GADGETHEAD Issue 4.06
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
Trailknit Pro-Armor Tee • Angelwax Enigma collection • Bolle Slate Page 10 Learning Resources Botley The Coding Robot Activity Set • 66 Degrees North Svarthofoi • Platypus Duolock Softbottle 1.0L • Sievi Solid XL+ S3 • Ardo Calypso Double Plus Page 20 Tatami Omega Backpack • Eufy Lumos Smart Bulb White • MoKee the WoolNest • Peak Design Everyday Sling 5 Page 30 Dakine Drafter 10L • Rapha Pro Team Aero Jersey • Peli Storm Case iM2875 • Ergobaby OMNI 360 Baby Carrier • 2XU MCS Run Compression Tights Page 40 Imalent DX80 Torch • Peli i1065 iPad Case • Tula Free-to-Grow Baby Carrier • Thetford Porta Potti 565 Page 50 Üllo Wine Purifier • Deuter Futura Pro 36 • Osprey Nebula 34 • EarthQuaker Afterneath • Thinktank Streetwalker HardDrive V2.0 Page 60 3dRudder • Sports TENS 2 • DeWALT DCN680D2 Nailer Kit
Trailknit Pro-Armor Tee The Pro-Armor Tee from Trailknit is a protective and functional base layer for trail riding that allows you to integrate protective elements to your apparel when you need it. This is a first from the world of bike wearables which provides all the benefits of a traditional next-to-skin base layer, including temperature regulation and muscle compression, with the added bonus of options for shoulder and back protection when needing to layer up. The Pro-Armor Tee is made from a highperformance Dryarn, which helps to provide ventilation on warmer days and insulation on the cooler days when you need it. It comes in a low-profile design to reduce the futuristic robot look and allow you the freedom of movement and all-day comfort. The Pro-Armor shoulder pads and back protector are both removeable: the back protector is thick but with lots of ventilation
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holes, so its light and flexible with the whole tee weighing only 0.52kg. The Tee has been made to be abrasion, tear and anti-pilling resistance to help it stay in good shape underneath the rest of your gear. To keep you in good shape there is also bacteriostatic, hypoallergenic and anti-odour treatments so you can hug people to celebrate a particularly good ride without the risk
of grossing them out with body odour. The Tee also has a seamless construction to prevent irritation and chaffing, plus there is differentiated weaving with compression areas and interwoven micromesh sections to increase airflow for comfort. The Pro-Armor Tee is nice and stretchy and provides a tight fit. It can’t work miracles you will get warm with this amount of padding so close to the skin - but the ventilation certainly helps to keep things bearable. The form fitting profile looks good and the removeable armour makes it a versatile piece. RRP £154.95
https://www.dainese.com/gb/en/trailknit-proarmor-tee/203910000.html Pros Seamless construction Bacteriostatic, hypoallergenic and anti-odour Abrasion resistant, tear-resistant and antipilling Dryer material Removable Pro Armor shoulder pads Removable multi-layer Crash Absorb back protector Flexible
Cons Warm
Gadgethead Magazine
Angelwax Enigma collection Enigma Ceramic Infused Shampoo This car shampoo has been created using the latest ceramic technology, this means that when used regularly the ceramic molecules
bond to the vehicle to form a protective coating over the surface and rejuvenate the appearance. The powerful cleaning performance cuts
through grime and dirt, and help protect the coating underneath, available in a 500ml bottle.
Enigma QED Ceramic Detailing Spray The QED Ceramic Detailing Spray also features the latest ceramic technology, this quick detailing
spray, bonds with the surface of the vehicle produces a wonderfully glossy finish with strong durability, the
spray nozzle allows for precise control over the direction of the spray and it is also available in a 500ml Bottle.
most advanced wax to date. Unlike a standard detailing wax that will sit on your vehicle’s surface after application and will be micro porous in nature, the Enigma Detailing Wax has complex ceramic molecules that manipulate the micro pores found in this type of detailing wax
and makes the surface completely smooth and less likely to be compromised by the elements. The formula results in a wax that has significant selfcleaning properties, produces a wonderful high gloss, lasting durability, and ease of use. RRP ÂŁ217.90
Enigma Detailing Wax This high-quality hand applied detailing wax has been formulated the Angel Wax laboratory using high quality and natural raw materials as well as some of the most technologically advanced ceramic components and has been described by Angel Wax as their
https://angelwax.co.uk/product/enigma-detailing-package/
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Gadgethead Magazine
Bolle Slate The Slate sunglasses come in five different designs and we received the Polarized Offshore Blue, featuring (unsurprisingly), polarised lenses that align light rays from the sun, which prevents you from getting dazzled whether you are driving, out on the water or simply chilling in the garden. We loved the slightly rounded off version of the classic angular design which is flattering for most face shapes, they have a smooth matte black finish on the outside of the frame and an attractive light blue finish on the inside of the frame. These shades have a keyhole nose design with thermogram rubber inserts on both the nose and temple tips which lightly but securely hole the glasses in place, even when covered in sun cream and sweat (oh 8
yes, I am a vision to behold in the summer). The 8-base wrap provides excellent coverage of the eye, the lenses are B-20.3 polycarbonate and are made from premium grade resin which results in 20 times more impact resistance than glass and three times as light, they come in both polarised and non-polarised. The lenses do more than just look pretty and allow you to stare at people without them realising however, the anti-reflective treatment which has
been scientifically engineered and applied to the inside of the lenses to stop any light bouncing back into your eyes. The lenses also feature a Oleophobic treatment, one up from hydrophobic it makes the lenses resistant to oils, grease and dirt as well as water, this particular models lenses are quite dark and best suited for very bright conditions, they also come with a compact, protective case. The frames are flexible, light weight and comfortably hug the face all day without causing pressure marks or fatigue and leave you to get on with looking awesome in the sun. RRP ÂŁ67.60
http://www.bolle.com/ au/slate/917-12428. html Pros Polarised, polycarbonate lenses Comfortable nose grip and arms Oleophobic treatment Anti-fog Attractive design Flexible
Gadgethead Magazine
Learning Resources Botley The Coding Robot Activity Set Meet Botley, this super cute little robot is the perfect way to introduce children (aimed at ages 5-9) to coding without becoming another reason for them to be glued to a screen for hours. This small but clever toy encourages STEM learning with a fun and hands on approach. This kit provides many different ways to program and code the robot without needing to use a smartphone or tablet at any point. The kit comes with Botley The Coding 10
Robot, an easy-to-use Remote Programmer, Detachable Robot Arms, 40 Coding Cards, six boards, a sheet of stickers to customise your set, and a collection of
