GADGETHEAD Issue 3.04
UK
£4.95
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Inspired By Your Success
EXPLORE. ENJOY.
MAXIA 4
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Contents Tua Tre’ndface• Withings Activité Steel• STM Radial 15” Laptop Messenger Bag Page 10 Withings Home Video & Air Quality Monitor• Roam Ropes• Terraillon Activi-T Band Page 20 Faction Darwin• Terraillon Web Coach Prime• Arcteryx Beta SV Jacket• Vaporizers
GADGETHEAD Senior Writer Emma Hilling emmahilling@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Director Alex Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com Junior Copy Editor Alice Instone-Brewer alice@littlegatepublishing.com Junior Copy Editor Steve Weller steveweller@littlegatepublishing.com Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com
Page 30 Zamberlan 1000 Baltoro GTX• Sigma RC Move HRM• Sigma Rox 10.0 Cycle Computer• Sigma Speedster/Hiro Lighting Set StVZO LED• Livescribe Echo smartpen Page 40 GOBAG• GOLUK T3• Zepp Golf 2• BoomCloud 360 BoomStick• Cenzo Duffle Bag Page 50 Gamevice for iPhone• Palm Atom Bib Salopettes• Point Two ProAir2/MC Lite• Bakker Elkhuizen Ergo-Q 260 Notebook Stand• Babocush Page 60 Black Arts Toneworks Fnord• Tecnifibre Carboflex 125S Squash Racket• Five Ten Freerider Elements• Peak Design Everyday Messenger Bag 15”• Hummingbird Heron Rain Tarp and Guyline Kit Page 70 KitchenAid Artisan 1.5L Kettle• Gul Viper 4/3 BS Chest Zip Wetsuit• iSmartAlarm Home Security System Essential Pack• OMsignal OMbra• Kegel8 For Men Page 80 Connecta Baby Carrier• Lara Designs Harley Pepper Mill & Spice Grinder• Palm Glide Personal Floatation Device
Tua Tre’ndface There’s no denying it - as the years go by my skin is slowly losing its youthfulness. Unlike wine and cheese, sadly, skin does not get better with age. The Tua Tre’ndface is a device that promises to improve the appearance of your skin without surgery. My first impression of the Tre’ndface was that the product and the packaging looked dated, with branding that would look more at home in the ‘80s – however, the Tre’ndface has stood the test of time and the product speaks for itself. It comes with lots of wires and an instructional DVD (I was surprised it wasn’t a VHS!) The main body feels a bit cheap and the display and control panel is a bit overcomplicated, but once
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you get the hang of the thing it’s ok. The device works by toning your facial muscles to help plump up your skin; I’ve been trying hard lately to tone all the other muscles in my body, so I suppose it makes sense that you should work out your facial muscles as well. I usually don’t do anything to work out these muscles, unless you count chewing donuts and squinting at take-away menus (I said I was ‘trying’ to tone up - not
necessarily that I was succeeding!) It takes three steps to complete a facial workout with the Tre’ndface. Firstly, moisten the sponge pads with the little water bottle provided. Secondly, switch the device on (this is essential) and finally, set the desired intensity level and place it on the area of your face to be treated first. This is a weird but also pleasant feeling; if you have ever used one of those ab toners you will recognise the feeling - a micro current causes the muscles to contract, sort of like crunches for your face, but in a less painful way.
I tested the Tre’ndface out on the left side of my face over a period as directed and I must admit that after a couple of weeks I could see a difference: my skin looked plumper and had a certain glow. However, when I asked my partner which side looked better to him he said (with a slightly panicked look on his face) that it was my right. So, whether or not the results are all in my head is still undecided, but it takes very little effort to use if you can make time in your day to do it. The process feels good and doesn’t involve any chemicals or sharp objects coming anywhere near my face, so I can see myself continuing to use this in the future. RRP £209
www.tinarichards.com/products/tua-trend Pros Five workout programmes Tones facial muscles Feels strangely nice Chemical and surgical free
Cons Lots of fiddly bits Looks dated and old fashioned
Gadgethead Magazine
Withings Activité Steel The Withings Activité Steel is an activity tracker that does not look like an activity tracker. Its simple and stylish design will compliment any outfit, tracking your daily activity without getting in the way. The Steel will happily track when you run, walk, swim or dance without needing your phone connected to it. Instead, it will automatically measure everything via the patented Connected Movement Technology and can be synced to your phone later with the Health Mate app for a more detailed look at your results. There are no tacky little icons or endless menus to flick through, and best of all, there is no charging; the device’s built-in battery will last up to eight months and, combined with its waterproofing, means you can put it on and leave it on. The large analogue display will provide you with the time, whilst a second dial will work its way from 0% to 100%, letting you know
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exactly how active you have been throughout the day. I love this concept - rather than worrying about steps, calories and distance all at the same time, you can simply focus on the one goal and receive clear feedback. Later, syncing with the Health Mate app allows you to look at all the details at the end of the day over a cuppa. The app is also easy to use: it provides clear, colour-coded
feedback to allow you to see your progress over time, lets you set personal goals, share your information with friends and receive tips on how to improve. The Steel’s soft and flexible silicone band has a metal buckle which is easy to put on and comfortable to wear, and there are nine available straps to choose from. The casing is made from 316L stainless steel, featuring chrome hands and doubledomed glass to give it durable strength and a timeless look. Even when you are asleep, the Steel never rests - it automatically detects when you are sleeping and will monitor your sleep patterns, such as
www.withings.com/uk/en/products/activite-steel Cons
Pros Stylish design
Limited functions
Eight-month battery life Waterproof (will track swimming)
Sleep tracker inaccurate
Accurate step counter
Expensive
Comfortable Analogue display deep and light sleep, wake ups and sleep duration. The silent alarm feature will gently wake you without waking the rest of the house with a silent vibrating alarm. The Steel’s functions are limited to basically a step counter and sleep tracker - you won’t find any text notifications here, and you
can’t log individual exercises on the app. The accuracy is hit and miss; the step counter is reliable enough but the automatic sleep detection shows issues, recording sleep of 12 hours some days and other days recording none. The Steel’s design was an absolute winner with us and if you are looking for a beautiful, discrete activity tracker, I don’t think you will find better than this. The functions are limited but that will be fine for some people, and may even add to its appeal. However, others may be looking for a bit more for their money. RRP £119.95
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STM Radial 15” Laptop Messenger Bag STM was founded in 1998 just outside of Sydney, Australia, when Ethan Nyholm grew tired of carrying his laptop in a jiffy bag in his hiking pack and set out to design a bag that would complement his laid-back lifestyle. These days, STM produce a huge range of bags for every occasion: we will be taking a closer look at the Radial a 15” messenger style laptop bag, available in three colours, Black, Steel or Moroccan Blue. The Radial 15” Laptop Messenger Bag is suitable for up to a 15” laptop. It features a padded sling that suspends your laptop or tablet from the bag’s floor, and its bottom corners are wrapped in additional padding, meaning that if you are anything like me and you frequently dump your bag down on the floor, forgetting about your expensive cargo, the Radial will have you covered.
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The STM has a clever cable routing system that uses purpose-built pockets and ports between its different sections, and an integrated cable management system which allows you to store, access and charge various devices while keeping them in their individual pockets. Other features include water-resistant fabric, a front flap pocket for quick and easy access, space for
a light jacket, and the luggage pass-through for securing the bag to your wheeled luggage. The STM also comes with a quick cam-adjust shoulder strap that can be used across the body or on the shoulder; the strap has a removable shoulder pad and a rubber coating underneath on its under-side to stop it from slipping, which can be moved up along the strap for optimum comfort. It’s a pity that the shoulder strap isn’t completely removable to allow you to use the bag with just the top carry handle only, as the strap itself looks thin and quite cheap. The bag fastens with two plastic buckles that can be opened
easily with one hand, but the fact that there are two obviously means it takes longer to open. They don’t feel particularly strong and I would question their
durability over time. Overall, the STM Radial is a good, compact bag the offers protection for your electricals. It is ideal if you are looking for a basic bag
without too much fuss, but for us it’s look is a little bit boring and those plastic clips and shoulder strap make it look cheaper than it is. RRP £54.95
www.stmgoods.com/radial-15-inch-laptop-messenger-bag Pros Slingtech protection Cable ready organisation Water resistant Adjustable shoulder strap with removeable shoulder pad
Cons Two plastic buckle fastening Cheap looking shoulder strap Lacks any wow factor
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Secure Your Data Hardware Encrypted (AES 256-bit) USB 3.0 External Hard Drive PIN activated (6-16 digits) Works with PC, Mac, Linux, Citrix, Android, Thin Clients and Embedded Systems
No Software required Capacities from 250GB, up to 2TB Administration feature allows 1Admin and up to 5 User PIN codes
Call +44 (0) 20 8991 6260 or visit www.istorage-uk.com
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Withings Home Video & Air Quality Monitor Ever wonder what goes on in your home when you aren’t there? Well, wonder no more with the Withings Home Video and Air Quality Monitor. This monitor can stream HD video via WiFi or 3G/4G and will work with your smartphone, tablet, Apple watch etc., and is the first camera you can stream on your Apple TV. This smart little camera learns and adapts to your household; over the first few days, the Withings Home will take note of natural light shifts and background noises so it can accurately assess how your home should look and sound when it is empty. Once it is used to routines, it can recognise if something out of the norm happens and will dutifully alert you. The Home is easy to set up, 12
and is the only camera that analyses findings within the device instead of sending your gathered information to an outside server, keeping your data protected. As well as livestreaming and sending Smart alerts (which you can adjust or simply to suit you), the Home allows you to check out the last few hours of footage with a quick reference timeline. You can also watch the last 48hours in a quick-
