GADGETHEAD Issue 4.04
UK
£4.95
www.thegadgethead.com
Inspired By Your Success
Contents Air Hawk Pro • Gorge High Altitude Training Mask • Nilfisk E150 and Mid Patio Cleaner
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
Page 10 Frost River Nessmuk Pack • Airocide Air Purifier • Grovemade FG Desk Laptop Stand • HAIX Scout Black • Happy Socks Beatles Collector Box Set Page 20 Motocaddy S5 Connect • Nix Advance 10inch Digital Photo Frame • Odlo Double High Sports Bra • OXO Good Grips Long Reach Dusting System Page 30 SmartHalo • Zippo HarleyDavidson Lighter • ZOLO Liberty+ • Oxo Good Grips Non-Stick Pro - Oven Tray • Sennheiser Ambeo Smart Headset Page 40 Givi 50.5 Tridon Raptor • SmoothSkin Gold • Ariat Cadence Wool 1/4 Zip • Spurcycle Tool Page 50 Wacaco Nanopresso Accessories • Bont Helix • Urbanistas Tokyo • diskAshur DT² iStorage • Gtech Pro Page 60 Ariat Lowell 1/4 Zip • Kurio Tab Advance • Stanton ST.150 M2 Turntable • Ion Superior LP 7 in 1 Music Centre with Digital Conversion
Air Hawk Pro The Air Hawk Pro is an automatic cordless tire inflator. It comes with four different nozzles, making it possible to inflate virtually anything. The threaded tip is suitable to use with your car or bike tyres at the correct pressure, the wide pin makes pumping up those summer beach and pool toys easy, saving you from a bright red face by the pool side. The narrow pin has been included for balls - rugby, football or basket balls for example - whilst with a little bit of detective work, you can work out what the large Air Bed fitting can be used for. The Air Hawk Pro has been designed to go where ever your inflation needs may be, whether that’s a cycling holiday, road trip or camping adventure. It comes with a protective travel case and it works with a removable, rechargeable Lithium battery, so you don’t need to worry about finding a plug to get pumped up. If you happen to run out of juice the car adaptor 4
allows you to plug in the Pro into the 12volt socket and inflate your car tyres; it also has an automatic shut off feature that works with the adjustable PSI setting and immediately shuts off when you hit the limit, which prevents over inflation and lets you keep an eye on the world around you, rather than glued to the display. If you find a flat tyre
or saggy air bed late at night the Air Hawk Pro has a bright LED light to help you find the nozzle and get inflated again. The Air Hawk Pro has a solid and tough body, a little on the large side that can make it difficult to hold in smaller hands (like mine). Thankfully it is quick so you won’t be hanging onto it for long. It is very easy to use, the battery packs click in and out easily, and as there is a spare you always have one full charge ready to go. The LED is also a great addition for working in the dark (no more torch in mouth situations). RRP £49.99
https://www.highstreettv.com/air-hawk-pro. html Pros Versatile, tyres, balls, beach toys and airbeds Automatic shut off LED light Easy to use Compact travel case Two batteries easy to switch in and out 12v car plug adaptor
Cons Quite large in little hands
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Gorge High Altitude Training Mask Kenya and Ethiopia have been producing the best distance runners for decades now, and one of the many theories behind this is the prolonged exposure to mountain air or, more specifically, the high altitude. This causes the body to produce more red blood cells and transports more oxygen to the muscles at a faster rate, and equally releases carbon dioxide more quickly. The Gorge High Altitude Fitness Mask has been designed to simulate the effects of ‘High Altitude Training’; to help you become faster, stronger, and with increased endurance, without the long-distance travel or vaccinations. Prolonged training of this kind could increase lactate threshold, increase power output and speed, enhance endurance and stamina, as well hastening the body’s recovery time. It can maximise speed and endurance, increase
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oxygen efficiency, elevate strength and power, increase lung capacity, enhance energy levels, as well as improve overall wellness - so it seems a no brainer for serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts! The Gorge High Altitude Training Mask comes with adjustable resistance valves, which means you can effectively control the altitude level from 3,000Ft to 18,000Ft, (900m-5500m). So, straight up you will get some weird looks if you wear this in the
gym or running around the block: think Bane from the Dark Knight Rises meets WWII gas mask. Also, it stinks! I am hoping the rubber/ plastic smell may ease off as it fills up with my vodka/cigarette breath (I take my fitness seriously). It is surprisingly comfortable to wear, with adjustable Velcro straps for a precise fit. The interchangeable plastic vents are fiddly to say the least - the overall build quality could be better. As for imitating high altitude, I would have to say it doesn’t: the air pressure around you is obviously still the same and high altitude can do other weird things to you alongside making it difficult to catch your breath, like loss of appetite and not
www.gorgefitness.co.uk Pros Comfortable Adjustable head strap 3,000ft-18,000ft altitude being able to poo. In a way the Gorge is better than simulating high altitude, as it focuses just on the breath. It is horrible to work out with, but sort of great too: like most exercise, it’s a bit rank at the time but satisfying when its over. I can see this having a positive effect on your general health and taking your work out to the next level, but its not for the faint hearted. You may feel like you are choking to death when you first start out, but it certainly does the job and you will quickly feel the improvement in your performance. RRP £38.97
Ups your work out big time
Cons Smells of rubber Vents difficult to change Restricts breathing rather than simulates altitude
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Nilfisk E150 and Mid Patio Cleaner With the weather finally starting to warm up, people are crawling out from their winter hibernation to rediscover their gardens and if you are anything like us, you will find it has been taken over by grime, weeds and dirty protests from next door’s cat. The Nilfisk E150 can deal with at least one of those issues - two at a push, but your neighbour will never forgive you. This powerful, high-pressure washer has a long hose-range for larger cleaning tasks and comes with a whole host of accessories, plus the option of many other compatible accessories available as a separate purchase, including the ‘Mid Patio Cleaner’ which we will also be looking at. Starting with the E150: designed to be highly mobile, this pressure washer is a robust unit suitable for large-sized domestic cleaning, including 8
paths, patio & decking, walls and garage doors, as well as vehicle washing. It has a 10m steel armoured ‘SuperFle’x hose to prevent kinking, the built-in telescopic handle makes for compact storage when not in use, and you can store the accessories on the unit to ensure they are always to hand when you need them, such as the C&C auto brush or a rotary brush. The C&C nozzle system make it quick and easy to switch nozzles midclean, which proved
especially useful when cleaning the car, with lots of different areas to tackle. Included accessories are the ‘tornado nozzle’ for general washing, the ‘Powerspeed nozzle’ for tough dirt and ‘Foam Application Nozzle’ which does exactly what is says. Other features include the on-board hose reel & electrical cable storage, integrated accessory storage, 150 bar pressure regulation, an automatic stop and start function, and a water filter to prevent dirt from damaging the pump. The E150 is very easy to use: it can be operated with one hand and the rubber suspension helps to keep the noise level down; it is still fairly loud, but you won’t
need ear defenders. The Mid Patio Cleaner is compatible with all pressure washers in Nilfisk’s Compact and Excellent range. It can be used in both the vertical or horizontal angle and is easy to attach to the pressure washer. Suitable for cleaning brick work, cement, stone and wooden surfaces, it also has its own pressure control dial that allows it to use the correct pressure for the sensitivity of the surface. There is something empowering about using this pressure washer: it makes light work of dirt and grime, and if you have been putting off cleaning for months, you will find yourself looking for things to point your nozzle at. RRP £289.99 (E150) & £32.99 (Mid Patio Cleaner)
https://www.cleanstore.co.uk/products/Product. asp?ID=15102 https://www.cleanstore.co.uk/products/Product. asp?ID=13937 Pros Easy to use Powerful Lots of accessories Pressure regulation Mobile Quick and simple nozzle changes Onboard storage keeps things tidy and compact
