Testing & Ranking GELS PART 2 - Reviewing the best energy gels for runners, long runs & marathons!

[@BenParkes]

Thank you to everyone asked us to get these gels in! We always love hearing from you If you want to see part 1.. then it's here kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqnal5iAmNqUibM

[@TolunayOrkun]

I think this is the link to this video, not the part 1

[@woutvannuffelen9954]

maybe you should test the 4gold isotonic gel next time. I have been using it and i really like it. I like the pomegranate taste the most.

[@Tara_Masika]

Side note: Ben hasn't been able to sleep since Part 1 🤣❤👍

[@Maim133]

Thanks

[@Fraser365]

Just started my training for first marathon and finding these videos very good and informative! Thank you

[@joseph_oenix]

Great video Ben. Have you ever get done a video on hydration tablets? I’d welcome advice on taking tablets pre or during running, or both!

[@rutgerleunen4812]

Have been using Torq gels, recovery and energy products for years. Very easy on the stomach, no problem using the gels without water and they have glutenfree/vegan options. They nailed the Apple Crumble taste 😋

[@hollyandersen9394]

Thank you for sharing the information - there are so many options out there. I like the SIS gels because you do not have to have them with water. Recently I switch to the Active Root reusables. You definitely need to like ginger but there are other flavors that can cover the ginger as well. The reusable packet makes me feel a lot better and I find the consistency to be a bit like an easy to go down pudding. I'd encourage anyone to try them. And I've used the MUIR energy gels before but only for triathlon. They definitely go down well when you use them on the bike.

[@calumfield5908]

Iv clearly got a solid stomach as iv never had any issues with any gels! Count myself lucky. Love the SiS Beta, didn't realise how heavy it was though compared with others.

[@SeeEdRun]

I couldn't do the SIS gels. I bought a box and had one and couldn't get past the texture and taste and I returned them. I wound up going with the regular Gu gels for my half marathon last year and never had an issue with those, even with my very picky digestive system. I also like the variety of flavors and how compact they are. I never see the Maurten gels here in the states, so I haven't tried those yet. Love your videos!

[@sheldon59]

They are providing Maurten gels at Boston this year, so you would think they must be available somewhere?

[@littlewa]

Thanks for the video! I'm currently training for my first marathon, the London Marathon! I'm going to order some Torq and the Lucozade ones I think

[@hiltop717]

I’m doing my first half marathon in June. I’m using gels from Honey Stinger 😊

[@thehalfmonth]

I think Ben has the meaning of high viscosity reversed, high viscosity means thick and not very runny.

[@andrewwright3676]

Really enjoyed the video Ben. I will be giving the Decathlon gels a go for sure. I would be really interested to know which companies use recycled packaging? maybe this is something you can consider grading if you do another video on gels. I do think this topic is something we all should think about when purchasing any running nutrition.

[@03bruisercat]

Sodium content may be important to consider in your reviews, especially for us ultra runners

[@NeillyVille]

Loving Precision Fuel so far, no GI issues, taste great and arguably the closest comparing to Maurten but slightly cheaper. Will mostly be my first choice on my races. Great video and all the best in Seville!

[@adamgore2903]

Totally agree. I’m the same. Had some issues with Maurten so I tried Precision fuel as an alternative and find them great. I like the consistency of Maurten and Precision fuel more than the runnier more liquid based ‘gels’.

[@mattbarrett6186]

The only thing to worry about is the lack of salt if you sweat a lot, a simple salt tablet at half way through a marathon or 10 mile in a half usually does the trick

[@NeillyVille]

@@mattbarrett6186 As a heavy sweater like myself, I also drink there Drink Mix that has 30g carbs with 500mg sodium on a 500ml flask before a Long run, hard workouts and races. If it's a really hot day, I carry a litre which has 60g carbs and 1000mg sodium, plenty enough for my needs.

