Issue 5.06
UK
£4.95
www.thegadgethead.com
Inspired By Your Success
CONTENTS MAB V2.0c • JR Ultra 8000 S2 Whole Slow Juicer • Amawrap Shark Evo one 2 helmet • Victorinox Airboss Mechanical • Steelseries Rival 650 Wireless Mouse • Dainese AWA M2 • Senz Automatic Pure Black Kärcher Hard Floor Cleaner Fc 5 Premium • Mason Pearson Hairbrush • Airfly • 5.11 Tactile Load Up 22” Carry On 46L
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
Salus Controls iT500 • Urbanista Stockholm • Joshu+Vela Stone Backpack • Skull Shaver Butterfly Kiss Shaver • TyrePal TC215/B Monitor with Two External Sensors TushBaby • Halo Sport 2 • Men’s UA RUSH ¾ Leggings • Royole Rowrite UA Vanish Woven Shorts • Tucano Urbano Motorcycle Accessories • JAXJOX KettlebellConnect • Soundcore by Anker Spirit Wireless Earphones TCX Baja Boots • ROK Coffee Grinder • UA RUSH Sports Bra • Lowepro Protactic BP 450 AW II • Logitech Circle 2 Forma Adventure Boots • Optoma NU Force BE Sport 4 • UA RUSH Short Sleeve • Solar Tackle SP C-Tech Bedchair • FIXD • UA RUSH Leggings • Kathmandu Interloper gridTECH
MOTORCYCLE AIR BAG SAFETY VEST
MAB V2.0C I HAVE BEEN RIDING MOTORCYCLES FOR DECADES AND FOR THE LAST 4 YEARS I HAVE RIDDEN IN AN AIR VEST WHICH IS A WEARABLE AIRBAG SYSTEM FOR MOTORCYCLISTS THAT INFLATES IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT TO PROTECT IMPORTANT BODY AREAS. FOR YEARS MOTORCYCLE GEAR HAS COME WITH HARD PROTECTION ON THE ELBOWS, SHOULDERS AND THE BACK HOWEVER THE EVOLUTION OF AIRBAG TECHNOLOGY FOR MOTORCYCLISTS IS VERY EXCITING AND OFFERS SO MUCH MORE. Wearing one of these vests does take time to get used to as you have to attach a lanyard to the bike and more importantly disconnect it when you get off. Don’t worry though, they don’t employ hair triggers that inflate the vest if you don’t remember to unlatch yourself when you get off the bike. It will take a good hard sharp motion to inflate these, such as falling off or being hit. When you have used them, you will feel naked if you’re not wearing one. For me, it’s now akin to driving without a seatbelt or riding without a helmet and is an invaluable part of my riding attire. I am pleased to say that I have never had my vest inflated due to an accident, however a couple of years ago I was following a friend in the wet, he was on brand new tyres and his bike slid out from under him and threw him off. Even at a relatively slow 30 mph, the bike was a complete write-off and he lay in the road thinking he was paralysed until the vest slowly deflated and then he realised that he had been held in place by the inflated vest. We were amazed he only had a few bruises and I am certain this wouldn’t have been the case without it. He then simply checked it, repacked it, inserted a new air canister and the vest was ready for the next time, which is important as air vests are not cheap, but they can be reusable. My previous air vest I have been wearing for 4 years is made from a flappy
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nylon material which I am sure would do the job however the new Motoairbag Vest is made in a robust Cordura 500 material in black with some reflective elements and looks and feels much more professional and fit for purpose. It has independent airbags front and rear, encasing your torso. The quality and workmanship of the Motoairbag vest is apparent and where your money goes. I would have preferred a more hivis version, especially in the misty murky weather of the UK. I spoke to Motoair about this and you can state to have extra high vis panels to be sewn onto your vest however this needs to be at the beginning of production. I am delighted to announce that in the Milan motorbike show (EICMA 2019) which is coming up in November they will be a launching their newest model which will have reflective and fluorescent panels already fitted. Ultimately the success of an air vest will come down to how they look and feel to wear. This Motoairbag vest feels quality, it has loads of adjustment around the midriff so it can be adjusted over your thicker winter gear or lighter summer gear. It has a reassuring harness which you clip up underneath the main zip. This vest is belt and braces. The more I ride in an air vests the more I think that they should be made a legal requirement in the same way helmets have.
