Nike Plus+

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Nike is hot on the heals of adidas-polar with incorporating a heartrate monitor and its shoes. Nike has defiantly take it a step further with incorporating one of the best selling and used devices of our time, Apple's iPod and installing it in their shoes, being able to pick song based on your running efforts at the particular time. Gives you feedback realtime, pace and how far you have scheduled to go, then sync to the Nike Plus website to see your runs graphed.
Here's how it works:
A. Grab an iPod nano, a pair of Nike+ shoes, and the Nike+iPod Sport Kit.
B. Your shoes talk. Your iPod nano listens. Track your run in real time.
C. Connect your iPod nano, then connect with the world on nikeplus.com.
To work the device you:
Step 1.
Place the sensor in your left Nike+ shoe, in the built-in pocket beneath the insole. You can leave the sensor in your shoe even when you'’re not working out.
Step 2.
Attach the receiver to your iPod nano. The receiver fits snugly into the Dock connector, located on the bottom of your iPod nano next to the headphone jack.
Step 3.
Hit the ground running with workout-based voice feedback, Nike Sport Music content, and an iPod nano that stays in tune with every step.

The only problem that I have is that I use Mizuno and since they are not produced to the masses, technology like this might take some time. I would like to see some sort of association that regulates this so that all people that are interested can buy the technology and install it in whatever they are wearing. Right now I am very happy that Nike and Apple are working together and I can't wait to buy the shoes and reciever so that I can really give an accurate review of the technolgy, pre order at Nike and the whole setup if you own a NANO is roughly $130.00, stay tuned. Nike Plus+

USA Triathlon

For those who have not joined or looked at the new USA Triathlon website should spend some time looking around. It has membership info, events, age groupers, coaching area, news, ranking, clubs, rules and merchandise. The membership is cheap, Gold is $200, Silver $100 and bronze $30, log onto the site to see all the differences to each group. I do the Silver and find that it works the best for my schedule. The calendar function shows you all the races that are USAT certified. Search by location, event or date. So if you have not had the opportunity to visit please show your support for one of the fastest growing sports and Check it out! USA Triathlon

CamelBak: The Better Bottle

Now I have a couple Sigg bottles and I love them. Strong, original and well built but I have to give CamelBak credit for this little bottle. Spill proof , 9 colors, a little place to clip to your sack, dishwasher safe and a flip up bit valve just like little kids have today all for the perfect price of $12.00.
Check it out! CamelBak

Mizuno Wave Creation 7: Best Shoe EVER

I am now on my third Wave Creations and I don't think that I will buy another running shoe as long as they keep making the Wave Creation. Mizuno has really stepped up their place in the runners circle. The New Jersey Marathon and Half Marathon held in Long Branch NJ this past weekend was put on by Mizuno and they did a great job, quick dry shirts and hat, but back to the shoe. It is for a neutral foot-types, light and durable. I have used them in the winter, summer and under wet conditions and they hold up. The sole on my second pair delaminated, it was after I had put in well over 500 miles on them so to me it was ok. I have used them for every triathlon I have done, the only thing that I have changes out was the laces with Lock Laces. Lock Laces make it very easy to slipped them on and off for the quick transition from bike to run.
Check the out!Mizuno Wave Creation

SweatVac performance Race Hat

WOW this thing really work I finally got my USA Triathlon SweatVac Performance Race Hat - in black and I am extremely satisfied. I read about it in the last issue of USA Triathlon so I thought I would give it a try. It has performed better than expected. Light, certified 40+ UPF sun protection, reflective technology, 100% machine washable and less than 2 oz.. "SweatVac products are engineered and designed using a unique blend of the finest technical fabrics. The SweatVac System is a multi-layer system which places Transpor fabric against your skin and wicking layers on the outside. Simply put, SweatVac is the finest athletic perspiration management system available. The SweatVac System allows your body's temperature regulating system to work efficiently, so you can perform at your peak, whatever the weather, humidity or activity level."
Check it out! SweatVac

