Sports

A Simple Guide to Choosing Football Jerseys

Football, or soccer, as they like to call it across the pond, is the most popular sport in the world by far. It’s played by millions of people worldwide and accepted to be one of the most expensive sports out there, with players getting paid well into the millions every year, so it’s no wonder it’s such a huge deal. It can be played by anyone, though, as all you need is a ball, something to act as a goal post, and basic pieces of clothing. It’s a fun game for everyone who plays it, as well as for everyone who enjoys watching it. Every club has dedicated fans, even small local, domestic league clubs. There’s a whole culture woven around the sport, with merchandise, accessories, and other knick-knacks available for purchase.

If you’re a football player or are associated with someone who plays the game, you know that quality-made teamwear can, and does mean quite a lot. Just like with regular everyday clothing, if you’re not comfortable in it, your game will suffer, and since you always want to have your head in the game, that’s a huge no-no. This article will be all about choosing the right football shirts and how to properly care for them. If you want to find out, stick around, and even if you know already, stick around either way – you might learn something new!

Things to Consider When Buying Football Jerseys 

Okay, so, football shirts, or jerseys, are one of the most known, most popular, and most useful items when it comes to football apparel. You can order football shirts Australia wide from countless different sports stores, but it’s important to note that not every retailer provides football shirts of same quality. Sure, the jerseys might seem great, look great, and might even feel great the first couple of times around, but if your jersey isn’t made to last, you’re in for a very uncomfortable, unpleasant treat.

As I said already, clothing that isn’t up to par can completely ruin a game of football, so you really need to mind where you’re getting your stuff from. Known retailers and known brands are usually your best bet, so check out who’s around and make sure you buy from them. There’s an almost bulletproof chance that the soccer shirts you buy from them are going to be exactly what you’re looking for. Regardless of where you decide to buy your football shirts from, here are three important factors you need to keep in mind before you make a buying decision, in order to ensure you choose a product that will last for many years to come and be as comfortable as you need it to be.

Fit

You obviously want the football jersey to fit your body properly. You can wear the most expensive, high-tech jersey made from high-end materials, but if it slides around your body, or is too tight, it will all be in vain. Most football jerseys are form-fitting or slim-fitting and are specifically designed to provide that much-needed freedom of movement without fabric getting in the way of your mobility. Although they’re meant to be form-fitting, you don’t want to feel restricted or pinched. Having to deal with discomfort will negatively affect your game and it may irritate you throughout the match or practice session.

Material

Quality football shirts are made from seamless, lightweight materials, and they feature mesh side panels to promote air flow. These characteristics will allow for a less sweaty, more comfortable experience. The fabric should be soft on the skin, and the seamless construction will ensure you’re never itched, irritated or scratched by seams. The fabrics are generally made from polyester and nylon, both of which feature moisture-wicking properties. Moisture-wicking is arguably the most important property to look for, as it will ensure you’re not playing in a soggy, heavy shirt. Additionally, these fabrics are very durable, so you won’t need to replace them every season or two.

Protection

Speaking of features and characteristics, quality football shirts Australia stores sell usually have some protective features as well. While comfort is paramount, safety is even more so. This is due to the fact that even a minor injury can sideline you for a long time. In order to ensure you’re protected against everything from bruises, scrapes and impacts, many football shirts now come with ergonomic pads in strategically placed areas. The pads provide cushioning against impact, protect against contusions, bruises and cuts. However, the pads shouldn’t impact your movement. Ideally, you shouldn’t even know they’re there.

Colour

And last but not least, you should consider the colour of the shirt. Generally, the colour is decided based on the club’s crest and design, but it can also come down to personal preference. If you’re buying jerseys for official games, then you’ll probably want at least two – one for home games, and one for away games. The home team decides on the colour of their jerseys, so the away team will need to change in order to avoid colour-clashing. For that reason, it’s recommended that teams have a third kit available as well.

