Thursday, March 5, 2009

Ski Shape Make It Easier To Turn

Until late in the last century every ski was straigh and pretty long. Everything is changed now. They are shorter and the most important they have a shape who give a better feeling when you turn. The feeling of turning easily and on the edges. All mesurement number are approximative.

The shape of the ski have an effect on the kind of turn you will do. A ski with a large ski tip (example 122 mm) , narrow under foot ( 65 mm) and a ski large tail (117mm) will have a radius of approximate 13m radius depending of the length. The ski with that shape will do short turn similar to slalom skiing. The ski will turn quickly and pass from edges to edges easily. Skis with a shape of 11 to 14 radius are unfortunly less stable at high speed.

The all terrains ski will have a radius from 14m to 18m and a under foot size between 70mm and 90mm. More stable at high speed than the precedent, still turning easily but at with a bigger turn. Will be better on deep snow.

Another type of skis is the GS model and similars. They will be narrow, with a radius over 19m , see 27m for the ski world cup (F.I.S.). For the public the 19m to 21m are more communs.

If you want to buy a new pair of ski and don't know exactly what is better, I recommend to try differents pair and note the radius of the ski. The radius is normally on the tail of the ski with r for radius follow by the size in meter. Example r =15m.

When you try them put the outside ski on the edge (45 degrees) and let it go, it will turn by itself. If you are not sure how to do it ash a pro to help you. You have to balance on the edges of the skis to get the better result. If you skidding all the way you still need to work on.

By: Robert gagnon

Read More..

Types Of Tippmann Paintball Markers

There are numerous various kinds of paintball markers out there for people to choose from, whether it be for an lived player, or a starting paintball player. The Tippmann paintball marker is a marker that is employed generally for outdoor fun, or what the paintball fanciers like to call woods ball, which is what its called, playing paintball outside. Tippmann is a renowned company that has been in the paintball industry for many ages now, and has grown in popularity through the days. If your looking for a paintball marker, and you dont know which one to get then you should really think about looking into the Tippmann paintball marker company. They offer you with fundamental markers, and are constantly on top of the game when it comes to paintball players, and all of the paintball accessories. It doesn't matter if you're a new paintball player, or a strategic paintball fancier, tippmann is a company that is able to develop quality productions for both beginning users, and also advanced paintball players.

If you're a fresh participant, and you don't actually know which type of paintball marker you require to purchase then you should truly consider about performing some research on the paintball markers before you make your last purchasing decision on a marker. Many paintball players like to buy markers that look great, or have an attractive feel about them, but when it comes down to it, you need to purchase something that you are going to be comfortable with. This is because you are going to be running about playing with the paintball marker, and you don't want to be moving around for hours on end with something that is awkward to you. Likewise you need to purchase something that is going to do good with your type of game play as well. Some individuals love the tippmann paintball markers because the markers are so well fit to play open-air games, and many paintball fanciers love playing the game of woodball.

It doesn't matter if you're a young player, or you're a seasoned serious paintball fancier. The tippmann paintball industry can form wonders for you when you need a great marker for the sport. Many serious paintball participants use these type of markers all across the world whether it be at a speedball tourney, or at a scenario type paintball game these markers are great for all types of play. Plus not merely do they perform very good in all types of paintball environments, but they also look very good as well. You can customize these markers to anything you see fit. You can buy a minute little tippmann paintball marker, and before you know it you can end up turning it into a machine gun! There is no limit to what you can do to customize your markers, and make them feel right to you, and your comfortable zone.

Read More..

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Choosing a Shimano Mountain Bike Component

Mountain bike components are designed to withstand more abuse and extreme riding conditions. These components are heavier, sometime larger and more durable then road bike components. Sometime you are riding on dirt, rock, or in water, etc and the components need to be durable enough so they can withstand abusive treatment.

It just so happened that my rear derailleur broke on my full suspension mountain bike. I was riding a down hill trail and lost control of my bike. The rear of the bike ended up hitting the face of a rock and I was left with a mangled rear derailleur. So I looked at the positive side of the accident and said to myself now is the time to upgrade.

I could find new or near new parts on Bike Servant which is a mountain bike classifieds website and lists mountain bikes for sale, bike parts and race events but I was in the car with my bike so I decided to go to the store.

