Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Recreation: Explore Nature with Adventure Gear and Activities

So far so good, and I will update this when I encounter any problem in the future. These are light weight and fit well that does not give you an unattractive baggy look. The fabrics are tear resistant but they are light weight. I want them to be light for the hot summer in Texas and for easy packing, but I will not wear these to combat, so to speak. There are plenty of pockets and I like the way they are designed in the modern days of smartphone. My iPhone 7 fits well in either the right or the left pocket that when I sit, the phone will move to the bottom part of my thigh so I don’t feel its bulk. The phone also does not move from side to side much since the pocket is sized and shipped to fit the phone well. The pockets are not massive but well designed to carry the phone. My only concern is the zip for the fly that does not look heavy duty. This is the one thing that will render the shorts not wearable if it breaks. Thus this is great for wearing on day hike and family vacation, but these will not be the only shorts that I would bring for back country backpacking. Even with a group of guys, an open fly is not a pretty sight. The belt is designed to just latch on to hold the shorts for the look mostly and it is not weight bearing. So if you have tools to click to the belt, you need to get a separate belt. But again these are really light so I don’t think hanging a lot of heavy stuff on the belt makes sense.

It’s a bit weird that it arrived pre-inflated but other than that it’s exactly what I expected it to be, a good quality volleyball.

Review order:Review summary (quick read)Review update (4-13-2021)Full review (long read)Summary:This review might save you a lot of time researching balls, but here’s the summary if you don’t want to read the full review… For 4.0+ play consider the Dura Fast 40 when preparing for certain tournaments, but expect only about 2 games per ball, which is quite annoying in my opinion… for 95% of players, definitely go with the Franklin X-40 (except when preparing for a Dura only tournament of course). If you just want the ball to last and last year after year and don’t care at all about egging or quality of play consider the much softer and much slower and much bouncier Onix ball. The Onix ball is so soft that I can’t recommend it for typical play, but it is actually an excellent choice when introducing new players to the game and it is often the preferred ball in 65+ play if mobility becomes a common issue because extra bounce = extra time to get there, but in my area many older players seem to play the X-40 just fine.* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Update: 4-13-2021:Popularity: Almost everyone in my area is playing the Franklin X-40 in every park. I finally saw a Dura in play yesterday, but it’s been a long time! Outdoor tournaments in my state are now about 60% X-40 and about 40% Dura (Washington), so even in tournament play the Dura seems to be going out pretty quick.Seasonal durability of X-40: for the first year I don’t think my group cracked a single X-40 (despite having a faster paced game), but using that same batch of balls this Spring, they’ve all been dropping like flies so now my 1 year old batch of X-40’s probably isn’t much more durable than brand new Dura’s (very annoying to deal with those cracks). I just bought new X-40’s yesterday and I’ll be discarding the few X-40’s that are left from last year when the new stock arrives. It will be new X-40’s for me once a year from now on assuming quality doesn’t slide… fresh manufacturing is apparently very important, so hopefully Franklin will keep their runs moderate, and maybe that’s what Dura did wrong.(?)* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Full review:This review will focus largely on the physical & quality comparisons between the Franklin Outdoor X-40 pickleball and the Dura Fast 40 pickleball, but I’ll also give a summary of my impressions from the mouth of experts and supplement also by my own amateur impressions and measurements.Dura hole specs: 16 drilled holes @ 0.325″ & 24 drilled holes @ .264″Franklin hole specs: 40 drilled holes @ 0.288″Both balls have 40 holes with an average hole size of 0.288″, but the Dura ball has a far more randomized hole pattern. I personally didn’t notice any difference in spin characteristics or any notable advantage to the randomized hole pattern of the Dura.Franklin weight: 26gDura weight: 25gBoth balls are rotationally molded in one continuous piece so the seam is just as strong as the rest of the ball on either ball… the appearance of a seam is on the outside of the ball only but the visual molding mark is not actually separated in any way in the middle of the ball and the inside of the ball will likewise appear 100% seamless on either ball, so no true seam exists (both balls are true “1-piece” balls). The Dura ball has much smoother molding marks w/ no plastic flashing like the Franklin… this is primarily cosmetic but quality in this regard definitely goes to the Dura.Subjective color preference: in the shade I think the Dura “Neon” color looks better (see pic), but in typical full sun the green tint looks dingy on the Dura ball in my opinion, and I feel the Franklin “Optic Yellow” is a crisper color that’s probably a little more visible. These are the only 2 ball colors I have to compare. I would prefer more dye to be used for a green ball so it still looks green in full sun because in my experience with disc golf and ball golf neon green is the most visible color and neon pink is good too… with these 2 options I’d pick the yellow… the green tint on the Dura is so subtle in full sun it ends up looking more like a dingy yellow rather than a green. A more apples to apples comparison would be Dura’s yellow option but I’m pretty confident Franklin would win that contest also based on the notably higher translucency in the plastic used by Dura. Color: Franklin wins.Franklin X-40 country of origin: ChinaDura Fast 40 country of origin: Vietnam- – EXPERT INSPIRED IMPRESSIONS – -From what I’ve gathered, expect much longer play per dollar out of the Franklin and expect very little life out of the Dura. Dura’s are supposed to be a little harder/better/faster, but they often only last a few games based on everything I’ve read and heard. For older players consider the Onix over either of these balls… softer balls bounce higher and hit slower which allows more time to get to the ball for longer rallies… the Onix seems to be the favorite for play in older aged groups.Based on expert advise from the “pickleball kitchen” youtube channel…Best performance award (fastest, hardest): Dura Fast 40Best Value (also w/ great performance): Franklin Outdoor X-40 – – – except high level players should opt for the Dura due to tournament requirements (note: this observation may be outdated… check tournaments in your state to verify what local tournaments are still using the Dura in your area and which tournaments have switched to the X-40)Longest lasting, but soft and bouncy: OnixNote: I have not seen a single outdoor tournament publish the Onix as their ball.My personal recommendation for most players based on a lot of reviews and some research and a close look would be to skip the Dura and go straight to the Franklin X-40 until you’re playing tournaments… if/when you advance to the level of playing serious tournament play I don’t think it would take long to transition muscle memory and power from the Franklin outdoor ball to the Dura ball and a lot of money and annoyance can be saved w/ the Franklin over the very brittle Dura… Franklin X-40 balls don’t last very long either (according to some… possibly old stock), but compared to the Dura it’s a notable improvement strongly worth considering even if you’re a quality buff like myself.Manufacturing quality: Dura winsMaterial durability: Franklin easily wins and Onix lasts much longer still if you don’t mind a notably slower game (more similar to indoor) and more egging.Quality of play: Mixed… many elite players prefer the extra speed of the Dura, but I prefer the consistency of virtually everyone using the same ball and even more notably, I’d rather sacrifice just a little speed to get the higher consistency / predictability / reliability of an uncracked ball and I find it distracting to look for cracks all the time.Value (w/o sacrificing much): FranklinDespite the long read, I’m hoping this helps the reader save some time in selecting a pickleball, especially for players new to the game.

