Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Lakeville IN USA
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2007
Strengths: Quick energy boost, good flavor, no simple sugars!
Weaknesses: It's a bit on the thick side, but it does wash down well.
Bottom Line:
I don't use a lot of energy gel in general, but it is nice when I need a boost. I have tried every flavor Hammer offers and like raspberry and banana the best.
Submitted by
Ethan Dull
a Cross Country Rider
from Jay, VT USA
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2007
Strengths: I Love Hammer Gel. I have used a few other kinds of gel , but this is the best one i have ever used. There are many different flavors for all tastes. As promised, 1 shot will deliver automatic energy when you are feeling burnt out. This product has saved my ass on more than 1 occasion.
Weaknesses: I cant think of any
Bottom Line:
BUY THIS! IT WORKS!! It's true, this is the best preforming gel I have ever used. When I was on the Southern Traverse in VA this product brought me saftly to the end. By the way that was an awesome ride!!
Similar Products Used: Clif bars, shots, SOLO bars,
Bike Setup: 2007 Santa Cruz Blur LT
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Submitted by
Indiana Andy
from indianapolis
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2006
Strengths: smoothe energy
Weaknesses: requires a "flask" and some flavors really suck.
Bottom Line:
This product is great. unfortunately i feel that the customer service with e-caps/hammer really blows. some of the flavors are almost unbearable especially when they get really warm on hot days. this stuff requires a flask for use and the flasks they sell you for the gel's SUCK. the lids dont stay on well and they are just really poorly made, id rather pay $4 for a flask that works better than a $1 flask that really sucks. my chilis include my experiences with customer service!
Submitted by
Mandi
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, ID
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2006
Strengths: Smooth flavor, easy to consume. This stuff does what is says! Easy on the tummy and no nasty aftertaste! I've only tried the raspberry and apple, but both were excellent.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
This stuff rocks! It's not loaded with sugar-it's all the good complex carbs you need. I used to get queasy about 15 mins into a ride but this stuff provides enough sodium to stop that. Another plus is the customer service from e-caps. They called me when I submitted my first order just to make sure I didn't have any questions and confirm my products were on the way.
Bike Setup: Old '98 FSR--dreaming of the new Stumpy Expert
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Submitted by
Rodger Lyle
a Weekend Warrior
from Schwenksville, PA
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2005
Strengths: Hmmm...where to start...Smooth, good flavor, no aftertaste, not just a bunch of flavored sugar like 99% of the stuff that's out there. I use it for long road rides and one of my friends uses it for serious mountain biking, and we both can feel the effects of this stuff!
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
This stuff is the real deal, not just a bunch of sugar. I've even used it for an energy source when baling hay on my Father-In-Law's farm and noticed a HUGE difference in that I didn't feel nearly as tired or sore as I normally would afterward.
Bike Setup: 2005 Orbea Scape-2003 Marzocchi Marathon-XT cranks, shifters, F derailleur-Avid Single digit Mag levers-XTR V Brakes, R derailleur-Zeus Carbon seatpost-Flite TI gel seat-Carbon bars- Pink Oury grips-Crankbrother eggbeaters pedals-DT Swiss Hugi 240 wheels with XR4.1 Ceramic rims-Maxxis Ranchero fromt,Larsen TT rear with Stans Notubes. 21.5 lbs
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Submitted by
Rob Saraniero
a Racer
from Virginia
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2005
Strengths: I really like the consistency of the product both from a taste/liquid perspective and in the manner of the smooth energy release I receive from it. There are a lot of products on the market that claim to be based on the "long-chain complex carbohydrate" tip but this one is the one that works in my opinion.
Weaknesses: Honestly....there aren't any. It could be a personal preference thing but I doubt it.
Bottom Line:
Bottom line is that until Hammer goes out of business or there is an Einstein leap in nutritional science, I am going to be a Hammer Gel user. Do yourself a favor and give it a whirl. You won't regret it.
Similar Products Used: I have tried them all over the years from Gu, Cliff Shot, Hammer Gel, CarbBoom...you name it.
