Minibikes, often treated as such, are not toys. Even the tiniest, cheapest, petrol-powered bikes can achieve speeds of at least 40 km/h. Their electric counterparts however typically can not exceed 10-25 km/h. Road laws vary by country and sometimes by state. For the most part minibikes do not meet the requirements to be deemed road-legal. The ones made by hobbyists typically tend to be the culprits here: no indicator lights, no rear view mirror, no horn, sometimes even no headlight.
Small bikes, big dangers
You could be deceived by its cute looks but these small pocket bikes have big dangers. These bikes have it all to fascinate kids, teens and even adults. However, to police, safety experts and doctors, minibikes are nothing more than a mess! Here’s why.
Because of their petite demeanor, these super fast tiny bikes become difficult to notice by huge trucks and giant Suvs. Although these tiny monsters are way too noisy and make their presence known, they could be missed by people playing loud music or by those driving with their mirrors rolled up. Owing to fatal accidents and the overall danger caused by these, sale of minibikes sagged quite a bit during the early 2000s. Mini bike sale, however, was revived in the last few years when a road friendly and safer version of minibike began to be made. Some popular manufacturers like Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha and others have been making road-legal minibikes for enthusiasts at modes pricing schemes. The Honda Grom was perhaps the first entrant in the segment that was fully-featured and not to mention road-legal.These bikes have headlights, turn signals, tail/brake lights, a horn, and speedometer and also have speed limit in most scenarios (typically 4 stroke bikes with manual 4 speed transmissions can reach speeds of 55mph). In some cases, if the bike requires minor modification to meet requirements, one may be able to register it as a “unique/home-built.”
Like real full-size motorcycles, the rider of a modified super pocket bike must carry insurance, have a current inspection, and wear a helmet if local laws require it. Depending on if the state classifies a pocket bike as a “moped” or full “motorcycle”, the rider may or may not need a special motorcycle license. If not, a regular driver’s license may suffice.
Safety should be a major concern for anyone interested in riding these small wonders. Riding gas pocket bikes can provide miles of fun and enjoyment if one adheres to safety measures. Follow basic safety rules like wearing helmets, knee pads and shin guards to stay protected!
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.