How does the B-Lax Blast Lacrosse Trainer enhance player performance. What makes it different from traditional training methods. Why are coaches and players praising this innovative lacrosse tool.
The Game-Changing B-Lax Blast: Revolutionizing Lacrosse Training
The B-Lax Blast Lacrosse Trainer has emerged as a groundbreaking tool in the world of lacrosse, offering players of all skill levels an innovative way to hone their abilities. This unique device is designed to provide a dynamic and efficient training experience, addressing many of the limitations associated with traditional practice methods.
Key Features of the B-Lax Blast
- Portable and versatile design
- Promotes proper throwing technique
- Simulates game-like situations
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Adaptable for players of all ages and skill levels
One of the most significant advantages of the B-Lax Blast is its ability to provide immediate feedback on throwing technique. The device’s unique design ensures that players must execute proper form to achieve successful repetitions, effectively reinforcing correct muscle memory and mechanics.
Enhancing Skills Through Targeted Practice
The B-Lax Blast offers a range of benefits that contribute to overall skill development in lacrosse. By allowing players to focus on specific aspects of their game, this training tool accelerates improvement in several key areas:
Improved Hand-Eye Coordination
Regular use of the B-Lax Blast has been shown to enhance hand-eye coordination, a crucial skill in lacrosse. The rapid return of the ball challenges players to react quickly and accurately, mimicking the fast-paced nature of game situations.
Perfecting Throwing and Shooting Techniques
The device’s design naturally encourages proper throwing mechanics. Players must release the ball correctly through the strings of their stick to achieve optimal results, reinforcing good habits and muscle memory.
Developing Ambidexterity
One of the most praised features of the B-Lax Blast is its ability to help players improve their weak-side skills. By dedicating just a few minutes a day to weak-side practice, players can see significant improvements in their overall game.
Versatility for All Skill Levels
A key strength of the B-Lax Blast is its adaptability to players of various ages and skill levels. From beginners to seasoned professionals, the device offers valuable training benefits:
For Novice Players
Young or new players can use the B-Lax Blast to develop fundamental skills in a controlled environment. The immediate feedback helps reinforce proper technique from the outset, setting a strong foundation for future development.
For Intermediate Players
As players progress, the B-Lax Blast can be used to refine more advanced skills. Its versatility allows for the practice of various shots and passes, helping players expand their repertoire and become more well-rounded athletes.
For Advanced Players
Even seasoned players and professionals find value in the B-Lax Blast. The device’s ability to simulate game-like situations and provide high-intensity repetitions makes it an excellent tool for maintaining and sharpening skills at the highest level.
Overcoming Traditional Training Limitations
The B-Lax Blast addresses several challenges associated with conventional lacrosse training methods:
Space Constraints
Unlike wall ball or partner drills, the B-Lax Blast requires minimal space. This makes it ideal for players who live in urban areas or have limited access to large practice spaces.
Weather Dependencies
The device’s compatibility with indoor use allows players to train regardless of weather conditions, ensuring consistent skill development throughout the year.
Ball Retrieval Efficiency
One of the most time-consuming aspects of traditional practice is retrieving missed shots or passes. The B-Lax Blast eliminates this issue, allowing players to maximize their practice time with continuous repetitions.
Expert Endorsements and User Testimonials
The effectiveness of the B-Lax Blast is evident in the positive feedback it has received from coaches, players, and parents across the lacrosse community:
Professional Endorsements
Mike O’Neill, a four-time All-American from Johns Hopkins and U.S. Lacrosse Team member, praises the B-Lax Blast for its ability to simulate dynamic, game-like situations. He emphasizes its effectiveness in improving weak-side skills with just minutes of daily practice.
Coaching Perspectives
Coach Roy Reynolds of the Walton Jr. Lacrosse U15 senior Select team highlights the device’s versatility, noting its suitability for players of all levels and its effectiveness for indoor training during inclement weather.
Parent and Player Feedback
Users of all ages have reported significant improvements in their skills and enjoyment of practice. Parents appreciate the device’s ability to keep young players engaged, while adult players value its convenience and effectiveness for maintaining skills.
Integrating the B-Lax Blast into Training Regimens
To maximize the benefits of the B-Lax Blast, players and coaches can incorporate it into their training routines in various ways:
Daily Skill Maintenance
Dedicating just a few minutes each day to B-Lax Blast drills can help maintain and improve fundamental skills, especially during off-seasons or periods of limited team practice.