accessories to create obstacles and activities for Botley including eight sticks, 12 cubes, two cones, two flags, two balls and a goal. All the components have a sturdy construction and are the perfect size for little hands, Botley can be programmed to perform a variety of different actions including moving forward and backwards
(approx. 20cm step at a time,), turning left and right, detect and avoid objects, make a sound, loop and repeat a step or sequence with a possibility of programming up to 80 actions in one sequence and the LED light on top shows the direction of each step. Whilst playing with Botley the little coders will be learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills by getting them to plan and visualise Botley’s path, the detachable robot arms allow this little robot to move objects and even score goals. You will need at least five AAA batteries to get Botley moving so make sure you have these to hand if you are giving it as a present, we found him adorable and engaging but he is a limited in what he can do, I can’t imagine my seven year old, tablet obsessed nephew finding him entertaining for too long but it would probably amuse 5-6year olds for longer. RRP £79
https://www.learningresources.co.uk/product/ botley-coding-robot-kit.do Pros Fun
Screen free
Cute
Bright and colourful
Educational
Easy to use
Cons Batteries not included
Limited abilities
Gadgethead Magazine
66 Degrees North Svarthofoi This Gore-Tex, 3-in-1 City Jacket is a versatile concept, with the outer shell Gore-Tex 3L fabric jacket and Primaloft Gold insulated inner jacket being completely removable from each other which means you can wear the inner jacket by itself on dry days. The Svarthofoi has been designed as a city jacket that can adapt to changing conditions, for protection against the elements the outer layer is both waterproof and windproof, the Gore-Tex works hard to keep the rain out whilst at the same time allowing moisture and heat escape the jacket, helping you to keep cool and comfortable. All the seams are also taped to ensure you stay dry and to keep you out the wind, who needs a bag when the 12
Svarthofoi has six large pockets with laser cut pocket flaps to protect your belongings, with two on the chest, and four on below, the zip pulls are all a good size which makes it easy to access your things even with big chunky gloves on. The outer shell also has a Paclite hood that can be stored in the collar when not in use, the wrists can be adjusted to tighten up and create a seal around the arm or gloves, the body also has a good length to it which prevents drafts and helps to keep your butt dry. When fully zipped up the neck sits nice and high and with the hood stowed away it provides a snug fit around the neck and face, the inner jacket has insulating Primaloft Gold (80g) and has an attractive quilted
design that works well as a stand-alone jacket on chilly but dry days. Although I quite like the two in one idea, it actually proves a heavy combination but it is lovely and warm and protective against the bad weather. As a city jacket I think the outer shell looks more like a sky jacket, but the inner jacket is much more fashionable. RRP â‚Ź795
https://www.66north.com/men/jackets/ svarthofdi-gore-tex/?item=W11128-900 Pros Waterproof and windproof
Gore-Tex outer shell
Two in one jackets
Long
Primaloft Gold insultation
Paclite, storable hood
Large pockets
Cons Heavy
Expensive
Gadgethead Magazine
Platypus Duolock Softbottle 1.0L The Platypus Duolock Softbottle 1.0L, so named because of its uncanny resemblance to a duckbilled platypus and a water bottle (well more a water bottle, but with a bit of imagination‌), this flexible water bottle has dual-locking cap and comes in two capacities: 0.75L or 1.0L. The Softbottle comes in four designs: Orange Skyline, Blue Skyline, Gray Prisms or Blue Prisms, the dual-locking cap offers double leak protection - simply push the lid closed and then flip up the metal clip as a secondary precaution and lock that lid in place. The Softbottle has a convenient clip gate handle so you can easily attach it to your bag, belt, or fill it with brandy and attach it to your dog. The angle of the handle also makes it comfortable to grip, sip and pour. However, when the bottle is full you can feel the handle
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bend; it could do with being a little stronger. The flexible nature of the bottle and the wide mouth means that it is easy to fill, even in the most user unfriendly of gym water fountains. When the bottle is empty it can be flattened down and folded or rolled up, making it great for stowing away into any vacant space. The DuoLock SoftBottle is taste-free, as well as BPA-free, BPS-free and phthalate-free; the lid and mouth piece can be completely removed for easy cleaning, it measures up a 16.3in (W) x 11.02in (L), and it
weighs a featherlight 1.6oz. The Platypus Duolock Softbottle is a simple but well-made product that does exactly what you want it to, no more no less. Help save space and the environment with this reusable bottle: an excellent choice for the festivals this year, hiking, camping and day trips out. RRP $11.75 (0.75L) & $13.95 (1.0L)
https://www.platy.com/duolock-softbottle Pros Packable DuoLock dual-locking cap Taste, BPA, BPS, and phthalate-free Easy to fill and clean Ergonomic
Cons Clip gate could be stronger
Gadgethead Magazine
Sievi Solid XL+ S3 These Sievi Solid XL+ S3 boots are tough, steel toe-capped shoes with a penetration- resistant steel midsole to ensure your feet are safe from even the most brutal of terrains. Packed full of protective features, we will start by looking at the steel toecaps. These meet the requirements of the EN ISO 20345:2011 standard and the shock resistance is 200 J whilst resistance to compression is 15000 N, this keeps your toes safe from falling objects and incidents of compression. The midsole has steel penetration resistance and meets the requirements of the EN ISO 20345:2011 standard and resistance to nail penetration is 1100 N, making it ideal for building sites and workshops. These shoes are also oil and chemical resistant, as 16
well as featuring water repellent leather uppers and antistatic which discharges the body’s static electricity up to tolerances of 100 kΩ 1000 MΩ. For better visibility the Solid XL+ S3 has reflectors on the sides and the toasty fleece lining and felt insole with aluminium layer guarantees warm feet in cold environments. The reversed zip means there is a protective material guard over the zip to prevent dirt getting stuck in the zip and jamming it up and the XL size gives a wider fit and allows for
more space inside the shoe. The sole is made of Sievi’s FlexStep material, this is a single density microporous structured polyurethane that provides a high slip-resistance (even in sub-zero temperatures) and at the same time flexibility with a shock absorbing heel. The DUAL Comfort insole also has shock absorbing cushions that are made of PORON for added comfort. We found this shoe both incredibly protective in a wide range of environments whilst at the same time remaining super comfortable, springy and warm. The zip helps you get in and out of the shoe fast and effortlessly whilst the laces let you get the perfect fit. RRP £103.96
https://www.sievi. com/products/safetyshoes/solid-xl-ja-s3 Pros Very comfortable Insulating Protective Durable Steel toecaps Penetrationresistant steel midsoles Water-repellent uppers Zip and lace closure Wide fit Anti-static Flexible and lightweight.