Waterproof Headphones

The swimming part of training for triathlons can get very boring and after 6000 yard can drive you nuts. I use my iPod Shuffle for running and biking. I have looked and searched for headphone that could take the punishment of hours in the water. These are great, I need to wear a cap but I can hear the music. It is not crystal clear but something is better than nothing. "Quality Headphones designed to be 100% waterproof with or without the ear bud covers. The headphones are completely submergible and in the water the ear bud covers keep the water out of your ears and hold earphones in. On dry land, remove the covers and use them as standard headphones - they are completely weather proof and even sweatproof - so nothing's going to hold you back from your workout or playtime."
Check em out! The Waves Waterproof Headphones

Hans Rey Indoor Park

Being a mountain biker at heart and a Triathlete for the extra added challenge when I came across this site I was extremely excited. Hans Ray former trials riding world champion, a showman, a stuntman and an adventure mountain biker. He has traveled the world extensively; riding his GT mountain bikes, over and through areas previously considered unrideable. All the while, capturing the cultural, scenic, and spiritual aspects of these exotic locations; and always in search of something mystical or historical. Hans has now opened a indoor mountain bike park that is incredible. It is in Cleveland OH the season runs from October 18th through April 16th, what a way to spend the winter months in Cleveland. I contacted Hans about franchising and unfortunately he was unavailable to offer franchising at this time. He would however come out and help set one up for a fee I am sure,but I really wanted to have his name on the side of the building to help attract young riders.
Check it out! Rays Mountain Bike Indoor Park

Endurance system - Training Peaks

Training Peak is on too something, take all the data sources from the major heart rate watch manufactures have them be able to be uploaded into your Endurance Training System and you captue the market. Training Peaks accepts Garmin, Polar, Timex Bodylink, CycleOps PowerTap and several others. The products offered are Athlete Edition, Training Plans, Messenger, Coach Edition and Desktop Companion. The most popular is the Athlete Edition -- Track your training and your nutrition with fun, simple and powerful online tools. Our online subscription includes a powerful training log, nutrition tracker, detailed reporting, Joe Friel's VirtualCoach, over 475 custom designed workouts and so much more. Try it now, free for 7-days and get your training on track!
Check it out! Training Peak

DARTFISH: Capture, Visual Feedback and analyze your performance

If you watched the Olympics then you saw this technology, DARTFISH- The home of sports video training. If you have a PC, video camera, and the Dartfish software anyone can improve the way they swim, bike, golf, swing, run, basically any form of sport that you which to excel at! The software lets you create a library of your actions, then at any point you can compare the two and see where your swing changed, your stroke or running stride. In the winter Olympics this year NBC used it on the downhill and compared the runs from one skier to the next and you could see the different lines, tucks and skiers position. For the weekend warrior looking to improve their performance this can be a simple solution. Personally I think that all gyms should carry this feature, it could be a hug increase in members paying extra to see how they are really doing against others or themselves.
Check it out! DARTFISH

Simon Says, Climb - Digiwall

This is amazing a climbing wall that you can program routes into, I can see many different applications for this, speed climbing, tracking your routes, games (Simon says) or a variety of exercises. Here is how it works every climbing-hold is equipped with a sensor that registers your hands and feet. You can also program them to light up showing you a route. It is also instrumental, where behind the wall there is a large hi-fi system. The holds can also light up as you grab them showing others the route that just accomplished.
Check it out! Digiwall

Swim correctly: Speedo Hydralign Goggles

Just ordered these goggles, Speedo has some pretty cool stuff but my other goggles just were not cutting it. I have used competition goggles before but thought that I would try something different, I was disappointed. The Speedo Hydralign Goggles from what I have read will help put the body in the correct alignment by manipulating your field of vision. The bottom half of the goggles frosted, the upper clear forcing your head to look straight. At $15.00 it is a bargain, and should be great for New York City Triathlon July 16. I'll let you know how they work!
SPEEDO

17" Laptop Backpack

Most of these post have to do with how we can use technology to improve training, triathlon, marathon, Mt. Bike race or doing the Tour De France. This post is how we can transport the technolgy to those places. I have a 17' laptop and finding a bag that can carry it is/was limited to one, Timbuk2. Now I love this bag and I use the Cell Phone Holder also, made for bike messengers this bag holds a tune and is tough. Timbuk2 now makes 2 the Outtawhack and Commute XL but they now have competition (if you could say that) Velocity PRO SPYDER Laptop BackPack, featuring a thick rubber exoskeleton with rainproof PRO Grade Scuba-prene to provide a case that is lightweight, water resistant, never loses it's shape and provides excellent protection for your laptop or electronic gear. To me it seems a little bulky and the look of well lets say something out of the Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Check it out! Velocity