Kappa: A Simple Guide to Teamwear Essentials

Having quality sports teamwear made for your team, no matter which sport is in question is something that’s extremely important and shouldn’t be an item to save on. Just like proper sports nutrition has its value and purpose, so does proper team wear. Teamwear is a morale booster, it saves the team the trouble of finding clothes to train in, it promotes unity and solidarity between the teammates, and it makes your team recognisable.

Every team has its colours that both players and fans know and love, and your teamwear needs to follow that colour scheme. It also needs to be made of quality materials that are designed for training and playing, materials that will let the body breathe, won’t get in the way of the game, and will withstand the nature of the sport, alongside frequent washing.

When it comes to team wear necessities, you’ll need a couple of items and item sets to make sure your team is covered in every situation. The best way to go about buying quality teamwear Australia wide is to choose a well known and respected brand to buy your team wear from.

One such brand is Kappa.

Kappa: Long History and High Quality

Kappa is an Italian brand that has existed, originally, since 1916, but its sportswear branch was developed and launched in the 1970s. Ever since then, Kappa plays an important role in many sporting events, providing team wear for teams in Europe and around the world, making the company an expert on materials, design, and functionality.

The importance of having a sportswear brand create your team wear is absolute. No other manufacturer will be able to give you the exact mix that a sportswear brand can, and with Kappa’s long and rich history in supporting and creating for both teams and individual athletes as well as the general public, it’s clear that you can make no mistake by getting their items and branding them your way.

Here are a few items that Kappa can provide, which are essential to have for your team.

Jerseys & Shorts

Some of the most important pieces of clothing in sports are jerseys and shorts used when your team is playing on the field. As I already said, having quality-made, sports-specific teamwear is extremely important, but this importance is amplified when jerseys and shorts are in question.

Whether your team plays football, for example, in which a match lasts 90 minutes, or volleyball, where the timing isn’t quite as determined, the clothing they wear is supposed to give them the support they need while also providing freedom of movement throughout the whole match.

With jerseys, there are two options you can get, both specific to Kappa and other sportswear brands. There is the short-sleeved jersey and the long-sleeved jersey, each used in the proper weather conditions.

Kappa, however, has been concentrating on developing materials that are durable and breathable and they’ve come up with a unique material that has hydrophilic properties that comprise all their jerseys and shorts.

This means that, when the body unavoidably gets sweaty while playing, that moisture isn’t going to stay trapped between the material and the body, it will actually get soaked inside the jersey, leaving the body cool and dry.

This may seem like an uncomfortable ordeal, but Kappa have thought of that, too, and that’s why, alongside the hydrophilic properties, their jerseys are also accompanied by Quick Dry technology, which allows for the gathered moisture to evaporate easily and quickly, leaving the jersey as dry as the body.

This same technology is also applied to shorts which pair with the jerseys and they make for a great playing item set that ticks all the boxes.

Training Clothing & Tracksuits

Matches happen every once in a while. However, training sessions are something that’s far more frequent, as they should be. Preparing for the actual field is always a tiresome, sweaty activity that makes sure the team is ready for their game.

Because of this, it’s very important to have clothing that will be able to respond to the intensity of the training sessions. You might want to use jerseys for training, too, but that would just put more stress on the garments, making them last way less than they’re actually intended to last.

Instead of jerseys, you can get special shirts, bibs, shorts, and pants your team can use while training. These items follow Kappa’s fabric policy and are also made of breathable, yet durable materials that allow your team to feel just as they will while wearing their jerseys on the field.

Another item set you’ll need are tracksuits, which you can also customize, or just buy a ready-made set for the whole team in corresponding colours. Tracksuits and hoodies will provide your team with something to wear to and from practice and will keep them dry and healthy, no matter what the weather conditions are.

Accessories

Finally, we have accessories. Another important part of sports teamwear, both for comfort and performance.

Things like socks, caps, hoodies, bags, and jackets are items you can get either custom-made or retail and offer to your team for the ultimate team wear experience.

These are all items that are best bought at sportswear stores like Kappa, because they really do guarantee quality and endurance. You can also invest in water bottles for training sessions as well as matches to round the whole thing up.

