GADGETHEAD Issue 4.07
UK
£4.95
www.thegadgethead.com
Inspired By Your Success
Contents Accubrush MX2 • SpiderPro Dual • Camera System v2 • On Comfort-T
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 SoundMAGIC E10BT • Thinktank Mindshift Exposure 15 Shoulder Bag • Skull Shaver Bald Eagle Smart X • Liv Race Day Short Sleeve Jersey • Babolat Wimbledon Pure Strike 16/19 Page 20 Sun-Sniper Rotaball-DPH • Dakine Cyclone II Dry Pack 36L • On Running Shorts • Scarpa Trek GTX Page 30 Dakine Terminal Spinner 40L • Retro Handheld Console • Thinktank Mindshift Backlight 18L Photo Daypack • Ergobaby OMNI 360 Baby Carrier • BakkerElkhuizen Handshake Mouse Page 40 Skandika Milano 10 • Iontoderma iD-1000 • Luminox Carbon Seal 3800 Series • Peli 2760 LED Headlamp Page 50 Hozelock Cloud Controller Kit • ENO Lounger Hanging Chair • Thule Urban Glide 2 • Loupedeck+ • On Running Cloud Page 60 Ergobaby Four Position 360 Baby Carrier and Infant Insert • Marco Polo Pet Tracker • Deuter Kid Comfort II • Under Armour HOVR Phantom Non-Connect Edition • SmoothSkin Bare • PackTowl Luxe Towel
Accubrush MX2 Recently my friends requested our help with decorating their house. Why they thought our help wouldn’t make things worse is beyond me, in fact I think they had to re-paint the majority of our handy work - plus extra on the door frames and skirting boards as it turns out we were terrible at cutting in! Could the Accubrush MX2 be the answer to the laborious chore that is taping everything in sight or spending years perfecting that steady hand? Well, it promises to be fast along ceilings than a manual brush and with reduced fatigue in the arms. It works by a combination of both roller and cut in brush which is integrated onto the unit and allows the roller to paint to within 1/8″ of the wall with a rolled texture, whilst the adjustable brush is there to give you the perfect line where the roller can’t reach. Created for handheld use, the MX2 has a fixed handle; you 4
cannot attach it to a pole, so to get at the ceiling and tops of the walls you will still need a ladder. The ‘NoSmear Shield’ is there to prevent the paint from getting onto walls, light switches, skirting boards or the ceiling. It has been made to work on textured walls and ceilings, brushes and roller can be washed and replaced, the Quick-Release Mechanism aims to keep your hands clean by letting the roller drop off the bar, and the rollers themselves are made with a poly-blend (about 3/8″ nap) which is suitable for all surfaces, from a smooth wall to
textured. The best thing we found about the Accubrush MX2 was that it comes with 100% satisfaction guaranteed or your money back - you will almost definitely be using this; the entire unit is very cheap and nasty, the plastic bends and has unclean edges, the rollers are frayed even before use…it would be easier to try and get a clean edge with a vibrating broom during an earth quake and it’s much more time consuming. Save your money buy some masking tape, a brush and take your time. RRP $39.95
http://www.accubrush.com/accubrush-products/#mx Pros 100% satisfaction guaranteed or your money back
Cons Cheap Flimsy Doesn’t work
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SpiderPro Dual Camera System v2 The SpiderPro Dual Camera System v2 from SpiderHolster has been updated and improved to make an even more secure and comfortable holster with the option of carrying two cameras on your hip. With the brand new Lens Collar Plate you can safely carry long lenses too. The Pro2 Plate has been updated and can be attached to any professional DSLR, the new design has better balance and with a more secure pin and anti-slip rubber grips to help keep the plate in place. Features a solid all metal construction and includes a twoposition lock designed for flexibility choose from either unlocked for quick draw action shots (like a western but with less bullets) or auto-locking for security when you are on the move. The belt clip has also been redesigned for maximum comfort, easy to set up, simply adjust the belt for 6
the best fit, slide the left Pro Holster and Pad onto the belt and secure the Pad then you are ready to go. The Lens Collar Plate has been designed to carry long lenses, it mounts securely to the lens collar and then you can safely carry your lens in a secure and balanced way, it comes with an Arca-Swiss style tripod profile and a swappable pin for right or left side carrying. The ergonomic profile helps to reduce strain on the body and causing fatigue, it has been constructed with tough materials to stand up against wear and tear, and the heavy-
duty buckle has three points, rather than the regular two that need to be pressed before it will open. The Pro2 plate will attach to the cameras tripod mount and is compatible with all tripods (it comes with two universal connection plates) and has a wrench that stows inside the plate. If you already have a SpiderPro Single Cam System you can get a Dual Camera Upgrade rather than buy the whole package again. The SpiderPro Dual Camera System v2 is a simple wearable holster that frees up your hands when out on a shoot and allows you to quickly access and switch cameras and lenses making sure you never miss that perfect shot. RRP ÂŁ194.95
https://spiderholster.com/product/dual-camerasystem/ Pros Comfortable Strong Lens Collar Plate Two position lock Durable, wear resistant, materials
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On Comfort-T The Comfort-T comes in a large range of colourful designs: the men’s range is available in Grey, Forest, Midnight, Navy, Black and White, in sizes S-XXL, and the women’s are available in Navy, Mint, Grey, Rose, White, Black, Coral and Haze in sizes XS-XL. The Comfort-T has been made to provide a comfortable fit for both during and after a run. With a slightly thicker and more cotton-like texture than regular running tops, it is luxuriously soft against the skin. The material provides a flattering profile by hugging your body in all the right places, which also helps you stay streamline when pushing it hard. My first worry was that the heavier material would hold moisture and possibly
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create friction over longer runs, however this was not the case. The combination of cotton, modal and elastane creates a classic T-shirt, while maintaining a high level of stretch and flexibly that allows you complete freedom of movement whilst running. This formula also provides wicking that helps transports moisture away from the body. Unlike many running tops the Comfort-T has a secret zip up pocket in the lining, which
is integrated into the natural shape of the shirt and keeps items still whilst running so you don’t get distracted by them bouncing around whilst you are on the move. We liked the classic t-shirt design, which means you won’t look out of place popping to the shop before or after a run. It is heavier than some more technical shirts, but still manages to breathe well and remain comfortable over the duration of the run. RRP (both) £50.00.
