GADGETHEAD Issue 4.2
UK
£4.95
www.thegadgethead.com
Inspired By Your Success
EXPLORE. ENJOY.
MAXIA 4
THE NEW GENERATION OF THE LEGEND GIVI’S most popular top case, totally redesigned. Stylish as never before, versatile and as strong as ever. • ABS cover with a new design • Internally strengthened outer edge • Double cover made from plastic and aluminium • New outer band • New optical reflectors with small reflector on the outer band • Capacity: 56 lt
Sponsor of the LCR Honda MotoGP Team.
Find more than 900 accessories at www.givimoto.com
Contents
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 James Lapping james@littlegatepublishing.com Junior Copy Editor Will Girling willgirling@littlegatepublishing.com Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com
Ariat Volt Jacket • Brydge 12.9 Keyboard • Corioliss C1 Styling Iron Page 10 Craftea Ultimate Electric Tea & Chai Maker • Elite Workstand Race Pro • FLIR ONE Pro (iOS) • Khyam Igloo Quick Erect Tent • Kolibree Ara Toothbrush Page 20 Mission Workshop - the Hauser • Oppo Suit Star Wars Suit • Osprey Atmos AG 65 • Peli 0915 Memory Card Case Page 30 RiutBag X25 • SIXPAD Abs Fit • Soundmoovz • Spurcycle Multi Pouch • SteelSeries Arctis 3 Page 40 Storz-Bickel CRAFTY • Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 • Bundle Bean for Babywearing • Wacaco Nanopresso + Case Page 50 Allied Medal Hangers • Pod 3 GPS Tracker • Livescribe 3 Smartpen • Climb X Rave • Tula Saguaro Blanket Set Page 60 Dakine Celilo Insulated Ski Jacket • Reviber Fusion Oscillating Vibration Plate Exerciser • Tula FreeTo-Grow Baby Carrier
Ariat Volt Jacket The striking Volt jacket from Ariat comes in two colours: classy Coastal Grey and a bold Rush Blue. Both are packed with a whole host of Ariat technology. The Volt is wind and water resistant, it also features ‘Primaloft’ insulation, meaning the jacket is machine washable (in cold water). It will dry quickly and prevent the insulation from clumping or displacing. The outer shell has a feather light quilted design and uses Ariat’s ‘V3 Stretch’ technology, which provides a close fit without restricting movement. There are stretchy fleece side panels that move in all the right directions for riding and jumping. It also has two zip-up
4
pockets that have a soft lining inside, which means they can double up as hand warmers when off the horse. The Volt also has uses ‘MMT’ fabric technology, allowing the moisture created inside the jacket to be wicked out onto the surface, which allows your body to maintain a comfortable temperature and keep you dry. The 2-way practical zip (like all the zips) are high quality with a smooth action. The body on the jacket is short, which prevents it from getting in the
way or creating bulges when on the horse. The wrists are tightly fitted to stop any drafts from entering the jacket or allowing the sleeves to ride up. It seems the line runs a little on the small side around the bust, so if you are larger in that area you may want to consider a size up from what you would normally wear. This jacket makes an excellent companion for riding: comfortable through autumn, winter and spring, but perhaps a little too warm for summer. It is lovely and lightweight and well fitted without being restrictive. RRP £69.99
http://www.ariat.com/gb/en/VOLT_JACKET_K_ APP.html?rc=US Pros Light Breathable Primaloft insulation MMT fabric technology High quality zips Hand warmer pockets Two-way zip Flexible
Cons Runs small around the bust Only two colours available
Gadgethead Magazine
Brydge 12.9 Keyboard The beautiful Brydge 12.9 Keyboard brings the MacBook experience to the 12.9inch iPad Pro (2017 and 2015 models). Available in both Silver and Space Grey which matches perfectly to you iPad Pro, it features a standard QWERTY layout (note: it is only available in this format). Constructed from a high-guide aluminium it has a sturdy weight to it. It’s tactile which is especially good at encouraging poorly motivated, productreviewing people to keep typing and not wonder off to make their 5th cup of coffee that morning: it just feels that good to use! The solid body makes you feel confident in the keyboards durability when travelling in your bag. It weighs less than the 13-inch MacBook Pro at 721g, but that doesn’t mean it’s a light weight device; however, the weight works in its favour by forming a stable base to work from. The
6
magic of the Brydge are the hinges: this integrated Patented hinge design has been specifically created for the specific thickness of iPads without a case or screen protector - meaning if you are keen on using a case, you will need to remove everything before you can use the keyboard. However, when you close the iPad and keyboard together there are small pads the protect the screen from damage, so you won’t need a case. The two hinges slip on & off quickly and have a silicone lining to protect your iPad. They have the perfect balance between smooth movement and
stiff control, so you can firmly place the screen anywhere from 0-180°, and that’s exactly where it will stay. The keys are black with a backlit display with 3 levels of brightness, making it easy to use in low light conditions. Although this is bad for your eyes, it does mean you can see your keys if necessary without switching on the lights and potentially disturbing other people. The keys are shallow and quiet with a good response and the top row is dedicated to iOS special function keys. As the Brydge connects via Bluetooth rather than a wired connection there is a slight delay when typing. It isn’t slow enough to be an issue for me but takes some getting used to and could potentially put people off. RRP $149.99
https://www.brydgekeyboards.com/products/ brydge-12-9-ipad-pro-keyboard Pros Beautiful design Durable Seamlessly integrates with iPad Pro 12.9 Tactile 0-180° viewing angle Protects screen when closed
Cons Connects via Bluetooth creates a lag
Gadgethead Magazine
Corioliss C1 Styling Iron The Corioliss C1 Styling Iron has the potential to provide you with straight, wavy or curly hair. With 1-inch titanium plates, an adjustable heat capacity of up to 235°C and a long, 3-meter 360˚ swivel cord, which is handy when your mirror and plug socket aren’t anywhere near each other! The C1 uses super smooth plates to produce an even heat and reduce the risk of your hair snagging and pulling, whilst the negative ion technology prevents your hair from becoming frizzy. The plates are ‘floating’ to help stop those nasty dents and creases when using the irons to curl your hair. The C1 features dual voltage, so you can take the irons on holiday, and come with a colour coordinating heat-pouch to protect worktops and carpets from any little accidents. They come in a rather attractive package - making a 8
good gift - however the finish on them isn’t top quality; in places they look a little cheap: there are tiny chips in the plastic and slightly rough lines. The on/off switch is on the inside of the iron which makes for an interesting “will I burn my fingers this time” sort of game… or maybe I’m just an accident prone. I also found the numbers indicating the temperature hard to see and a larger, clearer display would make it more user friendly. The hinge on these irons isn’t very strong: when you bring the two
plates together they can easily twist so that they aren’t parallel. This bad workmanship makes me lose confidence in the potential life expectancy of the device. As an actual styling product, I found it straightened my hair well with a smooth action, but due to the twisting plates I found it difficult to produce natural-looking curls or waves. They are rather unexceptional and for the hefty price tag attached to them I would expect a higher quality finish and more user-friendly features. RRP £149.00
https://coriolisseurope.com/collections/c1 Pros Smooth straightening action 235°C adjustable temperature 360˚ swivel cord 3meter lead Dual voltage for travel Nicely packages
Cons On/off button on the inside of the irons Hinge isn’t strong and the two arms twist Expected a higher quality finish for the price Difficult to curl hair
Gadgethead Magazine
Craftea Ultimate Electric Tea & Chai Maker For anyone who has ever seen the episode of ‘Father Ted’ where they buy the house-keeper - Mrs. Doyle - an electronic tea-maker in the bid to make her life easier and, in the end, she murders it with a screw driver…well I know what she was going through! The Craftea Tea Maker at first may seem like a great idea: aimed at lovers of fresh teas and Chai teas, the Craftea will boil the water, steep and brew your tea all via pre-programmed settings. Depending on what type of tea you
