6/30/2011

Coleman Montana 8 Tent Review

Coleman Montana 8 Tent
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Bought this tent for a two-week camping trip to Canada for two adults and two large dogs. We put a queen-size air mattress in one end of the tent and used the other side for luggage, dressing, storing chairs, etc. Dogs slept in the middle. Very comfortable, very good ventilation. Had plenty of room and privacy. Followed the directions and it was easy to set up. Door is fantastic - so much better than regular zip doors. It rained four days of our trip -- big downpours and very windy. As long as objects did not push up against the inside walls of the tent, then things stayed dry. This was the best purchase we made all summer and I can't wait to take it out next year!

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Great for families, scout troops and extended camping excursions, the Coleman Montana 8 Tent offers a feature-packed family camping experience. Measuring 16'x7' with a center height of 6'2", the Montana 8 sleeps 8 people comfortably. The innovative hinged door makes it easy to go in and out. The Montana 8 Tent features a vented Cool-Air Port for improved airflow; a privacy vent window offers more ventilation; and you can control airflow with Coleman's VariFlow adjustable ventilation. A convenient electrical-access port lets you run a cord from your device in the tent to a power supply outside. An interior gear pocket helps keep your things organized. The modified-dome structure of the Montana 8 includes a covered front porch and wings, for ample outdoor living space. Setting up the Montana 8 is a breeze, thanks to shock-corded poles, continuous pole sleeves, pin-and-ring design and InstaClip attachments; easy-to-follow set-up instructions are sewn right into the carry bag, so you'll always have them handy. The frame is strong and wind-resistant, with 11mm, 9.5mm and 6.3mm fiberglass poles; the tent fabric is 68D polyester mesh and 75D polyester taffeta inside, with a 75D polyester taffeta flysheet. A durable carry bag is included, with separate storage sacks for tent, poles and stakes. Limited 1-year warranty.

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MacGregor Economy Badminton Nets Review

MacGregor Economy Badminton Nets
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I've just bought this net and was able to get it for half price from eSportsonline. Shipping took about a week and had no issues. The net is pretty decent considering I only spent about $16 including shipping. With my old net, that came with my set, slams would fly right through the 1 1/4 inch mesh and we could hardly ever tell if the slam cleared the net or not and also the old net was only about 1 1/2 foot wide so we also had times when it was difficult to tell if the birdy was over or under on drop shots and slams. So far, this net has solved both of those problems b/c its 2 1/2 foot wide and 3/4 inch mesh.
I do wonder how long it will last b/c its mesh is pretty thin and its lightweight so the bottom tends to curl up. The lightweight is actually a good thing for me though b/c I have cheap posts that would not be able to handle a pro grade net.
All in all, I'm completely satisfied. I feel like I got what I was expecting, which was a cheap light weight replacement for the tiny net that came with my badminton set.

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The MacGregor Economy Badminton Net is a recreational net that has a knotted poly fiber 3/4in mesh body and a PVC vinyl headband. The cable is a 3MM braided nylon synthetic. The side and bottom tapes are a single stitched vinyl.

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15' 4 Arch Enclosure Netting with Straps and Rope - NET15-4A Review

15' 4 Arch Enclosure Netting with Straps and Rope - NET15-4A
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The net is strong and well made. I purchased it based on the item number that is supposed to fit on my model. It fits snug at the top, but has some slack at the bottom so it drapes a bit. We had a party and it got a lot of use without any problems. We have had it about a month, so far so good!

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NET15-4AJumpking offers the finest in trampolines and trampoline accessories. They provide multiple size and style options to fit any customer s style! Features: -Includes ropes and straps -15' 4 arch enclosure netting - Specifically compatible with model #s YJFR15, LSEX15, & JK1511.

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Bushnell Yardage Pro Sport 450 Laser Rangefinder (clam) Review

Bushnell Yardage Pro Sport 450 Laser Rangefinder (clam)
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The Bushnell Yardage Pro Sport 450 seems to be well made and not too heavy, nor too light. For my own purposes, it will work just fine. I will be using it to measure straight line distances across a series of "sinkholes" in Citrus County, FL. For the purposes of the study, I need to known the widths of these geologic features. It is unreasonable to drag a long tape across one of these often deep depressions ... the tape "sag" would be too great ... and it would also require me to trample a lot of native vegetation, of which many plants are quite rare or endangered. What will be done is to sight from the edge of the sinkhole to a tree on the other side. Accuracy in not that important ... so, distance with an accuracy of 1-2 yards is just fine. I will do a calibration before going out: tamping off a number of posts, poles trees, etc. on my street where I have a clear view ... and noting how much the device gives a reading that varies from the true taped distance. This rangefinder is probably just fine for hunters ... however, golfers would probably do best to just play golf and learn how to estimate distances ... there is no way that most folks could hold any rangefinder steady enough on a flag/pin to get the acurracy they need. Besides, it is not sporting ... unless you just want to learn how to use your various clubs and assess the force of your swing that you might need. PS ... I paid $115 for mine, including shipping .. so, look around. it was sold by a vendor associated with Amazon ... I love Amazon!

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Let it hinge on a guess, or nail it with this. The shot of a lifetime is a time for certainty. With the Yardage Pro Sport 450, you're confident to the last yard. It's affordable, simple to use and features a slim, weather-resistant design that's handy in a pinch. Now, jerky or sausage?

