So I researched all over the place for which pads to get. I went to Sports Authority and Dicks Sporting Goods, and Dicks was the only place that had a decent variety of pads and helmets. While I did purchase a cheap set of pads from Dicks, I ultimately ended up ordering the SIXSIXONE pads aka 661 Pads from pricepoint.com.
661 Kyle Straight Knee Guard $39.98
661 Chicken Wing Elbow Guards Medium $16.98
I'm sure the prices could change, but this is what I paid for mine. They are the most comfortable pads that I've tried on yet. I haven't fell on my bocks yet, so I can't say how well they protect. By the feel of them, they should do a pretty good job as long as I don't do anything stupid.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Got The Replacement Spring Installed
So my replacement spring arrived free of charge courtesy of Air Trekkers. The packing was a little goofy, but I suppose it was fine considering it made it in one piece. Anyway, I looked at the manual that came with my bocks but it was pretty useless. It only shows how the bocks are assembled. I reviewed a YouTube spring replacement tutorial before breaking out any tools. The video I used for reference is here...
Spring Replacement Tutorial
After reviewing the video I realized I needed metric tools, so I headed over to Home Depot and scooped up a basic $7 set of forged metric wrenches. Granted it was quite annoying to use those wrenches, I was still able to get the job done. If I had to do it again, I'd get these.
So I managed to get the spring installed, and after all the running around to get the proper tools, it did tie up the end of my day after work. I didn't get to test them out until the next day, but I'm happy to report that I'm back up and jumping. No issues to report as of yet. Will keep you posted.
Spring Replacement Tutorial
After reviewing the video I realized I needed metric tools, so I headed over to Home Depot and scooped up a basic $7 set of forged metric wrenches. Granted it was quite annoying to use those wrenches, I was still able to get the job done. If I had to do it again, I'd get these.
So I managed to get the spring installed, and after all the running around to get the proper tools, it did tie up the end of my day after work. I didn't get to test them out until the next day, but I'm happy to report that I'm back up and jumping. No issues to report as of yet. Will keep you posted.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Broke the spring on Day #2
I finally mustered up the courage to attempt jumping on two legs (while holding onto a pole of course) and when I hit about the 4th or 5th jump I heard a crack from my left stilt. I stopped immediately to investigate. I shifted my weight back and forth from left leg to right, and quickly realized that the left side would sag lower than the right, so I plopped onto my rear end and took them off. There's no reason in chancing injury so I hung them up for now.
After emailing Air Trekkers, they simply asked for a photo of the spring, so I snapped a few pics and emailed them the photos. I received a speedy reply and my new spring is in the mail.
Will update you once I receive the spring.
After emailing Air Trekkers, they simply asked for a photo of the spring, so I snapped a few pics and emailed them the photos. I received a speedy reply and my new spring is in the mail.
Will update you once I receive the spring.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
First 2 Days of Practice on Jumping Stilts
Here we are, or here I am. My first 2 days of practice on these jumping stilts.
Day 1
For my first day, I carried them over to the tennis court in my neighborhood, propped up on top of the picnic table and laced up. I used the roof of the cabana covering the picnic table to get my first few steps under way, then I wobbled quickly over to the tennis court gate. I ducked under the gate, and held on to the sides of the fence inside of the court immediately. While holding on to the tennis court fence, I practiced walking in them. As I walked along I could let go for brief moments to see what it would be like on my own. After about 10-15 minutes or so I mustered up the courage to walk completely around the court without using the fence. After about an hour I walked across the center of the court.
So, I got the walking part down now I wanted to jump. I grabbed on to one of the poles the fence was attached to and jumped up and down in place. I got pretty decent air, but it was just awkward having to hold on to something. I tried letting go. Not a good idea. I wasn't ready for that just yet. So back to walking. After a little over an hour of just walking, I noticed myself dragging one foot. My hip flexors were apparently getting tired so I headed back to the picnic table and wrapped up for the day.
Day 2
For my second day, I wanted to get away from the fence, but I was too embarrassed to try in public so I headed down to the park and found a little private area that had a light pole with grass next to it. I walked around the parking lot for a minute, then headed immediately to the grass. I was able to jump for the first time without a pole, but my back made a cracking sound and I figured I was doing something wrong so held off on jumping high for now. I just wanted to pounce around a bit without falling. I also tried a light run just to see what it's like. It almost seemed as if you have to bounce from left to right leg rather than traditional running. Jump left forward...jump right forward...etc Pretty neat, but there was pits in the ground and I felt like a fall was coming so I stopped. End of day 2!
Day 1
For my first day, I carried them over to the tennis court in my neighborhood, propped up on top of the picnic table and laced up. I used the roof of the cabana covering the picnic table to get my first few steps under way, then I wobbled quickly over to the tennis court gate. I ducked under the gate, and held on to the sides of the fence inside of the court immediately. While holding on to the tennis court fence, I practiced walking in them. As I walked along I could let go for brief moments to see what it would be like on my own. After about 10-15 minutes or so I mustered up the courage to walk completely around the court without using the fence. After about an hour I walked across the center of the court.
