Lowe Appalachian 60+15

Advantages: pedigree, simplicity
Disadvantages: you've got ot be good to use this bad boy!

...Used by Edgberg, Graf, Courier (I believe) and most notable - Sampras. They were probably onto something. In short - small head (available in 85 sq. in. and latterly, a 95 sq. in. version) heavy racket with head light design. Better for your elbow, therefore, but very lacking in power. This might surprise some people, given it's use by Sampras; but the guy didn't need any help generating power. Also very stiff (6.0 rating) and unforgiving on poorly hit shots. To sum up - super racket if you want absolute control over your shots, and aren't interested in any namby-pamby gimmicks like 'power holes' or massive fat frames. Tough to get on with if you are an innacurate hitter. A bit like a fretless bass - no help given to you; but if you're advanced, you want absolute control over what you're doing. oh - btw. Production... Read review

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Advantages: Cheap, relativly light
Disadvantages: Leash comes off

...Hi, Having doing hillwalking and low grade rock climbing for a number of years i though i would take the plunge into winter walking. Last year i bought myself a pair of Grivel G10 crampons and the above axe. The axe is 60cm in length with a wrist lensh on the shaft. The axe head is study and joined to shaft with an eyelet rivet, the same as most axes of this type. The shaft of the axe sounds hollow giving it it's light weight. This does not mean that it is weak, as I used it once as as a hanhold, jaming the axe horizontal across the top of two boulders and hauling myself up on it, the shaft did not bend and their is no sign of cracking. The shaft appears to have a protective coating on it that also allows for extera grip by having loads of small raised bubbles on it. The head of the axe, is quit tough, and has not been disfigured... Read review

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Advantages: lightweight great in mud
Disadvantages: less grip harsh ride

...The conti Cross Country tire comes in a couple of sizes the 1.5 & 2.0 widths. The 1.5 with Kevlar bead is something a bit different than a more normal tire. It is very light weight - just under 400 grams. Compare this to the more usual 550 - 650 grams and it is a saving of over a pound. This is rotating weight as well which doubly increases the benefit. The width is narrower than anything else on the market and gives an interesting ride. In mud the tire is fantastic as it is so narrow it cuts through and gets grip on the harder surface below. Many times you can keep riding without wheelspin when a broader tire is slipping all over. On thicker mud or grass though it is a bit worse as the narrowness causes the tire to dig in too much & drag the bike back. On downhills or single track there can be a scary lack of grip! This is all part... Read review

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