10
have chosen, as well as options for the user to program temperatures and steep times, it will also memorise personal tea and Chai settings after use. With a 1L (34 fl. oz.) you can get 3 healthy sized cups or 4 small cups in one go. It is dishwasher
safe, with a removeable filter and (with some effort) a removeable lid. Other features include a slip-resistant handle and all the parts that come into contact with your tea are BPA free. So, what made me want to stab this appliance with the entire contents of my tool box? Well the first thing that got my back up was the instruction manual wasn’t particularly instructive: I
managed to put the stirrer on the wrong way around, as there were no clear pictures or explanation. The Craftea has the cheek to suggest it could replace your kettle, but with the small capacity you are forever refilling it! Talking about refilling, I must mention the lid: it really is a lot of fun. It flips up with such force that it splashes water into your face and then slams closed again due to the momentum. Getting the right pressure to open it without getting soaked becomes a bit of a game. The folks at Craftea also suggest it would make a perfect personal tea-maker at work…trust me, if you have this in the office, you will get fired at best, murdered with it at worst because of the constant noise it creates! There is a series of options you need to select before it gets going and every press on the big ‘check’ button results in a horrible, loud and unnecessary screech that will eventually make you want to tear your ears off. This noise also goes off when the programme comes to an end. When it
http://www.craftea.com Pros The tea will taste good
3 button controls are easy to use
Cons Awful beeping noise with every action
Takes longer than kettle and tea pot
Whole thing needs to be washed after each use
Stirrer occasionally jams
Messy spout Lid opens with too much force
Large unit
1lt capacity Temperature is slightly off
starts to work it is also very loud, with the motor making a noisy buzzing noise. With the noise, wayward lid, small capacity, large unit size (6.65” x 10.04” x 12.6”) and need to wash it after every single use, it just makes the process of making tea more frustrating. This is without even mentioning the occasional jamming of the stirrer that produces an ‘Error’ reading and the temperatures being off by about 7-10 degrees. The spout is also quite poor and spills over the side if you tip it too far. The tea it produces is fine, but it tastes no better than what you could make without this appliance. Ideal for rich, deaf, Chai addicts with an OCD for cleaning, who enjoys an occasional splash in the face from the lid and has a lot of time on their hands. RRP $199.00 Gadgethead Magazine
Elite Workstand Race Pro When you have spent hundreds or even thousands of pounds on your bike, you will want to keep it in the best of nick: taking time to clean and maintain your bike will become as important to you as getting out on the road or trail. When I was a kid and I needed to work on my bike, I would flip it upside down and rest it on the handle bars and saddle, an action that would make many serious cyclists turn green just at the thought of it. The Elite Race Pro Work Stand is the stand of choice for pro teams like Europcar and Katusha. This tough but lightweight, aluminium stand quickly folds up making it easy to transport. Featuring three solid, non-slip legs to stabilise your
12
bike whilst the pivoting top-bar allows you to move your bike 360-degree with ease. The Workstand Race Pro is easy to use and comes pre-assembled, so you don’t have to worry about putting it together. You simply pop out the legs with a large handle that flips down at the same time, adjust the height to the right level, and then flip the handle up again to lock them in position. Another large handle adjusts the mount that holds the front wheel fork - you
will need to remove the front wheel before attaching the bike - the bottom bracket then rests on the back side of the bar. From here, you can then easily pivot the bike up and around the fork for allover access. It comes with a recommended maximum load weight of 17 kg. When you have finished, take the bike off the rack and the collapsing arms will quickly fold down for it to be quickly stored away. It will easily fit in your car to go with you for events, or live happily in a cupboard or garage. All the components are rustproof and feel very strong. The Elite Workstand
Race Pro is very easy to use and helps you maintain your bike effortlessly. It is portable due to its extremely lightweight and compact design, but at the same time retains a high standard of strength and reliability. Overall: an excellent choice for taking care of you precious steed. RRP £159.99
http://www.elite-it.com/en/products/gb/ maintenance/workstands/workstand-race-pro Pros Compact Lightweight Quick and easy to use 360˚ pivoting access Portable
Gadgethead Magazine
FLIR ONE Pro (iOS) The FLIR ONE Pro uses ‘VividIR’ thermal image processing that lets you see with greater detail any problem with precision, and allows you to check that the issue has been fully resolved and reassure the customer. Suitable for inspecting electrical panels, looking for HVAC problems, or finding water damage. The new ‘FLIR ONE’ app requires a sign in, which enables automatic warranty registration and access to all the latest updates from FLIR. This compact device (68mm W x34mm H x14mm D, or 2.7in x 1.3in x .6in) weighs just 36.5g and attaches to your iPhone device via the lightening connector. It has a 4x improvement in thermal resolution and ‘VividIR’ image processing. It allows you to see in more detail and measure smaller components from farther away. The ‘FLIR MSX’ feature provides a detailed thermal image: by merging two images together and using the edge details from the regular image and embossing it on top of the thermal image, you 14
will know exactly where the thermal information is relating to. The FLIR ONE Pro uses an Expanded Measurement function which provides you with a range of temperatures between -4°F and 752°F (-20° to 400°C). It has up to three spot temperature meters and six temperature regions of interest, and also gives you an added on-thego image analysis and reporting capability. The FLIR ONE Pro works with the upgraded ‘FLIR ONE’ App, it is smartwatch compatible, unlocks additional ‘pro’ camera features to give the best image
possible, includes inapp Tips & Tricks videos, and is compatible with ‘FLIR Tools’ for easy reporting right from your smartphone. The FLIR ONE Pro isn’t perfect: it takes a little while to boot up, and has its own battery so as not to drain your phone… but the battery doesn’t last long, plus it gets quite hot when in use. The FLIR ONE Pro is compatible with some phone cases due to an extendable connector, but this doesn’t feel very sturdy when in the phone and I don’t think it would take a lot to snap off. All things considered the FLIR ONE Pro is a handy tool that provides clear and useful images. However, I think it needs to up the build quality to warrant the price tag. RRP $399.99
http://www.flir.com/flirone/pro/ Pros Detailed thermal imaging Accurate FLIR One app, automated reporting and spot meters Measures temperature -4°F and 752°F Sharp images
Cons Short battery life Flimsy connector when extended
Gadgethead Magazine
Khyam Igloo Quick Erect Tent One of the biggest pains in the butt when it comes to camping is actually pitching your fabric home. It often involves a whole bunch of poles that look exactly the same and trying to work out where on earth they go. The Igloo from Khyam takes away some of the hassle, but using their ‘Khyam Rapidex Quick Erect System’ (no giggling please), where all poles are sewn into the flysheet, all you have to do is simply click them into place which takes a matter of seconds. This makes it easy to move between sites and just sit down with a beer. The ‘Rapidex System’ uses strong, fibreglass poles with tough nylon auto joints, and in our first test it took us 1 ½ minutes to set it up. It has a three16
man capacity, which as we all know, usually means a one-man tent with room for all your stuff plus beers. However, the Igloo does have both a front and back porch that can be utilised for storing your gear and make the main compartment a comfortable two-man at least. The inner-tent is constructed from a breathable polyester to prevent condensation forming and that sweat box feeling in the morning. It seemed to work reasonably well: it will still get warm when the weather is warm,
