Avid Technology
All about avid technology informationIs Golf Technology Helping to Improve Your Game?
Posted on November 29, 2011
Let’s face it. Golf is a sexy game. It’s alluring and provocative. And the golf equipment manufacturers and instruction book authors know it all too well. They are also aware that we unsuspecting golf chumps are fairly oblivious to this fact. We’re like lambs to the lions.
But their barkers and snake oil marketers may have lured us under the Big Top once too often. We have become hardened to their annual sales pitches. Their promises of greater distance and accuracy; or their unwavering declarations that their equipment is the elixir that will permanently cure our slices and help lower our scores by ten strokes, are wearing thin.
Audacious claims that their latest product offering is revolutionary or will unlock the secret of the golf swing, have definitely fallen on my deaf ears. (Pay particular attention from now on to just how many golf ads you see with these same disingenuous pronouncements. How many secrets can one game possibly have?).
Has technology improved many aspects of the game of golf? Yes, undoubtedly it has. It has come great distances from the historic days of hickory shafts and balata balls. But then why haven’t amateur scores improved as well? The golf ball does travel further and with less side spin than it did in the days before the tech boom. Cavity backed irons do have a larger, more forgiving club face and the drivers are the size of a watermelons, so making contact is not a problem.
But like clockwork, the club manufacturers want us to believe that this year’s, new, must have, super improved product offerings make last year’s equipment as obsolete as the mashie niblet. Rubbish is what I say!
The only question to ask, to put their claims to the test, is why then do we keep reading the same statistics, year after year, that golfer’s handicaps are not going down? I just read where even the PGA tour player’s scores have gone up a wee fraction these past ten years, and that the average hacker’s score remains where it has been for decades, around 100 per round.
The answer is obvious. It’s the golfers and their swings, not the golf equipment that determines proficiency and success in this glorious game. You simply cannot buy a golf swing in a pro shop. You can only perfect one through tireless practice and sound professional advice.
I always say that you can hit the golf ball with a broom handle if you have a sound and repeatable, on plane golf swing.
Of course shinny new irons do look a heck of a lot better in your golf bag than a broom stick and a mop handle. If you are in the market for a new set of golf clubs why not visit your local pro shops and price out last year’s models that are now on sale. Or check out eBay and get that same set for a fraction of the retail price. You definitely need a quality, forgiving set that will last you for years. But does it have to be this year’s thousand dollar set of magical irons? Won’t the once proclaimed revolutionary set from two years ago suffice?
My point is to stop falling for the latest and greatest revolutionary secrets, and start putting in the time, especially on your short game, where improvement can be dramatic. That’s the main way we’ll see handicaps begin to drop.
By: Jack McDemott
IST Dry Topped Purge Snorkel – It’s How a Dry Snorkel Should Be!
Posted on November 01, 2011
Back in the old days, snorkelers had to contend with U-shaped, rigid-tubed snorkels that did not in any way took into consideration user comfort and convenience in its construction. The functionality of traditional, non-purge snorkels entailed intermittent blowing action in order to expel excess water that typically floods the tubular barrel in the conduct of snorkeling. Moreover designed with a rigid (straight) barrel and rubber mouthpiece, user discomfort and jaw fatigue was imminent in the use of the scuba gear.
A breakthrough product to come out from the traditional line of snorkels is the dry snorkel, which has been streamlined for user comfort while outfitted with a self-regulating valve that considerably prevents the entry of water into the tube. Intending to upgrade from a semi-dry to a total dry snorkel? The IST Dry Topped Purge Snorkel is one scuba gear you definitely should sample! Featured below are the functional mechanisms of this purposeful and modern snorkel.
Water Deflector Top. There is a good reason why the IST Dry Topped Purge Snorkel is called dry. And that is because this scuba gear was designed to keep the insides of the barrel dry most of the time – if not all the time! The snorkel is equipped with a self-regulating, dry top mechanism that automatically shuts off when the snorkel gets fully submerged in the water and consequently opens upon resurface. The mechanism prevents the water’s entry into barrel and averts the user from inhaling or even swallowing sea water.