Cons Pricey investment
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Frost River Nessmuk Pack ‘Frost River’ specialises in outdoor adventure packs: with no unnecessary frills, this strippedback bag looks as rugged and tough as an American woodsman. The Nessmuk Pack has been designed as a replica of writer George Washington Sears’ old Maine Guide pack, all the way back in the 1880’s. With Frost River believing you can’t improve on perfection, the Nessmuk measures up 16”h x 12”w x 5.5”d, plus pockets and expansion from 1056 c.i. (Actual) to 1900 c.i. (approx.). Constructed from 500g of waxed canvas,
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with premium leather detailing and solid
brass hardware and a waxed cotton canvas base, it feels very thick and strong and scuffs up easily to give it a unique look with lots of character. Created for storing a day’s load of gear for an outdoor venture, it works well as a second pack on a canoe trip, with one large compartment and
three external pockets, three slip-in pockets and one internal hanging zip pocket (Long pocket measures 12” x 5.5” x 2”, short pockets measure 6” x 5.5” x 2”). The Nessmuk also has a leather grab-handle on top of the bag, as well as 2.25” pistol belt web shoulder straps. You can keep things organised to a certain extent but, if what you are looking for is in the main body of the bag, be prepared to take a little time digging around for it. The straps are adjusted via a buckle which (when adjusted to a smaller frame) leaves a lot of excess leather; the leather is quite stiff which makes adjusting straps or
opening pockets a bit of a chore, but it may soften up over time. The shoulder straps have zero padding, as does the back panel and there isn’t a sternum or hip belt, because comfort doesn’t look cool! This means that if it is a particularly heavy bag it digs into your shoulders, and any pointy items inside the bag can stick into your back. The Nessmuk Pack looks very cool: the almost unfinished style really appeals to me. I think this would make a great day pack, as long as it isn’t too heavy…or if you aren’t in any great rush to get hold of your gear. RRP $240.00
https://www.frostriver.com/shop/day-packs/ canoe-day-packs/nessmuk-pack/ Pros Looks great 7 compartments
Cons No padding in back or straps No sternum or hip belt Buckles hard to open
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Airocide Air Purifier Airocide has managed to take something as practical as an Air Purifier and redesign it to become a beautiful piece of home décor. This elegant product will look great in the home or office, but also works hard to keep the air you are breathing clean and greatly reducing exposure to allergens. Featuring an attractive grill made from anodized aluminium, it is lightweight whilst retaining a strong quality and attaches to the unit via magnetic latches. The outer body is a made from a dark wood grain that compliments the colourful orange inner compartment. The purifier is easy to use with capacitive touch controls to adjust the setting from ‘Low’, ‘High’ or ‘Auto’. The ‘Low’ setting is made for environments where 12
you want to keep the noise to a minimum; the ‘High’ setting is the most effective mode and offers the best results, whilst the ‘Auto’ setting will detect the ambient light in the room and automatically adjust to low when the room darkens, like at the end of the working day or getting ready for bed. There are no filters to change, however you will need to replace the reaction chambers once a year, which is roughly another £80 a year on top of the initial £440 cost - making this an
expensive investment. The Airocide Air Purifier claims to eliminate virtually 100% of your home’s Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), can be used in any size room, reduce your exposure to top allergens like mould, bacteria, and dust mites, as well as protecting your family from airborne pathogens that cause illness. After a short while of using the Airocide Air Purifier, I can’t honestly say that I have noticed any real difference other than the constant hum of the motor. It looks great and is easy to use, but the price is off-putting. RRP £440
http://www.airocide.com/ Pros Attractive design Auto setting Easy to use Eliminates mould, fungi, dust, viruses, bacteria and VOC’s
Cons Expensive with expensive yearly upkeep
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Grovemade FG Desk Laptop Stand After the paths of Ken Tomita and Joe Mansfield crossed by happy coincidence in Portland, Oregon, USA, a friendship was formed that soon blossomed into a business partnership. Creating phone cases made from natural materials, over the eight years of operation they have grown to produce everything from phone charging pads, lamps, speakers, monitor and laptop stands. We were lucky enough to get our hands on a FG Desk Laptop Stand. Available in either Walnut or Maple, it was instantly clear that this piece was way too beautiful to leave in the office so, like a hero, I stole rescued it and took it home. This laptop stand is so pretty - even if you don’t own a laptop, you can display a pizza box on it and it will look sharp! Designed and assembled by Grovemade in Portland, OR, it is made from
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an American black walnut base, stainless steel stop, domestic vegetable tanned leather lining and natural cork feet. It has an angled design with the following dimensions: front width 18”, rear width 20.5”, front height 3.25”, rear height 6”, depth of 11.5”, steel stop width 11”, a 0.5” overall thickness and a laptop surface of 15” x 8.5”. It doesn’t take up too much space on your desk and provides an unbeatably stable surface to work from. It is perhaps
worth noting that it is non-adjustable, so there is only one angle to work from. The Laptop Stand raised the laptop top up on the desk for a better view and more comfortable interaction, ergonomically cut for comfort and space underneath to stow away accessories or documents. The hand sanded, vegetablebased oil finish means it is so tactile and smooth you won’t be able to stop stroking it. It is compatible with all laptops and supports up to 200 pounds. The leather lining and cork feet prevent any unwanted scratches or scuffs, oh and bonus points for fully recyclable packaging! RRP $139.00
https://grovemade.com/product/walnut-laptopstand/ Pros Beautiful High quality materials and finish Natural materials Recyclable packaging Comfortable angle
Cons Non adjustable
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HAIX Scout Black HAIX have combined safety with a stylish design in the Scout boot. With a safety classification of O2, designed with soldiers in mind, these leather boots are guaranteed to keep your feet dry through their GORE-TEX integrated lining. Starting with the upper material, the Scout comes in either a black finish, a brown/black design or the lighter Desert option. Created with a combination of leather and textile, the material is about 2mm thick and is highly breathable, as well as reflecting the sun’s rays which helps to prevent the boot absorbing extra heat on hot sunny days. There is a quick-fastening lace system that swaps the traditional knot for a strong plastic clip that works well and makes putting on and taking the shoe off fast and easy. The two-zone lacing allows you to
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precisely adjust the fit around the foot and the calf separately, and the excess laces can be safely tucked out the way in the designated pocket - a wonderful touch to prevent laces from snagging or tripping you up! The sole is a durable mix of rubber and polyurethane, constructed for a long life even on the toughest of terrains, with the extra deep tread and rubber edging delivering excellent traction on slippery surfaces. The rubber has been manufactured to remain colour fast, meaning it won’t leave
a dirty great black mark on your mum’s kitchen floor. Understandably these boots aren’t the lightest at 789g per shoe. The inner lining is made of abrasionresistant fabric: the three-ply GORE-TEX laminate guarantees to prevent water entering the boot, whilst allowing excess heat and moisture to escape the boot. There is a separate heel cup and an insole to support your feet and ankles, keeping things comfortable and encouraging the correct gait and reducing pressure on your muscle and joints with each step. The special micro-dry lining around the cuff helps to get rid of any uncomfortable dampness and the inlay can be completely removed & washed