https://www.on-running.com/en-gb/products/ comfort-t-navy-w (Women’s) https://www.on-running.com/en-gb/products/ comfort-t-black-m?taxon_id=2 (Men’s) Pros Creates a nice profile Secret pocket Soft Wicking stretchy Lots of colours to choose from
Cons Heavier than other technical tops
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SoundMAGIC E10BT The E10BT (super catchy name by the way) from SoundMAGIC are Bluetooth wireless connecting headphones which can provide you with up to 12 hours play time. The pack includes the SoundMAGIC E10BT wireless earphones, USB charging cable, semi-rigid carry case, three pairs domed silicone eartips (S/M/L), three pairs bowl silicone eartips (S/M/L), four pairs vented silicone eartips (XS/S/M/L) and one pair of double flange silicone eartips (M) so you can find the perfect fit that stays secure in your ear even when running or working out. The E10BT is compatible with all smartphones and has an integrated 3-button remote that can be
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used to adjust the playback volume, start and stop playback, skip tracks and answer calls, there is also a built-in
microphone for chatting to your mates handsfree. Other features included are the shirt clip, 10 meter range, 200 hour standby time and a compact carry case. The sound can achieve 24-bit highresolution audio, but we found it lacked bass at the low end and the high end sounded tinny, not great even by Bluetooth standards. The earphones are nice a lightweight
and comfortable to wear with responsive buttons, easy to connect to your smart device, the wire connecting the earphones is thin and flimsy and doesn’t give me much faith of durability, on the plus side the volume goes way up. SoundMagic E10BT left me a bit baffled, from a quick look around the web and even some wellknown gadget magazines you could be left believing that these headphones are the bees knees, however I wasn’t that impressed, you can get similar quality for much cheaper. RRP £69.99
https://amzn.to/2yM5uZX Pros Nice case Loud Microphone works well Responsive buttons Cons Poor build quality Lack of base Flat, tinny, top notes
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Thinktank Mindshift Exposure 15 Shoulder Bag Mindshift claim there is no such thing as bad weather, which is why they created the Exposure 15, a storm-resistant shoulder bag designed for the active photographer, made from waterproof sailcloth panels, with storm flaps, water-repellent DWR fabric, polyurethane coating underneath, AquaGuard zips and a tough Tarpaulin bottom, to ensure your gear is well protected from whatever the elements might throw at you. Available in Black or Solar Grey designs, it has exterior dimensions of 17.3” W x 12.2” H x 7.1” D and interior dimensions of 15.7” W x 10.4” H x 5.1” D, it has a gear profile of one ungripped body with a 70–200mm f/2.8 attached, 2–5 extra lenses and flash, as well as dedicated pockets for a 10” tablet, a 15” laptop and 5.5” W x 6.7” H phone pocket, and weighs 1.4kg will all accessories included. Inside there are removeable, reinforced, foam dividers that allows you
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to stack lenses, there is also a seam sealed rain cover, there is a crossbody stabilising strap to keep the bag close to your body when more active travelling and other features include the anodised aluminium hardware, tripod attachment straps, luggage handle pass-through, internal organiser pockets for small accessories, Ultra-Stretch mesh 1l water-bottle pocket fits with elastic cordlock, deluxe organiser and gusseted pockets for large objects. The overall look of the
bag is a bit naff, it looks a bit ugly due to the weatherproof construction, but its high performance outweighs the aesthetic, the shoulder strap is quick to adjust and remove if needed but the padding is quite minimal and when fully loaded it can put pressure on your shoulder. If you are looking for a functional bag with some serious weather protection the Exposure could be perfect for you, it might not win any style awards, but it is packed with loads of features, seriously tough and can be personalised for you specific needs. RRP $169.99
https://www.mindshiftgear.com/products/exposure-15 Pros Storm-proof Internal, dedicated 15” laptop pocket and 10” tablet pocket YKK AquaGuard weather-resistant zip Weather Wings on flap for additional weather protection
Cons Shoulder strap could do with more padding Not the most attractive
Tripod attachment straps Customisable dividers Ultra-Stretch mesh water-bottle pocket with lock cord Seam-sealed rain cover
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Skull Shaver Bald Eagle Smart X Gone are the days of the top knot, lets bring back the skin head, who is sexier than Patrick Stewart? The Bald Eagle Smart X from Skull Shaver will get you the glossy head finish and make you instantly look as hot as the Rock (or perhaps a pudgy, dad-bodied version). The Bald Eagle Smart X has a cordless design suitable for both bald head and face shaving, it has a strong motor that turns up to 10500 RPM and a high capacity Lithium-ion battery for a powerful and continuous performance, the battery will give you 90 minutes of use off a single charge and takes two and a half hours to fully recharge. With CE certified 110240V charge input you can charge the device Worldwide with varying voltages, it comes with a Euro two pin style plug, it has an LCD battery
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display which looks smart when activated. The Eagle Smart X has been created with an ergonomic grip, which naturally fits in your hand and lets you reach all areas of your head comfortably and lowers the risk of you missing a bit on the back of your head and looking like a mug in front of your mates, wife, or dog. There are five large blades that all flex independently from each other and run smoothly over the contours of your head and face, it catches the hairs no matter what directions its moving and can
be used for either wet or dry shaving, however shaving gel is not recommended as it is too dense for the blades. The multidirectional shave significantly cuts down on the time it takes to get a silky-smooth finish and prevents nicks, cuts, and burns, for best results it is recommended the shaver is held between fingers and move around the area in small circular motions. The Eagle Smart X is easy to clean and comes with a rinse stand, the rinse stand itself is cheap and nasty but does the trick or you can bin it and just use a bowel of water, just run the shaver and dip the blades into the water and the blades will self-clean without the needs or any extra
effort. The Eagle Smart X is comfortable and so easy to use, you won’t get a close shave like you would with a cut throat or manual razor, it comes with a protective case with an over the top ultra-masculine logo that comes across outdated and we have already mentioned the naff rinse stand but you can easily dump all that and just use the shaver. RRP £59.99
https://eu.skullshaver.com/bald-eagle-smart-x.html Pros
Cons
Easy to use
Cheap rinse stand
Flexible blades
Ugly case
Long battery life
Can’t compete with cut throat or manual shave for closeness
Attractive LCD display Multidirectional shaving Silicone ergonomic grip
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Liv Race Day Short Sleeve Jersey The Race Day Short Sleeve Jersey from Liv has been designed for women, whether they are racing or taking part in some fast-paced training. Available in either a White/Purple combination or Black/ Purple and in sizes XS all the way up to XXXL. Constructed with a close fit to hug your body and ensure an aerodynamic performance, it has short sleeves and uses Liv’s TransTextura fabric - this fabric keeps you dry and comfortable, by wicking any moisture away from the body quickly and efficiently, as well as having a sun protection of UPF30. This works because the fabric has been 16
created by using a larger yarn for the material that sits next to the skin and finer yarns on the outer layer. The capillary action then pulls the moisture away from the skin and pushes it out to the top layer of fabric for quick drying. If you get too warm there is a full-length zip to aid ventilation, and for storage there are three stretchy, large back pockets, handy for waterproof layers, gels or snacks, and all within easy reach whilst on the move.
Other features include two highvisibility reflective strips at the back to help you be seen in low lights and the hem has a silicone grip that helps to keep the jersey in place even when working hard and moving about vigorously. The Race Day Jersey is a good, low budget option for getting out on the road – it has all the basics you need, looks good on, breathes well and stays in place when you are pushing yourself to your limits. RRP £59.99
https://www.livcycling.com/gb/livrace-day-short-sleevejersey Pros Full length zip 3 easy reach back pockets Stretchy Breathable Short sleeves Low cost
Cons Basic features
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Babolat Wimbledon Pure Strike 16/19 With Wimbledon just around the corner, it is time to dig out your fuzzy yellow balls and hit the local free tennis courts (just kick the beer cans out of the way). But, on arrival, you discover your sad old tennis racket just isn’t up to scratch anymore. Ok, so Babolat might be a bit of overkill (RRP £190.00) for my skill level, but I will happily take it out for a spin in the name of research. Wimbledon Pure Strike 16/19 is from the ‘Pure Strike’ collection and is a Tour racket that comes 18
in white and orange or our favourite: the attractive white and green design. Here’s a whole bunch of specs that might mean something to you: it has a head size (cm²) of 630, has a 16/19 string pattern, a 21-23-
21mm profile, 320mm balance, 685mm length, 70ra flexibility; strung in Babolat SpiralTek Synthetic Gut, it has a beam width of 21.3/23.3mm, a recommended stringing tension range of 50-59lbs; it is made from a durable graphite and comes with a racket cover. Designed to deliver both power and precision when
attacking and counterattacking, it sends a fast ball across the net and then allows you to return it with accuracy. It sits comfortably in the hand with a natural and firm grip, and a heavier weight allows you to spin the ball easier. The Wimbledon Pure Strike has wide beam sections for a stable and balanced hold with each strike. The Wimbledon utilises a ‘Technologies Response Woofer’, the first and most effective frame-string link system with a longer ball/string contact time for more control whilst maintaining comfort. I loved playing with this racket and immediately noticed an improvement in my game: I had more control over each shot and returned the majority of the balls much faster than before, and it’s so comfortable in the hand that I think this time you get what you pay for! RRP £190.00
https://amzn.to/2yOsIOT Pros Delivers fast and powerful balls Lightweight Good balance Excellent control Attractive design Accurate
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Sun-Sniper Rotaball-DPH Forget selfies, pictures of your cats and breakfast, this is a serious accessory for serious photographers. The ROTABALL-DPH from SUN-SNIPER is a double harness with ROTABALL connections featuring two free spinning steel ball-bearing ROTABALL connector, two back and neck friendly SHOCKABSORBER and two connectors blocking BLOKKER to prevent any accidental unscrewing. Safety comes first when you have ££££’s of gear hanging off your body, there are invisible slash proof steel wires integrated into the straps and well as included insurance you should feel safe in the knowledge that your gear will be securely attached at all times. The ROTABALLDPH has generously padded shoulder pads and around the neck with a switchable shoulder pad for right/ left handed users, it has been ergonomically designed and fully adjustable to fit all shapes and sizes for men and women.
