Ok folks, this might be one of the more unique reviews we’ve ever done.  Today we’re going to take a look at the RUEZ Performance Underwear.  These unique underwear provide a ‘performance pouch’ to store your “man parts” during exercise.

We received two samples, one boxer and one brief.  We have tested these underwear in the pool and during runs.

Overview of RUEZ Performance Underwear:

RUEZ is the produce of years of development and fitting to solve the problem of certain body parts sticking to other body parts during athletic training and competition.  Actually, let’s dispense with the silly allusions to body parts: these underwear are designed to keep your penis and balls from sticking to your legs when you’re running or swimming.

The underwear are available in boxers or briefs and both versions feature a personal pocket to hold your ID or your key.

Testing RUEZ Performance Underwear:

We tested these underwear during short to medium distance runs and also in the pool.

During the runs, we noticed that the underwear performed as designed, providing a physical separation between our body and our wedding tackle.  Of course, the weather is quite nice for running this time of the year, so excessive sweating and stickyness isn’t a huge problem, but it’s clear that these underwear provide a nice solution to the problem.

We did notice that occasionally the seams in the boxers can cause a little discomfort on longer runs.  We noticed this most on the first run with these and in successive runs the seams were not a problem, but some people that are susceptible to chafing might want to look at the briefs versus the boxers.  At the end of the day, these underwear performed quite well and did exactly what they advertised, that is, kept a physical separation between our body parts.

We tested the boxers a few times in the pool.  This did require that we wore a different pair of swim trunks that we weren’t used to, so that threw us off a little.  But, as with the run, the underwear performed as designed.  They stayed in place and maintained a separation between our parts and the rest of the body.  Even during long swims and hard swims, the boys stayed in the pouch and didn’t stick to our legs.

Finally, the personal pocket also worked reasonably well.  We only tested it in our runs.  We carried a standard drivers license and also a single key.  Both stayed in place and didn’t cause discomfort or rubbing.

RUEZ Underwear Final Thoughts:

We believe the RUEZ underwear are a elegant and simple solution to a common problem.  Unlike sprays and other topical solutions, the underwear provide a physical separation for your penis and scrotum.  Unlike these other options, the RUEZ underwear won’t wear off after time.  The pouch is comfortable and doesn’t pull or stretch your man-parts, so there is almost no sensation to using these underwear.

Once the weather warms up here, we’ll provide an update on performance in high heat and humidity, but we expect our final thoughts to be similar.  The physical separation either works or it doesn’t and our experience has been that it works.

Related posts:

1. Almost NSFW-Ultra Runners

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One of the toughest things about an Ironman race is making sure your nutrition plan is going to get you through the day.  One essential component of a good nutrition plan is an endurance fuel.  Many triathletes swear by real food, PB&J sandwiches and the like, but for some people this is a bit too involved.

Hammer Nutrition produces many familiar fuels and supplements for triathletes and Perpetuem is one of their most popular endurance fuels. Perpetuem has classically been a powder that you mix with water before consuming.  It’s pretty thick and can be a bit gritty, but it works. We’ve used Perpetuem in our training and on our half-IM distance races before and were pleased with the performance.  However, there are some logistical challenges to using Perpetuem powder, the main issue being that it cannot be mixed more than about three hours before use, depending on the weather.  There are no preservatives in the powder so the fuel breaks down quickly in the heat.

Hammer has recently released a new product, Perpetuem Solids, to make taking Perpetuem easier.  Thanks to Hammer for providing a few samples that we used at Beach2Battleship.

About Perpetuem Solids:

The solids are made from the same product as regular Perpetuem, only in a convenient tablet form.  You can purchase the solids in bulk or in a 6 tablet sleeve.  Perpetuem Solids are designed  to stay fresh and usable even in the heat.  The formula used in Perpetuem is designed to mitigate muscle cannibalization.  The tabs are available in Strawberry-Vanilla, Orange-Vanilla, and Caffe Latte which also contains caffeine. The solids retail for $29.95 for a 90 tab container or $3.15 for a 6 tablet tube.

The serving size, 3 tablets, contain 100 calories and a little less than a gram of fat.  There are 20g of carbs and 3g of protein in each serving.

Testing the Perpetuem Solids:

After receiving the samples, we also purchased a few additional packs to test before the race.  We didn’t want to make any sudden changes to our nutrition plan without testing them first.

We used Hammer Perpetuem Solids on our last few 6+hour rides before Beach2Battleship.  We included one serving of Solids in our special needs bike bag, one in our Bike to Run transition bag, and a third serving in our Special Needs Run bag.  Generally, it’s a bad idea to go more than three hours without consuming protein during a race.  Adding protein at these points helps reduce muscle tissue cannibalization.