to get rid of bacteria and unpleasant, hard-working foot smells. The plastic/ fleece insole gives you extra stability, refusing to bend, and helping to support you across snow, rubble or ice. The generous insulation defends your feet from the cold but also against temperatures up to 300°C! The outsole is antistatic to shield you against oil and petrol. The HAIX Scout Black are an excellent militarygrade, high-protection boot that will look after your feet in heat, rain, snow and uneven terrains, whilst remaining comfortable throughout. RRP £189.90
https://www.haix.co.uk/haix-scout-black Pros 3-layer GORE-TEX laminate Waterproof Quick fasting, two zone lacing system Washable inlay Dedicated pocket for excess laces Deep tread provides excellent traction Micro-Dry lining Insulated Durable Supportive Comfortable
Cons Heavy No solid toe guards
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Happy Socks Beatles Collector Box Set When I was at school, we had a strict dress code of black everything with a white shirt - they even specified how high the heels could be, the colour of our hair, our jewellery, make up, etc. There was only one area they forgot to put in the handbook: our socks! So, we rebelled in the only way we could with colourful and funky socks and since then I have refused to let a plain sock ever repress my foot! ‘Happy Socks’ are a company after my own heart: founded in 2008 by two friends who wanted to spread a little happiness by ensuring an everyday essential has a colourful and expressive design, with an almost endless variety of models and colours to choose from there is a sock 18
for everyone. As a special salute to the 50th anniversary of the release of the film ‘Yellow Submarine’ inspired by the music of the British rock band The Beatles. Known for its psychedelic colours, artwork and characters it makes for an excellent source of
inspiration for funky footwear. This limitededition collection features six pairs of combed cotton socks (86% Cotton, 12% Polyamide, 2% Elastane) in Blue, Green, Orange, Purple, Red and of course Yellow submarine. Theses colourful socks will make an excellent gift for a fan and come in a beautiful LP record sleeve-style box that is just too attractive to throw in the recycling. The socks are available in both men and women’s sizes, beautifully made with
vibrant colours and a soft cotton that has the perfect thickness for comfort and durability. A wonderful way to brighten up your daily wardrobe and express the rocker within! RRP $84.00
https://www.happysocks.com/us/the-beatlescollector-socks-gift-box.html Pros Fun and colour design Good quality cotton socks Beautiful gift box
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Motocaddy S5 Connect The Motocaddy S5 is a world first in the golf trolley world: capable of being linked to the ‘Motocaddy GPS’ free App (available on Apple Store and Google Play store) via a Bluetooth connection which allows the trolly’s digital display to be used as GPS, it can then provide you with front, middle and back distances on the green, as well as the par of the hole, a clock and a round timer. Once connected the S5 can also alert you to any notifications your phone may receive, ensuring you don’t miss any important calls, texts or alerts (including WhatsApp or Facebook) without the distraction of checking your phone or having it on your person on the green. To ensure you aren’t being interrupted by every trivial alert, you can pre-set which apps you want to give permission to receive. The phone will remain connected to the trolley whether its carried on your person or popped away in the bag, and to ensure it doesn’t run out of juice the S5 also
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has an integrated USB charging port. As well as streamlining your gadgets into one essential product the S5 has a modern design with a soft touch ergonomic handle, streamlined battery tray for a slim profile and ‘QUIKFOLD’ mechanism. Other features include the ‘Adjustable Distance Control’ (up to 45m) - the GPS uses the world’s first mapping database that covers 40,000 courses with no subscription fees. The ‘Twilight Mode’ helps improve visibility in low-light conditions; there are Nine speed
settings and it is ‘EASILOCK’ compatible to keep your gear secure. The S5 Connect is a good choice for those who want to remain connected whilst playing the game without too much interruption from the outside world. It is easy to pair up, quickly switches between holes, and the display is very simple…dare I say ‘boring’, but it has all the info you need, although I would prefer to see a larger screen. If the tech isn’t important to you the other features of the S5 connect are still worth a look at: smooth manoeuvrability with quick and easy set up thanks to the ‘QUICKFOLD’. RRP £549.99
https://www. motocaddy.com/uk/ s5-connect-electrictrolley.99 Pro App driven GPS Front, middle & back distances on screen (hole & par) USB charging port Nine speed settings QUIKFOLD mechanism Smartphone alerts 40,000 courses available EASILOK compatible
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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.
4 wheels for urban use
silvercrossbaby.com
Trekking wheel for multi terrain use
ENTER THE WORLD OF ZWIFT.
© ZWIFT 2017.
An immersive digital cycling experience, Zwift makes indoor riding, training or racing, fun and rewarding.
Available on Try for free at
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iPad iPhone
ZWIFT.COM
Nix Advance 10inch Digital Photo Frame I recently dug out a load of old CDs from my wardrobe that had been sitting gathering dust, and when I loaded them up onto the computer I discovered a load of photos from 2006 that I barely remember seeing before. This flash back of nostalgia was wonderful (if you ignore the fashion choices) and made me realise how many photos I have kicking around on USBs, SD Cards and hard drives that I never look at. A digital photo frame is the perfect way to revisit old memories and display special photos and videos in an unobtrusive way. Nix was founded 2007 by its parent company ‘Creedon Technologies’ and has a wide range of digital photo frames to bring treasured moments to life.
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The Advance from Nix comes in five sizes: 8inch, 10inch, 12inch, 15inch or 18inch. It has a 1280x800 pixels high-resolution IPS (16:10) with LED backlit display and 720p HD video. You can mix both photos (JPEG) and videos (MPEG-4) in the same slideshow. With a choice between USB Drive, SD and SDHC card ports, as well as 8GB Thumb Portable Drive Memory Included, and it comes with an easy to use remote control that has a grippy textured back to stop it skidding around on the desk.
It is easy to set up: literally plug in and play. You can navigate the settings via the remote or the control panel on the back, you can shuffle all photos, play them by date or in A-Z order and choose from a variety of photo transitions. The Hu-Motion Sensor turns on when you enter the room and turns off when you leave, you can choose the frame to switch off after sensing no movement for 5minutes or up to 1hour. The Advance only had a desk top stand and there are no options to wall mount, stand the frame in portrait or use batteries instead of plugging into the mains, making it rather limited. However, the
picture quality is superb, crystal clear and sharp, with acceptable audio. The build quality is a bit naff: the plastic frame is thin, plain black and looks rather dull, and the quality of the cable and plug is thin and flimsy. Don’t get me wrong the pictures look great, but for the price it is rather limited in features and I would like to see a stronger build quality and more interesting frame options in the future. £109.99
https://shop.nixplay.co.uk/products/nix-advancedigital-frame-10-inch-x10h Pros Clean, sharp pictures Good audio Easy to use Hu-motion sensor Plug in and play
Cons Only sits on horizonal position No options for batteries or wall mounts Cheap plastic construction
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Odlo Double High Sports Bra I realised I was due for a sports bra update after catching sight of myself in the mirror during a Tabata class, and I was shocked to see what appeared to be two small animals battling it out inside my sports top. The Odlo Double High Sports Bra is from their high-impact range created for the bounciest of activities, including running, horse riding, boxing or HIIT (high intensity interval training) for example, with a unique dual-layer construction. My first attempt to put on this bra ended badly: my partner walked in and asked if this was a new yoga move - there are no less than four separated fastenings and that’s excluding the adjustable bra straps. There is a single plastic slide clip on the back with three different 26