[@andrewharper4296]

Great video thanks to both of you spending the time and money on putting this together. I started to use the GU gels some years ago but tend to stay to the same flavours. Chocolate mint is a great pickup for me when I’m down to the last few miles on a half marathon. I am trying the Torq gels, they taste lovely but some are very sweet and bizzarely caused me a bit of stomach upset on one long run, but that’s why we practice with them 👍🏻 Lastly I did try some gels where I live. Which are the Healthspan energy gels (the company originates from Guernsey)😮. They supply to rugby as well as cycling teams. Quite cheap, good price, not very thick so easy to swallow. Go down well and no issues tummy wise. I used them on a half marathon with no issues. Interesting about the Lucozade gels. May have to try a few of those to see how I get on.

[@AugherAndy]

I use torq. I loved the lucozade ones in London

[@steevie76]

Who knew “helloeverybodyyy” is an actual word 😉

[@lauraf5390]

😂😂

[@mrpoutine6588]

Not sure if a part 3 would be in the cards but if so, I would be interested to see how the Honey Stinger, Cliff, Hüma, and Trail Butter (maple syrup based or nut butter based) gels compare. I'm not sure how available some of these gels are in the UK though.

[@richardbrown1573]

Super interesting vid Ben - thanks for doing it!

[@joe-sh10151]

After part 1, I was a bit sad to find that High 5 gels are not readily available in the US... So instead I picked up some SIS GOs for the first time and have been enjoying those. They have a more watery texture than what I have used in the past (Huma, Spring, Gu). Enjoying your videos, as always!

[@steverostill4186]

After watching your first video and then watching another runners video about cramps and salt loss I'm now trialling the precision fuel and hydration products to see if they can help me overcome cramps on long runs.

[@gavinbishop738]

I've had the powerbar cola flavoured ones. They are meant to be liquidy so you don't have extra water. It's basically just like flat coke with more sugar

[@jaibeingjai]

I'm currently training for Londona Marathon and have been using the Cliff Bloks and really liking them so far.

[@davidisonyt]

I like that with cliff blocks you can eat only part of it without get mess everywhere

[@jelleeeee]

I used the Powergel Cola one on my last half marathon and made the classic mistake of not trying the same gel before the race. The gel was way to sweet and it didnt go down at all. Im now using the SIS and they are great: mild flavours and no digestion problems.

[@herecomesbod]

I have the same problem with all SIS gels. They're great for fuelling but an absolute pain to open. Veloforte I would describe as being punched in the face with flavour! 🤣 I like them but only once or twice in a very long run. In London last year I took a mixture of High 5, SIS, Veloforte and Healthspan Elite - along with Tailwind in my water, and a Lucozade Gel at one of the water stations! It worked a treat. 20 minute PB! Any chance you could share the overall spreadsheet on Drive?

[@timbrewer9515]

Great video and thanks for the information.

[@yakiweiss546]

Nice review! but I think you missed the sodium figures..

[@hummuswithpitta]

Running Manchester marathon soon and I've opted for the Precision Hydration gels this time. So far working very well in training! Maurtens were just bankrupting me, so had to find an alternative.

[@chrisshaw2810]

I'm running the London Marathon for Mind (the mental health charity) so your review of the Lucozade gel (and gels in general) is really useful. I am new to road marathons, and gels seem to be the way to go, so thank you for doing some of the heavy lifting!

[@vento2175]

I have to say thanks for both videos. A friend of mine has many allergies and was stuck to maurton, since there is no flavouring /fruit in it. Bu thanks to the video he found the precision fuel ones which are basically the same but a lot cheaper :)

[@dom_leary]

I like to alternate Torq and Maurten gels. The torq flavours are quite strong so I like to surprise of the new flavour every other gel.

[@robking5096]

Might want to test these during a run

[@Jendo12]

Torq all the way !!!

[@OrdMandrell1]

Good stuff as always.

[@vickyshaw1709]

Loved these videos. As someone who has never used a gel or equivalent in a race it has given me some ideas as to what to try if I ever decide to do a longer race.

[@simonclough5230]

I suffer with cramp on my longer runs....which would benefit me the best?

