Vibram Five Fingers Review

I have to say, I love the Vibram Five Fingers!

I recently reviewed Win Detergent.

On Saturday, I received my July issue of Consumer Reports Magazine and what do you know, they were reviewing laundy detergents, including Win.

Here are the comments “WinHigh Performance Sports Detergent, 64 cents per load, is claimed to remove odors and stains. It worked on odor but was unimprssive on stains.”

Consumer Reports then ranked 31 laundry detegents and Win came in 25th, so apparently CR does not think too highly of Win. I should also add that it was by far the most expensive laundry detergent reviewed.

If you want to know the winner, you’ll have to buy the magazine but I can tell you that Tide took the top four spots! Maybe the US Olympic Team should consider switching detergents, especially in these rough economic times.

Recently RunColo was sent a sample of Win Detergent to review on the blog. Win is the official detergent of the US Olympic Team. I’m not sure if that means it’s a quality product or that the Win just happened to pay the US Olympic Team the most money?

Each bottle is 21 ounces and should wash up to 14 normal loads of performance gear. You can purchase a four pack for $25.99, plus shipping online or you can find it at various retailers. I have also seen this product in stores for $7.99.

Here is a little bit about the product:

Most liquid detergents do not target embedded odors and when gym clothes are washed, these odors that are caused by bacteria attracted to sweat soaked fabric stay embedded in the fibers. After a few workouts, even the best high tech fabrics typically develop a musty odor. Using a scientifically formulated formula, WINs super oxygenated system directly targets this issue oxidizing the offensive odors and stains. This unique oxy cleaning power eliminates the colored bodies from stains while removing the embedded sweat molecules that fuel the odors that overwhelm the fabric. Simultaneously, these ingredients also react with soil and organic materials in the wash causing them to either decolorize or disintegrate. Once in a soluble form after oxidization, WINs surfactant system washes them away. Two sets of independent laboratory testing indicate that WIN outperforms the leading detergents and specialty products on removing sweat and odors from all fabrics. WIN is formulated to be safe and gentle for all colors and fabrics and works for traditional and high efficiency machine or hand washing.

Normally, the RunColo household uses Tide ColdWater Formula, as it was rated tops in the last Consumer Reports issue that I read, rating detergents. We also use a scoop of OxiClean. I’ve been happy with Tide but was eager to see how the official detergent of the US Olympic Team would do in washing my running clothes!

Performance clothing/tech shirts can definitely get a funky smell to them. The few loads of wash that I did, my clothes came out smelling fresh and clean, so plus one for Winn. The product works, no doubt about it. However, I’m not sure if I could tell a difference between my normal detergents.

I’m not an overly sweaty guy, or a smelly guy for that matter. Thus, I will probably stick to using Tide as I can find it at most stores and it requires only one detergent in the household, instead of two. However, if your an individual who has trouble getting the funk out of your clothes, or your kids play Hockey or Football, I would definitely give Win Detergent a try.

I’m not sure why the bottle is so small. If I were buying the product, I’d rather be able to buy one big bottle than to have to keep four small bottles in storage, something to consider for the Win Company.

The cost is also more expensive, approximately $.57 per laundry load. The Tide Detergent, which is one of the most expensive laundry detergents, runs around $.25 per laundry load, which is still less than half the price.

Overall, the product did as advertised. However, unless your normal detergent is not doing the job or you smell worse than my 8th grade Math Teacher, I’d stick to your normal detergent due to the cost factor.

Zensah hooked me up with a pair of Zensah Calf Compression Sleeves to review on RunColo. Here is what the website states about the compression sleeves:

The Zensah Calf/Shin Compression Sleeve is a first of its kind which provides performance and comfort. The dual action sleeve is designed with direct input from athletic trainers and professional athletes resulting in the most effective compression sleeve to treat shin splints and calf pulls. The Zensah Calf/Shin Compression Sleeve not only treats injuries but is light enough to be used during workouts. The front of the sleeve is designed to prevent shin splints by incorporating the chevron pattern or inverted v. The chevron ribbing along the front helps support the muscles in the shin area thereby reducing the risk of shin splints. The deep groove ribbing also helps increase blood circulation getting oxygen to the muscles faster. The back of the sleeve provides support of the calf and Achilles. The pock and vertical line mimic the calf muscles. The Zensah sleeve is the only calf/shin sleeve which is anti-bacterial and moisture wicking while providing warmth and support. If you have a calf injury, calf strain, calf pain or have pulled a calf muscle you can’t do without the Zensah Calf/Shin Compression Sleeve!

I’ve seen a few runners sporting the compression calf sleeves, notably Paula Radcliffe, et al. The website makes a lot of claims, faster recovery, reduce the risk of shin splints and the ability to push harder in a race. Those are rather difficult to prove or disprove, so I won’t spend any time on those topics. What I can say is that I have read some positive research of late with regards to compression clothes for recovery and racing.

I’ve worn the Zensah Sleeves a few times and I can say that they are really comfortable. I wore them on a few days that were borderline tights weather, but instead I wore shorts and the sleeves and was quite comfortable. I’m probably more likely to wear them on colder days than to wear them during the summer, but I’ll give them a shot this summer as well, probably on a long run. The only downfall is that Zensah sent me a white pair and I feel a bit silly wearing white sleeves, black is more my style and a not quite as feminine.

Conclusion, they are comfortable and feel great, so that might be worth something. However, I don’t think I have the guts to wear them in a race. But if you’re in the market for some compression sleeves, give the Zensah brand a shot.

I got hooked up with a free watch from Tech4o, here is my review.