1 bottle + 3 Modes = Gel-Bot

I find the Gel-Bot an interesting device, you can have your gel, water or both mixed. For training purposes this is great, but for racing I usually through my bottle once finished, as most triathletesdo and at $15.95 this is a bit steep to dispose of each race. Here is what Gel-Bot has to say, "GEL-BOT is the first water bottle available that has an integrated gel delivery system. Load up the patented ENERGY-CORE with your gel of choice pre-activity and head out. When you are hungry you can eat the gel by just squeezing the bottle or sucking on the valve. When you want water, just pull the valve out and it functions like a regular water bottle." Check it out! Gel-Bot

Polar Fleece Buzz

From the research that I have done fleece starting to make its debut in the early 80's in campgrounds, El Cap and ski country. Since then fleece has gone mainstream, Old Navy has racks of it from socks to hoodies. Polartec has really pushed the limits with technology and fabric, put them together and some of the major brands start to bang out lightweight, comfortable, wool like fabric.
"At Polartec®, we do it by cramming a lot of big-brained engineers into a lab, then letting them push the limits of fabric technology. And they never stop innovating. Some call it obsessive. We call it Forward Fabric™".
North Face, ARC'TERYX and my favorite Mountain Hardwear seem to have been working overtime to make great shells and fleece products that give a wool like appearance but haveGore-Tex, Polartec and a bunch of other fabrics woven in that trap the heat and wick the moisture from your body. Check 'em all out, you won't be disappointed.

I am a little torn, SIGGthese bottles are one of the best kept secrets and now after reading a article in the New York Times they might become a little more mainstream. SIGG of Switzerland makes these aluminum bottles that are great. Having relatives in Switzerland gave me a 12 year head start, now it seems as though the secret is out. While the SIGG bottle may look much like any other, it in fact packs a lot of high-tech. SIGG bottles are extrusion-pressed from a one-piece aluminum blank, which results in uniform, seamless walls. Get one thing straight: the SIGG bottle is no ordinary drinking bottle. In existence for nearly a century, it has grown into a true design classic.
Check it out! SIGG Switzerland

Rollerblade Speedometer

Well Hammacher Schlemmer means many different things to different people, most would agree however that they do have cool stuff. This latest one is for Rolllerblades, now you could get a Garmin GPS and that would accomplish the same thing but would be a bigger device. The skate speedometer use wireless transmission between the wheel and a wristwatch-type receiver to accurately register and display your speed and distance as you exercise or cross-train. The Speedometer wheel replaces one of you regular wheels and starts to send data to the watch. A universal adapter kit is included to ensure proper fit on any skate.
Check it out! Inline Skate Speedometer

Road ID

Road ID haas come along way and helped hundreds if not thousands of people. What I like that in a time where electronics dominate wearing this around your wrist, ankle or shoe is a sure way to be identified if something where to happen, like getting hit by a car. "In the event of an accident, if you can't speak for yourself, your Road ID will. " The concept is simple just like a dog collar, you print you contact info on a tag that is mounted to a wrist strap the you can velcro to your wrist. Road ID has Firefly, running at night? Cycling in the wee hours of the morning? If so, make sure you can be seen by motorists - it could save your life. Make sure you can be seen - take Firefly with you - whenever you go out in the dark.
Check it out! Road ID

iPod used to ID Hit-and-Run Victim: Use I.C.E

I.C.E. -----In Case of Emergency--- This acronym should be used as one of your contacts in your iPod, phone or any portable device that can except contacts. Now this next story I can't tell you if she had it stored this way or not, last Thursday March 2nd Ashlyn Dyer was jogging in San Francisco the Presidio when she was an apparent victim of a hit-and-run. A park official found her, they took her iPod to the nearest Apple store which turned it over to the company's headquarters, who helped identify Ashlyn Dyer. I feel that more and more people are biking, jogging or just getting on with their life hooked up and out of touch with their surroundings, please if you are going to be plugged in add I.C.E. to your contacts.
"It's time for a public service announcement, if you are into sports and extreme sports you should know this little tidbit that is circulating around the web, the idea is that you store the word "ICE" in your mobile phone address book, and against it enter the number of the person you would want to be contacted "In Case of Emergency".
In an emergency situation, ambulance and hospital staff will then be able to quickly find out who your next of kin are and be able to contact them."

