Archive for February 29th, 2008
Great Float ‘08?
When I got news today that I would have the privilege of taking part in a new series of “Weird Gear Reviews” it was like Christmas came early! I have been suffering through Post-Canadium Depression Syndrome, and this is just the thing to get me back into spirits.
I don’t even know whats coming, it’s a suprise! What could my first piece of odd gear be? Solar powered socks? That is an awesome idea, did I just invent that? Those will be patented by the time you read this so don’t even try. You simply clip the solar pannel to your head, it sends the warming solar energy to your toesies.
What if I get a Bio-fuel turtleneck sweater? Don’t we have the technology to make real live hoverboards yet? Can I test one of those? You know how cool those old-timey bikes are? Well what if somebody makes one of those, but a mountain bike? Forget about 29ers, a 48er would dominate!
I have to go wait by the window for the UPS man now. I’ll be back after I test my new “Self Erecting Tent Mansion”!
February 29th, 2008
More cool climbing accomplishments to recognize…
Lisa Rands Makes First Female Ascent of The Mandala
“Lisa Rands made the first female ascent of The Mandala (V12) in the Buttermilks in Bishop, California, on Friday, January 18. Rands, who lives in Bishop, had her eye on The Mandala for years, but had not had a chance to really work on it until recently. She took only three days in 2008 with the problem before sending it. Fellow The North Face athlete Peter Croft and Bishop local described The Mandala as the best unclimbed line in the Buttermilks before Chris Sharma’s 2000 first ascent.”
February 29th, 2008
My first fly rod and reel was a combo set purchase at a “big box” store. It was a great rod for learning on and for fishing the small stocked trout creeks of Kentucky. After I moved to Tennessee, my fly rod and reel were way undersize for the fly fishing in my area, so I upgraded to a better set up; longer rod and a reel to match the rod.
After numerous year of slight upgrading to better gear, I decided I would make a giant leap to something new. I bought a Lamson Velocity Hard Alox fly reel by Lamson Waterworks. This is a great reel. I have been fishing this reel for the last six months and I am yet to be disappointed. Since most of my fishing has been winter fishing, the real test will be this summer on long float trips on my local home waters as well as a few other trips to the Watauga River in April and the White River in September.
The drag is smooth and there is a drag adjustment knob is large and easily adjustable. The mechanics / drag mechanism is completely sealed from the elements: dirt and water, which helps eliminate debris on the gears. The reel is a large arbor so there is less line coil and retrieves line quickly when needed.
There is porting on the spool and reel to aid in ventilation and to reduce the weight of the reel. The reel is priced between $219.00 and $289.00 depending on the size. This is a medium priced reel with a top of the line smoothness and drag. Lamson has created another great product. If anyone is in the market for a new reel, check out a Lamson Velocity, you won’t be disappointed.
February 29th, 2008
