Combat Sports IMF Tech Gloves

Product Reviewed

Combat Sports IMF-Tech Sparring Gloves

Company Product Description

• Features our advanced IMF TECH molded foam core for superior hand protection and shock absorption

• All new D.U.R.A LOK closure makes it the best fitting boxing glove ever

• All leather construction

Personal Experience

I’ve been getting a lot of companies sending me gear lately in hopes that they’ll have their products reviewed on here. If I like something, I’ll write about it - which is why I’m choosing to write about these gloves. I’ve been using them for the last month or so and I have to say that I’m pretty impressed. They’re a little wider (especially around the thumb area) than most of the Thai boxing gloves I’ve used but I don’t mind it at all.

What really makes these gloves stand out though is the comfort and wrist protection that they provide. I’ve used over a dozen gloves and these particular gloves offer the most wrist protection out of them all. It can be tricky to get them on at first because there’s a stretchy piece of fabric at the entry point of the glove but it’s that piece of fabric that makes the gloves fit so well. Twins gloves, MTG gloves and Fairtex gloves don’t have it. Once these gloves are all strapped up, you feel like you can punch concrete and not have to worry about any sort of wrist injury.

They’re a little heavy for padwork but they’re decent for sparring. The weight isn’t listed anywhere on the glove but I’m guessing that they’re about 16 ounces or so. I’ve been impressed with them so far and I’ll certainly be taking them to Thailand with me when I head there in a few weeks.

Recommended?

YES!

Combat Core Review

What’s “Combat Core“?

Combat Core is basically an e-book & DVD series that demonstrates all kinds of crazy, yet innovative exercises designed to improve the strength of your core. Most of the exercises are designed to improve rotary strength, which is important for basically all of the movements you perform in a fight. Throwing a punch, a Thai style kick, a Judo throw - the effectiveness of these fight-related movements are dependant on core strength.

Who Wrote “Combat Core”?

The book is written buy a guy named Jim Smith, who is the co-founder of Diesel Crew. The Diesel Crew guys are known for coming up with all sorts of wacky, yet effective exercises that are very specific to fighting. Jim Smith holds the CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) designation which is perhaps the most sought after and respected certifications in the personal training industry.

Who Endorses “Combat Core”?

If you check out the combat core pitch-page, you’ll see testimonials from some of the industries most respected “guru’s”. Alwyn Cosgrove and Ross Enamait are a couple of the standouts. While both of these guys have solid reputations in the industry, there’s always the possibility that they just give a testimonial without reading the book so they could get some exposure for their own sites (unlikely but a definite possibility).

My Personal Opinion of “Combat Core”

I actually got the combat core book and looked it over. You’ll see some of the exercises and think to yourself “wow, as if I didn’t think of that” and there’s some exercises that you’ll see and think to yourself “damn, how did he ever think of that?”. Overall, it’s pretty solid.

Is “Combat Core” Worth The Money?

Honestly, I think it depends. Whether combat core is worth the money or not all depends on whether or not you actually implement the exercises into your workouts. If you just order the book, look it over, think to yourself “ya, that’s sort of cool” and never actually try the movements, the combat core book will be a complete waste of money.

On the other hand, if you read combat core and actually perform the exercises on a regular basis, then absolutely, you’ll get a good bang for your buck. It all depends on how dedicated you are.

Recommendation - YES, but only if you’ll actually DO the exercises.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT A PROMOTION THAT’S CURRENTLY RUNNING FOR COMBAT CORE

Fairtex Gloves Review: Muay Thai Style

Product Reviewed14oz Muay Thai style Fairtex Gloves

Cost of Fairtex Gloves

$89.99 - $99.99

Company Product Description

• These all-purpose fairtex gloves are perfect for bag and pad work. The wraparound hook and loop wristband is easy to use and designed to provide a better fit for greater comfort and control. Evenly distributed padding protects your entire hand and creates a tight and compact design.
• Handmade in Thailand
• Top grain leather shell
• Shock-absorbing, high-density foam core
• Thumb attached for added safety

Personal Experience

I was able to pick up these fairtex gloves at a bargain price here in Thailand. I got them at Scorpion gym for 1400 baht, which just under 45 bucks. I’ve tried all kinds of different brands -Windy, Twins, MTG and now Fairtex. I honestly like the fairtex gloves the best. They fit perfectly. The second you put them on you feel like shadowboxing.