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This harness uses SUN-SNIPER new ROTABALL connector, with a mono/multiball bearing that allows for completely free swivelling of the camera to point it in any directions, the BLOKKER, prevents the movement of your body and the camera from accidently unscrewing, you do not want to watch your pride and joy hit the fall mid shoot. There is a unique SHOCK-ABSORBER that prevents damage and pain in your back and shoulders from the weight of the camera, this works
well and ensures you remain as comfortable as possible and keep your balance whilst taking photographs. However, people are sneaky, what if you are concentrating on getting the perfect shot and not paying attention to the person creeping up behind you with a pair of scissors, well that is where the invisible STEEL-CABLE comes in, the cutter-crasher as it is known, makes the straps slash proof to prevent chancers running off with your gear, for added piece of mind SUN-SNIPER covers your camera for up to $1,000 in the unlikely event that a thief does manage to cut your strap. The swing LIMITER, does exactly as it says and prevent the camera from swinging backwards during fast
movements and clonking into people or walls, the ROTABALL-DPH has been stress tested and recommends using gear up to the weight of 5kg and you can rack up to 3 cameras, two on each side and one on the chest. The SUN-SNIPER ROTABALLDPH is very well made with a high quality finish, you can confidently trust it to keep your cameras safe until you need them. RRP £129.999
https://amzn.to/2yOJ9uC Pros Comfortable Adjustable Safety Rotaball Connector Blokker Shock-Absorber Safety Cutter Crasher Padding Insurance Swing limiter
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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
PC/ Mac
iPad iPhone
ZWIFT.COM
Dakine Cyclone II Dry Pack 36L Dakine’s ‘Cyclone’ range is made for the world of surfing. Now, when you think of surfers, you may conjure up the idea some topless, muscle bound Adonis (or is that just me?) but, in reality, you have spare clothes, your phone, keys, wallet, sun cream and maybe some snacks, and you need somewhere to keep all that uncool but essential gear. The Cyclone II Dry Pack 36L has been created to be the ultimate surf pack, with some brand-new features for 2018. Its roll-top closure stops sea water, rain, beer or any liquids from getting into the bag. There is a large main compartment and dual outside pockets that feature PU coated zips, and added to this, the Cyclone II also has a welded construction, making it 100% waterproof. You can choose between using the two-way purge valve to inflate the bag - this
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means in the event of hitting the water it will float - or you can use it for space saving compression. There is an integrated board carry system that helps you travel by attaching the board and bag to the Cyclone II. Other features include the “sweat-less” breathable back panel, adjustable sternum strap for a secure and stable fit and there is a dedicated laptop sleeve suitable for most 15” laptops. It is comfortable to wear even when fully loaded thanks to the ergonomic shoulder straps, but the lack of
padding and absent waist band means the weight isn’t distributed across the entire body, which could make long distance travel more tiring on the shoulders. Overall the Cyclone bag is very well made, with tough materials that will keep your gear dry even on the wettest of adventures. RRP £120.00
https://amzn.to/2tJIg0F Pros 2 Way Purge Valve (inflation/compression) 15” laptop sleeve 100% Waterproof Welded construction roll top closure and front stash pockets Water resistant YKK PU coated zips Integrated board-carry system
Cons No padding in the laptop sleeve No waist-belt Minimal padding in shoulders straps
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On Running Shorts On are well known for their uniquely designed running shoes, so you may be a little apprehensive as to what crazy creations they may come up with for their running apparel. But, rest assured, there are no strange or unusual additions. The Running Shorts are available in both men’s and women’s (sizes S-XXL in men’s and XS-XL in women’s) - Navy/ Black in men’s and Navy/Black or Black in women’s. These shorts have a minimalist construction which allows you to hit your top speeds without restriction - don’t worry though, there is enough material in all the right places; minimalist does not equal hot pants. These shorts are seriously lightweight: there is nothing there that isn’t essential to the run - no flashy branding or go-faster stripes, and the end result is very freefeeling pair of shorts. You could be forgiven 26
for thinking you are wearing nothing at all (not recommended). Having said all that, the minimal design doesn’t mean you have to abandon your keys under a flower pot thanks to the small but perfectly formed pocket. You can still take your small change or bank cards to take advantage of any potential bakeries you may run past (I can’t be the only one to do this.) At the same time, you can take the opportunity to have a break from your phone because you won’t be able to fit it in your pocket - trust me I tried - but you will feel better for it. The shorts feature an Italian fabric waistband
which keeps the shorts in place, whilst the technical four-way stretch polyamide and elastane blend material across the rest of the shorts allows you complete freedom of movement. The seamless sides and a lightweight sewn-in brief prevents chaffing. It is also highly breathable but if you do get a sweat on, or even get caught in the rain, it will dry out quickly. Lightweight, streamline, flexible and flattering the Running Shorts are a great choice, whether it’s a short, fast sprint around the block or a longer training session or HIIT class. RRP £70.00
https://www.on-running.com/en-gb/products/ lightweight-shorts-navy-black-m Pros Super light Quick drying Allows for complete range of movements Key/card pocket Smooth seams
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Scarpa Trek GTX Scarpa was founded in 1939 by Rupert Edward Cecil Lee Guinness, 2nd Earl of Iveagh, an Anglo-Irish businessman. You may recognise this name as the man who founded of Guinness Brewing Company and the Guinness Book of Records. This guy had his finger in many pies. Although the brand name sounds like a clever rugged word it is actually an acronym for ‘Calzaturieri Asolani Riuniti Pedemontana Anonima’, which 28
translates to the ‘Association of Footwear Manufacturers from the mountain area of Asolo’, which is not quite as catchy
- I can see why he shortened it. The Trek GTX is a men’s hiking and trekking boot, exclusively available in Cotswold Outdoors store and comes in sizes 7-14. Designed to keep your feet protected and secure during long walks on complex terrain, formed from an ergonomic last which
https://amzn.to/2Kf9Den Pros
has been specifically created for those with a low foot volume and slimmer heel, if you’ve ever been told you have narrow feet, well this is could be the shoe for you. The Trek GTX uses a tough and durable, 1.8 mm Oiled Nubuck full grain leather upper, which has been finely sanded for a textured finish, which not only looks great but protects the foot from the elements, the strong protective toe rand sits around the edge of the boot for protection against scuffs and scrapes when trekking through the craggiest terrain. The midsole is a Comfort Flex Plus is formed from nylon and moulded to provide
Comfortable
Durable
Attractive design
Stable
Warm
Best suited for narrow feet
Weatherproof
Cons Gets hot in warm weather
minimum flex in the heel area but give a comfortable flex in the forefoot area making it ideal for walking and trekking. The GORE-TEX lining keeps your foot nicely insulted and comfortable on colder days, at the same time if your feet get too warm the lining allows the moisture to escape from the boot without letting a single drop sneak into the boot. However, on hot days your feet will get quite warm so be prepared with a change of socks at the end of your trek. The sole is a Vibram Biometric Fly which encourages a natural foot roll and provides excellent traction and grip on a variety of surfaces. The Trek GTX are excellent boots for a long day outdoors, they are beautifully designed, the thick padding around the ankle keeps things comfortable and stable, the deep tread gives you confidence in every step. RRP £200
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Dakine Terminal Spinner 40L The Dakine Terminal Spinner 40L is a soft-sided carry-on bag that comes in four attractive colours: Burnt Rose, Timber, Black and Dark Navy. The four-wheel spinner has been designed to transfer the weight out of your hand and onto the wheels - the four precision-bearing, replaceable, 6cm urethane wheels provide a smooth ride allowing you spin on a dime and zip around the airport terminal with ease, with the bag remaining in your field of vision the whole time. It can also be used on two wheels with the retractable handle and pulled behind you. It rolls comfortably along but only in a forwards direction; because the wheels spin 360˚ it jams up if you try to reverse it backwards and you will be surprised to find how often you do this movement without thinking, so it is best avoided using it in this way in case you damage the wheels. The Terminal Spinner
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comes with 40L capacity. Instead of just a single compartment there is split level organisation partitioned by mesh dividers, a shoe or dirty clothes compartment and the front zip pocket has a removable work station organiser for pens, cables and small accessories, plus a dedicated 15” laptop sleeve, which means you can separate your belongings and always know where you stuff
is when you need it. Extra features are the Tuck Away ID Pocket for added security and a handy built-in cup rest that means you don’t have to put it on the floor or hand it to a travel buddy when juggling boarding passes and passports. The Terminal Spinner 40L has a well thought out design and smoothly zips around the airport, but it’s not made for off-roading so be prepared to carry it over more rugged terrains. All the pockets mean you can easily organise your carry-on luggage, making the chore of travelling that little bit easier. RRP £160.00
https://amzn.to/2tLcOiv Pros Smooth rolling wheel Organiser pocket Mesh separator Tall retractable handle Cup holder Laptop sleeve Replaceable wheels Tuck Away ID pocket