One Way Purge Valve. The IST Dry Topped Purge Snorkel comes with a purge valve located close to the mouthpiece that expels water from the snorkel. With a purge valve, the user need not worry about the likelihood of water rushing into the snorkel. Not that there’s much water coming into the barrel, if you take its water deflecting mechanism in consideration. Should water accidentally get into the tube, simply maneuver the purge valve to clear the water.
Flexible Barrel. A major component of the snorkel is the flexible tube that feeds air to the snorkeler. Made of silicone, the elastic barrel is contoured in such a way to level off with the head and guarantee optimum user comfort as the snorkel is firmly strapped to the mask’s keeper.
Silicone Mouthpiece. The mouthpiece of this scuba gear is also made of silicone, which only implies extended bottom times, a longer serviceable life for your snorkel and freedom from jaw or mouth fatigue as silicone is soft and pliant to begin with.
The dry topped, purge snorkel is perfect for all types of snorkelers and for scuba divers as well. If you’re an avid snorkeler, don’t settle for anything less than a dry snorkel. Go get an IS T Dry Topped Purge Snorkel [http://www.scubasuppliers.com/site/1408308/product/SN50] today and see the difference.
By: Felix Tero
Essential Electronics to Have Aboard a Sailboat
Posted on October 30, 2011The digital age opens up so many options and resources for sailors. First and foremost every sailor should have a boat Global Positioning System unit, GPS. A GPS unit works by receiving signals from GPS satellites in orbit around the earth, and at any given point, there are at least four satellites in the visible sky. The unit takes signals from three satellites and triangulates position. Today most GPS units are accurate to within 10-20 meters. A boat GPS unit is essential and best of all it is easy to use and straightforward.
Today, sailors also have a wide variety of boat stereos and boat TVs to choose from. Getting a weatherproof TV would be most prudent. There are extensive wall mounts available so clutter can be kept to a minimum. With the advent of flat screen TVs, having a TV aboard has never been so easy and efficient. There is nothing quite relaxing as sailing while listening to some good tunes. Boat stereos have advanced significantly in the past 10 years. With better and smaller waterproof designs, upgrading to today’s stereos is definitely a good long term investment.
All advancements made in technology today serve as benefits to devices like VHF radios. A VHF radio bought today has more features beyond the basic transmit and receive. A few in fact have a level of DSC calling capability. When connected to a hailer horn, the more expensive models can act as a hailer. Bluetooth compatible boat VHF radios are also available. Combining the powers of GPS and VHF radios, a digital distress signal can also transmit the boat’s location.
Sailors should have depth and speed instruments aboard. Wireless capabilities have allowed even greater latitude when it comes to using depth and speed instruments. An easy view, digital display shows the values so there are no human errors in reading output numbers. Additionally many sailors chose to purchase wind instruments as well. Today there are advancements making boat instruments easier to use, safer, and intuitive.
Sailing with the best technology and instruments at hand provides a safer journey. Where would a sailor be without the GPS unit to direct him or her? Out of all electronics to have on board, having a GPS unit should be a sailor’s number one purchase. Some sailors are reluctant to rely so readily on electronics, preferring to sail with old fashioned instruments and methods. Regardless of preference to old ways or new, the benefits of modern electronics speak for themselves again and again.
By: Hanisha Patel
What to Look For When Purchasing a Hunting GPS
Posted on September 27, 2011As always, cost is going to be a factor. With such high quality selections as the Garmin eTrex Handheld GPS with Hunting and Fishing Calculator and Garmin Rino Series 120 GPS with 2-Way Radio available for under $150 this is a pretty good starting price point.
Paint job is something to be considered as well. If you are going to be hunting, you want your GPS to be camouflage. There are supposed hunting GPS out there with bright yellow finishes which just kind of make me shake my head in wonder.
Size matters! In this case, smaller is better. Ideally the GPS should fit easily in your hand, and you should be able to perform the more popular functions with one hand.
Battery life is important to consider as well. How much you’ll need will depend on your personal situation, but be sure to calculate this number based on the upper limits of your travel time and time spent in the field between charging opportunities.