Final Thoughts on Perpetuem Solids:

It’s impossible to discuss Perpetuem without discussing the taste.  Remember, you’re not eating a Frosty here, you’re trying to keep your body from shutting down during the longest race of your life.  When we used regular Perpetuem, we were pleasantly surprised that it wasn’t horrible.  The flavor was great, especially the Caffe Latte version, and it wasn’t the most grainy supplement that we’ve tested. That being said, it was still not something you want to drink for breakfast every day.

The Perpetuem Solids were a completely different experience.  First, they’re huge.  About the size of a stack of 8 quarters.  The smell is a bit chalky and the solids are normally a bit powdery after storage and movement.  Popping the first one into your mouth, you better have some water ready.  They will absolutely dry your mouth out.  The second one was easier because we expected the drying sensation.  Once you take a drink of water, the tabs dissolve pretty quickly, but they do leave a bit of an aftertaste.  The tabs aren’t very grainy when you chew them, but they are a bit chalky, so they dissolve, but they need quite a bit of water to wash them down.

Performance wise, we noticed no difference between the regular Perpetuem and the Soilds.  Both products provided a boost of energy and helped keep us full, but not stuffed.  Both products helped us avoid muscle cannibalization.  The balance of carbs and protein also assists with recovery, which is important since your body will start to recover from each sport before you finish the next discipline.

At the end of the day, an Ironman is a balance of less bad choices.  Perpetuem Solids aren’t the most fun thing in the world to eat, I’d rather have a bacon cheeseburger, but that’s not practical.  We don’t buy much of the hype surrounding supplements, but we found that Perpetuem is a great addition to your training plan.  If you are comfortable using the powder, then you can include a bag of powder and add water as needed.  If you want a less complicated plan, there has to be a tradeoff.  In this case, the tradeoff is the consistency of the Solids.  They’re not horrible, but they are a very different experience.  Don’t wait until the day of the race to test these and you’ll be fine. On balance, we prefer the Solids to the powdered Perpetuem because of the ease of use and the limited planning required to use this product.

Rating of Perpetuem Solids Endurance Nutrition
Packaging
6 Tablet tubes are easy to pack and use.
Flavor
Caffe Latte is a personal favorite and includes caffeine.
Consistency
Chalky, but drinking water eliminates the dryness.
Performance
Mitigates muscle cannibalization and helps recovery.
Value
Very reasonably priced. Good Value.

Overall
Great product. Ease of use trumps chalky flavor.

Related posts:

1. Hammer Nutrition Recoverite–Final Review
2. Hammer Nutrition Recoverite Recovery Drink–Initial Review
3. Hammer Nutrition HEED–Review

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For the past few months, we’ve reviewed skin and hair care products that can be very useful to triathletes.  Here’s a quick review of some of our recent reviews:

SBR Sports TriSwim Lotion

Nexxus Aloe Rid Shampoo

SBR Sports TriSwim Body Wash

Today, we’ll take a final look at a hair product we’ve been testing for a few months.  Back in August we first reviewed the L’Oreal EverPure Rosemary Deep Restorative Masque.  This masque is designed for seriously damaged hair or, in our case, the hair of a triathlete.  The link above will take you to Amazon.com where you can purchase this masque for about $5, but we picked our samples up at WalMart for less than $4.

About L’Oreal EverPure Rosemary Deep Restorative Masque:

This is a serious product for serious haircare.  The L’Oreal EverPure Rosemary Deep Restorative Masque is 100% Vegan and the main ingredient is regular water.  The masque is thick, the consistency of heavy body lotion, and has a pleasant natural smell.  It does smell a bit like rosemary, but not completely.  The masque is sulfate-free.  Sulfates, generally found in shampoos and other detergents, can damage your hair and damage any coloring you might use in your hair.

Testing L’Oreal EverPure Rosemary Deep Restorative Masque:

During our Ironman training program, we spent quite a few hours a week in the pool.  We chose not to use this masque after every swim because it’s very thick and would cause some serious build-up if used too frequently.  Generally, we’d apply the masque after swimming more than 2 hours in two days.

We used the product according to it’s directions.  We apply the product and leave it in for 3 to 5 minutes before rinsing the product.

Final Thoughts on L’Oreal EverPure Rosemary Deep Restorative Masque:

As we mentioned in the first review, this masque truly softens hair, though it gets a bit weighted down.  The masque is best used when you are doing serious swimming for multiple days, not for the one-off swimmer.