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KillZone Igloo© 2 Person Ice Fishing Shelter/Ice fishing tent /Ice Shanty 5K Review

KillZone Igloo© 2 Person Ice Fishing Shelter/Ice fishing tent /Ice Shanty 5K
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I received this item as a Christmas gift from my wife. This ice fishing shelter seems to be a great deal when you do comparables to other similar products. You simply get more for less money.
Unpacking it was simple. The instructions for setting it up could've been more detailed, but I figured it out and put it up quickly. Setup is a little difficult by yourself, I recommend having a helping hand.
The inside gets very dark, which is nice. Each wall of the shelter has a trapezoid-shaped cutout upon which you can apply a clear plastic window with a blackout lining. The blackout lining can be removed. The window insert does not have the best fit. It took me several tries to get the insert positioned just right in orer to prevent light from coming in through either the bottom, or the top of the cutout. Even after you get the insert perfectly positioned though, the blackout lining has a very loose fit - so light does end up filtering through where that lining sags. I will purchase some velcro tape and line the entire edge of each insert's blackout liner in order to resolve this issue.
There is plenty of room on the inside for two people. A couple of holes for each person, some seats, and any necessary gear will fit inside the shelter. I love that there is enough room to stand up straight inside the shelter! I believe that you could sqeeze a third person into the shelter; however things will quickly become very crowded, and you may not be able to drill as many holes as you would like.
I'd have liked for there to have been a weather strip lining the zipper on the outside of the door. There's nothing there, and this lets in both sunlight and wind. I will admit this is minimal for both, but I would prefer to conserve as much warmth inside the shelter while blocking out as much sunlight as possible. The two vents along the roofline of the shelter provide adequate ventilation, so a weather strip lining the zipper would not detract from any necessary air circulation on the inside.
Take down was a little more difficult than the setup. You have to coordinate the collapse of each side of the shelter, otherwise your hubs end up getting tangled with the poles from other hubs. This makes it somewhat difficult to get things sorted out properly after it's all collapsed - and it's impossible to expand back out once this happens. The instructions are not helpful at all in this. Again, having a helping hand for this would be recommended.
I had some difficulty getting the collapsed shelter to fit back into the carrybag. This was probably because I was doing this by myself (which proves that the setup, takedown, and packing can be done by one person), but still seemed to be overly difficult for such a simple task. The carrybag has built-in shoulder straps for packing the shelter in and out without a sled. I found these to be somewhat comfortable, but would like to see a little more padding on them. I also think that it would be beneficial to have some kind of strap that could go around your waist to help support the 20 lb load on your back.
Now here's the big BUT I put in my title. I immediately brought the shelter over to my in-laws to show it off to my family. During the setup, after I had popped the roof up, I was attempting to expand the first side of the shelter when I heard a horrible cracking and popping sound. I immediately stopped what I was doing, but decided to proceed setting up the shelter as I could not view any damage the way it currently was. Once setup completely, I confirmed that one of the four poles linked to the hub on that wall had completely shattered length-wise down the majority of the pole. This was very saddening and somewhat embarrassing.
I contacted the manufacturer today. I got right in and was able to talk to a live, easy-to-understand individual. I told them what happened, and without any hesitation they said they would send out a replacement hub with four new poles. The lack of hesitation concerns me somewhat as it seemed very routine. In other words, I believe that this probably happens on a somewhat regular basis with these pop-up shelters. I don't know if that is a downside to the product design itself, or if it is a result of poor materials being used by the manufacturer. Either way, I am concerned about the longevity I will get out of this shelter. Luckily there were no issues in replacing the damaged parts this time, but what if this happens again, or 3 months from now, or a year from now. Will they still stand by their product then, or will I end up having to buy a "disposable" ice fishing shelter every season?
I gave this a 3-star rating because I do like the product. The minor quirks with the fitting of various components & difficulties in the setup, takedown, and packing of the shelter - combined with the negative experience thus-far concerning the integrity of the product itself - have detracted from me giving this a 5-star rating. If the replacement part they provide for me ends up being useable and lasts me through the whole season, then I will update my review and give this a 4-star rating. I will recommend buying this product. I recognize that my product could have received damage prior to my owning it that weakened the now-shattered pole, and I will give the manufacturer the opportunity to prove the integrity of their product to me.

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The popular KillZone Igloo 2 to 3 Person Ice Fishing Shelter has been updated for 2011 with a Heavy Duty 600D Poly Shell that will keep you warm and out of the wind. This hub style premium fishing shelter features an open floor, 4 clear removable windows with shades, flap vents, and a black-out interior for superior fishing vision. The redesigned lightweight steel hub design makes set up and takedown quick and easy. We include 8 auger stakes and a zippered carry bag at no additional cost.- Fits 2 to 3 People- Open Dimension: 73" Hub to Hub x 69" Center- Folded Dimension: 43" L x 8" W x 8" Tall - 4 Removable Clear Windows & Shades Included- Carry Pack Included- Auger Style Stakes Included

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6/29/2011

Zebco Hot Rods Youth Spinning Combo Review

Zebco Hot Rods Youth Spinning Combo
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Bought this Rod as his first for my 4 yr old grandson and he LOVES it!!!. Easy to handle - very nice quality. We havent ventured out fishing yet - thats Poppops job.

