Real Sports enthusiasts tend to be gearheads.

They want the best equipment, and there’s a reason. Quality gear works better, lasts longer, and gives more sporting pleasure than a bargain that wears out quickly. Here are some tips on great gear and where to get it. By Dee Macaluso

Biking

The hottest trends are 29ers: 29 inch wheels with more absorption, stability, traction and control, and functional casual wear that look like shirts you could wear to lunch or dinner, but have wicking materials, vents and zip pocket features cyclists are looking for. Another craze: free riding and the bikes to handle it. Jans, White Pine Touring, Silver Star Ski & Sport and Cole Sport sell and rent top 29ers and free ride bike, with experts to find your perfect fit.

Fishing

Field and Stream’s picks—Best New Spinning Reel: Pinnacle Performa XT; Best New Fly Rod: Redington Pursuit; Best New Fly Reel: Waterworks-Lamson Vanquish. Sage reels win lots of user votes too. Trout Bum 2 is an excellent source for top gear. Jans has a full array to buy and rent as well.

Golf

Titleist and Callaway woods, Ping irons and putters repeatedly rate gold in Golf Digest’s Hot List. Park City Golf Club pros can match you with clubs to buy or rent. Wolf Summit Golf carries a solid collection too.

Hiking

The newer hiking shoes are lighter and great for day trips but serious treks require sturdier boots. La Sportiva, Salomon and Vasque are among many good brands. Check out Jans, Cole Sport and Silver Star Ski and Sport’s wide variety. You’ll need water, and the best carrier is a hydration pack or hydration/backpack combo by Camelback or Osprey. Find them at White Pine Touring.

Paddle Boarding

The latest toy? Paddle boards for the new sport of Stand-up Paddling (SUP). RAMP is proud to offer C4 Waterman Stand-up Paddleboards which are made with rigid air-core technology. These rough-and-ready surf/paddle boards are pliant enough to bounce off rocks, yet still deliver hard product performance and reliability. Simply take the board out of its backpack, inflate it with its pump to surf waves, lakes or rivers. At the end of your trip, deflate it; breakdown the 3-piece paddle and throw it in your backpack. Paddle board gear can be bought or rented at Coles and Silver Star Ski & Sport.

Everything Else

Park City is a great place to shop because most sales people are avid users who know their stuff. The best products are not always the most expensive. Buy what you can afford. It’s better to get out and play with anything than to not play at all. In the end, your most important piece of equipment is your own body, so get it in gear.

Where to Shop

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