Wednesday, October 17, 2007

bags - Put Your Best Foot Forward To Improve Your Golf Game...

Golf shoes are an important part of golf for both the game and the player.

On a Game Level, different golf shoes and their respective spikes cause daily damage to the course. The traditional metal spike was the major offender and has been banned from most courses. The introduction of softspikes in the early 1980s has helped reduce wear and tear on the fairways and greens. The most promising shoe is the new generation spikeless golf shoe which minimizes damage to all playing surfaces.

For the average player, course damage is key for a couple of reasons. First, the resulting maintenance adds to the golfers playing fees. Second, it affects the playing quality of the turf and respectively the golfer's score for the money paid to play. Neither is a good thing.

USGA.COM reports that "golf is one of the few games, perhaps the only one, where the player's own equipment - spiked shoes -- directly, undeniably, and significantly affects the most critical playing surface of the game - the putting green".

The growing market trend is to promote spikeless golf shoes and there are some very good reasons why. From a Player Level there are no residual maintenance fees for spikes. Additionally, the shoes offer the same if not better technology related to comfort and play. Finally, they are kind to the course.

GolfIllustrated.com reports that there are a few primary players that make up the market for noncleated golf shoes. That is "good news ... they are focused on bringing golfers the best products possible, including incredible technology, fantastic fashions, comfort never imagined possible just 10 years ago and game-enhancing designs".

While each manufacturer has done special research and testing to enhance their respective golf products all have tried to improve shoes in a number of key areas: outsoles - durability and traction; insole comfort related to fit and feel AKA athletic last; and, materials related to endurance and flexibility. GolfDigest.com and the websites of the manufacturers highlight the following:

Adidas Golf Shoes: Adidas spikeless golf shoes are known for their unconventional coloring, styles and technologies. One of Adidas main features is the Clima Cool system that keeps the foot cool and dry through their waterproof technologies. They also feature Z-Traxion technology with lateral and linear design to maximize grip on surface areas. And, the manufacturer's patented torsion system helps to control excess movement and maintain stability for the golfer through play.

Etonic Golf Shoes: Etonic offers a durable spikeless mens golf shoe that is innovative in providing comfort and traction. Its new G-SOK features a wide-platform outsole made from a high-abrasion Goodyear rubber that's 20 times more durable than conventional rubber. This makes the gripping nubs super strong, and since they don't require receptacles, the shoe is even more lightweight and flexible. Etonic also offers a spikeless womens golf shoe with the same quality features.

FootJoy Golf Shoes:The FootJoy offers spikeless mens golf shoes in a variety of styles and colors. Most are of leather construction with a durable rubber outsole. They feature the EVA Fit-Bed?, a lightweight removable insole that does not set, so the cushioning will remain the same for the life of the shoe. FootJoy spikeless shoes also feature "Slip Last Construction." - a technique often used in running shoes. This technique offers more contour and flexibility for comfort in the shoe. FootJoy also offers spikeless womens golf shoes with the same quality features.

Nike Golf Shoes: Nike goes "From Air to Zoom". Nike spikeless mens golf shoes combines a deep heel Air-Sole unit together with cushioned forefront Air unit to provide lightweight comfort with enhanced feel and performance through your weight shift. Their ultra-flexibleT@C4 (Traction at Contact) Spikeless outsole technology provides maximum traction, stability and flexibility. The Nike spikeless shoe has an athletic last built for well-rounded toe and fuller forefoot area for room to waggle and a standard instep. Nike also offers a spikeless womens golf shoe with the same quality features.

Whatever you choose to wear, golf shoes are the most basic part of your equipment. Spiked or spikeless, your shoes will make the difference in how you play and the condition of the course. If you are in pain and leaving tread marks all over the turf it's probably time for a new shoe. Visit the many golf websites on the internet research your option and put your best foot forward to improve your game!

Dedicated to the casual golfer who takes the game seriously, http://www.ruagolfer.net is designed to offer top golf products that perform well yet fit the average golfer's budget. The company promotes the belief that, "equipment is everything"!

We have partnered with key golf suppliers in the USA to bring the consumer great products at great prices. We do not offer restocks or closeouts with limited selections and buying options. Our product catalog is based on the best products for best performance at the best value for its customers. We bring buyers the most competitive pricing discounts available on the top products in the market today.

Product selection includes one of the widest ranges of men's and women's golf shoes and golf balls on the web. Additionally we offer a varied selection of golf bags, push golf carts and golf accessories. We will be introducing golf apparel and Junior Gear within the next few months. Brand names include Adidas, Callaway, Cleveland, Etonic, Nike, TaylorMade, Titleist, TopFlite, Wilson and more.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Duszynski

bags - New Technologies in Camping and Outdoor Clothing Enhance the Outdoor Experience

Camping is an excellent way to explore and experience the outdoors. The weather needn't be an obstacle to what sorts of climates and places you might trek to. Outdoor clothing has become incredibly innovative in its designs and features, allowing the adventurous at heart to know no limits. Following is information all outdoor enthusiasts should read before investing in outerwear.

Given so many choices it is necessary to do a little research before making your clothing purchase, this way you are only buying the pieces you will need, therefore essentially getting your money's worth. The following suggestions should be helpful for any outdoor enthusiast. A popular term you will hear mentioned in today's clothing features is waterproof-breathable technologies. This technology strives to keep liquid water (precipitation) out of the garment interiors, while allowing the moisture vapor (perspiration) to escape out of the wearer's clothing.

