I saw this product in a running store, where the lack of service drove me to Amazon to buy it. I have to say that the three (3) negative reviews almost scared me off, but feeling intrepid, I bought it anyway. My summary report is that the ExoShot Flask runs like a charm.
I had none of the review-reported leaking issues at all. It remained leak-free, with the rotary mouthpiece mechanism in either the locked-on or locked-off position. The only time I got fluid coming out was when I bit down on the mouthpiece and squeezed the bladder (as designed to do).
The bladder, when full of fluid, is a little tough to get back into the carrying sleeve, but do-able in about 45 seconds (faster with practice). In its sleeve, the empty flexible bladder will readily take 8 ounces of fluid, which is only 66% capacity. By sealing my mouth over the opening and blowing to inflate the bladder, it accepted an additional 2 ounces right away. I repeated the inflation maneuver and the bladder accepted the remaining two ounces, so I was able to fill the bladder without having to remove the bladder from the sleeve, and run out the door with the full 12 ounce capacity.
The ExoShot was extremely comfortable and lightweight to run with, obviously getting lighter as you drink. Because the bladder collapses in your hand as the fluid content diminishes, it progressively becomes less and less noticeable and less of something to hold. The unique hand-sling design works great, eliminating any need to grasp the bottle while running (unlike the hand-carriers designed for conventional, rigid plastic water-bottles). The barest of finger pressure keeps it secure in your palm—and that isn't even necessary if you cinch the hand-sling down tight.
My one criticism is that the rotary dial around the mouthpiece that opens and closes the valve was designed for aesthetics and not function. The scallops are too shallow to get a grip on and it is impossible to twist out of the locked-on or locked-off position if your fingers are at all sweaty or wet. I solved the need to have to twist it at all by simply leaving it in the locked-on position while running—and like I said, had zero leaking problems. With dry hands, it twists to the locked-off position easily enough for transport.
As I only carry fluid on runs of more than 10 miles on hot days, the 12 ounce capacity is a little low for my needs. A 16 or 20 ounce flexible bladder would be ideal, but the ExoShot is still 12 ounces of fluid I wouldn't otherwise have. It is a vastly superior way to carry fluid on a run when compared to any of the other rigid water-bottle/hand-sling designs out there (I have three such products that I will probably never run with again). Very cool product, and HOW ABOUT A 16-20 OUNCE MODEL! So, I say buy with confidence and go run.
| Brand | Nathan |
|---|---|
| Color | Black/Orange |
| Capacity | 355 Milliliters |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Product Care Instructions | Hand Wash Only |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Running |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Theme | Sport |
| Reusability | Reusable |
| Material Type Free | BPA Free |
| Sport | Running |
| Unit Count | 1.00 ct |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 10.2 x 5.16 x 2.72 inches |
| Package Weight | 0.1 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 5.91 x 5.91 x 9.84 inches |
| Brand Name | Nathan |
| Suggested Users | unisex-adult |
| Manufacturer | SHOCK DOCTOR NATHAN |
| Part Number | 4856NBO |
| Model Year | 2015 |
| Included Components | Flask^Flask Holder |
| Size | One Size |