We love that the rosemary scent is powerful enough to block the smell of chlorine, but not so powerful as to make you smell like a spice rack.  Though this is clearly a product targeted for women and has a bit of a perfume odor, the scent is not so feminine as to prevent male use.

We found this product to do an excellent job restoring all types of hair after extensive exposure to chlorine.  For less than a fiver, this masque provides nourishment, body, and moisture to your hair.

Rating of L'Oreal EverPure Restorative Masque
Application
Tub. A little messier than a tube or bottle.
Function
Serious moisture for damaged hair.
Feel
Very heavy with moisture and nutrients.
Scent
Ok for men, but a little perfumy.
Value
Cheap and lasts ages with biweekly use.

Overall
Great value and good moisturization and renewal of damaged hair.

Related posts:

1. L’Oreal EverPure Rosemary Deep Restorative Masque–Initial Review
2. TriSwim Shampoo and Conditioner–Initial Review
3. Nexxus Aloe Rid Gentle Clarifying Shampoo–Initial Review

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Since July, we’ve been using some products from SBR Sports, a manufacturer of body care products designed to meet the needs of triathletes. Today, we’re going to finish our review of the TriSwim Lotion.  This lotion is part of a product line that includes shampoo and conditioner and bodywash.  SBR also manufactures TriSlide, a body lubricant for triathletes.

TriSwim Lotion is available directly from SBR for $13.20 or as part of a travel kit for $21.30.  You can also request a free sample from SBR.  If you do, please note that you heard about them from FitEgg.com.

Background on SBR Sports:

SBR Sports was established in 2003 by Karen Allard.  Karen is a triathlete and USAT Certified Coach.  Through her training, she became aware of the damage chlorine and other chemicals cause to athletes’s hair and skin.  After using many available products, Karen decided to start her own line of products to assist athletes facing the same issues.

Background on TriSwim Lotion:

As with their other products, TriSwim Lotion is designed to help your body recover from the harsh chemical treatment it receives during your swim training.  Chlorine is a very tough chemical that strips moisture and fullness from your hair and skin.  TriSwim Lotion is designed to hydrate your skin while neutralizing the odor of the pool.  As with their other products, this lotion contains aloe, a natural ingredient that helps moisturize and protect your skin.  TriSwim has the same light citrus smell that you find in the other TriSwim products.

Testing TriSwim Lotion:

As we mentioned in the first review, the first thing we noticed about this product is that it’s appealing to men and women.  The scent is a light citrus smell that disappears within an hour or two of application.   The lotion goes on smoothly and is readily absorbed by your sking, especially just out of a hot shower.

Our testers noticed that the lotion doesn’t leave an oily or greasy residue and one tester commented on the lack of sticky feeling after application, as many other products do.

Final Impressions of TriSwim Lotion:

After using our entire sample tube with two testers, we feel that this product works as advertised.  The TriSwim Lotion provides moisture to dry skin, especially if used after exposure to chlorine.  TriSwim Lotion also relieves or eliminates itching due to dry skin and restores elasticity to your skin.  The light scent eliminates chlorine odors and replaces them with a slight citrus scent, before disappearing a few hours after application.

As we mentioned in the first review, if you have seriously dry skin, this might not be the best lotion.  If you’re used to using a serious lotion, like Eucerin, this lotion might not provide enough moisture.

TriSwim Lotion is good for occasional use to combat dry skin caused by wind, sun, and chlorine exposure.  We are pleased with the performance and hope that you will give this lotion a chance if you’re looking for a new product to help with dry skin and other skin discomfort caused by triathlon training.

Rating of TriSlide Lubricant
Application
Tube, apply by hand. Easy to apply.
Function
Remoisturizes dry and damaged skin.
Comfort
Goes on smooth, light scent that disappears in hour or two
Durability
Refreshes skin and moisturizes, lasts for one day per application.
Value
Tube lasts for months, depending on use. Expensive, but good value.

Overall
Great unisex lotion product that works against dry skin and chlorine damage.

Related posts:

1. SBR Sports TriSwim Lotion–Initial Review
2. TriSwim Body Wash by SBR Sports–Final Review
3. TriSwim Bodywash by SBR Sports–Initial Review

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A few months back, we received a few samples from our contact at Canari.  In addition to the Canari Velo II Cycling Shorts, you can check out our review, we also received and started reviewing the Canari Custom Tri Top.

Since our initial review, we’ve worn the tri top numerous times during our Ironman testing.  We have used the top under our wetsuit, alone in the pool, on the bike, under our jersey, and finally on a few run workouts.