Targeted Weakness Improvement
Players can use the device to focus on specific areas of their game that need improvement, such as weak-side throws or quick-release shots.
Pre-Practice Warm-Up
Incorporating the B-Lax Blast into pre-practice routines can help players get into the right mindset and prepare their muscles for more intensive drills.
Team Training Sessions
Coaches can integrate B-Lax Blast stations into team practices, allowing for efficient skill work while other drills are taking place.
The Future of Lacrosse Training
As the sport of lacrosse continues to grow in popularity, innovative training tools like the B-Lax Blast are poised to play an increasingly important role in player development. The device’s ability to provide efficient, targeted practice aligns well with modern training philosophies that emphasize quality repetitions and skill-specific work.
Potential for Technological Integration
Looking ahead, there is potential for further enhancements to the B-Lax Blast concept. Integration with mobile apps or wearable technology could provide players with even more detailed feedback on their performance, allowing for more precise skill analysis and improvement tracking.
3_2023-06-19_23-19-55.webp)
Expanding Accessibility
As awareness of the B-Lax Blast grows, it has the potential to make quality lacrosse training more accessible to players in areas where the sport is still developing. Its portability and versatility make it an ideal tool for introducing new players to the fundamentals of the game.
The B-Lax Blast Lacrosse Trainer represents a significant advancement in lacrosse training technology. By addressing common challenges in traditional practice methods and providing a versatile, effective tool for skill development, it has earned praise from players, coaches, and parents alike. As the lacrosse community continues to embrace innovative training approaches, the B-Lax Blast is well-positioned to play a crucial role in shaping the future of player development at all levels of the sport.
Reviews
Coach Roy Reynolds of the Walton Jr. Lacrosse U15 senior Select team
This is a great tool for lacrosse players of all levels. The potential for self improvement skyrockets as you can really get the reps in without having to chase missed balls. I even use mine indoors when the weathers bad. Great Product
Mike O’Neill: 4 Time All American John’s Hopkins, US Lax Team Member, Asst. Coach U of Delaware, U of NC, & Brown
We checked out the B-Lax Blast – it’s a great lacrosse training product & way different than a wall because it’s dynamic & fast like game situations. Just 2 minutes a day will improve your weak side drastically.
Tina NY
So, as a coach I thought it would be a great item for the 3rd and 4th grade kids to practice with. They could get used the easier b-lax drills and work up to harder drills as years passed. We got 30 b-lax’s for the 3rd and 4th grade program, and the kids love them!
James – Over 60 and still playing … NY
You will remember me as the too tall for his hair ref from the placid tournament. My son loves the Blast I brought back for him from the tournament. I recently spent 12 days working security at the NY State Fair. I was stationed at a relatively boring spot and spent much of my time working on my “stick skills” with the blast. I could have sold a bunch of Blasts that day and I know for a fact that several were ordered from your site from the people who saw me using the ball. Incidentally, I was working near the Indian Village. Even the Native Americans were impressed. Can I get a wholesale price for some of the coaches I know?
JoJo WAR DRUMMER for The Denver Outlaws, Coach as well as BigTime Lacrosse player
!WOW! The ingenious B-LAX Blast is helping my son and me Better our overall “LAX” skills, reflexes, and even our “Blast” shot for future goal attempts all while working hard but NOT even realizing it because it’s so much fun!!! It got dark out before we knew it–crazy cool–! I’ll most definitely pass AND show this totally awesome lax device around!!! ALL Lacrosse level players gotta get the B-LAX Blast.
MUCH RESPECT to Stefan & the B-LAX Team for their great customer service & crazy great price….
Mary, NY
When I had told another team mother about this item she wanted me to order her son one as well. He intern loves his, and also plays with his daily.
Chris, Massachusetts
The B-Lax System works great! Thanks!
Brian, Massachusetts
Hey B-Lax, wow! thank you so much, the kids are improving everyday with the product, they were frustrated at first, but they realized the release has to be perfect or the cord will wind around the head/shooting strings. It really does emphasize the proper throwing technique, so thanks again,
Best regards,
MM – Canada
Guys That is awesome. The boys love them… You are by far one of the best companies I have ever dealt with as far as customer service goes.