time lapse animation, and with the Premium Cloud Video Recording plan, starting at $7.95 (about £6.50) a month, you can save, watch, download and share up to 30 days’ worth of footage. Another one of the Home’s cool features is the baby monitoring mode and push-to-talk function - this provides instant audio and motion alerts right to your smartphone, even on lock screen, and allows you to have a live twoway chat with the little one at any time. The Home has a 135-degree wide angle lens, night vision and can play Lulla Light & Music programs with a customisable LED
www.withings.com/uk/en/products/home Pros 5 Megapixel, 135° Wide Angle lens up to 1080p Night Vision HQ two-way audio Air quality sensor Smart Alerts light sequences to entertain and soothe your baby. The Home will also monitor what you can’t see and provide you with an insight into your home’s air quality, as indoor air pollution can be ten times higher than outdoor air pollution. The easy-to-read graph in the companion app will show you the past and current levels of Volatile Organic Compounds within the room, and if these reach unhealthy levels, the Home blinks red and sends a notification. The Home is a smart camera with lots of bonus features that would make it ideal for homes with babies and small children. It is easy and fun to use, and is an all-round innovative product. RRP £169.95
Live stream, 48 time-lapse animations and time line feature Upgrade to Premium Cloud Video Recording $7.95 Lulla Light and Music feature
Cons Restricted to location because it needs to be plugged in Can’t control the camera remotely, zoom or pan around the room
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Roam Ropes With so many Bluetooth headphones out there, you must think outside the box to stand out in the market and, Roam have certainly done that when it comes to the Ropes Earphones. What makes these headphones original is not only their design, but also their power amp and the EQ app. Starting with a love-it-or-hate-it aesthetic, the whole thing connects in a big circle that you pop over your head and adjust to your size. You cannot detach the circle to use the headphones in a traditional way, which really bugged me. The idea is that you wear them around your neck even when you aren’t using them and ‘look great’ - I think this is another attempt at headphones pretending to be a fashion item, but they are as much of necklace as a rubber band round wrist is a bracelet. The Ropes are branded with a little circular detail that you might recognise if you are from the UK as the London underground symbol. Twinned with the red, white and blue colours of the USA edition, you will look incredibly patriotic wearing these. The main issue with the design is that the headphones just get in the way - the pendant piece is super light,
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which you would think is a good thing, but because of this, it is always moving about and I kept getting it caught on things. The wire is flimsy and easily gets tangled up, even in its protective bag. The annoying design is made especially annoying by the fact that the sound quality is impressive, the power amp balances the armature earphone 10mm drivers to deliver
good mid-high range frequencies from 4Khz to 20Khz and the bass is punchy enough for most genres of music. The companion ROAM EQ app allows you to personalise the sound from the headphones with sliders to control the bass, warmth, body, clarity and brilliance, and has pre-programmed set ups for music genres such as dance, hip-hop, blues and even YouTube HD and Low Res. The Ropes come with six different ear tip sizes that provide a decent amount of sound isolation and comfort, but the high price tag and awkward design will probably be a deal breaker for many, which is a shame, as you will miss out on some seriously good sound. RRP $149
roamwith.com Pros EQ app for personalised control Excellent sound quality Available in four colour (including the Stand Up 2 Cancer Edition, where they will donate $100 to charity for your purchase) Good connectivity Easy to use Built in microphone
Cons Expensive Gummy wire feels cheap Tangles up easily Loop design and pendant get in the way
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Terraillon Activi-T Band The Activi-T Band by Terraillon is an activity tracker that monitors your daily physical activity by counting steps, calculating your distance travelled and calories burned, and will also monitor your activity whilst you sleep to give you an insight into your sleep patterns, duration and quality of sleep. To start things off, we immediately came unstuck by trying to charge the device: its straps pull off and the tracker plugs straight into a USB port, but for some unknown reason it wouldn’t charge on my laptop and the USB plug wouldn’t fit into the wall with the device attached because of the way the device is curved. In the end, I
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plugged it into my TV. On the one hand, it’s refreshing to see an activity tracker without an over-designed charger, but the total lack of one seems a bit cheap. Once fully charged, the two silicone straps clip back onto either end of the tracker. These straps are pretty springy, which makes putting the device
on with one hand a challenge. The Large OLED screen will display the number of steps taken, distance travelled, calories burnt and the time for a more detailed breakdown you can sync the Activi-T with Terraillon’s Wellness Coach app, where you can set goals and check your progress over time. After wearing the Activi-T for a while, we were able to get an idea of how accurate it was; when walking, it was providing on average 11steps for every 10 taken, which is pretty
good. However, when I was simply sitting at my desk it would rack up to 50 steps in an hour, which is not so good. The Activi-T Band is a reasonable activity tracker - we have definitely seen worse, but it doesn’t bring anything new to the market and is a pain to charge. It looks like a poor man’s Fitbit Alta, even down to the display icons. The only benefit is that the Activi-T can be linked up to other Terraillon products, so if you already have their bathroom scales, it might be worth adding it to your collection. RRP £50
www.terraillon.com/en/my-connected-wellbeing/activi-t-band-black Pros Accurate whilst moving Wellness Coach links to other health products App works well Vibrating alarm
Cons Difficult to put on No charger included - must keep computer or TV on to charge Basic functions Counts steps whilst sitting still
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Sur f 3 Inspired by mountain bike technology Why choose between a four-wheel urban pushchair or a three-wheel trekking pushchair. With Surf 3 you can have both, uniquely adaptable it can switch between city and trekking modes with ease. Whether you’re in the town or country the unique suspension ensures a smooth ride.
DriveSt
Direct Attac USB 3.0 4 wheels for urban use
silvercrossbaby.com
Trekking wheel for multi terrain use
DriveStation™ Quad Direct Attached Storage USB 3.0
HD-QHU3/R5
Huge Capacity Direct Attached Storage Huge Capacity Direct Attached Storage
Buffalo Technology’s DriveStation™ Quad (HD-QHU3 series) is a 4-bay Direct Attached Storage device perfect for demanding SMB. The HD-QHU3 comes fully populated with high-reliability Buffalo Technology’s DriveStation™ WD Red™ drives in total capacities of up to 24TB.
Quad (HD-QHU3 series) is a 4-bay
™ The DriveStation Quad is RAID-enabled customised Direct Attached Storage deviceforperfect redundancy and capacity depending on your specific needs for demanding SMB. The HD-QHU3 and also comes with 10 licenses of NovaStor NovaBACKUP comes Essentials fully populated Business software. with high-
reliability WD Red™ drives in total
The DriveStation™ Quad features the capacity, redundancy, capacities of required up to 24TB. and performance for any demanding user – the perfect solution for backing up large servers, multimedia files, or databases. The HD-QHU3 series is sold fully populated with WD Red drives and total capacities of 8, 12, 16, or 24TB. HD-QHU3/R5
Features and Benefits • 4 bay Direct Attached Storage fully populated with WD Red™ hard drives - Available with 8, 12, 16, or 24TB capacities
• RAID-enabled for performance and reliability - Supports RAID 0/1/5/10/Spanning/JBOD
• Perfect for Server, PC, and/or Database Backup
Features and Benefits
- Also includes 10 free licenses of NovaStor NovaBackup Business Essentials
• Power Saving – Auto Power feature turns on and off automatically with your computer
4-bay Direct Attached Storage fully populated with WD Red™ hard drives •• SuperSpeed connectivity with USB 3.0 - Available with 8, 12, 16, or 24TB capacities • 3 year warranty
• RAID-enabled for performance and reliability - Supports RAID 0/1/5/10/Spanning/JBOD • Perfect for ™Server, PC, and/or Database Backup - Also includes 10 free licenses of NovaStor NovaBACKUP® Business Essentials • Power Saving – Auto Power feature turns on and off automatically with your computer ched Storage • SuperSpeed connectivity with USB 3.0 • 3 year warranty
tation Quad
Faction Darwin The Darwin Ski Jacket produced by Faction is a durable, technical outer shell that will protect you even on the harshest of slopes. It features a 20,000mm/20,000gm Toray Dermizax three-layer fabric, Stunner Stretch material technology, sealed seams and a helmet-compatible hood, to name a few. Available in four colours - Colbalt Blue, Field Green, Rosso Red and Russet Brown - and in sizes S-XL, we received the Field Green variety to look in to in more detail. The Darwin has 100% sealed seams that are welded closed to stop rain getting into the tiny holes made by the stitches. There are zips under both arms that provide you with extra venting when you need it the most. The 3L Toray Dermizax material is extremely waterproof whilst at the same time remaining breathable; the membrane 20
has tiny holes at molecular level that allow moisture from the body to escape whilst preventing larger drops of water from getting in, which helps you keep warm and dry even during the most strenuous activity. The 3-layer shell is uninsulated, meaning you can adapt your layers to the conditions and making it an appropriate outer
layer for a variety of weathers. The Darwin features an additional jacketto-pant attachment system to keep the snow out on those powdery slopes and a light, ultra-thin ski skirt which springs up out of the way when not in use. This jacket has a lot of storage space, with six zip pockets on the outside, including one for your ski pass on the left arm and a headphone outlet in the chest pocket to keep all cables on the inside of your clothes. Additionally, there is a large mesh goggle pocket on the inside of the jacket. The Darwin has a built in Recco reflector
device that could help mountain rescue to find you in the event of an avalanche, not to be used as a substitute for a rescue beacon but to be used as well as. It also has a built in, hard-plastic piece of branding on the chest, which is the only thing I don’t like about the jacket. It feels like it wouldn’t take a lot of pressure to break it, and if it did break it could tear the jacket - an unnecessary risk. This jacket it comfortable to wear, lightweight and colourful. It keeps out rain, wind and snow, and if the sunshine does come out it will keep you cool as well a brilliant outer shell. RRP £369