Gadgethead Magazine
Ardo Calypso Double Plus The Ardo Calypso Double Plus is an electric double breast pump that can be connected to the mains or powered by batteries. So, what’s in the box? As well as the Calypso Breastpump unit, you get two Pumpset (150ml bottle with 26mm Breastshells), two lids with removable insert, two 31mm Breastshells, two 28mm Breastshells, two Optiflow inserts (fits in 31mm Breastshell), a brush for cleaning, bottle holder, mains adapter and instruction manual. The magic thing about the Calypso is that it is the quietest electric breast pump available on the market (Information 18
on the validated test conditions and detailed test results at ardomedical.com/ silence-test), making it ideal for discrete
pumping where ever and whenever. The Calypso Double Plus Electric Breast Pump has won the Mumsnet Best Award for last 5 years and is an NHS approved supplier. It takes a little time to assemble, especially if using both pumps, but it soon becomes second nature. You can use the pump as a single or double, they have individually adjustable settings
for speed and suction (64 combinations or settings cycled and vacuum available) and the Vacuum Seal technology gives 100% protection and prevents contamination of pump or milk by providing a barrier against bacteria and ensures the breastmilk or impurities cannot enter the connecting tubes or pump at any time. All the Ardo breastfeeding products have been manufactured in Switzerland from materials that are free from Bisphenol A and all components seem durable and well made from strong materials. The main unit is intuitive and straightforward to use, it is quiet as pumps go but it still makes a noise, so don’t expect miracles. Like any baby products, this will be perfect for some and not the right product for others, we found it easy to use and reliable but with a large price tag it is a bit of a gamble. RRP £144.95
https://www.ardobreastpumps.co.uk/ breastpumps/calypso-double-breastpump Pros Quiet NHS approved supplier Individually adjustable settings for speed and suction Vacuum Seal technology gives 100% protection and prevents
contamination of pump or milk Includes a selection of breast shell sizes and soft massage insert Double or single expressing Mains or battery powered options
Cons Expensive
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Tatami Omega Backpack Tatami Fightwear was established in the heart of South Wales in 2009 by founders Gareth Dummer and Lee Jones, with the aim of producing high quality Jiu-Jitsu products at affordable prices. The Omega Backpack has been specifically created with the traveling Jiu-Jitsu practitioner in mind. This large capacity bag has plenty of space to play with, but in the event of needing a touch more there is an expandable bottom (I think I have one of these), this also doubles up as a wet pocket (does that make it an expandable wet bottom?!), so you can throw in sweaty clothing, towels or swimmers whilst protecting the rest of your gear at the same time. There are multiple ways to carry the bag with front handles, side handles and detachable shoulder strap options, but the straps don’t
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stop there! There are four compression straps around the front and a sternum strap; it gets to a point that getting into the bag is restricted by all the straps getting in the way, and you have to unclip everything before you can get to your stuff! The padded back panels help prevent any equipment from digging into your back and provides a comfortable surface, but it isn’t very breathable so be prepared for sweaty backs. The sternum strap is useful, but the lack of a waist belt puts more pressure on your
shoulders rather than distributing the weight evenly across the body. The design of the bag is very simple with a minimal black-onblack colour scheme, but all the panels and straps make it look rather cluttered. Over all the Omega is potentially a useful bag, as long as you are in no real hurry to get to your things, don’t overload it and aren’t worried about sweat patches. RRP £40.00
https://www.tatamifightwear.com/collections/ gear-bags/products/tatami-omega-back-pack Pros Expandable bottom Wet compartment Padded back Cup holder Organising pockets Comfortable
Cons Poor ventilation Loads of straps and clips No waist-strap
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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
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Trekking wheel for multi terrain use
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Eufy Lumos Smart Bulb White Gone are the days when it was simply enough to flick and switch to see the stuff in your room, now you can have more control than ever before over your lighting with smart bulbs. The Eufy Lumos Smart Bulb lets you adjust your lighting setting wherever you are via any internet connection. This bulb produces a soft white (2700K) light that illuminates with the brightness of 60W equivalent incandescent but only uses 9W of power, potentially saving you over 80% of you lighting costs. This bulb works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant without the need of a hub, it was straightforward to set up, simply pop it in light fitting, download the EufyHome app and sign in, then connect the Lumos to the internet and then you have full control of the bulb. You can find the perfect lighting for any occasion by changing the brightness, dim it as you wind down
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in the evening or brighten things up on gloomy days, you can schedule illuminations by programming up to 10 different schedules, so the Lumos can automatically switch on as you wake up or get back from work and even switch on and off when you are away from home to act as a burglary deterrent. Command Alexa and Google Assistant to switch on and dim the lights without going to all the effort of reaching for your phone, particularly helpful when your hands are full, or you are hungover. You can control the light from anywhere whether you are at home or
away, as long as you have the app on your smartphone or tablet (Android 4.3 and above or iOS 8 and above devices required. 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network support only). Like many smart bulbs the dimensions are quite large at 2.56 x 2.56 x 5.5inch which may restrict where you can install it, the warm light is great for chilled and cosy setting but doesn’t quite pack enough punch for working areas as the light is just a little bit too dim. The Lumos performed well, the connections are strong and easy to set up, it basically delivers everything it promises, excellent value for money. RRP £17.99
https://www.eufylife.com/collections/led/ products/lumos-smart-bulb-white Pros Easy to use Dimmable Alexa and Google assist compatible Access from anywhere Up to 10 programmable schedules 60W equivalent on 9W of power
Cons Might be too soft for large rooms and offices
Gadgethead Magazine
MoKee the WoolNest The WoolNest from MoKee is a beautifully designed and modern Moses style basket, with a name like WoolNest I’m already wondering if they make these for adults as it sounds amazingly snuggly, sadly the version we received is only suitable for babies (babies get all the best stuff) up to six months of age, who cannot sit up unaided, roll over and cannot push themselves up on its hands and knees with a maximum weight of 9kg (19.84 lbs). The WoolNest comes in a soft grey finish with a choice of brightly coloured straps, Azure Drop (blue), Neon Pumpkin (orange), Pink Mallow (pink) and Summer Dash (yellow), a splash of colour looks great against the grey, but I would like to see more subtle colour options too, like soft pastel green for example. With external dimensions of L71cm x W36cm x H28cm it holds a mattress size of L70cm x W35cm x D3.5cm which is included, it is lovely and cosy with a super soft wool blend felt (90% Natural Wool 26
& 10% Polyester for easy maintenance) and a high resilience foam mattress with 100% polyester Aloe Vera cover. The basket bottom is made of strong synthetic felt, basket base inset is FSC certified birch plywood, the stand measures up as 62 cm (H) x 44 cm (W) x 89 cm (L), and the length from floor to straps is 43.5 cm. The bed can easily be zipped together to form a sturdy and soft bassinette that protects them from the cold air and reduces noise disturbances, its compact design means its straightforward to
travel, it requires a little self-assembly when you first receive it but its very stress free. We simply adore the look of this alternative Moses basket, it works brilliantly as both a baby bed and travel cot and will look beautiful in the nursery. Wonderfully soft, sturdy, easy to use, and all sold at a very reasonable price. RRP ÂŁ99.95
http://en.mokee.eu/woolnest.html Pros Super soft Straightforward to assemble and use Travels well Attractive modern design Sensibly priced Durable
Cons Only suitable up to six months (9kg, not sitting up, rolling over etc)
Gadgethead Magazine
Peak Design Everyday Sling 5 The Everyday Sling 5 is the smallest and lightest bag in Peak Designs’ Everyday range, best suited for organisation, transport, and quick-access to essentials, plus it can accommodate a camera, drone or everyday gear. It can be worn as an across-thebody sling or as a waist bag with the convertible strap, allowing for a quick-adjustment that can be loosened and then tightened again for accessing gear on the fly with one hand. The Everyday Sling will happily protect your gear in all kinds of environments with 28
a weatherproof main compartment zip, 400D nylon canvas shell and soft, durable
cotton/poly twill interior. Like all the Peak Design bags, you can make it your own by customising the two FlexFold dividers and one divider has a folding shelf for stacked-lens carrying - don’t let the compact size deceive you: this little bag has a surprisingly generous capacity.
