Product Reviews

NoBull shoes:

The NoBull Outwork Trainer shoes have a flat sole and wide toe box making lifting more comfortable and steady. I have had mine for about 3 years and wear them consistently. They are one of the best quality shoes I have owned and have no complaints of the shoe itself. The only drawback would be they are only for training and not casual type of shoes. So for those who are looking to wear a pair of shoes for different types of activities, these would not be recommended. As for those who need arch support, an insert would have to be considered since these shoes are flat and do not have arch support. From lifting in converse to lifting in NoBulls, it is the best decision I have made. NoBull has different options depending on the type of training such as a hybrid shoe that is for lifting and running (more of a CrossFit style shoe). They also have a flyknit running shoe.

WOLFpak:

The 25L Backpack Mini is the smallest of the WOLFpak backpacks. It has four different compartments and has different adjustable straps throughout the backpack including a waist strap. I have had mine for about four years and is still in great shape. It is durable, is good quality, and gets the job done if you are looking for something to hold your necessities. The newer version of the 25L has two side water bottle compartments which is an improvement from the previous version. WOLFpak has a total of 4 different backpack sizes ranging from a 9L mini to a 45L. The backpack contains padding on the back to provide cushioning. The downside of the backpack, especially with the larger sizes, is there is no slot for shoes and does not contain a compartment for meal prep meals as seen in other brands. They are a little more expensive for the type of backpack that it is. If you plan on buying a WOLFpak, I would definitely wait until there is a sale going on which they have often. They have different patterns and colors you can choose from.

https://amzn.to/3IOvHvh

JBL:

The JBL Endurance Peak Wireless earbuds are an in-ear type of earbuds that have a secure over ear feature. They also have a noise cancelling and environmental awareness feature. Sound quality is great even with the noise cancelling feature disabled. The battery is longer lasting than other earbuds/headphones. The charging case keeps them charged when not in use. They are used to be multi-use such as for lifting, HITT, running (sprints and long distance), etc. They fit snuggly for any activity and I have not had time where they have fallen out of my ear. One complaint people may have about them is they are slightly bulkier than other earbuds.They are fairly affordable and have lasted me a couple years already. Highly recommend these for an affordable and great sound quality pair of earbuds if you are one who prefers to wear earbuds.

https://amzn.to/4o8F4Gp

Pioneer Lifting Belts Review:

Are these a necessity? Maybe, depending on some factors. Here's the background on why I bought two of these great products. I had another lifting belt for a while, and there was nothing wrong with it; I just outgrew it and wanted to try a lever belt. If you're looking into lever belts, there are a few routes you'll probably consider. First is a cheap lever belt from Amazon. I understand why you might buy from there, but I can’t offer personal experience. However, I’d caution that these are built to maximize profits. If you look at the reviews, you’ll see broken levers and frayed belts that don’t last. Yes, you paid $50 less, but if you’re buying a new one every year, you’re actually spending more.

Another option is SBD, which is out of my price range. If you’ve been powerlifting for a while and it’s your Christmas present, I’d recommend it. I’ve never used one but have seen them and gotten hands-on; they’re well-built products. If you’re like me and don’t want to spend $300+ on a lifting belt but still want top-of-the-line products, consider Pioneer Lifting. I bought a 10mm belt from them 3-4 years ago, and it still works like new, never comes undone, doesn’t break, and I love the half-inch design. So, why did I buy two? No, it wasn’t a necessity, but they have a cool program where you can buy returned belts for much cheaper. A 13mm all-black new belt was $100, and I wanted something slightly stiffer for my heavy days. I’ve had that belt for 2 years now, and it’s the same story as the first: never a single problem and still looks and feels brand new.

I know they have some new products now, and when I have more in the budget, I’m looking at trying them, so stay tuned. On the necessity part, here’s my take: lifting belts aren’t needed for everyone. If you’re a younger lifter or new to lifting, build a strong core first—it’ll help you more than any belt and increase your numbers in the long run. I see too many kids in the gym using excessive equipment just to hit the fabled 225 bench press. Get the fundamentals down and build a strong body; this will help you no matter your goal. If you’ve been lifting for a while and need a belt, don’t buy a cheap one that’ll break and potentially cause issues. A trip in an ambulance will cost much more than the difference between a high-quality Pioneer belt and an Amazon one.

