it looks, the anodized finish sets the bar very high. But the Armour Flex outer shell is incredible durable and withstands the rigors of a tough football season. Also featuring an internal pad that is removable and washable, and a perforated design that improves breathability. This Under Armour Football Chin Strap offers the protection you need with the look you desire.

  1. SportsStar GX-4 Hard Cup

SportStar may be a brand that is unfamiliar to many. But when it comes to chin strap protection, very few can compete. Specializing in the production of chin staps, SportStar has taken a science first approach, looking to make the chinstap as advanced as modern day helmets. Rated as one of the safest chin straps on the market, the GX-4 is constructed from 4 different pieces to help absorb blows and prevent concussions. The patented GelPad disperse energy and offers a custom fit for every player. Also featuring a high density EVA foam and a NASA engineered plastic shell, GX-4 is not short on technological designs. Even with all the protective measures, the SportStar chinstrap is also a stand out in appearance. The GX-4 is fully customizable, allowing you to perfectly match your team’s colors.

  1. Riddell TCP

Like Schutt, Riddell is the maker of the helmets most trusted by the game’s elite. The TCP chin strap is the top level of protection offered by Riddell, making it a serious contender for our top rated chinstrap. Like the other chin straps on this list, The TCP features a hard outer shell constructed from a durable polycarbonate. Also featuring breathable ventilation and soft padding inside that provides incredible comfort. The TCP chinstrap is also available with the Rachet-Loc attachments, allowing you to wear it with the highly rated Riddell SpeedFlex helmet. The Riddell TCP Chin strap is seen every weekend of the fall on the best players in the world for a reason.

  1. SportStar Evolution

When you’ve spent the time and effort in designing a piece of sporting equipment like SportStar has, being seen as the best is the expectation. The Evolution chin strap showcases an advanced design that with layers of protection. Beginning with a hard outer shell and an non-slip EVA foam that is anatomically molded to absorb impacts. Also featuring the GelPad at the base of the chin, to offer a great custom fit. Once you put on a SportStar chin star, you’ll see exactly why more and more professional players are turning to them. Its unmatched level of protection has made the SportStar Evolution our top ranked football chin strap.

Written By Dylan Hamilton, Sports Unlimited

2017 Football Equipment Review – Adult

As we continue to build up anticipation for the upcoming football season, we take a closer look at the equipment players will be putting on in just a few short weeks. From high school to the pros, athletes everywhere are in their final preparations before football camp begins. This means gearing up with the necessary protective equipment to handle the bumps and bruises that are on the horizon.

The second installment of our product reviews will focus on the ever important Adult or Varsity equipment. These would be the pads and helmets that players in High School, College, Semi-Pro, and Professionals would be strapping on. With the hits being harder and the game played faster, it’s vital that players have the best possible defense.

Helmet – Riddell SpeedFlex Adult

No other piece of equipment is under the microscope more than the adult football helmet. With the increased attention on the effects of head injuries, helmet manufactures are being asked to develop safer products for today’s players. Since 1939 Riddell have been producing football helmets, and their latest effort has again pushed the bar a step higher than the rest. The SpeedFlex Helmet has now been around since the 2014 season, and is regularly found on the heads of the best NFL and NCAA players around. What has made this helmet a stand out is the technological designs Riddell has introduced, aimed at reducing the force at impact. The Flex System has engineered flexibility into the helmet shell, facemask, and clips to help absorb the impact of collisions to the head. The Ratchet-Loc retention chin strap was a revolutionary new way of looking at how the helmet is attached, offering a more secure option than was previously thought of. With other stand out features like quick release facemask attachments and a Five-Point inflation for a custom fit, the Riddell SpeedFlex is an excellent option when looking for an upgraded head protection.

Shoulder Pads – Gear Pro-Tec Razor RZ15 Adult

Continuing with a focus on technology emphasized protection, the Razor RZ15 All Purpose shoulder pads from Gear Pro-Tec do not disappoint. From a glance, these pads look stealthy and high performance. Under the hood they are much of the same. The SAS-TEC Visco Elastic foam absorbs and flexes better than most of its competition. Range of motion is at premium with 12% more freedom than other pads. The RZ15 also comes with a removable liner that is made up of moisture wicking fabric, allowing you to keep cool in the summer heat. Gear Pro-Tec also makes these shoulder pads for Skilled Position players (RZ7) and Lineman (RZ55). These lightweight pads offer exceptional protection without slowing you down a step.