size options for the under-band, a plastic clip fastening in the cup layer of the bra, then a plastic hook that slides into a fabric loop followed by a zip closure on the fabric portion of the bar… phew it’s a work out in itself! The Double High Sports Bra employs the two main sports bra technologies, with a seamless padded moulding, underwired cup and the compression-style layer. The bra straps adjust with the same hook and slide action as the back fastening, but they sit on your back, so it is nearly
impossible to adjust them whilst you are wearing them. However, once you have found the correct position, it won’t move out of place like traditional straps. This bra is available in three colours: white, pink cups with a black top layer, and a full on pink and navy combo. So if, like me, you are both female and detest the colour pink, it basically leaves you with white. Predictably clichéd colour palette aside, Odlo have made an excellent high impact bra: all the fastenings may seem excessive, but it delivers terrific support with minimum bounce. The combination of the racer back construction and fabric choice provide good
ventilation/breathability, and on top of all that 5% of all Odlo sales go towards supporting the Breast Cancer Haven charity…oh and its super comfy! RRP £50.00
https://odlo.com/ uk/en-gb/sports-bradouble-high.html Pros Great high impact support Adjustable Padded straps Padded moulded cups with underwire Breathable Comfortable
Cons Takes time to get on Limited choice in colours Main material: 85% PA, 15% EL Insert: 77% Pa 23% EL
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OXO Good Grips Long Reach Dusting System With spring just around the corner and the bright morning sunlight pouring in through my living room window, my feelings of excitement at the prospect of warmer days was diminished when I could see in the unforgiving natural light what a dusty, manky environment I had been living in. Slightly ashamed at the cobwebby mess my home has unmistakably become, I reached for my new OXO Good Grips Long Reach 28
Dusting System - this makes it sound much more complex than it is, which is effectively an extendable duster with three different
attachments. The large box contains the extendable handle, which can collapse down to 3ft for easier storage and extend up to 8ft to get in all the awkward places in your house. The handle is made from steel and has a non-slip grip. Due to the steel, it is a bit heavy and slightly
https://www.oxouk.com/long-reach-dustingsystem Pros 3 interchangeable heads 225 degrees pivoting heads Machine washable fluffy duster
Easy to extend poles and change heads 3ft-8ft Extention Storage clip and hook
Cons Heavy and slightly difficult
to handle when fully extended
awkward to manoeuvre when fully extended; the slip grip handle could do with being longer, so you can use it with two hands. To extend the poles, you simply twist the poles and slide it out the desired length before twisting it back again to lock it into place. The three interchangeable heads are easily changed with a squeeze of the locking pin, and they all pivot 225 degrees with a press of a button, helping you to get in at any angle without having to resort
to climbing on the furniture. The included heads are a ‘Microfiber Duster’, which is extra fluffy & long, and can be fully removed and machine washed; the ‘Cobweb Duster’ has flagged bristles that trap dust and cobwebs and can be rinsed clean; and finally the ‘Closed Loop Duster’ is designed to clean all siders of a ceiling fan blade in one smooth motion and can also be rinsed clean. To keep all the parts together there is a storage clip that holds the two heads not in use together via a string that can then be hung off the hook on the pole. The Oxo Good Grip Long Reach Dusting System is a good choice for tackling all the areas of your house, keeping things hygienic by being able to wash the cleaning heads, with the bonus of a moderate workout for your arms and shoulders when it is fully extended. RRP £40.00
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SmartHalo The SmartHalo is essentially a cycling companion with a minimalist interface that can help, navigate, protect, encourage, assist and light your way when you are out on your bike. With a clean design and a light-up halo indication, it is simple and attractive to use. This device has been designed to stay on your bike at all times: it fits on virtually any handle bar, with no visible screws and it is pretty large at roughly 6.5 x 9.6 x 7.8 cm; just shy of 200g, it won’t impress the fussy, gram shredding cyclists. It could potentially draw attention to itself to thieves due to its size, however without the ‘Halo Key’ it is almost impossible to pinch. Starting with the navigation feature, this unique design does away with a traditional map and uses light to indicate the direction, angle and speed of the approaching turn. It takes a little getting used to but looks pretty
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cool. It also works similarly in a compass mode, showing you the direction of your desired location but leaving it up to you how you get there - the light gets greener the closer you get, and if you been out for a big one and need a little help remembering where your bike is, the app will let you know. For visibility at night, the SmartHalo turns on automatically and switches off again when you finish you ride. If someone meddles about too much with the bike, the SmartHalo will set off a loud alarm. The alarm will activate and deactivate by recognising your phone, or you can
set up a manual deactivation code by tapping the device. You can also set fitness goals via the app, which the device will keep up to date, depending on how you are doing with a visual speedometer and fitness tracking in real time. The SmartHalo will notify if you have missed important calls or messages, and the battery will last you roughly three weeks if you use it one hour a day (it can be recharged via USB). The SmartHalo won’t be for everybody with its quirky design, but I loved it: its colourful, fun, simplistic, easy to use and full of useful features that make for an entertaining ride on the bike, as well as security protection for when you are away from your wheels. RRP $149.00
https://shop.smarthalo.bike/product/smarthalo/ Pros Colourful, light indicator Versatile Loud alarm Set fitness goals Navigation Automatic light Call and message notification
Cons Large Heavy Gets finger marked easily
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Zippo Harley-Davidson Lighter
When I was younger, I used to carry a lighter around for scout-like preparedness, and the pinnacle of cool was the Zippo lighter. Is there a more iconic sound than the “click” as you flip the lid back…perhaps the growling bass of a
badass Harley hog. So what happens when the two come together but with added skulls?!?! Something so savage
you will need a whole new wardrobe and probably friendship group to ever be cool enough own it! This rugged lighter has a deep carved imprint with an antique silver plate finish, featuring the Armor Case it comes with Zippos lifetime guarantee that “It works or we fix it free”. Not just a gnarly accessory, this refillable lighter uses the ‘Zippo windproof design’ that means it will work virtually anywhere and the wicks and flints can be replaced, meaning you can use this lighter for a lifetime unless one of your friends steals it first! RRP £75
https://www.zippo.co.uk/armor/3527-harley-davidson-ruggedskull-41689118129.html 32
With more than 300,000 designs created since 1932, there’s a Zippo lighter for every personality and style. For further information and to see the new 2018 collection visit www.zippo.co.uk Gadgethead Magazine
ZOLO Liberty+ The Liberty+ from ZOLO represent the world’s first total wireless earphones, with Grapheneenhanced sound, meaning they have done away with traditional drivers and replaced them with a graphene-style driver which, without going into too much detail, uses less energy and movement to create the sound you hear. The earbuds have a nice design with the GripFit feature, a small silicone loop that tucks into the ear to hold the piece in place. The light weight helps make them very comfortable in the ear and instantly reduces background noise. It comes with a tough little charging case that increases the playtime from 3.5hours to a whopping 48+hrs, which is roughly 80 full albums! A 15-minute charge provides you with 1-hour talk time. The ‘Push and Go’ set up couldn’t be easier: they switch on automatically when 34
you take them out of the case, and after an initial pairing they will automatically connect when removed from the case and disconnect/switch off when put back. The Liberty+ use Bluetooth 5.0, which gives you the best possible connectivity, with up to 200m outside and 40meters inside. When testing them out there was only one point in my house I lost connection and that was upstairs at the very back of my house, whilst my phone remained in the front room downstairs.