About Canari Custom Gear:

In addition to offering a full line of off the shelf gear, including jackets, jerseys, and bottoms, Canari does quite a bit in the custom and semi-custom apparel field.  Canari has two options for custom gear: you can go with the full custom line, where you design the entire jersey or bottom or you can choose semi-custom where you provide some art and logos, but the overall design of the product is based on an existing design.

Canari Custom Tri Top Features:

The sample tri top we received is 82% Nylon and 18% Lycra.  The top is sleeveless and features a half zipper front for breathability.  The Canari Tri Top also features two small pockets on the back of the jersey.  These are not large enough to hold a standard water bottle, but you can use them to carry nutrition or small water/gel bottles.

The tri tops feature flatlock stitching, which we love.  The Canari site mentions that these seams are for next to skin comfort, but to us it’s more of an anti-chafe feature.  For shorter races, it wouldn’t be a huge deal to have standard seams, but if you’re competing in anything more than a sprint, you need to be careful about the chafing possibilities.

Canari Custom Tri Top Fit and Comfort:

As mentioned in the initial review, this top is euro-sized.  We generally wear an XL in technical clothing and the test sample, an XL, is a bit tight. This isn’t a problem, we actually prefer this type of fit in a tri top, largely because we wear our tri top under our wetsuit through the end of the race.  Make sure you pay special attention to the sizing to ensure a proper fit.

Performance of the Canari Tri Top:

After numerous tests in the pool, we didn’t see any problems from the back pockets.  Initially we were concerned about the pockets providing drag, but this fear was unfounded.  We also tested this top under our wetsuit in the pool and in open water.  Under our standard sleeveless wetsuit, we did not experience any chafing or hot-spots.

Hopping out of the water and onto the bike, we noticed that the top dried as quickly as any other top we’ve tested or used.  We were especially pleased that this top is a bit longer than we are used to.  The tester is 6’1″ and occasionally has trouble with tops riding up on the bike, especially in the aero position.  Our longest test ride was a bit over 35 miles and we didn’t experience any issues with riding up or bunching.

As with our initial review, we had no problems with the top on our run workouts.  We liked the pockets, a nice place to hold gels if you don’t have a run belt.  The pockets can also hold a small water or gel bottle if you prefer that method, although the pocket isn’t designed for this, so the fit isn’t perfect.

Overall Impression of the Canari Tri Top:

After a few months of use, we are pleased with the performance of the Canari Tri Top.  The material is comfortable, wicks and breathes well.  The design is simple and the pockets are a nice touch.  The seams are comfortable and didn’t cause any chafing on our tester.

Canari offers two levels of customization, full and semi-custom.  Semi-custom tri tops run $40 each for 6-11 pieces while the full-custom tops are $47.  You can get this price as low as $27 for the customs but only down to $36 for the semi customs.

FitEgg feels that this is a reasonable price for a well made and high performance tri top.  We recommend considering Canari if you’re in the market for team tops or suits.

Rating of Canari Custom Tri Top
Appearance
Clean lines and rich printing
Function
Very breathable, light, and moisture wicking
Comfort
Very. Snug fit and no chafing
Durability
Excellent. No sign of fading or wear after months of use and washing
Value
Reasonably priced, especially at larger quantities

Overall
Well made, durable, colorful top at a reasonable price.

Related posts:

1. Canari Custom Tri Top–Initial Review
2. 2010 Canari Cyclewear Velo II Cycling Shorts–Final Review
3. 2XU Comp Tri Shorts–Initial Review

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For the past few months, we’ve been actively testing a range of products from SBR Sports.  We’ve completed a final review for TriSwim Body Wash, a final review for TriSwim Shampoo and Conditioner and an initial review for TriSwim Lotion.

Today, we’ll look at our conclusions for TriGlide, an anti-friction and anti-chafe spray made of silicone and available from SBR Sports for $16.20 for a 4oz. spray bottle.

About SBR Sports:

SBR Sports was established in 2003 by Karen Allard.  Karen is a triathlete and USAT Certified Coach.  Through her training, she became aware of the damage chlorine and other chemicals cause to athletes’s hair and skin.  After using many available products, Karen decided to start her own line of products to assist athletes facing the same issues.

About TriSlide Anti-Chafe/Anti-Friction Spray:

TriSlide is the only spray on version of anti-chafe spray that we’ve tested.  We’ve reviewed BodyGlide, a deodorant stick-style product and reviewed 2Toms SportShield, available in a roll on or towelette version.  The 4 oz. bottle features a continuous spray that ensures you’re covering all the important areas.  You can use TriSlide for running, cycling, and swimming.  TriSlide is safe for all fabrics, including neoprene, so you can use this in place of PAM when getting into and out of your wetsuit.  SBR claims that it can also be used for blisters and other running problems.  TriSlide is water and sweatproof, but comes off with soap and water.

