GADGETHEAD Issue 4.05
UK
£4.95
www.thegadgethead.com
Inspired By Your Success
Contents
GADGETHEAD Senior Writer Emma Hilling emmahilling@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Director Alex Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com Junior Copy Editor Alice Instone-Brewer alice@littlegatepublishing.com Junior Copy Editor James Lapping james@littlegatepublishing.com Junior Copy Editor Will Girling willgirling@littlegatepublishing.com Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com
Nextbase DAB Radio Adapt DAB250 • Soar All Weather Jacket • EarlySense Percept Contact Free Fertility Tracker Page 10 Luminette 2 and Ayo Light Therapy Glasses • Bresser Digital NightVision 5x42 • Vax Blade Cordless 32V • Nest Learning Thermostat - 3rd Gen Page 20 Kymira Infrared Gloves • Vaporiser collection • Dakine Travel Tool Kit Page 30 Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L • Urbanista Milan • Bjorn Borg Performance Shorts and Tee • Lockcircle Rod Rocket • Swingbyte 2 Page 40 Ameo Powerbreather Sport • ShedRain e-Motion Umbrella • Soda Stream Spirit (Previously Fizzi) • Deuter Speed Lite 24 Page 50 Rapha Pro Team Lightweight Gilet • Opcom Farm O2 • Kymira 2.0 Gym Leggings • On Running Cloudflash • Nautilus Lifeline Marine Rescue GPS Page 60 Britax Romer Dualfix • Nextbase Mirror Dash Cam • Headway EDB-2
Nextbase DAB Radio Adapt DAB250 I recently had the pleasure of having my car decluttered by a member of the local community. What I mean by that is someone lobbed a can of beer through my passenger window and stole my DAB radio, pot of change and sunglasses. Though funnily enough they left my thermal and waterproof boots which were more valuable than the other items put together. Slightly peeved that all I had to listen to on my travels was the noisy exhaust and the general rattling of my ancient car, I realised I still had the original radio (complete with tape deck), so after installing that, I connected the Nextbase DAB Radio Adapt. The DAB250 is a simple plug in and play device to upgrade old radios into a digital radio, it uses an inbuilt signal stabilisation system which wireless sends the signal to the current car radio, via the FM transmitter. It comes 4
with an active film antenna which is fitted into the windscreen, both a windscreen and dashboard mounting system and it also has a 2.4” LCD screen that displays the radio station and other information with four buttons for simple menu selection and playback. It automatically selects the best vacant FM car frequency and the DAB+ channels are stored automatically, you can lock your favourite radio station onto the screen. The DAB250 also displays
a clock and date, it supports 10-30V power for use in all vehicles and includes an inbuilt battery, when the car’s engine if off. The DAB250 is small and discreet, straightforward to install and has an intuitive interface, the sound quality is fine and I had a strong signal everywhere except for the dead zone that is where my parents live; but that was to be expected. The display on the screen is difficult to read due to the small size you can only see part of the station name at a time, however this didn’t present much of an issue after the initial set up. Perhaps slightly overpriced for its limited capabilities, but it does what it says it will. RRP £99
https://www.nextbase.co.uk/portable-dvdplayers-and-radio/adapt-dab250/ Pros Plug and Play digital DAB+ radio Windscreen and dashboard mounting system Inbuilt signal stabilisation system Good signal Active film antenna 4 easy to use buttons Supports 10V to 30V for all vehicles DAB+ channels stored automatically RDS with programme type, clock, date, channel name & radio text
Cons Small screen Expensive
Gadgethead Magazine
Soar All Weather Jacket If like me, you are a keen runner but easily put off by anything less than perfect conditions, then having the right running apparel is essential. The All Weather Jacket comes with a large price tag but also the promise you will be able to use it all year round making it an invaluable item in your wardrobe. What sets the All Weather Jacket apart is the fabric, 71% Nylon/Polyamid and 29% Elastane is has a rough brushed finish that quickly became apparent to be a magnet for cat hair, fluff and dust, it has a double DWR coating (durable water repellent) to keep you protected from the rain. The soft lining means you can wear straight against your skin as a base layer or with light or reflective layers on top and the stretchy material means you can comfortably layer up underneath without restricting movement. The jacket is nice and light, it managed to keep in
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the heat without being bulky but at the same time still allowed the skin to breathe, if you have the pleasure of running in a downpour, the water beads off keeping you nice and dry (well your top half at least). To keep you visible in built up areas there is reflective tape on all the seams, the semi-raglan sleeves and bonded seams help prevent any rubbing on the shoulders and encourage a full range of movement. For storage of keys, gloves, phones or emergency jelly babies (excellent fuel source), there is a large pocket across the lower back and chest pocket both with waterproof zips. As
is often the case with these types of zips they are quite stiff, the zip pulls are long enough to access with gloves on, unlike the main zip which is quite stumpy. The sleeves feature thumb holes to help keep out drafts and wind and provide extra protection to the back of your hands and the slim fit delivers a flattering profile and keeps your nicely streamlined. This high performing jacket is a good choice for year long runners however the texture may not be for everyone and if you own two white cats like I do, you will be grabbing the lint roller to avoid looking like a yeti. RRP ÂŁ239
https://www.soarrunning.com/product/allweather-jacket Pros Rain proof Flexible Comfortable Two waterproof pockets Reflective seams Warm and breathable Thumb holes in sleeve Versatile
Cons Unusual texture Main zip pull small and fiddly
Gadgethead Magazine
EarlySense Percept Contact Free Fertility Tracker Thanks to the useless sex education classes we received in school, you could easily be led to believe that you could fall pregnant from simply holding hands. Now a lot of my friends are actually trying to get pregnant on purpose, it turns out it can be a lot harder than we were once told! The EarlySense Percept is the world’s first contact-free fertility monitor that involves no patches or peeing, but instead monitors physiological signals including heart rate and breathing from a sensor that is placed under the mattress. Along with the app, the Percept can then supply you with predictions of your ovulation and menstrual cycle, as well as information about you sleep patterns and relaxation level which can also have an affect on conception. The ultra-thin sensor sits under your mattress - that’s right: under it! Like me, you
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might be thinking ‘how on earth can it pick up any signals through the thick mattress?’ Well it did manage to, but only if I stayed in the right location - data was lost when I rolled about. The other downside is, to collect the data, you must have your Bluetooth running through the night which can quickly drain battery. The app is attractive and straightforward to use and connected straight away. When using alongside the sensor, I was getting the same predictions as my free app, meaning that it is an accurate but unnecessary purchase.