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Zebco Hot Rods Youth Spinning Combo is the perfect starter set-up. Includes rod, spinning reel, and cool "flame" mini tacklebox! Simple, easy to use combo provides an inexpensive way to get them started. Plus, exciting colors make it fun! Here's what you get: 2-Pc. kid-sized 4'6" rod; Matching reel; Mini tacklebox with flame graphics. It's the perfect choice for starters! Order Today! Zebco Hot Rods Youth Spinning Combo

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Sportcraft Volleyball Net and Post Set Review

Sportcraft Volleyball Net and Post Set
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I was looking everywhere for a good sturdy volleyball system that wasn't going to cost me more than $100. I went to Sports Authority several times and most of the systems that I saw there were made of very cheap looking PVC pipe and didn't have half the features of this great set. So I went and bought it from Target, which is actually where you are buying this set from even if you order from here.
So I bought it early in the morning one day before going to the beach. It must have taken us about half an hour to set up. It isn't very hard to follow the instructions that it brings and once you attach the tensioners on the pole, you never have to do it again, and everything else just snaps together. The included sand discs were a life saver because we quickly realized the stakes would not hold solid in the sand.
Once we had this thing set up, we found some other people on the beach and played a few games. When we got tired and were heading for the water, another group of people just started playing on our court! We told them that as long as they took care of it, that it was fine. One kid landed on one of the poles and nearly knocked it over, but all he had to do was pull it straight which only took a whole two seconds. After they were done, we played another 5 games. All in all it made our beach trip very very enjoyable and I love this thing. I'm looking forward to many more beach days with it. (I live in miami).
My only recommendation is that you go to walmart or a hardware store and buy 180 feet of cheap yellow rope because the very thin white one that comes with the set for marking the court boundaries is hard to see. Once you have the rope, tie or crimp the ends together. When you set up your court, simply stretch the rope in a rectangle, and now you have your more visible court boundary. You might also want to bring a small shovel with you to the beach to bury the sand discs. No hammer required unless you are playing lawn volleyball.

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Whether you're at the beach or in the backyard, set up this net for some volleyball or badminton fun!
Includes:
1.75" Diameter Sturdy Round Steel Poles (98" Above Ground)
E-Z Lock Net System and QuickPlay Set-Up
32' x 32" (9-Ply) Knotless Net with 2" Tarpaulin Top Tape
Side Sleeves with Dowels Provide Maximum Strength and Support
Patented On-Net Scorekeeping System
Tension Crank System, Court Marking Kit, Rope Carrier and Parts Storage Bag
Sand Discs for Beach Set-Up
Inflating Pump and Needle
Game Rules and Instruction Pamphlet
Complete Parts Form with Toll-Free Consumer Service Phone Number
Carry/Storage Bag with Shoulder Strap



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Teeter Hang Ups Spinal Stretch Back Stretcher Review

Teeter Hang Ups Spinal Stretch Back Stretcher
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This traction device is very well made and sturdy. I was pleasantly surprised on how good it made my back feel. I have been suffering from sciatica for quite some time. The instruction book is very easy to follow with clear illustrations. Although the equipment look complicated at first, it is quite easy to use. You need a comfortable area near a door or you can use the permanent hook included in the box. It should be on a carpeted surface as it requires friction to hold you in place. I have been using the chest strap which is made of heavy duty Velcro and a ribbed backing to grip the carpet to really hold you in place while the device tugs on your back.
The experience was so different than anything else I have experienced. I have an inversion machine, but this unit actually tilts up your pelvis which I don't get from my inversion machine. Rather that arching your back, it flattens and stretches and it's so cool that you can relax in that position. I could feel it all the way up into my middle back and it gave amazing relief! I slept so good the first night that my lower back and leg pain was diminished.
You should use this equipment 1-2 times per day for several weeks to really find the long-term effects. Stay in the stretch for 20-25 minutes and I recommend that once you release the tension, allow your back to relax flat for at least another 5-10 minutes. You should combine this with strength building, stretching or yoga, and other physical activities. See my other reviews on Amazon for some good exercise video suggestions.
This is just my first few days of using the equipment. I will continue to use on a daily basis and write back to this review on my progress and how it affects my sciatica. It is helping me and may or may not work for you depending on your condition. By the way, it's totally compact, portable, and only weighs 4 lbs!


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Spinal Stretch relieves low back pain in just minutes a day. Spinal Stretch uses a safe and powerful therapeutic technique known as Spinal Decompression. By gently stretching the spine, Spinal Stretch relieves pressure on nerves and rehydrates spinal discs. Featuring a compact and lightweight design, Spinal Stretch is easy to use and can be tucked inside a bag or suitcase for travel or work. As long as you have a door, a nonslip floor (carpet or rug), and 15 minutes to spare, low back pain relief is within easy reach.
Decompresses the Spine to Relieve Lower Back PainSpinal Stretch was created to allow people to take charge of their own back pain, and decompress their lumbar spine/low back in the comfort of their own home, office, or hotel room. Spinal Stretch is easy to use and targets the root cause of most low back pain: spinal discs becoming dry and flat. Spinal Stretch uses a safe and powerful therapeutic technique known as Spinal Decompression. By gently stretching the spine, Spinal Stretch helps relieve low back pain easily and naturally, without the use of expensive drugs or complicated machinery.
Over the years, gravity compresses the spinal discs and squeezes out vital fluids, leaving discs dry and thin, and causing bones to grind against each other. This can lead to painful ailments such as: sciatica, stenosis, degenerative disc, scoliosis, herniated disc, facet joint, and muscle spasms. Spinal Stretch features a unique tension coil that provides a safe and effective stretch of your spine/vertebrae, which creates a vacuum effect in the lower back, effectively reversing the compression of the spinal discs while drawing in restorative fluids. Continued use of Spinal Stretch can not only relieve your low-back pain, but it can also help rehydrate your discs and prevent back pain from returning.
Designed for Safe and Easy UseSpinal Stretch can be used wherever you have a door and a nonslip floor (carpet or rug). Its telescoping pole allows you to customize your tension setting, while a Velcro belt wraps comfortably around your waist (up to 56 inches in diameter). Spinal Stretch is safe, effective and cannot be overused. Any attempt to overstretch your low back will result in your body sliding on the carpet or rug. With no assembly required, you won't have to wait for relief or worry about missing pieces.
Compact for Storage or TravelLow back pain can be caused by a number of daily activities, and can flare up at any time. Spinal Stretch allows you to take your relief with you, whether you're at the office or on the go. Weighing only four pounds, Spinal Stretch is easy to tuck into a bag, backpack, or carry-on.
Spinal Stretch is backed by a full guarantee. If your low back doesn’t feel dramatically better, just return Spinal Stretch for a full refund. Spinal Stretch is also guaranteed to be free of defects for one year from date of purchase.
What's in the BoxSpinal Stretch, how-to manual, instructional DVD, carrying bag, and chest strap (for an increased stretch).