Testing TriSlide Spray:

As we mentioned in the original test, TriSlide is a silicone spray that you apply to any body part or surface that might chafe, rub, or get hot.  We generally used this spray on our nipples during runs, but also tested the spray on different body parts.  We used TriSlide under our wetsuit where a seam rubs occasionally and also on our arms where a sleeveless run top caused some chafing.

We were surprised that TriSlide didn’t dry after application.  During our first use, we waited a few minutes to allow the spray to dry before putting on our top.  After about 10 minutes the spray was still damp to the touch, so we put on our shirt and headed out.  We were concerned that the spray would rub off or stain our clothing.

Since the initial review, we’ve used TriSlide on runs over 18 miles and rides in excess of 6.5 hours.  During our bike testing, we only applied the product to our nipples and occasionally around our chamois as needed.  For our run testing, we applied the product to our nipples, upper thighs and arms to prevent seam chafing from a technical top.  We also used TriSlide to avoid ass-chafing, a very painful issue on very long runs.

We also used TriSlide as a anti-friction product for our cycling shoes.  Although we wear socks with our cycling shoes, many triathletes don’t and we wanted to see if TriSlide would help prevent blisters and hot spots.

Final Thoughts on TriSlide:

First off, we should not have been concerned about the product wiping off.  Even when we put on our clothing immediately after applying TriSlide, the product didn’t rub off.  Occasionally it would saturate our run top or cycling jersey.  Even when this happened, the product worked as designed and prevented chafing and friction.  The product doesn’t stain clothing, even when clothing picks up some of the TriSlide.

In all of our testing, TriSlide performed as designed.  During our 6.5 hour rides and 18 mile runs, TriSlide protected us from chafing and friction and didn’t wear off.  On a few runs we ended up pouring water on ourselves to cool off; even this didn’t diminish the protective power of TriSlide. At the beginning of our testing, we’d frequently carry TriSlide with us to reapply as needed, but we soon found this was unnecessary.

We found TriSlide helpful for preventing blisters and hot spots on our feet when we rode without socks under our cycling shoes.  Our ultimate test, using the lubricant under a plain cotton shirt when running, went off without a problem.  Although we didn’t run more than 6 miles during this test, we didn’t notice any nipple chafing or pain.

At the end of the day, TriSlide simply works.  It goes on easily, although you should be careful because it goes on very cold.  TriSlide doesn’t rub off and performs just as well at the end of your ride or run as it does when you first apply it.  It is non-staining and washes off easily with soap and water.

We highly recommend TriSlide Lubricant for preventing blisters, chafing, friction, and hot spots associated with running and cycling.

Rating of TriSlide Lubricant
Application
Aerosol spray, applies easily.
Function
Prevents chafing, blisters, friction, and hot spots
Comfort
Goes on cool and a bit damp, but does not impact performance
Durability
Will not rub off, even if used just before exercise
Value
4oz can last for months. Expensive, but long lasting

Overall
More expensive than other options, but 4oz bottle lasts forever. Great value and performance.

Related posts:

1. SBR Sports TriSlide Skin Lubricant–Initial Review
2. SBR Sports TriSwim Lotion-Final Review
3. TriSwim Bodywash by SBR Sports–Initial Review

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We’ve been using the Dolfin Aussie Poly Shorts as our main swim shorts for over four months.  You can check out our initial review and our mid-term review before moving forward with our final observations.

You can find these shorts online for less than $30.  If you head over to SwimOutlet.com, they’re less than $27.

Dolfin Poly Aussie Construction:

We picked these shorts up because of our bad experience with the TYR Square Leg Shorts.  We didn’t expect a pair of swim shorts, even ones made of Lycra, to wear out after such a short time.  We had previous experience with other Lycra shorts and didn’t see the level and speed of degradation that we did with the TYR shorts.  Since we knew we had a lot of pool swimming planned for our IM training, we needed a great pair of shorts that would last through the entire training program.

These shorts are made of 100% Choroband Polyester.  They are intended to stand up to months or years of assault from pool chlorine.

Dolfin Poly Aussie Comfort and Durability:

These shorts are the smallest we’ve ever tested.  No room for being embarrassed here…

The suit fits snug, very true to size.  If you’re on the border line of two sizes, go up a size.  After months of use, the suit hasn’t stretched or shrunk and still holds it shape as if new.

We’ve been amazed with the durability of this suit.  As you can see in the photos below, the only noticeable fading is in the stitching and that doesn’t impact performance.