The 5L volume allows for a mirrorless camera and one or two lenses, DJI Mavic or Spark drone with controller, batteries and charger, full-frame DSLR and lens or your essential gear wallet, phone, keys, sunglasses, and passport for example. There is also a dedicated padded tablet sleeve which holds most tablets up to 11” and an inner flap compartment that contains four small, stretchy pockets with colour coded stitching to separate full and
empty batteries or cards. Other features include two stretchy inner side pockets for batteries and peripherals, a zip-accessed external slip pocket, a padded carry handle and magnetic closure. The Everyday Sling 5 embodies the same cool and timeless design that all Peak Designs bags have: all the components are high quality in this small but perfectly formed bag, but most importantly it is wonderfully protective and versatile. RRP $99.95
https://www.peakdesign.com/everyday-sling-5 Pros Versatile Lightweight Waist belt or across the body configuration 5L capacity Attractive design
Single handed quick-pull strap adjustment Weatherproof Tablet pocket Available in Black or Ash
Gadgethead Magazine
Dakine Drafter 10L The Drafter 10L from Dakine is a hydration backpack created to meet the demanding requirements of mountain biking and tries to ensure your water supply is protected and accessible in a compact, breathable package. The Drafter comes in capacities of 18L, 14L and 10L all featuring a 3L (100oz) Hydrapak lumbar reservoir, it also comes in four different designs Blue Rock, Stacked, Field Camo and Black - we received the 10L in Black. The Hydrapak reservoir has been located on the lumbar for a lower centre of gravity, it has a High-Flow Blaster bite valve which means you will have to bite down on it to start the flow of water and it will automatically shut off when you release the valve, preventing you from becoming doused in water. One of the interesting things 30
about the drafter is the air suspension back panel which is created from a rubbery feeling material and almost moulds to your back and allows air to flow between your back and the bag. The shoulder straps also have built in ventilation with mesh and cut away sections that minimises the amount of material sitting on the skin. There is plenty of storage with an organiser design and space for all your important tools, spare parts, maps, rain jackets and other essentials. Additional features are that the Drafter is compatible with the
DK Impact CE-certified Spine protector (not included), there is also storage for either a full face or trail helmet, deployable armour carry straps, a protective fleece lined sunglass/phone pocket that keeps your delicate belongings safe from getting scratched up and reflective logos for extra visibility. The Drafter is user friendly with a magnetic hose clip that attaches very easily, the bite activated valve works well, the hip belt keeps the bag stabilised without getting in the way and the entire backpack provides plenty of ventilation whilst remaining wonderfully comfortable. RRP ÂŁ85
https://www.dakine.com/en-gb/bags/backpacks/bike-backpacks/drafter-10lbike-hydration-backpack/ Pros Comfortable
Cons Top access only
Breathable 3L Hydrapak reservoir
Magnetic hydration hose clip High-flow Blaster bite valve w/shut-off Full face or trail helmet carry Deployable armour carry straps Fleece lined sunglass/phone pocket Internal organiser pockets Gadgethead Magazine
Rapha Pro Team Aero Jersey The Aero Jersey from the ‘Pro Team collection’ has some bold new branding that riders will either love or hate - a bold, raised rubber Rapha takes up the entire length of the left arm, there are six stripes on the back right pocket, and a smaller Rapha and stripes either side of the zip at the hem. If you don’t fancy flashing the branding about, you can order the Aero in Black, but the two other coloured options Grey Blue and Dark Green - are very attractive. Aesthetics aside the Aero has a super lightweight, aerodynamic design, thoughtfully put together to help you push for your fastest rides. This Jersey was based on Rapha’s WorldTour race-winning skinsuit, featuring an ultra-smooth fabric on the front to help you cut through the air and a textured back. This last feature gives you an aerodynamic advantage and provides a directional nap, smooth in one direction and rough in the other
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to minimise drag, and it produces a close fit and flattering profile. The Aero has a new and improved valuables pocket with a strong zip that pulls open with ease and a grippy zip pull that allows you to access it with one hand on the go. On the rear there are three stretchy pockets with a mesh outer layer for breathability on the lower back and bonded tape on the inside to prevent sagging or pulling down the back of the jersey when fully stuffed. The main zip
entry runs the length of the body and has an extended placket to protect any base layers, and silicone details on the interior ensure the jersey remains in place when you push yourself to your limits. The Aero looks great on and works hard to allow you to perform at your best. Light and comfortable, breathable and aerodynamic: a wonderful addition to you cycling wardrobe! RRP £145.00
https://www.rapha.cc/gb/en/shop/pro-team-aerojersey/product/PAJ07XX Pros Light Breathable Improved valuables pocket with easy pull zip Protective extended placket Snug fit Attractive colours Stretchy Smooth front and textured back aid aerodynamics Mesh pockets for ventilation
Cons Rubber logo could put some people off
Gadgethead Magazine
Peli Storm Case iM2875 The iM2875 Peli Storm Case has been designed to protect delicate and expensive equipment in transit. Not only is it waterproof the iM2875 is also dustproof, crushproof and if used with the foam inserts your precious gear couldn’t be in safer hands! In addition to being watertight and dustproof it’s also extremely tough. The external dimensions measure up as 632mm (L) x 602mm (W) x 333mm (D), with the total internal dimensions of 571mm (L) x 536mm (W) x 289mm (D) and a lid dimension of 571mm (L) x 536mm (W) x 51mm (D). Constructed from a lightweight HPX resin the case is both durable and extremely lightweight, weighing in at only 9.12kg when empty and 11.16kg with the foam padding. The telescopic retractable handle is more ridged than some of the other Peli cases we have tested, which have been more bendy; 34
it also retracts a lot smoother than the other case. There are six pressand-pull latches that secure the case: they are tough but easy to open, meaning you can quickly access your gear, but in the event of the case taking a bashing the latches won’t pop open. The use of the Vortex valve equalises the air pressure inside the case and prevents a vacuum forming when opening the case, which could potentially disrupt the contents, and the Rubber ‘O-ring’ seal prevents dust, dirt or water getting into the case. The three rubber over-moulded handles allow you to comfortably carry
the case and grab it off luggage racks and conveyor belts and the tough little wheels make for a smooth travelling experience. However, if the wheels were slightly bigger, it would help with getting over lumps and bumps and off curbs. The ATA 300 security padlock hasps add an extra element of security, whilst the pick ‘n’ pluck foam sets allow you to create a personalised insert protection to suit your needs. RRP £296.06
https://peliproducts. co.uk/cases/products/ im2875-storm-case. html Pros Waterproof, dustproof and crushproof Tough lightweight HPX resin Six press & pull latches Telescopic retractable handle Comfortable Rubber overmoulded handles Rubber ‘O-ring’ seal Vortex valve
Cons Wheels could be larger
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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
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date and available in 12 mostly minimalist designs, it provides
four carrying positions, front facing in, front facing out, back and hip with the ability to quickly and easily switch your baby to face out, or in on the move. The OMNI 360 Baby Carrier adapts to babies growth and can be used from new