On the way home from the trail I stopped at my local bike store to buy a new derailleur so I can resume riding as quickly as possible. I told the bike shop guy my situation and she asked me which aftermarket Shimano derailleur I wanted to buy. Not knowing anything about the different categories in the Shimano product line I asked for help and this is what she relayed to me.

Shimano Deore is their entry level category. These products are inexpensive and meant for the occasional or enthusiast rider. These components are stocked on entry level mountain bikes.

Shimano Deore LX is their next level in higher quality. This category level consists of a more durable product. The main difference that I noticed is that Deore LX is lighter then Deore. My derailleur was a Deore LX and it has shown me proven quality and reliability for many years.

Shimano Deore XT was referred to as their heavy duty category. This product category is not considered race quality performance but they are light weight and more durable then the LX category. The price difference between the LX category and the XT category was noticeable.

Shimano XTR is considered their high performance category. Again these parts are lighter then the XT category. As a consumer I took notice to the price increase from XT to XTR. It appeared to me that this category appeals to the racers that demand light weight and high performance.

Keep in mind that this is not a complete list of Shimano's product line. It is the list that my bike store carried.

So in my quest to buy a new derailleur I decided to purchase the Shimano Deore XT because of its light weight, durability and price. I had the bike shop install it for me and I was back on the trail in no time.

By: Bike Servant

Read More..

Choosing a Shimano Mountain Bike Component

Paintball is fast becoming one of the most popular games around. It has become an alternative past time from the usual athletic games being played; and it has become one of the most exciting outdoor sports in the world. Anybody can play paintball, regardless of race, sex, age and social status. It is a game for people who have taste for competition and adventure.

The game combines two of the most popular childhood past times: tag and hide-and-seek, the objective being to capture the flag of the enemy while protecting one's own.

There are several reasons for the popularity of paintball:

1. It is the team sport that enables one to remove an opponent from the game without being penalized for it. In fact, removing one's opponent is very much part of the game. It is the survival of the smartest and the quickest.

2. There is a strong sense of danger, not necessarily a physical one. The threat of being removed from the game makes it more exciting for the participants. But since it is only a game, the fear is not enough to make one mentally-incapacitated. With the right safety gear, no one is really in any real danger. It is all in the mind.

3. All players are equal. Experience is the only basis of one's edge over the other player. Factors such as race, gender and age do not put one ahead of the other.

4. There is a total absence of physical contact. There is no need for a player to manhandle his opponent so that he can be eliminated from the game. One only needs to shoot the opponent, which can be done from a relatively safe distance. Very few injuries and no deaths have resulted from playing paintball.

5. There is no need to be an athlete. Playing paintball does not require extreme physical strength. In fact, the game can be played with very few physical movements.

6.No one really needs to be experienced to enjoy the game. Though it matters, a lot of old-time players find themselves surprisingly eliminated by first-time participants. It is anybody's game.

7. It is gadget-crazy. Everybody likes gadgets. Paintball requires a lot of them.

Paintball is a very stimulating and exciting sport. Playing the game gives one the chance to renew the inner child in people. It enables one to maximize his sense of adventure, without risking life and limb for that sought-after rush.

Read More..

Paragliding and Learning to Fly

Flying is a wonderful feeling. Most people experience flying at sometime in their life. This experience usually take place in a large commercial jet aircraft. People use this type of transportation to get from one location to another in the quickest form possible. There are however other forms of flying which may offer people a higher level of satisfaction.

Paragliding:
This is an outdoor sport where people have the opportunity to fly while keepeing close to nature. You get to feel the wind blowing through your hair while soring through the air supported only by a harness, some lines and a parachute know as a paraglider. Paraglidng offers more control than hang gliding does. This sport is an inexpensive way to fly. It does require some training but can be learned in a relatively short period of time.

Hang Gliding:
This sport also entails flying high above the ground while maintaining a tight connection to the element. This sport uses a hang glider as a mode of flying. The hang glider is a great way to fly with out a motor. This sport has been gaining popularity over the past 20 years. Hang Gliding was invented before paragliding.