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Retro Handheld Console With the latest computer games and VR systems becoming completely immersive and looking so realistic, it’s easy to forget that they are all descendants of something much cruder, plinky plonky and 8-bity. My partner, who appears to have hit his mid-life crisis early, has regressed back to buying all the old games he used to play when he was kid, each time he gets a new one he will beam with excitement, telling me it was his ultimate favourite (there have been 12 ultimate favourites so far) and insists I come and play, within two minutes of tedious music, chunky graphics and frustrating controls I am ready to tear my hair out. However, he will happily sit the for hours reliving the best days of this youth, hog the T.V. when I have important world events to catch up on, such as who just got evicted off Love Island. Perhaps 32
the Retro Handheld Console from Thumbs Up could be the answer to my problems? Don’t let size deceive you, although only 5.7 x 2.1 x 9.3cm it has over 150 8-Bit games packed inside its bright red and blue combo, including, Tic Tac Toe, Connect Four, Football, Racing Games and Shooting Games all with gloriously colourful 80-Bit graphics. It has a 1.8inch LDC screen (who says bigger is better), it can easily fit in your pocket, and is powered off 3 AAA batteries that are not included but does include a wrist strap for when things get animated. Controls are basic with a directional button, A and B button, Start and Reset button,
On/Off and Volume control (thank good you can switch it off). None of the games come with instructions which means it takes a couple of goes to get to grips with it but none of the games are difficult to learn. When I first handed this to my partner he was happy to play with it but after a few minutes he lost interest claiming it didn’t have any of the classic games he used to play, which leaves me at a loss to who would enjoy it and without my TV again. However, as I surprise twist I found myself hooked on a few of the annoying little games. The Retro Handheld Console is a low cost, nostalgic and entertaining little game, it would make a good gag gift for anyone who grew up in the 80’s. RRP £17.99
https://amzn.to/2KstMfX Pros Low cost
Over 150 games
Colourful
Easy to use
Cons Basic You will either be hooked or lose interest quickly
Batteries not included
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Thinktank Mindshift Backlight 18L Photo Daypack The BackLight from Mindshift comes in three sizes 18L, 26L and 36L but we will be focusing on the 18L in this review as this is the one that we received. The 18L has a gear profile of two standard DSLR bodies with lenses attached and 1–3 standard zoom lenses or two Mirrorless bodies with lenses attached and 3–5 lenses as well as up to a 13” laptop and a 10” tablet and space for your personal gear in the 5L front compartments, it takes up to a maximum lens size of 300mm f/2.8 or 150–600mm f/5–6.3 attached to a body. The backlight has a rear-panel access that lets you grab your gear without having to take it off your back, the bag can be rotated round to the front of your body whilst the waist belt can be left attached keeping the bag secure against your body. This rear-panel access also provides you with some extra security when traveling as the access rests against
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your back it would to a ninja to get their hands in the bag without you noticing. There are two dedicated compartments that securely hold a 13” laptop and full size tablet and the 5L front pockets lets you keep your personal belongings and camera gear separate, the daisy chain, ice axe loops and additional lash points get you the
option for expanding your carry capacity. The Backlight meets most international and US carry-on requirements (always check with the airline before travelling), you can mount a tripod or monopod to the front or side, there are two large water bottle pockets with cinch cord fit a 32oz bottle, the side compression straps have locking SR buckles for additional lash points and front stuff pockets can be used for storing essentials, torch, hat or chargers for example. On the inside the removable, reinforced panels can be customised for your things, the top zip pocket can be used for
quick access essentials whilst the interior mesh pockets are ideal for storing filters, batteries and cables. For protection against the elements the Backlight is made from a 420D Velocity and 420D high-density nylon and there is a seam-sealed rain cover included. The best thing about the Backlight is how comfortable it is, there is loads of padding, on the shoulder straps, back and waist belt, there is an air channel to help keep your back cool. Things will still get warm on hot days, and the high visibility, ergonomic zip pulls are easy to grip with gloves on or cold hands. The Backlight is comfortable bag even when fully loaded, the back panel access is a functional addition that lets you grab you gear when you need it and have piece of mind that your belongings are safe and secure when not in use. RRP $199.99
https://amzn.to/2yPDCUP Pros Back panel access Lots of padding Comfortable waist band Durable Front stuff pockets Adjustable dividers Seam-sealed rain cover included
Cons Not enough ventilation
Gadgethead Magazine
Ergobaby OMNI 360 Baby Carrier The new Omni 360 Baby Carrier from Ergobaby has been developed after listening to parents from all over the world and working with baby-wearing educators and doctors to produce a revised all-in-one baby carrier, designed to be the ultimate in comfort for both baby and carrier and at the same time easy to use. Claiming to be the Ergobaby’s most versatile carrier to date and providing four 36
carrying positions: front facing in, front facing out, back and hip, with the ability to quickly
and easily switch baby’s position on the move. The OMNI 360 Baby Carrier adapts to baby’s growth and can be used from new-born, without the need for any insert, all the way up to toddler (7-33lbs / 3.2-15kgs). It is available in a variety of designs. Like
https://amzn.to/2yZhvvlPros Pros Four positioning options
with baby
Cute design
Machine washable
Lots of padding Suitable from newborn to toddler, grows
Lumbar support
Removeable pouch Tuck away hood
Cons Stiff buckles
all the Ergobaby products, the OMNI 360 supports the baby in a hip-healthy “M” shape position at all stages and in all positions including outward-facing and has been described as a “hip healthy” product by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. There is lumbar support from the thick waist-belt that also helps to evenly distribute weight for the carrier and the generously padded shoulder straps can be
crossed over for a snugger, body hugging fit - they are also easily adjusted. Other features are the cushioned, adjustable head and neck support for the baby, the new large detachable pouch for storage, a tuck-away baby hood for sun protection (UPF 50+) and privacy if you feel you want it, and the 100% Premium Cotton is machine washable. The Omni 360 had a cute design - we loved the buttons. It has a durable construction and all that padding makes it very comfortable. The buckles are a little stiff to begin with and may need two hands, but they soften up with use. A good choice for all day wear! RRP £154.90 - £156.20 £164.90 (depending on design)
Gadgethead Magazine
BakkerElkhuizen Handshake Mouse With so many of us spending our working days behind a desk working with computers, it is important to know what effect this can have on our bodies. We already understand how sitting still for too long can cause damage to your back, and the latest research suggests there is another danger on your desk that you perhaps haven’t considered. BakkerElkhuizen’s own research suggest that the standard mouse we use every day can cause an unnatural posture that contributes to the risk of developing wrist and lower arm problems (e.g. Karlqvist 1994, Jensen, 1998, Hagberg 1994). The positioning of the mouse closer to the body can help relieve neck and shoulder strain (Armstrom 1995, Cook 1998) and productivity is shown to be reduced when using trackballs and touchpads, whereas standard mice and pen tablets earn high productivity
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scores. This all suggests we work better when using a mouse but there is a risk that is can cause damage to your wrist, shoulder and neck. The Handshake Mouse from BakkerElkhuizen, unlike a traditional mouse, is constructed with a vertical grip or “handshake” position. It still has the classic two buttons and a scroll wheel configuration, however when using the vertical mouse, the wrist doesn’t bend sideways as much as it would with a regular mouse and the lower arm requires less
inward rotation. This all adds up to less muscle activity in the lower arm and increased muscle tension than when using the mouse. The SRM Mouse has been designed for small and mediumsized hands (width up to 7.5 cm, measured flat at the hand’s widest point, excluding the thumb) and the ‘Evoluent’ mouse is better for larger hands (hand widths up to 9 cm, excluding the thumb). Specs include adjustable DPI, 400, 800, 1600 and 3200. It is compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7, the dimensions are 68W x 70H x 120Dmm and it weighs in at 147g. When you first begin using the Handshake Mouse it will feel quite strange, but your
body adapts to it. There is a slight edge where the two main pieces join together, and I found after prolonged use it did begin to irritate - it sits right on the webbing between my index finger and thumb, but this could be just another teething problem. You can begin using it straight away without needing to install any additional software and the buttons & wheels are quick to respond. I broke my hand years ago and often find when using a standard mouse my little finger gets cold, numb and begins to ache
along my wrist. I found the Handshake Mouse more comfortable to use - I still experienced a little numbness, but it was less than before which proves to me that it must be better for your body. RRP £62.00
https://amzn.to/2KmSIFZPros Pros Reduced strain and numbness in my hand Two sizes Responsive Short transition period No software needed
Cons Sharp edge can irritate palm
Gadgethead Magazine