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Repel Tropic Screen II Mosquito Net Review

Repel Tropic Screen II Mosquito Net
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Easy, light weight, use any where ( indoors or out). This belongs in every relief workers go kit. After third trip to Haiti this year I may never go anywhere without it. Space inside for your stuff and you can sit inside to read or rest without the bugs getting to your lights. A simple tarp or rain fly over the top makes this into a tent in the sun or rain. Solid floor keeps ground bugs out. Great gift for campers as well.

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Our most secure modelis a free-standing net tent. The TropicScreen II completely encloses two people with a fully nylon floor and nylon mesh netting to keep out the smallest bugs. The largezippered side allows easy access. Replacement pole sets are available.Color: Grey netting with burgundy floorsleevesTotal Weight: 3 lbs. with fiberglass polesSize: 91'' x 53'' x 36''high

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Spalding The Beast 74560 Portable Basketball Hoop with 60-Inch Glass Backboard Review

Spalding The Beast 74560 Portable Basketball Hoop with 60-Inch Glass Backboard
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It's a great product to play on when it's finally assembled but that wasn't as easy as it should have been. Some of the parts that were suppossed to be pre assembled were not and they were not included in the box. I called Spalding and the customer service was friendly but not very helpful. They said that they would ship the parts but after a week I called back and they told me they didn't ship anything because they were all out of the bolts I needed. They told me it would take a month to get the bolts from headquarters and another couple of weeks to mail it to me. I asked for the specs of the bolts and went to Lowes where I paid about $4 for all the materials. I'm glad I called back because it appeared they just dropped the issue when they realized they didn't have the parts.

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Enjoy years of recreational basketball fun in your backyard with The Beast residential portable basketball system from Spalding (model 74560), which provides arena-quality play for your driveway. The four-strut pole/base mount allows for superior system rigidity. The multi-wheel design with castors and the engaging handle make this portable basketball system easier to move. And the gray inset cover acts as a handle for pre-play movement and a rebounder during play. The 50+-gallon base fills with water or sand for stability.
The 60 inch, 1/4-inch thick glass backboard provides 37 percent truer rebound than acrylic, and it's framed in heavy duty steel with aluminum trim. The four-point Z-arm board mount provides increased stability and goal reinforcement. This Spalding basketball system includes a Pro Image breakaway rim with heavy duty wrap around support and steel rams. The institutional style screw-jack lift provides infinite height adjustment from 7.5 feet to 10 feet.
Features and Specifications:
Adjusts from 7.5 feet to 10 feet
60-inch backboard with 1/4-inch thick glass
Grey inset in cover for pre-play movement
Two-piece, 5-inch square angled pole
Screw in water level gauge base caps
Pro Image breakaway rim
All-weather white net

Manufacturer's Warranty Five-year limited warranty
About Spalding As a Division of Russell Corporation, the Spalding Group consists of three business units: Spalding in Springfield, MA; American Athletic, Inc. in Jefferson, IA; and Huffy Sports, in Sussex, WI. The three companies, collectively combined, are now the largest basketball equipment supplier in the world. Spalding is the official basketball supplier of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), the official backboard of the NBA and NCAA, the official volleyball of the King of the Beach Volleyball Tour and the official football of the Arena Football League (AFL) and Pop Warner.
Amazon.com Basketball System Buying Guide With the high-quality construction of many portable basketball systems, turning your driveway into a basketball court can be as simple as hooking up your garden hose. But while a portable system may ultimately be your best choice, there are reasons you may want to consider an in-ground or wall-mount system before you decide.
In-Ground Systems In-ground systems are permanently cemented into the ground--either via a bolt mounting kit or directly into the ground--and are generally more rigid and take up less space than portables. In-ground systems often require that you hire a professional to complete the task, but when the cement dries you'll have a hoop that can take punishing dunks with ease.
Many in-ground systems are height-adjustable, include removable post features that let you take the system down for off-season storage, and feature heavy-duty break-away rims. You'll also want to research the adjustable mechanisms on the systems, as there are several types to choose from. Some feature a counter-balance spring that lets you perform easy, one-hand adjustments while others may feature a sturdy, pneumatic system.
Wall-Mount Systems Wall-mount systems can be mounted to the side of a house, a tall retaining wall, or a garage. Generally sturdier than portables, wall-mounts have the added advantage of optimizing your existing ground space for the court, since you won't take any space up with the base or pole. Not all systems include the necessary hardware, so make certain you add a mounting kit to your list.
Portable Systems Portable systems require minimal installation and offer ultimate convenience. These systems generally feature a base that can be filled with sand or water to stabilize them and include wheels for portability. Although they are not as sturdy as in-ground or wall-mounted hoops, portables are simple to set up and can often be folded for convenient storage.
Backboard Considerations Regardless of which system you choose, you'll want to brush up on Backboards 101. Most residential systems feature backboards made of acrylic, fiberglass, graphite, or various other composite materials. While clear acrylic gives the professional look and feel of glass, it is not as rigid as fiberglass or graphite. Some systems may offer steel or aluminum backboards, which are virtually vandal resistant, but don't offer the true rebounding action.
The regulation size of an NBA backboard is 72 inches wide and 42 inches high. Most portable hoops are 42 or 44 inches wide and 36 inches tall. In-ground systems tend to be a bit larger, with 54-inch and 60-inch widths being the most popular. While rectangular shaped backboards provide more bank shot opportunities, they are generally more expensive than the streamlined fan-shaped board.