Power Paragliding:
Power paragliding is similar t paraglidng but does not require wind to create lift. Instead the power paraglider creates it's velocity and lift with a small gas powered motor which powers a propeller. The motor and propeller are either strapped to the pilots back or attached to a small go cart type vehicle called a trike or a quad. When using a trik or a quad the motor and propeller are attached to the rear frame of the vehicle. There is then a parachute know as a paraglider attached with long lines the the vehicle which allows the quad or trike to glide through the air while the motor provides thrust. The other option pilots use when is the solo method. This is when a pilot attaches the motor and propeller to their back using a back pack type device. They then sit in a harness which attaches to the lines which lead the the paraglider.

These forms of flying require some training and effort. To become a pilot in any of these sports it is important to understand how the sport works as well as how the air and weather work together. Once someone becomes a pilot and begins flying in these extreme sports they will immediately understand why these forms of flying are becoming more popular in the United States and all over the world.


By: Chad Nadler

Read More..

Flying Without Wings

Along time ago when I was just a child, I wanted a BMX bike so bad! Santa never brought me one and birthdays came and went too. As a family we struggled financially so I had to make do with a second hand, re painted, black racer bicycle.

Please dont think I was ungrateful because that old black bike practically became my best friend and I loved it but I still looked on in awe at all the other BMX bikes. I did however at that point believe that if I had a BMX that I would be able to fly over the house and garden with it! I had E.T. to thank for that fallacy! Much jumping over houses on in videogames wasnt really the same thing.

BMX was pretty much brand new in those days and the streets were full of kids buzzing up and down and making makeshift ramps to fly (fall off the end) off! Christmas mornings reflected just how popular BMX was becoming. In fact it had become an overnight roaring success.

Despite thousands of valiant attempts, no one ever did manage to fly their BMX over the house, although crazy Billy from the next street has the scars to prove he gave it a really good try. We all concluded that E.T must have had some kind of magical powers!

Despite still not being able to fly (and no sign of it happening in the near future), the fortunes of BMX bikes go from strength to strength. In Beijing 2008, they were included for the very first time as an Olympic sport.

The only discipline at the Olympics this time was racing although Freestyle is also massive and with its ever growing success is only a matter of time before these disciplines are considered also.

People at the top of the BMX sport are extremely dedicated to perfecting their skills and what you see may look easy, but just try it yourself to find out otherwise. Flatland BMX, another discipline is particularly fascinating to watch!

With such a variety of styles it is not a surprise to find out just how many different models of BMX there are. Not only does each discipline generally require a different bike with regards to weight and structure but even within the disciplines themselves there are many different models and brands.

Along with the endorsements and sponsorships comes a public profile and fame and some of the top BMX riders can earn a good living just from their sport alone. When it first began, BMX could only have dreamed of such success!

With so much variety and choice out there, it shouldnt be a problem getting hold of the BMX bike you want, either for yourself or for a relative to unwrap on Christmas morning to once more go hurtling up the street, thrilled to bits with their new BMX.

By:

Read More..

Downhill Mountain Biking

Downhill mountain biking is one of the most extreme styles of mountain biking.

Downhill biking, as its name implies is all about riding down steep slopes while getting over obstacles, drops and sharp turn in maximum speed. Over the years, many downhill mountain biking events and competitions have been established all over the world. Downhill competitions are held on courses situated on steep slopes and mountains such as the Alps and the Rocky mountains. The objective of a downhill cycling competition is to reach the bottom in the fastest time.

Nonetheless, there are many mountain bikers who ride downhill trails just for the fun of it. In my opinion, mountain biking is a successful combination of the chance to feel a rush of adrenaline, reach remote places, see wonderful scenery and attempt to control and maneuver a mountain bike riding a high speed, through rough terrain.

Most of the main bike trails and bike parks which are geared towards downhill mountain bikers are equipped with attractions and are geared to their special needs. Many downhill mountain biking sites are equipped with chair lifts, which take bikers and their bikes to the top of the descent with no need to climb up. Many downhill mountain biking sites operate as ski sites in the winter and downhill mountain biking centers in the summer. Throughout Europe there are a few parks which are geared to downhill mountain bikers. One can find these sorts of parks in France, Austria, Italy and more. Downhill mountain biking parks offer specially made obstacles and drops, aside of the trails in their parameter.

As much as downhill biking is enjoyable and exciting, it’s one of the more hazardous mountain biking styles. In any case of downhill mountain biking, no matter if you’re an expert or a beginner, be sure do ride with full safety gear and after you have made sure that the trail you’re beginning fits your level of riding.

Read More..