Trust me. that is a lot coming from me, as I have worked as a professional buyer for a subsidiary of ( A Major Retailer) – dealing with large multinational manufactures.
My boys are twin 6 year olds soon to be 7 year olds, and just about to start their 2nd year of Box Lax. They love the game and love just practicing. The B-lax has helped them improve their overall hand eye co-ordination as well as their throwing/shooting, and definitely the targeting with the pop can drill.
All I can say is great work guys! Thank You and all the best!
Jannie, Maryland
Hello – It arrived on December 29th for my son and for my nephew, both who are still absolutely thrilled. My son now has his and thinks it’s amazing, he’s almost 20 and has been playing lacrosse since he was 5 and can’t believe it took this long for a product like this to come out!
Take care,
KC, Long Island, NY
There was virtually no learning curve on this and I was rifling this ball around immediately.
I’ve played a fair bit of lacrosse, but it’s still pretty simple. My 6 year old had the bounce and catch on the first try, and he’s about at a 50% catch rate. When his throwing motion is correct, he’s closer to 100%. Again, this is a primary benefit of the tool in the first place.
Not sure if it was designed intentionally to do this, but it basically makes you throw properly (through the strings, not sidearm) at first before you can jump up to some of the advanced stuff. For anyone that’s played a decent amount of lacrosse, the “advanced” stuff is pretty easy right out of the gates. Would (and already have) recommend this to anyone.
Congratulations on a Great Product and thank you for the improved buffer B-Lax Attachment clip…
Ivan (Sandy) Drechsler USA
I wanted to tell you what a pleasure it brings to me to have your product. I live in rural Southern Arizona i.e. the Sonoran desert where little is paved and no grass , mostly pebbles and rock as a surface.
To find a good wall is next to impossible and the popularity of the game is minimal.
My 1969 Championship undefeated team was recently inducted into the St.Paul’s School Hall of Fame in Baltimore last October, so the game has been top of mind recently for me. A well placed google ad snapped my attention to your product and I have been in lacrosse heaven ever since! Great delivery and great service! Go forth and prosper!!!
Regards
Joseph, Troy NY
Thank you, I’m getting the order of ten as a gift to my sons team mates, as this is his last year of High School. He was given one (b-lax) by a friend at summer training and loves the thing, so we are passing it on.
Mike, Lake Placid NY
Hi, long time no talk, as predicted the mail finally arrived last night and bingo the first package you sent was delivered. It took about 10 minutes before my son was outside trying to fire the ball.
He loves the rebounder. I can’t thank-you enough for taking time to talk to me. So, I appreciate your superb customer relations and I will recommend your device and company to everyone in our lacrosse circle.
Thanks again, you made one little guy very happy.
Lisa, Ontario, Canada
I must say I purchased your product for my daughter who plays Tyke rep on an all boys team and she LOVES it. It caused such a reaction that several other kids on the team purchased it as well., so Kudos to you, great product! …. We just came off our Ontario provincial tournament and my daughter had her B-Lax on her between games practicing with it, well several dozen parents from across Ontario asked about your product and where to purchase it, so I passed on your info.
Thanks,
Shannon, Alberta, Canada
Hello – I ordered your product and the kids are going crazy with it. I’m pretty sure I could sell hundreds of them!
Thank you !!!
Robert, Leesburg, VA
Thank you! Awesome product!
Landon, Medicine Hat, Alberta Canada
Received (the product) on friday, thank you very much.
My son loves it and the coaches here think its just dandy to use for hand eye co-ordination.
Kind Regards,
Brenda B. Monument, Colorado
I have recently purchased two b-lax lacrosse trainers, one for my son and one for my daughter, both of whom are twelve. They absolutely LOVE using it! They are both using it to increase their skills in ways that just passing and wall balls could never do. Thanks for such a versatile training tool that can be used for the different skill levels that my kids have. Worth every penny!
Matt – MA. Girls Lacrosse Program
B-Lax – Thanks so much for the 30 B-Lax Blasts. The girl’s teams just love them. I have them working on their weak side for 5 minutes to start each practice. It’s a great new way to train and a great new product. Best to you and the company.
Jennifer Littleton, CO
We saw your booth at the Jamboree this weekend and our kids tried out your product.