Waterproofing is something else you will want to look for in a hunting model. Handheld GPS systems that are not waterproof will obviously not hold up under prolonged exposure to the elements, and for most hunters they will be getting exposed. If you are going to be wading in a swampy or lakeish area this becomes an even more imperative concern.
Finally, precision is of utmost importance. Look for a GPS with WAAS capability so that your locations will be accurate to within ten feet. In case of an accident, it is very important that you have precise coordinates available.
As always, make sure to take your compass and maps as a backup since no electronic device is infallible, and be safe out there!
By: Kathleen Windsor
Got the Golf Bug Again?
Posted on September 17, 2011
So you just finished watching the British Open and you watched as the “old guy” almost won. Tom Watson played some spectacular golf for 71 1/2 holes. Yea he should have played for the front of the green on the last and not come close to going over the back of that green. He could have handled 2 putting from 35 feet. But he has won 5 British Opens so you can’t criticize him much on his decision making.
Tom said himself, he can compete on links type of courses, not a Augusta National or Bethpage Black where you have to bomb it and don’t get a lot of roll. But don’t be fooled. Tom probably hits the ball farther than he did when he was younger. He is not as strong to handle the deep rough but he hits it pretty far. How is he doing it? Well, for one, he stays in good shape. And the other?
Technology
Changes in the golf ball and golf equipment over the last decade or two have put distances that these guys can hit it to shame. In the 70s, if you could hit it 280 you were “LONG”. Now, if you can’t hit it 280, you cannot play many courses that the PGA tour plays every week. You see the tour leaders in driving distance way up into the 300s, but what you don’t realize is that they compute this by calculating the distance of drives on only 2 holes during a round. Sometimes some of the guys may not even hit a driver on those holes. So the data can be a bit skewed.
A long hitter used to hit an 8 iron 150 yards and a 3 iron 200 yards. Now you see guys pulling out a 7 iron and they may be 190 plus.
So what all does that mean to me?
99.8% of you out there will never swing a club faster than 100mph so you are never going to launch it like the pros but chances are that with the correct new technology clubs and golf ball and maybe a few lessons you will probably be able to hit it farther than you ever have.
So what are you waiting on? Get off the couch and go hit a few. Tell your wife you are doing your bit to help stimulate the economy.
Now if I could find some place to sell my 1976 Wilson Staff irons!
By: Robert Coalter
How to Select the Right Fishfinder
Posted on September 03, 2011
The recreational activity of fishing has come a long way now in terms of methods, equipment and techniques for using the latest of fishing products. Technology has advanced making a good fisherman an even better fisherman and professional anglers on a competitive level have turned fishing into a modern day science.
With Fishfinders leading the foreground in today’s marine electronics, other technologies such as the GPS and mapping software have been incorporated with Fishfinders to create such an impressive multi-functional tool that allows anglers to not only look at depth, bottom composition, temperature, speed and of course fish location, but gives the user the ability to mark favorable spots, create waypoints with navigational coordinates so you can return to that exact location at a later time.
If you’re in the market for a new Fishfinder and not sure what to choose, you may want to do some research and educate yourself on all the latest advancements and options available.
Keep in mind that in order to select the right Fishfinder a couple of factors come into play. You really need to break it down into fit (what level of experience do you have) and cost (How much should you or want to spend).
If you’re a beginner and don’t fish on a regular basis, you may want to keep things simple and cost effective. Go with an entry-level Fishfinder.
A good indication of an entry-level unit typically cost less, will have a lower level of power and will notoriously have a lower number of pixels. Consequently, the lower number of pixels that are available with the unit will result in a picture quality of poorer resolution.
Generally speaking, in today’s market 240V x 160V is the absolute minimum amount of pixels to consider when selecting an entry-level fishfinder. Anything less will seem out dated compared to today’s standards. A unit with 240V x 240H is more ideal and would be a better starting point.
If you’re a novice fisherman, you may want to choose a unit with the highest number of pixels that you can afford. Keep in mind that the unit’s power, which is measured in watts (peak to peak), is an important feature as well.
