Hamilton Herald Masthead

Editorial


Front Page - Friday, June 18, 2010

What'll they dream up next?


Beerbelly



The Beerbelly is a stealthy way to sneak a beverage of choice into a place where drinks are over-priced and the lines are too long. - Photo provided
My dad is one of those guys who appreciates anything you do or get for him during the holidays. He has a goofy sense of humor and especially enjoys giving and getting gifts of tomfoolery.
Just a few days ago, I was going through some of my things I have stored away and found a gift my dad gave me several years ago for Christmas – a spring-filled plastic snake in a can, disguised as a can of peanuts. When it is opened, the unsuspecting peanut-craver will be surprised by the exploding action of the snake from the can. Um, thanks, Dad?
Because of his love of humor, I am left with a wide array of gift choices for each holiday. While it would be nice if I could always afford nice cologne, jewelry or tools, I know he will always get a good laugh out of a funny and occasionally practical gift like the Beerbelly.
What It Is
The Beerbelly is a stealthy beverage system reminiscent of a faux pregnant-woman suit without breasts or an apple-shaped man with a little extra weight around the gut. It has two parts – a 3-millimeter neoprene sling and a polyurethane bladder manufactured by the same company that makes the CamelBak bladders. The sling will fit users up to 6 feet 8 inches and a 40-inch waist size. The bladder will hold up to 80 ounces of fluid, hot or cold.
Pros and cons
The Beerbelly is a hilarious gift for anyone, man or woman. Its portability makes it an great item to use while at a ball game, movies or any other place you would like to be stealthy with sneaking a beverage, not that I am encouraging that. But imagine how much money you could save by sneaking in 80 ounces of beer to a ballgame rather than purchasing six over-priced beers from concessions after standing in line forever. It practically pays for itself after one use.
The Beerbelly can hold hot or cold beverages and has a wide mouth for easy cleaning or adding ice cubes. It would be a great core-warmer in the winter with spiced hot apple cider or it can help keep you cooler in the summer with ice water or beer and the optional Pleasure Extender cold or hot pack.
The neoprene suit is purported to be skin-like, so it might look and feel like the real deal under a shirt while going through standard security checks, but it probably is not a good idea to try to sneak one through airport security.
Image cannot be everything to a person who wants to wear one of these since it will give the user a portly appearance. Those people with built-in beer bellies larger than 40 inches in circumference may need to figure out another method of beverage procurement.
Women might not be as interested in the Beerbelly as a man would. Fortunately, the same company offers another product that is much more suitable for women – the Winerack. In brief, the Winerack is a sports bra with a built-in beverage reservoir that holds up to 25 ounces. When the user runs out of beverage, the bladder can be filled with air to maintain that busty appearance.
Where to buy
The Beerbelly and Winerack are available on www.thebeerbelly.com. A standard Beerbelly costs $34.95. The Pleasure Extender cold or hot pack is on sale for a summer special at $7.95, which is $2 off the normal price. The One Step Beerbelly Cleanser for the bladder is $9.95. You can get a bundle of the Beerbelly, Pleasure Extenders, and One Step Beerbelly Cleanser for $49.95 or purchase the Beerbelly Buddy Bundle to keep one bundle and give a second bundle to a friend for $89.95. Those ladies who are interested in the Winerack can also purchase one on the website for $29.95, but be sure to check the sizing chart first.
Submissions
Have you seen a quirky gadget that you would like me to review? Send me the details: misty@dailydata.com.