Skandika Milano 10 Summer is truly upon us, even if no one has told the weather. It’s time to pack up your airbed and portable BBQ and head to a field with one toilet for 200 people, it’s camping season!!! The Milano 10 is an excellent choice for a large family, group of friends or one person and their entire house, with a 200cm peak height most people will be able to comfortably stand which makes activities like getting changed and river dancing much easier. There is a large living area that can be utilised for storage, gatherings or ceilidh’s and two sleeping pods with dividers that can be rolled down to form four sleeping areas in total (2x 3 people and 2x 2people). The inner material and mesh lined sleeping pods help to keep the air moving and keep things as cool as possible whilst keeping out the creepy crawlies that are just dying to get in and buzz around your face all night. For spying on your neighbours there are 40
convenient panorama windows with PVC on the bottom half and netting that can be zipped down over the top for privacy. There is a large handy mesh storage pockets to let you quickly locate the loo roll and the large main entrance can be kept over for ultimate ventilation by using the upright poles which can also be used as a sunshade. To protect you in the bad weather the Milano 10 has a 5,000 mm water column, the highest available quality for family tents like
this and the sewn-in groundsheet, keeps out drafts and damp. For such a large tent it is easy to erect but we recommend having two or three people on hand to get it up quickly but it’s a pretty standard affair, we did lose one peg loop on the first attempt which didn’t bode well but all the others were fine. Other features include fire-retardant materials, waterproof sealed seams, repair kit, storage bag and full assembly instructions. The Milano is a wonderfully spacious tent and worked hard to keep out the rain but when it came to some strong winds one night it didn’t fare as well, it bent and buckles knocking over a few things, it remained undamaged but proved it is best suited for
fair weather camping a moderate wind will be ok but strong gales might become a bit of a problem. It will also take up a lot of space in your car at 110 x 42 x 23 cm and weighs a lot at 29kg, so you don’t want to be dragging this across numerous fields from the car pack. All in all, it is a good tent if you are looking for lots of space, ease of erection and are likely to be camping in fairer weather. RRP £364.82
https://amzn.to/2MtYEtT Pros Spacious
with sunshade
Sewn-in Groundsheet
5,000mm water column
200cm peak height
Storage pockets
Breathable
Easy to set up
Sunshade
Large entrance
Cons Doesn’t like strong winds Heavy
Bulky Lost a peg loop on first set up
Gadgethead Magazine
Iontoderma iD-1000 With loads of products out there to prevent your underarms from sweating, it is quite acceptable that people use deodorants. But what about sweat in other places? Excessive sweating from your hands and feet can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing issue, and people who suffer from this dread being asked to take their shoes off or presented with a welcoming offer of a handshake, but you won’t see aisles of products to treat it or adverts for it on daytime tv. The Iontoderma iD-1000 has been specifically designed to treat hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) of the hands and feet by using iontophoresis. Tap water iontophoresis is a treatment used for excessive sweating that treats the sweat glands just below the top layer of the skin. Some studies have shown that iontophoresis machines can positively treat 90% to 100% of cases where patients experience palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis. In the box you get your power supply 42
(universal wall power 100V-240V AC, 5060Hz), electrodes and connectors that are gold plated for high corrosion resistance and excellent conductivity, gold plated banana plugs, soft protection mats made of PVC for bacteria and fungus resistance, and a plastic briefcase, which isn’t just for storage but is also used during the treatment. Suitable for the most sensitive users and the heaviest of sweaters, Iontophoresis causes no known side effects
and its efficiency does not decrease over time. The sensation when used is similar to that of a tens machine, like very light pins and needles but certainly not painful or uncomfortable. As with any product that uses electricity in this way there are circumstances in which this should not be used as treatment: pregnancy and those with pacemakers, for example, so read the instructions very carefully. Used once a week, each session only takes 20 minutes, which can be enough to notice significant results and it can be used as a longterm treatment that doesn’t use the harmful chemicals often found in creams and medication. Although the Iontoderma looks a little like torture equipment it is pain
free and simple to use: just wet the pads, place the metal components on a flat surface inside the brief case, plug in and position your hands or feet on the pads for treatment. The strength of the current is adjustable and from our research and testing, even after a short amount of time, it provided positive results. It is a pricey investment, but if it works for you it will be a oneoff payment that could potentially rid you of an antisocial problem. RRP £379.00
https://iontoderma.com/products/iontoderma-id-1000 Pros Reduces excess sweating Easy to use One off payment Chemical free Painless treatments
Cons Expensive Not well presented - gold connections, cheap case, large, tens style machine
Gadgethead Magazine
Luminox Carbon Seal 3800 Series Luminox developed the first Navy SEAL series way back in 1993 - used by U.S. Air Force F-117 Nighthawk pilots and known for their tough exteriors and high visibility, due to the ability to glow up to 25 years in any light condition. The Carbon Seal 3800 series is from Luminox’s Sea range and has a case that is made of a compound 44
using 40% Carbon in bar form. This makes it light (three times lighter than titanium), durable, exceedingly
hypoallergenic and more scratch resistant than most other materials, as well as chemical and heat resistant. Weighing just 80g this Swiss made timepiece has a diameter of 46mm. It is waterresistant to a depth of
300 meters (1000 feet) and is powered by a CR2016 battery that will give you a whopping 8 years of battery life. The 3800 series features a carbon compound, unidirectional turning bezel, at 12h fitted with a coloured light tube protected with sapphire crystal, with the back of the casing made from 316L Stainless Steel and featuring a screwed closure. Although it looks like it may weigh a ton it is comfortable and light to wear. The large face can swallow up slimmer wrists, however it does make it easy to read underwater. The build quality is good, but the matt design looks a little unclean in areas due to falling between a rough
https://www.luminox.com/watch-collection/sea/ master-carbon-seal-3800-series/xs-3801.html Pros Carbon compound Durable Lightweight
8year battery life Micro-gas tubes last 25year Water resistant up to 300m
Cons Unclean finish
Expensive
and smooth finish. The self-emitting micro gas tubes allow you to clearly read the time in any light conditions, unlike watches that use glow-in-the-dark paint. The gas tubes don’t need to be exposed to daylight to become active - spend 3 weeks in a cave and this will still glow! It’s strange that such a durable watch comes with such a large protective case, it all seems rather unnecessary. The wrist band is soft & flexible, and it is comfortable to wear. The durability wins over aesthetics here. RRP variable, depending on model: £625 (3801, 3813)
Gadgethead Magazine
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 PJ21508-GadgetHeadAd_v02.indd 1
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Peli 2760 LED Headlamp You will never know how useful a headtorch is until you own one. Whether you’re working on site, out in the wild, or attempting to use a Portaloo in the middle of the night, it is always best to have both hands free in the dark. I don’t feel I even need to question the build quality as this LED Headlamp comes from Peli; well known for their highly durable travel cases, the 2760 is constructed from a seriously tough Polycarbonate, body, lens and shroud with an over-moulded TPR O-ring, it feels strong in your hands and has a clean, high quality finish and offers an IPX4 water resistance (splash proof) and impact resistance of 1m. Available in both a Black or Red finish it is lightweight 96g with the 3 AAA batteries installed (batteries included), it is worn via the comfortable elasticated cloth strap, that can be adjusted 48
to fit over helmets or worn on the head. It remained secure on my head, however I would like to see some silicone strips on the inside just to ensure it stays place on smooth helmets, especially if it is wet. It sits reasonably comfortably on the forehead but a little more padding wouldn’t go amiss, once you take it off after wearing it for a long time it feels like it is still there on your head. There are multiple beams to choose from, all controlled from one button, it’s worth taking a bit of time to get used to the controls, you will need to press the button within 1 second of first pushing it to be able to toggle
through the modes, if you miss the beat it will just switch off the light entirely and you will have to start again, this is a little frustrating especially when working with gloves or cold hands. The white light automatically comes on at the highest brightness setting, which is handy for quickly lighting your way, but may blind anyone close to you. You can then flick between, High (204 lumens, 2hours run time and 111m beam distance), Medium (141 lumens, 3hr 15 run time and 80m beam distance), Low (95 lumens, 5 hours and 59m beam distance) and Downcast (42 lumens, 11hr run time and 19m beam distance), the fifth mode is Flashing for high visibly or really bugging your mates. You can also hold down
the main button after turning on to activate the red night vision mode and choose between Low or Flashing. Lastly, if you hold the button down continually it will flash between red and white and stop when you release the button. As the battery can quickly wear down, the battery life indicator is a good addition, with the green light indicating you have >75% battery, yellow indicating 75%-25% and the red indicating <25% and the battery case is easily accessed even in the dark. The Peli 2760 LED Headlamp has some good features, it’s wonderfully bright with a good beam distance, it’s comfortable but the toggle method for choosing your light is awkward and you don’t want to flash though five different white lights before getting to the night vision mode. RRP £40.14