The more power the unit is designed for, the more efficient the unit will be. If you fish in deeper waters, having a higher wattage will give you a faster response time and readings will be displayed faster.
Fishing in shallower waters does not require a higher wattage level, but it’s best to get the maximum amount of power that your wallet will allow.
A standard in fishfinders has been the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), which has a monochromatic appearance or black and gray if you will. Advances in this line have incorporated “GrayLine”, a feature that gives the display the ability to show the differences in bottom hardness, structure and reveal hidden targets. These units are the most affordable.
Taking it to the next level, the “color” fishfinder has made a modern impression on fishfinders in the last decade, but will cost a considerable amount to upgrade to this level of technology.
The Transducer is an important part of any fishfinder, and is the sending unit that reads what’s below the surface of the water. A sound wave is converted from an electrical charge originating from the unit.
This signal is then beamed down through water and is bounced off the bottom and is returned back to the transducer. Anything that is positioned between the transducer and the bottom is translated and depicted back to the display for determination.
Most fishfinders will come with a 20 degree down cone angle with a frequency of 200 kHz. Today’s fishfinders can be purchased with transducer frequencies ranging from 50-200 kHz with the higher number best suited for shallow water applications, and the lower number of frequency 50 kHz is best used in deep water.
The “cone” is a term that refers to the projected beam that is sent out from the bottom of the transducer. The beam starts out very narrow and expands in a v-shape as the water deepens. The deeper the water, the more coverage you get, but the sensitivity will ultimately diminish as you move to deeper waters.
Transducers can range in models anywhere from 9-degrees to 60-degrees. Choosing a unit with a dual beam transducer gives you best of both worlds and is by far the best choice in terms of selecting the right Fishfinder. Consider what depths you mostly fish in and determine the right transducer that will accommodate your style of fishing.
Most avid fisherman will be at the top of their game and want the very best on their boat. Tournament pros will usually have 2-3 units on-board to give them the competitive edge.
Professional guides will also have a multitude of Fishfinders and other marine electronics on-board to get the maximum amount of coverage and for fishing in every scenario.
To save space, choosing a multi-functional unit such as a Fishfinder/Charplotter is what most fishing enthusiasts and professional anglers use today. The Lowrance HDS line Fishfinder/Chartplotter with Structure Scan, Garmin GPSmap Sonar or the Hummingbird combos combine GPS tracking with fish finding. It allows you to save hot spots and gives you the ability to return at another time.
The top of the line units on today’s market have the very best in fish finding attributes, including all the many features and options you’re looking for in a high-end unit. Features like high definition display, down imaging and or side imaging capabilities combined with GPS mapping software.
These units are the cream of the crop and can paint a vivid picture of the lake bottom in real time like never seen before. What you see is what you get as opposed to a standard fishfinder where the strength of a returned sound wave represents an underwater object.
Never the less, expect to pay a significant amount of money for these high-end units. Ask yourself how important it is to have this technology on-board your boat. Weigh out the cost verses how well you can benefit from these extraordinary units.
By: Charley Stull
A Taylor Made Burner Fairway Woods Review
Posted on August 16, 2011
Taylormade now offers a complete line of Burner golf clubs. In addition to their several driver models, in the spring of 2007, they released a complete lined of Burner Fairway woods and hybrids. The fairway woods are a 3 wood with a 15? loft, a 5 wood with an 16? loft and finally a 7 wood with a nice 21? loft.
There are several models, but the best for the average golfer is Burner Steel Fairway woods. The steel club head is quite oversized for a fairway wood, but gives the golfer extra forgiveness and, most importantly, the ability to launch the ball easily off the fairway or light rough.
The light weight TaylorMade RE-AX? graphite shaft, complete with a nice light grip, helps promote a faster swing and additional club head speed. In fact TaylorMade claims the club’s MOI (moment of inertia which relates to speed and power and can only be explained by a physics professor) is 30% higher than their earlier r7 steel woods. The burner shafts come in several different weights from a very light 49 gram shaft to a feathery 44 gram shaft and grip.