I also worry about the sensor becoming damaged under my mattress, because it’s on the slats and/or the cats thinking it is string dangling from the bed and messing around with it. If you have zero ovulation tracking the EarlySense Precept could be a good place to start if only for the app, but with a high price tag and similar results to the free apps, I’m not sure its worth it. RRP $199
https://www.earlysense.com/digital-health/ product/percept/ Pros Easy to use Attractive, clean app Results seem accurate
Cons Needs constant Bluetooth connection Lost data when moving around the bed Expensive Not sure the sensor brings much to the table Concerns to the durability of the sensor on slats
Gadgethead Magazine
Luminette 2 and Ayo Light Therapy Glasses With the unseasonal good weather we are having, it’s hard to remember that only a month ago we were knee deep in snow! The winter months can be hard for some and the lack of light can make you feel lethargic, unmotivated and grumpy, which can lead in some cases to a spiral into depression. Thankfully there is a cure! It is advised that we get outside every morning for a walk to get a dose of natural light, however 10
with our busy lives it isn’t always possible to drop everything and head out the door. In this review we will be looking at both the
Luminette and Ayo Light Therapy glasses. With two similar prices the two glasses have rather different designs: the Luminette has a large visor which sits above the eyes and directs the light in at a comfortable angle; the Ayo uses a similar approach but with a much more discreet
and slimmer-frame that also sits just above the eye. We preferred the look of the Ayo, however the ear pieces of the Ayo are much thicker due to the built-in charging point and made my ears stick out, whilst the Luminette has more comfortable ear pieces, similar to what you would find on a regular pair of glasses. Both pairs of glasses press on your nose and leave light marks after extended wear. The Luminette feel more robust than the Ayo and come with a head strap
for a secure fit that can double as neck cord for when you aren’t using them. The Ayo comes with a protective charging case - you will need to ensure the glasses’ earpieces are folded correctly and inserted properly to receive a charge - it’s handy to get a battery boost on the go, and the case is light but quite large at 6.8 x 3.1 x 2.6in. The Luminette doesn’t have a charging case, however it does come with a handy USB-plug with two USB-ports, it also has an attractive case. The Ayo switch ‘on’ and ‘off’ automatically when the ear pieces are folder out, whilst the Luminette has a small ‘on’/’off’ button located on the inside of the glasses, which is awkward and fiddly to press. Both glasses can help fight the symptoms of jetlag, S.A.D, shift work, boost mood, help correct your sleep patterns and make you feel more energised. They both have different length sessions, from as little as 20 minutes, and use blue light directed into your eyes whilst allowing you to carry on with your normal daily routine. Gadgethead Magazine
When it came to performance we found we were getting similar results with both glasses. Both glasses have free companion apps but the Luminette app looks rather dated - you can input a profile and get personalised advice based on your specific issue falling asleep in the early evening, for example, or input flight times to set up a program to help treat jetlag. The Ayo app has a much cleaner design and you can also create a profile for bespoke programs by analysing similar data, such as sleeping habits and travel, but in a slightly more user-friendly way.
Specs Weight: Luminette 62grams/Ayo 31grams Light Source: Luminette 8 LED/Ayo 4 LED Battery life - for 20min sessions: Luminette 2hours /AYO 3 hours (6 sessions); with charging case: 10 hours (20 sessions) In the box: Luminette glasses, case, head strap, plug, cable and lens wipe/Ayo glasses, charging case and cable Cost: Luminette €239 (approx. £208)/ Ayo $299 (approx. £211)
Verdict Both glasses provided similar services and results. If I had £215 to spend on a pair, it is difficult to decide between the two: the Luminette was more comfortable during the longer sessions and came with more accessories; the Ayo have a longer battery life (thanks to charging case) and a cleaner app. Overall, I think the slimmer design of the Ayo would help me feel more comfortable if I had to wear these in the office or on a flight. 12
Luminette https://www.myluminette.com/en/luminette Pros Produces results Portable Wear on the go Comfortable ear pieces Comes with case, head strap, cleaning cloth cable, double USB plug Easy to use
Cons Large visor (you might get some odd looks) Digs into nose Dated app Awkward on/off button
Ayo https://www.goayo.com Pros Produces results Portable Wear on the go Slim and discreet design Easy to use User friendly app Charging case extends battery life Turns on/off when earpieces are unfolder
Cons Earpieces large and make ears stick out Large case Gadgethead Magazine
Bresser Digital NightVision 5x42 When the lack of daylight interferes with your wildlife observation, security protection or spying on your neighbour’s cat using your garden as a toilet, the Bresser Digital NightVision 5x42 could help you take things to a whole new level with digital night vision and recording functions. The 5x42 can be comfortably used with one hand and the 340g weight is just heavy enough to provide a steady picture without causing fatigue in the arm or hand. So what sort of features have we got going on here? There is both photo and recording options that save onto a removeable Micro SD card - good for recording evidence or data, although it has been designed to be used during dusk and dawn, but the integrated ‘IR illumination’ means it can also be used in total darkness. The large 42mm objective
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lens gathers enough light for viewing in dark environments, and the 5x magnification lets you spy on…I mean ‘view’ things further away in good detail and has a maximum observation distance of approximately 200m. Other features include a Tripod thread for more stability, a protective carrying case, monocular eye piece and LCD screen. The power supply requires 6 AA batteries which only give 6-hours constant use, for the power-hungry device that it is, it would do much better with a rechargeable lithium
battery. The buttons on the 5x42 are hard to press and makes for awkward setting adjustment, it also takes a little time getting the focus right. However, the image quality is good, with sharp details when out in the countryside or on holiday, getting to have a sneaky peek on the night-time wildlife was such a pleasure it became quite an addiction! RRP £382
https://www.bresseruk.com/bresser-digitalnightvision-5x42-with-recording-function.html Pros Good clear picture Digital recording or photo capture Engageable IR illumination (range up to approx. ca. 100 m) Tripod connection thread 5x magnification 42mm lens
Cons Each through batteries Buttons hard to push
Gadgethead Magazine
Vax Blade Cordless 32V When you have two cats that seem to shed the fur like it offends them, insist on kicking their cat litter around the house like they are redecorating for you, and a partner who doesn’t understand the point of using plates to catch crumbs when the floor works just as well - you will be reaching the vacuum cleaner more than any other appliance. We have a vacuum that I will refer to as a Harry hoover, which works very well but it is such a lump to get out of the cupboard, bangs off the walls as I drag it around and is such a health and safety nightmare on the stairs it becomes a chore me and my partner both dread. The Vax Blade Cordless 32V has been an absolute game changer, under half the weight of my regular vacuum the Blade weighs 3kg and is completely cordless, the lack of a mains supply doesn’t affect the power of the this vacuum thanks to the Vax DIRECT HELIX TECHNOLOGY and the 32volt rechargeable lithium battery can 16
take on your entire house with a 45minute runtime on normal mode and about 20minutes on the boost setting. This might not sound a long time but on normal it was enough to do my entire house (3bedroom terrace) and on boost it was enough time to do a deep clean of one floor or the interior of my car. The Blade came with a whole host of attachments, as well as the floor head and pole there is the flexible, extendable Flexi Crevice tool that allowed me to get under my fridge and into tight corners. The Dusting brush is super soft to protect your surfaces and the stretch hose which allows to
pop the Vax on the floor and use the hose to getting into awkward spot, especially useful when cleaning the car. The other tools include a stiff Dust brush, wider Crevice tool, Textile Tool, Tough Dirt Tool Attachment, charger and storage bag to keep all your accessories together. There is also a handy wall mount for tidy storage when not in use. All the accessories attach quickly and effortlessly, but the down side was that small attachments spin a little too easily in the attachment unit which is handy for getting in at different angles, but can easily twist out of position if used a bit too vigorously. The main floor head moves smoothly across both hard and soft surfaces without the need of changing a thing, it easily bends left and right letting you get up against walls