https://peliproducts.co.uk/2760-led-headlite. html Pros Bright Durable Splash proof Comfortable 8 different modes Tilts downwards (4 different levels) Battery life indicator
Cons Toggle quickly through modes to find the one you want Lacks silicone on the band
Gadgethead Magazine
Hozelock Cloud Controller Kit These days everything comes with an app, so it is of no surprise that even watering your garden can be controlled by your phone, from anywhere in the world. It is compatible with both IOS and Android, ideal for if you are on holiday or there are sudden weather changes when you are away from home. This Kit comes with the Cloud Controller and the Cloud Controller hub: the hub stays in your home connected to the internet - an immediate downside is that it needs a wired connection which limits where it can be placed in the house. The included cable can support up to four different tap units but is only 60cm long. The Cloud Controller unit requires two AA batteries and lives outside on your tap and is simple to attach. There is a button on this unit that also allows you to use your
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tap without having to reach for your phone. Once installed you will need to download the app and from here you can create watering schedules/set pause and adjust settings. The Cloud controller can operate up to 10 times in one day. You can set up unique schedules to create optimum watering patterns suitable for different seasons or areas of the garden, and you can adjust and pause schedules if the weather changes. For example, you can pause up to 14 days or in hot weather increase the watering by 50%
for up to 14 days. The Weather Update feature links to a weather service provider to keep you up to date with local information and provides notifications to alert you to changing weather patterns. You can also use the app to water outside of the schedules by using the ‘Water Now’ feature and it will water you garden for either 10, 30 or 60 minutes (cancel at any time). The Hub is meant to have a radius of 50m, but this is only accurate when the signal isn’t being passed through walls and doors. This, along with the non-wireless connection, can make set-up difficult for some people. The tap unit had 3 LED lights to indicate the battery life - due to it being powered by
just two AA batteries, you may want to buy a bumper multi pack beforehand, as you will need them. The Cloud Controller can be used with Garden Sprinklers up to 10 Bar, low pressure micro irrigation watering (1.5 Bar) or Water Butts (0.1 Bar). The idea behind the Cloud controller is good, however there are a few changes needed before its perfect. Let’s make it wireless and change the power supply to something that will last longer. It’s also showing signs of being unreliable due to hit and miss pairing, which renders the whole thing slightly pointless if you can’t guarantee it will water your garden when you can’t get to it! RRP £142.99
https://amzn.to/2yQ8ODoPros Pros Solid constructions Easy to use buttons Set schedules to water the garden Link up to four tap units to one hub
Cons Unreliable Wired hub Won’t reach 50M radius through walls Short battery life Small buttons
Gadgethead Magazine
ENO Lounger Hanging Chair I’m not going to lie, when I first set eyes on the lounge hanging chair I thought perhaps it was something from the darker depths of the web… however it is first and foremost exactly what it is called: a hanging chair to lounge around in (all other activities must be undertaken with caution.) Smut aside, the Lounger Hanger Chair lets you take a seat in the trees whenever you fancy, with a handy adjustable footrest and an adjustable reclined seat. The padded head rest is very comfortable and allows you to gently sway with the breeze. What could make that even better? Just a nice cold beer in the attached drink holder or grab a snack or book from one of the integrated pockets. Bliss! The Lounger has been created to be a portable hanging chair and is not intended to be left in the elements for prolonged periods of time - if you use it in your garden ensure you take it down at night. It can safely support up 52
to 250lbs (obviously depending on what you decide to hang it from, washing lines are not advisable), and is constructed with a 7075 aluminium frame and 210 ripstop denier. Available in five different colours: Purple, Teal/Grey, Charcoal/Charcoal, Lime/Royal and Charcoal, it is easy to set up: simply hang the chair from a tree branch or any other strong, sturdy object, adjust the position of the footrest and the angle of the chair and park your backside. This lounger is best suited for family/car camping, gardens and day trips. It isn’t the most compact at 6” x 18” and weighs just over 1.5kg, which doesn’t
make it suitable for serious hiking or longer adventures on foot. For ease of storage and carrying it comes with its own stuff sack and ENO state, “ENO attempts to reduce potential waste by using every bit of fabric available in production, so the colour of the stuff sack and stitching might vary from what is pictured”, which scores extra points with us even if it might be a convenient excuse. We have seen other reviews online that seem to suggest the build quality doesn’t stand the test of time, but from a months’ worth of use and pulling and pushing it about we haven’t seen any cause for concern. We really enjoyed swinging about in the Lounger Hanging Chair: simple to use and wonderfully comfortable, it’s a great way to hang out this summer. RRP $124.95
https://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/shop/ chairs-blankets/ Pros Comfortable Adjustable recline and foot rest Easy to set up Integrated pockets Cup holder
Cons Heavy Not very compact Can’t be left out in the elements
Gadgethead Magazine
Thule Urban Glide 2 After the success of Thuleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Urban Glide it was only a matter of time before the second generation was born, the Urban Glide 2, available in three tasteful designs Black on Black, Thule Blue and Dark Shadow. Suitable for popping to the shops or getting your sweat on with a jog around the black the Urban Glide 2 features a lightweight design, weighing in at 11.4kg that makes for easy set up and manoeuvre. It has two, large 16â&#x20AC;? rear wheels, and a smaller swivelling front wheel,
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which can be locked out for jogging or more rugged terrain, with a door pass through width of 69cm. The tyres are air pumped for added suspension, but you will need to remember to top them up on occasion, the suspension system helps to make things
nice and smooth for both driver and child which is especially good when running. There is an easy to use twist hand brake, improving security and braking control on gradients and for ease of use with full hands you can fold down the Glide 2 with one hand in to a compact piece of just 87 x 69 x 34 cm. The Urban Glide 2 offers a multi-position canopy with sideventilation windows, a
https://amzn.to/2Mwpv8V reclining seat that can be adjusted with one hand but is fiddly to do when baby is in the seat, there is a secure and comfortable seat with a padded 5-point harness and integrated ventilation and a Peekaboo window with magnetic closure lets you sneak a look at your baby without the risk of waking them. The ergonomic, handlebar is adjustable but there isn’t a huge range of height difference, for storage there is a large cargo basket with a zip top cover, a rear mesh pocket and two mesh compartments to allow you to quickly locate toys or snacks when needed. For a little extra visibility, the rims on the wheels have reflective detailing and the canopy has reflective edge, the Urban Glide 2 can be used from birth with Thule Bassinet or infant car seat adapter (sold separately). There is a wrist strap that I would use with caution, yes it will stop the chair from getting away from you if it slips from your
Pros Easy to manoeuvre One-handed folding Wheels remove for compact storage lightweight Integrated twist
hand brake Multi-position canopy with side-ventilation windows ensures your child is comfortable Large amount of storage
Cons Stirring harder when wheel locked out
which some children might not like
Hard to recline seat with baby in it
Handle bar doesn’t have a huge range of height adjustment
When fully erect the seat still has a slight recline
hands, but it also means if you trip and fall the glide will tip over too. Like most joggers of this kind it takes a little getting used to with the wheel locked out as it makes turning sharp corners trickier, but with practise it becomes easier. Overall, we loved the Urban Glide 2, it provides a super smooth ride on all terrains, it is easy to manoeuvre around narrow shops and busy environments with loads of space for storage and has good solid construction with the option of getting out for a jog with the little one. RRP £599.99 Gadgethead Magazine
Loupedeck+ The Loupedeck+ is a cool little device that works alongside Adobe Lightroom Classic CC and Aurora HDR, with the promise of other leading photo editing software to be added later in the year. You can get your creativity on in a fast and intuitive way, with buttons, dials and sliders to play with, you can precisely adjust without taking your eyes away from the screen or scrolling through endless menus. You can use multiple editing functions at the same time with ease, the + has improved mechanical keys with a classic feel, more functionalities and more customisation options than the original. To use the Loupedeck+ you will need the following requirements: Adobe Lightroom 7.4 or later, Aurora HDR, Beta integration with Capture One, and work from either Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Mac OS 10.12 or later version, an internet connection for Loupedeck+ software downloaded as well as a USB 2.0 A. 56
The Loupedeck+ allows for faster editing with improved ergonomics - it lets your eyes focus on the image and keeps your hand on the console, so you don’t have to remove your eyes from the picture at any time. Suitable for both pros and beginners, there are loads of ways to customise the controls for your favourite editing tools. It’s amazing how quickly your hands get used to the controls and they are all nicely spaced, so you can comfortably get at them. The functions include colour management - this is controlled by