I own a pair of 14oz twins gloves (which are also great) but for some reason, the 14oz fairtex gloves feel lighter. You’d think that 14 ounces is 14 ounces regardless, but apparently not. The leather on the fairtex gloves is also harder than on the twins. For sparring, I’d go with the twins (for the sake of your training partner).

For everything else, especially pad-work, I prefer the fairtex gloves. Also, in between rounds when you take one glove off to get some water, it can sometimes be a bit of a task to fasten the Velcro back up again. The fairtex gloves are really easy to fasten up. If you end up picking yourself up a pair of the fairtex gloves, do yourself a favour and grab the hand=wraps as well.

Recommendation - Yup

  THIS IS THE BEST PLACE TO DO YOUR MMA SHOPPING!

Allmax AllWhey Protein Review

Product Reviewed

Allmax AllWhey Protein

Product Cost

$39.99 - $80.99
GET THE BEST PRICE HERE!

Company Product Description

Allmax AllWhey combines the latest innovations in whey protein extraction technology creating a 3-stage instantized protein delivery system protected under the trade name TriWHEY. This unique protein complex features a high protein percentage (76% as is), Reduced Lactose Content (ideal for lactose sensitive individuals), and contains undenatured whey microfractions that support proper protein digestion and utilization.

Allmax AllWhey is further enhanced with the inclusion of OmegaEFA (a source of stable essential fatty acids), and Protein Digesting Enzymes that increase whey peptide transit speed to muscles. From taste to protein percentage, Allmax AllWhey delivers it all!

Allmax AllWhey Nutrient Breakdown (Per Scoop)

• Protein                      25g
• Carbs                        4g
• Fat                             2g

Personal Experience

I bought a 5lb bucket of the Allmax AllWhey just because it happened to be on sale and I had pretty good experiences with the Allmax line (especially the isoflex protein). The first thing I noticed was that the scoop was larger than most of the other whey protein supplements I’ve tried. It was about the size of the scoops that typically come in the weight gainers.

No big deal though. Unlike the pure isolate proteins (which can contain as much as 98% protein per scoop), the protein blends contain a lower percentage of total protein so a larger serving must be used to get the same amount of protein. Luckily, the Allmax AllWhey tastes pretty good so don’t worry about it.

Allmax AllWhey mixes pretty well too although I usually prefer to use the blender as I add ice and fruits to my protein smoothies. Overall, the Allmax AllWhey seems to be a pretty good value for the money. With the Allmax AllWhey, you’re paying under 10 dollars a pound and the stuff is pretty high quality.

Remember, you don’t need to be taking isolate protein all the time. Immediately following your workout is when you’d want to go with a pure isolate as it has a faster absorption rate but even then, Allmax AllWhey does contain some isolate (along with other types of protein). For detailed information on nutrient timing, click here and for a a breakdown of exactly what you should be looking for in your protein supplements, check this out!

Allmax AllWhey Recommendation - Yea, it’s a good value.

 

 

Creatine Review: Purple-K

Product Reviewed

Purple K Creatine

Product Cost

$27.98 - $32.99
THIS SITE HAS THE BEST PRICE

Company Product Description

Purple K should be a staple in any serious athletes supplement program because it gives the real strength gains you need to move big weight. With each workout you’ll feel your strength grow. Other creatines just can’t live up to Purple-K - they are poorly bio-available and cannot even deliver a full and concentrated dose of creatine to your muscles. Because Purple-K is ‘ph correct’ there is no loading, bloating or water retention and your body will absorb 100% of the dose.

The Science Behind Purple-K

Your stomach contains hydrochloric acid that has a ph between 1 and 2. In this acidic environment, other creatines break down into creatinine (kree-AT-ah-neen) - a useless waste product.

Because other creatines break down in stomach acids, mega-dosing is common, but only causes more problems because it makes you bloated and shuts down your creatine transporters (Crt), making you absorb less creatine - not more.