in narrow hallways, the Vax SMART CONTROL dial lets you select the power and active the brush head with a push of a button. The handle has been designed with two holding positions, vertical or horizontal, however the most ergonomic position would actually be a diagonal angled combination of the two – though it isn’t uncomfortable, just a bit awkward at times. The Vax Blade 32V comes with a two-year guarantee,
one-year battery guarantee, and it takes a long time to charge up which is 4hours but this is no longer than competitors in the same category. When it comes to emptying the Blade it’s bag free design means things can get a bit dirty, especially when cleaning the filters (which are rinseable by the way) and with only a 0.6l capacity you will be emptying it regularly. You can, with a bit of effort get to the brush head to remove hair and other yuk but it involves unscrewing the brush head and I would have much preferred to see a quick release. All in all, I have fallen in love a little with the Blade, it is surprisingly quiet for how powerful it is and for the first time ever my cats remain in the same room even when it is on boost and on the normal mode it is wonderfully discreet. The Vax Blade 32V is not perfect but its pretty damn close, it’s combination of power and versatility means there is no longer a safe place for the dirt to hide. RRP £179.99
http://www.vax.co.uk/vax-blade-32v-cordlessvacuum-cleaner-2 Pros Powerful
Lots of accessories
Works well on pet hair, hard and soft floor and upholstery
Quiet Motorised floor head
45/20min run time
Good manoeuvrability
Lightweight 3kg
Handy storage bag
Smart Control Dial
Wall mount
Cons Handle could me more ergonomic Small attachments spin around
Difficult to clean Can get messy when emptying and cleaning
Gadgethead Magazine
Nest Learning Thermostat - 3rd Gen It was only today that a well-known energy supplier (whose name rhymes with British Ass) announced they will be increasing gas and electricity prices by 5.5% for those on standard tariffs. However, smart thermostats can help you take control of your energy usage in more ways than ever before! The 3rd gen Nest Thermostat learns your routine and gets to know the temperatures you like when you are at home within one week of use. The 3rd gen has new rings and with a large, sharp display as well as hot water control. It can
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even learn how your home warms up, how draughty it is and turns itself down whilst you’re away. To get set up, a trained ‘Nest Pro’ can install the Nest Thermostat for you (costs extra). You can fix it to the wall or
mount it on a stand (sold separately), from there you just turn the temperature up and down and that’s all that’s needed for the Nest Thermostat to learn your preferences. For example: when you turn down the heating before you go to bed, the Nest takes note of this and starts to create a schedule - repeat a similar action for a few days in a row and the Nest will begin to automatically change
the temperature for you so you don’t have too. When you leave the house, the Nest Thermostat can use sensors and your phone’s location to check if you’ve left. It then sets itself to ‘Eco Temperatures’ to help you save energy. But say your mum is popping over before you get home: you can adjust the temperature from your phone to ensure your house is warm before you get back. You can control the hot water tank with a hot water schedule that’s adjustable from the app - if you end up away unexpectedly for a few days, the Nest Thermostat will turn off the hot water for you. To encourage you to save energy, you will be rewarded with a Leaf every time you change the temperature. You can also view your ‘Energy History’ to see how much energy you use per day and per month in your Home Report. Choose from four different ring colours to compliment your home: Copper, Stainless Steel,
https://store.nest.com/uk/product/thermostat/ T3028GBBI Pros Auto-Scheduling learns your preferences
as Amazon Alexa and Google Home voice control
Automatically turns down after you leave
Simple to use
Control your hot water tank and adjust the hot water schedule from your mobile
Large, bright screen with Farsight
Compatible with other Nest Products as well
Encourages money saving choices with the Leaf
Attractive unit
Safety alerts View Energy History
Cons Installation costs extra
Stand sold separately
Black or White. The new display has the ‘Farsight’ feature, which automatically lights up when you enter the room and is large enough for you to clearly see the temperature across the room. For safety the Nest Thermostat can send you alerts if its too cold or your boiler is at risk of bursting a pipe, and it is compatible with other Nest products – ‘Nest Protect’ (smoke and carbon monoxide detector) for example. We found the Nest Thermostat convenient and straightforward to use: it gives you greater control and insight into your energy consumption and does most of this without you needing to lift a finger or give it a second thought. RRP £279 (with included installation); £219 (without installation)
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Kymira Infrared Gloves Following our review on the 2.0 Leggings, we will be looking at the technology behind the Infrared apparel. So, how does it work? The garments are made with ‘KYenergy’ technology, which claims to harness the waste energy and latent energy from your surroundings and convert it into infrared (FIR). There are theories that FIR increases the production of nitric oxide which, when combined with increased blood circulation, has potential for a variety of positive effects. During your workout the increased levels of tissue oxygenation combined with an increase of blood circulation helps get more oxygen, nutrients, and glycogen absorbed into the cells. There are also ideas that FIR helps to breakdown lactic acid and reduces pain by stimulating 20
biological pain relief mechanisms via increased nitric oxide levels in the tissues. Who knew a pair of gloves could do all that? Who knew it was even necessary for you fingers to need all this technology? The Infrared Gloves are an all-round sporting glove - for me a boost of circulation would be well received, as my hands and feet are almost always freezing cold and numb. This would help to not only keep my hands warmer, but also to help maintain dexterity whilst I am swinging from monkey bars or whatever I might end up doing. These gloves have silicon Mircodots for an improved grip on apparatus and the fingertips have a touch
sensitive capacity, which means you can easily access your phone during your work-out, whether that’s to answer a call, set up your Strava app, or catch a rare pokemon whilst on the move (who would do such a lame thing?) These gloves are lightweight and thin enough that they could be used as a base layer to a more protective glove, like a ski glove for example, but they are also warm enough to wear on their own for lighter activities. Just like the other Kymira gear, it is recommend you wear the gloves for at least 30-mins before and at least 1 hour after your work-out to gain the most from the potential benefits, however I think this is slightly unrealistic expectation; I often try to cram a session in mid-way
through my day and, after stretching, tend to jump in the shower within 20-30minutes of returning from an outdoor work-out. The gloves have an extended wrist and ergonomic design which results in a close fit, however I have very slim wrists and you might similarly wish there was a wrist-adjustment option, just to help keep out the drafts. It would also be nice to have a dedicated bit of fabric to wipe goggles or glasses if you happen to fog up. We found the gloves performed well: my hands were definitely warmer, which helped to keep my fingers mobile. I didn’t find it easy to wear them for the recommended extra time, so I can’t say for certain if infrared had any positive effect. However, except for a few small adjustments, these gloves performed well as a good all-rounder and are reasonably priced. RRP £35
https://www.kymirasport.com/products/infraredgloves?variant=35798620241 Pros Comfortable Thin and light Flexible Warm Silicone microdots aid support Touch screen compatible fingertips Extended wrist for optimal fit
Cons No lense wipe for goggles or glasses No wrist adjustment Unrealistic before and after wear time
Gadgethead Magazine
Sur f 3 Inspired by mountain bike technology Why choose between a four-wheel urban pushchair or a three-wheel trekking pushchair. With Surf 3 you can have both, uniquely adaptable it can switch between city and trekking modes with ease. Whether you’re in the town or country the unique suspension ensures a smooth ride.