but not suffocating and you can always open both doors to provide some airflow. There is a waterproof groundsheet sewn in for protection from the cold, damp ground and all those insects that seem desperate to come inside your tent. The Igloo has storage pockets integrated onto the inner-tent walls, so in the dark you will know where essentials like ear plugs and toilet roll are. The hexagonal shape also means that are lots of corners to store gear. Other features include flame retardant polyester, ‘WeatherWeave Pro’ taped seams, an included roof mounted cowl to cover the
vents of the tent, and high visibility guy ropes with reinforced double shock corded pegging points. There is no groundsheet in the porch areas included, but one can be bought separately. Due to the 5.6kg weight and pack size of 78x19x19cms, it is best suited for car-camping, festivals and auto touring. It is super-fast to put up and spacious, but the door has low entry so be prepared to bend over or crawl in. RRP £279.99
https://www.khyam.co.uk/tents-c174/berthc175/3-4-berth-c176/igloo-quick-erect-tent-p3 Pros Khyam Rapidex Quick Erect System Hexagonal shape provides space inside Front and rear doors Weatherproof Integrated pockets Good ventilation
Cons No groundsheet included for porches (come on you are paying enough) Low level entry Heavy and large when packed down
Gadgethead Magazine
Kolibree Ara Toothbrush You will be forgiven for not thinking of the Kolibree when you think of electric toothbrushes; it’s a tough market cornered by two giants: Philips and Oral B. However, the Ara from Kolibree boasts the impressive title of being the world’s first toothbrush with artificial intelligence. Whether that is a good thing remains to be seen, but we are a sucker for a ‘world’s first’ here at Gadgethead. So, lets take a look at what the Ara brings to the table…or sink… whatever. What is it like shoving a robot into your mouth twice a 18
day? Starting with the design: it doesn’t look too scary, like it might
hack your internet history in the night (I’m not saying it won’t); it is small, light-weight, smooth and glossy, which looks great when dry but tends to get a bit slippery as nothing prevents the toothpaste (and spit) sliding its way down the handle. It features a two-week battery life, battery life light
indicator, and it comes with one brush head (a bit tight, as replacements are priced at a rough £16 each) and a shaving plug style charger, for which you may need an adaptor. It uses sonic pulses, which means its quieter than oscillating toothbrushes: it vibrates every 30 seconds to remind you to move around each quadrant of the mouth and vibrates again to let you know when 2 minutes is up. These are the same features we see in toothbrushes four times cheaper, but it’s the use of the companion app that Kolibree claim makes the Ara special. By connecting over Bluetooth you get real-time feedback via the 3D sensors as you brush. It will let you know how long you have spent in each area or spots you might have missed. You will also get feedback of your progress over time, including duration, frequency and surface brushed all in one dashboard, and you’ll
https://www.kolibree.com/en/ara/ Pros Sleek design Quiet Sonic pulses cleans teeth Easy to use app Realtime freeback Weekly reports
See progress over time Offline funtion 30second area movement reminder 2minute session indicator
Cons Over priced Only one head included
Glossy finish becomes slippery when wet
Shaver plug 2 weeks charge is less than cheaper competitors
receive brushing quality, feedback and weekly reports. We found the Kolibree Ara to be a good toothbrush with some interesting feedback from a functional and intuitive app. Sadly that big old price tag might mean that Kolibree remains largely unheard of when simply concentrating on your brushing could provide the same results as the app. RRP €129
Gadgethead Magazine
Mission Workshop - the Hauser Are you training for a marathon, a triathlon, or simply enjoy long hikes no matter what the weather? Whatever the reason you end up pushing yourself in all weathers, you will at some point need hydration and the longer you are out the more you will need. If you have ever tried to run a long distance with a bottle in each hand, you will know this simply isn’t a comfortable option. A hydration pack is the most sensible option for day-long training sessions. The Hauser from Mission Workshop is a hydration park designed for all types of weather conditions, with a three litre capacity that is compatible with most reservoirs including Camelbak, Hydrapak, Platypus, and Osprey/ Nalgene. Featuring a perforated back panel and shoulder straps to provide ventilation and a frame sheet for added structure, it has four weatherproof exterior pockets and comes with a fully removable tool-roll and four extra mesh pockets with a zip opening. The 20
Hauser has a roll-top closure to secure the main compartment and can also be closed by laying the flap down for additional coverage of the front zips. The Hauser comes in 10 designs from sensible Black and DigiCam (camouflage) to a bright orange and a rather attractive Navy (which was our sample). One thing I will mention, and I can only hope will pass with time: it smells a little funky - a weird plastic/wax jacket sort of smell. The buckles and adjustment straps are naff (just thin plastic
buckles and cheap looking straps), but the rest of the bag is made to a good quality. There is light padding on the shoulder straps, yet they remain comfortable, and the thin waist belt might not look much, but it is there to keep the pack close to your body on a bike rather than take a great deal of weight. When testing out this pack, we found the waterproofing worked extremely well. The ventilation did not work as well as I would like: the large surface area over your back means on warm days it could get quite warm! I liked that you can access the hydration reservoir without having to remove any of your belongings, and the removeable tool-roll is a neat little bonus: it means I could leave my bike tools in there and
remove the entire thing if I take the Hauser out on foot instead. This is a pretty good Hydration pack overall; providing you have £150 to blow, this could be a good option. If the ventilation was improved then it might be worth that amount, but as it is, it is over-priced. But hey, so are Converse Trainers, and I still find myself buying them whenever they release a new vintage cartoon design! RRP $225.00
https://missionworkshop.com/products/thehauser-hydration-backpack Pros Waterproof Comfortable Separate, widely compatible, 3L reservoir Removeable tool-roll 4 waterproof pockets 10 designs to choose from
Cons Overpriced Cheap buckles and adjustment straps Needs better ventilation
Gadgethead Magazine
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 •• SuperSpeed connectivity with USB 3.0
fully populated with WD Red™ hard drives 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 - 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 - Available • 3 year warranty
tation Quad
Oppo Suit Star Wars Suit Love Star Wars? Love Christmas? Love being the centre of attention? This is the perfect outfit for you! Oppo make crazy suits for all occasions: Halloween, Christmas, fancy dress parties, or incredibly formal weddings…perhaps not the latter. I have a friend who wears these suits to sports events and I have lost count the number times he has been picked up by the cameras because of them. With over 100 designs to choose from, you may be forgiven for thinking the wacky look translates into cheap design. I mean that’s what we are used to, right? Colourful and flashy usually goes hand in hand with cheap and tacky. These suits are not cheap but that is because they are well made, using a flattering standard cut and made from 100% polyester fabric. The suit feels good quality and doesn’t have a stitch out of place. It has a full lining, strong belt loops, sturdy buttons, and generally give the impression of durability.
24
The design we received was a festive force to be reckoned with: Father Vader, Christmas lightsabres, and happy little Storm Troopers on horizontal bands of red, green and black with snowflake detailing. The suit comes with trousers, jacket and a matching necktie. It fits comfortably but it doesn’t breathe particularly well, so be prepared for sweat patches on warm days, although this can happen with most suits. It holds its colour well after multiple washes and most of the creases will drop out when its hung up to dry.