www.factionskis.com/darwin.html Pros Sealed seams Helmet compatible hood Recco Reflector 20,000mm/20,000gm Toray Dermizax 3-layer fabric Large armpit vents Mesh goggle pocket Integrated headphone cable outlet Powder skirt Zip guard Wrist cuffs Lots of pockets
Cons Plastic branding
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Terraillon Web Coach Prime
The Web Coach Prime by Terraillon is a set of Bluetooth smart scales that will measure your weight, BMI and body composition to provide a more detailed insight into your overall body weight, and works in conjunction with the Terraillon Wellness Coach. These scales break down your body composition into weight, your body mass index (BMI) and body fat, muscle mass, body water and bone mass. This makes the Web Coach Prime especially useful if you are looking to lose weight by losing fat but are also trying to gain or maintain muscle mass. To use the scales, you need to download the Wellness Coach App and set up a profile. You then need to connect the app with your scales. There is nothing
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too difficult about the process, and using the scales is equally simple. The scales themselves will only tell you your weight, which is a shame, as
many scales of this type will flash through all of the data. Instead, the Web Coach Prime must be synced to the app to get a detailed look, but fortunately it is compatible with iPhone 4S and later, iPad 3 and later /Mini, iPod Touch 5, Android 4.3 and Bluetooth Smart. At first glance, the app looks like it will also offer information about your heart, daily activity, sleep and diet, but we soon realised that you need to buy
a whole heap of Terraillon gadgets to get access to this information. You can set up eight devices to the Web Coach Prime, with each member having their own personal profile and synchronizing only their data to their secured Wellness Coach account. The overall design of the scales is modern and attractive, with a slim but wide glass platform, accommodating for even the largest feet, and displays your weight on a large LCD. The Web Coach Prime is a decent and accurate set of scales, but unless you have all the other gadgets, it feels a bit limited. I would like to see the breakdown of your body composition on the screen rather than having to sync it with your phone every time. I think
what you are really paying for here is the aesthetics (it certainly isn’t the 3 AAA batteries you need to get it working) – these scales are beautifully made, but are a bit of a hassle to use. RRP £60
www.terraillon.com/en/my-connected-wellbeing/web-coach-prime Pros App breaks down composition Connects eight devices simultaneously Large LCD display Looks great
Cons Only shows overall weight results on display Rather limited Batteries not included
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Arcteryx Beta SV Jacket The Arcteryx Beta SV jacket is designed for tough mountain environments. Available in a subtle black or grey, as well as bold ‘Macaw’ (blue) and ‘Magma’ (orange) options, it is made from a breathable N80p-X three-layer GORE-TEX Pro fabric that will protect you against even the harshest of weather. This jacket is absolutely packed with protective features: it has taped micro-seams (1.6 mm) to reduce weight, no-lift gusseted underarms that mean you can stretch up without exposing your midriff to the elements, and e3D Ergonomic 3D patterning and articulated elbows to increase mobility where you need it the most. WaterTight external zips on the pockets, body and fly are highly water resistant but not completely waterproof, so Arcteryx don’t recommend storing valuables in the pockets. This seems a bit of a let-down for a 24
zip called ‘WaterTight’. The jacket’s cord pulls are easy to grip even with mittens on, and the helmetcompatible storm hood has cohesive hood adjustments which are also easy to handle without taking your gloves off. The storm hood also has a laminated brim and can be adjusted for a secure fit that provides full coverage without restricting movement or visibility. For added protection, the Beta SV has die-cut Velcro cuff adjusters that won’t catch or tear off. The hem drops at the back for added coverage
when bending over and it has an adjustable cord for a precise fit. There collar is nice and tall to keep you protected, and the zip guard on the inside stops that cold metal zip touching your skin. The jacket has two high-volume hand pockets, one quickaccess internal dump pocket, an internal chest pocket with laminated zip and a left bicep pocket. The Arcteryx Beta SV Jacket is a highperforming technical jacket: waterproof but breathable, lightweight but durable, the Beta SV will protect you in rain, wind, snow or anything else the mountain might throw at you, allowing you to enjoy your outdoors adventure. RRP £560
www.arcteryx.com/product.as px?country=gb&language=en& &model=Beta-SV-Jacket Pros High performing weather protection Comfortable Flexible Lightweight-485g Helmet compatible storm hood Durable Breathable Glove friendly Anatomical fit
Cons Zips aren’t completely waterproof High price tag
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Vaporizers Haze Dual V3 Vaporizer The newly designed Haze Dual V3 is a portable vaporizer with a pre-pack material concept and an LED temperature setting display. The Haze Dual V3 is also the world’s first Dual Chamber Vaporizer, making it compatible with all material types, such as dry herbs, e-liquids, wax and thick concentrates. It features four usable dry herb settings approximately 365F, 380F, 390F and 415F. You can vaporize your dry herbs at all four temperatures and oil/wax at the top two temperature settings, and can use dry herbs and/or oil and wax interchangeably. It comes with an external Lithium Ion battery and patented heat-exchange mechanism for cool vapor output, and it also comes with a ten year warranty.
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Magic Flight Launch Box Vape with MUAD DIB Concentrate Box
The Muad-Dib (pronounced maw-deeb) Concentrate Box contains everything you need to easily, quickly and safely vaporize concentrates, oils and herbal extracts. The Muad-Dib’s battery life allows you more than fifty uses on a single charge, and its userreplaceable screen design vaporizes concentrates in as little as three seconds. It is beautifully designed, featuring a brushed-brass lid, an optical-grade lens and a brass bowl insert that makes it easy to clean. Due to the high heat produced by
HT Titanium Grasshopper
this vaporizer, a 1.5 ft. black silicone draw whip with brass ends is included in place of a draw stem, to help cool the vapor stream. Use of the Muad-Dib with oils such as E-Liquids (for use with e-cigarettes) poses serious health concerns and is strongly discouraged, as additives generally considered safe for use in a vape pen configuration may become harmful when magnified by the action of the Muad-Dib Concentrate Box.
The Heat Treated (HT) Titanium Grasshopper is handcrafted by one of three on-staff artists. The surface preparation, colour design and execution take about two hours per device. These limited units are available immediately with no wait time; every unit is unique, and once sold it will be replaced with new designs. The devices are specifically created for dry or loose-leaf herbs; their powerful heat exchanger, battery, and electrical system provides a five-second start-up time and 45 watts of power, and they feature a durable, lightweight titanium exterior. The adjustable temperature ranges between 130°C 210°C (266°F - 410°F), and the device has a user-replaceable battery and a magnetic charging connection.
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PAX 3 Vapor
Firefly 2
The PAX 3 delivers a strong, pure vapor within 15 seconds and heats up nearly instantly. It features medical-grade materials and a built-in rechargeable battery, and is backed by a 10-year warranty. The PAX 3 has Dual Use technology to allow you to switch between loose leaf to extract in just a few seconds with the included concentrate insert. The Coloured LED lights provide a real-time communication and the device conveniently vibrates when ready for use, heats when you bring it to your lips and cools when you set it down. There is also a companion app to allow you to personalize your PAX and download the latest device updates.
Firefly 2 vaporizes dry herbs and concentrates. It heats up in seconds, is portable, features customisable temperature settings and an efficient fast-charge battery, and is easy to use. The battery is removeable, which means you can pop in a spare and continue using the device. The Bluetooth app connection enables the user to customise their vape experience, featuring six pre-set temp settings which you can also control via a smartphone app. The Firefly 2 has a Borosilicate glass vapor path, a magnetic wireless charging cradle which will charge it up fully in only 45 minutes and it will reach 205°C / 400°F in 3 seconds.
Storz & Bickel Volcano The Volcano Classic comes with a brushed metal cone. It features a high-performance heating cartridge and a diaphragm pump, is fitted with an independent temperature fuse and also includes an air filter and silencer. The specially designed 1aluminumheating block brings the air cleanly and reliably to the desired temperature. Vaporization temperature can be set between 130° and 230°C (266° and 446°F) with a temperature accuracy of ± 5°C (9°F). The Volcano Classic is equipped with the new innovative Easy Valve Starter Set, which has an optimised filling chamber. The Valve balloons and mouthpieces are maintenance-free and are always connected ready to use. All materials used are tasteless and food safe so as not to taint the flavour, and it comes with a three-year warranty.
Arizer Solo II The Solo II comes with everything you need to get you started: Mirco-Heater, charger, two different length aroma tubes, glass aroma dish, belt clip carry case, two silicone stem caps, stainless steel stirring tool, four stainless steel filter screens and a packet of lavender botanicals. Available in either Carbon Black or Mystic Blue, the Solo II is well made - with a heavy durable body and highquality mouth piece, it is an impressive bit of kit. You will get roughly three hours of battery life from each charge, depending on the temperature setting, but you can always use the Solo II whilst its charging. The temperature can be adjusted from 50˚C up to 100˚C (122˚F – 212F˚).
Storz & Bickel Mighty The battery-powered Mighty Vaporizer uses a patented combination of full hot air convection heating and additional conduction, which ensures an efficient vaporization from the very first draw. The integrated 1.4 cm³ filling chamber can be used with herbs, or with liquids when using the additional Liquid Pad. The Cooling Unit has a flippable mouthpiece, and you can control the device’s temperate with an LED display. The Mighty has two powerful lithium ion batteries and can perform plugged, via power adapter, and even with completely drained batteries.