Backplate – Douglas Custom Pro CP Series

When you get into varsity level football, extra protection become less optional and more necessary. The addition of a back plate becomes vital for most players, particularly those who find themselves being tackled. The Douglas Custom CP Series removable backplate is all you could ask for. Douglas being one of the most trusted names in shoulder pads, the CP back plate is part of their pro level protection. Durable padding with a hard shell shields the lower back from those unwarranted hits. Extra grommets allow you to customize where the pad sits, and is available in a 4” and 6” option.

Chin Strap – SportStar Adult Evolution

In times before, little thought was put into what type of chin strap you were using. Often you would just play with whatever came with the helmet, or perhaps upgrade to a hard shell. SportStar burst onto the scenes offering a range of chin straps that are not only comfortable, but remarkably protective. With a built in gel pad that offers excellent protection, comfort, and fit. The non-slip EVA foam is designed to absorb and disperse the impact from a collision. Complete with a hard outer shell, the SportStar Evolution is what you expect to see the professionals wear on Sunday.

Written By Dylan Hamilton, Sports Unlimited

Best Mouth Guards – Top 5

When preparing for participation in a contact sport, one thing you certainly don’t want to go light on is protection. If its football you’re gearing up for, you wouldn’t want to run onto the field without a helmet and shoulder pads. And while some protection is obvious, one the most important pieces of equipment across all sports comes in a small package. The mouth guard, mouthpiece, gum shield, or whatever you want to call it, is essential in protecting athletes heads and their beautiful smiles.

We’re all familiar with $1 yellow mouthguard that you would boil the morning before the game and probably lose before the day was over. They were bulky, uncomfortable, and you couldn’t speak with it in your mouth. But like most articles of sports equipment, the mouth guard has continued on a path of development, making it safer and more comfortable than ever. Today’s mouthpieces are lighter, allow for easy breathing, come in flavors, and can even be a fashion statement with their wide range of colors and patterns. Athletes everywhere, from basketball, football, rugby, lacrosse, hockey, and more are protecting their grills with one of these new mouth guards. With a multitude of options, we wanted to highlight our top 5 standouts that have taken mouthguard protection to the next level.

  1. Battle Digi Camo Oxygen Lip Protector

There are two types of mouth guards, those that provide lip protection, and those that don’t. Many sports, such as football, prefer the lip coverage given the physical natural of play. One disadvantage to lip protection used to be that it was difficult to breathe with. But with Battle Sports new Digi Camo Oxygen, and its 293% larger breathing hole, that problem is no longer relevant. Now you can perform at your highest level with maximum protection.  Available in three colorful digital camo patterns, the Battle Digi Camo Oxygen Lip Protector is a great addition to any player’s game day protection.

  1. Shock Doctor Double Braces Mouthguard

One issue that many youth players run into when search for the right mouthpiece is the addition of braces to the equation. Often uncomfortable on their own, adding a mouth guard to the mix is never a simple solution. But with metal braces covering the teeth, it’s more important than ever that an athlete have this layer of protection. The last thing you want is those expensive braces breaking and cutting the inside of the mouth. Among the leaders in the mouth guard industry, Shock Doctor has developed a product that solves this predicament. The Shock Doctor Double Braces Mouthguard uses an innovative Ortho-Channel to fit around both the upper and lower brace brackets. It will also adapt to changing tooth positions as the braces are adjusted and features a breathing channel in the center to allow for air flow. Now players (and parents) can rest assure that they have full proof protection.

  1. Nike Hyperflow Flavored Mouthguard

Leave it up to today’s minds to design a mouth guard that tastes as good as it protects. Among other brands, Nike has developed their Hyperflow Flavored mouthpiece to provide long lasting flavor game after game. But this mouthguard isn’t just tasty, it also delivers excellent protection with its Dual-Density construction. The Nike Hyperflow also features its O-Flow breathing channels that allow for maximum oxygen intake on the field or court. Available in several different flavor options, the Nike Hyperflow Flavored mouth guards is perfect for anyone’s tastes.

