Friday, January 15, 2016

RAD Rod Review

I was so impressed with the RAD Roller products I reviewed a few weeks back that I contacted the company about testing out one more of their products, the RAD Rod.  It can be used in conjunction with the Helix and I really wanted to see if the RAD Rod could impress me as much as the Rad Roller and Helix did (click here to see my review).

RAD Roller is based out of Boulder Colorado, one of the healthiest places in America.  Michael Mallory, a biomechanics specialist, and Dan McIntosh, a professional triathlete, came up with the idea to fill a void in the massage tool industry.  They wanted to create a massage tool that could be used on the back that would not put pressure on the bones in your back and neck.  This is a common complaint I have with almost every foam roller out there.  That is where the RAD Roller came into existence. 

After a short time, the RAD Roller was expanded from the original (blue) to a firmer model (black) and a softer model (green).  They look like two racquetballs that are attached in the center.  RAD Roller quickly expanded their lineup.  Another product is the Rad Rod, which is a thin rod that is made to push the waste materials out of your soft tissue. 

The Rad Rod is 21.25” long and about .75” in diameter.  Its handles are covered in blue silicon, which provides a great grip.  The rotating center of the rod is made up of grey EVA foam, which is the material in the midsoles of many running shoes.  The smaller size and low weight (only 1 lb. 2 oz.) makes this an easy piece of equipment to travel with.

I was very impressed with both the RAD Roller and Helix, but the RAD Rod blew me away.  I have been able to focus on areas of my legs that I simply can’t with my traditional foam rollers.  I was able to roll out knots deep in my muscles that I never knew I had.  After only using the RAD Rod for about a week and my legs feel more rested and ready for my runs. 

Like I said earlier, you can use the Rad Rod with the Helix.  They even sell them as a kit (you save $10 by buying it as a kit).  The Rad Rod goes inside the Helix and you can roll out your muscles or have your wife, husband, or whoever else, work on your back, neck, or other hard to reach areas.  You can take turns and both feel great afterward.

Pros:
Great Price $39 Rad Rod ($78 kit)
Can easily travel with you.
Can release tension and toxin in hard to reach areas
Can really massage deep into your muscles

RAD Rollers’ Media Links:






I love my RAD Roller products.  The Rad Rod is my favorite, but you can’t go wrong with any of them.  I still use my OPTP stretch out strap every night, but my RAD Roller products have become part of my nightly recovery plan.  You can pick up the RAD Rod for $39.00 and the Rad Rod/HELIX kit for $78.00.   They are available on the RAD Roller website and at Amazon.  Check them out and let me know what you think.

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Proviz REFLECT360 Gilet Review


If you have followed my blog for a while, you will know that safety is a big concern for me and I stress the importance of safety a lot.  You can never expect that drivers will see you in a bike lane next to the road, but there are some lights and clothing that will increase your visibility.

Proviz was started in London by two brothers who worked corporate jobs and commuted by bicycle.  They used equipment to help them be more visible but realized that there was a void in the market that they wanted to fill. The first device they invented was an electroluminescent light pack.  The company’s most popular products are in the REFLECT360 series which was introduced in 2014.  It is unique because it uses 100% reflective materials, which look grey in the daytime, but is highly reflective at night.  The REFLECT360 series includes jackets, gilets, vests, backpacks, helmet covers and more. 

I am reviewing the REFLECT360 gilet.  First of all, I was absolutely shocked by how reflective it really was.  The tag that came with the gilet, which is similar to a vest, said to take a picture with your camera’s flash on.  I have included pictures with my flash on and off so you can see the difference. 

The gilet has several features that really make a difference.  The shoulders are fitted, which works hand in hand with the armholes.  They hug your arms so there is no excess material, which would allow air to get in and cool you off.   They don’t restrict arm movement either.  There are two zippered side pockets where you can put your gloves, a hat, or your phone.  The back of the gilet is perforated to allow heat and moisture to escape.  There are zipper pull tags so you don’t need to take your gloves off to get your pockets open.  There is a softer material around the neck area for comfort as well.

I was very pleased with the fit and function of the REFLECT360 gilet.  It has been a little cold and the gilet allows me to keep my core a little warmer, while not totally overheating.  I noticed that my sweat made the reflective material work even better, not that it is a real selling point.  I believe that Proviz uses the same type of glass beads in their gear that is used in the striping of your local roads.  There really isn’t any comparison between this and other visibility products as far as what is more visible. 

Pros:
Decent Price as low as $52.97 (on Amazon)
Light weight and breathable
Makes you very visible to traffic

Proviz’s Media Links:






Blog 

This will be one of the products I feature in my running safety post where I provide the best safety products out there.  The REFLECT360gilet is comfortable, looks good, and it will make sure you are seen.  While you should still make sure to be a defensive runner and always pay attention to oncoming traffic, this is one product that could really help you to be safer.  You can pick yours up at the Proviz website or on Amazon. 

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.