I was really surprised with the quality of this suit; it looks insane but in an awesome way. Get your whole crew to suit up in these for whatever the next event is and you will defiantly be turning heads. RRP £74.95
https://www.opposuits.co.uk/suits/star-warscostumes.html Pros Good quality construction Comfortable Durable Washes well Fully lined Matching necktie included
Cons Doesn’t breathe well
Gadgethead Magazine
Osprey Atmos AG 65 This large 65L capacity bag comes in three attractive colours, Abyss Grey, Rigby Red and Unity Blue (no relation to Unity, the blue alien race featured in Rick and Morty). As with all Osprey bags, it is packed full of features, so buckle up we are going straight in. Starting with the breathable, suspended AG AntiGravity backsystem, this mesh support lays between your back and the rest of the bag, the seamless mesh and 3D cavity backpanel allows for huge amounts of air to pass through, helping to keep you cool and dry, whilst providing comfortable load carrying performance. Next up is the world’s first fully ventilated hipbelt, it helps spread the weight
26
evenly over the body and when twinned with the AG it makes the bag wonderfully ventilated, ideal for hard hikes on hot days. The harness is a super spongy ExoForm and Biostretch with a load lifter bar that’s wonderfully comfy and fully adjustable, with a sternum strap (and emergency whistle), the InsideOut compression provides load support which in turn reduces fatigue. For quick and easy access there are twin zip front pockets, base zip and top-lid entry which means you can quickly get
what you need or ask you walking-buddies to grab something without taking your pack off. Other features include Stow-onthe-Go trekking pole attachments, a large sleeping bag base compartment with internal and an integrated detachable raincover for when the rain gets nasty, it is contained within the lid for quick attachment on the go. If you are keen to shred the weight down to the last gram, then the FlapJacket (sounds delicious) means you have the option of removing the entire lid whilst keeping your gear safe from the elements. On top of all that the Atmos AG also has an adjustable torso length, it is compatible
with Hydraulics and Hydraulics LT Reservoir with its internal hydration sleeve, twin ice axe loops, removable sleeping pad straps and internal key attachment clip so you also know exactly where your house keys are when you get home. There are loads of pockets to keep you organised with stretch front pockets, stretch mesh side pockets, twin zip hip belt pockets and under lid zip mesh pocket as well as the main compartment. It comes in at a bit of a lump at 2.19kg when empty, that is probably the only thing I didn’t immediately love about this bag. Everything considered, this is an excellent bag best suited for short to medium hikes, any longer and the weight might be a bit too much for the average person, saying that it is easily one of the most comfortable bags we have had the pleasure of wearing. RRP £190
https://www.ospreyeurope.com/shop/gb_en/ atmos-ag-65-2018 Pros Padding and ventilation where you need it Loads to pockets to keep thing organised Compatible with Hydraulics Adjustable AG AntiGravity 3D suspended mesh backsystem ExoForm™/BioStretch™ harness with load lifter ‘bar’ Fit-on-the-Fly adjustable hipbelt FlapJacket top cover for use without lid Stow-on-the-Go™ trekking pole attachment Integrated & detachable raincover 3 colours to choose from
Cons Heavy
Gadgethead Magazine
Peli 0915 Memory Card Case This tough little cookie comes from Peli who are known for being behind some of the world’s toughest cases and create virtually indestructible cases that are used by military and emergency services. The 0915 can hold 12 SD cards, 6 mini SD cards and 6 micro SD cards, it has a compact, slim profile of 141mm x 83mm x
28
22mm and internal dimension of 122mm x 57mm x 14mm, it is suitable to fit in your bag or pocket. There is a loop at the top of
the case that can be used to fit a keyring too, we attached a carabiner style clip to it, so you can attach it to a bag or belt for quick access, but nothing is included. This case has an automatic pressure equalisation valve and is made from a
tough scratch resistant polycarbonate resin that has an IP rating of 54; just in case you are not clued up on your Ingress Protection rating system this a means it has a limited protection against dust (that’s one off from fully protected) and is protected against splash water from any direction, in other words what we would consider water resistant. This is helped by the rubber ‘O-ring’ seal that runs around the closure, on the inside there is a thick foam lining that individually hugs each card and keeps it in place, with a little cut out that allows you to get your finger in and easily pop out the card, it also acts as a shock absorber in the event of a bashing. The wonderful thing about Peli is the Lifetime Guarantee which states, “You break it. We replace it, forever.”. The 0915 does exactly what you want it to and to an excellent standard, it can handle rain, dust and a bit of a kicking without disturbing the cards inside. RRP £24.28
https://peliproducts.co.uk/0915-memory-cardcase.html Pros Ultra-durable Water and dust resistant Shock absorbing foam lining Compact Crushproof Large Capacity 12 SD cards, 6 Micro SD and 6 Mini SD
Gadgethead Magazine
RiutBag X25 The X25 is like a transformer but without the terrible acting, change from a slim laptop backpack to large travel backpack that is carry-on compatible with a suitcase style access, with a backwards design for security all access points and zips lay pressed against your back, so no tea leaf fingers can access the bag without your knowing. The X25 converts from a slim and compact commute bag, 47cm x 35cm x 13cm (18.5inch x 13.77inch x 4inch), into an expanded 55cm x 35cm x 20 cm (21.65inch x 13.77inch x 7.87inch) size travel bag by using the unique folding system. Constructed from a tough waterproof Cordura and anti-abrasion TPU it weighs in at 1.28kg, making it waterproof, it also has EVA and foam straps, the laptop compartment, suitable for a 15� laptop, is lined and cushioned 30
with strong Lycra for added protection and ensuring there are five layers of protection separating your laptop and whatever surface to dump it down on. The main compartment transforms from 10 to 25litres and opens like a suitcase style with a bright yellow internal compartment making it easy to quickly see what is inside, there is a mesh divider which prevents you from flashing your dirty undies when you need to open you bag in the middle of the airport. Other features include
zipped inner pockets, top loop for hanging, extra compartment for holding a tablet or documents flat, a large top pocket, zipped D-pocket at base of spine for access on the go, trolley suitcase strap and adjustable, removeable chest straps. There is also the option of purchasing a compatible waist strap which will make the back more secure for cyclists, the waist strap however has no padding which is a shame as a padded waist strap would offer more comfort and better weight distribution for when you are walking longer distances with the X25. I love this versatility of this bag, you can put as little or as much in it as you like, you laptop and
tablet will be well looked after and having all the access tucked away is a reassuring, it isn’t perfect however, although the thick padded straps help with comfort, they are a bit stiff and get in the way when try to open the bag, this might loosen up in time, also the ventilation isn’t great so be prepared for a very warm back. The bottom line is the Riut X25 has some great features that will appeal to people who prefer a one size fits all type of bag rather than a bag for every occasion. RRP £149
https://www.riut.co.uk/products/riutbag-x25black Pros High quality construction and materials Access secured against your back 10-25lt Mesh divider in main compartment Padded 15” laptop sleeve Easy to change between too sizes Comfortable padded shoulder straps Adjustable chest strap
Cons Thin waist belt, sold separately Lacks ventilation Straps get in the way of access
Gadgethead Magazine
SIXPAD Abs Fit With the taste of mince pies and roast dinners becoming a distant memory, you may have realised that all the over indulgence has left a podge on your body that’s not as easy to get rid of as the Christmas decorations. If you have seen the adverts of a rather confused looking Cristiano Ronaldo standing around topless flashing his six pack, you could be forgiven for thinking that all you need is the SIXPAD Abs Fit to get washboard abs, it is not. Here’s a little bit of info about six packs, you need a combination of diet, cardio and strength training to achieve them, you will need to eat lots of protein and follow a strict workout routine oh and achieve a body fat percentage of between 6-9% in
32
men and 16-19% to see them. With that information you can make the decision as to whether the SIXPAD Abs Fit will fit in and/or improve what should already be a healthy and active lifestyle, it works by using Electric Muscle Stimulation (EMS), constructed from a flexible silicone it has six wings that are each fitted with electrodes that work directly on the abdominal muscles. The Abs Fit automatically works through a 23min training session, four 5minute sessions, warm up, cool down
and 30seconds conditioning in between, it uses 20Hz of simulation which isn’t painful but when its at the higher levels isn’t exactly comfortable but at the same time kind of nice. So, the idea is you use the SIXPAD to strengthen your stomach without having to put in any real effort by performing planking and crunches, but you don’t get something for nothing, yes, the SIXPAD can give you a stronger core but unless you diet correctly you won’t see a difference, it won’t melt fat. It is easy to use but the sticky pads tear easily and at £23.99 a pop in a short time this could be more expensive
than signing up to a gym. The bottom line is the SIXPAD Abs Fit is good at what it does, which is slight muscle toning, but it will be an expensive investment when it comes to constantly replacing the pads and realistically it will probably end up in the back of the cupboard with your Sketches Shape Up trainers and Thigh Master, if you want a body like Cristiano Ronaldo it’s going to take a lot more than some battery powered muscle simulation. RRP £149.99
http://www.sixpad.uk/en/abs-fit Pros Automatic 23min training program Nice looking design Easy to use You can wear it under clothes and work out discretely
Cons Pads tear easily and are expensive to replace You will not “see” results without having low body fat percentage Novelty of using it wears off after a few weeks Fiddly awkward carry case
Gadgethead Magazine
Soundmoovz Anything that encourages youngsters to get moving is a great idea, the Soundmoovz are an interesting product that combines movement and sound to which lets your dance moves create the music rather than the letting the beat inspire your movement. The Soundmoovz are motion activated musical bands that can be worn on your wrists, ankles or shoelaces and work alongside an app via Bluetooth, the sound comes from your phone or smart device not the bands themselves. The In the App are 400 pre-set sounds to choose from, create; beats, rhythms, music and more. Wear the Bands on your wrists, ankles or shoelaces. Suitable from ages 8+ the Soundmoovz come in a pack of two but for more fun you can wear up to four bands at once and pair up to seven (why seven?