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6/28/2011

Coleman Hooligan 3 Tent Review

Coleman Hooligan 3 Tent
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I purchased the Coleman Hooligan 3 for car camping and used it for the first time this past weekend. I did not purchase through Amazon as I found it locally for $20 off, but I feel the Amazon price is fair and would not hesitate recommending it at the current price ($79.99 on 28 Jul 2009).
The first thing I did upon bring it home was un-pack it and set it up, followed closely by applying a silicon water repellant spray to the entire rain fly. This is imperative, especially with a tent at this relatively low price point, since factory waterproofing often leaves much to be desired.
Setup was quite simple and pretty quick. I set it up alone during the at-home shake down, but had my fiancée to help at the campsite over the weekend. It does go a little faster with two, but it's very doable solo. The poles are typical fiberglass with shockcord and insert into sleeves on the tent; I would have preferred clip-on hooks rather than sleeves so the tent can be erected after you bend the poles individually, but for the price of this tent it's acceptable.
The tent itself is composed mostly of screen material with a door on one side and a small zip open vent on the other. If you want any kind of privacy at all, the rain fly needs to be on the tent at all times. The floor of the tent is made up of heavy duty plastic tarp material and looks like it will hold up well if taken care of. The floor of the tent is large enough for a Intex® Camp Air Bed with Pump with about a foot of room to spare on two edges if you push it into the corner. With a smaller air mattress or just sleeping bags you would easily have room for a substantial amount of gear if you kept it to two full-size occupants.
The rain fly goes over the tent and covers it pretty much to the ground. There are no windows, save the entryway and a small ventilation opening opposite, but it's not really big enough to be considered a window. Don't expect to have much of a view from inside the tent. The rain fly attaches by hooks at the corners of the tent (rings where the tent poles attach) and hook-and-loop strips which wrap around the poles to keep it aligned. The system works pretty well, but could certainly be better, though that would raise the price of the tent.
One of the key features of the tent, at least for my application, is the vestibule. This was a rather important item for me as I bought this tent for family camping and wanted to be able to put a porta-potty nearby for my fiancée and three year old daughter to use in the night without traipsing all about the wilderness. I haven't actually used it for this yet, as the campground we stayed at had facilities very nearby, but based on the amount of space it should work out fine. Aside from the potty, it also makes an idea place to store shoes and any wet items that shouldn't come into the tent itself. We had a small (15 gal) tote and a couple pairs of shoes out there and still had more than enough room to get in and out of the tent. There is no floor in the vestibule, but I remedied that by getting a ground cloth that was a bit larger than the footprint of the tent and using the excess to form the floor. Works great and helps keep the inside of the tent free of dirt and mud while keeping your shoes nice and dry.
Our first night out in the tent it thunder stormed pretty hard; we were confined to the tent for almost an hour and were unable to converse with our friends (in their tent no more than 10' away) over the rain, even when shouting. The tent held up to it great, though how much of that is due to the tent and how much the extra waterproofing I can't say. There were a couple of very small drips, but nothing that would have ruined our night had it continued raining. I intend to touch up the waterproofing before our next outing in two weeks and this should solve the drips, hopefully. VERY impressed with this tent in wet conditions, overall.
One thing to be aware of is that the entry into the vestibule is relatively low and somewhat small. I am average height (67" 170 lbs) and had no trouble getting in and out, but someone a bit larger and/or less spry might have problems getting in and out.
A couple of issues:
The stakes are cheap aluminum and will bend if you are trying to drive them into hard soil. I bought a 4 pack of nail-style steel stakes and used them for the corners of the tent and they worked out fine. I will be getting a few more to use for staking out the vestibule and the guy lines for the rain fly as well, but for light-duty camping in good weather and soft soil you might be able to get away with the cheap factory stakes.
There is a small pole that holds the ventilation opening open that I had trouble with as it kept popping through the grommet meant to hold it in place. Not a big deal, and only took a second to fix, but annoying none-the-less. I'll rig something up to prevent this next time we go out, should be a simple matter of a small washer or a swatch of cloth.
Overall I am very happy with the tent, especially since I found mine on sale. It has a few quirks, but will work for me until I save up enough for a nicer tent and probably a while after that too. It sets up and packs away easily and would be difficult to beat for the price. Don't forget to waterproof, it is VERY VERY worth the time and money to keep yourself (and your stuff) dry.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Coleman Hooligan 3 Tent

A great choice for casual campers/backpackers, motorcyle riders, RV campers and scout troops, the Coleman Hooligan 3 Tent is designed for easy setup. The Hooligan 3 sleeps 3 people comfortably, with an 8'x7' footprint and center height of 4'10". The full rainfly and dry-entry vestibule provide convenient access and adjustable airflow as part of Coleman's Comfort System; the entirely-mesh inner tent provides maximum ventilation. Continuous pole sleeve and an exclusive pin-and-ring design make setup a breeze with the 8.5mm & 6.3mm fiberglass poles.