  1. Shock Doctor Gel Max Convertible Mouthguard

Shock Doctor has been at the forefront of advancement when it comes to mouth protection. Offering a range of options that suit any athlete’s particular needs. The Gel Max Convertible mouthpiece is a perfect example of the best they have to offer. Firstly, it comes with an Exoskeletal shock frame that provides excellent protection and durability. A triple layer design with integrated breathing channels allows for breathability when you’re out performing.  The Gel-Fit liner makes for a comfortable fit and the convertible tether lets you use this mouthguard with or without a strap. This all-around mouth guard is available in four different colors, and at a value that is sure to be appreciated.

  1. Sisu NextGen Max Mouthguard

Sisu is a relatively new name to the mouth guard industry, but don’t let that fool you. They have offered a revolutionary design to the moldable mouthpiece that is changing how we think of mouth protection. The one complaint many athletes shared, was that face that a mouthguard was bulky, breathing restricting, and limited the ability to communicate on the playing field. In some cases, players wouldn’t wear them at all because of this, putting their safety in jeopardy. Sisu has designed a mouth guard that is as functional as it is protective. Offering a solution to these previous complaints and providing a protection option to those who refused to wear a mouthguard before. The NextGen Max is incredibly lightweight but built to handle even more impact. The best feature is that this mouthguard fits so securely in the mouth, that it allows athletes to talk, drink, and breathe as if it wasn’t even there. This is possible from a combination of its innovative molding process and the 2.4 mm thick design. Making it 30% thinner and up to 50% stronger than your traditional mouth guard. This new way of thinking is what makes the Sisu NextGen Max our number on pick for best mouth guard.

-Written By Dylan Hamilton, Sports Unlimited

Breaking Down the Wilson A2000 Game Model Gloves

There is no arguing Wilson’s place among the leaders when it comes to producing high end baseball gloves. Countless Major Leaguers turn to Wilson for their glove needs, speaking volumes to the quality and performance of their products. When you think of Wilson baseball gloves, the first thing that comes to mind is the A2000. Since it was first released in 1957, the Wilson A2000 has become the benchmark for professional gloves. It was the first of its kind with a large web and broad pocket, and would be the foundation for every glove developed by any manufactures from that point on.

Fast forward to today, and you’ll see the likes of Dustin Pedroia, Miguel Cabrera, and Robinson Canó all wearing A2000’s as they compete with the world’s best. As you would expect, every pro has a particular fit and feel that they prefer. Wilson have always been persistent in acquiring feedback from professionals, allowing them to develop an improved product. Some of the headliners on their roster of MLB players have even been giving their own Game Models, which are produced for the masses. It should come as no surprise that these particular gloves have become some of the most popular on the market. If it’s good enough for these guys, surely it’s good enough for me?

So as you prepare to purchase your very own Wilson glove, perhaps you want to know a bit more about what makes these Game Models different from the standard A2000. One thing you can expect from any of these gloves are a few of the cornerstones that come with any A2000. This includes the premium pro stock leather, selected for its durability and feel. Dual Welting, which adds two strips of leather to back of each finger to provide structure and stability as the glove breaks in. And finally, the Dri-Lex wrist lining keeps the hand dry and free of moisture.

What sets the Game Models and standard gloves apart can usually be broken down into a few categories. Colors, web styles, and fit are the three ways most pro’s make these gloves their own. Color being the simplest to understand, most choose a colorway that matches their team or gives a traditional look. Jose Altuve features navy and orange leather to match his Houston Astros uniform, while Clayton Kershaw has opted for the traditional all-black.

With today’s gloves, there are endless ways to lace up your web. When it comes to the Game Models on the Wilson A2000, each player has chosen their own particular web that suits them and their style of play. Miguel Cabrera has gone with a signature V-Laced pattern on a wider single post web, allowing him to lock the ball in the pocket. Clayton Kershaw has selected a deep and closed 2-piece web that allows him to conceal the ball and any grip changes, granting him the element of surprise.

The final way professional ball players have personalized their game model gloves is with the fit. No one is more particular with this category than Golden Glove Second Baseman Dustin Pedroia. Wilson developed the “Pedroia Fit” specifically for him, as his smaller hands required some custom features. This included a lower finger divider, narrower opening, thin heel pad, and longer laces. The Pedroia Fit is available on three A2000 gloves, one of which features Wilson’s SuperSkin, designed to lighten the glove without sacrificing durability.

While you may not be fielding ground balls at Fenway Park anytime soon, that doesn’t mean your glove is any less important. Described by Jose Altuve as his “tool”, he carries his glove with him on the plane any time he travels. We know you feel the same way about your glove. Check out Sports Unlimited large selection of premium gloves from Wilson (click here for Wilson A2000 page), Mizuno, Rawlings, and More, to find the perfect glove for you.

