Strengths: The 2006 model is very plush with bags of cushioning. Despite this they actually feel quite light and quick. Fit very similar to the old Pegasus. Note that I have worn these out of the box with a pair of off the peg orthotics, so can not vouch for the quality or otherwise of the insole.
Weaknesses: Durability. I've not had a pair of shoes wear out so quickly. After 200 miles the sole was down to slicks and I could feel every indentation on the ground, especially at the ball of the foot area. By 400 miles these shoes were wrecked.
Overall: I hope the mark 2 Vomero addresses the durability problems, because in many ways these are a great trainer, reminiscent of older model Pegasus'. I'd still recommend them as they are but be prepared to change them pretty soon after buying them!
Strengths: Chocolate flavour is easy to drink, I find eating after a hard race like a marathon impossible, so rely on Rego to replenish much needed body stores. After tough sessions, this really seems to speed the recovery process. Best prepared the night before and put in a fridge.
Weaknesses: A bit of a nightmare to prepare, always seem to end up with undissolved powder at bottom of bottle, easier with the wide bottle opening to get a spoon in and stir. Taste is a bit love / hate - chocolate for me is fine but the Strawberry is a no no. It works out quite expensive per usage, so tend to reserve it for races or the hardest workouts.
Overall: A recovery drink that really seems to have a positive effect. Of the three SIS drink products probably the least essential for a novice runner (I'd say the hydration drink is the must have), but very useful for serious athletes who want to recover quickly between sessions or those who struggle to eat for hours after a race.
'MY GEL OF CHOCIE FOR MARATHONS - HAS A REAL KICK.'
Strengths: Of all the gels I've tried this is the only one when I can say I've felt re-energised when I've taken it, especially on a long run. I particularly like the caffeine version and find the apple flavour palatable.
Weaknesses: The pastey consistency can be hard to swallow and the packaging not that easy to open when running. You have to make sure you drink the right quantity of water or you can cramp. Work out to be expensive, so one for long long runs or races.
Overall: More people I know rave about this gel than any other. I know ultra marathon runners who swear by it and my brother loved them when he cycled from John O'Groats to Lands End. I used three of them in this year's FLM and felt a real boost each time I have them.
'OTHERS RAVE ABOUT IT - BUT DOESN'T DO MUCH FOR ME.'
Strengths: As it is isotonic it can be taken without additional water which is handy when on a training run. The packaging is much improved on the original. It isn't as gooey and sickly as other gels.
Weaknesses: Others I've spoken to swear by its effectiveness, but personally I've used it a few times on long runs and have seen no noticeable effect, unlike Powerbar Powergels.
Overall: If it works for you then this is the best on the market, but personally I prefer the kick of a Powergel.
Strengths: Provides the carbs needed for exercise, if you like the flavours it is easy to drink and can be measured to provide the amount you need.
Weaknesses: Flavours are a love/hate thing, can be hard to dissolve the powder when mixing, works out to be quite expensive, so I use it for special occasions.
Overall: 8 years on and it is still my drink of choice on a cool day before a big race. I would use it for more daily exercise but it works out to be quite expensive.
'PREMIER UK ENERGY DRINK WHEN REHYDRATION REQUIRED'
Strengths: The additional bottle allows you to measure the amount used to suit strength. This drink, for me, works better than any other rehydration drink - a must for hot weather exercise or sweaty gym sessions. The lemon & lime tastes pleasant to my palette.
Weaknesses: The flavours available are hit and miss and an acquired taste, I really don't like the blackcurrant flavour. If you use it for every session it works out to be quite pricey.
Overall: The best rehydration / energy drink I have used and I have for many years, although the cost puts me off using it more often and is generally saved for extremes in weather or exercise effort.
Strengths: Lightweight, good cushioning, suitable for supinators, good grip, similar in performance to Nike Pegasus without the puncture problems.
Weaknesses: Not quite as comfortable a fit as the Mizuno Wave Rider 8. Not sure whether the metatarsal support is a worthy addition.
Overall: Alternating with the Mizuno Wave Rider 8, this is the shoe I tend to wear for the long marathon training runs or runs at a steady pace. I'm sure try would be great for speed work and races but don't quite have that feeling of speed that the Mizuno's have. They are a good alternative for the Nike Pegasus if you liked the 04 model of that shoe but are not so keen on the 05 version. This review was done after 180 miles of running.
Strengths: Responsive Lightweight And Comfortable, this supinator finds them a good option. Good all rounder, can be used as an everyday shoe - for races, speed training and long runs.
Weaknesses: Found them very firm when new - much more than the Nike Pegasus or the Saucony Grid Trigon 3 Ride. Needed around 100 miles to soften up. Grip not fantastic in greasy underfoot conditions compared to said Nike and Saucony shoes.
Overall: A good alternative for the failing (In my opinion) Nike Pegasus if you are a supinator. I found them superb in a recent distance race, but prefer my Saucony's for long (16 mile +) runs as they seem to have a little more cushioning. This review was written after 160 miles of running in them.
Strengths: The lightish weight of the shoe combined with plush cushioning and no stability features, making it an option for supinators. Good price at £60 and can often be found cheaper if you shop around.
Weaknesses: The 05 model has developed a squeak at 100 miles so loud people here me from 30 metres away! The cushioning has effectively died at 250 miles too and I am not that heavy. The 04 model was very susceptible to punctures of the air unit. I have suffered more shin and outer calf pain with the 05 model than the 04 - of which I had 4 pairs over 18 months.
Overall: I'd like to stick with the Pegasus as I have (touch wood) had no serious injury problems with them in the 18 months I have worn them and for me I can wear them for all types of training and racing. But the durability of the 04 model and the squeaking in the 05 model may make me look elsewhere.
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