34
When the come in packs of two?), you can layer up the beat onto a song through the Backing Track option on the app and connect to a wireless speaker for an even louder sound. It’s easy to set up, download the app, compatible with leading smartphones and devices, the minimum requirement for the app is iOS 10 or up and Android 4.4 or up. Once its been downloaded, you pair up the bands and select what sound you want each band to make, there is a whopping 400 preset sounds to choose from, beats, rhythms, music and more, the
Sound Share also allows you the option of downloading even more sounds. Moving your wrists, ankles and feet can activate the SoundMoovz Bandz and sends a Bluetooth signal to the SoundMoovz app and the sound instantly plays, there are options to adjust the sensitivity for more reactive beats dependant on the rhythm you want to create. You can play by yourself or with friends, they are available in Black, Purple and Blue, the silicone straps are stretchy and comfortable making it easy to get a precise fit for more reactive results. We enjoyed playing around with the SoundMoovz and they are fun at first but long term they need to add more to the app
to keep you interested as they are currently rather limited, there is also a slight delay on the response to movement which can result in your dance moves becoming out of time with the beat, but I think I am expecting too much from toy. Over all the SoundMoovz Bandz are a little limited but a lot of fun, fingers crossed for more features in the future but in the mean time jump around and make lots of noise. RRP £49.99
https://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/toys/ creativity-music-and-partyware/soundmoovz/ soundmoovz-black/p/161198001 Pros Fun Active Easy to use 400 different sounds Comfortable to wear
Cons Slight delayed reaction Limited game play
Gadgethead Magazine
Spurcycle Multi Pouch The Multi Pouch from Spurcycle is hand made in the USA by Fog City in San Francisco, California. The idea behind this simple little bag is to help you get out the door and onto the bike with a short a transition time. If you are anything like me I have a routine of running back in the house I minimum of two times because I have forgotten something, whether it is tools, cash or first aid there 36
is always something which I think is slowly driving my partner insane. Created from Dyneema Composite Fabric or Cuben Fibre as it is also known as, this material is super light-weight and the
entire pouch weighs in at just 14g, it measures up at 11.5cm x 19cm and is ultra-flexible. The Multi Pouch has four polymer snap closures integrated to the corners and a YKK Uretek waterproof zip and paired with the Cuben Fibre it makes for excellent weatherproofing and protection against sweat. The snaps allow
https://www.spurcycle.com/products/multi-pouch Pros Simple and effective
Strong snappers
Versatile
Flexible
Durable material
Transparent
Weatherproof
Con Small zip-pull
£21 per bag
you to fold the pouch either horizontally or vertically making it versatile in what you put in it and how you attach to your bike, stuff in your bag or pocket. The material makes it slightly transparent on one side, it is not completely clear but clear enough to see what is where without having to up end the whole thing, ideal if you have a few of these for different rides you can make sure you grab the right one on your way out of the door. This tough little bag is what ever you want it to be, after using one for a little while you may even be inclined to get more, you can even use your touch screen phone through the material. The only change I would like to see is that the zip pull was a larger to make it easier to access if you are wearing gloves. RRP $29
Gadgethead Magazine
SteelSeries Arctis 3 The Arctis 3 from SteelSeries is a wired headset specifically designed for gaming and comes in five colours, Black, White, Red, Blue and Grey, featuring surround sound and mic constructed around a skigoggle style suspension system for hours of comfort. Compatible with PC, Mac, Xbox, VR, mobile phones and tablets, it has a trigger for activating sticky navigation and S1 speaker drivers that produce a wellbalanced sound with clear distinction between vocals, music and effects making it good for games and films, but it lacks depth and is vocal heavy to be anything more than acceptable for music. The ClearCast Microphone aims to deliver studioquality voice clarity whilst reducing the 38
background noise as much as possible and it works as well as you would hope. The ski goggle suspension headband basically means the headphones float above a soft, adjustable headband that sits on your head, this ensure the weight is distributed comfortably across your head and twinned with soft AirWeave ear cushions that allows your ears to breath and lets you enjoy hours of gaming in comfort. The SteelSeries Engine lets you customise your sound settings by
adjusting EQ settings and microphone settings, you will need Windows 7+ to achieve this, you will also need to be online if you want to make adjustment, the initial registration is a bit laborious but after that it is simple to use. The Arctis 3 is a budget headset without the low price, its rather limited in its abilities, keeping you wired into whatever device you are using, the sound quality is adequate even with the adjustable settings, the best thing it has going for it is how comfortable it is, just don’t expect to be blown away by its abilities. RRP £89.99
https://steelseries. com/gaming-headsets/ arctis-3 Pros Comfortable Good sound Clear microphone Adjustable settings Cons Wired Not great for music Limited features
Gadgethead Magazine
Storz-Bickel CRAFTY The CRAFTY vaporiser has already been programmed for optimal, immediate use straight out of the box, however you can work with the CRAFTY App to adjusts various settings via the remote control, compatible with Android and iOS. The box contains the CRAFTY Vaporiser, power adapter with USB cable, one set of spare seal rings, three spare screens (approx. 15 mm), liquid pad (approx. 15 x 5 mm), filling aid, herb mill (approx. 55 mm), dosing capsule, cleaning brush and instructions for use. Powered by rechargeable battery the CRAFTY is portable and the CRAFTY App offers a whole heap of settings for personal preference. It is easy to use, simply turn the CRAFTY on, and with one button the App lets you turn the vaporiser on and heat up to the set temperature automatically, it saves all previously
40
connected serial numbers, so you can use more than one crafty on the same app. You will have the option to extend the automatic shutoff time and adjust the operating time up to 5 minutes, if you misplace your CRAFTY you can even use the app to help you find it again, simply press the button and your device will start vibrating and blinking helping you quickly locate it. Remotely you can also change the Basic and Booster temperature, change the LED brightness, switch the vibration signal on and off and read the battery status. The CRAFTY app is compatible with Android smartphones
and iPhone devices which support Bluetooth Low Energy, and compatible with Android 6.0 or higher smartwatches and Apple Watch devices. Other features of the CRAFTY include a large 1.4 cmÂł chamber suitable for both herbs or liquids with the liquid pad, the mouthpiece flips out when you need it, it delivers a pleasant vapour, but the mouth piece is made from plastic which will always slightly taint the pureness of the flavour. We liked the compact construction and the practical one button control, the App puts you in control an allows you to personalise it to your own specific preferences. RRP â‚Ź298
https://www.storz-bickel.com/eu/en/crafty/ Pros Compact and discrete Easy to use Large chamber Adjustable Liquid or herb Herb mill included
Cons Plastic mouthpiece (only one included) Short battery life (30-45mins)
Gadgethead Magazine
Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 This super versatile tripod will allow you to get the shots you have only ever dreamed of before, with more positions available than the advanced karma sutra, the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 comes with tripod and the SBH-100 Ball head forming an unstoppable combination. With 26mm, 3 section aluminium alloy legs that adjust to 25, 50, and 80-degree angles it allows for extreme low angle photography, its features a Multi-Angle Central Column (MACC) System which allows the central column to move from 0 to 180-degree angles in variable vertical and horizontal positions, ideal for macrophotography and high-impact wide-angle shots. The SB H-100 ball head smoothly rotates 360 degrees and includes a quick release plate and bubble levels to ensure you have a flat surface 42