All in all, these are the items and item sets that Kappa can offer you, which will make your team look and feel stellar, thus playing even better than before. It’s just like with regular, everyday clothing. If you wear something that’s not suitable for the occasion, your mood will be affected, making you irritable and uncomfortable, thus unable to concentrate on whatever it is you need to be doing.

See sports teamwear as a necessary part of the sport itself, something that will boost performance, an equal part of the game itself and preparations for it. Kappa sells teamwear Australia online as well as in stores, so you can take a look at what they have to offer and take your pick.

While you’re on the site look over the customising options and all the Australian Kappa teams. You’ll definitely be inspired to include yours!

A Simple Guide to Choosing Cricket Equipment

Cricket is a very technical sport and almost all parts of the cricket equipment have a lot of technical details. It’s a game of bat and ball, where the players are subjected to wear protective gear to prevent themselves from getting hurt. Cricket is the epitome of summer sport, played throughout the world, but mostly in Australia, England, India, Pakistan the West Indies and the British Isles.

Read More →

A Simple Guide to the Best Pro Scooter Models on the Market

Scooting is not a new thing. However, becoming a professional and making money from what once you considered a mere hobby certainly is. Although you might not be able to get as far as that, you can still buy a scooter that any pro would be envious of. We are here to help you do exactly that – find the best pro scooter model that matches your needs, style, and budget.

Root Industries Type R scooter

Root industries scooters are built with top-performance in mind. Some of the features that make them stand out from the rest brands and models are their wider wheels, thick grips and wide deck. Their AIR-series forks are carved out of a single piece of aluminium. Plenty of models have lab tested and rider approved urethane wheels, while some have lithium wheels.

The wide range of popular people enjoying the perks of Root Ind. rides speaks volumes about the high quality and great performance of Root Industries scooters. Some of them include Zeidon White, Derek Marr’s Clayton Lindley and Dylan Ryan.

The brand has produced some of the most popular scooters on the market. Lithium is one of them. It is a kind of a hybrid scooter made for riders who want to fast-track their progress in both street and park trickery. The Invictus model is very similar to the Lithium, however, it slightly lighter.

Root Industries’ best scooter has to be the Type R. Acting on the feedback from riders, the company decided to combine the four most sought after parts into one machine. It is good for both beginners and professionals and it has a price point that is very hard to beat. Take a look at its features:

• Deck Size: 123x500mm; 6061-T6 with nylon front and back inserts

• Bar Size: 580x550mm; 13A Standard Chromoly steel

• Forged fork

• AIR Headset

• Lithium Double Clamp

• Wheels: 110mm x 24mm 8-Spoke Black PU / Black core

• R2 Grips

• Root “Cut-out R” Griptape

• High-quality Nylon Brake

Fuzion Z250 Pro Scooter Complete

Fuzion is known for making pro-level scooters. This one is comprised of parts that have a good track record. It features a brand-new deck and neck design with a 3-degree top concave design. The flat bottom has rails that are ideal for grinding. It is one of the toughest and lightest models out there. Some of the components are similar to the Type R – like the IHC Integrated compression system. It provides a smooth glide overall and it has a sleek design. Some of its features include:

• Riser Bars made from Chromoly steel; fitted with 155 mm Hex Grips capped with Nylon Bar-Ends

• IHC Integrated compression system

• Sculpted Chisel steel fork

• 6061-aluminium alloy double bolt clamp

• 110mm Trace wheels, 6061 Alloy Core Wheels with high rebound 88A PU and

• Super-fast ABEC-9 Fuzion bearings

• Steel Triad brake: noise-free and easy to adjust

Lucky Crew Complete

The Lucky Crew Complete is suitable for both beginners and pros and comes at a fairly affordable price. This model is built to be compatible with a range of upgrades. So, changing aftermarket parts should be easy as long as they are made from the same manufacturer. It is built from high-grade aluminium and it is suitable to drive in all terrains. Here are some of its most notable features:

