These are for the time being (Oct 2022) not Hammer Flasks, but a cheap generic knockoff. No Hammer logo. Further it seems to be designed as a one-time use product� odd as it�s ships empty, and you have to break the ring seal to get the clear cap off. Then the lid itself doesn�t seem to be designed for multiple use either as it has these little one way tabs on the inside to resist opening. Finally, it came with an inventory sticker stuck to the side of it, so I needed to spend about 20 minutes cleaning the sticker gunk off the side.
It works, and does have the same serving measurements on the side as the Hammer flasks do � but for a $3 item, it still leaves you pretty disappointed.
It does its job of holding Hammer gel liquid and not creating landfill - I love that part! The clear lid is useless in practicality, not a fault of design, toss it in the trash. The volume it can release on a solid squeeze is low, very low, especially in winter temps. I have learned to suck and squeeze, yea dont tell my friends. Think if a gel pack, how fast you can pull in 2 ounces not possible with this flask. Store it nose down, that will help make the precious sugar evacuate better on demand. I use it on long slow distance days, which has value to me, never on race day or race rides.
This thing is inexpensive, it serves its purpose and is something I never leave behind on long ride days.
I first thought that it was going to be gimmicky, but after a few rides, I don�t know how I got along without it. Yes, it does not work very well if you use 5 gel packs to fill it, but reading online I found the trick is to cut the gels with additional fluid, I use coconut water, at most a 2:3 ratio of coconut water:gel, otherwise its a little too watery for my tastes. The people in my local riding group all asked about it, �wow! thats soo much easier than fighting packs on the road, having to precut things. Not going to miss keeping open/used gel packs in my pockets� etc. Simply put this product is cheap, easily cleaned in the dishwasher (upper rack), has never leaked on me and provides what I need, when I need it. Even if you try it and its not quite to your liking, it is a very small investment and it may just make your rides, that much easier.
The size and shape is easy to grab out of a jersey pocket. I like the flat on the bottom for filling. Cleans easily in the top rack of our dishwasher. The bonus for me is the the clear plastic cap works as a dust cap for the camelback podium bottle.
I use these to carry liquid carbs like molasses and grape juice concentrate to extend my rides past 90 minutes. They are the best flasks I've tried. They are bigger than the 2 other styles I have, squeeze easily, and their tops are easy to open and close and seal securely. I have 2 of them and they are always the ones I pick. Highly recommend.
I've dropped Gel packets during rides trying to tear open the packet with my teeth and one hand in order to keep one hand on the bars. This eliminates that risk all the while being able to store more fuel in one location. No more need to jam sticky used packets in your pockets.
I'm not a fan of gel packets. The empties are hard to keep track of and I find them difficult to open with teethone hand. I was hoping these little flasks would alleviate the problem and they do partially (no waste) but the gel can be messy (maybe it's just me!) and I end up with it al over my face.
No brainer. Get a Hammer Gel Flask and buy your gels in bulk. You will save money and you won't come home with a pocket full of sticky trash. Also, the Gel Flask is easier to open than most single serving gel packs.
Love using this instead of carrying 4, 5, or 6 gel packs. Gel pack tops can be more difficult to open and messy. This one bottle will easily hold 6 (even seven) 1.1 oz gel packs. Top is a bit stiff to open, but repeated use does help to make it easier to open.