[@P3rd3n2]

Couple months ago I bought a testing package from Powerbar. As a Mohito cocktail drinker I was kinda curious to try their gel but when I tried it, it was like as if I bit in a lot of mint leaves😂 But the other flavours are great so far👍

[@kaprikornian1]

I've been using the Decathlon one's and I get a long really nicely with them. I tried once the SIS gels but found that they were too liquid for me (aside from their massive size).

[@svenja5596]

Aerobee gels are great.. the flavours I love are honey+salt+lime or cacao. Taste great and natural and get the job done. I quite like GU caramel and macchiato as well. Personally I'm not a fan of the very liquid ones.. I seem to spill a lot which gets very sticky😅

[@vgnrnr]

I like the high 5 ones for how thin the texture is, but on long days the Salted Peanut flavor power bar gels are amazing.

[@kennethmonroe6939]

I use CLIF SHOT - Energy Gels - Strawberry - 25mg Caffeine- Non-GMO ($.94 each on Amazon in the 24 pack) or CLIF BLOKS - Energy Chews - Best Sellers Variety Pack - Non-GMO ($1.08 each on Amazon in the 12 pack). Both taste and work great.

[@jmsanderson]

Clif bloks are incredible, I remeber the first time I had them, will always recommend!

[@severiner7168]

Great vid. I think you were close to the limit on sugar there... I usee Vala gels, which is very natural but really solid so a slow eat (for a slow runner).

[@tono1665]

Great video. Little surprised you didn’t try the KMC gels but I guess the variety is huge. I would recommend you try them.

[@bcockton]

Another great video on nutrition. I have tried SIS beta fuel with nutropics, it has a strange aftertaste. We also have a few with maple syrup here in Canada, not sure if they are available in the UK or not.

[@TriToBeIron]

So many gels out there and worth doing some research so this video a help! Precision hydration for me all the way as a few other have mentioned. See u in Seville!

[@alecchurch6749]

I’m running Manchester marathon for RNLI (feel free to donate, can leave justgiving details), I’m super happy they use SiS as that’s what I use on training runs.

[@davidha8389]

For me the calories and carbs would be most important. That would play a factor in the price. Hard carb gels could result in few needed during a marathon.

[@antoinelessard8367]

In you review is it the Decathlon Energy Gel or Energy Gel + ?

[@koalaboyTT]

Great videos, although i believe you could have gone one step further: one thing is amount of carbs but you could have looked into the percentage of those carbs that are just sugar. As you know sugar is a super fast burning carb and even if (from my own personal experience) the Decathlon have great numbers, since their carbs are just sugar they burn fast and the effect goes away quickly, since i changed to SIS, that have a low percentage of sugar i use less gels as each one burns for longer as they have slower digestion carbs in their composition. Queep up with the good work!

[@Jorge-sf9xy]

Should I use gels for a half marathon??

[@Dannyner6]

great stuff!

[@erinpropas4771]

I use GU gels on most runs. I noticed that in the first video you used some of their fruity flavours, which I find awful! I like either the coffee or chocolate ones. I have now started using Maurten but only for races, due to the price. Used a Maurten last weekend, first half marathon of the year and new personal best! Not going to credit the gel alone but first time trying one in a half and didn't feel like I needed another, my stomach can be touchy so too much in there can be deadly for me. Wonder what the winner used? He set a new Canadian record that day!

[@andrewharper4296]

Yes that was what I thought. The GU fruity flavors are just not nice. I tend to get the chocolate, marshmallow is nice too. 😂

[@erinpropas4771]

@@andrewharper4296 ya, way too sweet. My go to is the chocolate coconut or the espresso love, if I need a bit more energy. the marshmallow one is good too.

[@jamesroberts2147]

I always cut gels with scissors abit, because my hands get so cold.

[@stephenmorton6732]

Thank you for helping with reviews of these so I didn't need to buy a ton of them.

[@partyguinness]

I had to use GU (first time ever…yeah I know) in Chicago marathon and I wretched. Absolutely vile.

[@jeremyday6864]

Hammer nutrition. Bulk bottle & flask. Less waste. Easier to open. Many flavors.