Dolfin Poly Square Legs After 4 Months, Back

Dolfin Poly Square Legs After 4 Months, Crotch Seam

Dolfin Poly Square Legs After 4 Months, Front

Overall Thoughts on Dolfin Poly Aussie Square Leg Shorts:

We honestly couldn’t be more pleased with these shorts.  After 4 months of serious use they continue to hold their shape, to resist fading, and to show absolutely no wear aside from the fading in the stitching.

We highly recommend these shorts to anyone searching for a durable and inexpensive pair of swim shorts.

Back in August, we started testing the Under Armour Endure C Cup Sports Bra.  You can check out our initial review or just keep reading for a small recap.  The Endure Bra is available at most large retailers for under $45.

As we’ve mentioned before, one of the toughest pieces of gear to find is a solid sports bra.  We’ve tested one other heavy-duty bra before, the Shock Absorber Level 4 Bra and were pleased with it’s performance.

Rating of Dolfin Poly Aussie Square Leg Shorts
Appearance
Very basic shorts, square leg
Function
Provide little coverage, not for the easily embarrassed
Comfort
Almost unnoticeable, very comfortable
Durability
Excellent. No wear or fading of material
Value
Excellent. For less than $30 you won't find a better short.

Overall
Excellent shorts, resist fading and damage, very good price.

Related posts:

1. Dolfin Poly Solid Color Aussie Square Leg Shorts–Mid Review Update
2. Dolfin Poly Solid Color Aussie Square Leg Shorts–Initial Review
3. TYR Lycra Square Leg Swim Shorts-Update on Final Review

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We’re starting to wrap up our final review for the entire line of SBR Sports body care products.  We recently published our final review of the TriSwim Shampoo and Conditioner.  In the coming days, you’ll see final reviews of the TriSwim Body Lotion and TriSlide, a spray on body lubricant.

Today, we’ll discuss the TriSwim Body Wash, produced by SBR Sports.  Please check out our initial review of the TriSwim Body Wash.  You can purchase TriSwim Body Wash from many retailers or order directly from SBR Sports.  TriSwim Body Wash retails for $13.20 for a 8oz tube.

Background on SBR Sports:

SBR Sports was established in 2003 by Karen Allard.  Karen is a triathlete and USAT Certified Coach.  Through her training, she became aware of the damage chlorine and other chemicals cause to athletes’s hair and skin.  After using many available products, Karen decided to start her own line of products to assist athletes facing the same issues.

Background on TriSwim Body Wash:

The folks at SBR love aloe and it shows in their ingredients list.  Aloe is a great ingredient for tackling the smell and damage of chlorine on your skin and in your hair.  The use of aloe in the TriSwim Shampoo contributes to it’s ability to clean and moisturize your hair after a pool session and the inclusion of aloe in this body wash promises the same results for your skin.  In addition to the aloe, the TriSwim Body Wash also contains Vitamins A and E and Pro-Vitamin B5.

Testing TriSwim Body Wash:

As we mentioned in our initial review, we’ve only used TriSwim Body Wash after our swim workouts.  We decided to take this approach because we wanted to conserve our sample and only judge the TriSwim Body Wash on it’s performance in cutting chlorine damage and odor.

Our testers enjoyed the light citrus scent.  The citrus was a bit of a change, especially for our male tester, but both testers soon developed an affinity for the light scent.  The citrus scent covered or eliminated the smell of chlorine without being too overpowering.

We also carried the TriSwim with us on various trips, testing it’s performance in various water conditions.  In most cases, the TriSwim lathered up very well with a limited amount of product applied to our sponge.  Only once did TriSwim Body Wash fail to lather well, but that was due to unusually hard water that prevented all soap and shampoo from lathering.

In all testing situations TriSwim Body Wash did a good job removing the smell of chlorine from our skin.  As mentioned in our initial review, we used the body wash in different situations to test it’s effectiveness.  Some days we used the body was immediately after we left the pool, some days we returned home before using the body wash, and other times we waited up to four hours before using the body wash.  In all situations, TriSwim Body Wash removed most, if not all, of the chlorine odor left on our skin after swimming.

Both testers usually use Dove bar soap to mitigate the drying effect of high levels of chlorine.  We have found Dove to be the most effective bar soap in the battle against chlorine damage.  After using an entire tube of the TriSwim Body Wash, we observed that our skin was at least as moisturized and soft as when using Dove bars.  On our busiest weeks we swam 3-4 mornings and never noticed dry skin or itching when using the TriSwim Body Wash.

