Gear worth training in

Hands-on reviews of the shoes, gear, wearables and recovery tools that help hybrid athletes train and perform better — rated on features, quality, design and price.

• PROIRON Hex Dumbbells (Rubber-Encased Steel, 3–24 kg) — The PROIRON hex dumbbells are the fitness-equipment equivalent of a reliable, unglamorous training partner: they show up, they don't complain, and they don't stink up your living room. Solid steel core, friction-welded handle, thick rubber shell, and — despite the name — twelve flat sides rather than six. For the hybrid athlete who needs dumbbells that survive being set down hard after a brutal set of devil presses, and who values not having to explain a rubber smell to their flatmate, these are one of the best value-per-kilo options on Amazon.de. The catch is the one every fixed dumbbell shares: you'll want more of them soon.
• Apple Watch Ultra 3 — The Apple Watch Ultra 3 might be the best smartwatch a hybrid athlete can strap on. Brilliant screen, class-leading GPS, and enough battery to survive a long weekend of abuse. Just don't expect it to out-nerd a Garmin on training load, and definitely don't remortgage the house for the upgrade if you already own an Ultra 2.