<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0">
<channel>
<title>equipment</title>
<link>http://www.sportales.com/tags/equipment</link>
<description>New posts about equipment</description>
<item>
<title>A History of Golf Equipment</title>
<link>http://www.sportales.com/Golf/A-History-of-Golf-Equipment.167349</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p>Golf is a sport in which players, either individually or in teams, hit a ball into holes on a golf course, using clubs. A player is scored on his/her ability to hit the ball into the current hole in a designated amount of strokes (this amount is titled &amp;ldquo;par&amp;rdquo;). A low number of strokes yields a low score. The ultimate goal of the game is to complete the round (typically a set of 18 holes) with the lowest score possible.</p>
<p>A list of important equipment used in the game of golf is as follows:</p>
<ul>
<li> Golf clubs, such as &amp;ldquo;putters&amp;rdquo;, &amp;ldquo;woods&amp;rdquo;, and &amp;ldquo;irons&amp;rdquo;, which come in different varieties for different types of shots</li>
<li> Golf balls, made of two to four layers of synthetic material and covered with 300-400 dimples to enhance the ball's aerodynamics</li>
<li> Golf tees, a generally wooden or plastic object pushed into the ground, with a nail-like design; players place the golf ball on the top of the tee before the first stroke to make for an easier take-off</li>
</ul>
<p>The golf ball was originally a small pebble, struck by a stick during play. The first man-made golf ball was a thin leather bag stuffed with feathers. 1898 marked the creation of the first rubber-cored golf ball. Seven years later, a golf ball manufacturer realized that if a ball was scarred, it traveled farther than a smooth one. This discovery led to the introduction of dimpled golf balls. Since then, different dimple designs have been patented, but the plastic and rubber contents of the golf ball still remain constant.</p>
<p>The earliest golf clubs were fashioned entirely out of wood. As the golf ball evolved, however, golfers worried less about damaging the ball, and iron heads could be used. Before the 20th century, all golf clubs had a wooden shaft, whether the heads were made of iron or wood. In 1920, the first American steel-shafted clubs were introduced. After 1930, specialty golf clubs began to emerge (such as sand wedges, used to shoot the ball out of a sand pit). In the early 1970s, golf clubs with shafts of fibre-reinforced composite materials were developed, but these shafts were expensive and too flexible. After a few years, stronger fibres replaced the originals, increasing the popularity of these kinds of clubs.</p>
<p>A golf tee is simply the name for the spot where the golfer makes their first stroke towards a hole. Originally, a tee was a mound of sand meant to keep the ball above ground level. The first portable tee was invented in 1889, made of rubber with three prongs that held the ball in place before the swing. This tee was not meant to be inserted into the ground. However, in 1892, the first tee designed to be pushed into the ground was invented; this tee was made of rubber, but also had a metal spike. In 1897, a similar tee was patented, but this one had a cup-shaped head to better hold the ball. Other patents have been issued for tees made of different composite materials; for example, a biodegradable resin was used to make a golf tee in 1991.</p>
<p>In 2004, the United States Golf Association and the Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrew's amended the official rules of golf for both clarity and ease of play. Among these changes was a new definition for &amp;ldquo;tee&amp;rdquo;. Relating to this new definition, Rule 11-1 introduced a new penalty of disqualification for using a tee not described in these new classifications. This includes any tee longer than four inches, even though newly-patented tees may exceed this measurement.</p>
<p>Since 1947, when the PGA of America began awarding the Vardon Trophy (for best yearly average) using the scores themselves rather than a points system, a steady trend has emerged. Between 1951 and 1987, the majority of winning averages were between 70 and 70.85. In the years between 1988 and 1996, the average winner's results were approximately 69.35. However, the more recent scores have improved; the average winning score between 1997 and 2005 is 68.62. In fact, the lowest average score on record was achieved within those 9 years (67.79 by Tiger Woods in 2000). The invention and improvement of equipment has surely aided these great golfers, as well as any other person enjoying this sport today.</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FGolf%2FA-History-of-Golf-Equipment.167349"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FGolf%2FA-History-of-Golf-Equipment.167349" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Sun, 13 Jul 2008 09:40:59 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>Gun Fun: The Truth About the Paintball Game</title>
<link>http://www.sportales.com/Paintball/Gun-Fun-The-Truth-About-the-Paintball-Game.162199</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p>Paintball is becoming increasingly popular, particularly in North America and Europe. If you are interested in giving paintball a try, or you don't understand what the game is all about, then these are all the facts you need to become an expert!</p>
<h3>The Aim of the Game</h3>
<p>Usually, the players are divided into teams. Each team is given a different colored armband to make them easily distinguishable from the others. In the &amp;ldquo;protecting the flag&amp;rdquo; version of the game, each team has to protect and maintain possession of their flag. When one team has the flags of all the other teams, the game ends.</p>
<h3>The Equipment</h3>
<p>Each player is issued with a safety mask which is attached to safety goggles. Guns are issued to all the players, and balls full of paint are issued. The balls have to be purchased, so the amount in your possession is dependant on how much you are willing to spend. The players wear issued clothing, both to protect the player, and also so the referee can determine whether they have been hit.</p>
<h3>Playing the Game</h3>
<p>Depending on the location of the paintball field, the scenario might be woods, or a city setting. The teams disperse and decide on their tactics. Once a player has been hit with a paintball fired by the opposing team, they are eliminated from the game. So, the teams are trying to eliminate opposing players in order to ultimately capture the team flag. The players hide behind various obstacles on the field in order to escape their opponents. As opposed to similar activities such as laser tag, this is a much more realistic, strategic game.</p>
<h3>The Rules</h3>
<p>When a player has received a direct hit, they are eliminated. If the paintball hits another object and splatters onto the protective clothing, this does not count. If a player is unsure whether they have received a hit, they may shout &amp;ldquo;neutral&amp;rdquo; and consult one of the referees. Wiping the paint from the clothing is not allowed and is considered a despicable form of cheating - as is firing the gun after elimination.</p>
<p>Paintball is high energy, exciting entertainment. The best parts about the game are that it is safe, strategic, and a fun team game. The only downsides are that direct hits can smart when they land, and if you are a bad aim, lots of paintballs can be expensive!</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FPaintball%2FGun-Fun-The-Truth-About-the-Paintball-Game.162199"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FPaintball%2FGun-Fun-The-Truth-About-the-Paintball-Game.162199" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 09 Jul 2008 05:47:42 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>Equipment Every Fisherman Needs</title>
<link>http://www.sportales.com/Fishing/Equipment-Every-Fisherman-Needs.118053</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p>Fishing is a popular sport in Utah and now that fall is in the air, according to Greg Ware of Lane Peak Outdoor Merchants, this is the best time for fishing. The question is what equipment is the best when it comes to fishing rods and bait on the market?</p>
 
