Ms Q and I took 24 hours off and left our children in capable hands and disappeared for the day for our wedding anniversary.
A visit to a chocolatier, wine emporium, some outstandingly delicious food, great entertainment, delightful company and 11 hours sleep in one night ensued!
iPhone photos so sorry for the quality with the exception of the hiking ones!
Well after three months at my new job I am finally starting to feel like I have my head above water! I am sure that’s all about to change as we start a new software development cycle, but I’ll take it for now! As per this post I have been trying to get out for a lunchtime workout; Monday, Wednesday and Friday I run and Tuesday and Thursday use the elliptical machine and do weights. My office is next door to a 24 hour Fitness gym so the commute is minimal and a I get it all done in around an hour or so. This week I almost made it 5:5; a working lunch on Tuesday put the kybosh on that. If you remember this post I have been running on this path, it basically takes you towards the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and I am wondering if it leads to a trail head, the aerial view looks like it might. It’s basically uphill turnaround and downhill back and I’ve been going a little further each time, yesterday I thought I had cracked it but it seems I will need to round a few more bends to find out…the adventure continues!
It seems best to break the review down into three sections; the bottle, the sleeve and the Kicker valve.
The Bottle, off the shelf the handheld comes with 20oz (0.6L) bottle. Made from a BPA-free plastic the bottle is made with FDA approved Polyethylene, that is “soft and squeezable, odorless and tasteless”, this I can vouch for. It’s definitely squeezable, this is important as it is fundamentally how you get the liquid in your mouth, its push rather than pull. You can also super size this and replace the 20oz bottle with a 26oz bottle, it might not a huge amount more but when you’re carrying two bottles this is another 12oz and that can make a big 
The Sleeve, constructed from Neoprene the sleeve focuses on it’s job; keeping you drink cold and not your hand. It wraps the bulk of the bottle and provides the base of the zipped storage pouch. The pouch is zipped and is large enough for a couple of gels or your keys or a multitude of other things. On the other side is the hand loop. Made of the same neoprene it comes with a cinchable strap that allows you to pull it tight and create the perfect fit Lastly…
The Kicker valve, unique to UD the Kicker valve is an effective delivery method, with a “X” shape opening you bite it to open it and squeeze to drink. Being made of soft rubber you avoid the rough or sharp edges you can find on your usual cycling bottle . The valve is easily closed by flicking or knocking it closed. It’s a simple as that. Made from FDA/NSF approved, medical-grade silicone the mouthpiece is like the bottle and is BPA-free. The valve lid also sports a big ‘ole hook, useful for clipping onto things.
As mentioned I am a fan of the FastDraw Extreme, it’s simple, effective and easy. The valve is easy on the mouth and it allows you to sip or slurp depending on your thirst. Personally I have carried a UD bottle from anything from a 10 to 50 miler without issue.
The are some considerations if you decide to use hand bottles:
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As mentioned under Pro’s these are a cheap a Google shopping search locates them for $18-22.00 and available in several colors, black, red, orange and pink. Replacement bottles are available in both sizes as is the actual kicker valve in case you need a spare. WRC carries them and “quad10” at the checkout will get you 10% off. Overall if you’re undecided handhelds could be a cheap and fast way to get started this summer.
This product was purchased. See previous gear reviews in the sidebar on the right. If you have a product you’d like reviewed, contact me at quadrathon@gmail.com.