Purple-K is the King of Creatine because it uses Kre-Alkalyn’s ph correct creatine that utilizes an advanced ph correct buffer that prevents creatine breakdown in stomach acids. As a result, 100% of Purple-K is delivered intact to your muscles, making it highly bio-available and ensuring real strength gains at a fraction of the serving size.

How Purple-K Works

During exercise, ATP and pcr breakdown triggers the build-up of acid in your muscles - this state is called acidosis - and this build-up causes ph changes inside your muscles resulting in muscular failure.

By increasing ATP and pcr - two potent muscular fuels - Purple-K produces real strength gains rep after rep. And, by utilizing its advanced ph correct buffer, Purple-K prevents the onset of acidosis and muscular failure, so you’ll continue to achieve the real strength gains you need for hardcore muscle building workouts.

You can access an in-depth article on the importance of creatine supplementation for MMA athletes by clicking here.

Personal Experience with Purple-K

I think very highly of Purple-K because quite frankly - it works. I’ve used it and achieved great results. No word of a lie, I actually gained 9 lbs within my first month of use. Unlike many other creatine products, Purple-K contains a lower dosage than other creatine products(750mg per capsule). This shows that the manufacturers have actually done their homework because they never exceed doses of 3 grams per serving - anything in excess of 3 grams is unnecessary. When supplementing with Purple-K, a loading phase isn’t necessary either.

This is good because you’re not constantly overloading your system. The reason why Purple-K doesn’t contain a high dosage or even require a “loading phase” is because it’s so potent. Purple-K (Kre-Akalyn) is basically a buffered form of creatine monohydrate with a higher Ph level. This prevents the conversion to creatinine and allows for optimal absorption.

Purple-K Recommendation? HELLZ YEA!

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Protein Review

Product Reviewed

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein

Product Cost

2lbs = $21.99
5lbs = $41.99
10lbs = $79.99

Company Product Description

Optimum nutrition gold standard whey gives you more of what you want (pure, unadulterated whey protein) with less of what you don’t (fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, lactose, and other carbohydrates) with every serving. Optimum nutrition gold standard whey is better than ever! Here’s why:

1) Optimum nutrition gold standard whey protein provides more whey protein isolates (WPI) - the purest and most expensive source of whey protein available.

2) Higher protein percentage. Optimum nutrition gold standard whey has always been a leader in this respect. Now with 24 grams of protein in just slightly over one-ounce serving, it’s nearly 79% protein by weight!

3) We’ve included more HydroWhey strategically hydrolyzed, low molecular weight whey peptides to make optimum nutrition gold standard whey even faster acting!

4) Optimum nutrition gold standard whey now contains lactase and Aminogen digestive enzymes to further enhance absorption and make this product even more friendly to lactose intolerant individuals.

5) Optimum nutrition gold standard whey is instantized to mix easily and completely with just a few twirls of a spoon.

6) Every serving supplies even more low, moderate, and high molecular weight, biologically active whey protein microfractions including Alpha-lactalbumin, Glycomacropeptides, Beta-lactoglobulin, Immunoglobulin G (IgG), Lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, and various growth factors.

7) Over 4 grams of glutamine and glutamine precursors as well as 5 grams of BCAAs (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) in each scoop!

Personal Experience

While I don’t have the actual sales stats to back it up, I believe that optimum nutrition gold standard whey is currently the best selling protein in the world. Is it the best quality protein on the market? No, it’s not the “BEST”. However, what optimum nutrition gold standard whey offers is a decent quality product at a very affordable price.

Optimum nutrition gold standard whey comes in a variety of flavours (gingerbread cookie, pumpkin pie and rocky road are a few of the unique standouts). It mixes well with a blender although it doesn’t mix as well as the Isoflex brand with a shaker cup. Nonetheless, what’s an extra 10 seconds of shaking to save some money, right?

Optimum nutrition gold standard whey is not a pure isolate, but rather an isolate concentrate blend. To learn the difference between the two, click here for a detailed overview.

All in all, optimum nutrition gold standard whey offers a quality product at a very affordable price - a combination that is no doubt the reason for the success of the product.

Recommendation - YES!

Buy Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Here!