We were rushing off to a game and then came back on Sunday afternoon after our 1:30 game and you guys had already left. Can we purchase 2 of your B-LAX BLASTS? We live in Littleton, CO and are not sure if we can pick up the product from you locally or if you have to mail it. Kids were so disappointed that you guys were gone. Thanks for your help.
B-Lax N30 tablets | Tervisepüramiid
SKU: 100316
Categories: Atheltes, Brain activity, Immune system, Men, Stress relief, Vitamins, Women
Food supplement
B-Lax contains a large amount of all the B-group vitamins, improving the central nervous system and relieving stress. B-group vitamins play a very important role in cell metabolism. B-vitamins also improve the metabolism of your skin and hair, helping to keep them healthy and radiant.
The vitamins B1, B2 and B6 help the body produce energy and reinforce the central nervous system.
Vitamin B3 improves the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and protein. Vitamin B7 is especially useful for collagen metabolism in the skin, contributing to youthful complexion.
Regular consumption of B-Lax improves metabolism processes in your entire body and reduces stress.
EFFECT
- Vitamin B6 contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system
- Pantothenic acid contributes to mental performance
- Vitamin B2 is good for your skin
- Vitamin C protects your cells from oxidative stress
Daily dosage contains: mg/per tablet %NRV*
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) 80 mg 100
Vitamin B1 (thiamin hydrochloride) 20 mg 1818
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) 20 mg 1429
Vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) 20 mg NE 125
Vitamin B5 (D-calcium pantothenate) 15 mg 250
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochlorid) 15 mg 1071
Vitamin B7 (D-biotin) 100 µg 200
Folic acid (pteroylmonoglutamic acid) 400 µg 200
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) 5 µg 200
* Nutrient Reference Values for adults.
INGREDIENTS
Anti-caking agent microcrystalline cellulose, L-ascorbic acid, thiamin hydrochloride, riboflavin, nicotinamide, D-calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochlorid, anti-caking agent magnesium stearate, D-biotin, pteroymonoglutamic acid, cyanocobalamin, stabiliser hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, food colorant iron oxide.
DOSAGE
1 tablet a day, swallow with water.
WARNING
Suitable for use from the age of 10. Do not exceed the amount for daily consumption! The food supplement does not replace a varied and balanced diet. Keep out of the reach of children. Keep dry and at room temperature.
Best before: See the box
Producer: KURM Pharma ApS, Ferrarivej 12, 7100 Vejle, Denmark
Net weight: 15 g
TOP 30 games for weak PCs and laptops worth playing
If you are fond of computer games, then you probably feel a sense of nostalgia, remembering one of your favorite old games.
Do you think that today it will be difficult to play hits from the past, since the “ancient” graphics will kill all the impressions? Not at all. Old masterpieces are even now played with interest and nostalgia.
Representatives of our top:
- Sacred 2: Fallen Angel
- Warcraft 3: The Frozen Throne
- Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3
- Need for Speed: Underground
- Need for Speed: Underground 2
- Condemned: Criminal Origins
- Max Payne 1
- Max Payne 2
- Sims 3
- Battlefield 1942
- Forager
- Terraria
- Half Life 2
- Left4Dead 1
- Left4Dead 2
- Euro Truck Simulator 2
- Titan Quest
- Unreal Tournament 2003
- Quake 3 Arena
- Counter Strike 1.6
- Doom 1993
- Doom 3
- Fallout 3
- S. T. A. L. K. E. R: Shadow of Chernobyl
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
- Silent Hill: Homecoming
- Heroes of Might and Magic III
- Hotline Miami
- Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number
- Plague Inc: Evolved
Legendary hack-and-slash game.
At one time, it was a full-fledged replacement for Diablo 3 and was able to compete with this giant in all respects. Our top games for weak PCs open with the Sacred 2: Fallen Angel project for a reason: the fact is that it is still playable and looks amazing. Check it out yourself! A rich fantasy-style open world full of mysteries and dangers awaits you.
Warcraft 3 gave rise to the now popular DotA 2, tournaments in which collect tens of millions of dollars in prize money. It was The Frozen Throne that instilled interest in this genre and gave rise to the amazing world of World of Warcraft.
Games
Strategy games on PC with development and building: ranking of the best games in 2021
A classic strategy that literally immediately plunges you into your world with your head.
Work again?
Continuation of the cult Red Alert 2, the cut-scenes of which simply killed with their humor.
