Menu

Gear Reviews

TomTom Spark Cardio + Music Review

Face it; we all love gadgets. I love them more than most. I have been running a lot lately, training, competing, etc. While running with my phone is an option for training; running long distances with my phone isn't. Additionally, running through the muck and mud with a phone strapped to you is just asking for trouble. I set out on a path to find the OCRADDICT's dream companion, a GPS training watch that can handle all the things we throw at it... and more. That means it needs to be durable, waterproof, include GPS (duh), and provide the functionality to track and improve my training.

Read More »

Icebug Zeal RB9X 2015 Review

When I first found OCR, the two major shoe brands were Reebok and Inov-8. Some people had Speedcross 3s, but for the most part, our top tier racers were wearing one of those two. Out of nowhere, at the beginning of the 2015 season, I started hearing about a new shoe, from a new manufacturer, Icebug. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find them in any stores, or find more info about them, but those that owned them wouldn’t stop talking about them.

Read More »

Black Diamond Spot Review

If any of you has embarked or are going to be taking part in any endurance event, you will have most likely found that there is usually a list published with some required equipment and gear. For many of us in OCR, these events can start early in the morning and catapult us into the evening hours. These types of events usually have a headlamp on the list of requirements and Black Diamond things they should be the ones to satisfy this need.

Read More »

AmazonBasics Carrying Case for GoPro Review

Let's face it, we love showing the world what we have or have accomplished. For those of you that own a GoPro, this task has become much easier to accomplish than others fumbling about with their camera phones while trying to find the finish line, navigate an obstacle, or flying down a mountain with fiberglass strapped to your feet. While wearing a GoPro, or any action cam for that matter, is one thing; getting it to and from your venue is another. That is where travel bags and specially designed cases like AmazonBasics Carrying Case for GoPro come in.

Read More »

Vitalsox (VT1211) Compression OTC Socks Review

There truly is nothing better than finishing a long race through the mud and muck.  Coming out at the other end, grabbing your medal and t-shirt then walking off into the sunset... that is unless you are gimping from blisters on your feet.  Many of us have been there, running through the pain, running with blisters because we spent more time researching which shirt to wear instead of what socks we should wear.  After all, your feet are hitting the ground through the entire run, not your chest.  The right pair of socks can make a difference.  We already know that we loved Mudgear's compression socks,  but Vitalsox thinks they can sway us with their entry, the VT1211 Patented Performance Graduated Compression OTC.

Read More »

Geigerrig Tactical Rigger Review

If you have ever competed in a long race, or plan on running one (cough upcoming NJ Ultra Beast), you may be asking yourself if you should try a hydration pack... and which one is the right one. While your personal requirements for one may vary, there are plenty of options to suit just about any need. Personally, I have yet to NEED one while running, but there have been plenty of times when I wished I had one. Having seen folks running various race distances with hydration packs, I set out on a mission to find the best options, enter the Geigerrig Tactical Rigger.

Read More »

CamelBak Baja LR Review

Wearing hydration pack during an OCR is not something that many consider mandatory, unless you running your Beasts, Ultra Beasts, BFX’s or Burning Hot Race Days. However, using one could be the difference between finishing a race, or being Medically DNF’d (Did Not Finish). There are plenty of choices on the market but the version I decided to move forward with, and use regularly, is the CamelBak Baja LR.

Read More »

MudGear Compression Obstacle Race Socks Review

I am always on the hunt for new gear.  I typically scour the web looking for... just about anything.  Well, when looking for some new gear to try out at the Spartan Beast in Winnsboro SC, a unique product made its way into my sweaty, mud-covered palms.  Enter the MudGear Compression Obstacle Race Socks.

Read More »

MapMyRun Review

If you didn't know, not only am I an OCRADDICT, but I am a geek as well (really kind of an Uber Geek). Having said that, I look for metrics and analytics on just about everything I do and work with. While training for the next event, many of us are looking for a way to tack our activity and improve our training but don't have an unlimited budget for things like GPS watches and dedicated activity trackers. Although those gadgets are great training tools, many of us don't need look much farther than our cell phones. Enter MapMyRun.

Read More »

Under Armour Resistor Low-Cut Socks Review

There is one article of clothing that typically gets overlooked by new obstacle course racers. Unfortunately, the socks you wear don't get as much attention as the gloves you choose for a race. But, when you think about it, gloves spend a fraction of the time touching anything on the coarse; while socks and shoes are active almost 100% of the time.

Read More »