Posted by admin | Sports Travel | Posted on June 20th, 2010
Golf is a popular and relaxing sport, but to play the game well, you need the right golf equipment. This buying guide will take you through the different types of golf equipment available, from balls and bags to clubs and clothes.
What equipment do I need to play golf?
Golf Clubs:
Usually a golfers bag contains fourteen or more clubs. Select golf clubs based on your ability. A half set combination of clubs is ideal for a novice and will help a beginner develop a better swing. You need a good variety of clubs with the right combination of shafts and club heads for different shots around the course. For left-handers, there are specially designed sets of clubs. The most common types of golf clubs are drivers, irons, woods, wedges and putters.
Drivers:
You can choose from steel, titanium or composite drivers. The head of a golf driver comes in different shapes like squares, triangles and scoop backs. Golf drivers are made of different metals and vary in weight according to the material used. Heavy headed golf drivers are preferred by many players. Steel shafts are typically used by experienced golfers while lighter graphite shafts are used mostly by beginners. Graphite shafts can be rather expensive and are best for beginners who are serious about improving their game. Cheap golf sets with graphite shafts are readily available.
Woods:
Woods are made from either titanium or stainless steel. Titanium woods are pricier of the two. If you prefer a classic look, then opt for stainless steel woods. They are heavier with a more traditional design. A 2, 3 or 4 wood can be used in place of a driver or long iron for tee shots. Woods numbered 5 through 11 are best used to get your ball out of the rough.
Irons:
Iron clubs are great for shots when you are 125 to 200 yards from the green. They are a staple among clubs and can be made of forged or cast iron. High handicap players should opt for cavity back irons which are designed to improve your game. Mid handicap golfers are better off experimenting with hybrid irons and low handicap players should use blade irons.
Wedges:
There are several different types of wedges, such as the pitching wedge, sand wedge, lob wedge and gap wedge, all of which have different lofts. They have different finishes like chrome, nickel and beryllium copper. These scoring clubs are a vital part of game and should be used when you are 120 yards or less from the hole.
Putters:
Once you hit the green, it is time to pull out your putter. A putter is the shortest golf club of any set and generally the most used. You have many options to choose from. Peripheral weighted putters are better for players with an in and out stroke while mallet headed putters can be used by players with a straight through and back stroke. The traditional blade putter, however, is always the safest design as it is the easiest to use.
Golf Balls:
Golf balls are classified as one-piece, two-piece, three-piece or four-piece based on their construction. Beginners should use one-piece balls. Two-piece balls are more commonly used by the average player for every day golfing. Three-piece balls give seasoned players more control. Four-piece balls are much rarer. Their four layer construction makes them the softest feeling golf ball you can play with. If you are a hard hitter, you will most likely prefer a heavier ball. Soft balls spin well whereas hard balls cover more distance.
Golf Bags:
Just like any other golfer, you will need a bag to store your clubs, shoes and balls as you go back and forth from home to a golf course. The most common types of golf bags are stand bags, cart bags and staff bags.
Stand Bags:
A stand bag has legs which keeps it upright while you golf. Select a lightweight stand bag with two wide straps rather than one so that the weight gets evenly distributed.
Cart Bags:
Cart bags have many pockets and are more rigid than stand bags. They are made for golfers who use carts and buggies to get around the course. Female golfers and older players tend to prefer cart bags. However, they usually are quite expensive.
Staff Bags:
Staff bags can get very heavy, as they have numerous pockets and enough space for a full set of fourteen clubs. They are modeled after professional golf bags and are often made from leather. If you use a caddy and have the money, nothing else comes close to owning a staff bag.
Golf Gloves:
Golf gloves help you get a good grip on your golf clubs to provide better control over your game. Although some prefer to play without gloves, they are highly recommended for novice to intermediate players. There are leather, synthetic, all-weather and winter gloves that you can choose from.
Golf Shoes:
You can wear classic golf shoes, sandals or golf boots when you are out on a course. Look for shoes that can withstand the wear and tear of walking all eighteen holes and are waterproof. Shoes that let your feet breathe are ideal for summers and provide the most comfort.
Golf Clothes:
Your golfing wardrobe should contain outerwear for every season. If you are the kind of golf lover that plays no matter what the weather is like, you will need waterproof, rainproof and windproof golf clothes. Take care that you are comfortable with your apparel during a swing. There are now many outlets to buy golf equipment online if you want to keep up with the trends.
Posted by admin | Sports Travel | Posted on May 6th, 2010
Enjoying a golfing getaway doesn’t really have to be that expensive. You can start saving by getting discount golf clubs. You can relish a day with the lush greens and fairways without spending much on your golf equipment.
Discount golf clubs are as convenient to use and if not even better than regular golf clubs. By securing your very own discount golf clubs, you can allot the money you save for other important matters that can make your golfing experience even more worthwhile.
Discount golf clubs come in many types. There are golf club sets for beginners or amateurs and there are discount golf clubs for professionals, too. So, even if you’re an amateur or a pro there is always a discount golf club set that fits your personal needs.
Drivers and hybrids discount golf clubs that suit your needs are available either online or on your nearest golf shops and stores. Putters and wedges that give you greater chances to get that hole-in-one are also in store for you on discounted rates.
Discount golf clubs can be procured either in complete or beginner set. This allows you to customize your needs. If you’re eyeing on becoming a pro a complete set of discount golf clubs is what is right for. But if you’re just on your way as a starter a beginner set is the perfect buy.