The name of the game is translated as “Red Alert”. A reference to Stalin’s red button, pressing which would lead to the complete destruction of the world. In the third part, the cutscenes between missions are just as interesting as in the previous one. There are three factions to play: the USSR, the Alliance and the Empire. Each of them pursues its own personal goals.
As soon as you see the name of this masterpiece, the Get Low soundtrack immediately starts playing in your head, or, in common people, “e ron don don”. That is why this racing hit made its way into our top. It is worth returning to it, if only for the sake of the legendary soundtracks. In the future, almost all songs from NFS: Underground were used in movies about racing.
How did the fans of the first Underground react to the release of the new part? General rejoicing. New cars, no less cool soundtracks in the spirit of NFS: Underground, new dynamic tracks – all this was received with a bang. The second part today is played a little nicer than the first.
Yes, there is more content. We recommend trying both and deciding which one is cooler.
The game was released in 2006, and its passage still collects thousands of views on YouTube. The thing is that in those days, when developing games, special emphasis was placed on the plot component and the creation of an atmosphere. Graphically, they also tried to surprise, but more with style, and not with the introduction of technological innovations. You have to play as a cop who is on the trail of a maniac serial killer who preys on women.
Popping psychopaths with a pipe in their hands, gloomy corridors, subway tunnels and intriguing plot twists – everything is perfect in this game.
It is hardly possible to take and forget this smirk of the main character. Did you know that Max’s face was copied from the face of Sam Lake, the screenwriter of the project? The first 3 person shooter with the ability to slow down time and dive in different directions. Even today it looks very cool!
Continuation of the cult first part.
Many fans of the series, by the way, were unhappy with the sequel. Habitual business. However, time put everything in its place, and the second part is now considered no less legendary than its prequel. We recommend playing the first part, and after it go through Max Payne 2.
How many hours can this game drag you out the first time… Even at the stage of creating characters, you can get stuck for a long time. This is a classic real life simulator where you can become anyone and achieve any goals. You can catch ghosts or fight fires. Or create a big family and work on the computer without leaving home.
Games
Best quests on PC: top 5 legendary games
Sims 3 is completely devoid of violence and other shock content, so it’s perfect for the whole family to play.
The birth of the legendary series of epic shooters Battlefield began with this part.
There is no plot as such. The only goal of the game is to destroy the enemy, using the technique or moving on your two. The medic heals allies, the infantryman wields strong weapons, the engineer repairs allied vehicles and undermines enemy vehicles, etc. We recommend that you plunge into 2002 and play the very first part of Battlefield.
This is not a game, but a whole 2D universe. Boundless scope for exploring the world, the ability to grow plants and livestock, create items – the content will last for hundreds of hours.
By the way, the game is not old at all, because it was released in 2019. It would be possible to add Minecraft to our top instead of Forager, however, “mine” is quite demanding and will fail on weak PCs and laptops.
This game is not far behind Minecraft in terms of gameplay. The 2D format does not prevent her from looking beautiful and rich. You can interact with any details, extract any kind of resources and climb deep into any cave. The main goal is to equip your home and stock up on resources, get top equipment and repel attacks from hostile creatures.
If you haven’t played it, you must have heard about this game. Gordon Freeman has wielded a telekinetic cannon and uses it to hurl objects at enemies. The game was made on the Source engine and even today it looks decent. And physics and shooting are felt in a modern way. The plot of the game captures from the first minutes. We highly recommend Half Life 2 – one of the best games for weak PCs and laptops today.
The first ever shooter with logical co-op. A group of survivors moves from point “A” to point “B”, and crowds of zombies block their way. Locations look unique, optimization is on top. Dozens of running zombies and a stable 30 FPS – even today you can play it with friends and have a lot of fun.
Continuation of the dynamic survival shooter L4D. New locations, new weapons and new charismatic characters. The goal of the game is the same – to reach the shelter. Levels have become even more beautiful, and enemy bosses have become even more insidious. Very fun to play with friends in co-op.
Some people find this series of trucker simulators very boring. Many still believe that only fans of the W key play ETS. However, for those who understand the romance of long-distance truckers, the game seems unrealistically meditative. He took the cargo and took it to distant lands, through days, nights, mountains, forests and fields. If you are interested, then be sure to play Euro Truck Simulator 2.