So, I got the walking part down now I wanted to jump. I grabbed on to one of the poles the fence was attached to and jumped up and down in place. I got pretty decent air, but it was just awkward having to hold on to something. I tried letting go. Not a good idea. I wasn't ready for that just yet. So back to walking. After a little over an hour of just walking, I noticed myself dragging one foot. My hip flexors were apparently getting tired so I headed back to the picnic table and wrapped up for the day.
Day 2
For my second day, I wanted to get away from the fence, but I was too embarrassed to try in public so I headed down to the park and found a little private area that had a light pole with grass next to it. I walked around the parking lot for a minute, then headed immediately to the grass. I was able to jump for the first time without a pole, but my back made a cracking sound and I figured I was doing something wrong so held off on jumping high for now. I just wanted to pounce around a bit without falling. I also tried a light run just to see what it's like. It almost seemed as if you have to bounce from left to right leg rather than traditional running. Jump left forward...jump right forward...etc Pretty neat, but there was pits in the ground and I felt like a fall was coming so I stopped. End of day 2!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
So the Air Trekkers Pro Cuffs Finally Arrived
So I'm wrapping up a long day at work and just as I'm shutting off my computer, our front desk lady wheels a package up to my desk. I look down, and there it is. The big red box. On it in big bold letters...JUMP HIGHER...RUN FASTER...RUN UP TO 9 FEET IN ONE STEP...JUMP UP TO 6 FEET HIGH...Air Trekkers
The box kind of reminded me of the box designs that the G1 Transformers came in when I was a kid. I loved the design. It was busy and I really wanted to break it open right there in the office, but I knew I had to wait til I got home. Besides, I didn't have a helmet or any pads yet.
I rushed home, kicked in the door and tore into the box like a kid on Christmas day. Okay, so that's 95% true. I did refrain from the tearing into the box long enough to take a few photos so you could see what to expect if you're in the market for these things.
Packaging
Packaging was adequate. Each stilt was wrapped nicely in bubble wrap, and was quite a chore to get all of the plastic wrapping off of each stilt. Better safe than sorry I guess.
First Impressions and build quality
They seemed to be very high quality. They are comprised of aluminum and carbon fiber with plastic cover. The buckles where your shoe slide into are similar to roller blades that I've had in the past. You crank the little latch release on the top to tighten it down over your foot; similar to a car jack, but with a little plastic tab.
Dangit - I have to adjust them!
I'm 6'2, and they did not arrive setup for my height so I had to loosen the little bolts on the side to adjust the aluminum braces up a little higher so it would rest just under my knee (what the manual calls for). At first, I tried to even out the two aluminum poles/brackets by eye, and then I realized I could just level them by looking at the bottom part of the aluminum brace that was poking out of the clamp. It was much easier that way. So I adjusted it once...tightened it...tried them on...and it was still too low. Adjusted it once more...just a little higher...tightened it...and voila. Ready to go now.
Trying them on for the first time (in the house)
Okay, so I couldn't wait. I had to try them on even if for just a few minutes before bedtime. It was dark out, so I couldn't really play with them just yet. I watched a few YouTube videos, read the manual and figured I had the idea down in my head. Well, I was wrong. Standing up on these for the first time was remarkably awkward. So awkward in fact, that I just leaned against the wall, took a few steps, plopped over on the couch and took them off. I'd had enough for one night. I believe all the adjusting wore me out. Maybe to the point of taking the excitement / fun out of it for the day. Oh well...try again tomorrow. Pretty disappointing first day with them though. Try again tomorrow!
The box kind of reminded me of the box designs that the G1 Transformers came in when I was a kid. I loved the design. It was busy and I really wanted to break it open right there in the office, but I knew I had to wait til I got home. Besides, I didn't have a helmet or any pads yet.
I rushed home, kicked in the door and tore into the box like a kid on Christmas day. Okay, so that's 95% true. I did refrain from the tearing into the box long enough to take a few photos so you could see what to expect if you're in the market for these things.
Packaging
Packaging was adequate. Each stilt was wrapped nicely in bubble wrap, and was quite a chore to get all of the plastic wrapping off of each stilt. Better safe than sorry I guess.
First Impressions and build quality
They seemed to be very high quality. They are comprised of aluminum and carbon fiber with plastic cover. The buckles where your shoe slide into are similar to roller blades that I've had in the past. You crank the little latch release on the top to tighten it down over your foot; similar to a car jack, but with a little plastic tab.
Dangit - I have to adjust them!
I'm 6'2, and they did not arrive setup for my height so I had to loosen the little bolts on the side to adjust the aluminum braces up a little higher so it would rest just under my knee (what the manual calls for). At first, I tried to even out the two aluminum poles/brackets by eye, and then I realized I could just level them by looking at the bottom part of the aluminum brace that was poking out of the clamp. It was much easier that way. So I adjusted it once...tightened it...tried them on...and it was still too low. Adjusted it once more...just a little higher...tightened it...and voila. Ready to go now.