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Zamberlan 1000 Baltoro GTX Zamberlan represent three generations of Italian boot makers who have been constructing boots suitable for every type of terrain since 1929. The 1000 Baltoro GTX are technical trekking boot designed for back-packing and hard treks. We received the striking royal blue/black pair, which immediately won us over with their bold and colourful style. Packed full of familiar and reliable materials like Gore-Tex and Vibram, we had high hopes for these boots from the outset. Starting on the outside, these boots are constructed from a Hydrobloc Perwanger 2.4mm leather upper, and have chunky dual density PU wedges with Vibram Mulaz Evo and Semi PCS outsoles that provide excellent grip and have a wide 30
support surface at the tip for rocky surfaces. The Cordura inserts and PU protection on the boots’ heel and toe areas help to prevent surface scratches, and the GORE-TEX Performance Comfort lining will not only keep things comfortable but will provide waterproofing and breathability at the same time. Compatible with semi-automatic crampons, these boots are ideal for tough treks. They deliver a precise and snug fit around the foot, but as with most Italiandesigned boots, they run on the slim side, so if you have
broader feet you could struggle to find these comfortable. What you gain in durability and protection, you also seem to gain in weight; at 800g per boot they fall into the heavier group of trekking shoes. We also found the 1000 Baltoro GTX to be a little stiff - the added ankle support will attract some but combined with the weight it could be a big turn off for others. Altogether, the Zamberlan 1000 Baltoro GTX are just about as tough as they come, without sacrificing any of that Italian beauty; if you enjoy treks on the tougher side and have a slim foot shape, these could ideal trekking boots for you. RRP £280
store.zamberlanusa.com/1000-baltoro-gtxrr-p210.aspx Pros Durable Beautiful Italian design Gore-Tex lining Vibram Outsoles Good traction Hydrobloc Perwanger Leather Uppers
Cons Heavy 1.6kg Slim fit
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Sigma RC Move HRM The Sigma RC MOVE HRM (heart rate monitor) is available in white or black and has multiple training functions to help you improve and understand the success of your work out. The features include a training mode on a large display, % of the max heart rate with zone bar, average heart rate during your workout, as well as max and min heart rates, calorie counter and intensity zones. There are also all the usual suspects that you would expect to find on a sports watch: lap counter (up to 99), lap time, stopwatch, time remaining, clock, date, backlight and alarm. Compatible with the RC MOVE App (iPhone only), this allows you to work with GPS, control your music, and activate voice controls. All the values, such as speed, distance, and heart rate are displayed on both the watch and the app, and after each lap the main values are announced by the voice coach (slightly embarrassing if you didn’t realise it’s switched on and 32
it makes you jump during…just me?) After your workout you can shame all your couch potato friends by sharing your data via Facebook and Twitter with a click of a button. The music management was a useful feature for me as I like to find that perfect song for certain points in my run, so I can easily skip a track to make sure I have the perfect thumping dance track to finish off a sprint or uplifting tune to kick the run off with, without having pull out my phone at any point. The RC Move is easy to use, you can have the app running whilst
accessing everything via the watch, but more importantly you can press the start button, go and then forget about it entirely and concentrate on focus on enjoying your workout. You can press the start button again during your run to manually take a lap time and when you are done hit the stop button to pause and then again to finish the training session. I enjoyed using the RC Move, on a personal level I didn’t like the look of the watch, there aren’t many discreet or attractive sports watches out there I realise but it looked very clumpy on my little wrists. As for the performance however, I couldn’t fault it. RRP £175.99
https://www.cyclesolutions.co.uk/p88521/ sigma-rc-move-hrm Pros Accurate Comfortable Easy to use RC Move App Records loads of data during your workout
Cons Not compatible with android Bulky
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Sigma Rox 10.0 Cycle Computer The Rox 10.0 Cycle Computer has a load of features and functions to measure your performance on the road. These include: speed, cadence, heart rate, digital three axis compass, altitude IAC+, elevation profile, in an easy to read graph format. It also measures gradient and rate of ascent, temperature, ANT+ transmission technology, power compatible (ANT+) or calculates power without power meter and lap counter. It will log 249hours worth of data, so you can review your
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progress over time and it includes a DATA CENTER with mapping
functions. It is troublefree to set up and attach to the bike, the zip ties hold the gear tightly in place whilst the bracket for the main computer lets you easily remove it when you have finished your ride, additionally it won’t add too much weight to your bike at only 140g. The
computer is easy to use and appeared to produce accurate recordings during our testing. The GPS is a little different to what we expected, it doesn’t display a map, which I personally didn’t like. I like to see where I’m heading in advance, but the screen is still easy to follow, and it will display the time or distance to point. We found the interface easy to get on with, an individual backlight button would be handy for quick convenient viewing for a few seconds, one thing that might trip a few people up is due to the design of the bracket once it is on your bike it is stuck on firmly which means you can’t easily swap it between bikes unless you buy extra brackets, not great if you move between road and off-road cycling regularly. When it comes to accessing and uploading data it all gets a bit more
fiddly, there is no Bluetooth connectivity and the Sigma Data Centre software doesn’t make things very intuitive, but there is a whole host of information and data supplied and it is compatible with Strava. We found Rox 10.0 a good
companion whilst out on the road but when it comes to extracting the information out of it afterwards isn’t as user friendly as we hoped, this pricey little computer is OK but still needs work. RRP £189.99
http://www.sigmasport.com/en/produkte/ fahrrad-computer/gps/rox/rox-10-0-gps Pros Solid construction Easy to attach Simple to use on rides Lightweight
Cons Accessing and downloading data is long winded Need extra brackets to use on different bikes
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Sigma Speedster/Hiro Lighting Set StVZO LED The Speedster/Hiro Lighting Set StVZO LED from Sigma is a twin light kit. In it you get a Speedster front light and Hiro rear light. The front light has 230 lumens that produce a 35 LUX light and the rear uses a red LED that produces 50 LUX. The Speedster light features a lithiumion high light output with 50 LUX, 3 modes include: power mode that will last for 2.5 hours of a single charge, standard mode which will last for 4.5 hours, and the more efficient EnergySaving mode which has a burn time of 9.5 hours. The six-stage battery indicator will let you know when you know how much juice you have left and when you need to charge it up again so you don’t get caught short on the road. The Speedster light has a charge time of 6 hours which is a long time if
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you have the light on Power and it wipes out in 2.5 hours. It is easy to attach and doesn’t require and any tools, it is suitable for oversized handlebars, plus being sideways adjustable and also features a removable holder with slide function. It is fully waterproofed and weighs in at only 183 grams. The Hiro light kicks out some serious light with a red High Power LED with two modes, permanent and flashing. It has a wonderfully long burn time of up to 60 hours and the 2-level battery indicator will let you know how much is remaining,
the batteries are also easily replaceable (2 x Size N) so you can always have spares on hand. Just like the front light, it can also be attached with without the use of any tools, is extremely light at just 40grams, and it is also fully waterproof. Both lights feature a slim profile without compromising the light output, helping you have a more streamline shape. The lights can easily be popped off when you leave your bike so you some sneaking jealous type won’t get the chance to pinch them. This Sigma kit will keep you safe on the roads, providing you with good visibility on the road ahead whilst at the same time making sure other road uses can see you from behind. RRP £75.99
Pros Front and rear light set Long burn time (Hiro) Bright Waterproof Replaceable batteries (Hiro) Easy to attach and remove
Cons 2.5 hour burn time on highest setting with 6 hour charge time (Speedster)
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Livescribe Echo smartpen I have lost count of the number of times I’ve had to take notes during courses, meetings, or travelling, only to look back at them and not understand a word of what I have written. The Echo smartpen from Livescribe is a James Bond-style device that records everything you write whilst simultaneously recording the audio, so you have both your own ideas and the conversation that inspired them. To activate the record feature when you’re writing, you simply tap the nib of the pen on the paper, which is a discrete, easy action and doesn’t involve changing your hand position. You can then replay your meetings or lectures back by tapping the notes again and it will playback audio recorded at that exact moment. Other features include saving notes and audio recordings to your computer, which will playback your note taking in the same order you took it (plus the audio recorded is
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clear), allowing you to search for words within your notes via your computer and send notes and audio from your paper to destinations like Facebook, Evernote, and Microsoft OneNote. While using the pen, you can draw diagrams, or any image and they will also appear on the computer screen. The pen is quite chunky due to all the tech shoved into it, that makes for a less natural writing experience, but you do get used to it. I had visions of the computer producing grainy copies of the
notes like a dodgy photocopier, but they are in fact perfectly replicated on screen. You will have to use the Livescribe Pads long side this pen, but they are good quality and not too pricey. Talking of optional extras, you can also buy an app that transcribes your notes into printed text to save you the time of physically typing them up. One drawback is the cost, you will need to pay for books, apps, and replacement cartridges for the pen (which is only available in black). All things considered, the Echo has some cool features and a definite longterm investment. You will just need to weigh up the cost with how much you will gain from it. RRP £173.99
https://www.livescribe.com/uk/smartpen/echo/ Pros Records audio Replays recordings by tapping notes Saves notes and audio recordings to your computer Search for keywords
Cons Chunky design Pads, cartridges and apps cost extra Only black ink available
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GOBAG The idea for the GOBAG was formed in the Scottish Highlands in 2013, when James Fyfe struggled to find a suitable bag that he was able take as carryon as he took cheap flights all over Europe. After a successful Kickstarter project with 663% funding and almost 2,500 backers worldwide, the GOBAG was launched in early 2016. With the core feature being the removeable Max Pack Bag, the GOBAG accommodates all of your soft gear into less space. Simply put everything into the bag, seal it and compress it, either by using a vacuum or simply by hand. The GOBAG is completely waterproof, so you don’t even need to worry about your valuables whilst canoeing through the jungle or simply getting caught in the rain. It is made from Hypalon and TPU-coated ballistic nylon - the same thing that white-water rafts are made from - so you can be confident of it
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durability and water resistance. The GOBAG has YKK zips (including a lockable zip on the main compartment), with metal Duraflex Hardware and EVA foam padding to protect your laptop, camera and flimsy souvenirs. The inside can be customised with a removeable laptop harness (12” - 15”) and transparent wash bag. The waist belt and shoulder straps are also removeable, so you can add them or take them away depending on your trip and gear load. The two-meter-long oversized YKK zip to