Shorts feel good, look good, but dont squat down in them. Fabric has no give and seems like it can rip easily.

Bought this for my kids and its a lot of fun..Assembly was easy and instructions were clear. The carry bag is definitely good.I dropped a star with assembly because tightening the net took several attempts to get it to desired level. It needs to be pretty tight especially for beginners so its as bouncy as possibleDropped a star in durability because i believe that the net quality will eventually become a factor after several removals and reinstallations (to pack and unpack)..if its going to stay on, then it shouldn’t be a problemI would recommend this product

Great product and the entire family is enjoying it. Glad I only spent $60 as anything more would have felt like a bit of a rip off for what you get.

I forgot how fun these are until we were at a birthday recently. We had so much fun playing catch that I had to order a few for us to have and take to the park or play outside. Super fun and they are just how I remember them! Great Velcro, feels sturdy and solid! Happy about my purchase and arrived super fast!

Loved these as a kid, and for my kids now.

This hammock is perfect. Soooo comfy and perfect size. So much so that I spent an hour playinh in it with my 6 year old making up stories together. Highly recommend 👌

Good price, good quality. Enough for family of five😜.

I’m writing this review because of how happy I am with the net. I went to Canadian tire and bought one, it sucked so I returned it. Bought a better one from Canadian tire and it sucked even worse.Got this thing from Amazon and it’s amazing.So sturdy. Exact dimensions. Literally sturdy enough to be hit by a volleyball and not be knocked over WITHOUT THE PEGS IN. There’s My puppy in the pic. I love this thing. The setup is so easy a child can do it. It’s all set up like tent poles. It’s all connected on a string with poles you connect together. Exactly like tent poles. It would take a toddler 2 minutes to set up, and Is easily the best backyard badminton set you could ever ask for. It’s also adjustable so you can set the height to tennis/pickleball height if you wanted to make a court on the street or something. Anyways, if you are looking for a backyard badminton net, GET THIS!!!!! ITS AMAZING.

