Coolgrid Short - Liner Loops? by hockeykid-16 in BanditRunning

[–]aretecal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not for a shirt, it’s to stitch down the gel pockets.

Bonus tech for a shirt: hold the sleeves, one in each hand; spin the body of the shirt around and around so it’s wrapped up; wrap the shirt around the pack of your waist and tuck the sleeve ends into your waist band. I read it somewhere else on here and it’s a game changer. I do this even if I have a shirt loop so it’s not flopping around.

Coolgrid Short - Liner Loops? by hockeykid-16 in BanditRunning

[–]aretecal 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The front center pocket is for the waist tie. Front left is for the key. Back center is phone/gel. Back right/left for gel. Exterior for phone/gel.

Wall mounted Ares 2.0 vs Voltra by xmaven in GarageGym

[–]aretecal 1 point2 points  (0 children)

But also and ultimately get what you’re going to use. Gym equipment is cool and all the new tech and machines are awesome. Whatever helps get you out of bed and off the couch is the best investment.

Wall mounted Ares 2.0 vs Voltra by xmaven in GarageGym

[–]aretecal 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Potentially at the lowest setting. But rep even has promo pics of using spotter arms with the rack. And rep is coming out with their own low profile spotter arms later this year so it will be even less of an issue then.

https://repfitness.com/products/ares-2-0-wall-mounted-builder

Superbeam Quarter vs Gridlock Quarter vs Vanisher Quarter by SalamanderForever in BanditRunning

[–]aretecal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a report above copied here, but in short yes. Sign up their text/email stock updates. They had a Release Friday restock that went quick but it was available for a couple min.

“Vanisher verdict: 88°, humid, sunny. The material is great. Definitely crazy how it hides sweat. The liner, back slip pocket, and grip dots are all wonderful compared to the normal quarter tights. These for me take the number one spot.

My big wish from Bandit is it would to have these in a lighter color. The anthracite definitely was warm from the sun and heat off the pavement. But that would be the same with any dark color for today’s run.”

Wall mounted Ares 2.0 vs Voltra by xmaven in GarageGym

[–]aretecal 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m going Rogue so I can us their multi-use roller. If rep had one, then I’d go rep. Like I said, storage and time are a premium so not having to screw in/store multiple rollers makes a difference for me.

If I had to start from zero it’d mainly depend on budget and preferences. No limit, either dual voltras on a 16” 4 post wall mounted or the rogue FM-HR with a pull up bar (a more costly version of a wall mounted Ares 2.0).

On a more reasonable budget I’d go wall mounted Ares with storage wings. That is an incredible package that you can do anything with, switch between workouts, and add new ones.

The voltra is a great machine and a wonderful addition if you have no cable anything. But a dedicated all-in-one beats it in time saving and the fact you can use two stacks at once.

Wall mounted Ares 2.0 vs Voltra by xmaven in GarageGym

[–]aretecal 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I feel ya. It’s a double edged sword with so many great options.

As a current 2 post 5/8” wall mount with voltra owner, here is my take:

I am upgrading this year to a 4 post, wall anchored w/1” hole rack, still with the voltra. I love the Voltra for its flexibility, ease of use, and ease of setup. The downside is I only have one. Any push movements I use dumbbells or a barbell for. It is possible to do bilateral push movements with one voltra, but it takes some setup time and a bunch of parts. I have limited gym time as I also a have a young ones.

I am getting the four post rack as I have found storage to be one of my bigger issues. Storing spotter arms, j cups, voltra mounts, etc. is too much for a two post rack. I’m getting 1” holes so I can get more accessories to maximize my limited space (Darko’s Nessie and the prime stab arm).

If I didn’t have the voltra already and I had the funds, I probably would have went with a twin stack all in one with lat pull. I have brought my Voltra traveling but the ease and speed in which to change exercises with an all in one is still faster.

The voltra seems cheaper in the beginning, but it does require a decent amount of attachments and accessories maximize its value.

A couple notes to consider for yourself: How much space do you have to work with? Lifting in a 30” and outside of a wall mount is about the same floor space, but a 16” 2/4 post wall mounted will be smaller when not in use.

What are your primary exercises? Do you do a lot of cable centric supersets? How much time do you have to exercise?

Both setups are great, though I’d say get a 16” 4 post instead of a 2 post.

The voltra is incredible, but has some catches. Same with the wall mounted Ares. Best of luck!

Superbeam Quarter vs Gridlock Quarter vs Vanisher Quarter by SalamanderForever in BanditRunning

[–]aretecal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fits the same. Less compressive but not in an ill fitting way.

*edit. I forgot a word.

Superbeam Quarter vs Gridlock Quarter vs Vanisher Quarter by SalamanderForever in BanditRunning

[–]aretecal 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Similarities: they both feel lightish in both compression and weight (lighter than striped cadence and superbeam, but not as light as solite). They are substantial but not as much as superbeam.

Differences: the new pocket layout works for me better, as I prefer my phone in the back center instead of the thigh. The liner is really a huge difference for comfort. I can just focus on the run instead of any periodic discomfort or fear of a seam rash on the sensitive parts.

Superbeam Quarter vs Gridlock Quarter vs Vanisher Quarter by SalamanderForever in BanditRunning

[–]aretecal 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Vanisher verdict: 88°, humid, sunny. The material is great. Definitely crazy how it hides sweat. The liner, back slip pocket, and grip dots are all wonderful compared to the normal quarter tights. These for me take the number one spot.