Overall Thoughts on TriSwim Body Wash:

Both testers were impressed with TriSwim Body Wash.  Though generally skeptical of marketing claims, the body wash actively removed and mitigated the smell of chlorine.  Even after continued use, we didn’t experience any dry skin issues or itching from the chlorine.  We believe the vitamins and ingredients are effective at neutralizing the odor and the damage caused by chlorine.

Rating of SBR Sports TriSwim Body Wash
Scent
Not overpowering, light citrus
Lather
Lather is average to good
Chlorine Neutralization
Eliminates most odor and damage
Moisture
Hydrates skin, no itch.
Value
More expensive than other washes, but performs well

Overall
Great performance for avid swimmers.

Related posts:

1. TriSwim Bodywash by SBR Sports–Initial Review
2. SBR Sports TriSwim Lotion-Final Review
3. SBR Sports TriSwim Lotion–Initial Review

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We’ve been using the Sigma Sports PC9 Heart Rate Monitor for almost two months.  The Sigma Sports PC9 is available for about $65 online and sometimes you can find an even better deal.  Thanks to Sigma Sports for our test sample.  First, we’re going to review a bit, but you can also check out our initial review of the Sigma Sports PC9 Heart Rate Monitor.

About Sigma Sport:

Sigma is an old hand in the cycling and fitness world.  Founded 25 years ago, they started manufacturing cycle speedometers, the precursor of today’s cycle computers.  Sigma continues to manufacture cycle computers and have added cycling lighting and heart rate monitors to their product line.

About the Sigma PC9 Man Heart Rate Monitor:

The PC9 Man is a new version of Sigma’s popular PC9 HRM.  The PC9 Man is one of two new versions, the PC9 Woman being the other.  From a functional standpoint, these HRM’s have the same features, the difference being the design.  The PC9 Man includes the watch, the chest strap, the chest sensor, and a mount for bicycles.

The PC9 Man features most of the standard settings you would expect from a heart-rate monitor.  The PC9 Man monitors your heart rate through the included chest strap.  In addition to monitoring the rate, the PC9 Man features heart rate limits, zone alarms, a calorie counter, training timer, and training manager.  The zone alarms allow you to monitor your performance based on your heart rate.  The PC9 Man automatically sets the ideal zones based on your personal details or you can override the standard settings.

The calorie counter feature is also automatic: it calculates your calorie burn based on the weight you enter when setting up the HRM.

Since most athletes are only interested in the heart-rate monitoring features, we’re not going to spend too much time focusing on the tertiary features of this HRM.

Sigma Sports PC9 Man Heart Rate Monitor Midterm Observations:

So far, the Sigma PC9 is holding up very well to our testing.  We’ve used the HRM during runs, swims, and rides.  We were a bit cautious about testing the HRM in the pool, but the instructions and website assure us that we were in the clear.

The comfort and fit of the chest strap impressed our tester.  Having used this HRM on rides beyond 5 hours and runs up to two and a half hours without experiencing any discomfort or chafing, we are pleased with the fit and construction of the chest strap.

The wristwatch part of the HRM took a little getting used to.  The watch is made of stiff plastic and the section of the strap closest to the bezel does not bend to your wrist.  This was a little uncomfortable to start, but our tester soon became used to the fit.

Our tester has only two complaints about this product to date.  First, there is no backlight for the wristwatch.  Though our tester doesn’t find himself frequently running in the dark, there are certain times a backlight would be helpful.  This is a minor inconvenience.

The second, and more serious complaint relates to the buttons.  Ninety percent of the time, our tester didn’t experience any trouble with the buttons.  Occasionally, however, the tester experienced trouble activating a button.  We mentioned this issue in the initial review, specifically that there was a lag after pressing a button.  The easiest way to prevent this is to firmly grasp the side of the watch while pressing the button.

Overall, we’ve been pleased with this HRM.  Though the button issue is aggrevating and can prevent the logging of your entire workout, we feel that the Sigma Sports HRM is performing within a reasonable range for it’s price.  At less than $65, this is an entry level HRM and performs as such.  It’s calculations regarding calorie burn are reasonable and within expectations.  The display is clear and large.  We look forward to bringing you a full final review in the future.

Related posts:

1. Sigma Sports PC9 Man Heart Rate Monitor–Initial Review
2. Rocket Science Sports Real Joe/Real Jane Gear Bag–Final Review
3. Under Armour Women’s Endure C Cup Sports Bra–Final Review

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Back in June we did our first review on a series of products from TriSwim/SBR Sports.  SBR Sports produces a series of body and hair care products for the triathlete and swimmer.  As any triathlete training for an IM or HIM can tell you, there’s a lot more to preparation than just working out.  You worry about getting clothes washed, balancing life and workouts and other annoying but essential administrative details.  Taking care of your skin and hair is no different: it’s not the most sexy thing to worry about, but it’s essential nonetheless.