The burner features are interesting and, like all golf club descriptions, a bit technical. So, what’s in it for your average golfer to use a Burner fairway wood?
o It’s easy to hit and its high trajectory results in more carry and distance.
o The large club head increases forgiveness if you strike the golf ball a little off center.
o The triangular head focuses weight and, again, increases the forgiveness factor.
o As mentioned, the really light graphic shafts increase swing speed and distance.
If you want a little more club and have the ability to handle a more powerful fairway wood, TaylorMade offers a TI (titanium head) model and the TP model for the PGA professionals and scratch golfers. The slightly different shape, more compact footprint and heavier shaft produce outstanding results for golfers that can handle these less forgiving golf clubs.
Before leaving our fairway woods, let’s take a quick look at the TaylorMade Burner Rescue Hybrids. This very appropriately named club features “steel pull-face” construction for long accurate golf shots. However, the key benefit is the greatly increased forgiveness on miss hits and gets the golfer out of situations that could, in the past, destroy a, so far, decent round of golf.
The Taylor Made burner driver has been around for a while, but is always being improved. Off the tee, it’s all about distance and that is what their “superfast technology” is all about. Basically, weight distribution, aerodynamic club head and lighter and more flexible shaft combine to produce a faster swing speed. This increases the ball speed and the result is a 5 iron to the green, rather than a three wood.
Like its fairway wood cousins, the Burner also comes in several different models. There is the Burner 460 model and of course the TP model for the touring pros.
The women’s Burner models, both drivers and fairway woods offer the same benefits as the men’s, but are designed for a woman’s strength and swing. So far, the reviews have been quite favorable. Look for more detailed information in our ladies golf section.
The Burner’s online reviews have also been glowing. While some rave about increased distance, others are more impressed with the club’s accuracy. After all it’s easier to hit the green from the middle of the fairway than behind a tree.
Finally, what about cost? The clubs can be purchased online with a starting price of under $200.00. Clones and used clubs are also available at even lower prices. The best way to shop online is to visit a few online stores and check out their offerings and prices. Also, make sure you are dealing with a reputable merchant. Find a web site you trust and look closely at their online merchants. In the long run, they are probably the best bet.
Copyright golfequipmentandtips.com A Taylor Made Burner Fairway Woods Review; A Look at Burner Fairway Woods, Drivers and Ladies Burner Golf Clubs
By: James E. O'Brien
GT Road Bikes
Posted on August 11, 2011
GT Bikes are a top American Bicycle maker of quality Road Bicycles with a growing market share. Gary Turner and Richard Long founded GT Bicycles in 1979. Turner was a welding engineer and Long was a bike shop owner. GT Bikes were originally formed to produce high-end BMX cycles for the then new sport of Bicycle Motto Cross (BMX). They have grown significantly in over the years to become a large producer of quality bicycles over a wide range of bike types. GT cycles are based in the USA.
A unique feature of many GT Bike frames is the Triangle where the seat stays and down tube and top tube cross. GT Road Bikes are now a highly regarded road cycle brand and are present in a lot of the world’s top road cycle races. GT Bikes are the team sponsors and bike supplier for Jelly Belly professional cycling team. And also Silence-Lotto had aluminium tubing GT frames.
GT Road bikes in common with most of the top racing bike makers now offer a range of high end carbon composite frames for their top end road bicycles. GT have based design and development of their road bike range on the need for maximum speed and have therefore incorporated cutting edge technology and design coupled with strenuous testing of the latest GT Road bikes by the Pro sponsored Jelly Belly cycle team. This has helped to GT firmly near the top of High End Road Cycle market and produced great results on the road race circuit and track racing. Current Road Bicycles from GT Bikes include the GT GTR and GTRw (for women) series of bikes all made from carbon composite frames and the Top of the range GT Team Carbon road bike an exact replica of the Jelly Belly Pro Cycle Teams Bike used in many of the world major cycle races. GT continue to grow in stature in road cycle arena and sales and comapany exposure go from strength to strength.
