This post is a product review but first a word about ZumeNews, an email newsletter.

This is my first product review and after a couple of “test” runs which will be in the form of regular posts, all future reviews will arrive to subscribers as emails.

If you sign up for the ZumeNews, it will be all about product reviews. ZumeNews will arrive in your mailbox 2-4 times per month. There will be a whole mess of cool stuff like tech gadgets, clothing, shoes, recipes, fitness gear, guided walking tours, equipment, walking friendly cities, walking vacations – you name it. Everything I review, I have personally purchased and tested. I’ll give you my honest opinion and a full account of my experience with each product.
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You have my word on it.
I know that doesn’t mean much in today’s world.  All I can do is prove it to you.
MikeZ

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The Review: YakTrax Pro

My Rating: Two “ZZ” = OK.
This rating stands until further testing and a conversation with YakTrax customer service.

Rating system:

• One “Z“ = Terrible
• Two “ZZ“ = OK
• Three “ZZZ“ = Good
• Four “ZZZZ“ = Great
• Five “ZZZZZ“ = Awesome

In a nutshell:
YakTrax Pro is an “OK” product. I’m not convinced it would hold up to fast walking, jogging, running or nordic trekking for a whole winter season. My pair lasted two weeks, seven walks.  On the other hand, it is a good to great product, for getting to work on an icy sidewalk or leisurely walking the dog.

The story:
I bought the YakTrax Pro right after Christmas at the REI store for 30 bucks. Not cheap but not crazy expensive either. A good price point especially if they held up to a winter season of walking. A winter season is four to five months in the Washington, DC metro area.

The beginning:
I decided early that I would prepare myself for the winter season of walking in the snow and ice by purchasing these two items: YakTrax Pro and Leki Trekking Poles. This review is about YakTrax Pro.

How it works:
YakTrax Pro is placed on the bottom of your shoes, using a series of large rubber straps, surrounded by wire and a velcro band which goes over your shoe laces, securing everything in place. This strapping system worked great except for one part, the rubber and metal coil part, the part that makes contact with the snow and ice is the part that broke. One rubber and metal coil, on the right foot to be precise.

The middle:
I’ve woren the product seven times, walking about 25 miles. This morning, after about 4 miles and after giving a fellow walker (dogwalker) a glowing review of my YakTrax, they broke. Snap, crackle and pop! And unfortunately, I was a mile from my car. I was not happy. I stopped and kind of wrapped what was left of the broken wires back together and limped back to my car. When I got home, I called YakTrax and left a message with customer service. We’ll see if they call back and what action they take regarding the broken product.

The end:
Later that day, I drove to my local REI store and with just my REI membership number, I exchanged the YakTrax Pro’s for a new pair. We’ll see if the second pair holds up any better than the first pair.

Something positive:
I do want to say something positive about the product – it worked very well before they broke. I could move on the snow and ice with more confidence.  Along with my Leki Trekking poles I had a more enjoyable walk on the slippery surfaces. Please remember to be careful, walking with this or any similar product is dangerous. You’re not Superman.  You can still fall on your behind and getting injured is always a real possibility. Always use caution!

The best part:
While at REI doing my exchange, Samantha a REI employee and the person helping me, asked if I had seen a product called “STABILicer.” I said no, she proceeded online, found the product, asked me to step behind the counter to view the “STABILicer” online and we talked about all the particulars. How cool is that! Off I went, happily, on my way home to order the “STABILicer” which will arrive next week.  I’ll see if the “STABLicer” works better than the YakTrax.

A side note:
I love REI.  I’ve never had a bad experience at any store – ever.
REI was cool, way before Apple even knew how to spell “cool.”
And I love all my Apple stuff. The scary part is, they know me personally at “my” local Apple store.

Review:
Two “ZZ” = OK. Let’s see about the second pair.

Here’s a link to other reviews of this product: www.buzzillions.com

MikeZ – “reviews, reviews and more reviews coming your way”