the main compartment allows for easy access without eating into the interior space, and the removeable wash bag is a touch of genius as it is airport friendly, so you can scan it through security without stuffing all your liquids in a plastic bag. Additional features include nylon webbing grab handles, nylon loops for boat or bike attachments, internal mesh organiser pocket with key hook, reflective trim, a welded YKK AquaGuard zip document pocket and a handy hidden pocket for passport or money. The GOBAG is a brilliant bag with answers to most of modern travel problems. It is ideal for those who enjoy minimalistic adventures. RRP £180
www.gobag.co Pros Compression Max Pack Bag Customisable Removeable transparent wash bag Waterproof Durable Spacious
Cons Expensive - could outprice shoestring travellers
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GOLUK T3 The T3 is a dashboard camera available in Stone Grey or Fire Red. It can be used to focus on the world outside of the car or to record you inside the car, and features a 360° rotatable camera designed to allow for easy adjustment of the camera angle. The T3 is has a smooth cylindrical shape and compact size that fits discretely behind the car’s rear-view mirror, with no flashing lights or display screens to distract you whilst you are driving. The T3 records in 1080P HD and features a F2.0 large aperture, nonspherical, all-glass, high-definition lens and the Panasonic low light sensor. It also features distortion correction, backlight compensation, light suppression, and colour enhancement help to produce a clear and bright image. The 141° wide-angle 42
captures a large image, making sure you don’t miss a thing. The camera also has a microphone and will hold a Micro SD up to 64GB, which will allow you to store 1000 minutes’ worth of video (16 hours of uninterrupted recording). It comes with a handy little remote which can be attached to your stirring wheel, and has a large button to initiate a twelve second recording without having to remove your hands from the wheel to capture those silly or dangerous mistakes other drivers make on
the road. You can use the companion app to review your videos and share them on social media, and it won’t use up your data as it connects via its own built-in WiFi. The T3 also has HD Night Vision, number plate recognition system and a parking security mode which will detect motion near your car to catch anybody up to no good around your vehicle. The GOLUK T3 is a versatile little camera - the image quality is good and it is easy to set up and use. One change I would like to see is the removable flashing red light when it is on parking mode so it would be a bit more discrete, but altogether it’s an ok camera. RRP $99.99
en.goluk.com/pages/t3-overview.html Pros Compact Easy to install 1080p images 12sec video remote Parking security mode 360degree rotatable Night mode
Cons Flashing red light during parking mode
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Zepp Golf 2 The Zepp Golf 2 is the next generation of the Zepp Golf. Its new features include the Smart Coach training system, which measures your full swings on the course and allows you to compare swing metrics and consistency from round to round and from range to course. All you need to do is take a few swings, and the Zepp 2 will instantly collect data that can be used to assess the areas in which you could improve, and will even offer training programs that are tailormade to help you advance in your technique. The Zepp 2 device is easy to use and doesn’t interfere with your gameplay; simply attach the sensor to the back of your glove and it will gather all the information it needs while you are on the green. It features four functions: the 3D Swing Analysis measures important aspects of your swing, including club speed, 44
club plane, tempo, backswing length and more; the Instant Evaluation function does as its name says by providing you with instant analysis and evaluations; the Smart Coach offers personalised video training programs from PGA/LPGA players and tour instructors to inspire you to become a better player faster,
and the Courses Mode measures your full swings on the golf course. The Zepp 2 is easy to set up and pair with your phone. There is no need to run the app alongside the Zepp 2, as they can be synced after your game. Syncing was a bit hit and miss, like many devices of this nature. However, all in all the Zepp Golf 2 is an ideal training aid for a golfer who already has basic knowledge and is looking for a cheaper way to improve their swing than shelling out for a coach. RRP £139.99
international.zepp.com Pros Easy to set up and use Lightweight, doesn’t interfere with game play 3D swing analysis Instant evaluations Smart coach
Cons Syncing issues
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BoomCloud 360 BoomStick The team at BoomCloud 360 believe that nobody should have to listen to inferior audio simply because they can’t afford expensive high-quality headphones. The BoomStick brings a boost to headphones, creating a more immersive experience whether you are listening to music, gaming or enjoying a movie. On the website, BoomCloud 360 claim that the BoomStick is compatible with any set of headphones or earphones, but immediately there is an issue with this: it requires two 3.5mm plugs to work - one into your device and the second into your headphones. With the rise of Bluetooth headphones, more and more people are 46
turning to wireless to listen to their music (even though the quality it still superior through cabled headphones), which makes we wonder if the BoomStick isn’t already starting off on the back foot. Connectivity aside, the BoomStick does have its charm. Testing it out with my earbuds whilst listening to music on YouTube, I
could hear a definite difference in quality. The BoomStick is compatible with headphones and portable speakers, and there are three listening modes to choose from: Bypass, which plays audio as it would usually sound; Boom, which increases volume, bass, high frequency clarity, and stereo separation; and Boost, which dramatically increases the volume, bass, high frequency clarity, and stereo separation. The BoomStick uses psychoacoustic audio processing to add
depth and overall clarity to the sound quality, but not without a touch of distortion. This was most noticeable when I used the BoomStick with my iPod, especially when using the Boost button. This little device does add a nice quality to the audio, but for the money I’m not convinced it’s worth it. It doesn’t feel high quality, it adds more cables to your headphones and is something else to forget to charge up. I think I would rather cut out the middle man and use the money to invest in better headphones. RRP $59.99
www.boomcloud360.com Pros Easy to use Adds depth, bass and clarity Three sound modes
Cons Over-priced Feels cheap Not Bluetooth compatible
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Cenzo Duffle Bag The Cenzo Collection is part of the Floto.com factory brand. All of their leather bag collection is handfinished with distinctive hardware and textures, all using vegetable-tanned full grain calfskin leather. We were sent the Cenzo Duffle Bag to take a closer look. At 11” x 10” x 21” 4.5 lbs, the bag is an ideal size
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for a long weekend. It is made from polished Italian calfskin leather, lined with a stylish stripy fabric, and can
even be monogrammed at the point of purchase in either Gold Foil or Classic Deboss at an extra cost. The bag has one large compartment with a small zip pocket for important accessories, and features a floor to
floor zipper for extra easy loading and unloading. It has five metal feet on the bottom of the bag to help keep it off the ground, comes with a removeable leather shoulder strap and two carry handles, and is compliant with most airline carry on regulations. The duffle’s zip pulls are made of brass and could be locked together with a small lock, but I was disappointed to find that they are made from nylon - they aren’t the smoothest and I feel they lower the quality of the bag. Also, the zip pulls are small and not easy to locate if you are in a rush, and a nightmare to grab hold of if you are wearing gloves. The shoulder strap is thin and doesn’t have any padding, so it is very uncomfortable to wear for any length
of time if the bag is full. The carry handles are thicker and a little more comfortable to use, but I still wouldn’t want to use them for any length of time. The Cenzo Duffle Bag puts fashion first over practicality: it looks cool but its lack of pockets, its nylon
zips and uncomfortable straps make it an annoying travel companion. RRP $199
cenzobags.com/product/cenzo-leather-duffle-bag Pros Stylish Carry-on size Monogram optional
Cons Nylon zips Only two pockets Thin uncomfortable straps
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Gamevice for iPhone From the moment Snake was released, it was clear that gaming on mobile phones was going to be massive. With their high-quality visuals and seamlessly fast processors, the leading smartphones are easily the most powerful pocket gaming devices out there. The major drawback, however, is playing on a touch screen. I got seriously addicted to Rayman last year and downloaded it onto my phone, but it was so frustrating to play that I ended up deleting it. This is where the Gamevice comes to the rescue. Before I get anyone’s hopes up, the Gamevice products are only currently compatible with iOS systems, iPhone, iPad Mini, iPad Air and iPad Pro. Gamevice claims to revolutionise the way we game by transforming your iOS device into the most powerful handheld gaming experience in history. It works by fitting around your phone like a case and connects to the iPhone 50
through the battery port. The Gamevice features a similar style of buttons to an Xbox controller with two toggles, two back buttons, a directional button and action button. This intuitive design fits comfortably in the hands and all the buttons are in easy reach. My one complaint is that the two toggle buttons are a bit on the stumpy side and can be a fiddly for larger hands.
The Gamevice works alongside the Gamevice Live app, which connects you to over 650 compatible games, a collection that includes titles such as Bio Shock, Grand Theft Auto, HALO, FIFA 15, Call of Duty, and is continuing to grow.. When the Gamevice isn’t in use, the two pieces come together and connect via a magnet, making it compact and easy to store away. We enjoyed playing with the Gamevice - it is well made and brings a whole new of gaming on your iPhone into play: if you are into your games, it could be a worthwhile investment. RRP $99.95
gamevice.com/products/iphone Pros Easy to use Fun Compact Responsive buttons
Cons Expensive Only available to iOS systems Short toggles
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Palm Atom Bib Salopettes These premium salopettes are designed for big days out‚ made from breathable XP three-layer fabric with tough four-layer 320D reinforced wear panels. The XP three-layer is flexible, tough, highly waterproof and breathable, constructed from supplex nylon six woven face fabric with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment that prevents the fabric from becoming waterlogged. The pores in the DWR material are too small to allow water droplets to pass through, but large enough to allow water vapour to escape, helping to regulate body temperature. This layer provides a waterproof rating of 20,000 mm and a breathability rating of 4,000 g/m2/24hrs. The upper body features a vent mesh back to keep things comfortable and cool, and there is a lowprofile waterproof relief zipper for, you know, when nature calls. The Atom also features XP four-layer socks with Nylon 320D soles to give you extra protection
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where you need it, a fully adjustable Velcro neoprene waistband, an XP three-layer vest with elasticated adjustable braces and a reinforced seat and knees. The boots have adjustable Velcro tabs for a snug fit around the lower leg, and to combat any stones and debris, the MasterSeal zips come
with a lubricant to keep things moving freely. The salopettes’ elasticated waist helps them to fit more like a pair of trousers, making it harder for any splashed water to sneak in, and taking some of the weight off the shoulder straps. Saying that, the Atoms are lightweight, at 874g in the large size. Some buckles would be handy on the braces just to make it easier to get in and out of the Salopettes, but other than that, these are high performing, comfortable salopettes which will keep you protected and dry no matter what you get up to. RRP £269.95