https://ergobaby.co.uk/baby-carrier/omni-360 Pros Breathable and lightweight
toddler, grows with baby
Four positioning options
Lumbar support
Cute design Lots of padding Suitable from newborn to
Machine washable Removeable pouch Tuck away hood
Cons Stiff buckles
born, without the need for any insert, all the way up to toddler (7-33lbs / 3.2-15kgs). Like 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. 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 do soften up with use. A good choice for all day wear. RRP £154.90
Gadgethead Magazine
2XU MCS Run Compression Tights 2XU (two times you) were founded in Melbourne, Australia, in 2005, predominately with a running and triathlon apparel focus, and have since grown to become the world’s most technical sportswear company. The MCS Run Compression Tights feature an 8cm mid-rise waistband for a comfortable fit and have been developed around the understanding of the impact running has on the leg and has an anatomical map that targets support to muscles to help reduce soreness and improve recovery. There are many supposed benefits to compression clothing including, reduced muscle fatigue and soreness, reduced muscle damage and risk of overuse injuries, improved performance, muscle alignment, increased agility and faster recovery time. 38
The MCS Run has been made with lightweight PWX fabrics and durable yarns that last over time, it has multidirectional stretch for freedom of movement, the material is also moisture wicking to remove sweat from the skin keeping you dry and comfortable whilst allowing your skin to breathe. These tights have a UPF50+ sun protection, ideal for long sessions and event outdoor and the antibacterial treatment helps to prevent any unpleasant smells after the particularly hard workouts. The Tights take some squeezing into, but once on they are comfortable,
the 8cm Powermesh comfort band and flatlock seams reduce the chance of chaffing and you can tuck away small essentials in the rear zip pocket whilst the reflective logos increase your visibility when training outside. The MCS mapping targets the quads and calves, this aims to reduce strain, soreness, impact and dissipate the load transfer on the knee joint, the compression covers the entire leg with PWX Flex 70D to front panels and PWX Weight 105D to back panels. These tights come with an expensive price tag, however they performed well and provide a good level of compression, as well as looking great on. RRP ÂŁ105
http://www.2xu.com/uk/p/mcs-run-compressiontight/WA4412b-BLK_NRO-XS.html Pros Compression mapping
Flexible & breathable
comfortable
Moisture wicking
Faster recovery
UPF50+ sun protection
Lightweight Multi-directional stretch
Antibacterial
Cons Expensive
Gadgethead Magazine
Imalent DX80 Torch This torch, oh my goodness this torch! Whether you are walking the country lanes at night, using it in an industrial setting or simply trying to blind your mates on a camping weekend, the DX80 will not let you down. This rechargeable LED torch not only has an insanely bright output on its highest setting, but thanks to the 8pcs original Imalent rechargeable 18650 batteries the torch boasts a killer battery life (50000 hours on standby), it takes time to charge up, just over 3hours but once it is full of juice you can squeeze out up to 168hours of light when using it on its lowest setting which is 120lumens. The eight pieces of American CREE XHP70 2nd generation LED bulbs give you six modes in total to choose from: Low that produces 120lumens/168hr, Middle Low gives you 500lumens/40hr
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46min, Middle provides 1500lumens/5hr 40min, Middle High puts out 5000lumens/2hr 25mins, High gives you either 13000 or 70000lumens/8122mins and Turbo mode - achieved at any point by double clicking the button kicks out an immense 7000-32000lumens with a battery life of 3-100mins. No matter what mode you choose to use the DX80 reaches out to 806m with a peak beam intensity of 162600cd meaning you can put a spot light on your mate peeing in the hedge for everyone to see or perhaps some other useful and grown up activity. As if this wasn’t enough the
torch also has an IPX-8 standard waterproof body suitable for two metres of submersion, and provides 1.5m of impact resistance, this is thanks to the aerospace-grade aluminium alloy body, wear-resistant Type III hard-anodized surface treatment and toughened ultraclear mineral and anti-reflective coated glass. However, all this power doesn’t come for free and the price you pay (apart from the actual toe curling £280 price tag) is the weight at 1204g with batteries, also the compact body (213mm length and 92mm head diameter) has a chunky handle (50mm, body diameter) which isn’t overly comfortable for little hands like mine. The other features are multi-functional OLED display which shows you the lumens output,
voltage, charging status and overheating warning, the anti-reverse battery protection, tail stand function and the high efficiency constant current circuit will maintain constant and steady brightness. For a badass look the DX80 comes with holster that can be attached to you belt for ease of transport, the only addition I would like to see is an attachable handle or strap just to make it easier to carry for longer periods of time. RRP £299.95
https://www.heinnie.com/imalent-dx80 Pros Up to 32000 lumens
OLED display
Up to 168hr usage time and 50000hr standby time
Rechargable
Six output modes Compact 806m reach
Cons Chunky handle
Gadgethead Magazine
Peli i1065 iPad Case It seems to be increasing difficult to perform any job without the use of some screen or another, but not all environments are suitable for a delicate device. The i1065 case from Peli lets you safely transport and use your iPad in the toughest of environments. Featuring all the old Peli favourites there is the Rubber ‘O-ring’ seal to ensure the case is water tight, it also has an automatic pressure equalisation valve to help the case open smoothly and quickly every time by preventing a vacuum forming and it also helps to keep out dust and dirt. The Peli i1065 fits most 10inch tablets, including iPad 1, iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad 4, iPad Air, iPad with Retina Display and iPad with Smart Cover, with internal dimensions of 253mm (L) x 197mm (W) x 41mm (D) and exterior dimensions of 276mm (L) x 236mm (W) x 31mm (D). As well as being fully
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waterproof this case is also crush and dust proof. The case itself is scratch-resistant to help it look more attractive for longer, but regular exposure to tough environments will leave its mark on the case. There is a moulded plush shock-absorbing Liner included in the case that does what it says and protects the device from impacts whilst preventing the case from scratching the tablet. This liner can also be used as an easel for hands free viewing of pictures, documents or films at multiple different angels. The i1065 has an Easy-Open latch which - unsurprisingly with a name like that - is very
easy to open, but it can also remain tightly closed in the event of impact or when put under pressure. There are some silicone feet on one side to protect less rugged work tops but there is no handle, which would have been a very welcome addition. However, the i1065 is a tough case and whilst not being the most attractive it is compact and protective. RRP £56.58
https://peliproducts. co.uk/i1065-ipad-case. html Pros Tough Dust, crush and waterproof Insert doubles as a stand Compact Easy-Open Latch Automatic Purge Valve Moulded Plush Shock-absorbing Liner
Cons No handle No protection for more delicate worktops
Gadgethead Magazine
Tula Free-to-Grow Baby Carrier Like all the Tula products the Free-to-Grow Baby Carrier is available in a whole host of patterns: 21 to be exact. With a selection of cute, modern, gender neutral and plain designs to chose from, you can find the perfect style for you. Packed full of features the Free-toGrow is suitable from 7lbs to 45lbs without 44
the aid of an infant insert; the body panel adjusts in three width settings and two height