4 wheels for urban use
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Vaporiser collection
AirVape Xs Vaporiser AirVape Xs is a compact and highly portable (just 0.48� thin and 3.2 ounce build) dry herb vaporiser with a temperature range of 200F to 420F and when the desired temperature has been reached the X vibrates to notify you it’s ready to go. It also has a customisable auto-shutoff time that will notify you and the new concentrate pad enables waxy oil vaping. It has a magnetic mouthpiece to make for easy cleaning and loading the chamber, which is made of high grade ceramic and produces smooth vapor with a clean flavour, the X uses a hybrid conduction and convection heating that vaporises the dry herb, the ceramic chamber heats the bowl while hot air flows in to cover every millimetre of surface area, ensuring no waste. Other features include the two rubber arrow buttons for intuitive use, it will heat up in just 20 seconds and the 1300mAh battery. RRP £129
https://magicvaporizers.co.uk/airvape-xs
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Tourist FocusVape The Tourist FocusVape is a 2 in 1 vaporiser which can handle both herbs and concentrates. When vaporising dry herbs, there is a replacement Dry Herb attachment which screws onto the base of unit, for waxes there attachment goes on top of the latter on the base. Simply flip the switch and use water filter for the inhalation. It has an adjustable temperature range of up to 240°C for herbs and 410°C for waxes and a magnetic base for storage when not in use. The Tourist has a Glass Dabbing Rig which is easy to use with an opening that lets you can fill the heating chamber after you put on a Water Bubbler. The 18650 battery runs the device which provides about one hour of vape time, the battery is also removable allowing you to have a spare on charge, so you never run out of juice. The Tourist also has a small OLED screen to display the current vaping temperature. RRP £80
http://www.focus-vape.com/home/cpzxdet/13.html
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Vapour2 PRO Series 3X Vaporiser The Series 3X is a slim and compact vaporiser with variable voltage and temperature settings and an adjustable airflow that provides a personalised session. The Motion Activated LED battery sensor shows you the battery levels and has interchangeable atomisers in 0.9 sub-ohm, 1.2 ohm & 1.5 ohm. The Ceramic heater produce a pure flavour, it is fully compatible with Series 3 device and accessories, it runs on a 750 mAh battery that has a quick recharge time and has three cartridges allowing for PG or VG usage. The Series 3X e-liquid cartridge has a built-in adjustable ring that allows you to choose whether you want more or less airflow, it comes in three colours, Crimson, Carbon and Gunmetal. When you switch between wax, dry herb and liquid the Series 3X automatically recognises the cartridge and changes the temperature to an appropriate setting. RRP ÂŁ79.99
https://www.buyv2cigs.co.uk/v2-pro-3x-vape-pen/
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Puffco Peak The Peak from Puffco claims to be able to unlock the true power of concentrates, providing the clearest flavour, with an efficient and easy to use device. The Puffco heats up in 20 seconds and the Sesh-mode lets you extend your session period which means it can be used at the first ever social dab experience. Featuring Intelligent Temperature Calibration the smartware automatically adjusts the heat times if the bowl is still hot and a discreet light band will give you indication of both the battery life and heat cycle when needed, whilst the Haptic feedback keeps your timing on point. The long-lasting battery gives you roughly 30 dabs and the battery will take about two hours to receive a full charge with the supercharger. It isn’t particularly portable but it is a beautiful piece that you can show off to your friends and crack out at parties. RRP £299.99
https://www.puffco.com/products/the-peak
Gadgethead Magazine
Dakine Travel Tool Kit Whenever I’m in an airport, no matter how many times I’ve travelled, I always turn from a seminormal, functioning human being into panicking forgetful mess…did I pack my own bag?! Yes, I think so, or did I forget and let that shady looking bloke with his exotic herb collection do it? Do I have any restricted items in my case? No, of course not, or did I accidently put in my carving knife?!?! Nothing tips me over the edge like the liquid regulations; I always get it out of that little transparent 28
bag too soon, I show the taxi driver, the check-in lady and the coffee shop staff, but when I actually need
it all the items have suddenly separated and disappeared into the contents of my case, prompting me to display my underwear and trashy novels to the world whilst other traveller have to stand over me. I was genuinely excited to get my hands on the Travel Tool Kit from Dakine, with the hope that it
would remove at least one stress from travelling. Made with a hanging ‘dopp kit’ design and a classic compact shape, the Travel Tool has a roll out action which means you can quickly access all your products. There are too large transparent bags and one more discrete pocket for…well, we’ll let you decide. You can easily organise all your gear and locate it at a glance. The clear pouch is fully removable to flash it to security or take with you to the shower. The Travel Tool also has a quickrelease webbing handle to securely hang the kit and there are useful elastic loops for storing razors or a toothbrush. The bag will hold 3-litres in total and the entire kit is made to a high-quality spec which gives me faith that it will become a regular traveller with me. One tiny adjustment I would like to see would be that the closing straps are adjustable, just to make it easier to close when fully packed and compress it down when packing a little lighter. RRP £31
https://www.dakine.com/en-gb/bags/travel-bags/ travel-kits/travel-tool-kit/ Pros Well made Compact Multiple interior pockets Quick release webbing handle for hanging Elastic organiser loops Roll-out design Removable clear pocket for airline security
Cons Closing straps are non-adjustable
Gadgethead Magazine
Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L Peak Design are well known for their practical camera bags and the Everyday Sling is no different, as the name suggest this 8L/10L bag has been designed for those days that require less gear or photographers that prefer the minimalist approach. Constructed with a single-shoulder strap, the bag and all your equipment is easily accessible, with the Flexfold dividers ensuring everything is organised, the 2 strong and padded dividers can be reconfigured or completely removed to fit your needs. If you need more room the expandable secondary compartment takes the sling from 8L to 10L and can be utilised to store a jacket, snacks or other personal belongings and when it’s not in use, it simply cinches flat to provide you with a streamline profile.
