Positive Reviews:DOUBLE EXPRESSO Shot, Best in Class... | | Rating: |  | The Cliff Shot DOUBLE EXPRESSO is not to be confused with the other Clif Shots. The Double Expresso has a specific purpose and is in a class by itself. The Double Expresso is a unique product that should be sold in every sports oriented store and it should be more widely available. REI is the only cycle retailer in Santa Monica, California (a city of more bike shops than most in the USA) that carries the Double Expresso. The Double Expresso improves performance, but I do not really see the purpose of the other Shots. The Double Expresso is really one of Clif's top products and is not in the same category as the other Shots. It is really underrated and under recognized—it contains a concentrated dose of 100mg of Caffeine.
A key example of its benefits is this real life example: I recently raced by bike in the 110 mile Tour de Tucson. For the first few miles at 7 AM, I was strong because I trained and was ready, but dragging a bit—I needed to wake up! Now, I could have had a cup of coffee before the race—but who wants that liquid in your stomach before a race? May work for some—not me. 30 minutes into the race, I recalled that I had the Double Expresso on me. I tore it open while riding, and slowly sucked the formula out over the course of a few miles. It taste great (you really need to like a dark coffee taste), came out slowly enough that it was controlled and did not drip at all on me, and absorbed quickly and smoothly. Approximately 10 minutes later, I started to get that surge of energy without bloating and no need to stop for a port-a-potty like some others that drank the coffee. I will never race again or take any long marathon rides without The Double Expresso on me. It is as much a necessity as water. | | REI-Esq at REI on 01/01/2009 | Thick but good. | | Rating: | | Of the gels, this is my favorite overall. But if there is anything that I learned from endurance sports, it is that gels are a very personal item.
Yes, it is thicker. For warm weather (or when tucked in an inner pocket), I find that means it doesn't immediately gush out over my hands like the others. It tastes like flavored brown rice syrup, which I like. Double-espresso is my least favorite flavor but it has a purpose: I use it the morning of any race or long ride because I am addicted to morning caffeine but don't want to drink coffee for digestive reasons. During a race or long training (1.5+ hours), I use the non-caff version, like Razz, to help me to not feel overworked/tired.
I've even started keeping these in my desk at the office to work against the 3pm mini-bonk. It keeps me away from the vending machines and gets me home to dinner.
Like any gel, it goes best with a water chaser. (Or a non-sugar electrolyte replacement like Heed or Nuun.) | | phiguru at REI on 06/06/2008 | Pleasantly surprised | | Rating: |  | | I tried the Razz flavor first. I was worried about some comments re sweetness level, but in a fruit flavor, it didn't seem over the top. Reminded me of the jelly from jelly filled donuts (though I am speaking from long term memory). Didn't really notice a big boost, but it got me through an extended work out. The next one's going on the bike. I've tried Goo and couldn't handle the consistency, but this was fine. | | Road Chica at REI on 08/08/2009 | Great except for Double Expresso..... | | Rating: | | | Clif products are great and I have purchased them for years. However, the taste of the 'Double Expresso' is pretty harsh. I had to force that one down which is not the typical case for any Clif products. I suggest sticking with fruity flavors of Shot, then grab an artistically pulled espresso at your favorite coffee joint when you are done with your excursion. Cheers! | | Edwin in SLC at REI on 03/03/2008 | The only gel that matters | | Rating: | | | Love Clif Shot!! When I was doing marathons these were the only gels that my stomach could handle. I tried them all and these didn't leave me nauseous. I'm a big fan of Clif products due to the organic ingredients. I don't mind my kids eating these, which says a lot. I'll never go back. | | Spcmonspph at REI on 03/03/2008 | Like the flavor | | Rating: | | | I like Clif shots, and personally like this mango flavor, it's all a matter of opinion though. I also like the "leash" that holds on to the top that you tear off, so there aren't little pieces of trash to keep track of. | | dan a. at REI on 10/10/2008 | Razz is the BEST! | | Rating: | | | Gu stuff is tough to take down. This Clif Razz flavor is easy to swallow. It's like eating the raspberry filling in a panzki! | | waterski1977 at REI on 08/08/2009 |
| Negative Reviews:Pretty low on my list | | Rating: |  | Months ago I went out and bought two of almost every brand of gel I could find in the store. With long training runs and a lot of races I get to use gels fairly often. I recommend that you personally try a few different brands and flavors to find what works best for you. My taste buds and stomach say one thing, but yours say something completely different.
I do have to say that I am glad that they make most of their flavors without caffeine. And I think the “litter leash” is a great idea. But other than that I was very let down by Clif Shots. Most of the people who hate gels highly recommended the vanilla flavor to me. I had the hardest time getting it out of the tube and into my mouth. I ended up with a huge sticky mess. I also did not enjoy the vanilla flavor at all, but that is just my opinion. I later tried the apple pie it tasted better but I still had the same problems eating it. They seem very thick and dry to me. I won’t ever use them again, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t at least try it. | | Paddy the Ultra Kid at REI on 02/02/2008 | Tastes fine BUT sloppy to use | | Rating: | | | Flavor is OK and it does what it says it will do functionally and nutritionally. However, the compound is so liquid and loose that it's almost impossible to open a packet and consume without the risk of having it dribble or squirt out unintentionally all over your fingers or cycling gloves. I'll finish (carefully) the supply I have now but I won't buy any more. | | heydogrun at REI on 11/11/2009 |
Neutral Reviews:Good, but nothing special | | Rating: |  | | I got the Razz. First time I tried any kind of fluid/gel. Usually eat Odwalla/Clif bars. This Razz Gel is sweet and lightly flavored. Filled with plenty of carbs/sugar, bit of salt and potassium, and little of vitamins. Personally, it's nice (like eating packets of jelly) but nothing special. If priced equally, I would prefer a energy bar. | | Geobio B at REI on 09/09/2008 |
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