settings to provide a snuggly position as baby grows. The thick padded shoulder straps are fully adjustable to help you find the perfect set up to protect your shoulders and neck, this is helpful when you have multiple
wearers. The straps that sit at the back of your body are a little fiddly and will need to be adjusted before you put it on, or you will need to get someone else to tighten it up when you are wearing it. This carrier can be worn in either front or back carrying configurations (back carrying only recommend when baby has strong and consistent head, neck, and torso control, and can push themselves independently,) but only works with the child facing your body. This helps to promote healthy hip and spine development for baby. Hand made from 100% OEKO-TEX, Standard 100 certified fabric, the carrier feels nice and soft, flexible and breathable and with an added mesh panel it facilitates a good degree of temperature regulation for both child and carrier. To help provide an even weight distribution across your body and help support your back
https://tulababy.co.uk/collections/free-to-growbaby-carriers?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3OHCmLyg2wI VgrHtCh2_Dw_jEAAYASAAEgKmivD_BwE Pros Dual-adjustable shoulder straps
Front or back carrying
Lots of padding Breathable
21 designs to choose from
Ventilating mesh panel
Wide padded waistband Detachable hood
Cons Slightly heavier than some carriers
there is a lovely wide and padded waistband, with a generous amount of padding around babies’ legs which together ensure you are both comfortable for longer periods of time. For storage there is a large front pocket than can double up as a hand warmer and a matching removeable hood with snaps for quick attachment and detachment - this can be used to support the head, protect from the sun and give you privacy while nursing, should you feel you need it. The Free-to-Grow Tula baby carrier is beautifully made: there is good ventilation and it is comfortable to wear. At 1.7lbs it is a little heavier than some carriers, but don’t let that put you off! The high-quality construction gives you faith in its durability and the buckles can be opened with one hand. An excellent choice! RRP £139.90 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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Thetford Porta Potti 565 (previously the Porta Potti Excellence) My friendship group and I love camping, we go to a very relaxed site (ok, a field off a chicken farm) every year and the back-to-basics atmosphere is just what you need to take a break from all the screens and hassle of the modern world. I can easily go without the warm showers, chilled beers and box set binges, but our budget campsite has one major drawback: two incredibly grotty toilets for the entire site that are regularly blocked, made almost exclusively out of MDF, spiders and disease. Thankfully this year is going to be different: with the addition of a caravan to our little tent town, we can finally upgrade to a Porta Potti (shotgun not emptying it!) The Porta Potti 565 from Thetford was our first experience with a portable loo and we were impressed with the compact and classic 48
toilet design, which is more like the shape you would normally find at home. Perfect if you are looking to use it for camping, on the boat or even as a substitute during home renovations, the 565 comes in a clean white design with a manual piston pump or with an electric pump. All the controls can be covered when not in use, this includes the piston pump, water fill cap and water level indicator. For handy storage there is an integrated toilet roll holder and the new and improved carry handle on the water tank makes it more comfortable to set up and empty.
The toilet sits at a comfortable height of 443mm and a large bowl makes it feel as close to a standard toilet experience as possible (a sentence I didn’t expect to write today…) We were expecting bad smells and unpleasant emptying, but it was surprisingly odour free with the use of the right chemicals. It is easy to empty with a press of the button, but when it was full it was quite heavy to move so a trolley might be handy for longer distances. After using this once it would be difficult to go back to those nasty stink boxes on site. It’s not the cheapest with the Potti and the added purchase of chemicals, but get everyone who wants to use it to chip in and it’s a great investment! RRP $229.99
https://www.thetfordeurope.com/product/ porta-potti-565-hc/ Pros Compact Easy to use Comfortable height Toilet roll storage Straight forward to empty and clean Electric or piston pump
Gadgethead Magazine
Üllo Wine Purifier Along with the awesome dancing skills, the excellent decision making and the sharp banter that lives inside your favourite bottle of wine, there are also sulphites lurking away. These can be naturally occurring or artificial chemicals that are added to the wine to preserve it and are no longer needed once the bottle is opened. For most people sulphites cause no issue other than subtly changing the taste of the wine, but for those with sulphite sensitivities it can cause allergic reactions (although this is a very small percentage of the population.) The Üllo Wine Purifier filters out the sulphites by using a food-grade polymer which targets sulphites but allows the compounds to flow through, leaving the natural flavours and aromas unaffected. Some wines need aeration and some do not, so the Üllo can be twisted to open the aeration channels if needed. It’s worth
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getting a bottle of red that needs to breathe just for how aesthetically pleasing it is to watch it twirl its way into your glass. Each filter purifies one 750ml bottle of wine. It has been designed to sit on top of a variety of wine glasses, decanters and carafe. It comes with an attractive silicone base to catch the drips between uses, a travel bag and four Selective Sulphite Capture single bottle filters. The Üllo is dishwasher safe and made from BPA-free materials, with compact dimensions of 5 7/8” (H) x 4 3/8” (W). For the price, however, I
expected the finish to be cleaner - there are some tatty edges and the overall quality is just a little less than I expected. There is also the additional expense of replacing the filters: one box of 10 will cost you £30 and last you 10 bottles of wine. As someone who isn’t sensitive to sulphites, I can’t say with any certainty how effective it was. However, I can say it aerated the wine well and after using the filter the wine tasted smoother. Ideal for serious wine fans with plenty of money! RRP $79.99
https://ullowine.com/products/ullo-wine-purifier Pros Filters sulfites and aerates at the same time Easy to use Look good when aerate channels are open Attractive silicone base Fits a large variety of glasses and decanters
Cons Finish could be cleaner for the price Replacement filter are expensive
Gadgethead Magazine
Deuter Futura Pro 36 The Futura Pro 36 is a 36L bag from Deuter suitable for hiking, trekking and travelling, available in an attractive Forest Alpine Green, a cool Midnight Steel Blue and a rugged Graphite Black. It measures up at 70cm (H) x 28cm (W) x 24cm (D) and weighing in at 1580g. The Futura Pro comes with a world of features, the Aircomfort Sensic mesh back system sits on a flexible spring steel frame, now that might sound uncomfortable, but the reality is that it provides a stable support whilst the comfortable, airy back mesh forms a ventilation space between you and the pack, helping you to keep cool. To encourage even weight distribution across the body, the Variflex hip fins allows for energyefficient carrying and takes the pressure 52
off your shoulders and back, they have been designed with ergonomic pads that custom fit the fins on the hip for perfect load distribution. Deuter’s Vari Flex System allows for ease of movement even when you are in some awkward positions like crouching over to do your laces up and helps you maintain your balance. Both the back system and hip fins combined result in the pack hugging your body but with enough space to breath, you know, like the perfect relationship.
