Every season, I put new running products, gadgets, fuel and apparel to the test in my quarterly Runner’s Report Card. With summer in full swing (how did that happen so fast?!?), it’s time to pass out grades for five products I tried and tested this past spring.

As a reminder, this is my grading scale:

1. Brooks Hotshot Sports Bra: A 

For support with style, I am in love with the Brooks Hotshot sports bra for barre classes, strength training, yoga and other cross-training. While not enough support for running (for me), this is the perfect piece to mix into my week when I hit up a workout studio for some strength work. I often wear this under my T-shirts as well for an everday bra. Ding, ding, ding! One thing that I especially like about this bra is the removeable cups. Typically, I am NOT a fan of removeable cups because once you wash them, the bra is never the same. Not the case with the Hotshot. I’ve washed this bra many times and while the padding can get folded over, it is easy to move back in place and doesn’t change the shape nor does it take forever to fix. The fun back and comfortable fit get two thumbs up from me! {Pssst … even better, my favorite pattern/color combo is currently on sale!}

2. 3PM Bites: C+

Knowing that I love clean snacks with real ingredients, the team at 3PM Bites sent me some of their treats for athletes.

They are meant to be consumed with morning coffee, to satisfy mid-day hunger and as pre or post-workout fuel. They are made with quality organic ingredients with no weird or fake stuff added (yay!), such as quinoa, raw cacao, nuts, brown rice protein, pea protein, seeds, medjool dates, vanilla, and sea salt. I like everything about them from the quality ingredients and the taste to the packaging and marketing.

But when I think about grading products, I don’t just think about how much I like them when they were sent to me for free. I think about whether I would purchase them on a regular basis myself. And while I love these bites, they are just too easy to make at home for me to buy them frequently. For starters, they are $4.50 per bag for six small balls. One serving of three balls is not going to cut it for me, so I think to really be satisfied you need to eat all 6. That means a 200-calorie snack that leaves me still feeling hungry and unsatisfied. Additionally, it’s so easy to throw dates, nuts, seeds and a little shredded coconut in the food processor and make these on my own.

While I am absolutely a fan of 3PM Bites and would encourage you to try them if you are someone on the go who never has the time to make something like this at home, I’m choosing to save my cash and calories with a DIY version.

3. Salted Watermelon Clif Shot Bloks: A

Clif Shot Bloks are my fuel of choice 15 minutes before a race and as a little extra calories before early morning runs (I consume GU during races). While I typically prefer black cherry or strawberry flavors, I absolutely love the new salted watermelon. It has extra sodium, which is important for me in the hot Florida temps, and it tastes great. If you want to read more about my race and running nutrition strategy, check out this post.

4. Bose SoundSport Free Wireless Headphones: A-

In April, I purchased a pair of Bose SoundSport Free Wireless Headphones in the airport while I was traveling. I needed a new pair of headphones, and I was tired of lacing the cord down through my sports bra and under my shirt while I run. The minute I put these in my ears, I knew it was love at first listen. The sound is fantastic, and they stay perfectly in my ears even when shaking my head vigorously in all directions. They come in a little case that is easy to transport them so they don’t get lost and it also doubles as the charging unit. They stay charged for 14 hours of continuous listening.

The minus in my A rating is because the earbuds stick out of your ears much more so than traditional ear buds. It looks a little dorky, but the sound and lack of cords is worth it.

If you’re looking for a less expensive pair of traditional earbuds, I’m also a big fan of Yurbuds.

UPDATED on July 10 to correct inaccurate information about bluetooth capabilities.

5. Brooks Running Stealth Tank: C-

Last but not least, I tried a new tank top from Brooks Running they sent me to test. The Stealth Tank is a lightweight, fitted tank that dries quickly and has a nice detail at the neckline for an added fashion statement. While it is a beautiful piece, it is one of my least favorite tanks I’ve tried in a long time. First, the top of the tank at the armpits is cut very narrow, which can be a little less flattering. I’m not sure if it is because I have the white one or if I need a size larger, but my regular size just was not flattering. It clung to my body in all the wrong places, and I just don’t feel good when I wear it. On the flip side, it does dry fast and is terrific for running in hot and humid conditions. Unfortunately, however, this one won’t be a staple in my collection like my beloved Pick-up Tanks.