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Eureka Tetragon 1210 Family 12- Foot by 10-Foot Eight-Person Tent Review

Eureka Tetragon 1210 Family 12- Foot by 10-Foot Eight-Person Tent
Average Reviews:

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I had gone camping many years back and needed to upgrade my tent now that I had kids of age. This tent worked well for a family of five! We did a dry run of setting it up and it was fairly easy. I also took the opportunity to seal the seams. When we got to the campsite the dry run helped me to set up the tent in no time at all! Especially since it was starting to rain. The tent was dry throughout the night!
I also recommend a 16x10 tarp that can be placed underneath the tent. this will give you 4 feet of overlap that can extend from the tent entrance to place shoes etc. Great tent!

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A great choice for car camping or use as a base camp, the Eureka Tetragon 1210 rectangular dome tent comfortably sleeps eight people and includes a divider to create two separate rooms. The double-coated StormShield polyester fly and the polyester bathtub floor combine to provide excellent weather protection. This free-standing, two-pole tent is quick and easy to set up with its durable shockcorded fiberglass frame, ring and pin attachments, combination sleeve and clip assembly, and color coded webbing.
It's well ventilated, thanks to large no-see-um mesh ceiling panels, six windows, and two doors. The hooded fly provides enough coverage over the front and rear door windows to enable you to leave the window partially open for even more ventilation even in rain. Other features include:
Twin track zippers for separate operation of the window in the door
External guy points on the fly help secure your tent in high winds
Natural green color scheme blends into any campground
Attached hinged gear loft and two detachable interior storage pockets
Clothes line loop, flashlight loop
Mesh panels allow for clip-in accessories
Tent, pole, and stake bags included

Specifications:
Area: 120 square feet
Floor size: 12 feet by 10 feet
Center height: 6 feet, 5 inches
Wall fabrics: 1.9-ounce 75D polyester taffeta with 800mm coating
Floor fabrics: 1.9-ounce 75D polyester taffeta with 800mm coating
Fly fabrics: 1.9-ounce 75DStormShield polyester
Pack size: 8 by 28 inches
Weight: 17 pounds, 11 ounces

About Eureka Though the exact year is unknown, Eureka’s long history begins prior to 1895 in Binghamton, New York, where the company still resides today. Then known as the Eureka Tent & Awning Company, its first wares were canvas products--most notably, Conestoga wagon covers and horse blankets for nineteenth century American frontiersmen--as well as American flags, store awnings, and camping tents.
The company increased production of its custom canvas products locally throughout the 1930s and during the 1940 and even fabricated and erected the IBM "tent cities" just outside Binghamton. The seven acres of tents housed thousands of IBM salesmen during the company’s annual stockholders meeting, which had since outgrown its previous locale. In the 1940s, with the advent of World War II and the increased demand for hospital ward tents, Eureka expanded operations and began shipping tents worldwide. Ultimately, upon the post-war return of the GIs and the resultant housing shortage, Eureka turned its attention to the home front during the 1950s by supplying awnings for the multitude of mobile homes that were purchased.
In 1960, Eureka’s new and innovative Draw-Tite tent, with its practical, free standing external frame, was used in a Himalayan Expedition to Nepal by world renowned Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person documented to summit Mt. Everest only six years earlier. In 1963, Eureka made history during its own Mt. Everest ascent, with more than 60 of its tents sheltering participants from fierce 60+ mph winds and temperatures reaching below -20°F during the first all American Mt. Everest Expedition.
For backpackers and families, Eureka introduced its legendary Timberline tent in the 1970s. Truly the first StormShield design, this completely self-supporting and lightweight backpacking tent became one of the most popular tents the entire industry with sales reaching over 1 million by its ten year anniversary.
Eureka tents have also traveled as part of several historic expeditions, including the American Women’s Himalayan Expedition to Annapurna I in 1978 and the first Mt. Everest ascents by a Canadian and American woman in 1986 and 1988. In recent history, tents specially designed and donated by Eureka sheltered Eric Simonson and his team on two historic research expeditions to Mount Everest, this time in a quest for truth regarding the 1924 attempted summit of early English explorers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine. During the 1999 expedition, the team made history finding the remains of George Mallory, but the complete mystery remained unsolved. Returning in 2001 to search for more clues, the team found amazing historical artifacts which are now on display at the Smithsonian.
Amazon.com Tent Guide Selecting a Tent Fortunately, there are all kinds of tents for weekend car campers, Everest expeditions, and everything in-between. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Expect the Worst In general, it's wise to choose a tent that's designed to withstand the worst possible conditions you think you'll face. For instance, if you're a summer car camper in a region where weather is predictable, an inexpensive family or all purpose tent will likely do the trick--especially if a vehicle is nearby and you can make a mad dash for safety when bad weather swoops in! If you're a backpacker, alpine climber or bike explorer, or if you like to car camp in all seasons, you'll want to take something designed to handle more adversity.
Three- and Four-Season Tents For summer, early fall and late spring outings, choose a three-season tent. At minimum, a quality three season tent will have lightweight aluminum poles, a reinforced floor, durable stitching, and a quality rain-fly. Some three-season tents offer more open-air netting and are more specifically designed for summer backpacking and other activities. Many premium tents will feature pre-sealed, taped seams and a silicone-impregnated rain-fly for enhanced waterproofness.
For winter camping or alpine travel, go with a four season model. Because they typically feature more durable fabric coatings, as well as more poles, four-season tents are designed to handle heavy snowfall and high winds without collapsing. Of course, four-season tents exact a weight penalty of about 10 to 20 percent in trade for their strength and durability. They also tend to be more expensive.
Domes and Tunnels Tents are broadly categorized into two types, freestanding, which can stand up on their own, and those that must be staked down in order to stand upright. Freestanding tents often incorporate a dome-shaped design, and most four-season tents are constructed this way because a dome leaves no flat spots on the outer surface where snow can collect. Domes are also inherently stronger than any other design. Meanwhile, many three-season models employ a modified dome configuration called a tunnel. These are still freestanding, but they require fewer poles than a dome, use less fabric, and typically have a rectangular floor-plan that offers less storage space than a dome configuration. Many one and two-person tents are not freestanding, but they make up for it by being more lightweight. Because they use fewer poles, they can also be quicker to set up than a dome.
Size Matters Ask yourself how many people you'd like to fit in your fabric hotel now and in the future. For soloists and minimalists, check out one-person tents. If you're a mega-minimalist, or if you have your eye on doing some big wall climbs, a waterproof-breathable bivy sack is the ticket. Some bivy sacks feature poles and stake points to give you a little more breathing room. Also, if you don't need bug protection and you want to save weight, check out open-air shelters.
Families who plan on car camping in good weather can choose from a wide range of jumbo-sized tents that will accommodate all your little ones with room to spare. A wide range of capacities is also available for three- and four-season backpacking and expedition tents. Remember, though, the bigger the tent you buy, the heavier it will be, although it's easy to break up the tent components among several people in your group. It's also helpful to compare the volume and floor-space measurements of models you're considering.