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Everything has its place with a dedicated 11” tablet sleeve, there is an external attachment point for a Capture Clip (sold separately) to let you securely carry your camera on the outside of the bag, the external carry straps can be used for a tripod and the many small internal pockets, with colour coded stitching lets you separate full batteries and SD cards from empty ones. When empty the entire sling can be packed flat making it useful for storing in larger bags when travelling ready for
daytrips, if traditional photography isn’t your thing the Everyday Sling 10L is the perfect size to house the DJI Mavic or DJI Spark drone plus controller and accessories with room to spare. For protection on the move the Everyday Sling has a weatherproof exterior with a 400D nylon canvas shell and high-density padding impregnated with DWR and poly-coated twice on both sides, it also features weatherproof exterior zips. Don’t let the 680g light weight deceive you, the Sling is tough with Hypalon-reinforced, bar-tacked stress points and custom anodised aluminium hardware and a durable mixedcotton twill interior
offers a soft but protective layer. The Everyday Sling strap has a quick adjuster handle that lets you loosen the strap and swing it in front of you in one swift motion and the dualpurpose briefcase and rolling luggage carry strap makes it easy to transport the Sling along with other bags. The Everyday Sling 10L is a versatile and compact option for minimalist photography, with a attractive and high end finish it will look great whilst providing all the practical features you need. RRP $149.95
https://www.peakdesign.com/everyday-sling-10 Pros Compact Flexifold dividers Expandable Weatherproof exterior External carry straps Organising pockets Dedicated tablet sleeve Lightning Fast Strap Packs flat High end design Drone compatible Eco-friendly packaging Light coloured, high visibility interior Available in Ash, Charcoal or Black
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Urbanista Milan If you always like to have your music close to hand (or close to ear), the Milan from Urbanista could be your ideal earbuds, with a wearable neck back it means you can enjoy the freedom of wireless music without the risk of losing your earbuds when you take them out for one of those unfortunately necessary human interactions that social media and self-service checkouts have yet to eliminate. The neckband has a thin, flexible design with a curved shape which remains discreet and has the option of being tucked away under you collar out of sight, the earpieces have been shaped for an ergonomic fit and proved comfortable to wear for long periods of time, they remained snug even when put through their paces at the gym. The neckband has a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, pause, play and skip tracks, and the microphone permits you to take handsfree phone calls, the buttons are obviously out of your field of view, but
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the embossed symbols make them easy enough to distinguish however, we did find the on/off difficult to press. Pairing up to the Smart device was straightforward, the Milan is compatible with Android, iOS and Windows, it uses Bluetooth 4.2 to transmit your tunes and offers and expectable range. The battery takes about 2.5hours for a full charge and this with give you about 15hours playtime with the Ambient Noise Control (ANC) switched off but when switched on it reduces your battery time to less than half with only 7
hours playtime. So, what about the sound? We found it more than satisfactory with clear and crisp mid and top notes and a juicy bass, the ANC also proved a high performing feature which lets you block out the worlds and reduces sound leakage. The Milan are a good choice of in-ear headphones with good sound quality, comfortable allday wear and function noise ambient noise control if only that battery lasted a little longer when it was activated. RRP ÂŁ119.99
https://uk.urbanista.com/urbanista-milan-darkclown-30276.html Pros Good sound quality High performing ANC Flexible and discreet neckband Comfortable and snug fit Built-in remote and microphone lightweight 34g Nice and compact charging case
Cons ANC significantly reduces battery life On/off button hard to press
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Bjorn Borg Performance Shorts and Tee With a brand name inspired by the former world’s No. 1 Swedish tennis player, Bjorn Borg have been producing sports apparel since 1984, specialising in sports underwear. My partner came home from a particularly bouncy HIIT class rather red-faced, telling me that he never realised his junk jumped around as much as it did until he ended up in front of the gyms mirror, to which I simply rolled my eyes and said, “why do you think girls were sports bras?” The Performance Shorts have been designed specifically for sports activities. Available in a whole host of colours and designs, they are constructed from 88% polyamide and 12% elastane, weighing in at 160g. Featuring flat seams to help prevent chaffing, the performance shorts use a wicking ‘Hydro Pro’ material to help keep you cool and dry
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as well as a snug fit that provides support without restricting movement. The Tee comes in a regular t-shirt cut and a fitted style, made from a single jersey layer that has BORG boldly printed on each arm, which actually looks kind of cool. It gets bonus points for being made from 90% Recycled Polyester and 10% Elastane and features the same
Hydro Pro material. The shorts performed well at providing comfort and support, but breathability wasn’t great and according to my tester, “things got just as sweaty as usual” - but at least things weren’t bouncing around as much! The Tee was ok but didn’t blow my tester away, his response was, “you could get the same performance for a lot cheaper,” but we loved the use of recycled materials. RRP (Tee): £25.00
Shorts: https://www.bjornborg. com/uk/men?collection_ type=14973 Tee: https://www.bjornborg.com/ uk/bjorn-borg-borg-melangetee-black-9999-1146-90761 Pros Comfortable fit Supportive (shorts) Funky designs (shorts) Flat seams Recycled materials (Tee)
Cons Poor breathability
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Lockcircle Rod Rocket LockCircle was created by Brain Emo, a small Italian company that created production tools and started with a project to design the most ‘over-engineered’ and ‘priced’ camera (Canon EF) body cap: the LockCircle. The co-founder, Dante Cecchin, was involved in the film industry as a director of photography/ commercial director and had a passion for aesthetics and design. 36
The idea of practicaland-attractive runs through all Lockcircle’s products and the Rod Rocket 15mm Titanium Kit is no different. This kit contains a grade-5 rod system,
with three different rod lengths of 1”, 2”, 3” that can be joined instantly with the RodJoint to reach 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 inches without any tool. It is an all-inone rod system that comes in a protective compact carrying kit, providing everything a cameraman or cinematographer would need to rig a matte
box. Due to the high-tech design process the rod is ergonomically 90% lighter than any equivalent steel rod. Technical Weight Specifications are: 1-inch 15mm rod (8g), 2-inch 15mm rod (10g), 3-inch 15mm Rod (14g) and rod caps 15mm (5g). This beautiful little kit is ideal for someone who values beauty as well as strength. It fits together smoothly and is a pleasure to look at, as well as to use. RRP $299
https://www. lockcircle.com/ store/?p=rodrocket/ Pros Light Compact kit Beautifully machined Strong
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Swingbyte 2 With the weather finally turning a corner, it’s time to blow off the cobwebs on your gold clubs and get back out onto the green! If this is the year you have decided to up your game then you maybe tempted to look at getting some high-tech gear to help you on your way. The Swingbyte 2 aims to provide you with your golf swing analysis straight to your smart phone, compatible with both iOS and Android, the Swingbyte 2 works alongside an intuitive app that pairs up easily and provides you with real time feedback after each swing. The unit attaches to any club just below your grip and weighs less than one ounce, so it won’t affect your game play, and it connects to your smart phone via Bluetooth. The app will show you an interactive 3D, 360
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degree view of your swing as well as other swing metrics including the club head speed and acceleration, your club’s true plane from address to impact, the club face angle relative to swing path, the static and dynamic loft and lie at address and impact, angle of attack and club path and the swing tempo, allowing you to address all the different elements of your swing that could be holding you back. You can view your data on the Swingbyte website where it is automatically uploaded
and share it with you instructor or friends for advice and tips. You can also see your progress over time with a full history, trends and development areas, there are video instructions and Tour data too. There is a new Virtual Coach feature (iPhone only during beta) that lets you receive personalised lesson plans with tips from golf’s top instructors which is hopefully a feature we will see grow and become available on the Android system. The app and website are slick with lots of features to let you improve your game, but where the Swingbyte 2 is let down is in the hardware; the mechanism is difficult