The sound quality is pretty good for wireless earphones: the bass has a decent amount of punch to it and it has a healthy amount of volume, however audiophiles will still be put off by the compression of the Bluetooth. Other features include sweatproofing and waterproofing (IPX5 rated), making them suitable for the gym and walks in the rain, VoiceControlled AI and, with a press of one button, on either ear you can hear the world around you. The multifunction buttons on the earbuds are very shallow and have a slight delay, so it isn’t always clear if you have pressed it properly. The Liberty+ are compatible with the ‘ZOLO LIFE’ app, which provides limited control
over EQ and a Voice Assistant function. Sadly there is no battery level indicator, which means you won’t know when its time to charge until it is too late. However, it also lets you switch on/off the transparency, which controls the amount of ambient noise you can hear, which works well. Overall, these proved to be good little earbuds: with enjoyable sound quality and some useful features, the winning attributes are the connectivity range and that long battery life. RRP £149.99
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Total-WirelessEarphones-Bluetooth-Technology-SweatproofWhite/dp/B075S8WD5R/ Pros Good connection range Up to 48hour battery life Easy to use Loud Good bass Lightweight and comfortable Funky yellow corded charging cable
Cons No battery life indicator Buttons are difficult Limited app
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Oxo Good Grips Non-Stick Pro - Oven Tray This range of oven trays come from the Oxo Good Grips NonStick Pro collection, a ten-piece commercialgrade set. We received the ‘Oven Tray’, with internal dimensions of 22 x 34 x 3cm and external dimensions of 25 x 38 x 3cm, suitable for baking or roasting, poultry, meat and vegetables as well as
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sweet treats. Created with squarerolled edges to add reinforcement to the strength of the tray, it also makes for easier handling with a thick and solid surface area to grip when moving it back and forth to the oven. Constructed from commercialgrade, heavy-gauge aluminised steel,
which helps to quickly conduct the heat into the tray and spread it evenly throughout the surface, whilst also prolonging durability & stability. The Non-Stick Pro range has a swissengineered, PTFE, ceramic-reinforced, two-layer, commercialgrade coating. All these words mean that it
should provide excellent non-stick food release and makes it scratch, stain, corrosion and abrasion resistant. The surface of the tray has a microtextured pattern, this helps to deliver an even bake by minimising the amount of surface area in contact with the tray and encouraging airflow, it also adds to the stiff structure of the tray and prevents warping. After a month of some serious use this tray still looks brand new, with zero staining or warping. The non-stick worked really well for us and the food easily glided off. I didn’t like the high slides, as it made it difficult to see how things were getting on in our tiny oven without opening the door. It also traps water where the corners roll over when washing up. Aside from that, this tray has quickly made itself the ‘go-to’ tray for most of our baking and roasting! RRP £22.00
https://www.oxouk.com/non-stick-pro-oven-tray Pros Evenly distributes heat Good non-stick No warping Easy to clean Comfortable to hold
Cons High edges decrease visibility Rolled edges trap water when cleaning
Gadgethead Magazine
Sennheiser Ambeo Smart Headset The Ambeo Smart Headset brings a whole new level to sharing your experience with the world. With the ability to capture your moment with the world in 3D video sound, the Ambeo is fitted with highquality microphones, letting you create videos with 3D sound on your iOS device (iOS Version 10.3.3 or later). The Ambeo is ideal for vloggers and content creators. As the cameras on smart phone devices become more impressive, so should the audio: with the microphone positioned to pick up the sounds in the same way that your ear would, the ‘Smart Slider’ allows you to control the sensitivity depending of the ambient volume of your location. The recordings can then be played back on any headphones or stereo device. The sound quality of the recordings is excellent, detailed,
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layered and fully immersive. The same goes for when you are using them as in-ear headphones to listen to the tunes - whether the volume is low or at full whack (112dB), all elements of the sound are clearly defined, making for a really pleasurable listening experience as you would expect from Sennheiser. The Ambeo comes with a carry case, adaptive earpieces, and comes with a 1.16m cable. I wasn’t
personally taken with the white and angular design, but they are extremely comfortable: there was no ear fatigue no matter how long I wore them, and the ear hooks keep the ear pieces secure and prevent any noise from the cables interfering with your tunes. The ‘rocker switch’ allows you to choose between noise cancellation, or the ‘Transparent Hearing’ feature lets you integrate the surrounding sounds into whatever you are listening too, keeping you aware and safe in your environment. Other features include an additional built-in microphone for hands free calls, to active voice control on your iOS device, and a
dedicated app to play with the settings of the Smart Slider. The Ambeo Smart Headset is an exciting piece of kit, taking your video sound quality to the next level and letting you relive the moment again and again just like you are right back there with a 3D experience. If you have zero interest in recording, this headset is still an excellent choice for listening to your tunes due to its beautiful, engrossing sound! RRP £259.99
https://en-uk.sennheiser.com/in-ear-headphones3d-audio-ambeo-smart-headset Pros Excellent sound quality Omni-directional microphones Apogee proprietary AD/DA conversion Transparent Hearing feature Active Noise Cancellation In-line remote with microphone for music and call control. Comfortable design Android version coming soon
Cons Design doesn’t reflect its quality
Gadgethead Magazine
Givi 50.5 Tridon Raptor Givi was first formed in 1978 by Giuseppe Visenzi, a MotoGP pilot for a few seasons who won third place in the 1969 Championship of the 350cc class. From there he quit the world of racing in exchange for setting up his own business creating motorbike accessories. The Givi 50.5 Tridion Raptor is a full-face helmet made from thermopolymer material. It features a visor with predisposition for Pinlock lenses, a visible smoked sun visor inside the visor, and front air intakes for ventilation: two upper and one on the chin guard. The rear extractor helps keep the air flowing smoothly, and the quick release micrometric strap makes for a quick and comfortable attachment & detachment. The interior is constructed from a hypoallergenic fabric, which is fully removable and washable because… you know…face sweat!
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The Raptor comes with a paranaso and chinstrap screen. It is available in sizes XS-XXL, in Black/Neon Yellow, matt Titanium/ Black & a White/Black/ Red design. The fullface helmet is regarded as the best style for full protection, with the main body of the helmet covering the head, thus protecting it from all angles except of the visor opening. The Raptor is suitable for on the road, sport and touring. The Givi 50.5 Tridon Raptor is a great mid-range helmet: light enough for a full day’s wear and a very comfortable interior. It provides an adequate visual with both the
visor and interior sunvisor, which easily pops out of place when you don’t need it, providing you with exactly what you pay for. This helmet, ready to be used with GIVI I303S Bluetooth intercom system, is available in sizes ranging from XS to XXL and retails at prices from RRP £105.90 to £109.90.
https://www.givi.co.uk/helmets/FULL%20 FACE/50.5%20TRIDION%20%20-RAPTOR Pros Sun visor Upper air vents Chin guard vents Extractors Micrometric strap Removable and washable internal lining
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SmoothSkin Gold Smoothskin specialises in Intense Pulsed Light hair removing devices. The IPL system helps to break down the hair growth cycle by transferring heat into the hair follicle - this isn’t an instant result and will normally take about one to two weeks until the hair naturally falls out. The SmoothSkin Gold is the most powerful IPL home use hair removal device in the market, with a Detect and Set feature that personalises the treatment, automatically detects your skin tone, and displays it via the power bars on either side of the treatment window. You don’t need any gel to use the Gold and it has three modes to choose from: the ‘Glide’ is best used on large areas like your legs, simply press the button and slide it along the skin between flashes; the ‘Stamp’ mode is better for smaller areas were you lift and press between flashes; and 42
the ‘Gentle’ mode can be used alongside the other two modes and reduces the intensity for sensitive skin areas. It can be used on both the body and face and is available with 200,000 (up to 10 years treatment) or - for an extra £50 - 300,000 shots (up to 15 years treatment); both follow a 12-week program. The device is well made but a little on the large side, which makes it harder to handle in smaller or more delicate areas. However, it is still reasonably easy and comfortable to use after two weeks of use, I have noticed a small improvement already: the hair seems to be