• 483mm x 114mm deck

• Headtube: 82.5 degrees

• Aluminum Kink Bar 584mm x 559mm

• Hardened Steel Tig Welded IHC fork

• REVO™ – fully integrated headset

• IHC compression

• Double Clamp

• Torsion 110mm 86a wheels

• Lucky SteelyBrake™

• Lucky ViceGrips™

Envy S8 Prodigy

The Envy S8 Prodigy is composed of premium-quality materials which contribute to its sturdiness and speed. The attention to detail in the design of this pro scooter is immediately apparent and it is adored by both beginners and professional riders. Take a look at its features:

• 6 Series aluminium Prodigy deck, 120mm x 495mm; Bolt-on Nylon Brake system

• High-density Alu Reaper Style bars 620mm x 560mm

• 6 Series Alu Forged Prodigy IHC fork – Compatible with up to 125 x 30mm wheels

• 2 bolt Prodigy Clamp

• TPR hand grips 160mm long with nylon bar ends

• Fully sealed integrated headset

• High-quality grip tape

• 120 mm x 24mm GAP wheels 86A PU- ABEC 9 bearings

Phoenix Force Pro Scooter

Phoenix was at the forefront of scooter development for a long time. Although they are out of business now, the models they managed to market remain extremely relevant for developing riders. Their scooters are lightweight and built with durability in mind. The Phoenix Force is balanced enough to allow mastering tricks and it can be easily upgraded for a boost in speed and performance. Here are some of its most notable features.

• 114mm x 495mm deck

• Reinforced Hi-Tensile Steel “Burner” Fork

• Fully Integrated headset with Phoenix Top Cap

• Wide Hi-Tensile Steel T-Bars

• 100mm 88A Alloy Casting Core wheels

• Phoenix Flex brake

• Phoenix Grip tape.

A Simple Guide to Choosing a Cricket Bag

So, you are compiling your cricket equipment. You already got your whites to look like a proper player. Important decisions have been made in regard to bats, knee pads, gloves, helmets and that sort of stuff. And now, the only thing you need is a bag to store it all.

There is no point in making all that effort to get the best gear only for it to end up being inadequately stored or transported. Consider getting a quality cricket bag an investment in increasing the life of all of your cricket items. And certainly, it’s also a matter of convenience because it offers you a practical way to carry all your stuff to and from practice.

A Great Range to Choose From

Being faced with an overwhelming amount of options when shopping is the plague of our modern lifestyle. And cricket bags are no exception. If you want to keep your hands free, you might prefer a high-quality cricket backpack. Others may go for wheelies, duffels, and every other bag you can think of.

It is not just the type of bag to decide on. There is also a great variety of sizes, materials and designs. This affects the price range and translates into the quality you can expect to get from the bag. You can easily find a cheap bag around AUD 25.00, but the quality ones cost AUD 100.00 and more.

Small-sized bags that are meant for juniors will usually have a pouch on the outside. This opening is used to carry the main blade inside a sealed area. Those bags that can be considered medium size have more space. The bat can be carried fully inside the bag. This provides better protection for the bat. And, of course, the additional space allows you to take more pieces of your kit.

Cricket bags for seniors have by far best design features. They usually house a number of separate compartments enclosed by zippers. The main feature is the smart bat pouch placed conveniently on the outside of the bag. These bags are on the high-end of the price range.

Backpack Cricket Bag

This is an ideal option for occasional and beginner players. Those that do not have a lot of cricket accessories will benefit from a cricket backpack. Backpacks are especially great if you want to ride a bike or a scooter on your way to practice. Not to mention, your hands will be free for other things.

Cricket Duffel Bags

Can’t any duffel bag be a cricket bag? Where exactly is the difference? Well, yes, you can use any bag to carry your training equipment but cricket duffel bags have a distinctive multisection design that makes it easier to organise your gear. They have padded bat pockets, a separate shoe compartment, valuables pockets, compartments for whites, gloves pads for superior organisation.

Some of these bags can be customised to be wheel-able luggage, and have the capacity like any other big holdall. You can see why the demand for them has grown in the past few years.

Wheelies

Wheelies can be in the form of a wheeled duffle bag, wheeled holdall kit bag or wheeled backpack. All these types of wheelies have two or three wheels. There is not much of a difference connected with the number of wheels. More wheels will give you better stability and less turbulence over uneven surfaces.