Gym Reaper Wrist Straps Review:

I’ve only owned one pair of wrist wraps because I don’t use them all the time, but they’re definitely a vital piece in my gym bag. I bought these on a “just pay shipping” ad that they run sometimes, and that was years ago. It’s the same concept as the belt: build strong grip strength, get past beginner strength, then add these in. I think wrist wraps are wrist wraps; these are okay, they’ve lasted a while, and I’d just buy the cheapest ones you can find with decent reviews.

https://amzn.to/3U0yvb6

Skullcandy Crusher Evo Headphones Review:

I’m not a sound person—I can’t tell you that the highs are muddied or whatever audiophiles say. I can say that I love these headphones, use them every day, and only charge them once every three months. The battery life is insane, the bass will make your head rattle, and they’ve lasted years of being abused at the gym and thrown in my gym bag. If I were going for over-the-ear gym headphones, these would be my first choice. I know they have the Crusher Evo ANC model, which looks nice, and if anyone from Skullcandy is reading this, I’d be happy to review them.

https://amzn.to/4m7dCHP

Dr. Dre Beats Headphones Review:

Here’s my problem with wearing Beats to the gym: I sweat a lot, and especially when I’m dropping a lot of money on headphones, the last thing I want is to ruin them with sweat. Do I think Beats are good? Yes, that’s not up for debate. But for the gym, I’d go for the Skullcandy Crusher Evos first.

https://amzn.to/4feERgO

Tuff Wraps Review:

I finally upgraded my wrist wraps from cheap ones on Amazon to these, and I like them. My Amazon ones lasted a while, considering they were like $8. Eventually, they started to rip, and I had some extra money, so I thought, why not, and bought these. First impressions: they’re way more rigid and sturdy on the wrist, which I love. The colorway I bought was the American flag, and it’s bright, so if you’re not a flashy person, I’d recommend the black. I think it would be cool if they made a black and grey version of the American flag for people who don’t want bright colors but still like the flag.

One thing I found out about myself is that I prefer the thumb loop option, and the pair I bought doesn’t have one. So, I just run my thumb through the tightener loop, which works fine. These are definitely a high-quality, built-to-last product. I’ve had mine for about a year, and they’re still rigid and feel the same on my wrist as day one. I’d recommend this product if you deal with wrist pain or are benching around 275-315 pounds. Like a lifting belt, don’t use these as a crutch—build strong wrists first, then let these support you when you’re ready.

https://amzn.to/3U0ylR2

Picsil Bag Review:

I got this bag as a Christmas present from [Redacted], and it was probably the best present I got that Christmas. I’d been looking for a good gym bag for a while. Yes, I know you can just use an old backpack or string bag, but by the time I pack my lifting belt, lifting shoes (I wear slippers into the gym), knee sleeves, lock, wrist wraps and straps, measuring tape, electrolytes, water bottle, and more, I realized I needed a bigger gym bag. I didn’t want to break the bank, though. I was so indecisive that someone ended up buying one for me, and I love it.

Other than the straps, it has great build quality. The outside is made of a canvas-like material, and the inside has typical backpack material. The number of pockets this bag has is insane, and it helps keep me organized. Seven months in, there’s not a single tear or fray. I use it for both school and the gym, and it has plenty of space for both. Everyone knows about Wolfpack and King Kong bags (I want to try one someday), but personally, I don’t think Picsil gets the recognition it deserves. If you’re looking for a well-built backpack, buy this one.

Rogue Lifting Belt Review:

This was my first-ever lifting belt, and it’s a good option for beginners in the gym who are starting to hit the belt stage. I bought it because it was $50 at the time. I didn’t know much about the gym and wanted to start using a belt to lift. The benefit of prong belts is that they’re usually cheaper and, in theory, more reliable. Rogue is generally a good brand with great customer service. I’d recommend this belt if lever belts aren’t your thing and you’re looking for a high-quality belt that will last a long time. I still have mine from 8th grade.

Blender Bottle vs. Spinning Bottle Review:

Just buy the Blender Bottle. This review will be short. Don’t buy them from the website; go to your local Marshalls, where they’re usually $5-7. They seal better and last a long time. If you’re making pre-workout or post-workout shakes, this makes the most sense and will save you a lot of headaches.

https://amzn.to/4l2H3t7

Helix Bottle Review:

I was holding mine by the loop of the ring, and the ring literally fell apart, causing the bottle to fall out of my hand and break. Do they work? Yes. Are they reliable? Not compared to Blender Bottles, in my opinion. Are they a necessity? Not at their price and build quality. I know they just came out with a Gen 2 or something, and I haven’t tried it yet—who knows, it may be better.

Amazon Lifting Slipper Review:

I bought these because they look exactly like the Notorious lifting shoes I see all the time. I thought, instead of paying a lot, I’d try the same thing for a fraction of the cost. In terms of build quality, I’d say they’re similar; you just don’t get the cool Notorious Lift branding, which I get if the gym is your “going out” place and you want to show off a bit. However, functionality-wise, I have wide feet—not even that wide—and my toes feel too confined in the front. It’s fine for some, but after lifting in wide toe box shoes for a while, it’s an adjustment. I usually reach for my Nobull shoes first, but if you’re used to lifting in Converse or Vans, these are a good option.

https://amzn.to/44QwOTZ