growing back slower and less dense (that makes me sound much hairier than I am), but I still have a long way to go with the treatment. I am not expecting to be completely hairless by the end of it, but from the current results I expect a noticeable improvement. You will also need to mindful of your skin type before purchasing, as it doesn’t work as well/at all on darker skin. This is a pricey purchase since it doesn’t guarantee 100% hairless results. I believe you will see results, but this could vary greatly from person to person. If you have the money to spare and hair you want to be rid of (with the right skin conditions), it its worth a go. RRP £249 (200,000 shots) & £299 (300,000 shots)
https://www. smoothskin.com/ smoothskin-gold/?gclid =EAIaIQobChMIlIDwo6 SC2gIVL7vtCh1GfgaLE AAYAiAAEgJbMfD_BwE Pros Easy to use Pain free Produces results Glide, Stamp and Gentle mode Strong build quality Most powerful at home IPL hair removal device on the market
Cons Pricey Large Big areas take a long time Doesn’t work on some skin types
Gadgethead Magazine
Ariat Cadence Wool 1/4 Zip Freezing conditions can be enough to put you off getting out for a ride, but the Ariat Cadence Wool ¼ Zip has got you covered: an excellent addition to your winter wardrobe featuring Ariat’s ‘Cold Series Technology’, a combinations of a dual layer construction to trap air between the layers, wicking material that moves moisture away from the skin to help keep you warm, dry and insulates you from the cold. To help retain warmth in low temperatures and keep you comfortable during 44
vigorous activity, the ‘Moisture Movement Technology’ pulls moisture (yes, that’s
sweat) from your skin into the inner layer then pushes it out onto the surface layer, allowing it to evaporate in the air. The Cadence Wool is available in three colours: Black, Malbec and Rush Blue, and is made from a wonderfully soft merino wool. This almost magical material helps to regulate body
temperature, retains warmth even when wet and has a natural antibacterial property which prevents nasty smells permeating the wool, making it an excellent choose for a base layer. The mock collar creates a smart appearance and provides a clean finish if you choose to wear it as a single layer; the ¼ zip provides added ventilation when needed and makes it quick and easy to put on and take off, and there is a soft chin guard to keep the cold metal from contacting your skin at any time. The Cadence is so soft and lovely and stretchy: it provides a flattering profile and allows for complete freedom of movement. This top is equally suitable for horse riding, skiing, hiking or any energetic activity that needs an extra warm layer. RRP £79.99
http://www.ariat.com/gb/en/CADENCE_1_4_ ZIP_W_APP.html?rc=US Pros Merino wool Warm Soft Stretchy Zip guard Wicking antibacterial
Cons Only 3 colours available No thumb holes
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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
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Spurcycle Tool When everything runs smoothly, a trip out on the bike can be one of the most enjoyable things out there. But, you only need one wobbly nut to quickly make things take a turn for the worse (just to clarify that’s the metal kind of ‘nut’, however either variety could result in discomfort.) To ensure you are always ready for any eventuality, both at home and on the move, Spurcyle has got you covered. From the company that brought you the stripped down, bare boned cycle bell, the California-based cycle brand Spurcyle has brought out a multi tool that follows the same minimalist design. Machined by Paragon Machine Works from an incredibly tough US grade 5 titanium and chromed s2 steel bits, it comes with ten interchangeable bits, 2mm, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, T10, T25 and P2. The tool and all the accessories can be stowed away in the ultra-compact X-Pac carry case (30mm x
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95mm) that weighs just 90g and is easily popped away in a saddle bag, trouser pocket or jersey pocket, and the smooth rounded edges ensures it doesn’t cause any discomfort or take up too much of your precious space. There is even enough space for some spare cash for cake on the go! The handle can be slid along to position it in either the T-bar shape or L-bar shape, making it excellent for getting into tight and awkward corners. All the bits slot quickly into place with a magnetic connection
- no screwing, twisting or clipping in required. The Spurcycle Tool is almost too attractive to use, if it wasn’t for the fact that it is so pleasant to use. A beautiful and practical addition to any cycling enthusiast! RRP $69.00
https://www. spurcycle.com/ products/tool Pros Strong Light Compact Beautifully made L or T-bar positions Bits connect easily with magnets Room for cash in the case
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Wacaco Nanopresso Accessories After falling a little bit in love with the Wacaco Nanopresso earlier this year, we were excited to receive two accessories to further expand our collection and coffee making capabilities. As mentioned before, the Nanopresso is a portable, hand-powered espresso maker allowing you to enjoy a good quality cup of Joe anywhere, anytime.
Wacaco Nanopresso NS Adaptor The NS Adaptor allows the Nanopresso to become compatible with the Nespresso capsules, making the process of getting a cup of coffee even easier. This means you cut out the process of grinding, measuring,
and tampering the coffee. It also makes it easier to just throw a couple of capsules in your pack. This means even the clumsiest coffee novice can’t go wrong, ensuring you get the perfect coffee time after time and best
of all making things mess free and quicker to clean after each use. The NS adaptor will make a compact addition to you Wacaco kit it measures up at 2.60x2.44x2.44” and weighs just 0.29 lbs. RRP $19.90
https://www.wacaco.com/products/ns-capsules-adapter Wacaco Nanopresso Barista Kit If you have mastered the Nanopresso and want to increase your coffee fix, the Barista Kit expands your Nanopresso coffee making capacity into to a double espresso producing wonder. This small container is
packed with a full set of accessories including a 140ml water tank, a larger espresso cup, two double espresso filter baskets, one single espresso filter basket, double espresso adapter ring and tamper. The double
https://www.wacaco.com/products/barista-kit 50
espresso basket is a unique feature that cannot be found in any other portable espresso machine, measuring up at 5.90x2.44x2.44” and weighing just 0.60 lbs. RRP $29.90
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Bont Helix Get ready to welcome the latest edition to the Bont cycling shoe family: the Helix, raising the bar higher than ever before with a newly reimagined closure system. Based on the top range ‘Vapour’ shoe, the Helix has moved forward with all the old favourites and some clever new additions mixed in. The most important addition is the BOA IP1 Dual Dial Retention System, more specifically the placement of the Boa. The longer Kevlar wiring runs all the way around the foot and this paired with the overlapping upper gives you greater control of the fit over the entire foot, ensuring both the top and sides fits snuggly. Constructed from the Unidirectional Carbon Monocoque Chassis with ‘Durolite’ upper, these shoes have a 3.6mm stack height; for ventilation there are air vents on front bumper and perforated upper, 52
which work well at keeping those hardworking feet cool and comfortable. The Helix has been designed to bring comfort for road cycling with the Memory Foam padding, whilst the EVA thermo-mouldable ensures personalised and proper connection with the pedals. Other features are the 3 Bolt Look Type Cleat Fitting, replaceable sole guards, MM grid plus grip with 3 Hole Look Configuration that firmly holds you in place, the light weight of only 230g, and the TPU Toe Protector does exactly what it says on the tin: keeps your toes safe from impact and wheel rub. A special material sandwiched between the lining and outer layer has been selected for its
anti-stretch property, to make certain they fit as well on the first ride as they do on the last. To look after your feet and joints there is Medial Longitudinal Arch Support to prevent pressure on the knees. The Anatomical Forefoot Shape is what we are used to seeing from ‘Bont’, with a wider design and the last is that cyclingspecific creation we have grown to love. Combined with the Lateral Foot Support and Anotomical Heel Cup, the Helix’s are wonderfully comfortable as well as highly supportive where you need it most. They are available in five attractive designs: Metallic Blue/ White, Black/Gold, Black, White/Charcoal and Shiny Red/White a welcome addition to the Bont collection! RRP $399.00
https://www.bontcycling.com/products/road/ helix/index.html Pros Comfortable Unidirectional Carbon Monocoque Chassis with Durolite upper Good ventilation EVA thermo-mouldable Memory Foam padding MM grid plus grip / 3 Hole Look Configuration Fully Heat Mouldable Chassis utilizing Epoxy Thermoset Resin BOA IP1 Dual Dial Retention System Light 3 Bolt Look Type Cleat Fitting