Waterproof Bluetooth headset

Found this on Gizmag a waterproof Bluetooth headset. I know that most of you are thinking why would your headset get wet, well if you are training for that up coming Ironman going that extra mile is certainly going to help. I can see if you have Cingular rollover minutes and you have been storing them up all winter, talking to someone while you are biking can be a bonus. Well this headset is by Bluetrek, now I looked on their site and I could not find it anywhere so Gizmag is the only one with this blog breaking technology report, so go check it out!
The World'’s First Water-Resistant Bluetooth Headset (with 3 weeks standby time)

onyerbike, the first folding full suspension bike

The first folding full suspension bike that only weights 36 pounds, not bad considering most full suspension bikes weight about the same. The onyerbike is made out of aluminum, firstly it provides the rider with a comfortable and safe ride over varying terrains and secondly it reduces the vibration and impact on the hinged frame. The Hawk the top of the onyerbike line has Teny Rims, Top Gun lock out adjustable fork, Kind Shock air suspension, Sram 27 speed cassette gears, Sram X9 trigger shifters, Shimano Accera front deraileur, Maxxis High Roller Semi Slick tires and a slew of other components. I have to say the folding bikes of the past have just been put out to the trash after seeing this puppy.
check it out! onyerbike

Powerweb Technology - Adidas

Thanks to Gizmag for blogging on this cool suit. Adidas is really starting to lead the way in technology improving exercise. In the past year Adidas has worked with Polar to bring the heart rate and mileage counter into one device that you wear. As I was reading this story about Powerweb technology this takes it to another level.
Innovative Technology "Powerweb bands link the legs and the upper body with the powercentre of the body. Through the interaction of all muscles, greater efficiency is achieved –the athletes feel a support function which automatically helps them to maintain a more upright position. The Powerweb technology serves as energy management. TPU power bands embodied in the suit along key muscle groups contract and expand together with the muscles and thereby store energy when stretching and return this energy again when contracting back. adidas equipped athletes will compete in the Turin with a completely newly designed range. Instead of having the classical Three Stripes the number "3" will be used as a new design element. By using a row of "3's" in a playful and creative way, the originator of this collection is clearly adidas."
Check it out! adidas

Performance Work Gear: gorging Gloves

Battery heated gloves, hand warmers, what ever happened to when you were a kid that you blew in your gloves to warm your hands. Well Gorgonz has gotten this version of their work gloves right! It has a vent on the top to release heat and sweat. Xhale Gloves provide extreme duty protection but still allows you to get the job done, you can even blow into the glove while still wearing them. They even have a sweat wipe and the palm of the glove has tactility for gripping, plus they have work hats, work shirt and ear warmers for the extreme conditions that we all find ourselves in, well done guys.
check it out! Gorgonz Performance Work Gloves

d3o Shock Resistant Suit

Watching the Olympics they mentioned some cool technology, d3o is a specially engineered material that on impact attaches to itself, to absorb the impact energy. When a skier crashes the molecules bond together, this is way beyond "tech" stuff, this is pure wild stuff. Some of the applications that d3o is being used for is shoes, soccer gloves, hats and body suits used in skiing by Spyder.
Check it out! d3o

Map My Run

It seems that right after the turn of the year all these tracking sites are popping up all over the web. The one that I seem to find the best right now is MapMyRun. You can search by your address and with Google Maps map out your run. If you register you can then share your routes with other. The site also allows you to view others routes, you can print, comment, copy and add it to your files. What I do like about the site is that you can upload your data from a GPS, also it has a workout calculator this allows you to calculate you workouts status for runs or walks. From your sex, age, weight, height, time, avg. pace, avg. speed and calories burned it will calculate your stats based on that run, this is a great feature. It is still in demo mode so it is all free, right now.
check it out! MapMyRun

Body Bag, SELK'BAG

Ever felt like a mummy when you are in a sleeping bag, I have! I am calling this sleeping bag a body bag, Selk'bag has come out with it, who is this you ask, I don't know, I would have figured Mountain Hardwear would have thought of this and maybe they had but figured no one buy it. Well the time might be right and people will buy. The body bag is a sleeping bag that is like slipping into a Michelin Man suit. It has cinches in the right place to keep everything in place. Special thanks to The Cool Hunter for providing the link.
Check it out! Selk'bag