Their main advantage lies in the fact they prevent strain on the shoulders and back during travel and commuting. Cricket kits can pack some weight and carrying all that around with one hand or on the back is certainly a burden. If done over the long term it can affect your spine. Some wheelies have a pull handle and this feature has proven to be very practical. You can drag your cricket kit bag along and have your arms completely rested to make sure nothing goes wrong on match day.

Team Kit Bag

Cricket is a team sport. And some teams have gear that belongs to everyone in the team. These kinds of bags offer a large storage space that can take all the match balls, bats, helmets and similar accessories needed on the pitch. Depending on the organization, the team bag is carried by the team captain or by someone else in the team.

When in Doubt – Go for Established Brands in Cricket Bags

If you already purchased other pieces of gear, you might be seasoned enough to recognise some of the leading brands in cricket kits. The most popular among them are Kookaburra, GM, Gray Nicolls, Ton and New Balance. To get the best value for your money, you can consult someone with more experience such as the shop assistant, a teammate or a member of a cricket club. If you are looking for a long term commitment don’t save on your bag.

Your Simple Guide to Dance Shoes

And 5, 6, 7, 8! It go right foot up, left foot slide, left foot up, right foot slide, basically, I’m sayin’, either way, we ‘bout to slide… in a dance shoes guide.

Just like a DJ needs his set of ones and twos to create that rich sound, a dancer needs his shoes to perform the enchanting movements. Sure, if you’re a dancer, you can dance in almost anything, but are you reaching your full potential?

Dance shoes are specially designed footwear that allows dancers to move, slide, turn, spin and stop with ease. They allow for better balance and endurance, accentuate footwork and highlight leg lines. Dance shoes differ according to the style of dance and the characteristics of the floor and they need to meet certain guidelines to be qualified as dance footwear. Without further ado, let’s cha cha real smooth and step into the world of dance shoes.

Types of Dance Shoes

Pointe shoes are used in ballet when dancers are moving on the tips of their toes. They have a toe box that’s stiffened with glue to allow dancers to perform en pointe and elastic straps and ribbons which are tied to the ankles to secure the shoe in place.

The ballet shoes, on the other hand, don’t have the stiffened box. They’re super stretchy and soft with either continuous sole or split-sole which allows the foot to be arched and easily pointed. Usually, they’re secured by elastics across the top of the foot.

Jazz shoes are used in jazz, acro, hip hop and other dance styles and activities. They come in various styles but typically feature a split-sole that allows for a better arch, rubber patch and non-slip heel counter.

Tap shoes have metal plates which are attached to the toe and heel of the shoe. Their purpose is to make loud sounds when struck against the dancing surface.

Character shoes are quite similar to Mary Jane shoes in the way they look. They can be soft or hard-soled and the heels usually range from one to three inches. They can be used for Broadway-style dances, ballet classes, theatrical plays etc.

Ballroom shoes can be classical and Latin American, the latter usually features a higher heel and more flexible sole. Men’s classical ballroom shoes typically have 1-inch heels whereas the Latin version can have 1.5 to 2-inch heels. Women’s classical ballroom shoes have two-inch heels and their Latin American counterparts can feature 2.5 to 3-inch heels. Men’s ballroom shoes are usually lace-ups and ladies’ are typically open-toed and strapped.

Tango and flamenco shoes are more inclusive of higher heels with women’s shoes ranging up 9-inch heels. Men’s shoes have classical form, flexible soles and upper whereas ladies shoes have sturdy heels and stiff shanks.

Dance sneakers are lightweight kicks that protect the foot during exercise and allow for greater agility and better performance. They can have a split-sole or a continuous rubber sole.

There’re plenty of other shoes used to perform traditional dances such as ghillies which are used in Irish, Scottish and Highland dance and opanci which are used for circle dances (kolo, hora) in Eastern Europe and many Balkan countries.

What to Look for in Dance Shoes?

First, no matter the style of the shoe, it needs to be made from high-quality materials which can withstand the vigorous movements and extreme wear and tear. Some of the best shoes for dancing incorporate AAA grade soft premium leather upper that offers abrasive resistance for longer wearing.

