The sports and fitness industries are teeming with cool product innovations intended to make activity more fun, competitive and effective. A great number of those are brought to market thanks to technological advancements relative to the materials utilized, the engineering employed, or both. This representative, tech-advanced assortment of sporty solutions will surely help ensure you’ve got game.

The Neptune MP3 Player (www.FinisInc.com) – $159.99
Neptune is a waterproof MP3 player that provides the highest quality sound in the water without the use of ear buds. Neptune uses revolutionary Bone Conduction audio transmission to transmit crystal clear audio through the cheekbones directly into the inner ear. With 4GB of storage, aquatic athletes and recreationists can listen to music, audiobooks, podcasts and more, all with incredible sound quality. The included charging cable also allows for quick song upload to the device. The 3-piece design has 2 side speakers and a high contrast OLED screen that sits comfortably on the back of the head. The screen shows the song, artist and play status for each use. Neptune attaches securely to goggle straps and rests on the cheekbones as to not interfere with swimming technique.

Fly6 (www.Cycliq.com) – $169
The Fly6 from Cycliq (pronounced cy-click) is a combination bike tail-light and an always on, rear-facing HD safety camera. It replaces an existing bike tail-light, flashing to ensure oncoming traffic and others are sure to see you. It also records in real-time whatever happens behind you as you ride, capturing what transpires in the event of an incident. Features include crisp, wide-angle HD video and audio recording, looping record for set-and-forget ease of use and incident production, nano-technology to withstand wet/adverse conditions and a 6-hour battery life. The device is intended to make motorists aware they’re being recorded in the hope that they provide bicyclists with additional space and respect while sharing the road, thus making road cycling safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

credit LIV Swiss Watches

LIV Genesis X1 Swiss Chronograph (www.LIVWatches.com) – $590 to $790
The LIV Genesis X1 is a bold new Swiss-made men’s watch that takes sports timepieces to a whole new level. The masculine, full-featured watch is solidly constructed, containing a multi layered dial, sapphire crystal, 1000-foot Water Resistance Level, screwed down crown and a screwed down caseback with screws. Also great looking, both the case and the bezel on the LIV Genesis X1 “classic” is constructed of stainless steel with black IP coating and has a sporty black and orange dial. The exquisite timepiece is available in various colors and can be purchased on either a silicone or genuine leather strap.

Casio Sports Watches:
BGA190-3B (http://www.baby-g.com) – $120.00
GA100CM-5A (http://www.casio.com) – $150.00
Inspired by beaches around the globe, Casio’s BGA-190 timepieces are another great option. This model simultaneously shows the Home time and World time, so it’s easy to keep in touch with family and friends no matter where you, or they, are. Also equipped with water and shock resistance and a stopwatch, these style-savvy timepieces are great for hiking the Himalayas and cruising the Caribbean! The Dual Dial World Time feature on this model makes it great for today’s jet-setting gal. You can view the time in your current location (main hands) and one other location (6 o’clock dial) at a glance, and swap the main and dial times by simply holding down a button. The colors of these models have been specially selected to fit right in at beach resorts, and the travel motifs is further accentuated by a jet plane minute hand in the dial and a world map design. For the more rugged sportster, G-SHOCK turns things up a notch with the GA100CM-5 by going all-over camo—including on the dial, itself! Casio’s GA100CM collection also has a woodland camouflage pattern for the band and case. Keeping true to G-SHOCK’s design ethos of Absolute Toughness, the GA100CM-5 features Magnetic Resistance, in addition to G-SHOCK’s renowned Shock and 200-meter Water Resistance.

Tech21 Evo Mesh Sport iPhone Case (www.Apple.com) – $39.95
The Evo Mesh Sport phone case line is reportedly the first on the market to feature colors identical to the Apple Watch Sport bands, providing fashion-conscious consumers with the ability to match their case to their watch. In addition to being designed to specifically complement Apple’s sleek watch band design, available in blue, green, pink, smoky black and white for the Apple iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, these cases also provide maximum impact protection without affecting phone performance. Designed to fit into an active lifestyle, the flexible cases wrap around the corners and back of the device in a stylish mesh pattern, providing a secure fit and feel. Tech21 products feature a highly advanced impact protection –material called FlexShock, which is an ultra-thin and lightweight material that absorbs and dissipates force and can withstand drops up to 6.6 feet. Pretty incredible given the sleek and minimalistic case design.

RunPhones Headphones (www.RunPhones.com) – Starting at $39.95
RunPhones headphones are extremely comfortable and secure headband headphones that are perfect for running and exercising. The product’s innovative, over the ear design features ultra-slim headphones embedded inside of a sporty, moisture-wicking, machine-washable headband. Unlike earbuds, these don’t completely block out exterior sounds, making them safer for running outside.  RunPhones are available in a classic corded version as well as a wireless BlueTooth-enabled version.  The thin, flat speakers inside the headband can be moved around so they fit perfectly over your ears. Once they are in place, they will stay in place! The company guarantees they’ll stay on better than any other sports headphones on the market. Fully water resistant, RunPhones are not afraid of rain or sweat (but do remove the speakers to run in the washing machine).

