Runner's World - My Reviews

Members

denotes Subscriber-only content |

Matthew Lancaster

My Profile:My Forum:My Event Ratings:My Reviews:My Gallery

Latest Reviews

1 to 4 of 4 reviews.

Nike Sphere T-shirt

Posted: 28/06/07

'NICE SHIRT BUT QUITE WARM AND NARROW ARMS'

Strengths:
Comfy cosy material, keeps you warm, can be foudn very cheap in TK Max!

Weaknesses:
Can be expensive, tight fit in places depending on build, is sphere dry a gimic?

Overall:
A nice comfy T-shirt but nothing special. I have the zip neck version which is good if you get too warm and probably better thant the normal version. Main problem I had was the arms and shoulders are quite tight and I'm no Arnie so people with slim limbs need only apply, but I find that for lots of Nike stuff. Sphere fabric is quite thick and not very air-permeant so you can get quite warm. It's meant to react to sweat but I've never noticed so the zip top is far more effective at getting better ventilation! My top tip is that I've seen this shirt several times in TK Max (they often have Nike stuff) for as little as £9 so go hunt since at that price it's a serious bargain!

Performance		60%
Comfort		60%
Value		60%

Overall Rating

60%

Nike Air Structure Triax 10

Posted: 18/06/07

'VERY COMFY AND SUPPORTIVE'

Strengths:
Very plush feeling with an almost alarming level of bounce/cushioning and support

Weaknesses:
Strange silver upper material which doesn't look like it'll wear too well (although doing ok so far) and when switching back and forth from other shoes can feel strange agian at first!

Overall:
Compared to my Mizunos and Asics these felt like putting two giant airbags on my feet, pretty peculiar at first but certainly very comfy once you get used to them. Certainly good for those with a height complex since the soles are very thick! Not the lightest to run in but very stable. I had some rubbing on my instep at first but otherwise they've performed really well and been a bit of a revelation to me since I've never had or even tried Nike shoes before. Not one to race in but good for knee pain and taking the strian of longer runs. Possible to get some good deals on them too making them considerably chepaer than some other alternatives.

Performance		80%
Comfort		80%
Value		80%

Overall Rating

80%

Polar RS800SD

Posted: 03/05/07
Updated: 30/11/07

'BRILLIANT TOOL BUT NOT PERFECT....'

Strengths:
More functions and stats than you'll ever need with a far better footpod than old designs

[Update 30/11/07] Very consistent and still the best software

Weaknesses:
Data can be a bit variable & to take advantage of everything requires a computer and IRDA interface (sold seperately and not always readily available)

[Update 30/11/07] The foot pod is not very secure and the cradle that retains it wears with use. My footpod flew off and went in a lake! Also problems with strap, temperature sensing, altimeter, display and link to footpod so far (not all lake related)!

Overall:
Rather expensive so I bought mine in the USA (lots of good deals with the dollar value at the moment). FIrst thing though the strap broke (known fault in old stock now corrected) but was rapidly fixed by Polar's excellent service. Footpod must be half the size and weight of the old model that came with the s625x, you literally don't know it's there (occasionally worrying with the price of it!). Lots of stats not available on other HRMs, cadence, running index etc and plenty of target alarms and timers for pace, HR etc. To take full advantage though requires a PC and to make sure it works requires you to update the software that came with it! No downloadable training programmes so you have to make it up yourself but once set the excellent software allows you to programme even complex traingin sessions and targets for months in advance. The software is the main great strength over the competition (that and the lack of reliance on GPS signals for anyone that runs in the woods). Now all they need is to sort out minor bugs and it's be perfect....

[Update 30/11/07] Very flash features, stats and software but build quality should be better for this price. Software and device communication has bugs. Case and strap has now been updated due to altimeter problems and numerous strap failings so look for new stock. Use supplementary retainer for footpod the rubber strap is no use at all!! Great device if problems are corrected in future versions.

Performance		60%
Ease of use		60%
Value		40%

Overall Rating

53%

Mizuno Wave Nirvana 3

Posted: 03/05/07

'GREAT SUPPORT, VERY COMFORTABLE, SOFT ON ANKLES AND TENDONS'

Strengths:
Felt very supportive and comfortable straight out the box. Not a single blister, ever. Very smooth, quiet and comfortable ride.

Weaknesses:
Not as well ventilated as some which can make for sweaty feet! Low cut can feel quite strange at first if you're used to a higher-fitting shoe but probably good if you have tendon problems.

Overall:
Following wearing through the heel of my Asics 2110s I was tempted by the Kayanos but tried these instead and was instantly smitten. Great support and very smooth ride with far softer uppers and a lot more comfortable on the feet than Asics models, well particualrly if you have boney or lumpy feet like me!

Performance		80%
Comfort		100%
Value		60%

Overall Rating

80%

See entire review section


11/11	Robin Hood 10K, Nottinghamshire

18/11	Avebury 8M, Wiltshire

18/11	Gosport Half-Marathon, Hampshire

18/11	Swindon 10K, Wiltshire

18/11	Heanor 10K Christmas Pud Race, Derbyshire

See more races

	: Start Fitness- Use code RUN5 for extra 5% OFF

	ah... achilles heel

	Runners Need

	Millet Sports

	Sportsshoes.com - up to 70% off

Race trips, training camps and more
		Running the Highlands
		More information

VOTE