<p>From beginners to seasoned fishers, Ware says, &amp;ldquo;There are typically two reels for any type of fishing, except ice fishing.&amp;rdquo; Most reels are made from plastics, composites and metals and are lighter weight and balance.</p>
 
<p>For the beginner or a child, a fiberglass pushbutton reel, a close-face spinning reel is a good choice; this is because the line is held on an oscillating spool under a cover, and a line pickup is used to keep the line even across the spool when casting or reeling.</p>
 
<p>The spinner reel, which can be found in sizes ranging from ultra-light to heavy are made from either composites such as graphite, light alloys like aluminum, or a combination of the two. The composite reels are lighter and usually less expensive. Spinning rods are meant to be used only with spinning reels. They are priced $30 and up. The best bait for German Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout, which are popular fish in Utah, is worms, salmon eggs or flies. To start, Ware suggests getting a dozen to start, with the average bait costing $1.39 a piece. &amp;ldquo;The best thing to do with spinners is to get a system down and know what works.&amp;rdquo;</p>
 
<p>When it comes to rods, there are bait casting rods and spinning rods. Bait casting rods are similar to spinning; they are level lined and only retrieve at one speed, however, can go greater distances than a spinner reel. They are also used for catching larger fish and are therefore, heavier, stronger, stiffer and longer. Bait-casting rods may only be used with a bait-casting reel. When looking for a bait-casting rod, look for a rod that is perfectly straight, when held right in front of you, has many guides and has no blemishes on the rod itself.  You can purchase one for $25-30 to start.</p>
 
<p>For Ice fishing, use a very short, thin and flexible rod that is soft with the tip barely moving. For fly fishing, there are two styles of fly reels, the traditional reel which is hand cranked, and the automatic reel. The automatic reel has a coiled spring that is wound up before fishing. A 9-ft rod that is a full-flex, medium-action or fast action rod depending on the type of fish you want to catch is the best bet. Bait such as salmon eggs, tied flies, poppers and jigs work quite effectively.</p>
 