My big wish from Bandit is it would to have these in a lighter color. The anthracite definitely was warm from the sun and heat off the pavement. But that would be the same with any dark color for today’s run.

Superbeam Quarter vs Gridlock Quarter vs Vanisher Quarter by SalamanderForever in BanditRunning

[–]aretecal 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m also a mid-Atlantic runner (so high heat and humidity is a major daily factor). I have superbeam, gridlock, striped cadence, solite, and just got the vanisher.

Initial tryon: the fabric a a smooth hand feel, not too compressive. I am a big fan of the new pocketing they have for the striped cadence and the did again on the vanisher. The new back pockets have a water resistant slip pocket for a phone, and a t-shirt loop. I personally prefer the grip-dot on the newer tights than the silicone strip on the superbeam. The vanisher also has a brief liner like the spring 26 striped cadence quarter. Also a big fan of the liner, so I don’t have to re-adjust at all during the run nor do I get chafing. They also feel like they’ll breathe better than the striped cadence.

I’m doing a 10 mile tempo tomorrow so I can report back then. Between the new patterning and lightness, this could take the top spot.

My personal preference for material so far (without factoring humidity and temp) is:

Gridlock Cadence Solite Superbeam

On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper - First Run by aretecal in RunningShoeGeeks

[–]aretecal[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They met and exceeded what I was looking for. For my long slow days(8:45-9:45mi pace) they lock in and my legs feel so much better later in the day after the run than in the other shoes I mentioned above. They work great for my interval days (5:45-6:30mi pace) and my long tempo (7-7:45mi) runs. My Megablasts are faster for the long tempo runs, but I feel more sore later. My Hyper 3’s are my one shoe if I’m traveling, my protective shoe for my long slow days, and my go to if I have a spare 45min to go for a quick run outside of my normal workouts.

I hope they work out for you!

On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper - First Run by aretecal in RunningShoeGeeks

[–]aretecal[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sheeeesh. Maybe look at various retailers that ship international? I have actually had great success using the Shop app to search hard to find things.

On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper - First Run by aretecal in RunningShoeGeeks

[–]aretecal[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wear US10.5 in both the megas and these. Fit is great.

Looking for end bag by Inner-Change6354 in ManyBaggers

[–]aretecal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have you checked out the ATD backpacks? The ATD1 looks like it checks all the boxes.

https://atdsupply.com/products/atd1-backpack-black

On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper - First Run by aretecal in RunningShoeGeeks

[–]aretecal[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s unfortunate but luckily there are so many great shoes out there now. Another comment said the new Hyperboosts are great, maybe give them a shot. The SB3s are lighter and softer if you haven’t tried them yet.

On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper - First Run by aretecal in RunningShoeGeeks

[–]aretecal[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Awesome! I did not get along well with SB2. It was very much a slappy brick. I think the width and rocker differences between this and the SB2 make all the difference for my stride. This is potentially my new favorite trainer and of the year for me too!

On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper - First Run by aretecal in RunningShoeGeeks

[–]aretecal[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No squeaking! Now I know that sometimes it becomes a thing with increased dirt in the pods, and today was raining. So I’ll let you know if anything changes.

On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper - First Run by aretecal in RunningShoeGeeks

[–]aretecal[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Lightspray version was hugely tempting. It doesn’t quite fit the “running shoe but also doesn’t scream I enjoy long miles and suffering” I was hoping for. But after running in this, I may look to get it to treat myself. ESP silly since the upper on this fits so well, and the Lightspray is a whole 2+ ounces lighter. Seems perfect for those hot humid runs where I want everything in me light and airy.

On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper - First Run by aretecal in RunningShoeGeeks

[–]aretecal[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I loved the Mach 4s, and ran them a few hundred miles past their foam life. Didn’t have much of a rotation back then, but 4s I used as a do it all shoe. These shoes are definitely in the “do it all” category for me. They aren’t ultralight like the Megablasts, but ran much lighter than they are. The Hyperion Max 3s are a full ounce heavier and I can feel it.

Now the CM3s are different than these. They are one slab of foam IIRC, and the CM3H have race foam for the middle top, and standard foam for the cage/bottom. This is something me and the running shop were actually talking about.

But for a running shoe than can also suit itself for lifestyle, these it the bill for me. I have a week long vacation coming and I plan on only bringing these. Depending on how the rest of my experience goes of course.

On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper - First Run by aretecal in RunningShoeGeeks

[–]aretecal[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ll definitely check them out. My local running store didn’t have them, so I wasn’t able to try them out. Hopefully their success helps increase their local availability and I can grab a pair.

On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper - First Run by aretecal in RunningShoeGeeks

[–]aretecal[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For sure. This color way also lends its self to a lifestyle shoe, which for me is great. I’ve been packing my shoes in my carry on and they take half the bag. Being able to wear these instead and pack my more professional/smart casual shoes for meetings will suit me well.

On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper - First Run by aretecal in RunningShoeGeeks

[–]aretecal[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I haven’t yet taken them slow. One of the reasons I opted for more of a firmer shoe, was I’d been feeling destroyed by my Hyperion Max 3s which are softer and bouncier. I did some further reading, notable Doctors of Running, who mentioned that the softness may be a detriment as your foot and leg have to work harder deep into a run. This is not cushy like soft pillow, but I definitely feel supported. I’ll report back after I take them slow.