to close which make switching between clubs a pain and after a few uses it already moves about on the shaft, there is no protective case or bag to keep it save on transit, without the Coaching feature in full swing yet it is also difficult to know how to correctly use the information without an instructor by your side. The Swingbyte 2 has potential but needs to tighten up the hardware design before it becomes a reliable accessory. RRP $169.99
https://www.swingbyte.com/store Pros Intuitive app Useful analytics Attaches to any club Weighs less than 1 ounce Share swing data with your pro and on Facebook
Cons Poor build quality No protective case
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Ameo Powerbreather Sport Have you ever been snorkelling in some beautiful, exotic location - immersed in the world under the sea, only to have the magic shattered by accidently inhaling three pints of salt water and surfacing spluttering for air in front of a beach full of holiday makers? It can’t have just been me, right? The Ameo Powerbreather Sport does more than let you freak out tiny fish (although this is a bonus), it allows to you breathe more naturally and focus on your swimming without having to turn your head or clear the snorkel. The patented ‘Ameo Fresh Air System’ is what makes the Powerbreather unique. Unlike traditional snorkels where you inhale and exhale through the same tube, the Powerbreather lets you use two completely separate channels, ensuring that only fresh air enters your lungs and the valve
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technology prevents water from entering so you don’t have to remain conscious of receiving a lung full of water. It was a surprising game changer! The Powerbreather Sport comes with protective zip up case; the ‘SPEED VENT’ Vent has the optional extra of adding resistance for respiratory training; the mouthpiece can be adjusted to bring the D-Tubes into a comfortable position and the head strap keeps everything secure. The Dual Tubes are shaped and directed for intake of breath only and prevents the chance of exhaled air containing CO2 from
being breathed back in. When first learning to use the device give yourself a few minutes to adjust, remaining still in the water and then progress into your normal swimming routine. Soon enough you will wonder why you ever swam without it, it is comfortable to wear in the water and you can just power through as hard and fast as you like for as long as you like, or simply float about taking in the view. RRP £70.00
https://powerbreather.co.uk/product/ameopowerbreather-sport-edition/ Pros Straightforward to use Ameo Fresh Air System Adjustable Suitable for freestyle, breast, butterfly, side stroke and flip turns Floats Comfortable Fun to use
Gadgethead Magazine
ShedRain e-Motion Umbrella Here at GadgetHead we love a world’s first, so we had to get our hands-on e-Motion Umbrella from ShedRain the world’s first fully-motorised, rechargeable compact umbrella. Many of you might be wondering if it is really that difficult to open and close an umbrella that we need a motorised version in the world - well yes - if nothing more than to avoid nipping your cold fingertips in the mechanism, my personal pet hate, it is great for people with manoeuvrability issues, situations when your hands are of full of shopping, young children or times when you just don’t want to get your hands wet by pushing it closed. The e-Motion comes in one classic black with black polka dot design, it is suitable for all occasions, the material 42
has been treated with a Teflon coating to repel the rain water, the spokes are a strong fibreglass and its large 58inch canopy is suitable for two, or one with lots of bags and it has a large handle with a comfortable grip. Due to the inbuilt automatic mechanism the e-Motion is a little heavier than your average manual umbrella, it also comes with its own mains charger which is a bit of a pain, if it had a micro USB port it would work with all the chargers I have at home, work and in the car, rather than having to remember to take the charger with you. However if
you do run out of juice you can still open the umbrella manually but it is much stiffer than a regular brolly. As you would expect it is super easy to use, the directional buttons clearly indicate which you need to press to open or close it and it move with a smooth motion, it also comes with an attractive and durable case, with a zip access when it’s not in use. At 38 inches long when not closed you aren’t going to be able to pop it in your pocket or handbag when not in use but it will fit in a larger bag or backpack quite easily. The e-Motion is a great idea and with a slightly more compact design and USB charging port it could be the perfect rainy-day companion. RRP $99
https://shedrain.com/ products/e-motionmotorized-open-closecompact-umbrella-2/ Pros Fully motorised open and close Classic design Strong construction One hand operation Teflon coating Large canopy Comfortable hand grip
Cons Heavy Long Not a universal charger
Gadgethead Magazine
Soda Stream Spirit (Previously Fizzi) Thanks to the amazing David Attenborough and the creators of Blue Planet 2, our society seems to have really begun to take note of the issue of plastic waste in our environment, there are small changes we can all make every day to reduce our personal waste without abstaining from our favourite things. The Spirit is the latest addition to the SodaStream range of soda makers which provides you with the power to turn tap water into sparking drinks in 44
seconds, allowing you to add flavours in your own home and enjoy fizzy drinks without having to purchase pre-packaged plastic bottles or cans. The
Spirit has a sleek and compact design which looks good and won’t take up too much room on your kitchen counter and is simple to use. All you need to do is pull the Snap Lock lever forward, pop the SodaStream Carbonating Bottle (full of tap water) in place, press and hold the button until it “puffs”,
one puff of light fizz, two puffs for medium and three puffs for a strong fizz so you can have your drink just how you like it. Making your drinks this way is also more wallet friendly with the power to make sparkling water from around 20p per litre by using the Spirit, and by reusing the Sodastream Carbonating Bottles you can save you up to 2,000 bottles per year, depending on how much of a soda fiend you are. There are a variety of flavours to choose from with zero sugar options also. Each CO2 gas cylinder makes up to 60ltr of sparkling water and can be exchanged online for a full one by only paying for the gas and not the cylinder. The SodaStream Spirit is a great addition to the house for lovers of fizz, with a simple to use device and lots of different flavours, fizz strength and sweetness options to play with. You can feel good avoiding those prepackaged plastic bottles in the future. RRP £69.99
http://www.sodastream.co.uk/ sparklingwatermakerslist/spirit Pros Simple to use Personalise your drinks fizz, sweetness and flavour Eco-friendly and economical 60ltr from one cylinder Gas cylinder exchange
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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
1/12/18 8:22 AM
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Deuter Speed Lite 24 The Deuter Speed Lite 24 comes in three attractive designs: Navy-Alpinegreen, Cranberry-Maroon, and Black on Black. The compact profile measures up at H55 x W29 x D18cm and it will hold up to 24 Litres - perfect for light days, minimalist travellers and alpine adventures. It is extremely lightweight at just 700g and packed with useful features to keep you comfortable on your travels with quick and convenient access to all your gear. The new ‘Lite Air System’, essentially a breathable foam back, brings much needed ventilation when working hard it consists of a light, simple, and compact contact back system, which at first sight might not appear the ideal but those lumps and bumps form channels for the air to pass through. Not only does it keep you cool, it also provides a sturdy
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foundation for more active pursuits, with an even load distribution thanks to the Delrin U-frame. It doesn’t bounce around or dig in, the hip belt is wide but has a slim depth, and although the lack of padding is normally a concern, the light weight of the bag and restricted volume means it is perfectly supportive without being bulky or too warm. For quick access to essential gear there are two zip-up pockets in the hip belt. To keep things organised there is an Ice axe and trekking pole storage
loops and a lid pocket - the lid itself has attachment loops and there is an internal valuables pocket for security. The body is made from a durable and weather proof 100D PA and the reinforced base helps to ensure a longer life from scuffs and scrapes from repeated contact with the ground. The main body has been specifically produced for a slim-fit with a V-shape to allow for a full range of movements, whether that’s winter sports, hiking or simply walking through the narrow streets of some ancient Italian town. Other features include the reflective logo print, short back system, sternum strap, wet pocket, SOS-Label
(how to signal an airplane) and a hydration system designated pocket. We found the Speed Lite 24 super comfortable: the ‘Lite Air System’ worked reasonably well, but on very hot days you will still end up with a sweat patch! The best thing about this bag is its simple but practical design that allows you to leave the kitchen sink and take just what you need to enjoy your adventure. RRP £90
