It is best to dress up for an occasion and according to the weather. When it comes to mountain biking, the same rule applies. Bike specific clothes make even a difficult terrain a comfortable ride! Imagine if you were to ride in clothes that made life difficult, you would have to deal with double trouble. Thanks to sundry clothing options now, you could pick and choose clothes depending on the ride you take. That’s right, different mountain biking styles dictate the clothes you wear.
Warmers
For many bikers who ride during the darker months of winters, Leg and arm warmers are a necessity. These inner liners help riders stay warm against the ice-cold winter waves. These mostly protect the vulnerable extremities of the rider and allow enough warmth. To fully cover your extremities, you could use a pair of warm socks and shoe covers.
Shorts and Jerseys
One of the most convenient and comforting pair of garment on a mountain biking ride is shorts. These could either be tight fitted shorts that are mostly worn during cross country races or the casual baggy kinds worn while biking along the trails.Quite like shorts, jerseys come in both form fitting and loose variant. While considering the jersey, it is important you choose a fabric that dries sweat quickly and can be washed without a fuss.
Gloves
Hand and wrist fatigue can greatly be reduced by using a pair of good quality gloves. Gloves with padding on the palms also help divert exertion caused on wrists and palms while riding. Be it full-fingered gloves that protect against the cold or the finger less ones that provide grip; gloves come handy and add protection in an unfortunate event of a crash. You can choose from a wide variety of gloves according to your needs. Broadly gloves vary in fits, sizes, finger length, palm padding and optional armor style. In extreme mountain terrains, armoring knuckles and the rear of the rider’s hands with plastic is common.
Helmets
Needless to mention, in addition to clothing gear, mountain bike helmets are an indispensable necessity during tedious rides on difficult terrains. Mountain biking helmets are quite different from standard road helmets for the simple reason that these provide more coverage and protection. It is important that you choose a helmet with ample amount of venting and protection at the lower back of the head. A full- face helmet works best if you are riding downhill.
There are a number of pads and armors that you can use based on the difficulty of your ride. If you are beginner and taking baby steps in the world of mountain bikes, make sure you are well equipped with the specified clothing gear before you go for your first adventure!
It is extremely tough to master the nuances of a complex sport like golf. Beginners, in particular, can find it to be exhausting and confusing because of the multiple rules and equipment involved. While one has to work hard on their skills, with the right clubs, golfing can turn into the most rewarding experience.
The following are some common types of golf clubs newbies should know of.
Woods
These types of golf clubs were initially made of wood; however, they are now created with materials like steel or titanium. Woods are useful for propelling the golf ball to the farthest distances. The heads of such clubs are large and rounded, whereas their base is flat, which allows the player to effortlessly swing the club over the ground. Driver and fairways are the two most popular kinds of woods used.
Irons
The irons are used once the player is closer to the green, i.e., when one is within 200 yards of the hole. The iron golf set covers clubs numbered from 3 to 9 and a pitching wedge. The lower numbered irons can be a little tricky to use. Therefore, several beginners adjust their golf set by picking a few wood clubs so that they could comfortably strike the ball and at the same time cover big distances.
Wedges
The pitching wedge is incorporated in the standard iron set; however, one will need to purchase other types of wedges too. These golf clubs have a high loft with a short shaft and come in handy for hitting the ball over the tree or removing the golf ball from the sand. The sand, gap, and lob are some popular sorts of wedges that can be bought separately. However, the beginners, usually only need the pitching edge. They can buy the additional variety as their level of play advances.
Putters
Every golfer needs putter in their set as it serves an essential purpose, i.e., pushing the ball in the hole when the player is on the green. The putter clubs are available in 3 different styles, including heel-toe, mallet, and traditional blade. Mallets are the recommended option for most beginners. Generally, standard putters are 32 to 36 inches long; however, one can get them customized based on their comfort.
Hybrids
Also called as utility clubs, hybrids are a comparatively a newer addition in professional and recreational golf. The hybrids combine the shaft of the irons and the head of the fairway wood. They are designed to replace the lower numbered irons that are difficult to play with. These clubs cover the same distances as irons but are easier to swing, making them ideal for beginners.
A seasoned player or rookie, it is important to know that the key to a good golf game is using the right club. At times, choosing a golf club can turn into a daunting task because of the extensive range of golf clubs that are available in the market. Several players, especially, beginners make the blunder of buying clubs that don’t agree with their swing mechanics or level of play. Therefore, before making a purchase, here are some essential factors one should scrutinize.
Golf club length
It is imperative for a player to get a golf club of the right length. Standard golf clubs are designed for men and women with an approximate height of 5 foot 10 inches. If players are taller or shorter than the stated height, then they will need to get their golf clubs customized. Likewise, physical strength also needs to be taken into consideration. So, individuals with short stature can opt for lighter golf clubs so that it doesn’t interfere with their swing power.
Grips
The grips are crucial for maintaining the player’s control over the golf club. Going for the wrong grips can impede one’s golf game. There are four types of grips to choose from, i.e., the standard grip, the under-sized grip, the mid-sized grip, and the over-sized grip. Moreover, they come in a variety of textures like smooth, coarse, and abrasive. To pick the best grips, one should consult a professional golf fitter.
Shaft material
The shaft of the golf club makes up for the majority of its weight. Typically, these shafts are created using graphite or steel. Graphite shafts are comparatively more expensive. However, they are lighter and render better distance with every swing. Moreover, their lightness makes it simpler for the player to swing. This feature could benefit people who significantly lack arm strength. Alternatively, steel is heavier and cheaper but makes a great option for individuals who have a good arm strength and need the additional weight to restrain their swings.
Accessories
While buying a golf club, one should ensure to buy some essential accessories like a golf bag, gloves, and shoes. Although it is optional to use gloves and golf shoes, these accessories can come in handy. The gloves can improve the grip on the golf club, and the shoes can prevent the player from slipping and falling on the course.