Unequal Halo (www.Unequal.com) – $29.99-$39.99
The Unequal Halo is a protective headband for youth soccer players with on-board TriDur and Accelleron technology. TriDur is a patented, elastomeric coated Kevlar fabric used by the military and law enforcement—it’s 5x stronger than steel, with virtually unmatched ability to absorb and disperse high impact energy. The Halo contours to any players’ head and looks just like a headband, while offering serious protection. Also fully adjustable, Unequal Halo Headgear comes in many colors and features both 6mm and 10mm thicknesses. US Woman’s Soccer Player Ali Krieger began wearing the Unequal Halo leading up to and during the 2015 FIFA World Cup due to suffering a concussion in April. She reportedly plans to wear it for the remainder of her playing career.

Under Armour Sunglasses (www.UnderArmour.com) – Starting at $64.99
Founded in 1996 by former University of Maryland football player Kevin Plank, Under Armour is known for being the originator of performance apparel—gear engineered to keep athletes cool, dry and light throughout the course of a game, practice or workout. The company also offers athletic-oriented sunglasses that certainly meet high performance standards. With advanced lens technology, Under Armour Eyewear helps the wearer see with speed, clarity, and laser focus. In fact, the lenses of this eyewear have been engineered in collaboration with the optics industry leader, ZEISS, which has achieved optimum optical performance through high-material pureness and long-term durability. In addition to its line for adults, like the Ranger Realtree camo frame design, the company also offers a variety of youth options like its Dynamo and Nitro L. All are strong enough to withstand impacts from an active lifestyle while still offering the adjustability and comfort that athletes demand.

RecoFit Compression Gear: Armcoolers and Sleeves (www.RecoFit.com) – $34.95
RecoFit Armcoolers provide the cooling benefits of Icefil technical fabric. Xylitol is embedded in the fabric and lowers the skin’s surface temperature by five degrees when activated by the evaporative process of wicking perspiration away from the skin. Air flowing over the sleeves creates the same cooling sensation. The Armcoolers also offer 50+ UPF sun protection so greasy sunscreen isn’t needed, a real bonus for those playing sports with clubs or bats and needing a good grip. Lastly, the sleeves give the arm muscles support with gentle compression. RecoFit’s calf compression sleeves also help you perform better and recover faster by improving circulation, reducing damaging muscle vibration, preventing swelling, delaying fatigue and speeding up post-exercise recovery. Constructed with a carbon-based, technical performance fabric, RecoFit calf sleeves have a negative ion charge that helps the blood uptake oxygen. The sleeves are left- and right-leg-specific, effectively providing gradient compression. RecoFit recommends using calf compression sleeves during exercise as well as post-exercise recovery.

MISSION AthleteCare (www.MissionAthleteCare.com) – Prices vary
MISSION AthleteCare’s line of EnduraCool products feature a proprietary performance fabric that instantly cools to approximately 30 degrees below the average body temperature. The product achieves this in under a minute when soaked with water or sweat, wrung out and then snapped in the air to activate the cooling properties. The fiber simultaneously wicks moisture away from the body so the fabric feels cool against the skin, not wet. The special cooling technology lasts up to two hours before needing to be re-activated and each of the machine-washable and chemical free wearables will continue to perform for as long as you need it. The product’s technology is ideal for all outdoor and sports-related activities and working out, allowing the athletes to feel cooler, go harder and enhance their performance. An added bonus is the built-in Ultra Violet Protection Factor (UPF50) that also provides sun protection when covering the skin. The collection provides fabrics in everyday fashion items, including baseball style caps, visers, head bands and wristbands in a variety of bright colors and patterns.

Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym and Bands Kit (www.PerfectOnline.com) – Starting at $19.95
Use your own body weight to build and strengthen your muscles. With the Perfect Multi-Gym you can do pull ups, chin-ups, sit ups, pushups and dips. No installation is needed, as the unique design protects your door frame so you can use it virtually anywhere. The package includes access to downloadable Navy SEAL designed circuit workouts. The company’s Perfect Bands Kit will also add versatility to your home or hotel room workout. The attach anywhere system allows users to attach the bands to the Universal Handles, pull up bars, or door frames using the included door anchor. Users create their own perfect level of resistance. Use the 10 pound and 15 pound Perfect Band individually or combine for up to 25 lbs of resistance. The options are almost endless, just be creative and find sturdy structures to add variety to your workout. Kit includes green band with up to 10lb resistance, red band with up to 15lb resistance, comfort grip handles, door anchor, mesh storage bag and downloadable workout guide.