palmequipmenteurope.com/products/atom%20bib Pros Lightweight Comfortable Durable XP three-layer fabric Four layer 320D reinforced panels Elasticated waist Mesh on the back
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Point Two ProAir2/MC Lite Whether you are out on a motorbike or a horse, chances are that if you come off it, even at low speeds, you are going to do yourself some real damage. So, no, safety clothing isn’t a very cool look - I mean, you never see cowboys or Hell’s Angels dressed head to toe in PPE, but it’s so important to dress appropriately when riding, and when that clothing could potentially save your life, style is not important. The ProAir2 is a super light-weight integrated back protector that has been tested and approved to Level 2 when the airbag is not inflated. When the airbag is fully inflated, it provides additional protection to the back and torso from the impact of falling off your motorcycle, such as hitting the road, tree or railings. The air jacket is designed to be worn as the outmost layer of your motorcycle clothing and does up with a series of buckles. It sits 54
loose enough on your body that you can run your hand from your chest to the bottom of the jacket without it snagging, which allows the jacket to safely inflate without becoming too snug. There are instructions included to make sure you have the air jacket fitted precisely, to ensure that it will protect the areas of the body it is designed to protect. The ProAir2 works by attaching a lanyard to the ring of the adjustable saddle
attachment. If you have an accident and come off of your motorbike, the cord will be pulled and the jacket will inflate instantly via a CO2 gas canister. After 15-20 seconds the jacket will deflate again, much like an airbag in a car. Just remember to unclip it before jumping off the bike at the end of a safe journey, or you will have the fright of your life! The Point Two ProAir2/MC Lite is a high quality, lightweight jacket that will give you added protection in the event of an accident. it takes a little getting used to, both putting it on and remembering to unclip it before you dismount, but for the protection it offers it’s a small price to pay. RRP £420
uk.pointtwoairvests.com/products/proair-mc Pros Comfortable Lightweight Instantly inflates Deflates after 15-20 seconds Adjustable Quick and easy to attach and detach
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Bakker Elkhuizen Ergo-Q 260 Notebook Stand With our small electronic devices becoming more powerful, we can find ourselves spending long hours hunched over a tablet or small netbook: this position can wreak havoc with you posture and cause pain in the neck and shoulders. The Ergo-Q 260 Notebook stand has been designed to significantly improves the sitting posture, reducing neck strain by 32% and improving comfort by 21% (Lindblad, 2002). The Ergo-Q 260 Notebook Stand raises your laptop to
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eye level and creates a comfortable work station that can be used
for extended periods of time without an issue. It is designed to work alongside an external keyboard and mouse, with five possible positions to adjust your laptop to the perfect height. It also features an integrated inline document holder that can be flipped up over
the laptop’s keyboard to help you organise your work load and increase your data input speed without needing to hunch over the paperwork. The Notebook Stand is portable, with super slim 7mm thickness and 390g Hylite aluminium material. This material gives the stand a professional and stylish look, and its silicone feet prevent the stand from sliding about. It is quick to set up and folds down into the size of a A4 piece of paper, perfect for popping into a laptop case or bag. This makes the stand ideal for workers who travel a lot or need to work on the go. The downside to the Ergo-Q 260 is the price this could scare a lot of people off, but it could be a worthwhile investment for mobile workers or anyone who has suffered joint pain or repetitive strain injury. RRP £119.94
www.ergonomics.co.uk/ergo-q260-laptop-stand.html
Pros Light Strong Compact Portable Five positions Integrated document holder
Cons Price
Gadgethead Magazine
Babocush Becoming parents to a new-born baby has plenty of stressful moments, but throw in colic on top of an attention-seeking toddler and you have the recipe for a nightmare. Kerry Nevins, mother and childminder, came up with a brilliant solution to settling even the most worked up little ones whilst allowing you to keep your hands free for other things- the Babocush new born comfort cushion. The Babocush is a shaped foam mattress with a super soft fleece cover and five-point Velcro harness that securely hold your baby in place and provides absolute contentment for unsettled babies. It comes with a quilted mattress protector and three-speed vibration with heartbeat sounds which mimic the womb, an optional rocker and batteries can be purchased separately. The unique element of the Babocush is that it allows you to safely lay your baby on their front in a semi-upright position, much like how
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you would have them laid on your chest. This position naturally helps to reduce the pain and discomfort felt by babies who suffer from colic. You can pop your baby on the Babocush after feeding to relieve wind, and by holding your baby in this natural position, it allows the airways to relax and stay open as opposed to sitting slumped over in a bouncer, rocker or car seat. Another benefit of the Babocush is the direct contact which helps to reduce Moro (startle) reflex as your
baby’s body, hands, feet, the side of their face and head are in contact with the secure mattress. It also reduces flat head syndrome as babies enjoy some muchneeded tummy time, and you can adjust the incline of the Babocush to ensure your baby is in the correct position to prevent acid reflux. The gentle vibrations and heartbeat sounds will help to sooth your baby by replicating the comforting noises and movements they would have experienced whilst in the womb. The Babocush is an absolute game changer - a safe and comforting space for your little one that frees your hands to play with your toddler, get on with some house work or simply take five minutes for a cup of tea. RRP £135
www.babocush.com Pros Sooths baby with heartbeat noise and vibrations Reduces colic, wind and reflux Helps reduce flat head syndrome Allows airways to relax Soft fleece cover Five point Velcro secure strap
Gadgethead Magazine
Black Arts Toneworks Fnord Toneworks are an American-based company that makes guitar pedals with cool names like Destroyer, Crown of Horns and Witch Burner, featuring awesome and sometimes scary graphics to add to the rock and roll feel. The Fnord pedal is an octave/fuzz type circuit with some
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twists thrown in. It blends a scrambler and octave type fuzz
with a traditional fuzz/ distortion. The Fnord will move from zip/ Velcro style tones all the way to a fullthroated distortion or a combination of the two. This pedal operates on a Standard 9VDC
power supply with no battery connection. The body of the Fnord is a simple white colour, whilst the sepia-toned graphic depicts a textured scene of a bunch of serious looking guys with skulls on their clothes in an old fashioned photo design, with a green illuminati=-style triangle on top (tying in with the name nicely) The Fnord features a foot switch and three tone adjusters: Filter, Fnord and Silence. We received the Fnord in a box wrapped up in brown paper - I don’t know if this was because it was a sample item or if this is the usual packaging: it was refreshing not to have to battle through multiple layers of packaging, but this was at the complete opposite end of the scale and a nice box with some branding would look better. The Fnord is well made pedal with plenty of fuzzy tones to play with that will rock up any tune you choose to play. RRP $142.79
www.blackartstoneworks.com/pedal/fnord Pros Versatile Cool design Solid construction
Cons Poorly packaged
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Tecnifibre Carboflex 125S Squash Racket In 1979, tennis enthusiast Thierry Maissant developed an ambition to provide any tennis player with a product that could be adapted to his level. From here he co-created the brand with Hermano Da Silva Ramos, a former French Formula 1 racing driver. Tecnifibre when on to create their first strings with a brandnew technology: the polyurethane. The Carboflex 125S is the competition racquet played by 2014 World Number 1 squash player Mohamed El Shorbagy. This squash racket is made from a composite construction of Graphite and Basaltex. Carboflex 125S is lightweight at 125g. It is heavier in the head but still provides a good balance. It features 500cm²
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(77.5in²) head size, a length of 68.5cm (27 in) and a 18mm cross section. It has a recommended tension of 11-13 Kg / 24-29Lbs but will take a maximum tension of 17 Kg / 37 Lbs, has a stillness rating of 82RA and a swing weight on 187. The Carboflex has a multidirectional weave to help reduce shock, and there is a removeable bumper on the head to allow you to string it with your favourite type of strings. The shaft has been specially designed to increase the power behind each of you swings whilst at the same time maintaining aerodynamics, and the handle features Tecnifibres Squash Dry Grip to provide a firm grip even in sweaty hands. We found that the Tecnifibre Carboflex 125S
performs extremely well; the factory strings are good quality and it is worth playing with them for a while before deciding whether to re-string it. This racket is ideal for a technical player looking to add power to their gameplay. RRP £79.99
www.tecnifibre.com/squash/en/Product/Pro-/ Carboflex/Carboflex-125-S/337 Pro Good balance Powerful Responsive Fast Ventilated case Squash Dry Grip
Gadgethead Magazine
Five Ten Freerider Elements Five Ten was established in California, 1985, and focus on creating footwear and apparel for mountain biking, rock climbing, slack lining - basically anything dangerous and exciting! The Freerider Elements shoe is designed for mountain biking and generally mucking about in horrible weather. It features a waterresistant synthetic upper with a water repellent finish and Five Ten’s trademark Stealth S1 rubber outsole. The Stealth S1 outsole is high friction and abrasion resistant, which provides excellent traction on and off the bike. We went jumping about on wet rocks and cycling in the rain and the grip of these shoes was excellent, like you have
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glue on the bottom of your feet. What wasn’t quite as good was the water resistance that these shoes are meant to possess. I mean, they would probably keep your feet dryer than if you were wearing nothing at all, but each time these were removed there were wet patches on our socks, especially around the toes and inside of the feet. As for their quick drying action, it would take an evening on the radiator to properly get them dry, which is an interesting balancing
act as they are so chunky. However, we did like the design of the shoes. Their thick bold line and the contrast between the black, grey and orange detailing looks striking. We might have a soft spot for this style, however, as they are a reminder of the emo/ skater boy trend during the late 90’s and early 2000’s when everyone was stomping about in oversized trainers and baggy jeans. As a sport shoe, the Freerider Elements need some work; with a reduction in weight and complete rework of their water-resistant design, they could be awesome shoes. RRP £90
www.fiveten.com/us/freerider-elements-darkgrey-orange Pros Grippy Stealth S1 outsole Cool design Vegan
Cons Heavy Soak up water Take time to dry out
Gadgethead Magazine
Peak Design Everyday Messenger Bag 15” Peak Design was founded in 2010 after Peter Dering from Minnesota realised what a hassle it is to travel with a DSLR, and through support from a team of adventurers, urban commuters, designers and of course photographers (and a massive Kickstarter campaign), the company was born. We will be looking at Peak Design’s Everyday Messenger Bag, which is packed full of useful features to make travelling with a camera an easier experience The Everyday Messenger Bag is available in charcoal and ‘heritage tan’, suitable for either a 15” or 13” laptop size. Peal Design went back to the drawing board with the Everyday Messenger, aiming to breathe new life into the tired standard messenger bag design. This bag was created for photography, but it can be used by anyone. The most unique detail is the MagLatch closure, designed to be a nolook, one-handed, quiet and secure fastening.