Trying them on for the first time (in the house)
Okay, so I couldn't wait. I had to try them on even if for just a few minutes before bedtime. It was dark out, so I couldn't really play with them just yet. I watched a few YouTube videos, read the manual and figured I had the idea down in my head. Well, I was wrong. Standing up on these for the first time was remarkably awkward. So awkward in fact, that I just leaned against the wall, took a few steps, plopped over on the couch and took them off. I'd had enough for one night. I believe all the adjusting wore me out. Maybe to the point of taking the excitement / fun out of it for the day. Oh well...try again tomorrow. Pretty disappointing first day with them though. Try again tomorrow!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Air Trekkers Reviews
Where are the reviews?
Well, after watching all the Air Trekker videos on YouTube and literally combing every website I could find that might have any information on these things, I came to the conclusion that I would not find any valuable unbiased information on Air Trekkers, jumping stilts, or Powerizers aka Powerisers from actual owners. It seems that every review or write up about them were orchestrated by the companies or affiliates. Not to say that there is anything bad to say, because they are still new to many areas at the time of this write up. Maybe no one had anything bad to say at the time, and maybe there really aren't any reviews out there! Well so much for that. Here's the first real write up on jumping stilts!
Phone call to Air Trekkers
First, I called the number on the website and a young guy answered. I was a little hesitant at first, but I proceeded with my questions anyway.
Question) How long does it take for the novelty to wear off? Will I get tired of them quickly?
Reps Answer) It's unlike anything you've ever done. It's literally like going everywhere on a trampoline. It's different for everybody. You'll love them.
Question) How fast can you REALLY run in these things?
Reps Answer) We have received calls of people getting up to 18-20mph. The thing is, that it's tricky to slow down. You can't stop on a dime, so you have to be careful when going into full stride.
Question) I'm a first time buyer. Is there anything I should know? Anything to prepare for?
Reps Answer) It's like any sport. You need about a month to get used to it. Like roller blading...you will get tired VERY quickly...probably within the first 10 minutes each time...for about the first month. Expect to be worn out. You'll have to take it slow...like anything else.
Question) Are the pads that ship with them good quality? Would I be better off getting my own pads? Is a helmet included?
Reps Answer) We don't include helmets because we've come to find out that most people already have a helmet from owning bikes or roller blades. Just to be honest, they are pretty entry level pads. Probably the most basic pads you can get. Whatever pads you do get, make sure you get wrist guards. You will fall alot starting out, and you'll land on your hands, so you need to keep them protected. Don't forget those.
Ordered the Jumping Stilts
I'm not getting anywhere with reviews or phone calls so I took the plunge! Sometimes you just have to try it yourself. So, I ordered the "Pro Cuff Adult Air Trekker Jumping Stilts" from air-trekkers.com website for a grand total of $369.00 U.S. smackaroos shipped. They are scheduled to arrive Wednesday August 12, 2009. I will update upon arrival!
Well, after watching all the Air Trekker videos on YouTube and literally combing every website I could find that might have any information on these things, I came to the conclusion that I would not find any valuable unbiased information on Air Trekkers, jumping stilts, or Powerizers aka Powerisers from actual owners. It seems that every review or write up about them were orchestrated by the companies or affiliates. Not to say that there is anything bad to say, because they are still new to many areas at the time of this write up. Maybe no one had anything bad to say at the time, and maybe there really aren't any reviews out there! Well so much for that. Here's the first real write up on jumping stilts!
Phone call to Air Trekkers
First, I called the number on the website and a young guy answered. I was a little hesitant at first, but I proceeded with my questions anyway.
Question) How long does it take for the novelty to wear off? Will I get tired of them quickly?
Reps Answer) It's unlike anything you've ever done. It's literally like going everywhere on a trampoline. It's different for everybody. You'll love them.
Question) How fast can you REALLY run in these things?
Reps Answer) We have received calls of people getting up to 18-20mph. The thing is, that it's tricky to slow down. You can't stop on a dime, so you have to be careful when going into full stride.
Question) I'm a first time buyer. Is there anything I should know? Anything to prepare for?
Reps Answer) It's like any sport. You need about a month to get used to it. Like roller blading...you will get tired VERY quickly...probably within the first 10 minutes each time...for about the first month. Expect to be worn out. You'll have to take it slow...like anything else.
Question) Are the pads that ship with them good quality? Would I be better off getting my own pads? Is a helmet included?
Reps Answer) We don't include helmets because we've come to find out that most people already have a helmet from owning bikes or roller blades. Just to be honest, they are pretty entry level pads. Probably the most basic pads you can get. Whatever pads you do get, make sure you get wrist guards. You will fall alot starting out, and you'll land on your hands, so you need to keep them protected. Don't forget those.
Ordered the Jumping Stilts
I'm not getting anywhere with reviews or phone calls so I took the plunge! Sometimes you just have to try it yourself. So, I ordered the "Pro Cuff Adult Air Trekker Jumping Stilts" from air-trekkers.com website for a grand total of $369.00 U.S. smackaroos shipped. They are scheduled to arrive Wednesday August 12, 2009. I will update upon arrival!
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