the sliders - a few dials and buttons and it lets you modify the colours no matter how small they are. The Lighting Adjustments are controlled by the dials, whilst the personalised functions let you choose the right tools to fit the way you edit. The General Functions utilise the large control dial and helps to speed up your workflow with instant common functions, like ‘before/ after’, ‘copy/paste’ and ‘undo/redo’. Strangely, I got a lot of pleasure from using that Control Dial. The Custom Mode lets you control the most delicate of functions like the Tone Curve, Split Toning, Sharpening and Noise Reduction, for example, whilst the Keyboard Mode lets you convert rating buttons into common keyboard modifiers: Esc, Shift,
Ctrl, Alt/Option, Tab and Win/Command. I normally find editing a massive chore and end up with a dead hand from using the mouse too long; the Loupedeck+ not only made the job much faster but injected a bit of fun into it too - I felt like a pro playing around with all the dials. The new improvements make an already good product an excellent product. Upgrade your editing game and enjoy bringing your photos to life! RRP €229.00
https://amzn.to/2Kry6wc Pros Intuitive Attractive design Spacious console Customisable Simple set up Speeds up your editing Tactile
Gadgethead Magazine
On Running Cloud The Cloud from On running immediately stands out from all the other shoes on the rack with their unique sole, but don’t let your eyes deceive you! Although it carries the trademark individual bouncy “clouds” this is in fact a new sole called CloudTec. These shoes have been created to perform all day, every day as an all-round, lightweight shoe. They come in the following men’s styles: All Black, Forest and Jungle, Navy and White, Red and Ox, All White, Black and White, whilst the women’s come in All Black, All White, Black and White, Denim and White, Mulberry and Velvet and Mint (they get extra points from me for only having one style with the obligatory pink colour in the women’s range). So, let’s look at this new sole: designed to give you an even smoother ride, it has been restructured with re-shaped clouds, increased grip-pads, and an updated central channel. The Cloud
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already has a good reputation when it comes to comfort from the moment you step in and the updated version is no different. It features an updated Sockliner which uses a dual-density material that hugs the foot without creating pressure at any point on the foot. When you put them on for the first time, you can’t help but get stand up and have a little bounce about they get you raring to go straight out of the box, but over time the new V-moulded heel adapts and shapes to your foot, giving you a secure and comfortable run time after time. The Cloud takes one
of the chores out of getting ready by using the iconic easy-entry speed-lace system. You can slip into the shoes with ease without untying and retying - you know like your mum always said you mustn’t do? Some specs: the Heel-toe offset is 6mm and they weigh 230g (Men’s size 8.5), come in sizes 6.513.5 in men’s and 3-9 in women’s, with half sizes available. We received the Black and White design, which looked very smart, but to be fair all the colours look sharp. We tested these out with both road running and on compact crosscountry path. They performed superbly: wonderfully light, highly responsive, and flexible with a good energy return. They remained comfortable throughout the runs, whether it was a gentle
jog with the heel striking first or a speedy run when we attempted toe striking (with the results of looking like someone who had never run before). ON Running seem to have a cult following: you either love them or you don’t, and we are converted 100%. Comfortable, springy, light and, without sounding like a total dork, they look really cool! RRP £115.00
https://amzn.to/2tEBEAK Pros CloudTec Sole Lightweight V-Moulded heel Comfortable Suitable for road running Easy-Entry Speed-Lace System Lots of different colours options Sleek design
Gadgethead Magazine
Ergobaby Four Position 360 Baby Carrier and Infant Insert Back in 2002 when Karin Frost couldn’t find a baby carrier that satisfied, she decided to make her own that was both comfortable and ergonomic, thus the Ergobaby was born. We got our hands on the Ergobaby Four Position 360 Baby Carrier - Sophie La Girafe-Festival design special edition. There are a variety of designs to choose from. If you have kids, chances are you will know about Sophie La Girafe. If you don’t, then it’s a slightly creepy looking giraffe toy with black soulless eyes that seems to have been around for as long as babies have, and most recognisable in the form of a squeaky teething toy that’s mysteriously popular with little ones. This design has a detachable tether to attach the chewable creature at a convenient 60
height for little hands. We also received the Easy Snug Infant Insert, so the baby carrier can be used from new-born (7-12lbs) up until about 6 months. To stop the little one getting too hot the ‘Infant Insert’ is designed so that the neck and head are supported enough without the extra bulk whilst the fan shaped design ensures airflow, keeping baby cool and content. The padded back panel supports the baby’s natural curved spine, whilst the optional removable pillow can be adjusted for optimal height and an ergonomic seated position. There are no
nasty chemicals here – it is 100% cotton and is machine washable. The cushioned thigh support promotes optimal hip positioning by keeping the knees above the hips and the whole thing securely attaches to the carrier, making it easy to load and unload baby without the insert moving about. As the name suggest the baby carrier can be used in four ergonomic wearing positions frontinward, front-outward, hip-carry and backcarry. It features an adjustable back panel that can be rolled up or down and secured to provide extra neck and back support when needed. This feature is especially useful for when baby is sleeping to stop their head bouncing about. The
structured bucket-seat keeps baby ergonomically positioned whatever position they are in - for the wearers comfort there is an extra-large waistband, like the kind you would find on a hiking backpack. This, along with the padded shoulder straps help distribute the weight evenly and provides a comfortable and secure fit for the wearer. The Ergobaby 360 is super comfortable for both baby and carrier. With beautiful designs to choose from this baby carrier is impeccably made and will provide you years of versatile use. RRP £134.90
https://amzn.to/2KxljZi Pros 4 positions Large waist band Easily adjustable Comfortable for both baby and wearer Sleeping hood Extendable back panel Structured bucket seat Variety of designs available
Gadgethead Magazine
Marco Polo Pet Tracker Our furry friends can bring us the most joy in life, but equally leave you running around in your dressing gown with a torch and bag of treats at 3 am when they go missing. If your dog escapes they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think about the worry and panic they cause you, but simply see it as an opportunity to run around like a loon and sniff everything within a 2-mile radius. The Marco Polo Pet Tracker has been created for the unruliest sized dogs - you know, the ones who think they are Great Danes but barely come up to your ankles (but are most likely hanging off them none-the-less) - but is fine for large dogs too. It is also suitable for cats, although, ultimately, they will be
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the ones deciding if its suitable for them in the standard cat way. The Advanced Single Pet Tracking System comes with: a hand-held locator, one Advanced Pet Tracking tag, one ballistic nylon collar holder, a plugin charger and cable used for locator and tag recharging, user reference manual,
quick start guide, and 10 pcs. pet button ID labels. The tracker sits in the collar holder and attaches to the pets existing collar with a length of 7 inches or more. When the tracker is switched on a little red-light begins to flash to indicate its active and some of this light leaks out, which could potentially annoy the animal. When you need to locate your pet, you switch on the handheld device and press the appropriate numbered tag (you can have up to three separate
https://amzn.to/2IylCxC tags) and the scanner will begin to search. When it has picked up a signal it will tell you how strong it is in percentage and an arrow will point you in the direction of the collar. Set up is simple: you much ensure both the tag and locator are fully charged and the tag is switched ‘on’ - you have the option of up to four programmable safety zones that your pet is allowed in. The Tag is waterproof, it is secured with Velcro and one charge will last up to 45days and requires zero subscription fees. I would rather see a stiff popper or some other closure system as Velcro can be torn open when your pet is running through bushes. Having a handheld locator rather than an app is more awkward in that you must have the device on you and it is rather bulky; it won’t fit comfortably in your back pocket, but on the plus side it is totally self-contained, so it will
Pros Lightweight collar
Up to 3 trackers on one device
Self-contained (no WiFi, subscription, data, GPS needed)
Suitable even on small dogs and cats
Easy to use
Discrete % and directional arrows
45day battery life
Cons Unreliable connectivity Large locator
Expensive Velcro not the most secure
work anywhere (no need for phone signal, GPS or data usage). We had a few test runs playing hide and seek around the block and it was hit and miss: sometimes it would take a few attempts of resetting the locator before it would pick up a signal; on large flat areas it worked much better, however built-up areas are more difficult due to the arrow - if it is off even a few degrees, you will go wondering off in the wrong direction. Worst of all sometimes it just wouldn’t connect, and it’s this unreliability that makes the large price tag unjustifiable. I’d say it works 75% of the time. If you have bags of money and live in an area with rubbish phone signal, this maybe your best and only option. However, an app and tag is probably just as reliable and a lot cheaper! RRP $234.95
Gadgethead Magazine
Deuter Kid Comfort II I’m not sure it is possible to get a child carrier with more features - this is like an entire baby transport system, the only thing it’s missing is a fold-out changing table and a compartment to store a nanny in! It comes in at a sizeable 72 H x 43 W x 34 D cm and provides 16L of storage. It is rather a lump at 3.250kg before food, toys, essentials and offspring are added. Available in either Cranberry-Fire or Ocean-Midnight (not sure I would want my child in either the ocean at midnight or a cranberry fire) which both look good and have high visibility. It has been designed for longer hikes and is a descendant of the Sporty Kid Comfort, which was the first ever TUV and GS approved child carrier available worldwide in 1996. Since then there have been many improvements: the height and the width of 64