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It is weirdly satisfying to use; there are four ladder lock points riveted to a stainless steel internal plate, and a magnet that catches the plate, creating a lock-free soft closure. The three FlexFold dividers and the expanding multipanel design offers lots of versatility for organising and maximising the space inside the main compartment for your gear. The 15” model will carry a complete daily photography kit, up to a full-frame DSLR
with three lenses and accessories, with a protected laptop pocket with a tablet/document sleeve that is accessible without opening main bag compartment. The built-in tripod carrier is compatible with nearly all tripods, whilst the included silicone band keeps your tripod legs together while on the move. There are also two dedicated capture clip attachment points for fast exterior camera access. The bag has a handy zip along the top that allows quick and easy access to the main compartment without having to undo the clasp. There are also two side pockets for quick access to keys, lens caps, wallets and smartphones, and a hidden key/ID tether that features an integrated Anchor Link
connector in one of the side pockets. I love the details Peak Design have put into this bag. Simple things like colour-coded sticking in the organiser pockets (red and green) can help keep your stuff in order - for example, dead batteries and full memory cards go in the red whilst the fully charged and empty memory cards go in the green: genius. It can be worn as a messenger or shoulder bag – the strap has hooks that allow you to switch between the two styles, and the whole thing can be adjusted with a super smooth buckle that pops open and locks down. I fell in love with this bag; every aspect has been designed and redesigned whilst asking the question, how can we make this better? The only teeny tiny niggle I have is due to the material the shoulder strap is made from - it is very smooth and slips when wearing it as a shoulder bag, especially in padded waterproof style jackets. A few silicone strips here would easily
stop this from happening. Other than that, it is a fantastic bag, awesome for photographers but could
easily become a day bag, beach bag, commuter work bag or even a nappy bag. RRP $219.95
www.peakdesign.com/the-everyday-messenger Pros Versatile with colour coded pockets Padded 15” laptop pocket Weatherproof waxed 500D Kodra shell and DWR undercoat Premium weatherproof exterior zippers One handed, silent closure Messenger style or shoulder strap Two access points & tripod holder Carry On approved Expandable main compartment and 3 flex-fold dividers
Cons Shoulder strap easily slips off
Gadgethead Magazine
Hummingbird Heron Rain Tarp and Guyline Kit Never let rain spoil your fun outdoors again with the Heron Rain Tarp. This 8.6oz (243g) Silpoly hexagonal rain tarp is ultralight and won’t weigh down your pack. Traditional lightweight tarps are often made from 1.1oz Silnylon that can stretch out when wet, but Hummingbird’s Rain Tarp is made from a newly developed 0.9oz Silpoly which provides a full coverage that doesn’t mist through or stretch. The Heron Rain Tarp come with a tube of Sil-Net and an applicator brush for sealing seams, giving you years of protection from the tarp. The whole thing packs down into a compact little stuff bag, 8 x 3.5 x 3inches, so it won’t take up too much room in your bag. When erected, it produces a generous cover of
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126 x 96inches (10.5ft x 8ft). The Heron Rain Tarp doesn’t come with Guylines, so you can use your own or get the Hummingbird Guyline Kit, which includes 80ft of 1.5mm reflective sleeved Spectra Guyline cord, four glow in the dark friction adjusters and four super-light titanium stakes. This kit won’t add too
much extra weight or bulk to your bag at only 3.7oz (105 g). The Hummingbird Heron Rain Tarp is a functional lightweight tarp that is easy to set up and pack down and can make all the difference if you get caught out in bad weather. The Guyline kit provides you with everything you need to hook the tarp up - it’s a pity it isn’t included with the Heron and has to be bought separately, as the glow in the dark Guyline cord is a nice touch to help prevent you from tripping over them in low light and at night. RRP $144.95
hummingbirdhammocks.com/heron Pros Lightweight Compact Easy to use Guyline kit- lightweight, glow in the dark
Cons Guylines not included with tarp
Gadgethead Magazine
KitchenAid Artisan 1.5L Kettle The KitchenAid Artisan range is quite a beauty to behold; these bold statement kitchen pieces will look stunning on any worktop. We received the 1.5L Kettle in Empire Red, but it is also available in seven other colours: Frosted Pearl, Almond Cream, Onxy Black, Candy Apple, Raspberry Ice, Medallion Silver and Cast Iron Black. Much of our daily life revolves around the kettle - it’s the first thing I use in the morning, the background noise to many a family gathering, is used for drinks, cooking and even the occasional footbath, so it is the utmost importance that we only have the best. The most noticeable thing about the Artisan Kettle is its stylish design; its smooth, rounded, large 1.5litre capacity body has a temperature dial and adjustable temperature
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knob. Even if you never use the kettle it would be worth owning one just to have it sit on your worktop looking gorgeous. If you are a fan of tea you might already know that different types of tea need to steep at different temperatures - whilst black tea needs to be at boiling point more delicate flavours like green and white tea need to steep at 75-85˚C. The kettle’s adjustable temperature ranges from as low
at 50˚C all the way up to boiling point. Of course, this feature can come in handy for many things other than tea, like warming up baby food or milk. The Artisan features a dual wall cavity that helps keep the water hotter for longer, whilst keeping the outside of the kettle cool to the touch. It also features a removable lime scale filter. One negative I found was that the aluminium construction means it is a bit of a lump - at 2.5kg when empty it’s a monster when full. However, I think that’s a small price to pay for this robust and goodlooking kettle. RRP from £139 - £159.
www.kitchenaid.co.uk/small-appliances-1/kettles-3/kitchenaid-artisan1%2c5l-kettle-5kek1522/859780000000/ Pros Stunning design Seven colours available Adjustable temperature Dual wall keeps water warm and body cool No dips spout Durable Quiet
Cons Heavy Water level under handle
Gadgethead Magazine
Gul Viper 4/3 BS Chest Zip Wetsuit In the world of wetsuits, you could be forgiven for thinking that because they all look similar, they must all be the same, but it is important to understand that not all wetsuits are created equally. Gul have been crafting technical water sports apparel for 50 years. The company was founded in 1967 in Cornwall, when keen surfer Dennis Cross set about designing the first purpose-built surfing wetsuit that could withstand the cold conditions of the North Atlantic Ocean. Since then, Gul have gone on to become one of the market leader in wetsuits. The Viper 4/3 BS Chest Zip Wetsuit is one of their top-end wetsuits and is packed full of useful designs. Starting with the entry, the Viper 4/3 has a Quadrate entry system and a horizontal bib front that contains a micro blackout. It also features a low-profile waterproof chest zip and Glideskin seals to keep water out. The removal of the traditional back zip gives you extra stretch to the back of the suit, and the Snaplock 72
ensures that the zippull stays in place. It is constructed from Gul’s X-Flex non-petroleum based Neoprene, which will stretch up to 150%, giving you freedom of movement that is 10% lighter than regular Neoprene. The Viper also absorbs less water than Neoprene and is soft and comfortable on your skin. The four-way stretch Powertex knee panels allow for even greater movement by stretching out at four different angles whilst
withstanding harsh elements for extra durability. The panels are glued, blindstitched and finished off with a 4mm thin liquid silicon based urethane to keep things watertight, which at the same time allows for increased flexibility and reduced friction and pressure points on the skin. The Aqua Ring wrist seals and Liquid Neoprene S-Seal prevent water from entering the suit by creating abrasion around the arms, whilst the Mesh Back provides wind chill protection by absorbing heat from the sun and helping to prevent evaporative cooling. The Bolt Drying feature is Gul’s exclusive, fastestdrying Neoprene technology with an ultra-quick drying core that wicks away water
from the skin and creates a cushion of air between the body and suit, providing excellent insulation and warmth. The Viper 4/3 also features a handy key pocket built into the lower calf with a drain hole and key loop for extra security. The Gul Viper 4/3 BS Chest Zip wetsuit isn’t mucking around: this technical wetsuit will keep you warm, comfortable and protected even in the toughest of British coastlines. RRP £250
www.gul.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=vr1234 Pro Comfortable Easy to get in and out of Super stretchy Warm Aqua ring wrist seals Bolt Dry thermal core Horizontal chest zip entry Key pocket
Gadgethead Magazine
iSmartAlarm Home Security System Essential Pack
iSmartAlarm provide a flexible, expandable and complete DIY-smart home security system that doesn’t require contracts or monthly fees, and can be customised to suit your home and needs. iSmartAlarm has lots of packages to choose from, but we will be looking at the essential pack. This pack comes with a Spot Camera, a CubeOne, a Contact Sensor, a Motion Sensor and Remote tag, ideal for setting up in small homes. Starting with the CubeOne, this is the 74
brain on the system that connects all the other iSmartAlarm devices and allows communication between them and your smartphone via the iSmartAlarm app. The CubeOne will keep you informed via immediate SMS text, email, automated phone call and push notifications
if there is something unusual in your home, and in the case of an intrusion the built-in 110 dB siren will be triggered. It has a limit of a combination of up to 70 devices. Next up, the Spot Camera - this works as a stand-alone wi-fi camera or with the CubeOne. The Spot Camera is packed full of feature, including sound recognition for carbon monoxide and smoke alarm sirens,
time lapse videos, cloud recording, local video storage (up to 32 GB with MicroSD, card not included), streaming onto you iPhone or Android device as well 2-way audio, 4X digital zoom, night vision, motion and sound detection and adjustable legs on a magnetic base for wall or shelf placement. The Contact Sensor is a battery powered monitor that tracks doors and windows remotely. This Sensor is removeable, so you can switch it between your front door, bedroom window, cake cupboard or whatever is most important to you. Next, we have the Monitor Sensor which as the name suggests monitors activity in rooms or indoor open spaces remotely. It has a 30 foot PIR range and is easily moveable, wireless and battery-powered. Last up is the Remote Tag, which can be used to control the entire system when at home without having
to open the app. The tag can be given to visitors or friends, can receive notifications and will set off the siren in the CubeOne in the case of a medical emergency. We found the iSmartAlarm easy to set up - the app is good but could be better, and it takes time to log in to be able to switch the off
siren. Speaking of the siren, it could be louder, especially as it is critical to the security system. Overall, this is a good home security system for a budget with no monthly costs, and the ability to expand and customise your set to suit your needs. RRP £169.99
www.ismartalarm.com/ProductList/1/ ismartalarm Pros Expandable No monthly fee Easy to set up Flexible
Cons Siren should be louder CubeOne has to be plugged into Ethernet cable, which limits location
Gadgethead Magazine
OMsignal OMbra OMsignal, based in Montreal, creates smart apparel to help enhance the workout experience of people who live fit and active lives. The OMbra is the world’s smartest sports bra, its ometric technology powering the OMrun app to gain a detailed insight into you exercise. I was sent the OMbra started kit, which includes one OMbra, the OMbox and a charger. There are four colours to choose from; Blazing Black, Poppin’ Pink, Timeless Melot and Jazzy Cheetah, which is a very colourful speckled