to shoot from. Other features include the Instant Swivel Stopn-Lock (ISSL) System that can be used to securely reposition the central column in one quick movement without losing stability, a premium magnesium die-cast canopy with anti-shock ring, quick flip leg locks with chunky rubber feet and retractable spikes for a firm grip on every terrain. The central column design is what makes the Alta Pro such an excellent tripod, there isn’t an angle you cannot hit and its super stable because the feet are so low, for a little extra stability
you can use the hook at the end of the column to add weight like your camera bag or dog. The Alta Pro looks great, the matt finish provides a sleek, professional impression, the silicone grips that open the legs out however look a little cheap in comparison and the clips at the top of the legs don’t feel very stable either, other than that all the other components are good quality the handles and nice and chunky and suitable for gloved hands. The whole tripod is a bit of a lump at 2.44kg and only packs down to 28.125”, but it is worth lugging it about in exchange for the secure shots it provides, it is an excellent all rounder that is well worth the investment. RRP £199.99
https://www.vanguardworld.co.uk/photo_video_ gb/alta-pro-2.html Pros All angles are possible Aluminium legs adjust to 25, 50, and 80-degree angles Ball head rotates 360 degrees Hexagon-shaped central column moves from 0 to 180 degrees Instant Swivel Stop-n-Lock System Quick flip leg locks, rubber feet with retractable spikes Excellent stability Load capacity of up to 15.4 pounds Extends to 68.125”
Cons Quality of some components could be improved
Gadgethead Magazine
Bundle Bean for Babywearing Bundle Bean is the brain child of Emily Goodall, who was tired of the impracticality of carting huge quantities of gear around when taking her two toddlers out. Established in 2011, the company quickly expanded their product range to include covers for baby wearing items like slings and carriers. The Babywearing cover comes in five attractive designs,
44
choose from elephants, geckos, penguins, polar bears and flamingos
– and if you don’t like animals a plain black coming in May! The cover also comes in a handy little stuff bag for compact storage. All the Babywearing covers come with a waterproof outer layer and a soft fleece lining: the waterproof material
https://www.bundlebean.com/product/ bundlebean-babywearing/ is surprisingly soft and flexible, not like the sort of rain-covers you get on hiking bags, which is what I expected. This is a onesize-fits-all kind of job: all ages from baby to toddler, from woven one-piece slings to large harness style carriers, featuring four elastic and Velcro straps that attach the cover securely over your carrier and a removable hood that keeps the little one warm and dry from head to toe. There is a fleece lined pocket on the front you can use to keep your hands warm and dry because, you know, sometimes parents need a little looking after too. There are handy poppers along the bottom to gather up the excess material when using it with newborns and young babies.
Pros Waterproof
Fast drying
Warm
Easy to attach
Removable hood
Hand warmer
Cons Too warm for all year round use
At first, I was a little intimidated by attempting to put this on, but if you can get your head round a sling or the numerous straps and buckles involved in a baby carrier, this will be a breeze in comparison. As well as keeping baby warm and dry it helps keep you dry too, and after use the cover dries very quickly - faster than the baby carrier, in fact. Due to the thick lining the cover does get quite warm, so it is best suited for cold winter days and maybe autumn walks, but spring and summer showers would prove too toasty for both child and carrier. The Bundle Bean Babywearing cover is beautifully made and practically designed, allowing you and your precious cargo to get out and about no matter what the weather is doing. RRP £39.99
Gadgethead Magazine
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
LIGHTWEIGHT TOOLS THAT PACK A PUNCH. Our new 12V range are the smallest, lightest cordless tools we’ve ever made, but still deliver impressive performance and reach! Whether you are an avid DIY fan or a discerning construction professional - the new Hilti 12V cordless range offers new levels of accessibility and productivity in light-duty drilling and fastening applications. Follow us on
Hilti. Outperform. Outlast.
Scan this code for more info:
hilti.co.uk/12v
Wacaco Nanopresso + Case Good news! Research now suggests drinking three cups of coffee a day can add years to your life, and I have chosen to interpret that as drinking as much of the black stuff as I can could potentially make me immortal. Serve jitters and anxiety aside it’s a good excuse to drink even more coffee. Enter the Nanopresso from Wacaco, this version comes with a tough little carry case, but other options include bright Red, Yellow and Orange Designs as well as versions compatible with Nespresso (these accessories can also be bought separately). This version of the Nanopresso will require finely ground coffee and hot water, it comes apart like a Russian doll and might look a bit complicated to begin with but after a couple of goes it becomes very simple. To use, pop in
48
a scoop (included) of your favourite finely ground coffee into the basket, tamper firmly with the base of the scoop, replace basket, fill the water tank and attach the Nanopresso, flip over, unlock the pump and slowly press it in over the cup. The first 8 presses build up pressure, a maximum of 18 bars (261 PSI), then your liquid energy will appear. The pump moves easily and requires 15% less force to pump compared to previous models, I could even do it with one hand (and my hands are freakishly small). All the components come
apart for easy cleaning and it even comes with a stiff brush to maintain in between deep cleans. It’s lovely and compact at only 6.14inch in length and weighing in at just 336g, this lightweight construction is partly due to plastic materials. The only real downside is the plastic cup, plastic is not the best material to drink anything from, however bonus points for keeping your drink hot whilst the outside of the cup remains cool enough to handle. The water tank will hold up to 80ml, enough to make two espressos or one double, its super quick, strangely satisfying and best of all creates delicious coffee where ever you are. RRP £64.90
https://www.wacaco.com/ Pros Easy to use 80ml water tank Cup, scoop, brush and hard case included Light and compact Produces excellent coffee Quick to clean Accessories available
Cons Plastic drinking cup
Gadgethead Magazine
Allied Medal Hangers I’m a medal addict, I admit it; I’m one of those who likes to spend their Sundays in Lycra covered in mud and sweat with a bunch of strangers (and that’s before we head out for the running event). However, if there is no medal at the finish line count me out, keep your t-shirt, bottle of Lucozade and bruised banana - no medal no miles! My collection had grown to the point where I was running out of space to hang them, so my super husband got his hands on a medal hanger from Allied Medal Hangers, and because he knows runners can also be massive nerds, he got me the ‘Hogwarts Running Club - Miles Managed’ medal hanger! This particular version is 24” wide, with 3 hang bars to hang your hard-earned metal on. They also come in sizes 12”, 18” and 30” with a choice of 1, 2 or 3 bars. Each medal hanger comes in a simple stainless-steel finish; however, you can pay
50
extra to have it sent off and powder coated if you are desperate for some added colour. There are loads of designs - choose from couples, motivational phrases, funny (“my drinking team has a running problem”), Harry Potter, Disney, Star Wars and more. They cover lots of different types of activity including running, triathlons, cycling, obstacle courses, and even Irish dancing! If after all that you still can’t find the perfect hanger, the team at Allied Medal Hangers will create a custom design for you, emailing preview sketches until you are
100% happy, with no deposit required! The hanger comes with all required wall plugs and screws to safely mount it on the walls - the edges are quite rough, so be careful when hanging it to avoid scratching the wall. I love how smart my medals look on this hanger: the metal material means it doesn’t bend with the weight of the medals like some acrylic hangers do, and it even comes with plastic clips to keep the ribbons tidy. Now anyone who comments on how cool it looks gets a tedious break down of where each medal came, an excellent excuse for a bit of bragging. RRP $29-99