https://www.deutergb.co.uk/products/alpine/ speed-lite-24/ Pros Light Compact Comfortable Adjustable Attractive design Lite Air System Slim profile
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Rapha Pro Team Lightweight Gilet When you need a little protection in the unpredictable weather, but don’t want to be bogged down with bulky gear that you might want to remove after your initial warm up, the packable wind gilet from Rapha’s Pro Team range is could be exactly what you need. Available in four colours, Black, Grey Blue, Bright Orange and Hi-Vis Pink, this ultra-lightweight Gilet is a thin but tough outer layer that can be used all year round, during warm ups, cool downs, early starts and moving into cooler evenings as soon as the sun drops. This gilet is constructed from 88% Nylon and 12% polyurethane on the main body and the back is 94% polyester and 6% Elastane, this combination not only makes it insanely light but also very compactable, you can whip it off and quickly stuff it in your jersey pocket or saddle 50
bag, barely taking up any room at all. The fabric construction also provides a good amount of stretch for a comfortable fit and freedom of movement, for extra safety when on the roads there are reflective detailing with a strip down the side of the seam on both sides, on the seams of the shoulders and on the logo on the back. The Lightweight Gilet has a two-way VISLON zip, which lets you unzip from the bottom for quick access to pockets and a more comfortable fit if needed, the mesh fabric on the inner collar and rear panel as well as the perforation
on the neck provide ventilation when needed whilst the silicon grip on the hem prevents the gilet from riding up when pushing it hard. The Gilet also has an elasticated waist and armholes, Pro Team ‘convict stripes’ on front and inner placket, and is machine washable at 30°C. It is beautifully constructed and performs well, the only thing I would change is to round off the corner of the zip guard as it is a bit pointy. As you would expect from Rapha the Pro Team Lightweight Gilet is a versatile and well thought out piece that will perform to a high standard throughout the seasons helping you to stay safe and comfortable on the saddle. RRP £90
https://www.rapha.cc/gb/en/shop/pro-teamlightweight-gilet/product/PLW03XX Pros Lightweight and packable Double-ended VISLON zip Flexible Mesh-lined collar, mesh rear panel and perforation Elasticated waist and armholes Reflective detailing Silicone grip on hem
Cons Pointy zip guard
Gadgethead Magazine
Opcom Farm O2 Apart from being an attractive addition to the home, house plants also act as your very own natural air purifier as they love to swallow up the gases in the air we don’t want, and thankfully produce the oxygen that we definitely do want. As someone who struggles to keep even cacti alive, the idea of letting this little gadget do all the hard work is very appealing. The Opcom Farm O2 not only allows you to grow a variety of plants in in your home but it also works as a table top reading light with an air refreshing
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fan that sends oxygen produced by the plants your way. Now, whether it’s the oxygen, being around nature or something else at work here, but some
studies have suggested the plants can increase memory retention up to 20%. Don’t let the term hydroponic growing system put you off, the O2 is very easy to set up and then requires minimal maintenance from then on, ideal for providing a healthy reading environment. The O2 has adjustable dual line partition to fit any 2” 3” 4” standard pots, suitable for
anything from seedling sponges to ceramic pots with vegetables or flowering plants. The optional 5” and 6” transfer pot is designed to resize and let you transfer your larger plants on the O2-Light as well. The O2 means you won’t have to deal with weeding or traditional watering, seeds, pH management solution and nutrients are included to help you start growing healthy plant straight away. The energy-efficient Auto-Cycle controls the lights and water circulation once planted so you can just forget about it and watch them grow. When using the light as a reading tool it has a multirotational arm to get the perfect angle. The entire kit is well made and would look good in any home, it provides green fingers to even the most hapless of plant lovers and is great for pleasant study or a reading environment, and if it does your body and brain some good too, what a bonus.
https://www.opcomfarm.com/product. php?Item=7&id=238 Pros Create a little Eden on your table top Well made Easy to use Bio Air Freshener Auto-Cycle
Gadgethead Magazine
Kymira 2.0 Gym Leggings Kymira is the world’s leading producer of infrared training gear, something I had never even heard of until it landed on my desk! Similar to compression wear, Kymira claim that the infrared technology aids in both the performance and recovery of your workout. The 2.0 Gym leggings are composed of 50% Celliant Polyester, 30% Polyester and 20% Elastane, with this mystical fabric suggesting it will: increase blood circulation, cellular metabolism and tissue oxygenation by up to 20%, enhance energy production, accelerate recovery, regulate temperature and assist in pain relief. These are some big claims to make for a pair of leggings! Constructed with a compression fit to provide the calves some added support,
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it has flatlock front-toback seam for comfort and an elasticated waistband which is flexible enough to let you have a full range of movement, whilst at the same time remaining secure - no one wants to worry about getting a builder’s-bum whilst knocking out some squats! When I first squeezed myself into these tights they felt very similar to compression tights, but it quickly became apparent that I would need some shorts over the top, as the material is also see-though (as I didn’t fancy flashing
my superhero themed underwear to the gym) and that’s before you even get them on. The other thing I noticed was the strong smell they gave off - before I had a chance to wear them, before you get ideas. It was almost like rubber: after a couple of washes it has reduced but is still there. Kymira have recommended that to get the best out of the garment, you should wear it at least 30-mins prior to exercise, during and then at least one hour afterwards to receive the benefits. I did a few different work outs in the 2.0 including, HIIT, Boxing, Yoga and a 5mile run on the treadmill and as much as I wanted to be blown away by the Infrared fabric, I didn’t notice a difference. The
compression made my muscles feel supported, the wicking worked well and they were breathable, but for the price I think I expected more of a ‘wow’ factor. The lack of a draw string or key pocket is also something that I missed. The bottom line is that the 2.0 leggings performed like an average pair of compression leggings, but you will have to scrape a few more pennies together for the Infrared label. RRP £80
https://www.kymirasport.com/products/womenscore-2-0-gym-leggings?variant=3464957060 Pros Compression supports muscles Flexible Breathable Wicking
Cons Expensive Infrared technology had no effect on my workout Rubbery smell Thin fabric reveals underwear No pockets or drawstring
Gadgethead Magazine
On Running Cloudflash There is a reason On Running have a cloud theme around all their lines and that’s because they consistently manage to produce some of the lightest and bounciest running shoes out there. As the old saying goes, 1lb on your feet is meant to be the equivalent to 5lb on your back, and if you are serious about getting your pace up, being as light as you can when heading out the door is a good start. The Cloudflash weigh in, per shoe, at just 220g for men’s and 175g for women’s, bonus point here for both genders coming in the same attractive design, white with neon yellow detailing, not all girls want pink or purple colour pallets when pounding the track. Designed with racing in mind there is a lot of carefully thought-out tech going on here to help you achieve your fastest lap times. Starting with the Speedboard, it is built from Pebax and aims to deliver high energy transition with a resistance to fatigue by loading the impact
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straight back into the take-off, a tough but super light nano-mesh makes up the majority of the upper supported by a skeletal-structure produces a flexible and breathable comfort without rubbing, and the antimicrobial treatment to help keep those locker room smells at bay. The Cloudflash have a regular width with neutral support and low drop, they have an offset heel to toe drop but 5mm to avoid heel strike and potential knee injuries, the race car seat heel cap, keeps your feet secure and lets you accelerate without the risk of
slipping or irritation. That distinctive On sole has a honeycomb slippattern on each section for a strong grip both on and off the road, the lacing system worked well at drawing in the mid and top section of the shoe but you will need to pull up toe section for a precise fit and when tied up they remain tied up. If you are serious about your running and spend most of your time on concrete terrains these shoes might be just what you are looking for especially if you prefer a firm shoe, unbelievably light whilst maintaining comfort and producing a good energy return. Oh - and they also look awesome! RRP £160
https://www.on-running.com/en-gb/products/ cloudflash-neon-white-m Pros Super light Firm Responsive Speedboard Standout design Good grip Laces don’t come undone Slim tongue 5mm heel drop Breathable