Written By Dylan Hamilton, Sports Unlimited

Best Youth Catchers Sets – Top 5

One of the toughest decisions made gearing up for the 2017 baseball season is which equipment is best for those behind the plate? As kids continue to grow, sizing always becomes important, not to mention the significance of safety. Today’s top baseball brands all manufacturer youth catchers gear sets to simplify the shopping process. These catchers sets all include a helmet, chest protector, and leg guards. One question that still needs to be answered, what is the best youth catchers set for me?

With such a wide variety of manufacturers and different lines, it can be a bit overwhelming deciding which set of pads to purchase. You can visit our Catchers Gear Buyers Guide to see exactly was size you’ll be looking for. Once you have that, you can review our selection of Top 5 youth catchers sets, to see which best matches your needs.

5. Louisville Slugger Series 5 Youth Catchers Set

The Series 5 youth from Louisville Slugger is everything you need from a youth catchers set. Featuring a hockey style mask that offers excellent protection and a moisture-wicking chin pad that keeps your little leaguer comfortable. The Chest protector is made with a high density foam and quick release over-the-shoulder harness make for east on and off. Complete with the double knee design shin guards for extra protection. The Series 5 youth is perfect for a team set, or someone just learning the position. With a variety of color options and a friendly price point, the Louisville Slugger youth catchers gear set is an excellent value at number 5.

4. Easton M5 Qwikfit Youth Catchers Set

The M5 Qwikfit youth set offered by Easton certainly had parents and coaches in mind during its design process. The greatest feature to this set of helmet, chest protector, and leg guards is undoubtedly the Qwikfit strap system. Developed specifically to make for easy adjustments by the player, no longer are coaches or parents forced to help players get ready to go onto the field. This is particularly important if the set is being shared by a team with kids coming in different shapes and sizes. Offered with a range of other features that you would find on a higher level set, including steel wire cage for improved visibility, multi layer perforations to keep you cool, and a TruBlock anti-roll designed leg guard that increase stability and protection. All of this, plus a reasonable price, make the Easton M5 Qwikfit youth gear our recommendation for the ideal team set.

3. All Star System Seven Youth Camo Pro Catchers Set

The All Star System Seven Youth Camo Pro Catchers Set is everything is sounds like and more. This set offered by All Star is essentially their professional level pads scaled down to fit a youth player. Everything from removable liners and an I-Bar vision cage on the helmet. To moldable protective plates in the chest protector and a Patella Plus gel knee pad in the shin guards. This catcher set has all the bells and whistles, and will outperform most sets like it. It finds itself at number 3 for one simple reasons. This set was designed for serious players, and the pricing reflects that. For most players at the youth level, this is probably more than they need. But if your a serious player on a travel ball club, than the All Star System Seven catchers set is the one for you.

2. Under Armour Junior Pro Youth Catchers Set

Under Armour has quickly become one of the most popular brands when it comes to baseball equipment. The reason for this is their dedication to designing cutting edge products that perform and protect. The Junior Pro catchers set follows in that tradition and provides an excellent option for all youth players. The helmet comes with the I-Bar vision from professional helmets with a sleekly designed ABS plastic shell. The chest protector has plastic inserts for extra protection and a customizable strap and harness system for optimal fit. Triple knee designed leg guards are extremely comfortable with 38 ventilation ports. Carefully designed from head to toe, the Under Armour Junior Pro could easily have been number, but still remains an excellent choice for any youth ball player.

1. Mizuno Samurai Youth Catchers Set 

As our top choice for youth catchers gear, the Mizuno Samurai is easily the most popular set offered by Sports Unlimited. A perfect combination of protection, performance, personalization, and price; it’s no surprise the Samurai is king. All the features you’d expect from a top pick; including 3-Layer EVA foam padding in the helmet, patented detachable wings for a customizable fitting chest protector, and flexible lightweight leg guards. What sets the Mizuno Samurai apart is the wide range of color options. No other set comes with a variety like the 17 colors offered by Mizuno. This allows you to match your team, or stand out. At a price that is competitive with the other top catchers sets, the Mizuno Samurai is our top pick for youth catchers gear set.

Check out all of Sports Unlimited Youth Catchers Gear

Written By Dylan Hamilton, Sports Unlimited