Dad may not move as fast as he used to, and it may take him a little longer to recover from the company softball game, but at least he's still getting out there.
To show dad you appreciate the fact that he can still swing with the best of them, here are a few gift ideas to help up his game.
Easton Sports Stealth Tri-Zone Bat & Premier Select Glove
Softball season is in full swing, and whether he’s goofing around in the office rec league or playing for keeps with some serious sluggers, you don’t want dad to be the guy that shows up and has to borrow a glove or take any old random bat to the plate. Enter Easton, with their latest line of products, giving him the tools to at least look like a legit baller.
The new Stealth Tri-Zone Slow-Pitch Bat offers heavy-duty power – a hitting area rating of 100 – in a lightweight, easy-to-rip package. Easton’s patented IMX technology offers aerospace grade fibers layered into the bat for maximum hitting and no vibration - they’re giving you a bigger sweet spot to handle all the junk you see at the plate.
For the field, Easton’s Premier Select Glove gives you hand-selected premium-grade double-tanned Kip Leather, a contoured index finger channel lined with sheepskin and reinforced stitch lining for additional strength and ideal pocket length. In other words, you better catch the damn ball with this glove.
-- Elliott Smith
www.eastonbaseball.com
RAYSKIN Surfboards and Snowboards
If dad likes to hang ten, and you’ve got the coin to make his wave riding time pure heaven, check out RAYSKIN’s sweet line of surfboards and skate decks. With plenty of research in hydrodynamics, surfboard history, and interviews with avid new and old school surfers, RAYSKIN has been able to create one-of-a-kind boards of art and maneuverability.
Consider their mission statement: “Every RAYSKIN board is created with action, performance and style in mind. The designers at RAYSKIN set out to build a beautiful and aesthetically pleasing, archival, performance surfboards, snowboards and cruiser skate decks with laser precision. They are bringing these action sports closer to their roots via a resonate, natural experience by using some of the most beautiful woods available.”
Surfboards (and snowboards) start at $1,500 and can run up to $17,000. They’ll even custom make one for dad.
-- Gabrielle Nicole Pharms
www.rayskin.com
Cy Fi Bike Speakers
Anyone who’s ridden a bike and attempted to listen to music has likely come to a definitive realization: headphones and bikes don’t mix. It’s quite the conundrum: enjoy your music and risk having those headphone wires cut off vital circulation, or skip the music and listen to the sweet, sweet melodies of blaring horns and skidding tires. Both suck.
This little dilemma is certainly not limited to you alone, so you just knew
someone would swoop in and solve it for good. That someone is Cy Fi.
Available in two separate systems, a Bluetooth and an iPod version, Cy Fi is the definitive (and sleek) wireless speaker for dad’s bike. Pop the transmitter into your iPod, clamp the speaker to your stem and use the oversized controls for seamless, on-the-fly tune adjustment.
The Bluetooth version synchs with your favorite Bluetooth-A2DP device and even allows you to make and receive phone calls without having to grasp desperately at the handlebars with one hand.
-- Chris Weiss
Bluetooth version: $149
iPod version: $159. (Tip: iPod version works for “all” iPod models... except the Shuffle, Mini and iPhone.)
www.mycyfi.com
OGIO Bus Bag
For those times when dad just needs to get his game on out of town, there's the OGIO Bus Bag.
With a cavernous 7,500 cu. in. capacity to hold anything dad might need on the road, it's also got a retractable pullman handle, oversized urethane wheels to take the punishment, and multiple grab handles so dad doesn't slip a disk reaching for his cleats. All in a bag that skirts the maximum dimensions allowed for dad to carry this monster on board with him.
And should he choose to check it, a detachable compartment with shoulder strap, snaps off, to let him bring the important stuff with him.
www.ogio.com
Fantasy Baseball Sherpa
Do you have a competitive Dad who agonizes over his fantasy baseball team looking for an edge all summer? Get him a personal Sherpa to guide him to victory next season.
The Fantasy Baseball Sherpa is the brainchild of Scott Swanay. A Harvard grad who applied his education and years of experience as an actuary, the site separates itself from the competition by allowing dad to input his specific league settings, and then tailoring the player rankings and projections.
The format is intuitive and answers come quickly. Also coming soon to the site are a Roster Analyzer and a Trade/Free Agent evaluator. In season player projections for baseball are $24.95 and football preseason player projections and rankings are $19.95.
-- Ryan Coombs
www.fantasybaseballsherpa.com
Adivista From Adidas Eyewear
Keep dad sharp on the course, in the sun or in the shade, with the Adivista sport shades from Adidas.
The photochromic lens responds to varying light levels, letting dad follow his tee shot, and read the greens with surprising accuracy for an old guy, while the traction grip and proprietary Flex Zones keep them in place comfortably. (So he doesn't blame blowing that 6 footer on sliding shades.) And they're Rx ready, so he can finally toss those ridiculous clip ons he's been wearing around the clubhouse.
$190
shop.adidasgolf.com
MBT Footwear
Over the years your dad’s put a lot of miles on his body, so why not get him a gift that will give him a healthy boost with every step he takes?
Using patented technology that mirrors walking barefoot in sand, and inspired by the way the Masai tribe of Kenya walk, MBT Footwear offers comprehensive health benefits without sacrificing style.
These aren’t some clunky orthotics that a doctor might provide – no, MBTs are sleek, casual shoes that will work wonders just by standing in them.
Without getting into high school biology territory, let’s just say that the science behind MBTs focuses on engaging the core muscles, limiting harmful impact to joints, improving posture and toning muscles. All stuff that’ll keep dad on the court or course for a long time to come.
-- ES
The Safiri line (right) retails for $215 and the Tembea (left) goes for $235.
www.thewalkingcompany.com
Rapala Giant Lure
You’re sitting around with your buddies/Dad/Grandpa and before too long everyone starts telling stories. Walking to school in the snow uphill. Scoring the game winning touchdown after breaking 50 tackles. Hooking up with the entire cheerleading squad.
The perfect centerpiece to jump start these tales is the Rapala® Giant Lure. At 2 1/2 feet long it's made to be displayed anywhere fish tales are told.
So break out the scotch and start convincing people that you caught a great white with that very lure. In your swimming pool.
-- Jeff Boone
$49.99.
www.rapala.com
Softspikes Golf Ball Alignment Tool
Sometimes dad just needs get his balls in line. And when he does, Softspikes has just the tool to do the job.
The only tool that marks both sides of the ball, with the added bonus of not needing batteries or a power cord, it let's dad draw a swing path reminder line to promote a proper swing path, and a putter squareness line to keep his putter face square through impact. It holds a Sharpie mini and clips right to dad's bag, for easy access.
$6.99
www.softspikes.com