Energy Gels ?

[kfb]

Do any of you feel there is a "best" energy gel, or are they all basically the same product with varying flavors in your opinion?

Hammer, GU, e-Gel ..........?

[cycleprincess]

I use e-Gel because of the electrolyte levels mostly. This product has more electrolytes then the other ones I've researched, and it doesn't contain sucrose. I also like the honey stinger because, well it's just honey! But mostly I go with e-Gel. I like the flavors with the exception of "mountain rush". I nearly puked when I tried it the first time. Of course I can't stand the taste of Mountain Dew, which I think is the flavor they were going for. Overall though, IMO e-Gel is a superior product.

[MHR]

Do any of you feel there is a "best" energy gel, or are they all basically the same product with varying flavors in your opinion?

Hammer, GU, e-Gel ..........?

Best?
Try several of them (different brands/flavors) in your bricks - which ever works best for you, use it in a race if your feel you need it.

I have taken a gel in marathon (1), 1/2 Ironman Tri's (1) and Ironman Tri's (maybe 2-3) ....anything of shorter distance just don't make sence. I saw a girl in the Walt Disney Marathon that had a belt of maybe 10 gels around her waist - talk about overkill.

[jrennie]

IMO any sprint distance racing(tri,du,5k,10k) water and gels/powerbars are more of a physiological benefit, as it takes to long to get into the system to benefit you during the race.

[slisk]

For long distance, I like the gels. Some taste horrible and some are very good. Read the labels, there are some differences in calories and ingredients. Here are my ratings based on some that I've tried. The only criteria used is taste and texture.

Powergel straw/banana, raspberry creme, tropical fruit are great.
GU Espresso 2X caffeine, Banana Blitz are also great
Carboom orange and straw/kiwi are also very good

Avoid Clif Shots, nasty. Tastes like molasses soaked in cough syrup YUK!

Drink water with them instead of sports drinks. Some have caffeine and others do not. If you use them for a race, train with them as well.

Slisk

[RugbyToTri]

Whenever I use gels, I go with Accel gels. They contain some protein along with the sugars. From the research I have read, protein helps your body assimilate the carbs you take in. For electrolytes, I add some salt to my sports drink. I tried e-gels for the electrolytes but they just weren't enough (maybe I sweat too much). I have had problems with muscle cramps in anything lasting more than a couple hours. The salty sports drink has worked well in long training sessions. I have only done a couple sprint tris this year so I don't have any distance race data yet. Whatever you choose, try them in training first and be consistent in your analysis. Sampling one gel during a short tempo run and another on a LSD is only going to let you know about the taste.

[^*^BATMAN^*^]

I use CarBoom, i just eat them, I like the strawberry/kiwi, the apple/cinemon, and whatever else.......

I dont like power gel.

For an alternative you can try flat cola(if it is flat you dont get the carbonation) but get the energy from the sugar in it.

[kf5nd]

e-Gels is way better than the others in terms of electrolytes, but do stay away from Mountain Rush...

[Cromulent]

Hammer Gel. Lots and lots of Hammer Gel. Okay... some Hammer Gel. Like the chocolate, apple/cinnimon is okay. That's just me though.

[specialK]

Yeah personally I dont really know if using gels makes a huge difference in performance, but I will say that after I've taken one I really do feel like my endurance improves. Mostly I find that eating before (even say 3 hours)a nice long ride gives me a terrible stomach ache once I get home. Powergel(chocolate mmm) doesn't have this affect on me, so thats usually the main reason why I use it before a ride. Plus they are really convenient to carry in your shirt pockets.