White Instruments, Compass Connection

Well this is a post about old technology, I had an old Danforth Gunthrope compass and I let my wife use it for a demonstration and well it ended up broken. Now this was 30 years old and came off a Cal 40 sailboat, it was mostly catching dust and mine was powdered coated black. I had just cleaned it off and was thinking that it would look great in a coffee table, since the light illuminated red. So trying to find someone that could fix it was a trying ordeal, well my wife found Ridge White of Robert E. White Instruments since 1961 and he is fixing the compass. The problem was that he was not sure he could find 6" glass, they are made of acrylic today, Robert came through and found a 6" glass ball. So if you are looking for any sort of sailing instrument, this is my full endorsement to buy trust Robert White.
Check it out! Robert E. White Instruments

Winter Riding Gloves: SealSkinz

Waterproof, breathable, close-fitting gloves recommended for cold weather riding. SealSkinz are suitable for cycling, walking, climbing, golfing, riding, canoeing, motorcycling, sailing, fell running, orienteering, gardening, fishing, rowing, caving, backpacking and general wear and tear. I have tried many gloves but these seem to stick to you hands like a second skin. Riding in the winter you need SealSkinz, they have socks, gloves, mittens and hats, I am sure that if the rest of their product line is like their gloves, you will be completely satisfied.
Check it out! SealSkinz

Chaps for the modern age: Rainlegs keep you dry!

I got the news from Gizmodo so I went to Rainlegs site directly to learn a little more for myself. This is a great concept, I remember as a kid getting caught in a rainstorm and having to ride home, my legs would be soaked. Rainlegs seems to detour this from happening, from the images and reviews it looks as though it works. Not only is it good for rain but wind and cold, manufactured from wind- and water resistant parachute material and weighs only 120 grams. The tops of the legs are covered not the back so no ondensation takes place. Check it out! Rainlegs

Swim like a fish: Speedo's Fastskin FSII

Now I have been swimming most of my life it feels like, and competitively in college, we worn the banana hammocks and they worked but now Speedo has their line of Fastskin that makes you feel like a fish. They just released the FastSkin FSII for triathletes and I can't wait to get in one. They are competing with Nike and UnderArmor the UnderArmor which I highly recommend the Fastskin it seems will have history behind it to make it a unbelievable product. Speedo's Fastskin FSII, is water repellent fabric, great for multisports, has 9 thread flatlock, Speedo's unique stitching, they have tanks, unitards and biking shorts. Speedo claims reduce drag up to 4% from the original, all this says is FAST, end of story.
Check it out! Speedo Fastskin FSII

Be Seen, Blackburn Mars 3.0

Now it gets darker earlier and the sun comes up later meaning that like me you are training in the dark. Now I would rather run outside before running on a treadmill so this device is making my life and the people driving towards me life a lot safer. This little puppy has you in mind, named after the glowing planet the Blackburn Mars 3.0 has super bright LED's that will let you be seen. Water resistant, lens optics increase visible distance and side LED's provide 180 degree safety-boosting visibility. 150 hour runtime flash mode.
check it out! Mars 3.0

Virtual Partner: Tracking Your Course

No need to be scared this can be used for good, the World-Tracker can make sure that when running, biking, hiking or any reason that you might need to track someone that they are safe, from a distance that is. Now let's not get nervous that big brother is watching, based on text messaging to the person that you are tracking they must except the message by typing LOCATE, once that is done you can track their position. This is a pay service so you must enter a credit card just like EZ-Pass. Right now it is UK based but expect to see it soon in the US. At present, the greatest level of accuracy that you will get is to 150m radius of the phone. The accuracy is dependent on the density of base stations operated by Orange, Vodafone etc - and in many areas the accuracy will be several hundred metres, and even out to kilometres.

