Understanding the Technology: Isotonic vs. Hydrogel
At the heart of the SiS vs. Maurten debate lies a fundamental difference in their approach to carbohydrate delivery. SiS utilizes an isotonic formula, while Maurten employs its proprietary hydrogel technology.
SiS GO Isotonic Technology
Science in Sport (SiS) pioneered the isotonic energy gel, designing a product with a similar concentration to the body’s fluids.
Key features of SiS GO Isotonic gels:
- No water needed: The isotonic concentration means the body doesn't need to pull water from its system to dilute the gel for digestion, which prevents bloating and allows for faster energy uptake.
- Rapid absorption: This quick-emptying from the stomach provides a fast and convenient energy boost, ideal for shorter, higher-intensity efforts where speed is critical.
- Maltodextrin-based: The primary carbohydrate source is maltodextrin, which is only slightly sweet, contributing to the gel's less syrupy, watery texture.
Maurten Hydrogel Technology
Maurten's innovation is the hydrogel, a network of natural biopolymers (alginate and pectin) that encapsulates carbohydrates.
Key features of Maurten hydrogel gels:
- Stomach protection: When consumed, the hydrogel technology creates a pH-sensitive casing in the stomach, which allows the gel to pass efficiently into the intestine without causing gastrointestinal distress.
- Higher carb load: This unique transport mechanism enables athletes to consume a significantly higher amount of carbohydrates per hour (up to 100g or more) than typically possible with traditional gels.
- Minimal ingredients: Maurten uses a simple, natural ingredient list, avoiding artificial sweeteners, colors, and preservatives, which can sometimes irritate the stomach.
Carbohydrate Delivery and Performance
The effectiveness of a gel is ultimately measured by how well it delivers carbohydrates to your working muscles. Both SiS and Maurten offer different options to meet varying fueling needs.
Comparing Carb Amounts
- SiS GO Isotonic: Offers 22g of carbohydrates per standard 60ml sachet, making it suitable for moderate energy needs or shorter durations. Their Beta Fuel line provides a much higher 40g of carbs per gel for more demanding efforts.
- Maurten: The Gel 100 provides 25g of carbs per 40ml gel, while the Gel 160 delivers 40g per 65ml gel, catering to higher fueling demands. The compact size-to-carb ratio is a significant advantage for long-distance athletes.
Flavor, Texture, and Palatability
The flavor and texture of an energy gel can significantly impact an athlete's ability to fuel consistently, especially during long events when taste fatigue can become an issue.
SiS Experience
- Taste: Known for a wide variety of fruit flavors, which are generally well-received. Some athletes, however, describe a slightly artificial or chemical aftertaste in certain flavors.
- Texture: The watery, thin consistency is a major selling point. It is easy to swallow and digest quickly without the need for water, feeling more like a flavored drink than a traditional thick gel.
Maurten Experience
- Taste: Maurten products are known for their subtle, neutral flavor, which some describe as mildly sweet. This deliberate lack of strong flavoring is designed to minimize taste fatigue over extended periods.
- Texture: The thick, jelly-like texture is polarizing for some, but many elites and endurance athletes come to appreciate it. It allows the gel to slide down easily with minimal residue or dry mouth.
Practical Considerations: Cost and Packaging
Beyond performance, practical factors like price and portability play a crucial role in an athlete’s fueling strategy.
Cost-Effectiveness Generally, SiS gels are more budget-friendly than Maurten. For athletes who rely on gels for daily training, SiS often provides better value. Maurten’s premium price reflects its advanced hydrogel technology and natural, minimalist ingredient list.
Packaging and Portability The larger size of the standard 60ml SiS GO sachet can be bulky for runners carrying multiple gels in a race vest or belt. In contrast, Maurten’s smaller, more compact sachets (40ml Gel 100) are easier to carry, especially when aiming for a high carb-per-hour intake.
SiS vs. Maurten Comparison Table
| Feature | SiS Gels | Maurten Gels |
|---|---|---|
| Core Technology | Isotonic (same concentration as body fluids) | Hydrogel (encapsulates carbohydrates) |
| Water Requirement | No additional water needed for digestion | No water needed, drink to thirst |
| Carb per Serving | 22g (GO Isotonic), 40g (Beta Fuel) | 25g (Gel 100), 40g (Gel 160) |
| Stomach Impact | Quick digestion, minimal bloating | Low GI distress even with high carb intake |
| Texture | Thin, watery, easy to swallow | Thick, jelly-like |
| Taste | Varied fruit flavors, can be slightly artificial | Neutral, mildly sweet taste to avoid fatigue |
| Best For | Everyday training, shorter efforts, convenience | High-carb fueling, sensitive stomachs, long races |
| Price | More budget-friendly per product | More expensive, premium pricing |
Which Gel is Right for You? A Practical Guide
Choosing between SiS and Maurten depends largely on your personal needs, fueling strategy, and physiology. Here's a quick guide to help you decide:
Choose SiS if...
- You prioritize convenience and rapid, hassle-free energy delivery without needing extra water.
- You are training for shorter endurance events (under 2 hours) or want a low-cost option for daily training.
- You prefer a wide variety of strong, fruity flavors to break up the monotony.
- You don't need to consume extremely high levels of carbohydrates per hour.
Choose Maurten if...
- You are an endurance athlete aiming for high-carb intake (e.g., 90g+ per hour) during long races like marathons or ultras.
- You have a sensitive stomach and have experienced gastrointestinal distress with other gels.
- You prefer a neutral, mild taste to avoid flavor fatigue during extended periods of exercise.
- Cost is not a primary factor and you prioritize maximizing your carb absorption potential.
Ultimately, there is no single 'better' gel; there is only the right gel for your specific race day strategy. It is crucial to experiment with both products during training to assess how your body tolerates them before committing to a choice for your main event. For further scientific insight into Maurten's unique technology, you can explore their research on Hydrogel Technology.
Conclusion
While SiS gels offer rapid, convenient energy in a watery, flavored form ideal for many, Maurten's hydrogel technology provides a specialized solution for high-carb, low-GI-distress fueling favoured by elites and athletes with sensitive stomachs. The best choice depends on your specific performance goals, budget, and tolerance for flavor and texture. Testing both extensively in training is the only way to determine which will propel your performance best on race day.
