Hammer Nutrition

I've been using Hammer Gel for years. 5 shot flasks (I don't like individual wrapper waste).

Been feeling the legs go as you go farther down the road? Pushed a little too hard on the hills and losing the energy to get back to town? Follow directions on bottle and use regularly.

In trouble and need SAG support? Bottle of H20 and dose accordingly!

NOT your primary source of fuel, a quick and reliable fuel to push through and get up the hill or get back to the barn. See Hammer Gel website for suggested usage.

The previous model had a much better top. Seemed higher quality and easier to use. Not sure why they changed it (cost?). The top of the current model is tight and more difficult to get on and off. Also. the pull top comes off of the new one I have regularly. This is not a deal breaker as you can push it back on easily. I would pay more for a higher quality flask. Possibly food grade silicone? I use this flask on longer rides with Hammer gel in it.

I've used this flask to carry a high-carbohydrate 'sugar-syrup' mixture for long race/ride fueling.

I prefer it to a similar capacity soft flask that I own.

I find the shape of the full soft flask more challenging when loading up my jersey pockets with other fuel at the outset of a long day. This product just works better for me.

Of course, as you consume the contents the soft flask will diminish in size. But, I find it prefer to work around the consistent shape of this hard flask rather than the shifting size variance of a soft one.

Leave the clear/transparent plastic cap that sits atop the 'nozzle'/mouthpiece at home. It is unrealistic to use that cap during a ride when you want to pull the flask from a pocket, sip from it, and return it to its place with one hand.

I actually switched to these gels a few years ago b/c I read an article by a triathlete scientist sort of person who ran tests measuring the amount of water you need to drink along with the gel it takes for various gels to be easily digestible. Supposedly more water = a bit harder on the GI system. Hammer Gels were some of the best in terms of needing less water. There were a few that were better but they were much more expensive brands.

I cannot tell you I totally understood the tests or their accuracy ..... but Hammer Gels have always been easy on my stomach even in high-temps, long rides, and high heart rates. Gonna just stick with them.