the seat can be easily adjusted with the child on the seat, older children can also climb in and out of the seat themselves via the side access - obviously not when you’re wearing it unless your child is a spider monkey. The new ergonomic, large chin pad provides safety and comfort whilst on the move; they can take a little rest and have a snooze, after all a long day of sitting and looking is exhausting. There are various pockets and compartments that provide multiple storing options, including a zip pocket on the hip belt, stretch side pockets, large zip compartment underneath the seat, long zip compartment for a hydration system
or sun/roof (accessory) and a compartment on the back with zip pocket. The pivoting Vari Flex hip fins sit comfortably and follow the body’s natural movements to keep you balanced on your feet, whilst the ‘Aircontact’ back system helps provide ventilation with breathable hollow foam, with each step pumping air through the system and onto your back. Here is a quick run down of all the other features: height adjustable foot rests, soft padded 5-point safety harness with size adjustment, seat frame covered with soft material, detachable and washable chin pad, stepped Vari-Fit back length adjustment, anatomically shaped shoulder straps with 3D AirMesh cover, two grab handles, aluminium frame and kickstand with audible
‘click’ sound when locked, 3M reflector and the standard travel-keen teddy bear. The Kid Comfort II can be folded down for transport, but it will still take up a large space in the back of the car. It is durable and weather proof with its 420 denier and 210 denier nylon construction. The ventilation systems work hard, but you will still get warm because of, you know, physics. However, it is cooler than other carriers we have tested. The Kid Comfort II does what the name implies: it provides a comfortable ride for both passenger and driver. It is fully adjustable, so you can quickly swap between carriers and children, there is plenty of storage and it provides the carrier with the most natural freedom of movement - the perfect choice for an active family! RRP £220.00
https://amzn.to/2tI2bxdPros Pros Height and width adjustable child seat and foot rests 5-point safety harness Extra soft, ergonomic, detachable and washable chin pad Aircontact back system Stepped Vari Fit back length adjustment Anatomically shaped shoulder straps with 3D AirMesh cover Pivoting Vari Flex hip wings Side entry Kickstand with audible ‘click’ sound when locked Multiple storage options
Cons Heavy Takes up a lot of space even when folded down
Gadgethead Magazine
Under Armour HOVR Phantom Non-Connect Edition The HOVR Phantom from Under Armour are available in both Connect and Non-Connect editions depending on whether it has been fitted with a Record Sensor that allows you to pair it up to your phone, we will be looking at the Non-Connect Edition in this review. The HOVR has been created to provide a zero gravity feel and a consistent energy return to reduce issues and injuries caused by impact, it features a compression mesh Energy Web that contains and moulds the HOVR foam to return the energy back to you with every step. Created for neutral runners who want a flexible and cushioned shoe, they have a soft knit, fast drying upper, that provides a breathable and compression style fit, there is a 3D moulded midfoot panel with laser perforations for extra ventilation. There is also the SpeedForm 2.0 sockliner that’s 66
built into the shoe that contours to your foot for added cushioning to help avoid those horrible blisters, there is an unusual knitted ankle collar gives it a unique look more like a fashion shoe than a sports shoe. The HOVR Phantom has an offset of 8mm, weighs approx. 300g, an external heel counter for stability and a knobbed (their word not mine) outsole for traction. We aren’t sure about the over all look of the shoe, I think I could be a love it or hate it situation, it looks rather bulky and doesn’t scream light, fast running. Once on it is comfortable and doesn’t feel a heavy
or clumsy as it looks, as we have only been testing these out for a couple of months it is difficult to judge how long the cushioning will last but so far they are still nice and springy, the knitted ankle, sockliner and lack of a tongue reduces friction points, they do seem to run a little small so try a half size bigger than you would normally wear. They are easily one of the most comfortable shoes straight from the box we have had and only get better as the mould to your feet over time, they aren’t for everyone with the thick sole and medium weight, they won’t work for people with narrow feet, but if you have joint pain and prefer a springy step these could be just what you are looking for. RRP £115
https://amzn.to/2yOIwRN Pros Very comfortable Lots of cushioning High energy return Bold colours Easy lace system
Cons Thick sole Line runs small Bulky design
Gadgethead Magazine
SmoothSkin Bare Whether it’s the bikini line, underarms or legs, if you have unwanted hair the chances are you have done some pretty painful things to those arms in an attempt to get rid of it. The SmoothSkin Bare is a pain free long-term treatment that can be used to help reduce the overall regrowth of the hair. The Bare is a IPL device (intense pulsed light) that knocks out 100 flashes per minute that can be used on the whole body, legs, bikini line, underarms in roughly 10 minutes, it is also gentle enough to use on the face. Sadly, it is not suitable for everyone, very dark skin tones (check the website for details), recent naturally or artificially tanned skin, a history of skin cancer, tattoos, moles, warts, dark birth marks or varicose veins are a nono. The IPL treatment works by transferring light energy through the skin’s surface which is then absorbed by the melanin present
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in the hair shaft, the absorbed light energy is converted to heat energy, which then disables the hair follicle preventing further growth, treated hairs naturally fall out over the course of a few days to 1-2 weeks, a treatment of this type doesn’t immediately leave you with hair free skin so you will need to continue shaving, or whatever your preferred method might be whilst using the Bare at the same time. It comes in an attractive box and is simple to use, with one button operation, no need for gels, the device checks your skin tone before each flash
and will only activate if it’s safe to do so, there are two modes to choose from, Glide or Stamp mode. The Glide, as it sounds, lets you hold down the button and continuously glide along your skin between each flash, best suited for large areas and the Stamp Mode, best suited for smaller areas, is used by placing the device on your skin each time you flash for maximum precision. Unlike some of the IPL’s on the market the Bare has unlimited flashes, so you don’t have to worry about running out. SmoothSkin claim during their tests they saw up to 92% hair reduction after just 4 weeks of treatment, now I couldn’t give you a percentage, but I did notice a significant hair reduction, and the hair that was there seemed
finer. It is advised to use it once a week for 12 weeks, then top up as required. As a lazy person I found it difficult to remember to do it but if you can fit it into your routine somewhere it becomes a habit. All things considered, it is as straight forward as it can be, nicely made and simple to use and if it can reduce the amount of hair I’m pulling out with wax strips, then its worth a go in my eyes. RRP 199
https://amzn.to/2Kqsfnr4.5 out of 5 Pros Pain free Easy to use Noticeable effects in 4 weeks Good construction Unlimited flashes Two modes
Cons Expensive Initial 12 week treatment, time consuming
Gadgethead Magazine
PackTowl Luxe Towel Whether you enjoy open water swimming, surfing, or you are crazy enough to participate in triathlons, there comes a point when you have to jump out of the water and attempt to get dry and changed. A large, fluffy towel would be ideal, but it is bulky and heavy to carry around all day and it will take a long time to dry - foisty, damp-towel smell is not something you want to transfer to the rest of your gear! The Luxe Towel from PackTowl aims to provide the luxury of a soft fluffy towel 70
whilst making it travel and pack friendly. The Luxe Towel comes in five attractive colours:
Deep Sea, Orchid, Rainforest, Bronze and Aquamarine, and in four different sizes: Face, Hand, Body and Beach, with the lightest (Face) weighing in at just 30g and measuring up as 25cm x 35cm and the largest (Beach) weighing 460g and measuring in at 91cm x 150cm. The Luxe is made
https://amzn.to/2Iwqeof Pros Ultrasoft looped terry knit microfiber fabric
Polygiene Odor Control
5x Absorbency
Zip storage pouch
Dries faster than cotton towels
Compact
Attractive colours
Cons Beach size expensive
Dries slower than other travel towels
from a super-soft looped terry knit microfiber fabric (80% Polyester, 20% nylon), and claims to have the ablity to soak up 5 times its weight in water, which can easily be wrung out and will dry 30% faster than traditional cotton towels. All the Luxe Towels have been treated with Polygiene Odor Control - Polygiene is based on silver salt (silver chloride) produced from recycled silver and is integrated into the fabric to prevent
the development of microbes like bacteria, fungus, and mildew, which is the most common cause of bad odors. Also, because the treatment is integrated into the fabric, it won’t wash out. The Luxe packs down into a compact space much smaller than regular cotton towels. It comes with a hangloop for drying and a zip storage pouch for packing. The Luxe towel dries quicker than cotton towels but not as fast as some other travel towels I’ve used in the past. The largest size comfortably allows you to get changed discreetly, however it is quite expensive. The travel case helps to protect the rest of your gear from getting damp but doesn’t allow the towel to breath. Overall, the Luxe is lovely and soft, it looks good and the colour lasts multiple washes and could make a decent (odor free) travel companion. RRP £10.00 (Face), £19.00 (Hand), £25.00 (Body), £35.00 (Beach) Gadgethead Magazine
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