Next thing you want from your dance shoes is unprecedented flexibility. A premium quality dance shoe should be made of ultra-flexible materials which will hug your arch and help you move with ease. Depending on the style, some shoes have textured rubber outsole that provides stable landing and superior grip.

A good dance shoe should also have an inner lining made from breathable materials such as cotton. This will keep your feet dry and help with odour control, but it’ll also keep your feet from burning out.

Your dancing shoes should feel like a second skin. They should provide you comfort, support and confidence with every step you make. You should have enough room to wiggle your fingers, but not too much for the foot to move around. They should be tight and secure, but not too tight to restrict your movement. When you buy dance shoes, think about the sayings “fits like a glove” and “snug as a bug”. An ill-fitting or poor quality dancing shoe can singlehandedly ruin your performance or make training a complete nightmare.

A Shoe That Unites All Dancers

No matter if you’re a professional dancer, beginner or Zumba/aerobic aficionado, you need to have a dancing shoe that’ll help you nail that choreo in class. Beginners are especially encouraged to start with flats, sneakers or other comfortable footwear and slowly build their way up to box toes or higher heels.

A pair of good dance sneakers is an absolute must for any aspiring dancer or dance enthusiast. Not just for class, but for leisure activities as well. Bloch has supported dancer’s feet for decades and collaborated with many world-famous dancers among which Dusty Button, Jason Samuels Smith and Devon Teuscher, to name a few. Today, they’re taking it to streets with their new Omnia Sneaker.

You can wear the Omnia Sneaker basically anywhere and bounce your way to the studio in style. It’s ultra-lightweight, constructed with a glove-like knit upper with holes around the arch and toe area for maximum ventilation. The outsole is extremely durable, flexible and shock absorbing. The padded insole provides additional comfort, but it can be removed for an additional room in the shoe if required. The padded heel counter cushions encourage lower impact with each foot strike and the lace-up fastening will prevent any Cinderella scenarios.

Of course, we mustn’t forget the iconic Rock It Dansneaker by Capezio that’s adored by hip-hoppers, jazz dancers, teachers, ballroom dancers and Zumba fans. It features a split-sole design with ventilated arch for maximum flexibility and comfort through movements. The built-in patented flex points and forepart spin spot make spinning a breeze and the contoured, cushioned EVA footbed ensures your feet are always snug and comfy.

Closing Thoughts

If you’re a dancer, you’ve been blessed with a special set of feet that deserve the ultimate TLC. Buy dance shoes that’ll help you conquer any stage, including your living room. Think of quality dance shoes as an investment in your awesome talent rather than an expense. Your feet and your whole body will thank you.

Your Simple Guide to the Best Workout Supplements

Are you hitting the gym regularly and carefully planning your meals, but that Hulk-body that you dream of isn’t happening yet? It might be the right time for you to dip your toe into the vast world of workout supplements.

Read More →

A Simple Guide to Buying a One Man Tent

If you are a single camper, a hiker or a backpacker, then you definitely need a one-man tent for your outdoor adventures. It is a useful piece of outdoor equipment that will keep you protected from the elements while providing you with a comfortable spot to sleep on any time you decide to explore the great outdoors. Also, the tent should be compact and lightweight enough so it can take up a minimal storage space once you pack it. However, the wide range of tents available on the market can make choosing your perfect shelter a time-consuming process, especially if you are buying a tent for the very first time. If you are new to this, here is what to look for when buying a one man tent. Read More →

What Makes Solo Camping the Right Type of Isolation for Artistic Inspiration

No matter what type of artist you are, I’m sure you are aware that in today’s insanely connected digital age there’s an overflow of ideas and information, but not that much of a substance to them…This may be due to the fact that we all feel like we’ve seen it all, or maybe it’s a global ADHD thing and staying focused becomes harder and harder. In light of that, if you are trying to come up with something fresh and new, it’s never been more difficult to isolate yourself and not feel like what you’re about to bring to the table has already been brought by someone else. Read More →