<p>A good fly rod is about $100-150.</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FFishing%2FEquipment-Every-Fisherman-Needs.118053"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FFishing%2FEquipment-Every-Fisherman-Needs.118053" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 02 May 2008 01:30:03 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>The Value of Fine Archery Equipment</title>
<link>http://www.sportales.com/Archery/The-Value-of-Fine-Archery-Equipment.38631</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p>If you want to make sure that your shopping spree will give you only the necessary archery equipment - and not anything extra than that - in that case here's what you could do to get your preferred outcome and save cash in the process as well.</p>
 
 
 <p>When you're going to start the wonderful sport of archery, it is essential to have valuable knowledge of what archery is and what sort of equipment you would like to purchase. Several beginners go astray in wide range of archery equipment to select from, and relinquish in next to no time. Archery equipment differs to a greater extent in cost, accurateness, and value.</p>
 
 <p>Archery is a game in which picking the right arrow is significant. It will state how much enjoyment and accurateness will pursue with your hunting practice. Aluminum arrows are considered fine for beginners and the price range goes from 60 to 80 dollars for a set of 8.

</p><p>

 Highly advanced arrows for archery are prepared from aluminum and aluminum blends. Paying for a light weight arrow is an excellent thing because lighter arrows pass quickly through larger distances, making possible a better exactness and hit.


</p><p>

 Archery is one of those sports in which length plus weight of the equipment plays a key role. You can measure the length of an arrow by taking an extra large one and making marks down it.</p>
 
 <p>Another important thing is the bows that need to be selected carefully. There are lots of different types and the three most characteristic types are the: </p>

 <p><ol>
  <li> Re-curve bow.</li>
  <li> Self bow.</li>
  <li> Long bow.  </li>
 </ol></p>

 <p>Competitive success in archery is based upon what type of bow you are going to pick. For hunting purposes, there is a large collection to select from, while for competition purposes, the choices are somehow limited.</p>
 
 <p>The present day "Target Archery" includes letting off the arrows at an aim from a predetermined distance. A re-curve bow is the only bow type permissible to be used. Archery contests may be arranged indoors as well as outdoors. 

</p><p>

For indoor play, the distances range from18 m to 25 m. whereas, for outdoor play, the distances are 30 m and 90m based upon the rank and 70 m is the span being used for the Olympic players only. Contest is separated into ends where an archer has to shoot either three or six arrows per end, based upon the nature of the round. There are twenty ends of three arrows in a round for indoor contests but for outdoor rounds, it usually involves additional arrows per round. 

</p><p>
In the last part, the contestants move towards the target to keep count and take back their arrows. A fixed time limit in archery is very important. The archers have a predetermined criterion for time span in which to let their arrows off. For indoor contests, the time limit is two minutes for three arrows. Indicators such as illuminations and flags signal the archers when it's time to take an aim and then fire.</p>
 
 <p>There are several different types of archery accessories that will help you to develop your skills of the game. Stabilizers will facilitate both aim and stability. Arrow rest in archery is another important thing to consider. They facilitate arrow flight and the discrepancies in your shooting. A quiver gives a place to save all of your arrows. Getting a silencer will assure that your victim would not hear you approaching at that critical moment. Arm guards and gloves keep your hands from the strain in drawing the twine. 

</p><p>
The broad variety of archery equipment available in the market is simply evidence that the popularity of this grand sport is on the increase.</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FArchery%2FThe-Value-of-Fine-Archery-Equipment.38631"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FArchery%2FThe-Value-of-Fine-Archery-Equipment.38631" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Aug 2007 09:13:17 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>Snowboarding Safety Tips</title>
<link>http://www.sportales.com/Snowboarding/Snowboarding-Safety-Tips.33727</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p>One very important thing associated with snowboarding, and just being on a mountain period, is dressing appropriately. Dressing in layers - and being careful of the materials you choose - is key to staying warm and keeping those spirits high.</p>
 
 <p><ul><li>To begin, you should be sure to wear long underwear bottoms, a long-sleeve top, and socks. Synthetic polyester, or polypropylene material such as Capilene, Smartwool, Coolmax or Polartec, are good examples to have available in your closet. Cotton is not a good choice as it will absorb and retain moisture, and will contribute to keeping you cold, and at risk for getting sick. </li>

<li>Then, be sure to wear a synthetic fleece, or wool, insulating sweater/jacket. </li>

<li>Now you need to work on your outer layer (you should always have an extra jumper in case the climate turns out to be colder than you anticipated). You will need to make sure that your outer jacket/pants are wind and waterproof. Good pants will have an inner cuff, also know as a gaiter, that will fit comfortably over the top of your boots, keeping the cold and snow out. </li>

