Product Reviews

For 2013, Smith Optics developed a helmet that is stylish, light and virtually bomb-proof. The latest innovation from Smith is the Aerocore featuring Koroyd.Imagine a thousand tiny drinking straws organized in a honeycomb pattern lining the core of the helmet. The technology relies on the inert strength of the material’s shape (30 percent stronger), and it also increases airflow to your dome. With fully adjustable vents both forward and aft, you can fine-tune your climate control. Coupling the Vantage with a pair of Smith goggles like the I/OX further increases the airflow and leads to unmatched fog resistance. The helmet also features a Boa FS360 fastening system that makes fitting a breeze. With a simple twist of the dial at the rear, it is possible to make the chassis fit tighter or looser. This translates to a secure and comfortable fit with minimal effort. The only complaint I had was that the dial’s size and texture allow it to catch on your jacket collar and sometimes adjust without warning. Audio integration through removable ear pads is a nice bonus for those who like to crank the beats while slaying the peaks. I tested this item in all sorts of conditions, and it proved to be very versatile. The microclimate created by the helmet/goggle combo makes for many comfortable hours out on the hill. –Sean Zimmerman-Wall

This pair of Swoob leggings have been a staple in my wardrobe ever since I first stepped into them six weeks ago. Since then, we’ve hit the gym, dropped into a Pilates class, practiced yoga, lounged around the house, went snowboarding, jogged in the snow and hit up the Urban Lounge like a ninja, with the leggings camouflaged in thigh-high boots. One of the many reasons why I’ve been living in these 88-percent poly, 12-percent spandex leggings is the fact that they are comfortable, fashionable, warm and house a secret stash pocket! The lining almost feels like polar fleece, but thankfully, unlike fleece, these puppies dry fast after a sweaty training session. When I placed my order online, the company was out of smalls, so I opted for a medium instead. As it turns out, the whole Swoob line runs small so the medium was a perfect fit. Swoob’s products are designed here in Salty Town, but the product is actually manufactured in China. I suspected this (and the inside label confirmed it) after I had tried to cram my 32B boobs into the small Idona Racerback bra. I nearly threw my shoulder out of joint trying to pull it over my head. Once on, I couldn’t even take advantage of the seriously comical (yet practical) dual-purpose boob sling—a frontal-pocket mechanism for holding your keys, iPhone and other “small items.” My small items overstuffed the shelf before I could even attempt to stuff it with dollar bills, let alone my car keys. I love the product, but the size issue really needs to be addressed. I’d like to suggest that this local company look at hiring some polygamist seamstresses to fix the sizing issue and keep our dollars in the community. –Lucy Ann Decker