The media could not be loaded.  My wife used it at the Rod Stewart concert in Edinburgh last night. Unfortunately the weather forecast was correct for once. The poncho was brilliant – no hassle to carry and easy to put on. Good quality and having the drawstring hood was a plus. Well worth the price.

These, are great so much better than ponchos as they have sleeves

This hammock is incredibly easy to set up or take down. It’s so very comfortable that I could just sit in it all day! The stand is sturdy and the fabric the hammock is made from is thick and comfortable. I definitely recommend this hammock.

Great value for money and kept us really dry whilst at an outdoor concert when it decided to rain all evening

Nice quality hammock material, feels sturdy. Not tried it with two people, but there is plenty of space for one person to feel secure as the extra material wraps around you so there’s no chance of “falling out”. Looks really nice in the garden.

This net was a perfect net for the back yard. It didn’t take up too much space and took minutes to assemble. It is a perfect badminton net! It’s not as tall as a normal volleyball net but was perfect for that use as well. It comes with a carrying case and is quick to assemble and disassemble and is perfect for taking to the beach or on vacations. It’s light weight and doesn’t take up much room at all. Came with the volleyball and pump and everything works amazing. Also came with pegs to hold it in the ground and they have kept the net in place all summer. Defiantly a great product to have at home or for fun adventures.

These socks are well made, robust and comfortable.They wash well and keep their shape.Would highly recommend

Portable table is awesome. Put up and takedown is fast and easy, carrier bag is awesome. Cup holders are great idea. Used it for soccer game sidelines.

Smaller than my 72-hr pack, so it’s perfect for normal everyday use. Seems pretty quality so far.

Outstanding cushion, arch support. Very comfortable, great stretch. Got them two days ago, wore two pairs. Nice short hiking socks, would not work for taller boots. Wash well, feel great, cute colors. Like them better than my rather expensive wool hiking socks. What more can you ask?

I wear these for both hiking and work, and had to order myself a second set after trying the first set I ordered. Really well made, warm, thick, and comfortable. I’ve had these about a year and they’ve held up great in long shifts in work boots outside, on camping trips, and in the washing machine. Cushion is just as thick as when I first bought them. They were exactly what I was looking for in a sock that was more than an ankle sock, but less than a crew, and these fit the bill perfectly by reaching just past the top of my boots. Great price for how many pairs you get.

I keep this in my daily use backpack. It is very compact. As a sporta mom it has come in handy more than once. I bought little tiny caribiner clips to keep on it. I use it to cover my stuff when it rains, to sit on grass, as a blanket, and most often, as a shade from sun by attaching to fences or canopies.

Great for freediving and changing into Bikini or trunks at the beach. Very roomy inside

Great grip nice leather

Great ball, and doesn’t give you the sore read arms. Soft and fun to play with!

Looks good. Nethew is happy.

Thick, warm, comfortable, and beautifully colored, these socks work perfectly worn in tennis shoes or ankle boots. I highly recommend them to anyone who is tired of cold feet from your standard thin ankle socks. They may sometimes push the boundaries of how thick a sock can be and still fit comfortably in a boot, but they’re worth it in my opinion.

I was really pleased with how thick and soft this terry material is. I hate feeling cold after swimming at the community pool. This was warm and comfortable.

So many chairs at this price point, but this one provides the best sit and places to store stuff than anyone else. I have purchased so many of these chairs and this is perfect for the price. Easy to store, fold, and move. It is comfortable and provides places to hold drinks and snacks. If your looking in this price point, buy this.

after 6 months still use

Affordable and enjoyable. Kids love it and play it constantly

GOOD

This ball is very affordable and is great to play with.

These sock are really comfortable and breathable also keep your feet warm at the same time would highly recommend thanks

My son thinks this is a great ball. Can use it inside and outside duel purpose. Nice weight official size great for basketball recreation league.

wanted to buy my grandson something memorable for his birthday. The words really describe my feeling. He loved it.

Love this product, great game

These pickleball balls are a game-changer! The quality is exceptional, providing consistent bounce and durability during every match. They perform flawlessly, maintaining their integrity even after extended use. I appreciate the vibrant color, which enhances visibility on the court, especially during fast-paced rallies. Additionally, the smooth surface ensures smooth flight through the air, resulting in precise shots every time. If you’re serious about pickleball, these balls are a must-have for your arsenal!