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design. On first look, the OMbra is well made, constructed from 82% polyester and 18 % spandex. The whole thing screams quality, as you would expect for this price. The OMbra features a ladder strap adjustment on the front
of the body so you can easily adjust it whilst wearing it…why aren’t all bras designed this way? The cups have removable pads inside for added comfort and to flatter the figure. There is an ultra-soft and flexible underwire the will help reduce bounce, but it is so comfortable that you won’t even know it is there. The racer back helps to absorb shock and is constructed from a moisture wicking
mesh with breathable panels to help regulate body temperature. This is possibly the best running bra I have used, and I have got through a lot. That praise is before I have even had the chance to mention the smart technology that’s embedded in the bra. Biosensors capture your heart rate and breathing - information that gets collected by the OMbox. Clipping comfortably onto the OMbra, the OMbox will track your steps and stream the data to your iPhone via Bluetooth. The companion app will give you a personalized coaching experience with visual and audio feedback tailor made for your ability and heartrate. The placement of the sensors give you an accurate result, more so than a tracker on your wrist. The more you run, the more the app gets to know your body, helping
omsignal.com/products/starter-kit Pros Ultra-comfortable Shock absorbing and bounce reducing Accurate heartrate monitor Personalized Running Zones Biometric coach Audio feedback Run recap & progress tracking Four colours available OMrun app
Cons Only available on iPhone
you to achieve your weight goals in a safer, more sustainable way. When I first opened the box, I was a bit worried about how comfortable it was going to be working out with big lump of plastic attached to me, but I didn’t even notice it. The app is smooth and informative but sadly only available on iPhone - that is probably the only fault I found with the entire product. If you have an iPhone then this could be the perfect running bra/activity tracker for you. Overall, it is an excellent product, wonderfully designed with lots of smart tech and exceptional comfort. RRP $169
Gadgethead Magazine
Kegel8 For Men You might be forgiven for thinking that a strong pelvic floor is only something women need to focus on after having a baby, but in fact it is equally important for men to keep the muscles strong especially in later years. A strong pelvic floor can help to control bladder and bowel functions, as well as playing an important role in sexual function, by preventing and treating pelvic pain and lack of sensation. There are two way to exercise the pelvic floor muscles with the Kegel8 For Men. Now, I can already sense some fellas crossing their legs in anticipation of how it might work and yes, there is a probe and yes, it gets inserted into your back passage. However, the insert is slim and designed to be comfortable, and after a couple of goes it becomes second nature. The second way it is used is to place the skin electrodes on the perineum (Google it). Once the Kegel8 is in 78
place, you can choose from the eight pre-set exercise programmes: Urinary Incontinence 1, Urinary Incontinence 2, Maintenance of Healthy Bowel Movement, Achieving A More Satisfying Erection, Urinary Incontinence 3, Pelvic Floor Strength, Pelvic Floor Max Strength. There is also the option of 3 customisable programmes that can be programmed by a clinician should specific treatment be required. Kegel8 recommend using
the neuromuscular electrical stimulation for one session a day to see improvements - it does all the work for you, so you don’t have to worry about whether you’re are exercising the right muscles. The Kegel8 For Men isn’t cheap, and I think for the price they could have thrown in some lubricant and cleaner to get you started. It also comes in a not so discrete, oversized case - I’m sure a more compact case could be designed. All in all, the Kegel8 For Men is a useful device that could seriously improve many aspects of men’s health. The exercises take a little getting used to, but after a couple of weeks you will see the improvements are worth it. RRP £149.99
www.kegel8.co.uk/kegel8-v-for-men-kegelexerciser-and-erection-enhancer-82217.html?gcl id=CMvO5tvGjdMCFeQy0wodGwcK7w Pros Comfortable Eight pre-programmed exercises Skin electrodes or probe option Easy to use
Cons Large case No cleaner or lubricant included
Gadgethead Magazine
Connecta Baby Carrier Connecta is a family run business based in the EU that have been manufacturing products since 2006. The company maintain ethics at the centre of everything they do, selecting 100% Organic GOTS certified cotton for all carrier straps and backing, using vegetable inks, paper or card for manuals and inserts to minimise waste. As you would come to expect from a babywear company, Connecta offer fair working conditions, proudly supporting staff through pregnancy, parenthood and family life. All factories are audited members of a fair worker scheme called ‘Fair for Life’ and all products are designed, checked and packaged by hand in the UK. The products are suitable from birth (3.5kg/7.5lb up to 24kg) without any need for additional inserts or fiddly adjustments. The Connecta baby carrier will hold baby in the
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optimal positioning for healthy hip development and offers ergonomic support for the natural curve of a baby’s back. The Connecta features crossable straps which help to provide maximum comfort for the wearer and evenly distributes the weight across the back to eliminate stress at pressure points and rubbing. As is necessary with any product that regularly comes into contact with an infant, the Connecta Baby Carrier is machine washable and the whole thing will fold
down into a nice compact package that can be easily tucked away into most bags. The Connecta is safety test certified to meet the CEN/TR16512:2015, BS EN 13209-2:2005 and ASTM F2236-14 safety standards and features 100% organic straps & lining. Additionally, there are so many designs to choose from, from cute to stylish to fun. The integrated sleep hood provides extra support for wobbly sleeping heads and when not in use it can be tucked back into the carrier to form a handy little pocket. The Connecta baby carrier is comfortable to wear but takes a little practice getting it on. The instructions aren’t the easiest to follow and without
an insert it requires baby staying still whilst you set it up, getting it onto your back is almost too much hassle to do when on your own, it’s much easier to use with two people, however getting baby onto your front is a breeze. All in all, this is a good basic carrier but if you a looking at using something on a daily basis, especially by yourself, this may not be the best option. RRP £100
connectababycarrier.com Pros Loads of designs to choose from Ethical company Organic cotton Comfortable
Cons Difficult to put on your back Basic
Gadgethead Magazine
Lara Designs Harley Pepper Mill & Spice Grinder Lara Designs was founded in 1986 by industrial designer Louis A. Lara, with a dream of bringing products of his own design to market, as well as curated pieces from other design colleagues. All his products’ designs reflect his unique aesthetic and attention to detail, and the Harley Pepper Mill & Spice Grinder is no different. Who says practical can’t be beautiful? Certainly not Lara Designs. The Harley Pepper Mill is a precision-made kitchen tool, crafted to impress the most style-conscious chefs or dinners. The first thing that struck me was weight (luckily not literally, or I would be dead!) At 2lbs, this thing is heavy, so you will be working your muscles whilst you prepare your food. The Harley Pepper Mill is manufactured in the USA from solid, aircraft-grade
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aluminium, and it features a ceramic milling mechanism to grind up your pepper or spices. The pepper mill can be adjusted by the mechanism on the base of the mill that allows you to move from course ground to fine ground and everywhere in-between. The body has a textured diamond pattern design that helps provide a firm grip whilst using the mill, even in greasy paws, and the nylon bearing inside promises a lifetime of smooth action between
aluminium parts, enough to include a lifetime warranty. The top is securely attached to the mill, so much so that it takes a pretty big tug to get it off. When we did this, the plastic washer went flying across the kitchen - this could become a messy experience if there’s anything in the mill! The Harley Pepper Mill comes beautifully packaged in a deluxe slip-sleeve and clamshell package designed in black and orange, and has dimensions of 8.625” tall x 2.25” diameter (219 mm tall x 57 mm dia.). The Harley Pepper Mill & Spice Grinder is a beautifully crafted kitchen product - if you’ve got it, it will grind it, and it will last you a lifetime. RRP $249
laradesigns.com/shop/harleypeppermill Pros Stylish design Grip surface Precise grind adjustment Lifetime warranty Ceramic milling mechanism grinds pepper, salt and most spices
Cons Top is tough to pull off
Gadgethead Magazine
Palm Glide Personal Floatation Device Health and safety doesn’t have a particularly cool reputation, especially when it comes to sports, but there is a reason safety devices exist, and one day they could get you out of some deadly situations. The Palm Glide is a compact waist belt PFD (personal floatation device) that conceals a 100 N floatation bladder which instantly inflates at a pull of the cord. It is designed with stand-up paddle boarding in mind, but is also suitable for kayaking, body boarding or any sport where extra precautions are a good idea. The Glide is ISO certified, which in a nut shell means it has passed a bunch of important standards that ensure the safety and reliability of the product. In other words, you know you are in safe hands. The
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Glide comes in red or blue and features a handy phone-sized pocket and D-ring clip points to keep your valuables safe when you are out on the water. It comfortably clips out of the way around the waist, and
the added padding on the hips reduces rubbing. It only weighs 535g and doesn’t restrict movement like those lumpy foam life jackets. When you need it you just to give the large toggle a good tug and the jacket will self-inflate, pop out of the Velcro and then is simply pulled over the head and tied at the neck. An air tube allows you to top up or reduce inflation if needed, much like the ones they demonstrate on flights. The whole thing can be used again with a replacement 24g
palmequipmenteurope.com/products/glide%20 personal CO2 cylinder, and there are numbered markings on the device to show you how to pack it all away properly, as well as a handy video on the website. The Palm Glide does exactly what it needs to do, exactly when you need it to, and when it comes to safety, what more could you ask for? RRP £89.95
Pros Compact Comfortable Lightweight Fast and easy inflation when you need it D-ring clips and accessory pocket Reusable
Gadgethead Magazine
Terms & Conditions Our aim is to give our readers the most honest reviews we can. We also want to ensure all manufacturers have the opportunity to promote their goods regardless of their financial standing. In fact we are incredibly proud that start up companies have just as much chance of promoting their goods as do established brands. Our policy is simple in that we don’t offer returns unless previously agreed. We also reserve the right to keep or sell the goods to fund our writers and keep our magazine active. We do not offer sponsored reviews where we are paid directly for the review and we feel that this model is the best way to get an objective and impartial review. So whilst we won’t guarantee a favourable review, we will guarantee an honest one. Please check out our full terms and conditions on www.littlegatepublishing.com
We are disclosing this as we like to be transparent about our reviews.
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