Titan Quest is the most worthy rival of the games in the DIAblo series. The project, of course, had a lower budget than any of the parts of the franchise from Blizzard, but in terms of content and gameplay it was not inferior to her. A little less atmospheric than Diablo 2, but thousands of people visit Titan Quest every day on the Steam platform. We invite you to try this masterpiece in the hack-and-slash genre.
The legend of computer clubs. The main competitor of Quake 3 Arena and Counter Strike 1.6. Dynamic confrontations and cool guns – this is what caught the game in those days.
Then there was still such a genre as 3D action, in which Unreal Tournament 2003 occupied the top lines in terms of rating and popularity.
Today, the third Kwak, of course, looks a little pretentious. No worse than Unreal Tournament, but the visually outdated look is present. But this is just an illusion. If you have played before, then try to go into it and run for a couple of minutes. You can’t take it by the ears. The dynamics are captivating. It’s really fun to play and compete with friends.
Today you can ask anyone: literally everyone will tell you how the whole computer club was afraid of him. He set headshots with his eyes closed, killed with an AWP without a scope, knew how to keep a burst from an AK at one point. It is unlikely that you have not heard similar stories from those who attended computer clubs in their youth. CS 1.6 is a chewing gum in the center of the screen and ball mice. Do you want to go back in time, at least for a little while? Then play “Counter” 1.
6.
Yes, it looks crazy. However, this is one of the very first first-person shooters. At the time of the release of this game, a real revolution took place – all other development studios quickly switched to creating shooters in the FPS genre.
This game was launched on everything: on calculators, cameras, cash terminals, ATMs and even in the game Doom 1993 itself, they managed to launch it! Why don’t you try to enable it, at least on your PC?
After 1993 this game looks like something perfect. The third part came out in 2004. Then it was a AAA project in the horror genre. However, today Doom 3 would hardly be classified as a “horror” – rather, an FPS shooter with horror elements. The franchise is growing and new games are still being released. Thinking what to play on a weak laptop or PC from the Doom series? The third part will fit 100%.
One of the largest 3D projects in the apocalypse setting. It is worth noting that the second part of the game is not visually similar to the sequel, so Fallout fans took the sequel very negatively.
However, the game itself is very capacious and atmospheric. Fallout 3 has 4 main endings and 32 additional ones. Pretty good for a 2008 game.
Shadow of Chernobyl was released by GSC Game World in 2007. It was the first part of the franchise. Further, one game per year, sequels were released: Clear Sky (2008) and Call of Pripyat (2009). All of them are good. However, we recommend you “Shadow of Chernobyl”, as the rest of the parts are demanding and may fail on weak PCs and laptops. Immerse yourself in the world of the Zone: atmospheric and very dangerous. Post-Soviet landscapes are especially pleasing to the eye and seem familiar.
We believe that the GTA franchise really began with this part. GTA III couldn’t compete with Mafia 1 because it had a weak storyline. Yes, open world, yes, many missions. But all this was not surprising even then, since all the activity was rehearsal, and the plot was empty. What can not be said about GTA: San Andreas – its world is truly alive and rich in bright characters.
The story of the game’s heroes echoes the real fate of hip-hop artists from the NWA group. Definitely recommend going if you haven’t done so yet.
Incredible horror adventure from the famous Silent Hill franchise. In 2008, when it came out, the game looked very beautiful and special. A memorable opening and an interestingly developing plot is what Homecoming is played for today.
If we talk about the legendary old games, it would be a big mistake not to mention Heroes 3. Heath is still alive today. Until now, popular streamers have been playing Heroes of Might and Magic III for hours, and tens of thousands of viewers are watching it live.
If you like turn-based strategy games and feel like you’re ready to immerse yourself in a world that will take at least a hundred exciting hours to explore, then feel free to play Heroes of Might and Magic 3.
Looking at how the game looks, you immediately think: “Well, no, this is not mine”? Then turn on the trailer on YouTube.
The high quality of the soundtrack makes Hotline Miami a real masterpiece. Atmospheric and driving tracks from popular electronic music authors are waiting for you.
The gameplay is very addictive. Each of the deaths is not perceived with annoyance, because you want to constantly replay the same moments in a different scenario. You just have to give the game a chance.
Games
Top 5 games for powerful PCs: a joy for the eyes and a test for hardware
By the way, you will die from one shot or blow. Good luck!
It would seem, well, what could be the continuation? But the developers disagree here. They added even more characters, weapons and plot twists. Yes, Hotline Miami has a plot, and it’s insane.