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Nautilus Lifeline Marine Rescue GPS This is one of those things you buy but hope you will never need to use, like a fire extinguisher or life insurance, but it is better to have it and not need than get into trouble. The new Nautilus Marine Rescue GPS, redesigned to be less than half the size of the original radio, is a GPS locator accurate to 1.5 meters in the event of becoming thrown overboard. The beauty is in its simplicity - the last thing you need after potentially plunging into cold water is any complicated actions to perform. All you need to do is undo the latch, turn on, remove the antenna retainer and press the red button and it is activated. Your GPS position will then be available, and a ‘man overboard’ distress message will be broadcast to all AIS equipped ships up to a radius of 34 miles. A special DSC message will also be send to the marine radio on your own vessel, if 58
permitted, alerting the rest of your crew to your situation. The Nautilus GPS floats and is fully waterproof in all sea conditions. There is no MMSI, licences & registration needed to set it up, it has a diver depth rated to 425 feet (with cap closed) and requires minimal maintenance - just keep the o-ring clean and replace the batteries every five years (batteries not included). The Nautilus works in temperatures from -25°C to +55°C, it is lightweight at only 131g with batteries and
is a compact size at just 2.9 x 3.8 x 1.5 inch (75 x 97 x 39 mm). To ensure the device is always ready to go, there is an easy-to-read colour coded light system that lets you know if its activated or on test mode. I would have liked to see batteries, a carry-case or wearable attachment system included for the price, but that’s a small thing to complain about when considering that this product has the potential to save your life. RRP £195
http://www. nautiluslifeline.com/ Pros Solid construction Simple to use AIS/DSC Technology No MMSI, Licences & Registration Lightweight and compact 5 Year Battery Life Diver Depth Rated To 425 feet (with cap closed) Transmits GPS Position To Boats Up To 34 miles
Cons Batteries not included No case or attachments
Gadgethead Magazine
Britax Romer Dualfix Britax is one of the market leaders when it comes to baby-seats, having won numerous awards for their designs and always putting safety as their number one priority in all of their products. The Dualfix is no different and it is packed full of practical features to ensure baby is safe and comfortable. The Dualfix is suitable from birth to four years (0-18kg), our favourite feature is easily the 360-degree rotating seat. Trying to bend over and slide a wriggling child into a car seat sideways without bumping them 60
on the fame of the car and sitting them on the straps or buckle is a difficult skill to master, and plays havoc with your back and shoulders! The Dualfix alleviates this problem by allowing you to turn the seat to face
you and the open door at a push of a button, making it easier for you to load the child before rotating the seat back and click firmly into place. The Dualfix can be positioned in rear or forward-facing direction and offers multi-recline positions that are easily adjusted - rear-facing is considered the safest position for dispersing impact energy from head-on collisions (the most common
collisions), and the Dualfix can be left in rear-facing all the way up to 18kg (four years). The Dualfix is easy to install with the ‘Britax Römer Pivot Link ISOFIX System’ and during impact the force will first be directed downward into the vehicle seat, and then forward more gently to greatly reduce potential risk of head and/or neck injury to the child. The performance chest pads add comfort and reduce the child’s forward movement in a frontal collision, protecting their delicate neck and helping to spread the force evenly across your child’s shoulders and chest. The padded headrest and harness can easily be adjusted with one hand: the 5-point harness has five connection points two at the shoulders, two at the hips and between the legs - to ensure the child is secure inside the seat. The Dualfix also has height adjustable legsupport for extra stability
https://www.britax-roemer.co.uk/car-seats/ toddler/dualfix/1870.html Pros 360degree rotation Extended rear facing Multiple, high quality safety features
Removable, machine washable cover Deep protective sides
Simple to install
Multi-recline and rear/forward facing
Newborn to 4years
6 colours available
Cons Heavy 14.7 kg Fixed
Not compatible with a travel system
and minimises tilting and rotational movement, plus it reduces the forward movement forces exerted on your child in a crash. It can also be adjusted to suit the height that’s best for the car, whilst the seat cover can be quickly removed and machine-washed for those inevitable messy journeys. The ease of use and high standard of safety features make the Dualfix and excellent choice however it is fixed, which means you can’t remove it to carry baby into the house and it doesn’t fit into a travel system, making it less flexible than other products on the market. However, that could be a price you are willing to pay for the other useful features. RRP £290
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Nextbase Mirror Dash Cam The Nextbase Mirror Dash Cam aims to minimise clutter in your field of vision by integrating the camera and screen into the already existing part of your car, the rear-view mirror. This mirror can be attached to all sizes of existing mirror via five suction cups which hold it securely in place, it also features a backup strap mounting for belt and braces. The Mirror has a lightweight design and an inbuilt 6G Glass lens that records at 1080p HD, it has a 140° wide viewing angle to capture everything that’s going on ahead of you in the road. The 4” LED screen seamlessly built into the mirror for a discreet finish that becomes invisible when the camera is recording, but can be clearly viewed when changing the settings and playing back the footage. It works with an inbuilt Wi-Fi to playback footage to your phone or tablet, and is compatible
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with Apple or Android operated systems via the Cam Viewer app, the footage can also be downloaded and shared, with family, police and insurance companies. The Mirror records on to Micro SD card up to 128GB this will give you approximately 16 hours recording before it automatically loops and records over the old footage, it is powered via the 12V power supply and can also be hardwired into your vehicle. The Built-in GPS allows for you to accurately pin point the location of any incident as well as
speed data which can be essential evidence in the event of a claim, the G-sensor will identify impact from sharp or unusual movements, the camera will then lock that data, so it cannot be recorded over. The Mirror Dash Cam was easy to set up and looks good, but it has limited features, and a rather laborious menu selection when it comes to changing settings and playing back the footage. The video quality is OK but grainy in low light. You are paying for the mirror integration design and not much else here (not even an SD card), think of it as a low budget camera in a smart package. RRP £159.99
https://www.nextbase.co.uk/dash-cams/rearview-mirror-dash-cam/ Pros Fits any sized rear-view mirror Built in GPS Screen disappears when recording Wide angel lens Sleek design G-sensor and automatic lock of impact data Discreet
Cons Basic and limited functions Grainy footage in low light Difficult menu selection
Gadgethead Magazine
Headway EDB-2 The latest addition to the Headway Music Audio collection of Acoustic Pickups and Pre-amps is the EDB-2. Following from the success of the ‘EDB-1 Equaliser Direct Blend Pre-Amp’, Headway have made some improvements, including refined class “A” inputs and Pro Audio IC Components, an easy to read Pro-Audio design layout, as well as a new strong metal body. The features of the EDB-2 include a twinchannel with individual inputs and gain controls; a 5 Band EQ assignable to Channel 1, 2 or both; Notch Filter assignable to Channel 1 or 2, 0-32 dB Gain to interface with most mixers or desks; and Phantom Power which can be assigned to either “ring”, “tip”, or XLR to power virtually all instrument microphones and pickups. Additionally, there is Phase Reverse that is assignable to each channel, an Earth Lift Switch, “Range” Switch tuned for specific instruments, iPod input for backing
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tracks, mute switch, Mono, Stereo & XLR Inputs, Jack and XLR Outputs and the option of battery or mains power, plus it comes with belt clips, rubber feet and a thread for microphone stands. The EDB-2 comes with a hefty price tag but straight out of the box you will get a very good sound. The manual is good at clearly explaining how to adjust the sound to your liking, in fact it took every instrument we presented it with in its stride - the sound is consistently clean and beautifully acoustic. If you need to do a little tweaking the EQ is
excellent, there is a lot of versatile functions readily available in the EDB-2 which could be way more than the average acoustic musician needs, but if you are serious about your sound or enjoy recording as much as performing, you will not be disappointed by the performance of this little gem. RRP £249.95
http://www.headwaymusicaudio.com/product/ edb-2/ Pros Effortless to use Clean acoustic Sound Excellent EQ Portable Twin channel with individual inputs & gain controls 5 Band EQ assignable to Channel 1, 2 or both Notch Filter iPod input Battery or Mains powered
Gadgethead Magazine
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