https://www.medalhangers.com/ Pros High quality 1, 2 or 3 bars Sizes 12”, 18” 24” or 30” Easy to install Loads of designs Custom design and powder coating options
Cons Edges are a bit sharp
Gadgethead Magazine
Pod 3 GPS Tracker It is estimated that 1 in 10 dog owners have experience of their dog going missing, either from running away or being stolen, throw cats into the mix and it has been estimated that over 500,000 cats and dogs go missing every year in the UK alone. With microchipping there is more of a chance of being reunited with your fur baby but that’s only if someone finds them and gets them scanned, the Pod 3 GPS tracker is a great way of seeing where our pets are at all times. This smart little kit comes with the Pod tracker, charging dock, two rechargeable batteries and two straps, compatible with Apple iOS 6 + an Android 4.5 +, as well as desk top computers, it works alongside and App the requires a monthly subscription at £6.95 or a yearly of £47.40. This compact little tracker measures 52
up at 2” x 0.9’’ and weighs only 31g, it has a 5day battery life in Standby mode, 1.5-3days on Safe zone mode and 6-8 hours on Adventure mode, the batteries are interchangeable which means you can always have one ready to replace the other, so you never run out of juice. Its casing is fully waterproof, impact resistant and uses multiple technologies to allow you to track your furry friends from anywhere in the world with phone signal. With real-time tracking you can live track indoors and outdoors with unlimited range in 175
countries, even if your pet is safely beside you, you can view 24 hours of location history to see what they have been up to in the day. The Pod 3 lets you set safe zones that will trigger an alert if your pet has crossed the boundary for example escaped from the garden, if your pet is on the podgy side you can make sure they are getting enough exercise by viewing their activity throughout the day. I love this tracker, the technology is finally getting to a point where you can rely on, super easy to set up and just works when you need it too, no connection issues or App problems the battery life is the next thing I would like to see extended as 6 hours on Adventure mode isn’t enough
for the pet obsessed. The compact size and shape makes it perfect for dogs, cats on the other hand, being the awkward gits by nature may be less impressed by the size but they will certainly get used to it. The Pod 3 allows for seamless stalking of your furry family no matter how far away you are giving you piece of mind that your pets are safe and letting you know immediately if they begin to stray. RRP £119
https://www.podtrackers.com/products/pod-3/ Pros Excellent connectivity Compact and light Global GPS pet tracker Escape alerts, activity monitoring & adventure recording Suitable for both dogs and cats Waterproof and impact resistant Interchangeable batteries
Cons Requires monthly subscripton
Gadgethead Magazine
Livescribe 3 Smartpen The Livescribe 3 Smartpen works alongside the ‘Livescribe+’ mobile app to form an incredible team that prevents any lightbulb moments or important information being forgotten. It cuts out the chore of writing up your notes, as anything you write on the paper will instantly appear on your tablet or smartphone. Your notes will become more efficient than ever before with options to tag, organise, search, and convert to text. You 54
can even add recorded audio that syncs up with your handwriting and plays at certain points on the text, and you can easily
share your notes and thoughts to friends and co-workers. The Livescribe 3 has a sleek matte black design: the ball point nib provides a familiar writing experience, however the pen is slightly chunkier than a regular pen as it is packed with tech, so it takes a little getting used to. As well as the
http://www.livescribe.com/int/smartpen/ls3/ Pros
pen you will get a 5x8 inch starter notepad. The cap on the pen also doubles as a stylus. To operate you need to twist the ring to extend the ink cartridge, then everything you write is captured by an infrared camera on the pen and stored on the smartpen’s built-in memory. All you need to do then is connect the smartpen to your iOS (8 or newer) and/or Android (KitKat v4.4.2) device and sync your notes to the ‘Livescribe+’ mobile app. You can use the microphones on your tablet or smartphone to create pencasts that record and sync up audio to everything you write. Other features include
Syncs up notes to app
Share notes
Convert hand writing to written text
App works well
Create pencasts 14 hour battery life
Cons Poor build quality
Only works with official paper
14 hours of battery life and the ability to sync the pen to up to four devices. You can purchase replaceable notepads or print them for free with a laser printer, but you will need the special dot pattern that communicates with the pen and tells it precisely what you’ve written or drawn. The Livescribe 3 (like most devices that connect via Bluetooth) has its moments of playing silly buggers, but on a whole it connects properly more times than it doesn’t. The overall build quality isn’t great: it doesn’t feel as tough as I would like for a pen that costs over £100. The writing experience will probably be marmite for some; I got used to it, but I can imagine some people will find it uncomfortable and lacking in elegance, which can slow your natural flow down. RRP $179.95
Gadgethead Magazine
Climb X Rave You might not be surprised to find that with a brand name like Climb X that these guys specialise in climbing gear. With an appreciation for the great outdoors, they try to help preserve it with ethical choices like using sustainable organic hemp to line their shoes, and good quality reusable shoe-boxes. In addition to this, they look out for the climbing community by supporting search and rescue volunteer organisations, helping low-income young climbers and third world countries discover the pursuit of climbing. The Climb X Rave shoe has been designed to be a good all-rounder with a comfortable and precise fit suitable for your next gym session. These shoes have a double-stitch construction for durability over time, with a padded collar and heel to help to prevent rubbing and pressure points. The shoes also feature a
56
polypropylene midsole and one-piece binding. First impressions were that these are lowrange shoes - they look as I would expect them to look at this price range: there are tatty edges and they look rather misshapen before you get them on. However, once on, they are comfortable; perhaps a little heavier than what I would normally use, but once you are up on the wall the performance is okay. The toe could be pointier to really get a good grip on tricky holds, but the Rave’s are more than capable of handling ‘beginner’ and ‘intermediate’ routes. After a few
months they were still holding up well they won’t be able to compete with the big boys like Scarpa in terms of resilience, but they are tougher than they look. The Rave come pre-downsized: there is a handy sizeguide on the website to make sure you get the right fit for your climbing preference, whether that is snug, tight, very tight or competition (I can only imagine this is so tight and curled over that your big toe touches your heel?!). If you are looking to get into climbing or need some new shoes whilst on a budget, these are a good choice: they perform well, are reasonably comfortable and won’t break the bank! RRP $69.95
http://www.climbxgear.com/rave2014.aspx https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076DK5DP3 Pros Low cost Reasonably comfortable Organic hemp footbed Padded ankle Durable
Cons Not as comfortable as more expensive shoes
Gadgethead Magazine
Tula Saguaro Blanket Set The Tula 3 blanket sets come in 38 designs to help you find the perfect theme to match your nursery. Options include one rather funky blanket and two not so exciting plain blankets in complementary colours. The Saguaro design that we received was a Cacti patterned blanket, perhaps not the first thing that springs to mind when you think of soft and cosy blankets, but it is cute nonetheless. The other two blankets come in an attractive Basil Green and Jade Green. Each blanket is made from 100% viscose from bamboo, making them super snug but at the same time breathable, measuring 120x120cm making them perfect for snuggling, swaddling or playing on the floor. The blankets feel silky smooth and soft due to the processed bamboo pulp, whilst maintaining a light
58