What is good about the second part? Even more cool soundtracks, heroes and locations.
We guarantee that you will be surprised that such an unremarkable game can be so captivating.
Strangely, the game gained its popularity long before the COVID-19 pandemic. It came out back in 2015, around the time when the whole world was afraid of the spread of Ebola. Today, Plague Inc is played like a horror game. In connection with the latest events in the world, the game very clearly echoes real events. Your goal is to create the perfect virus or bacterium that will cope with the spread, survive any thermal conditions and bypass the protection of any vaccine. And they will kill. The whole planet.
Didn’t find your favorite in our top of the best games for weak PCs and laptops? Of course, we might be missing something. If you think that any of the games not mentioned deserves to be on this list, then be sure to write to us in the comments.
More games on our site:
- Free co-op games on Steam: top 5 hits for every taste
- The best open-world PC games that are hard to put down
Dealing with pickups in electric guitars
Types and device
The whole variety of models of guitar pickups come down to two main types – singles and humbuckers: in full accordance with its name – sound pickup with one coil.
A classic single is, for example, a Fender Stratocaster guitar pickup. Six magnets made of Alnico alloy, around which a winding is wound on the coil – several thousand turns of thin copper wire.
Features and Applications
It’s not that one type of pickup is better than another. Each has its own areas of application.
Singles give a brighter, sonorous sound. Many define it as “glass”. There are noticeably more overtones and harmonics in the spectrum of a single-coil than a humbucker. Of course, each type of single has its own characteristics – for example, the legendary P9 “soap dishes”0 due to two powerful alnico magnets and a massive coil, they also give a more low-pitched, meaty sound, and go well with guitars of the Les Paul form factor. But most single coils are smaller and lighter than humbuckers.
The reverse side of the single’s coin is a background that is especially annoying when playing with strong overdrive. And nothing can be done about it. As the guitar proverb says, “If a single doesn’t play, then it’s broken.” All attempts to compensate for the background of the single with different devices and cunning designs lead, in addition to reducing the background, to the “killing” of the very sound for which they are loved and appreciated…
The humbucker, as its name suggests, is immeasurably quieter. By the way, it doesn’t completely remove the background to zero – if you make a humbucker with a zero noise level, then its sound will become unacceptable, completely “pot”. In addition, two humbucking coils allow for a much more solid, beefy signal with more lows and low mids in the spectrum. It is for both of these qualities that humbuckers are loved by guitarists who are friendly with distortions, fuzzes, and playing heavy music.
Design features, varieties, classification of pickups
There are many subspecies of single-coil pickups :
- P90 Soap Dish
- Fender singles of Jazzmaster and Jaguar guitars
- Leepstick pickups
- and many more.
90 009 Telecaster pickups
All of them were developed for certain models of guitars, have different technical data, but are structurally very similar. All of them are based on one coil and a magnet, either one common, sometimes with magnetic circuits, or a separate one for each string.
The humbuckers are available with open coils or closed metal caps, with ceramic or metal magnets, and with different designs of magnetic circuits. There are humbuckers “disguised” as single coils – rail mini humbuckers in the format of a Fender pickup, as well as vertical humbuckers that bear their name – hamcancellers, and they have two coils arranged vertically, one above the other.
Sound Features
There are a huge number of pickup models, and they all sound different. The main thing that determines the timbre of a pickup is its resistance and the type of magnet, and these data must be in the specifications, and they should be the first thing to look at when choosing a new pickup.
In the first half of the last century, at the dawn of rock, pickups were only with metal magnets, made of Alnico alloy, and had relatively low resistance – about 5 kOhm for single-coils, and 6-8 kOhm for humbuckers. Their sound is lighter, clearer, more open, brighter, but the output signal is rather weak. Such sensors, with vintage characteristics, are still being produced.
With the advent of heavier styles, bluesrock and hardrock, musicians are faced with the fact that such pickups do not “rock” gadgets and amplifiers, and there is no way to get a strong, “evil” overload. And the resistance of the coils began to grow. Now there are humbuckers with a resistance of up to 20 kOhm, and for a single coil, the winding resistance in the region of 10 kOhm is now the norm.
In 1972, DiMarzio released the legendary DP 100 humbucking pickup with a large impedance of about 14 kΩ and a ceramic magnet. This gave it even more power, and the pickup revolutionized guitar sound.