Allmax “Isoflex” Protein Review

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Product Reviewed

Allmax “Isoflex” Protein Powder

Product Cost

2lbs. = $34.65

5lbs. = $76.99

Company Product Description

“Never before has whey protein tasted so good, mixed so easily with such a high-quality macronutrient profile, until now. It%u2019s no wonder that Allmax Isoflex Whey Protein Isolate has so quickly become the most trusted name in whey protein. With an unheard of 90% yield of pure whey protein in every scoop, amazing taste and the perfect blend of RAPID ABSORPTION%u2122 and ULTRA-FLOW Delivery%u2122 cofactors, no other whey protein can compare.”

“Isoflex whey protein stimulates lean muscle growth and provides the nutrients needed to fuel performance. Whether you%u2019re a bodybuilder, fitness model, athlete or average gym-goer Isoflex whey protein isolate is the only one that provides both taste and results without compromise. Isoflex whey protein isolate for the taste you crave and the results you desire!”

Allmax “Isoflex” Nutrient Breakdown

WPI (Whey Protein Isolate) Complex [WPI Fortified%u2122]: CTP (Cold Temperature Process), cross-flow microfiltered whey protein isolate, WPI (97% Whey Protein Isolate) and Synermune%u2122 Colostrum, a natural source of EGF, IGF-1 (growth factor). This high-quality whey protein isolate complex can help you reach your body-shaping goals.

NOS Complex [Ultra-Flow Delivery%u2122]: Contains L-Arginine, Folic Acid and N-acetyl-cystine (N.A.C). Designed to increase blood flow and increase Nitrogen and Whey peptide delivery. It can also boost nitric oxide levels, thereby speeding up recovery and protein delivery to muscle tissues.

Glutamine Complex [GLUTAMAX TECHNOLOGY%u2122]: Naturally occurring glutamine peptides. Designed to improve recovery and provide immune support. To learn about glutamine, click here.

IS Complex [Rapid Absorption%u2122]: Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), d-Pinitol and 4-Hydroxylsoleucine. Designed to increase insulin receptor sensitivity, enhance rapid protein uptake and support healthy insulin function.

Personal Experience with Allmax “Isoflex”

I chose this as my first protein review simply because I’ve been using it on and off for years now and have been very happy with the product. I’ve tried a lot of protein supplements as I spent a few years working in a supplement store and out of all the products, I can honestly say that the allmax isoflex protein mixes the best. You don’t even need a blender - just throw it in a shaker cup with some milk, water or juice and shake it up for about 10-20 seconds.

Believe me, not all protein supplements are that versatile. Try that with some of the lower quality powders and there will be clumps of protein floating around in your shake.

I also like to make “protein parfaits” every now and then and isoflex is the only brand I use for them. “Protein parfaits” are basically just a scoop of protein mixed in with some yogurt. You stir it around, mixed it up, then add some fruit and nuts. It actually tastes amazing!

As for the quality - isoflex (as you would have guessed) is an isolate protein. Isolate proteins get absorbed very quickly and are ideal for immediately after your workout when your body is craving protein the most. More a detailed breakdown of exactly what to look for in a protein powder, click here.

As for the allmax isoflex protein, it’s great!

Recommendation - YES!!

BUY ALLMAX ISOFLEX HERE!

Hayabusa MMA Gloves

Company Background

Hayabusa fightwear is relatively new on the MMA scene. They are a Canadian company and pride themselves on producing the “most advanced fightwear available”. They’re gradually expanding their product stock and at the time of this writing, the hayabusa product line-up consists of 4oz MMA gloves, full size sparring gloves, fight shorts, instep shin guards, rashguards and their most recent addition - “pro MMA” headgear.

Product Reviewed

4oz hayabusa gloves (MMA competition style)

Product Cost $64.99 BEST PRICE HERE!

(Company) Product Description

• Exclusive Y-shape volar design to keep gloves tight to the palm whether fists are clenched or when hands are open.
• Dual cross directional strap system for ultimate wrist support and striking performance.
• 4oz. regulation weight, professional MMA gloves.