feel and airy feel, the even weave of the blanket makes it easier for baby’s skin to breath and regulate temperature. The square design makes it ideal for swaddling, however it can be used for tummy time, changing nappies, tucking in around them in their push chair or car seat, protection against the sun, and privacy when breastfeeding should you feel you want it. To keep things neat the blankets come from in a handy carry case which means you can tuck the spare two or even all three away in a bag or under the push chair until you need them ensuring they
are clean and ready when you need them, no corners hanging out of the basket dragging on the floor. These blankets are on the pricey side, but they are so lovely, softer than muslin, they wash up well, hold their colour and become even softer over time, ideal for all year round use and make excellent gifts for new parents. RRP ÂŁ69.90
https://tulababy.co.uk/products/saguaro-tulablanket-set Pros Super soft Versatile Light Breathable 120x120cm ideal for swaddling 38 sweet designs
Cons Pricey
Gadgethead Magazine
Dakine Celilo Insulated Ski Jacket My mum always said, “never judge a book by its cover”. Well she didn’t really, she is in fact very judgmental, but I heard it on TV somewhere. The Celilo from Dakine might at first look like a rather simple jacket with not a lot going on, but hidden beneath its humble lines and solid black colour (it is also available in Lil Buck - a beigey colour) is a host of features to keep you dry and warm on the slopes. Starting with the 2 Layer Oxford shell, it has a 100% Nylon dense plain weave construction with a 10,000mm Waterproof/10,000 g/m² breathable membrane. It has the rather wonderful ‘PrimaLoft’ insulation - ‘PrimaLoft Black Eco Insulation’ to be exact - with 40g body and sleeves, which has been made from 60% post-consumer recycled materials. This insulation means the jacket is light, retains its shape and can even be
60
safely machine washed if the instructions on the care label are followed properly. The taffeta lining is very cool and the material is comfortable against your skin if you have bare arms (or bare all: it can get a bit crazy on the slopes at times). However, it was the strange little hybrid animals dotted all over it that I fell in love with, including a deer-owl, hare-fox and eaglepeacock - seriously where can I get this in wall paper? The Celilo comes in a
standard fit with plenty of room for mobility and layering up. It creates a nice profile around the torso, but there is almost too much room around the shoulders and arms. The problem is that opting for a smaller size would result in it being too tight around the chest. To keep you protected from the elements there is an attached powder skirt, a 2-Way adjustable hood with bonded brim, wrist gaiters, soft lined hand-warmer pockets and an adjustable hem with hand pocket drawcord access. If things get too warm there are zip mesh vents under the arms to get some fresh air into those pits. Other features include: a slope pass pocket on the left arm, an inner
zip storage pocket with headphone port and a mesh goggle pocket. The high neck has a soft fleece lining and zip guard that keeps your face warm: you pull the hood tight around your face until you look like Kenny from South Park and the stiff brim keeps the wet out. My only complaint is that the jackets design doesn’t match its highquality features and funky lining. I found it, dare I say, boring. However, this comes down to personal taste and the flashiest of jackets are a waste of money if they don’t perform where it counts. Dakine give the Celilo a warmness rating of 2 out of 5, but with room to layer up I found this jacket a good all-rounder, with excellent weather proofing and lots of practical qualities. RRP £179.95
https://www.absolute-snow.co.uk/V/Dakine_ Celilo_SkiSnowboard_Jacket_XS_Black-(142538) Pros Comfortable Warm (room for layering) Good mobility Funky lining Excellent weatherproofing Hand warmer pockets Media pocket with headphone port
Cons Design doesn’t stand out
Gadgethead Magazine
Reviber Fusion Oscillating Vibration Plate Exerciser The Reviber Fusion is an oscillating vibration plate with a 14mm amplitude and the promise of reducing body fat, tone muscles and strengthen your core, created to be used in the home. Don’t worry if you don’t know your lats from your glutes, the Fusion has you covered. It comes with a workout DVD, workout poster and online access for exercises
62
and tips. According to Reviber the vibration plate it is powerful, compact and portable.
I’ll agree to the first statement, when you crank it up to 20, even my eyes were vibrating! Compact and portable however…I would argue with that, the plate is 53 x 30 cm, but is still the most compact out there in the market. As for
portable, it weighs 14.5 kg and has no comfortable handles or points to grab it, maybe carrying it is part of the work out. To work out with the Fusion, it comes with adjustable latex resistance bands which attach at either the front of the plate or the side, you then simply plug in and step on, you can either use the control panel or remote to activate the plate, you then follow the exercises on the DVD which uses a combinations of vibration training, Pilates and a gym style workout. The exercises are easy to follow and work out the entire body, the Fusion comes with a workout Cushioning Block which ensures the abdominal muscles are engaged throughout the workout and can also help with comfort during the seated exercises and press ups. The vibrations force you to work your stomach and leg muscles to keep balance then you use the resistant bands work out your upper body. I was
https://reviber.co.uk/reviber-fusion/ Pros Remote control
follow
3 adjustable resistance bands
Well made Quiet
DVD easy to
Cons Awkward to move
out correctly
Can’t be 100% you are working
Novelty wears off
Limit exercises
pleasantly surprised by how quiet the motor is, it gets louder the higher the setting, but I would still consider it quiet, the cats, who are scared of electric tooth brushes and sneezes didn’t run away. The Fusion could be a good introductory product for beginners however you will need to be prepared to put the effort in, the vibrations alone will not burn off the fat but simply switch on the muscles, it is down to you to work them hard to get a result, and with only a video for an instructor you can never be 100% certain you are doing it right. At £199 (this would get you 10 months at my gym) it is a big investment eventually you will get bored with doing the same exercises over and over so in that respect it is rather limited. RRP £199.99
Gadgethead Magazine
Tula Free-To-Grow Baby Carrier The Free-To Grow is a fully adjustable, ergonomic baby carrier whose width and height can be easily changed as your baby grows. With 19 beautiful styles to choose from it is fuss free, no infant insert required, and it can be used from as little as 7lbs up to 45lb. Constructed from 100% OEKO-TEX standard 100 certified fabric the Tula Free-ToGrow are hand-made, the body panel adjusts to three different widths settings and two height settings which could take you from newborn to early toddler. The shoulder straps are heavily padded for your comfort to prevent neck strain, the straps are quick and easy to adjust whilst you are wearing it which makes it easy to switch between carriers. You can use the carrier to position baby on your back or front but only facing you, these options
64
provide a natural, ergonomic position best for promoting healthy hip and spine development for baby. The waistband is nice a wide with lots of padding to distribute the weight properly and includes a large front pocket handy for storing keys or emergency snacks, there is extra padding around the legs to keep baby comfortable. The Free-To-Grow comes with a matching removable hood with snaps to support head while little one is sleeping, it also offers sun protection and offers privacy while
nursing should you feel you want it. This carrier is super light at only 1.7lbs, the seat panel width is adjustable from 13cm - 38cm, the height of the panel is adjustable from 28cm - 43cm and the hip belt measures 13cm to 69cm wide whilst the additional webbing extends approximately 76cm making the waistband total of 145 cm. The Free-To-Grow is an excellent carrier is beautifully designed, very comfortable, light weight and hard wearing, it may take a little practise getting used to it but once you get into the swing of things it’s a breeze. RRP £139.90
https://tulababy.co.uk/ collections/free-togrow-baby-carriers Pros Front and back positioning Comfortable Suitable for 7lb45lb Adjustable back panel (3 positions) 100% OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified fabric Wide Padded Waistband Extra Leg Padding Matching Base and Hood 19 beautiful designs to choose from
Cons No forwardfacing options
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.
66