But, like everything in our world, all these innovations had a downside. With an increase in resistance, the pickup becomes more powerful, but at the same time it inevitably loses high frequencies and sound transparency. The ceramic magnet exacerbates this property even more… For a clear sound, for light styles, such pickups are limitedly suitable, their element is a heavily overloaded sound.
Effect of magnets on the sound
The metal magnets used in both types of pickups – and in singles and humbuckers – also differ in their parameters. There are Alnico 2 alloys, as well as Alnico 3, 4, and 5. Alnico 2 is the weakest, and at the same time the most gentle and melodious sounding. The higher the number, the more sonorous and cocky character the sound will have. There are also pickups with ceramic magnets.
Humbuckers vary in their switching capabilities. Classic sensors have one signal wire in a braided shield. But there can be two, three, or four wires. The more of them, the more opportunities for different switching of the sensor and, accordingly, and more different sounds received from it.
Active and passive pickups
In addition to the above, there is another global division of pickups, into two categories – active and passive.
Passive , which were discussed above, convert the vibrations of the string into an electrical signal, rather weak (about 100mV on average), which then enters the guitar tone block, and then into the amplifier.
Active pickups have a built-in or battery-powered preamp located in the tone block. And pre-amplification of the signal occurs directly in the guitar. Now, without accelerating the huge resistance of the sensor, you can achieve a powerful output, adjust it in terms of frequencies. And the input of the amplifier will receive a powerful signal, less susceptible to noise and interference.
Of course, representatives of the “heavy shop” of guitarists especially fell in love with active pickups precisely for this reason – after all, background problems in them have become much less! But at the same time, many believe that the sound of active pickups is less natural, and levels out the sound of the guitar’s wood.
Yes, and making sure that the battery does not run out is also an extra concern. Accordingly, when choosing a pickup, you need to keep in mind the style of your desired sound and select a pickup that matches it.
Companies, brands
Gibson and Fender factory pickups are of the highest quality. Reliable, sonorous, time-tested and very widely represented on our market are Seymour Duncan and DiMarzio pickups. Almost no alternative among active sensors is the famous EMG (slang name – Hedgehogs). Good budget sensors are manufactured by Belcat (China).
For lovers of finesse of sound, there are boutique pickups, small-scale or handmade: Bare Knuckle, Lindy Fralin.
A very interesting niche is occupied by the pickups of the Korean company Tesla: being, in fact, boutique – made mainly by hand by experienced craftsmen, they are commensurate in price with mass-series branded pickups.
Operation, setup, adjustment
The pickup is a rather simple and unpretentious device.
Many pickups from the “golden age of rock ‘n’ roll” are still in service, sound great and, if they are branded, cost a lot of money…
The most delicate part of the pickup is the winding. It is very easy to break it, but it is true that most pickups have it well protected. Basically, the death of sensors occurs from unskilled interventions in it. The pickup must be securely fastened to the guitar, not dangling on the screws, and its cores must be in close proximity to the strings, at a distance of about 2-3 mm.
Opinions that a heavily recessed pickup, in addition to the strings, will pick up the sound of the “wood” of the guitar itself is a myth. A good pickup, filled with paraffin and not having its own mechanical resonances, picks up practically only the vibrations of the strings. A pickup recessed from the strings will have a weak signal, a poor signal-to-noise ratio, a muddy timbre, and a weak attack. True, when the pickup magnets are very close to the strings, the compression increases slightly, and besides, the neck pickup can provoke “tops” – beats in the sound of the string.
The work of pickups depends very much on the quality of wiring and installation.
About the feasibility of upgrading sensors
This is a sore subject of “Russian guitarism”! The idea that by taking expensive pickups you can turn a budget guitar into a custom shop does not leave the minds of many of our musicians. Many people spend huge amounts of money on the endless search for sound, exceeding the cost of the instrument itself. You shouldn’t flatter yourself!
The very word pickup tells us that this device is not a generator, not a sound source! He can capture only what is contained in the spectrum of the sounding instrument. And even then, not the whole spectrum, but only part of it. Therefore, if the tree itself does not produce the necessary frequencies, the sensor is not able to correct this.
It has been my experience over the years that a really cool guitar will consistently sound good with a wide variety of quality pickups. Different, but cool every time.
