Many shoppers tend to pick whatever is cheapest. But as many of us know, the price may sometimes be an indication of quality. While the most expensive products do not necessarily mean they are the best in the market, low-cost goods may indicate lower quality standards in certain kinds of products.
When it comes to buying sporting goods and athletic products, shoppers will also have to choose between what is cheap and what offers good quality. While it may be safe in some cases to reach for the cheapest item available, here are some sporting goods you should never buy cheap and take the time to check for quality.
Sports Helmets, Headgear, and other Head and Face Equipment
Never cheap out on equipment that could save your life one day. Did you know that helmets saved the lives of 1,859 people who got into motorcycling accidents? And it could have saved 802 more lives and over a billion dollars in economic damages had more people worn quality helmets. And this isn’t limited to motorcyclists: having a quality helmet can reduce head injuries by 37 percent. So, if you’re shopping for a Giro ski helmet, a football helmet, a snowboarding helmet, or helmets and other forms of headgear, make sure you’re picking quality over its price tag.
Gloves
The use of gloves has often been debated in sports like weightlifting, as it gives athletes an extra advantage. But if you’re playing games like baseball, football, soccer, cricket, or any other game that requires that extra grip, here’s where it may be necessary to spend more. Without gloves, your hands may get sweaty and make it unnecessarily difficult (or even dangerous in sports like weightlifting) to hold onto items like balls, bats, or weights. Quality gloves allow comfort, movement, and added grip to make it easier for athletes to perform.
Knee Braces, Knee Pads, and Shin Guards
Football, basketball, and volleyball players are prone to knee injuries while playing their respective sports. Athletes who play these sports have a higher chance of developing patellar tendonitis, also known as “jumper’s knee,” because of repetitive jumping and the force associated with jumping. Knee braces, knee pads, and shin guards can help reduce strains and the blunt force trauma often associated with these sports.
Bicycles
The average mountain bike can fetch a price of $3,800, with more expensive bikes reaching $11,000 and cheaper bikes at $200. The average cost can seem costly, but going to discount stores to buy more affordable mountain bikes, you may find that bicycles have cheap parts, poor assembly, and lots of extra weight that can make biking much more difficult. So, for professional bikers and those planning to bike long distances, you’re much better off investing in mid-to-high ranged bicycle models.
Running Shoes
Cheaper running shoes are not necessarily low-quality, but some cheaper brands are meant for everyday consumers whose idea of workouts consists of brisk walking for a kilometer every other day. But for those who want to go jogging or running for many kilometers more frequently, they may find that cheaper shoes can ear out and tear for much quicker. So, in this case, investing in heavy-duty shoes may require upping your shoe budget for the right pair.
For some sporting goods, you may be better off buying the expensive but high-quality product than the cheaper one. Never skimp on protective gear and equipment as it can affect your performance and risk your safety when it matters. That doesn’t necessarily mean buying the most expensive but doing your research in terms of quality and durability.
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