Sprawl White V-Flex XT Shorts

Front View

*Visual Appeal – I think that these are good looking shorts.  The logos are stitched on, so there is no worry about them coming off.  These are white, so of course they will discolor somewhat, but I have found that blood, dirt, etc, comes out pretty easily in the wash.  I was surprised at how resistant they are to permanent staining.

*Fit – I bought the size 30, and I wear a 31-32.  These fit perfectly, so they must run a bit large, which I have seen people say elsewhere as well.  The waist closure system is legit.  You can make them fit as snug or loose as you want, and there isn’t much worry of them falling of or riding up.  Flexibility and mobility is not a problem as the material is very stretchy, especially between the legs.

Length

*Length – with the length at 19 1/2 inches they are a good length.  I would buy the split seam side if I were to buy another pair, as I have found I prefer that to this closed seam.

*Overall – these shorts are very durable, I have trained and rolled in them maybe 25 times and they have held up very well, and are not even that discolored.  I would highly recommend them, as long as you note the sizing issue.  I give them 8.5 out of 10 stars.

Can be found here – http://www.sprawl.tv/Products/V-Flex-Series

RVCA – BJ Penn Stretch Trunk II

Front view

Rear view

Patches on the front

Length

Inner leg area

Waist band closure

*Closure – This is a good closure system, allowing a wide range of waist sizes. I wear a 31 or 32 and the small fits me perfectly. There is both an inner drawstring waist band as well as the Velcro closure system, which can be seen on most new fight shorts, and I think works perfectly.

*Inner leg area – The fabric used in between the legs allows for even the most flexible people to move around easily. I am rather flexible and after rolling a few times, I never had a problem with mobility in the least.

*Length - At just over 18 inches, in size small, these shorts are a good length. Not so long that they get in the way of movement, not so short that they make you look like a lifeguard in the 70s.

*Overall – These shorts are awesome, I give them a 9 out of 10.  Click the individual pictures for descriptions.

*Can be found here - http://shop.rvca.com/BJ_Penn_Stretch_Trunk_II/pd/np/505/p/2703.html

Shockdoctor Gel Max Mouthguard

front view

Let me start by saying that I have only ever tried boil and bite mouthguards.  So far this one is the best, hands down.  It took me 2 tries to get it to fit just right, but it now stays tight and feels great.

It has an integrated airway, that works much better than I expected.  Even when clenching my jaw, due to a choke being applied, etc. I find that I can breathe better.

One negative about this mouthguard is the somewhat rigid frame, what they call the “exoskeletal shock frame”.  It has a bit of a sharp outer edge, that irritated the inside of my mouth.  I re-boiled it and pressed some of the gel over the edge and the problem is gone, but it is certainly something to note, as that gel should be protecting your teeth, not pushed towards the outside of the mouthguard to cover the edges.

Overall I would give this mouthguard a 7.5 out of 10, with other boil and bites I have used falling in at around a 4 or 5 out of 10.

Can be found here – http://www.shockdoctor.com/product/gel-max-mouthguard.aspx