Bike Setup: Santa Cruz Superlight, Fox RLC 100, Shimano XT, Avid Brakes.
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Submitted by
Brian
a Racer
from Phoenix
Date Reviewed: January 26, 2005
Strengths: Tastes great and NO SUGARs. Mixes well with water. Best flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Plain, Raspberry. Mix Rasp wth Plain or Choc with Van are great!
Weaknesses: I always find my jugs empty!
Bottom Line:
This stuff rocks. I use it dilutes with water--it goes down very easily and washed out of the flask easier. A swig every 20-30 minutes will keep you going for ever. Add either Endurolytes, HEED, or Perpetuem for Hydration and Electrolytes and you're good to go for hours.
Bike Setup: Titus Racer-X--nothing else. SRAM, Magura, Fox, DT, King, FSA.
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Submitted by
Deanna Frank
a Racer
from Birmingham, Alabama, USA
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2005
Strengths: Tastes good, has a large variety of flavors. Seems to go down smoother than other gels I've used. Doesn't upset my stomach. Able to buy in large containers to put into flasks or in single packets.
Weaknesses: Can't think of any.
Bottom Line:
I like Hammer Gel over the other energy gels mainly because it seems to go down a little easier and it sits well. I've had a lot of stomach problems in the past during races and the Hammer Gel sits the best with me. I also like the flavors. My favorite is the banana and I normally don't like banana flavored things, but it tastes like banana pudding. I also like the fact that it can be bought in large containers as well as the single packets. I'm pretty sure it costs less than a lot of the other energy gels out there too.
Strengths: steady energy source, no ups and downs! Flexibily, mix and match flavors and water.
Weaknesses: ehh, it's sticky when you spill it on handle bars or gloves...
Bottom Line:
great product form a great company. No simple sugars equals steady energy without big kick then bonk. Great dispensers and multi serving flasks, no gel wrapper litter.
Similar Products Used: Gu, clif shot, power gel etc.
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Submitted by
Nancy Gworek
a Racer
from Buffalo, NY,USA
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2005
Strengths: Taste, texture and affordability. I also like the fact that it has no simple sugars (fructose)that can play havoc on your innerds especially during a long ride. It is also versitle. You can use it straight from the pouch or mix it in a water bottle for a nice refreshing taste and can even add some endurolyte powder for those long hot rides.
Strengths: Great taste, consistency, easy to digest, low sugar and the sugars that are there are complex--no insulin spike and/or subsequent crash
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
The raspberry flavor is the best for me. I use straight and as jelly on my PB&J sandwiches. Althought the bananna is good for that too. I like the espresso in the single serve packs for the caffeine from the middle to the end of long rides/ races for a little more oomph.
Similar Products Used: Have tried or used nearly all of the other gels at one time or another, and found them each lacking on some way.
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Submitted by
Karl W Keltner
from Liberty MO USA
Date Reviewed: January 6, 2005
Strengths: easily digested, low sugar, keeps energy levels stable (no highs or lows), I love the gel flask
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
I do ultra endurance events (Ironmans, ultrarunning) and have not found any products on the market that compare. I have tried them all! Anyone who is looking to improve personal performance and maintain consistent energy levels through those tough events needs to try this product. You won't be disappointed.
Similar Products Used: Gu, Power Gel, Cliff Shots, Accel Gel, Crank
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Submitted by
Bruce
a Racer
from Coeur d'Alene, ID
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2005
Strengths: Lots of tasty flavors, my favorite being Vanilla & Apple/Cinnimon! This stuff works great mixed with a little water in a flask to get me thru a 1 hour cross race.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
Hammer Gel is a great product as well as a good value since it is available in the jug size. Give them all a try!
Strengths: energy provided, ease of use, no waste, variety of flavors, taste
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
A great tasting carbohydrate gel that actually provides energy as promised. Very versatile and can be carried in a flask or mixed in a water bottle. Hammer Gel gives me the energy to perform my workout and complete my ride. I have needed HG just to get home on many occasions. Great to carry a flask while skiing as well.