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Discovery Kids Indoor/Outdoor Play Tent. Review

Discovery Kids Indoor/Outdoor Play Tent.
Average Reviews:

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We purchased this tent at Sam's Club and were very disappointed. We paid way more than what Kohl's is selling them for online.
It is very easy to assemble, and I was finished in about 5 minutes. However, the plastic poles snapped twice within the first 24 hours of play. I duct taped them together and stuck a pair of bamboo knitting needles inside each break to give the poles stability. All of this within 24 hours of getting it out of the box and set up.
My child LOVES it. He doesn't care about the quality. He loves that he has his own indoor clubhouse and it's perfect for the winter months when it is just too cold to take him out to the park to play. He will stay inside of the tent for up to four hours, and insists I take his meals to the tent. The hours of uninterrupted 'me time' this tent gives me is priceless.
But, if you are looking for quality...look elsewhere. If you are looking to keep your child busy on the cheap and don't mind doing a MacGyver on this tent to keep it going...then, THIS IS YOUR TENT.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Discovery Kids Indoor/Outdoor Play Tent.

Discovery kids indoor/outdoor play tent is a 2-piece tent and tunnel set is perfect for younger children, and it's durable enough for them too! The combo can be used indoors or out, with the tunnel attached or without, and sets up or folds down with ease.

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Texsport Steel Collapsible Cot Review

Texsport Steel Collapsible Cot
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
We just got back from a 3-night camping trip where each of our kids used one of these cots.
In general, they're a pretty good product. Reasonably comfortable if you're kid-sized - but I can't recommend them for adults unless weight or size is a bigger priority for you than comfort. Assembly is straight forward and they are light and very small - which is good for packing, but not so good for a grown man to sleep on. The legs are thin and not very "tent friendly" and, while quality is acceptable, I don't consider then to be very sturdy. Time will tell, and what do you expect for a $19 cot anyway ?
Two pieces of friendly advice: First, assemble them at least once at home before you go camping - and lay on them for awhile. This will stretch the fabric a bit so that it's not so tough stretching it over the poles when you're at the campsite. (If you can't pull the tight fabric over the poles by hand, use a flat tent stake as a lever with the end of the assembled poles as the fulcrum and pull/stretch the fabric over the poles this way) Second, cut pieces from an old garden hose and slip them over the legs - this makes the legs much more "tent friendly".
The kids slept well on these cots, and they were inexpensive - so overall we're pretty satisfied with them.


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FEATURES72 x 24 x 6.5 h:1Sturdy metal frame and 4 spring steel legs:2Removable O.D. canvas cover:3Raised head for comfort:4Canvas carry/storage bag:5

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Texsport Lodge Square Dome Suv Tent 10' X 10' (5 Person) Review

Texsport Lodge Square Dome Suv Tent 10' X 10' (5 Person)
Average Reviews:

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I bough this SUV tent a few years back and have been impressed on the versatility of this tent. I first used it on a 2004 Honda CRV and am now using it on a 2009 Honda Fit. Its easy to set up and a great way to sleep in the back of your car with a tent for all you stuff. the tent has the nice feature of becoming a free standing tent if you want to disconnect it from the SUV and drive into town.

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The Texsport® Lodge square-dome SUV tent boasts a unique design that allows it to stand alone or attach easily to the back of most sport utility vehicles for additional sleeping space. The tent includes a rain fly with an extended awning, 2 mesh side windows with zippered storm flaps, durable speed clips to secure the frame to the tent, and much more.

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6/27/2011

Lifetime 1558 XL Base Height-Adjustable Portable Basketball System with Clear 52-Inch Square Shatter Guard Backboard Review