[@iberiksoderblom]

I hate that people t´just fling those pulltabs everywhere. After a race there are thousends of pulltabs littered everywhere. Even in Ultras it happens. Stop it!!! Regarding Power Bar, witch are the ones I choose to go by, no matter what, is that they make two types. Regular Gel and then the Hydro Gel. I cant stand the Hydro Gel. The packaging is big and I just cant handle thin fluid gels. My mouth needs some texture to work with, some feel to the gel. So I use Power Bars Power Gel. You should try the difference. I've had them on everything from 100K down to 21K races and have settled for using only two different flavours that doesnt make me sick (I'm for some reason very sensitive to tastes (but I eat almost everything from fermented shark to toast :-D )). That the pulltab stays on is the single thing that keeps my with them, no matter anything else.

[@alexmaclachlan7610]

Grabbed a panic lucozade gel at mile 19 in the london mara and hated it. Shouldn't have done it, made my stomach feel iffy.

[@jollyroger1009]

I couldn't stop eating Torq apple crumble.

[@NellyMin-e6d]

Decathlon HydraGel is the best 😊

[@jjchang9874]

High5 for me is the best gut friendly. More of a juice-ish type not a gel imo. When in come to taste I like the torq but those single fruity flavor not the combine one.

[@stephencsaplar6382]

Kendell Mint Raspberry are my favourite gel 👍🏃🏻‍♂️

[@8theparklands]

Same here. Do like the Kendal Mint Gels. Their electrolyte power is great too.

[@Ingrimmsch91]

Here in Germany the powerbar stuff is by far the most available one

[@Ingrimmsch91]

The powerbar also comes in a non hydro version quite a lot smaller

[@tbl9272]

need to try kendal mint gels

[@8theparklands]

Definitely 👍

[@RunningMan1414]

Decathlon (Aptonia) gels, iso powder, etc. really can't be beaten for the price.

[@markevans7460]

Aiming to break 4 hours in first marathon in Paris this year….question is how many gels to carry and how….do I invest in a gel belt? Great info here and I tried high5 and am enjoying those mixed with SIS beta fuels 👍

[@davidisonyt]

I'm not ben obviously but it depends a lot on how much you eat at the refreshment tables. For Paris they offer bananas, other fruit, biscuits, bread and cakes I believe, so the more you eat of those the less gels you need. Unfortunately Paris is pretty limited compared to many marathons, they offer water only, no energy drink and no gels. So personally as a 3:50 runner I would take probably 4 gels in the race, two in each pocket, and one before the race, but probably only aim to eat 3 at most and eat banana in the race.

[@partyguinness]

Strange question. Have you not ran a marathon before? Strange in the sense if you have run marathons, you should know already! Everyone is different but I carry 6 gels starting at 10k and every 5k only using water stations to wash down. My PB is 3.12

[@markevans7460]

@@partyguinness my first ever marathon so all new to me. Trying my fuelling strategy in my long runs and so far consuming about 4-5 gels (one every 5k ish)

[@JJJ_JJJ]

Interesting video as always Ben. You are missing quite a key metric, the ratio of Fructose and Glucose (maltodextrin). Traditionally gels have been 1:2 (i.e twice the amount of Glucose/Malto than Fructose). The latest research supports 0.8:1, nearly equal amounts,so quite different and has been showned to cause less GI issues than the traditional ratio allowing for a higher carb intake. This is the ratio is generally seen in the more expensive gels such as Maurten or SiS Beta Fuel (which is why this is a seperate range for SiS vs their others).

[@joe-sh10151]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing

[@tweakLeeds2006]

One thing that I can never under stand is seeing runners having a gel before the start of a 5K. Surely it is totally pointless with the time it takes to get into your system.

[@Leeroy49]

PowerBar Gels are definitely better for cycling than for running.

[@markclaxton3143]

Does anyone else find the gel packets hurt the inside of your mouth?

[@sheldon59]

Yes! The packaging can be sharp!

[@markclaxton3143]

@@sheldon59 I decant the gels into plastic sample bottles, also stops the stickiness all over your hands

[@pierce9128]

#BenParks can I ask when you mean by informed sport?

[@georgidalton4315]

The other flavour for sis is lemon and lime,they don’t taste great