For added comfort the load adjustments strap individually adapts the pack’s centre of gravity and are fully adjustable to meet the wearers individual needs. As for storage, there are stretch pockets on the side and front, a dedicated valuables pocket and a stretch compartment on the inside of the pack ideal for storing sweaty or wet clothes. Lastly there is a bottom compartment with a removable separator and the integrated lid pocket guarantees quick access to your gear. Additional features include the adjustable sternum strap, removeable rain cover with its own pocket, the SOS label provides a rather limited number
of important tips in case of emergency, hiking pole attachments, and it is also compatible with Streamer 2.0L and Streamer 3.0L. The Drafter performed superbly during our testing, not only was it comfortable with the padded shoulder straps and flexible hip fins but the ventilation worked well, it has plenty of space and pockets to organise your gear and the solid construction gives you faith that it will be a reliable walking buddy for years to come. RRP £135
https://www.deuter.com/DE/en/hiking/futurapro-36-3401118-green.html Pros Breathable Pull-Forward Hip Fin Aircomfort System Bottom Compartment Padded Hip Belt Vari Flex System Rain Cover Valuables Pocket Hydration System 3.0 L Compatible Hiking Pole Attachment
Gadgethead Magazine
Osprey Nebula 34 The Nebula 34 has been created to be a versatile everyday bag, whether you are commuting or hiking, with lots of pockets and features to keep you organised on the go. As the name suggests this is a 34L backpack and comes in a variety of attractive designs: Navy Blue, Black, Robust Red, Komodo Green and Armor Grey (the sample we received, which has a funky orange back in interior lining). The Nebula has a dedicated padded laptop and tablet sleeve (39cm L x 28cm W x 5cm D), with direct 54
zip access that helps you quickly grab out your gear at airline security checkpoints. The side compression
straps keep your items secure whilst the sternum strap (with emergency whistle) and removable webbing hip-belt helps to ensure that your pack doesn’t bounce around. The minimal hip belt isn’t as comfortable as the padded variety, but it acts as a stabiliser rather than a weight distributer. The front
https://www.ospreyeurope.com/shop/gb_en/ nebula-34-1 Pros
stretch pockets let you quickly stash away a jacket or magazine when your train arrives, for example, and the LED bike light attachment point and reflective graphics helps to enhance your visibility on the roads. Lightweight and compact the Nebula weighs 0.96kg with maximum dimensions 50cm (l) x 33cm (w) x 30cm (d) and the ‘210D Nylon Oxford’ construction means it can protect your belongings from the elements (to a certain extent) but there is no padding or panel on the bottom, so just be
Loads of organiser pockets
with emergency whistle
LED light attachment point
Stretch front pocket
Padded laptop and tablet sleeve with direct zip access
Scratch-free sunglasses and electronics pocket
Side compression straps
Five attractive colours Comfortable
Sternum strap
Cons Lacks ventilation
Thin waist belt
aware before you go dumping your bag on the ground! To keep you super-organised there is a front panel organiser pocket, internal document sleeve, internal key attachment clip, internal organisation pocket, stretch mesh side pocket and a scratch-proof sunglasses & electronics pocket, whilst the bright orange internal lining aids in locating possessions with ease. The Nebula 34 has all the standard useful features that Osprey bring to the table: perfect for an everyday day pack without the overkill - we don’t need two ice picks for a day out in the country! The padded back-panel makes for a comfortable ride but doesn’t provide much ventilation, so be prepared for a sweaty back on warmer days. RRP £75.00
Gadgethead Magazine
EarthQuaker Afterneath The Afterneath from EarthQuaker is by its own admission an ‘otherworldly’ Reverberator. The image of the wizard isn’t just for decoration, he lives inside the pedal and can turn even the most average guitarist into a surreal rock legend. There are six knobs to play with (sounds like a good weekend): the Length allows you to adjust how long the reverb will stretch out for before it decays; the Diffuse is there to adjust the spread of the reverb, turn it counter-clockwise for a sharper sound that EarthQuaker describes as a ‘stuttering sputter of individual early reflections’, whilst a counter clockwise turn will give you a gentler, more ambient sound. The Dampen creates brighter tones with a twist to the right and, unsurprisingly, a twist
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to the left brings about darker, thicker tones with a smooth topend. A fiddle with the Drag lets you separate the individual digital delay lines: a turn clockwise gathers up the delay lines close together for a fuller reverb effect and a turn counter-clockwise pulls the lines apart for a more scattered “ping-pong” delay effect. The Reflect lets you play with the depth and the regeneration of the reverb; it works as a feedback control: turn clockwise for more echoes and counterclockwise for less.
Lastly the Mix controls the balance between the input signal and effect, allowing you to blend the wet signal into the dry (it does not go full wet). The Afterneath is true-bypass and if EarthQuaker is to be believed, is built one-at-a-time by a wizard, two bards, a paladin, a monk, a handful of rangers, a couple druids, a barbarian, a rogue, and a Dungeon Master in the Gelatinous Cube of Akron, Ohio, USA (I can’t see any reason not to believe them!) It uses silent relay-based soft touch switching and the audio will not pass without power. It measures up at 4.75″ x 2.50″ x. 2.25″ with the knobs, it has an
attractive clean finish and a durable, solid body. There is a cheap and nasty little cloth bag included that we can just ignore. The Afterneath is a wonderful pedal to play with. There are so many different and original sounds you can create, you will easily lose hours just having fun with it well worth the money! RRP $229.00
https://www.earthquakerdevices.com/afterneath/ Pros Six effects to play with Fun, unique sounds High quality construction Good value for money
Gadgethead Magazine
Thinktank Streetwalker HardDrive V2.0 Although I still cringe at the name ‘Streetwalker’, this series of bags has got you covered when it comes to safely travelling with your camera gear and the HardDrive V2.0 is no different. This large capacity bag can hold one gripped, one standard DSLR, 5–7 standard zoom lenses, a 15” laptop and a 13” tablet or one gripped DSLR, 5–7 standard zoom lenses, a flash, a 15” laptop and a 13” tablet, plus it can house a maximum lens size of 200–400mm f/4 (example- Canon 1DxII (x2), 70–200mm f/2.8 attached, 16–35 f/2.8 attached, a 24–70mm f/2.8, 100mm f/2.8 macro, 50mm f/1.2, 2x teleconverter, 600EXII
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flash, 15” MacBook Pro and a 12.9” iPad Pro). There is a tripod mount on front panel of the bag and a tripod cup for larger tripods, included on ‘Pro’ and HardDrive versions of the bag, the rear internal pockets can also store documents or magazines. There are dedicated device storage compartments, the laptop pocket measures up at 10” W x 16.1” H x 0.9” D (25.5 x 41 x 2.2 cm), the Tablet at 8.9” W x 11.9” H x 0.4” D (22.5
× 30.3 × 1 cm), and the phone pocket is 3.9” W x 7.5” H x 0.6” D (10 × 19 × 1.5 cm). For allday comfort there are thick padded shoulder straps and a 320G airmesh back panel that provides ventilation to help keep you cooler on long treks. The lightweight materials and slim profile design helps you move around even in tight spots, like the streets of Venice or budget supermarkets. To protect your gear from the elements the Streetwalker is made from a tough ballistic nylon and YKK RC Fuse zips and a seamsealed rain cover is ready for action in its