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Urbanistas Tokyo When I first started running, I was a very minimalist runner. With a pair of beaten up running shoes, cotton t-shirt and (shock horror!) cargo trousers, I would happily hit the streets. As the years have passed, I’ve built up a collection of technical clothing (underwear included), shades, gadgets, apps, etc, until I realised I had begun to look like I was leaving the house for combat rather than a quick run around the block. In an attempt to slim down on the gear, I decided to swap out my dangly wired headphones for the Tokyo Bluetooth earphones from Urbanista. Even more slimline than the neckband style, I could tuck away my phone out of sight (yes, goodbye arm band) and still control it via the earphones. Available 54
in Dark Clown (black), Moon Walk (Grey) or True (off white), these completely wireless earphones connect via Bluetooth easily - a rather robotic, slightly bored sounding woman
lets you know the power is on, and when they are connected. I have little ears and often struggle when the body of the earphones fit in or around your ear, but for once the Tokyo’s tucked neatly inside my ear and felt very secure. I tested them out during a guided HIIT class and they held fast during vigorous movement, even with the added sweat, thanks to the water and sweat resistant rating of IPX4. They are lightweight
at only 4.6g per earpiece and will provide you with up to 3 hours continuous playtime, with a stand by time of 100h. When not in use, they sit snuggly in their compact charging case (69 x 30 x 29.5mm and 28.5g). The case allows for changing on the go and can fully charge the earphones up to 3 times, giving you 12-hours of playtime before having to recharge the case (1hour for a full charge). Strangely, though, there is no battery indicator on either the ear pieces or case, which will catch you out by surprise. The Tokyo allows you to answer/ end calls with a press of the right earphone, as well as play/pause music and activate Siri. If it allowed you to skip tracks without asking Siri, that would make the complete package for me. The multifunction button also is the same size as the earpiece, so when you press it it puts pressure on your ear. A minor gripe was the
https://uk.urbanista.com/urbanista-tokyo-darkclown-29745.html Pros Comfortable Easy to use Multifunctional button Hands free call answering
Protective charging case provides 3 full charges Case charges up in 1hour
Cons Flashing lights on both earpieces No battery indictor
Can’t skip tracks with multifunctional button
constant bright flashing from both earphones: in low light it can be annoying for the wearer and probably everyone around you. Make it stop or provide a silicone case to block the light. As for sound quality, you must remember that the signal is sent via Bluetooth, which currently cannot compete with wired quality. There is a slight hiss you can notice on quieter tracks or audio books and the sound is a little flat when compared to its wire counterparts. However, this is a sacrifice I am willing to make for the sake of true wireless-ness. The Tokyo’s are more than good enough to get you through a workout or commute, the multifunctional button works well, and the compact little charging case is a great touch. RRP £99.00
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diskAshur DT² iStorage If you have data you want to ensure never gets into the wrong hands, the diskAshur DT² from iStorage is a USB 3.1 encrypted desktop hard drive with a ton of 007 features to prevent anyone from busting. With capacity options from 1TB up to a huge 12TB, it is the world’s first and only NCSC CPA and NLNCSA BSPA certified encrypted desktop hard drive. Easy to operate, the DT² uses an ultra-secure, PIN authenticated entry and real-time ‘AESXTS’ 256-bit hardware encryption and has a software free design and provides fast data transfer speeds. With a simple to use keypad design, you can set up a unique 7-15 digit PIN, but that’s not the only protection at work here: the dedicated hardware-based secure microprocessor (Common Criteria EAL4+ ready) has builtin physical protection mechanisms which defend your files from external tampering, bypass attacks and more, which forces it to
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enter into a ‘deadlock frozen state’, meaning unless you know the pin there is no way in. Compatible with all operating systems, including all versions of MS Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, Chrome, Thin Clients, Zero Clients and embedded systems, it will work with any device featuring a USB port. Other security functions are the ‘FIPS PUB 197 Validated Encryption Algorithm’, which uses AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption, keeping your data safe even if the hard drive is dismantled from its enclosure. The ‘Brute Force Hack
Defence Mechanism’ will activate after five consecutive incorrect pin entries and will cause the drive to freeze. This process increases over numerous attempts until the 15th attempt, where the DT² will lock itself and delete all the data, restoring it to factory settings. The ‘Drive Reset Feature’ clears all pins and data with a unique command and generates a new random encryption key. A very ‘James Bond’ aspect is the ‘Self Destruct’ feature, which allows you to pre-program a unique PIN which, once typed in, instantly deletes the encryption key, all PINs, data and then creates a new encryption key. The ‘Unattended Auto-Lock’ feature automatically locks after a predetermined amount of time and the ‘Tamper-
Proof’ construction makes it virtually impossible to remove without causing permanent damage to the components. Lastly, the ‘Wear Resistant Epoxy Coated Keypad’ prevents any clues to your pin being given away by preventing wear & tear appearing on the most commonly used keys. Working alongside all this high-tech protection, the DT² also uses USB 3.1 for fast transfer speeds of 225 MBps (Read) and 223 MBps (Write), but is also backwards compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports. If all that information went over your head, all you need to know is an easy to use, fast, and super secure place for all your most important cat photos and looks badass at the same time! RRP £179.00 (1 TB), £199.00 (2 TB), £279.00 (3 TB), £339.00 (4 TB), £449.00 (6 TB), £479.00 (8 TB), £679.00 (10 TB), £699.00 (12 TB)
https://istorage-uk.com/product/diskashur-dt2/ Pros High quality constructions Fast Reading and Writing of files USB 3.1 Encrypted Desktop Hard Drive Storage capacities up to 12TB Lots of security setting
Cons Anything over 1TB becomes very expensive
Gadgethead Magazine
Gtech Pro The Gtech Pro is Gtech’s first bagged vacuum cleaner with cordless design. It comes with four attachments, the Power floor head, Power brush, Dusting brush and Crevice tool, as well as 2 replacement bags. The bag helps to keep hygienic and dust free when maintaining your vacuum but will incur additional cost to replace them (£9.99 for a pack of 10), with the average household using between 4-8 bags a year. The bag will typically hold 1.5lt, which means you should be emptying it less than the bag free counterparts. The main body is nice and light (just 1.4kg in the handheld configuration), with an angled handle that makes it easy and comfortable to move around with one hand. Suitable for everything from floor to ceiling, it is more than light enough to raise above your head. The ‘Power floor head’ worked well at picking up both small and larger pieces of dirt - as well as cat hair whilst the ‘Power brush’ worked equally well in smaller areas like the stairs or car. It works just as well with the
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stick configuration as it does on handheld. The 22v Lithium-ion battery takes 4-hours to fully charge and will provide up to 20 minutes on the max setting and up to 40 minutes on eco, but with less impressive results on pet hair. It’s not perfect, however: it is quite loud on both settings; it didn’t send my cats running upstairs but was enough to leave them glaring at me from the bottom step. Switching the attachments was a bit fiddly as they don’t pull apart or click into place
very easily. There is also no wall mount and you can’t stand it up in the stick configuration. However there are some excellent features, such as you can completely remove the battery to charge it, so you can put away the rest of the hoover whilst its charging up; the brushes on the ‘Power floor head’ and ‘Power brush’ can be unlocked and removed to allow for cleaning, which is especially good for cutting out long hair like mine that seems to get everywhere! The Gtech Pro is a good cordless vacuum: powerful and easy to use. You may even find yourself looking forward to cleaning the house! RRP £249.99
https://www.gtech.co.uk/gtech-pro Pros Picks up pet hair well Hygienic, hassle free bag 1.5lt bag Light Easy to manoeuvre Battery can be fully removed for charging AirLOC technology picks up big and small pieces of dirt Brushes can be unlocked and cleaned
Cons Loud Doesn’t stand with stick attached Attachments had to remove and replace Only four attachments (would have liked a good stiff brush) No wall mount
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Ariat Lowell 1/4 Zip If you are looking for a comfortable and versatile underlayer for winter riding, look no further than the Ariat Lowell ¼ Zip - available in six attractive colours: Black, White, Navy, Malbec, Molten Lava (a bright orange), and Navy Colour Block (a navy body with red details on the arms). Our sample arrived in Black and with the soft brushed material, it provides a clean glossy finish. It is super stretchy, which hugs in all the right places without being restrictive and is so soft against your skin, you can comfortably wear it with a vest underneath or without. Featuring the ‘AriatTEK Cold Series’ technology, this means it has a duallayer construction to trap a layer of air in between for insulation against the cold and wicks away any moisture from the skin to help keep you warm and dry. The other technology at work here is Ariat’s ‘Moisture Movement Technology’, which also helps to pull