Google Earth

It's here for the Mac and it is great. I can't wait to start charting out my runs, biking course and even finding some pools in which I can start the Tri portion of my training. This has been out for the PC and many have come up with come cool aps, but the Mac community has been waiting for some time. Getting ready for your next triathlon, marathon, or sprint launch Google Earth see terrain, distance and passing points.
Check it out! Google Earth

January Blues and Crispy cream Donuts

We all know what happens in January, we make our News Years resolution and hit the gym. I understand we all need to start somewhere so I am not that upset that getting on the treadmill at 5 pm is almost next to impossible. Now if you are like me you are training all year round so as the month rolls on people will start o drop off and by February you will have the real serious people, few will even turn into gym rats, congrats. This scale by Ironman and Tanita will help the neurotic keep track of Weight, Body Fat %, Body Water %, Muscle Mass, Bone Mass, Basal Metabolic Rate, Metabolic Age, Visceral Fat and Physique Rating. A product from Ironman earns the right to have my seal of approval and from what I have read about Tanita, this could be a marriage that could last until last next year when they think of another feature that we would all find useful.
Check it out. Tanita

Running in the winter

Call this a break, traveling and trying to get workouts is one of the hardest things to do in the winter. Well About.com has a great article on running in the winter, from staying hydrated to sunglasses to keep the glare down. Some things that it does not cover is traction and how to stay upright. I like to run off the beaten path so check out YakTrax they make one called the Pro that is made for running in the snow. Anyway About.com article is a good start to making sure you are not left out in the cold.

Base Camp Duffel

Best piece of luggage that I have every owned, it has been to Europe for skiing and packing, business trips carrying a laptop and other electronics. What makes this so great is that it is fully waterproof and you can carry it like a backpack. Now it is a soft pack so you need to bring it on as a carry on if you are going to put a laptop of any electronics that you might not trust with the airline crews. It is highly durable 100% polyester PVC tarpaulin with a 0.53-mm. thickness, bartacks and double stitching, D-shaped opening with durable zipper flap, volume: 9,070 cu. in., dimensions: 32 x 19 x 19 in. and only Weighs 4 lbs. 15 oz.
Check it out. The North Face

Updated: Garmin 205 and 305 Forerunner released

As I said CES would produce some pretty cool technology, personal, business and home automation. Well I talked about the Garmin 205 and 305 a couple of post back but it's really here and I can't wait to get my hands on one. Heart Monitor, training center CD, docking cradle, A/C charger, PC/USB interface cable and a quick start manual all standard on the 305. It continuously monitors your heart rate, speed, distance, pace and calories burned so you can train smarter, more effectively. It tracks your every move with a super-sensitive GPS that even works on tree-covered trails and near tall buildings. Receive a detailed post-workout analysis when you up-load it to your PC, all on a watch not like the Timex that has the GPS unit that you where on your bicep. Sleek, stylish and easy enough to read and work.
Check it out. Garmin

Water Tunes: H2O Audio

It's training time, swim, bike, run and if you are like me the pool gets very boring real quickly, thanks to h20audio that's going to stop. Waterproof housing up to 10 feet, perfect for the pool, now they do make one for deep sea diving but that is not what we are talking about in this blog. With the earth being 2/3 water we do need to think of a way to bring our mp3 players with us, devoted to make that happen h20audio was born. They also sell the belt so that you can strap it on and go. The idea is simple, put it into the case, close the case, lock it down, plug in and hit play. I can't wait till mine arrives.
Check it out. h20audio

Michael Schumacher Speedmaster -- Omega for Charity

Now I love Omega watches and think that they are the best in the world and one of the most overlooked classic watches. Most people would go with a Rolex or IWC and that is fine with me, it might keep the cost down for a little while longer. Well the Michael Schumacher Speedmaster that retails for roughly $2,000 went for 1.5 million in a tsunami charities event. Wow, to give the watch the extra umph that it needed Michael Schumacher did sign the back. Way to go Michael

Surefire's U2, see the light, Anytime!

Happy New year and I am excited about CES happening right now, there is going to be some really cool stuff at the show and really showing us what is ahead for this year. If you find yourself caught in darkness and need the sun, then look no further than Surefire's U2. This thing has 6 levels of output, made of aluminum with military specifications and runs on two lithium batteries (10 year shelf life). The U2 features a five-watt LED and as I said has 6 levels from find-my-keys to daytime (a searing 80 lumens at its highest setting and a click-on/off tailcap for self defense or emergency signaling). On the lowest setting you will get over 40 hours or life and 100 hours of negligible light. This is one of the best lights on the market with a price tag that reflects that as well, $279.
Check it out. Surefire U2