<li>A hat, or helmet, is an important aspect of both protecting you (more so with the helmet) and keeping you warm. A friend of mine was snowboarding and took a bad tumble, resulting in a concussion. Protective eye-goggles are instrumental in minimizing the negative effects from the wind and sun.</li>

<li>In especially cold temperatures, look into wearing a neck gaiter - which is a fleece tube, that you can wear around your face and neck to ward off the frost. Then, you need to add gloves/mittens - be sure you have done your research, and that you have the best insulating gloves possible for the weather conditions you will be going up against. </li>

<li>You may wish to wear sunscreen so that you don't get burned by the additional sun exposure that you will be subjected to by the reflective snow.</li></ul></p>

<p>Here is a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.YourStoreToExplore.com">good site</a> to visit for supplies.

</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FSnowboarding%2FSnowboarding-Safety-Tips.33727"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FSnowboarding%2FSnowboarding-Safety-Tips.33727" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 09 Jul 2007 04:56:47 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>Rock Climbing</title>
<link>http://www.sportales.com/Extreme/Rock-Climbing.121577</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p>To go rock climbing you will need some basic equipment and you will have to find either a rock climbing school or a rock climbing teacher, as this is not something that you can just go out and start on your own without any lessons.  Only the fool hardy would attempt rock climbing with no prior lessons or knowledge.</p>
 

 
 <p>You will need some foot wear, you don't have to run out and get specialist rock climbing boots, they can be bought later once you are sure this is the sport for you. You can start with walking boots, lightweight hill walking boots are good enough for the easier rock climbs you will be doing.  Trainers are also acceptable but you will have to remember they will not be too good on muddy paths.  If you decide on rock boots you will have to remember that they are worn very tight, so are not the most comfortable shoes in the world, you are best breaking them in slowly, and taking a spare pair of walking boots or trainers to change into would be advisable.</p>
 
 <p>You will also need some rock climbing clothing. On warm days climbers will wear running vests and climbing tights, but you will be alright wearing a T-shirt and stretchy tracksuit bottoms. On colder days a warm tracksuit with a fleece jacket will be suitable. You do need to take extra clothing which is warm and wind proof, also you will need a set of waterproofs. All these things can be bought quite inexpensively at any outward bound, walking or camping shop. You will also need a pair of gloves to stop rope burns for when you are Belaying, but don't wear them for climbing.</p>
 
 <p>It is also worth taking a proper rucksack, so you can carry spare clothing, drinks you will need on the climb and any food you wish to take with you.  You should also have a small first aid kit just in case of any small accidents.</p>
 
 <p>Other equipment you will need but maybe able to either rent or borrow, is a harness which is essential for safety, especially good if you are attempting harder climbs.  You will also need a helmet, which is essential to protect your head from falling rocks or blows from the rock face when climbing.  Helmets come in two types.  You can get a standard helmet or the lightweight helmet the choice is up to you. </p>
 
 <p>You will also need ropes, tape slings, karabiners, descendeurs, delay devices, chocks, wires and all sorts of other tools to help you climb but you will learn all about these at your rock climbing lessons or school.</p>
 
 <p>I hope this insight into what you will need if you decide to take up rock climbing has been helpful and informative. If you would like to try rock climbing I would recommend going along to your local rock climbing school or club and giving it a try.</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FExtreme%2FRock-Climbing.121577"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FExtreme%2FRock-Climbing.121577" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2007 07:13:59 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>Sri Lanka's Sports</title>
<link>http://www.sportales.com/Sports/Sri-Lankas-Sports.109020</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p>Sports are a very important part of Sri Lanka. Some sports played in Sri Lanka are similar to the ones played in Australia. But they use different equipment's. For example Hocky in Sri Lanka is played with sticks and a ball made out of string. Sri Lankiness main sport is Cricket. </p>

<p>Every child knows how to play Cricket and they are many cricket fields in Sri Lanka for children and adults to play with. Children also play other sports like Soccer, Gudo and Coconut. Gudo is where everyone has a stick and hits a ball made out of string into the goals. Coconuts are where you throw the coconut at each other. The sports Gudo and Coconut are manly played on New Years Eve.    </p>
  
  <img alt="" src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/sportales/2008/04/13/24330_0.jpg"><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FSports%2FSri-Lankas-Sports.109020"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FSports%2FSri-Lankas-Sports.109020" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Sun, 08 Apr 2007 06:39:52 PST</pubDate></item>
</channel>
</rss>