By: Steve Brig
Ocean Kayaks Deals Online
Posted on August 06, 2011
Modern Ocean Kayaks are generally made from tuff hi tech materials such as high impact resistant roto-molded plastic, Kevlar and carbon and fiber glass ranging widely in size and weight depending on the intended application. In broad terms Ocean Kayaks fall into two main groups Rigid Sea Kayaks and Folding Sea Kayaks. Within these categories are a number of sub categories Such as Sit-On-Top Ocean Kayaks, having a semi enclosed cockpit and spray deck and usually made from roto-molded plastics and retaining a number of the usual sea kayak features, recreational sea kayaks, shorter in length than traditional sea kayaks but still possessing a wide beam for increased stability in rolling seas and extra storage capacity. Inflatable Ocean Kayaks in appearance very similar to a rigid sea going kayak. And designed for open water with enclosed cockpits and spray decks. Surf skis and Wave Skis have been designed for riding easily over coastal surf and are widely used by lifeguards on surfing areas as a fast mode of transport to aid in rescue of stranded surfers and bathers.
They are fairly long and narrow in cross section Sizes of Ocean going Kayaks differ greatly but as a rule they are generally longer than freshwater kayaks with an average length between 12ft and 24ft giving them a larger cargo capacity and better tracking in a straight line a requirement of sea going vessels. This makes them less maneuverable than their freshwater counterparts but room for maneuver is not normally a factor in open water. Sea Kayaks are quite often fitting with a rudder operated by foot pedals from the paddlers’ cockpit, this further aids turning and enables the sea kayaker to remain in a straight line without to much changing of paddle strokes.
Larger Kayaks are often specifically designed for two or more paddlers they are also wider in the beam than freshwater kayaks with an average hull width of 18″ to 30 Inches Folding Sea Kayaks (Skin on frame Kayaks) are generally made of a wooden or aluminum frame on which fabrics such as Dacron and canvas stretched this creates both a very portable light weight but strong boat. Sponsons (Inflatable Tubes may also be incorporated into the kayak to further aid buoyancy. It is now not uncommon to find a wide ranging number of designs for ocean going kayaks presently popular are upturned bows which allow for greater control in ruff seas and help to dissipate the blow from head on waves and swell. For more information please visit Ocean Kayaks.
By: Steve Brig
Martin Archery Compound Bows
Posted on July 31, 2011
With more than 50 years being spent at the art of making bows there is no question that Martin Archery has the experience behind them. Special accuracy is given prime importance while making a Martin Archery compound bow. Martin has continued their legacy in making top quality archery compound bows.
The Martin Gold Series compound bows are designed intricately. Skilled craftsmanship is used in making these bows. If you want an all around archery experience you can buy these bows in packages: pre-assembled or complete. These packages are a great value with the pre-assembled package including an arrow rest, sight ,bow quiver, nock set, and peep. These bows are cutting edge technology all the way.
The best feature of these archery compound bows is that they are amazingly lightweight and they deliver an arrow at a blazing speed. The length of the aluminum risers are adjustable and deliver maximum accuracy without adding extra weight. The high performance of the Gold Series Mystic and Mystic X is due to the Furious dual-cam system, the best performing two-cam system ever developed.
New features are always being added to the line-up of bows and are fully integrated. Some of these features include core-flex limbs, built in arrow shelves, double-helix bowstrings, and pivoting steel Roto Limb cup systems . Other features include the warmest and quietest grips thermal grips ever felt.
Martin bows do not make any potential noise. You will not hear any clanking arrows due to the integrated V.E.M. silencing arrow shelf. This super lightweight feature has made these bows very popular. The aluminum riser is extremely light and balances incredibly well. The axle length is compact and stable. The Martin Archery compound bow gives a firm grip which helps you to focus.
When you leave an arrow from a Martin Archery compound bow it is guaranteed to hit the target.
Accuracy plays a very important role when hunting wild animals. In such a situation you should use an excellent bow. Many hunters when hunting animals prefer a Martin Archery compound bow. Martin Archery also provides archery accessories. It also provides all the bow parts. So if you want to accurately hit your target then you must use Martin Archery compound bows.
Many players who have won medals in the Olympics have recommended Martin compound bows. So if you want to enhance your performance in your archery event then do this by taking the help of Martin. Players have won many national titles using these bows.
By: Steve St. Martin