If you’re interested in looking back at our initial impressions of the TriSwim Shampoo and Conditioner, you can check out our initial review.  We’ve also completed initial reviews for the rest of the TriSwim product line.  Check out our initial review of the TriSwim Body Wash and our review of the TriSwim Lotion.

TriSwim Shampoo is available online for $13.20 and the TriSwim Conditioner is available for $16.39.

Background on SBR Sports:

SBR Sports was established in 2003 by Karen Allard.  Karen is a triathlete and USAT Certified Coach.  Through her training, she became aware of the damage chlorine and other chemicals cause to athletes’s hair and skin.  After using many available products, Karen decided to start her own line of products to assist athletes facing the same issues.

Details of TriSwim Shampoo and Conditioner:

TriSwim Shampoo contains organic aloe, a botanical agent prized for it’s moisturizing, soothing and calming properties.  In addition to the aloe, TriSwim Shampoo contains 5 sequestering agents, Vitamins E and A and Pro-Vitamin B5.  Working together, SBR claims that these chemicals help to remove chlorine and chlorine odors, while also removing copper deposits that can cause a greenish tint to frequent swimmers’ hair.  TriSwim Shampoo has a mild citrus scent.

TriSwim Conditioner is designed to help moisturize your hair after using the shampoo and to help heal dry and damaged hair.  SBR claims that the conditioner does this without creating a heavy buildup of product in your hair.

Testing TriSwim Shampoo and Conditioner:

As mentioned in our initial review, two reviewers have been using the TriSwim products since we received the samples.

Our male tester generally doesn’t spend a lot of money on shampoo and conditioner.  When using this inexpensive shampoo and conditioner, the male tester often has to wash his hair twice or apply conditioner twice to achieve desirable results.  Even when shampooing and conditioning once or twice, the smell of chlorine doesn’t always wash out.

After using the TriSwim Shampoo and Conditioner for almost two months, our male tester was impressed with the performance of both products.  The TriSwim Shampoo never required a second application.  The shampoo left his hair noticeably softer than standard shampoo.  The shampoo also removed most, if not all, of the chlorine smell.  In a few tests, the male tester used the shampoo without using the conditioner and noticed a significant decrease in chlorine odor.  The TriSwim Conditioner also worked well for our male tester.  The conditioner leaves your hair softer and much less brittle than other cheap options.  When used with the shampoo, the conditioner eliminated chlorine odor completely.

Our female tester was also pleased with the performance of both products.  She normally uses more expensive hair products to minimize chlorine damage.  As a blonde and a lifelong swimmer, she is familiar with the damage chlorine causes after extended exposure.

She found the shampoo to be as effective as her normal shampoo, a product she normally purchases at salon supply stores for a higher price.  The added benefit of using TriSwim was the elimination of chlorine odor, something her normal shampoo doesnt’ do.  She was happy with the conditioner’s performance.  She normally uses a heavy duty hair masque to restore volume and softness after swimming.  She reported her hair was just as healthy looking and feeling, but lacked a little of the shine she normally expected from her hair products.

Overall Impressions of TriSwim Shampoo and Conditioner:

After using the test samples for up to two months, both testers were pleased with the performance.  The light citrus smell was pleasant and disappeared soon after use, taking with it the smell of chlorine.  Both the shampoo and conditioner restored the a healthy and full feeling to both our male and female testers’ hair.  Our female tester didn’t notice any buildup from the conditioner in the extended test and believes SBRSport’s claim that the conditioner won’t cause buildup.

We’re happy to recommend SBR Sports Shampoo and Conditioner to our readers.  The products are reasonably inexpensive and SBR Sports offers free samples if you would like to try them yourself.  The Shampoo and Conditioner both restore and revitalize your hair and remove the smell of chlorine that triathletes and swimmers frequently experience.

TriSwim Shampoo and Conditioner
Smell
Light citrus smell, not off-putting. Disappears quickly
Function
Removes smell and feeling of Chlorine completely.
Buildup
No noticeable buildup from conditioner.
Value
On par with other specialty shampoos, if not slightly less expensive

Overall
Great shampoo and conditioner. Removes chlorine, restores health and natural feel to hair.

Related posts:

1. TriSwim Shampoo and Conditioner–Initial Review
2. TriSwim Bodywash by SBR Sports–Initial Review
3. TriSwim Body Wash by SBR Sports–Final Review

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