There are three major waterproof-breathable technologies which are microporous laminates, microporous coatings and monolithic membranes. The microporous laminates contain millions of pores which allow for molecules of water vapor to pass out, but not allowing for water to enter. The microporous coatings act in the same way by letting water vapors pass out but not allowing vapor to enter. The monolithic membranes absorb moisture vapor directly into its structure, in turn heat from your body drives the moisture through the membrane towards the outer surface. The amazing thing about the monolithic membrane is that as you work harder the membrane absorbs and exhales more vapor.

One of the popular face fabrics for outdoor clothing of the past has been nylon; it has been a preferred fabric because of both its waterproof and breathable features and its abrasion resistance for rugged use. But today's newly designed polyesters are closing the gap. Polyester is popular because it only absorbs about a tenth as much water as does nylon. This is wonderful as it keeps the inside surface of the garment warmer, while reducing the interior condensation. The great thing about the new polyesters is they are naturally repellent without having to use spray on repellents that eventually wash off.

Knowing about the popular fabrics used today and why they work is important in making some of your outdoor clothing selections, but if needing any clothing that will be used for cold or extremely cold conditions you will need to know what clothing insulations will best suit you and the conditions you might be facing. Firstly is down filling. Down filling has been around forever and is still one of the most popular choices. It is unbelievably light, compact and durable. It moulds to your body helping to keep you warm while absorbing any moisture; however down is not a good choice if you will be in constantly damp cold or wet snow conditions.

Next are the synthetic fills. There are different types of synthetic fills available, some of which are much heavier and bulkier than down but will not collapse when wet. Some of the special synthetic fills are specially treated to resist moisture penetration while still keeping you warm if wet.

After you've done a bit of research and familiarized yourself with some of the fabric technologies available, you will next want to know exactly what you will be doing and what sort of weather you can expect. For people interested in adventures such as mountaineering, skiing, ice climbing and other backcountry sports, you will want an excellent jacket offered in one of the waterproof-breathable designs offered. These jackets should offer protection from extreme wind, snow, and rain while still keeping you comfortable. Along with a great jacket you will want to select a compatible pair of pants which will also offer you protection from the elements.

When shopping for your clothing you will notice for more extreme conditions there will be three-ply garments which consist of an outer face fabric, a membrane and protective backer, whereas the two-ply garments are more for general use with a lighter liner instead of the knitted inner backing.

The waterproof-breathable designs are excellent for people constantly moving, because of the movement you really need something that breathes. Now on the other hand for people doing outdoor activity where they are making frequent stops or standing around for periods of time they will need outerwear that is insulated to keep them warm. These particular designs come in various synthetic and down fills in a variety of weights and shell materials. The design appropriate for you is again dependant on what sort of activities you'll be doing.

Now for the people who might not be venturing into quite as extreme conditions they may just need jackets and pants that protect them from the wind. Windwear is not to be confused with rainwear, but is to be used for cool, windy, damp conditions. For outdoor activities such as backcountry skiing and hiking, windwear provides water-resistance in breathable fabrics.

Regardless of what sort of camping or outdoor activities you may do, having proper rainwear is essential when spending time in the wilderness. Having great rain gear such as jackets, pants and hats can make what might have been a bad weather experience and allow for your trip to go on. Excellent rainwear today offers features such as water repellent finishes, fully taped seams, cinched ankle cuffs and reflective trims for safety. Rainwear designs really make hiking in the rain a comfortable pleasure.

One of the most versatile pieces of clothing offered is those made of fleece. Fleece is light in weight, warm even when the weather is wet, and can be used for either a mid-layer or outer layer. Usually used for insulation, fleece also will pick up moisture from the surface of your underwear moving it outwards to keep you dry. Fleece is an excellent addition to any outdoor wardrobe, combined with a two or three ply jacket, windwear or rainwear; it provides added warmth and comfort. Fleece is available in heavyweight, midweight and lightweight options.

Modern underwear is another outdoor clothing option that has improved with time. New polyester blends not only provide needed insulation from the elements but keeps perspiration away from your body while in motion. Unlike cotton, the new fabrics make perspiration evaporate quickly keeping you warm and comfortable.

There are so many outdoor clothing options available. The above mentioned pieces of clothing serve well for protection from all of the elements. There is also clothing available for trekking such as shirts, pants, shorts and t-shirts. Again what is wonderful about all the clothing choices is the excellent fabrics used. Fabrics that dry quickly, keep moisture away, and provide stain, odor and wrinkle resistance.

Lastly, we cannot forget the great clothing accessories that keep our head, hands and feet warm and protected. Gloves available for ice climbing, mountaineering and skiing in waterproof, windproof and breathable fabrics. Gloves, hats and socks that provide excellent warmth and comfort for any weather condition.

Whatever the outdoor activity you are planning, whether it be ice climbing, mountaineering, snowboarding, hiking or just a simple walk outside, the wonderful fabrics and designs offered in outdoor clothing today can make your experience a comfortable one. Given so many clothing choices and designs, it truly gives adage to the saying that "there is no bad weather just bad clothing".

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