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moisture away from the skin and pushes it to the fabric’s outer layer for evaporation, making it suitable to cold weather but also warmer weather as a single piece instead of a base layer. Other features include the ¼ length zip to provide a little extra ventilation when needed and a comfortable warm mock collar when fully zipped up. There are thumbholes to provide a little bit of protection on the hands, reduce airflow up with sleeves and make it easier to get in and out of top layers and gloves. The only addition I would like to see would be a slim chin guard on the collar just to prevent
the cold metal of the zip from touching the skin when done up. Other than that, it is a high quality, versatile piece that will become a staple in your active wardrobe. £44.99
http://www. ariat.com/gb/en/ LOWELL_1_4_ ZIP_W_APP. html?rc=US Pros Lightweight Soft Stretchy Wicking Insulating Thumbholes ¼ zip Wear as a base, mid or single layer
Cons Needs a chin guard on zip
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Kurio Tab Advance The Kurio Tab Advance is a tablet specifically designed for children. Available in two genderreinforcing colours Pink or Blue, but other skins are available online. It comes with 40 preloaded educational and entertaining apps and access to Google Play. This 16GB Android tablet includes a full year’s access to weekly educational apps (STEM based, or ‘science, technology, engineering & 62
mechanical’). It also features Coding Apps, a Blue light protection, Android 6.0 Marshmallow and a Splash proof bumper. Parents and guardians
have the ability to control access and set web filters through ‘Kurio Genius’, which can filter over 18 billion websites. The tablet has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and the battery can produce up to seven hours of play time depending on usage. There are options for time control that limits the length
http://kurioworld.com/uk/products/kurio-tabadvance/ Pros Ready to use straight out of the box
Time Control
Internet Filtering, 18+ billion webpages
8 profiles
Preloaded Content Durable
Cons Slow to switch on
Pink or Blue (eye roll)
of time it can be used for, in order prevent losing your child for hours to the screen with the Daily Play Time & Learning Time and Maximum Use Time Session features. If you are lucky enough to be around children that know how to share, you can set up to eight different profiles all with customised web filters and parental controls and the ability to effortlessly block any unwanted apps. The
tablet has a 7-inch screen that provides a clear image, rear and front facing cameras, fingerprint recognition, comes loaded with exclusive Kurio Motion Gaming, up to 32gb SD card compatibility, and a USB port. The Kurio Advance is ready to play straight out of the box, but it does take a long time to switch on and load up. The thick silicone case provides ample protection but lacks a handle or any easy hold for little hands. If your little one is constantly trying to play with your phone or tablet then the Kurio Advance is a good, lowbudget option for getting them one of their own whilst maintaining full control of what apps and websites they can access, and even managing to sneak in some education at the same time! RRP £99.99
Gadgethead Magazine
Stanton ST.150 M2 Turntable Founded in 1946 by Walter Stanton, the inventor of the easily replaceable phonograph stylus, Stanton Magnetics is still an industry leader in audio gear for clubs, DJs and turntablists. With 70 years behind them, Stanton have managed to stay ahead of the trends, and are a go-to name for DJs that want a product they can trust. We received the ST.150 M2 super high torque turntable, and we couldn’t wait to give it a spin! In creating the ST.150 M2 and STR8.150 M2 turntables, Stanton went back to basics. Taking their years of experience, the company has completely reengineered these models, simplifying and re-thinking everything for maximum quality and no fuss. The result in the ST.150 M2 is a seriously cool piece of kit. Let’s break down what’s on offer. The ST.150 M2 and STR8.150 M2 are pretty similar turntables,
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the biggest difference being a choice between a standard S-shaped tonearm on the ST and a ‘skin-proof’ straight tonearm on the STR8. Both models have a feedback-resistant, durable build; the heavy-duty aluminium units weigh in at 22.5 lbs/ 10.2 kg and have fantastically low resonance on their base. They also measure in at the same size: 450(W) x 353(D) x 146(H)mm. Marketed as ‘super high torque’ turntables, both models’ proudest
features are their industry-leading torque motors, with the starting torque at more than 4.5 Kgf-cm. In short, the ST.150 M2 features everything a DJ needs, and – what we really appreciated – it isn’t cluttered with extra faff that you don’t need. Adjustable play speeds and brake speeds, reverse play, up to 50% pitch adjustment, selectable pitch control with Quartz Lock [8, 25 & 50% range] – the list goes on. This turntable covers the essentials, and it does so at a high quality. It also features selectable Phono or Line RCA outputs, and comes with a removable target light and adjustable shock-absorption feet. The purchase also comes with a slip mat,
45 adapter and rightangled cable included, and well as a full version of Deckadance DVS Software to get you started. Always a fun touch, you are even able to customise the look of your Stanton ST.150 M2 with Style Flip: the service allows you to send in your own patterns or images and have them turned into a protective layer to pimp up your turntable the way you want it! All in all, we had a great time messing around with the ST.150 M2. My only con is that it didn’t come with a cartridge, so we had to buy our own. They flag this up in the product info, and there’s lots of great ones on offer from Stanton (the applicable cartridge weight for the ST.150 M2 is 13-18g) – just be aware when you’re picking up this bad boy to avoid frustration!
Pros Ultra-stable unit Great sound Low resonance base All the features you need, but no clutter User-friendly design Slip mat, 45 adapter and right-angled cable included Comes with full version of Deckadance DVS Software
Cons Cartridge not included
Gadgethead Magazine
Ion Superior LP 7 in 1 Music Centre with Digital Conversion Rightly so, vinyl has been making a comeback as people rebel against the convenience and low cost of mp3’s in favour of better sound quality, even if it does mean giving up a large part of your home to your collection. If you aren’t sure what format to commit to, the Superior LP from Ion has got you covered with this 7 in 1 unit you can play 7”, 10” and 12” records, CDs, Tapes (remember them?), connect devices via Aux or Bluetooth and if all that fails simply listen to the AM/FM radio. As well as playing multi formats, you can also record your tapes and LPs to a USB thumb drive, allowing you to listen to your favourite albums on the go, or at your unrefined record-player-free friend’s house (seriously, why are you friends with these people?) If I follow my mums advise and “look with my eyes not with my hands”, the Superior LP looks well made,
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with a vintage design featuring dials on big physical knobs to turn. However, the moment you start placing your mits all over it, you can tell that looks are deceiving, and the quality isn’t as good as first thought. The turntable is wobbly by design with a suspended platter to eliminate feedback from it’s built-in fairly high power speakers, with a thin, flimsy tone
arm and head shell. The speed button is also plastic and poorly made and the lid doesn’t open all the way, so depending on the light it can be difficult to see the function labels on the controls. The tape deck is also a made from the same nasty, thin plastic and the metal control panel feels thin. The CD player and metal control panel has a slightly better build quality, but the format selection dial is difficult to line up with the labels. There is a built-in speaker with an internal amplifier, so the product is ready to go straight out of the box. 3 speeds to choose from on the turntable (33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM), headphone output, an
informative 2-digit LCD display and RCA lineouts if you choose to connect Superior LP to other equipment. I was surprised by the sound quality - don’t get me wrong it won’t be winning any awards, but, for the build quality and price, it is clean and rounded. It lacks bass and is compressed, but I think a lot of people would still enjoy listening to it. If you are looking for a cheap and simple way to play all your music formats and have a penchant for vintage design, you may love the Ion Superior LP. I wouldn’t expect it to last you a lifetime… or even necessarily a medium time, but it will still look beautiful even when it stops working. RRP £169.99
https://www.ionaudio. com/products/details/ superior-lp Pros 7 format options RCA lineout Vintage design Good sound quality for price
Cons Cheap construction Lid doesn’t open fully
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
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