Rollerblade’s Macroblade 84 (www.Rollerblade.com) – $159
Inline skating is a convenient, cost-effective and fun workout, and Rollerblade’s Macroblade 84 inline skate is an ideal all-around recreational fitness skate for beginner to intermediate skaters. An inline mashup of style and function, the skates are a technological marvel of form and function. The comfortable, supportive fit comes from the Macroblade’s signature two-layer combination of Form Fit liner footbeds and Soft True Wrap uppers. The cuff buckle strap and laces offer secure closure, while the skates’ 84mm wheels are medium size for speedy starts and moderate overall speed—great for a smooth ride outdoors! Smooth SG7 bearings combine for quick clean rolling. Overall, the light responsive aluminum frame provides quick performance. Up the workout ante by getting lower down on your skates to target your glutes. Increase your speed to help sculpt your quads.

Nerf FireVision Ignite Sport Line (Nerfoop, Football, Flying Disc) (www.HasbroToyshop.com) – starting at $14.99
Nerf’s hot line of FireVision Ignite products will give you full control of your playing environment, even during the night! The Nerfoop, Football, and Flying Disc, developed by Hasbro, gives users an added level of excitement with the ability to play sports competitively in the dark. With the FireVision Ignite line, you can watch as you drain a last-second 3 pointer, throw a perfect touchdown pass, or see your disc sail through the sky, all in the cover of darkness. The Nerf FireVision Ignite Nerfoop Set is a high-performance Nerfoop backboard, hoop and net that can hang on a door or wall in seconds. When you take your shot, both the ball and the rim glow with a fiery blast of light! The Nerf FireVision Ignite Football lights up the night as it flies through the air, while the Nerf FireVision Ignite Flying Disc glows as it sails away. All 3 are perfect for summer nights, camping trips and all around outdoor family fun. Hasbro is proud to be recognized for its accomplishments in environmental sustainability, product safety, ethical manufacturing and philanthropy.

Board Blazers Underglow Skateboard Lights (www.BoardBlazers.com) – $24.99
Instantly customize and trick out your ride with Board Blazers’ LED Underglow Skateboard, Longboard, and Scooter Lights! Small and sleek, these lights cast bright, vivid ground effects beams sure to get you noticed. Super lightweight and concealed until you manually turn them on, Board Blazers enhance the look of the board without detracting from performance. Compatible with all types of skateboards, longboards, and scooters, each package contains four (4) lights of the same color. Each includes small, long-lasting, easily replaceable lithium batteries. While they certainly have the cool factor, they also enhance rider safety by making them more visible at night.

PowerWrapz LED Safety Lights (www.4id.com) – $24.95
Another great way to illuminate your way to safety is with PowerWrapz—LED safety lights that can be strapped onto a bike frame, helmet, handlebar, bike seat, tent, backpack, stroller or buggy, an umbrella, hiking or ski poles—the list is endless. PowerWrapz are perfect for anyone who jogs, bikes or walks at night, for a mom or dad pushing a stroller, a student bicycling to or from school, a dog owner walking the family pet, just about any situation where you are out in the open at night and want to be plainly visible to passing drivers. This item will better assure the personal safety and comfort of everyday active people from weekend warriors to full-time athletes while they work toward their goals.

KoolerCap (www.KoolerCap.com) – Starting at $19.95
A cooler is a sideline staple, and now you can extend the life of the ice in your cooler by up to 30 percent! Weighing only a few ounces, KoolerCap is a specially formulated closed cell, lightweight foam insulation material that seals ice and perishables from the unused cooler cavity. As each cooler has its own interior dimensions, each KoolerCap is custom trimmed by the customer to fit their individual container. The KoolerCap is designed to compress along the interior walls and corners of the cooler, sealing the ice and perishables from the cooler cavity. After accessing drinks or perishables within the cooler, simply slide the KoolerCap back down to the top of the ice and perishables, resealing them.

Enzymedica Digest Gold (www.Enzymedica.com) – starting at $29.99
Here’s a great way for athletes and fitness enthusiasts to get the most gain out of their all-important nutritional game with a technically-advanced supplement. The makers of Enzymedica Digest Gold report that it is the top-selling digestive enzyme in the natural products industry since it uses an advanced enzyme formula to break down carbohydrates, fats, fiber and protein. Enzymedica, a true pioneer in the enzyme nutrition industry, believes that enzymes may be the most important innovation in digestive health since probiotics. With their special Thera-blend process, Enzymedica enzymes are reported to work 3x stronger and 6x faster once they are ingested than other leading brands. This is to help the body better absorb vital nutrients from food, convert food into energy, and promote optimal digestive health and overall wellness. It can also ease occasional gas, bloating, indigestion and irregularity. The product is filler free, gluten free, soy free, non-GMO and vegan.

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided at no cost and/or arranged to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way as per the disclosure policy on our “Legal” page***