Lifetime 1558 XL Base Height-Adjustable Portable Basketball System with Clear 52-Inch Square Shatter Guard Backboard
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This is an excellent Basketball goal, at a very fair price. Once completed, you have an attractive basketball goal that looks like it means business...and it does. The goal's design is fairly heavy duty, and holds up well to fully grown people hanging briefly from the rim, along with the other expected abuses a hoops goal goes through. It adjusts easily, and is well-balanced, so that two people can relocate the goal without trouble. Filled with 407 pounds of sand (use DRY sand to speed this cumbersome process), the thing stays put once positioned, also. All-in-all, the finished product is very satisfactory, and I expect it to provide many years of healthy fun for my family.
Now for the headaches: Amazon says the goal will be shipped in its original packaging. The packaging is simply not up to the job, and my friendly Fed-Ex delivery person said that items of this size and weight that aren't given extra packaging rarely make it to their destination intact. In my case, the box had split open, and spilled several of the pipes comprising the pole, along with several of the hardware packets. (I notice from the other reviews that missing hardware is a frequesnt complaint.) Luckilly, my Fedex guy was able to gather the spilled parts, and nothing was lost or damaged. While Lifetime offers a toll-free number to obtain missing parts, it would be frustrating to have to wait for an essential part once assembly had commenced.
The other headache was the assembly instructions. Clarity was sacrificed in order to make the instructions as short as possible. Many steps could have been broken down into several sections, and illustrated in more detail. There was no complete parts list, and some of the pictures of parts were inaccurate or mislabled. There also seemed to be no order to the way the hardware was packaged. I consider myself very handy, but I was frustrated with these instructions, and ended up improvising a lot of the assembly. Consider the assembly a MAJOR PROJECT with poor instructions from Lifetime.
In the end, I am quite pleased with my new basketball goal and would reccommend it to others as long as one is aware of the potential headaches associated with shipping and assembly. The price is right, the free shipping very convenient, and the finished product looks GREAT, and plays well.
6-23-2010:
Two years later, and the system is still in excellent shape. It's been played hard, been exposed to extremes in temperature and weather for two years, and hasn't deteriorated in any noticeable way. I'd say this makes it an even better buy.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Lifetime 1558 XL Base Height-Adjustable Portable Basketball System with Clear 52-Inch Square Shatter Guard Backboard

Hone your jumpshot in your spare moments or perform a backyard dunking drill with this Lifetime Shatter Guard XL portable basketball system. Unlike in-ground basketball hoops--which are typically anchored in concrete--this portable system rolls on wheels, letting you position the basket support in any desired location, from the back patio to the middle of the cul-de-sac. All you have to do is fill the heavy-duty 35-gallon base with water or sand and play.
The basketball system comes with a 52-inch-square Shatter Guard backboard made of Makrolon polycarbonate, which is virtually unbreakable and several times stronger than acrylic. When combined with the heavy-duty steel frame and the sturdy steel Y-extension arms, the basketball goal looks and plays just like pro-style glass, with superior rebound effects and terrific stability. The system also includes a three-piece, 3.5-inch round pole with Lifetime's patented pneumatic Power Lift mechanism. To change the pole's height--it adjusts from 7.5 to 10 feet in infinite increments--simply activate the Power Lift with one hand and push it to the correct height. And Lifetime knows that dunking and above-the-rim play are a huge part of modern basketball, which is why the basketball goal includes a Slam-It rim. The solid-steel rim features double-compression springs that give way during dunks to protect the player, then spring back once released.
Other features include welded-steel net hooks with an all-weather nylon net; fade-resistant graphics that are screen-printed with UV-protected inks for superior color endurance; and a five-year warranty that covers everything on the system.
Amazon.com Basketball System Buying Guide With the high-quality construction of many portable basketball systems, turning your driveway into a basketball court can be as simple as hooking up your garden hose. But while a portable system may ultimately be your best choice, there are reasons you may want to consider an in-ground or wall-mount system before you decide.
In-Ground Systems In-ground systems are permanently cemented into the ground--either via a bolt mounting kit or directly into the ground--and are generally more rigid and take up less space than portables. In-ground systems often require that you hire a professional to complete the task, but when the cement dries you'll have a hoop that can take punishing dunks with ease.
Many in-ground systems are height-adjustable, include removable post features that let you take the system down for off-season storage, and feature heavy-duty breakaway rims. You'll also want to research the adjustable mechanisms on the systems, as there are several types to choose from. Some feature a counter-balance spring that lets you perform easy, one-hand adjustments while others may feature a sturdy, pneumatic system.
Wall-Mount Systems Wall-mount systems can be mounted to the side of a house, a tall retaining wall, or a garage. Generally sturdier than portables, wall-mounts have the added advantage of optimizing your existing ground space for the court, as you won't need to dedicate any space to the base or pole. Not all systems include the necessary hardware, so make certain you add a mounting kit to your list.
Portable Systems Portable systems require minimal installation and offer ultimate convenience. These systems generally feature a base that can be filled with sand or water to stabilize them and include wheels for portability. Although they are not as sturdy as in-ground or wall-mounted hoops, portables are simple to set up and can often be folded for convenient storage.
Backboard Considerations Regardless of which system you choose, you'll want to brush up on Backboards 101. Most residential systems feature backboards made of acrylic, fiberglass, graphite, or various other composite materials. While clear acrylic gives the professional look and feel of glass, it is not as rigid as fiberglass or graphite. Some systems may offer steel or aluminum backboards, which are virtually vandal resistant, but don't offer the true rebounding action.
The regulation size of an NBA backboard is 72 inches wide and 42 inches high. Most portable hoops are 42 or 44 inches wide and 36 inches tall. In-ground systems tend to be a bit larger, with 54-inch and 60-inch widths being the most popular. While rectangular shaped backboards provide more bank shot opportunities, they are generally more expensive than the streamlined fan-shaped board.


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Martin Fly Fishing Reel with Line and 3-Piece Fly Rod (Size 5/6) Review

Martin Fly Fishing Reel with Line and 3-Piece Fly Rod (Size 5/6)
Average Reviews:

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i didnt even go fishing and it snapped in half in my house save your time and money they r terrible

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Prepackaged combos make selecting the right equipment for getting started a snap — eliminating the guesswork that can be so intimidating to a newcomer.

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