Personal Experience

The first thing you notice when you put the hayabusa gloves on is the snug, yet comfortable fit. According to the description, the snug fit is a result of the “dual cross directional strap system”. With some of the other MMA gloves on the market, when you open your palm to parry punches, the glove feels loose. Not the hayabusa gloves. Another thing I noticed is the softness of the leather. The hayabusa MMA gloves are 65% “premium cowhide leather”, as indicated by the inside tag.

Compared to the fairtex MMA gloves, as reviewed here, the hayabusa gloves are much softer. Obviously, the fairtex gloves, being harder, would hurt more so the gloves you select are dependant on what you’re trying to do. If you’re just using them for training, I’d go with the hayabusa gloves for sure. The quality is second to none.

With regards to the sizing, the hayabusa gloves are larger than the fairtex gloves. My only complaint about the hayabusa gloves is that it sometimes feels like the leather on the inside of the finger slot is scraping my pinkie finger when I clench my fist. But really, you can’t really train MMA and complain about a mild discomfort in your pinkie finger can you?

All things considered, the hayabusa MMA gloves are great.

Hayabusa Gloves Recommendation - YES!

Tapout Shorts Review

Keith Jardine first wore these shorts in his fight with Stephan Bonner and immediately after the fight, I went online, did a search and made the purchase. Jardine vs. Bonner, as you can imagine, that was quite a while ago. To be honest, I don’t even think you can get these shorts anymore. I did a quick check through a couple online retailers and they were nowhere to be found.

I figured I’d write a review on the tapout shorts anyway though as it’ll give you an idea regarding the fit, comfort and the quality.

Tapout Shorts Comfort

To each his own but I personally can’t stand tight/high cut shorts. The tapout “long shorts” are about knee height (which is perfect) and they’re baggy enough that you never feel restricted - even when throwing high kicks. If these shorts had pockets, I’d wear them around during my day to day activities.

Tapout Shorts Quality

I’ve been using these shorts for well over a year now for both grappling and muay thai classes. They’ve held up pretty well. Thus far, the Velcro enclosure system has stayed in-tact and the fabric hasn’t ripped.

In Closing

I’m very happy with my tapout shorts. The look, quality and feel are all great. Keep in mind, this is a review for the long shorts (tapout makes different styles of shorts). Also, when choosing a size, remember that if you’re grappling, you’ll be wearing a cup so you might want to order a size larger than normal. There’s an internal drawstring so you’ll have no problem with tightening them up.

Tapout Shorts Recommendation - YES!

Muay Thai Camp Review: Patong Boxing Gym

Location

Patong Boxing Gym is currently located at 66/29 Soi Kepsup1, Taweewong Rd., Patong Beach. However, I believe they are moving up into the hills of Patong in the near future. There is another “Patong Boxing Gym” on Nanai Rd. behind Nanai BBQ buffet but that’s completely different. I’ve never trained at that “Patong Gym” but I can certainly vouch for the BBQ buffet - highly recommended by the way.

Muay Thai Camp Description

Patong boxing gym differs from the other muay thai camps in the sense that you can show up anytime you want during operating hours. There are no pre-designated training times. However, if you want set training times, you can certainly set up the sessions with your trainer of choice.

Personal Experience

From the minute I stepped foot in the gym, I felt welcome. The trainers were able to speak English well enough to communicate the key points. I came to patong boxing gym from an all-Thai training camp and while you’d think training with all Thai’s would be better - it isn’t. The key is to work with Thai trainers who have experience in teaching foreign students. It’s my understanding that the trainers at patong boxing gym are trained at the Muay Thai institute in Bangkok.

The trainers at patong boxing gym showed great attention to detail. If you mess up, even if it’s the slightest mistake - they’ll point it out to you. They’re so picky about your technique that you’ll even start to get frustrated. But of course, as you improve, you’ll be glad that they gave you such a hard time. They’re picky because they care. You’re there to learn and they’re there to teach.

Final Thoughts

I highly recommend this Muay Thai camp. Well, technically it won’t be a “camp” per say until they change locations. Right now it’s more of a “school” as it doesn’t provide accommodations. No big deal though. It’s right in the middle of Patong beach, which is the most developed beach in all of Phuket. Finding a nearby place to stay is no problem at all.

Recommended - YES!!

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