Thanks to the Internet you can now procure discount golf clubs online. There are quite a number of online golf shops and golf organizations offering golf clubs at discounted rates. You only need to get online and enter “discount golf clubs” onto the search box and what you have is a complete listing of golf shops that give you a wide array of choices. You can surf these sites and compare their offerings.
Aside from discount golf clubs you can also get your other golf equipment and materials online. There are golf caps, bags, shirts and many more. These and many other golf materials come in regular or discount options. You can compare rates and brands offered by each site and pick golf materials and equipment that are just right for you.
Procuring discount golf clubs is likewise one good idea if you are trying to engage your family into this rewarding hobby and sport of golfing. Since it will be more motivating on the part of your family members to have their own golf clubs, buying discount golf clubs for them can save you a lot and can really boost their interest in golfing.
Getting discount golf clubs provides lots of advantages. They are as efficient as regular ones. What’s more is that they are affordable and thus allow you to spend your money more effectively.
Indeed, enjoying golf and the greens need not be expensive. Buying discount golf clubs will prove as one great idea in this regard. So what are you waiting for? Get those golf clubs now and start teeing and enjoying the fairways today.
Posted by admin | Camping | Posted on March 13th, 2010
Buying sleeping bags can be a difficult task, with prices ranging from a few pounds to a few hundred. Ultimately you have to ask what you want to use it for. The sleepig bag is an important part of the kit. If you are hiking then you ideally want something that will pack tightly and is quite lightweight, such as a compact sleeping bag, although you have to be careful as these sometimes don’t provide the best insulation. Temperatures drop at night more than ost people expect, even in the middle of sumer so you should make sure you’re prepared. A sleeping bag traps the warm air around your body which provides the best insulation possible. The best sleeping bag is one which allows moisture to escape while keeping warm air trapped.If you are in a couple, you might prefer a double sleeping bag (there is no better central heating than the body heat of someone else.
Slepping bags are given temperature rating based upon their intended use. One season sleeping bags are designed for use in the sumer months only and aren’t suitable for camping in the winer (they just won’t keep you warm). Two season sleeping bags are suitable for the extended summer months (from early spring to late autumn, but aren’t suitable for sub zero temperatures. Three season sleeping bags will provide warmth in temperatures which are slightly sub zero and four season bags are designed to be used all year round and will be the most expensive type of sleeping bag.
Temperature ratiings should be taken as a general rule, remember, temperatures can drop below zero in spring, particularly at higher altitudes so you should follow specfic directions of the manufacturer. The amount of heating that different people will need can vary widly, with some people requiring more warmth than others.
What you sleep on is also very important, a good ground mat provides great insulation and is very important when camping.
If you are just planning on camping in the summer, you probably don’t need to spend too much, if you are looking at trecking, climbing, mountaineering etc then you really want to look at the top end, as the cheaper models simply won’t keep you warm enough. You might also want to consider a “bivvy bag”, as this can be useful in emergencies, or if temperatures drop lower than expected.
The fill in sleeping bags can be made of a wide range of things, most commonly goose, duck or down. Down is the warmest and often most expensive but not very good if it gets wet.
You may aso want to look out for a bag with a 2 way zip so you can stick your feet out the bottom. Double sleeping bags are also available and singles that join together to form a double. Insulated zips are also important if it gets very cold. A good ground mat is also an essential. They are only cheap and provide excellent insulation.
Posted by admin | Camping | Posted on March 11th, 2010
Buying a camping stove can be a tricky business. You want to make sure you get the right one for you. If you are hiking you need to get something that is compact and will carry easily. A trangia might be a good idea if you need something small, or if you are only cooking for yourself. A Trangia cimbines the methanol burner with all of the equipment that you need to do your cooking. If you are travelling by car then you can go fo a setup as large as you like, right up to a full kitchen set (if it takes your fancy!). Some camping stoves also come with wind protectors, which can be very useful if you’re camping outside.
camping stoves run on a variety of fuels and the type of fuel you will be using will play an important factor in your decision.
The most popular fuel is butan or propane gas or a propane/butane mix. These come in cartridges or refillable cylinder. This type of fuel is predictable and stable, lights easily and performs well, and is controllable in terms of the level of heat you require. The cartridges or cylinders attach directly to the stove. Resealable cartridges are good as they can be removed from the stove, so there is no chance of the gas being switched on accidentally. These smaller stoves are more suited to be sed with smaller pans and cookware sets and cannot comfortably accomodate larger pans.
Larger stoves often use cylinders attached with a gas hose and regulator. This aren’t carried easily so are only suitable if you are travelling by car. These stoves often include a lid and side wind shield. If you are camping in low temperatures, propane is more suitable than butane as it freezes at lower temperatures.
Pressure stoves run on pressurised petroleum. They can get very hot and are very fuel efficient. These types of cookers come in a range of sizes, from small compact burners suitable for backpackers to double burners suitable for families.
Methylated spirit stoves run on meths which, as a liquid, doesn’t need to be pressurised. It is instant lighting and there is no need for preheating. Meths produces an almost colourless flams so care needs to be taken in the daytime. meths only really gives about half the heat of the alternatives so isn’t the most efficiant. The most common types of meths burners is the trangia range which are simple to use, compact lightweight and cost efficient.
You might want to consider the price of the gas refills or methelated spirits when making your purchase. And don’t forget to take spares! There’s nothing worse than having the food to cook with no means to cook it.
If you have small children then safety may be an issue. You might want something that is stable and safe when there are footballs flying about! so you can go for something with a stand