dedicated pocket. The interior dividers are fully customisable to your gear profile, whilst the front organiser pocket is useful for storing spare batteries, memory cards and other small accessories, compatible with Camera Support Straps, Thin Skin and Pro Speed Camera Belts, which are available at an additional cost. The Streetwalker HardDrive V2.0 is a wonderfully made bag that is as versatile as it is tough. It is comfortable to wear even when fully loaded and permits instant access to all your belongings. RRP $229.75
https://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/ streetwalker-harddrive-v2 Pros Comfortable Tough Large capacity Tripod mount Padded shoulder straps Slim profile Lightweight
Breathable 320G air-mesh back panel keeps Organiser pocket Customisable interior dividers Seam-sealed rain cover
Cons Pricey
Gadgethead Magazine
3dRudder The 3dRudder is a foot activated motion controller specifically designed to enhance the VR experience, with a half sphere design, the movements needed to control the device are very intuitive. We found the 3dRudder easy to install and it is compatible with all PC games that are played on the keyboard, the controller, or joystick. It works on 4 axes that allows you to move forward, backward, strafe left and right, rotate, or use the special feature by lifting one foot up at the toe and lift the other foot up at the heel, this movement takes a little more time to master. The 3dRudder can only be used whilst seated and it is best used with an adjustable seat, so you can find the perfect comfortable position, our sofa is quite low to the floor which meant it quickly became uncomfortable on the knees. The 3dRudder is compatible with HTC Vive, Oculus Rift and Windows Mixed Reality HMD’s, 60
within the Games thumbnail, you will find a full selection of VR game profiles with preconfigured settings for your 3dRudder, this means you can simply select the setting for your type of headset and the configurations will be sent to the 3dRudder. You can also use the 3dRudder when modding games, precisely control your motion by tilting the rudder to increase or decrease speed, however we recommend wearing shoes or grippy slipper socks as when you get a bit to into the game it is easy for your feet (when wearing regular socks) to slip off due
to the lack of any outer rail or wall. The 3dRudder comes with a 2meter cable which may not be suitable for larger rooms, it also takes up quite a bit of space, so you will need somewhere to store it when not in use. Aside from that, it is quite entertaining and quickly becomes second nature to use. However, it is not a responsive as hand held controllers so I think people who still prefer controller over full immersive VR won’t have their minds changed, but there is potential for people who enjoy running around their living rooms to be converted for the chance to sit down and play. RRP €99
https://www.3drudder. com/ Pros Easy to install Intuitive Innovative idea Compatible with all VR games Combines with handheld controls Mod options Designed for playing at room scale
Cons Large unit difficult to store No barrier to prevent feet slipping off
Gadgethead Magazine
Sports TENS 2 The Sports TENS 2 works in a few different ways: the TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) can relieve pain by encouraging the body to release endorphins and block pain signals to the brain, it can also be used as an EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) which sends the muscle into contraction with the aim of toning and shaping the muscle through stimulation. The Sports TENS 2 comes in a simple, compact and portable design (115mm x 56mm x 23mm without the
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clip) and has over 50 pre-set programs that have been specifically designed to help with all stages of training
and recovery. In the kit you get the Sports TENS 2 unit, belt clip, two L-ST2 lead wires, four 50 x 50mm superior self-adhesive electrode pads (with a life of 12-20 applications), one Li-ion rechargeable battery (will last up to one week on a full charge), charging cradle, UK power adaptor, black
https://www.tenscare.co.uk/sport-therapy/ sports-tens-2 Pros Easy to use Portable Good battery life
50 programs to choose from Works as TENS and EMS
Cons Manual not clear
Expensive
transit pouch and manual. It is simple to use with 27 EMS programs, 10 TENS programs, 10 massage programs and eight spaces left for save your own personalised programs. It has enough memory for a 30-day exercise program comprised of three uses a day, it also records usage time and average intensity. The Sports TENS 2 is comfortable to use; you can easily change the
strength to ensure that you can find the right intensity for you. The manual isn’t 100% clear but with a bit of use it becomes self-explanatory. The display is a good size and easy to read. Now, like all EMS machines, you won’t end up with big bulging muscles without putting in the extra graft of a good diet and workout routine, but it could definitely help alongside these. After using it, it certainly feels like your muscles have had a good workout. I am already convinced of the benefits that TENS machines can bring when it comes to pain relief and I found the Sports TENS 2 performed as expected and helped with sore muscles and joints. RRP £79.00
Gadgethead Magazine
DeWALT DCN680D2 Nailer Kit Fancy taking your DIY skills up a level? Or probably the safer set of circumstances is that you already work with gear like this and won’t end up with stigmata in your hands. The DeWALT DCN680 is a brushless XR 18 Gauge Brad Nailer which comes with two 2.0Ah XR Li-Ion battery packs with state of charge indicator, a multivoltage XR charger and the TSTAK-VI Heavy Duty Kitbox for storage and travel. Designed to be compact, lightweight and ergonomic tool, the kit means its easily portable and ready to work on site, it is mechanical instead of gas operated which not only produces lower running costs but consistent performance too. It has a brushless motor that provides an increased runtime and durability, the
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trigger and contact trip lock-off is there as a safety measure to ensure there isn’t any accidental discharge (no one likes that). The depth of drive can be adjusted by using a comfortable thumb wheel depth adjuster, there are two modes of operation to choose from, the Sequential mode allows for a perfectly precise placement and the Bump mode lets you fire out up to four nails per second like a Transformer warrior. Additional features include rear loading, an integrated belt hook, fault indicator and a magazine capacity of up to 110 nails with a
nail diameter of 1.25 (18Ga) mm and a nail length of 15 - 54 mm. The DCN680D2 is wonderfully portable with no leads or gas holding you back you can get into the most awkward of areas, it is very easy to use but a bit bulky so may be a bit difficult for smaller hands to hold onto for long periods of time, the Sequential mode helps you get pin point precision every time and the tough heavy duty kit boxes keeps the Nailer safe on site and when travelling.
http://products.dewalt.co.uk/powertools/ productdetails/catno/DCN680D2/ Pros Kit provides everything you need BRUSHLESS motor with long runtime Lightweight Mechanical operation Sequential or Bump mode Thumb wheel depth adjuster Trigger and contact trip lock-off Solid construction
Gadgethead Magazine
Terms & Conditions Our aim is to give our readers the most honest reviews we can. We also want to ensure all manufacturers have the opportunity to promote their goods regardless of their financial standing. In fact we are incredibly proud that start up companies have just as much chance of promoting their goods as do established brands. Our policy is simple in that we don’t offer returns unless previously agreed. We also reserve the right to keep or sell the goods to fund our writers and keep our magazine active. We do not offer sponsored reviews where we are paid directly for the review and we feel that this model is the best way to get an objective and impartial review. So whilst we won’t guarantee a favourable review, we will guarantee an honest one. Please check out our full terms and conditions on www.littlegatepublishing.com
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