www.motoairbag.com PROS
RRP €699
Well Made Life Saving Looks Great
CONS Not Fully Reflective
JR ULTRA 8000 S2 WHOLE SLOW JUICER GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT, AND THE JR ULTRA 8000 S2 WHOLE SLOW JUICER TAKES JUICING TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL; IT CAN JUICE CONTINUALLY FOR UP TO 2 HOURS, LONGER THAN ANY OTHER HOUSEHOLD SLOW JUICER, AND IS SUITABLE FOR BOTH HOME AND COMMERCIAL USE. THE 8000 S2 USES ADVANCED JUICING DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY WITH A NEW UPGRADED ADVANCED SQUEEZE TECHNOLOGY, TWO-STEP AUGER DESIGN AND FILTERS WITH A LARGE MESH SURFACE AREA TO EXTRACT THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF JUICE, EVEN FROM LEAFY GREENS. THE JR ULTRA 8000 S2 JUICER COMES WITH THE MAIN UNIT WITH 2 HOUR, 240 WATT AC MOTOR, SMOOTH JUICE FILTER, COURSE JUICE FILTER, FROZEN FRUIT DESSERT FILTER, PUSHER, ROTATING BASKET BRUSH, TWO JUGS (ONE JUICE JUG AND ONE PULP JUG), PULP SIEVE (FOR JUICE JUG), CLEANING BRUSH, INSTRUCTION MANUAL AND RECIPE BOOK. This juicer has a rotation speed of 37rpm and a rotation wiper speed of 17rpm, the juice is squeezed, pressed and moved by the 8000 S2 more gently than other whole slow juicers, these are among the slowest speeds of any whole slow juicer. Why, in the world of instant gratification, would we want a slow producing device? Well, the slower the speed the purer, tastier and more superior the juice with less oxidisation, more nutrition and much longer storage life. This machine can make juices, nut and bean milks, thick juice and smoothies as well as frozen fruit desserts, it comes with a unique non-drip mixing cap which lets you rinse the machine if you are doing more than one type of juice. The new FeedSafe chute lets you safely drop more foods in their whole form into the machine, keeping your hands out of harm’s way. The unit itself is rather large at 49cm tall x 16cm wide x 26cm deep and will take up a fair amount of space on your worktop, it is also pretty hefty at 8kg but this ensures it is
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sturdy whilst working. It looks attractive, and although the majority of the components are plastic (BPA free) they feel reasonably thick, so will hopefully remain durable.
Up t hou contin juic
The 8000 S2 is easy to use, reasonably quiet (50-60 dB noise level), it has forward and reverse functions, overheat and overload cutout safety system, and it is easy enough to clean. This certainly isn’t a cheap product, but the juice it produces is lovely, full of flavour, it tastes delicious and healthy, better than any from the cheap juicer we had at home, and it will work quietly away in the background ensuring you get the best possible results with the least amount of effort.
to 2 urs’ nuous cing
RRP £424.99 https://www.juicyretreats.com/jr-ultra-8000-s2whole-slow-juicer PROS Delicious results Up to 2 hours’ continuous juicing FeedSafe chute 37rpm rotation speed, 17rpm wiper speed
Produces juices, nut/ bean milks, thick juice/ smoothies and frozen fruit dessert Easy to clean Quiet Sturdy
CONS Expensive
AMAWRAP SHABS’S FIRST TASTE OF MOTHERHOOD INCLUDED AN EMERGENCY CAESAREAN, STRUGGLING WITH THE INABILITY TO BREASTFEED AND DEVELOPING POSTNATAL DEPRESSION, TOPPED OFF WITH THE ISSUES OF LEAVING THE FLAT CARRYING A BABY, PUSHCHAIR AND BAGS DOWN THE STAIRS WITH HER CAESAREAN STITCHES, SHE DECIDED TO TAKE THINGS INTO HER OWN HANDS BY FASHIONING HER VERY OWN BABY WRAP. Shabs believes this helped her to finally feel the bond that she didn’t realise she was lacking due the trauma of the first few weeks, and the combination of skin-to-skin contact and seeing her baby asleep on her chest brought her an amazing sense of peace. From there Shabs and her mum began experimenting with different fabrics and designs with the right amount of stretch until Amawrap was finally born and ready to hit the market. One thing that can put people off even attempting slings is because they aren’t sure how to tie them but Amawrap will even offer one-on-one video calls if you are worried about your tying abilities. After nearly ten years Amawraps are still being manufactured in the UK and they provide slings and training to local hospitals in order to encourage them to use them with their premature babies, a method called “kangaroo care”, and provide wraps for charities. There are 12 fabric designs to choose from and the slings are certified by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, thanks to the way baby’s hips and back are supported in an ergonomic position, and
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there are also lots of ways to support baby’s head. It comes with a matching bag for compact storage when not in use, one size fits all and they are constructed with 100% pure cotton wrap. Although they don’t feel as soft as or as stretchy as some of the other wraps on the market, the fabric is supportive, lightweight and comfortable against your and baby’s skin. Like so many wraps of this nature it can get a little warm between you and baby so be prepared for some sweat patches when you take it off. Overall this wrap is suitable from newborn up until 33lbs in weight and feels secure, a great way to bond with baby, hands free.
Strong suppo
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RRP £44.99 (Core Colours) £49.99 (Patterns)
https://amawrap.com/ PROS Attractive designs Strong and supportive 100% natural cotton Compact storage pocket included
Baby’s back and hips are supported No buckles or straps to dig in
CONS Gets warm Not as soft as some wraps
SHARK EVO ONE 2 HELMET THERE ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MOTORBIKE HELMETS SUCH AS FULL-FACE, OPEN-FACE AND MODULAR. A MODULAR HELMET IS A COMBINATION OF THE FIRST TWO AND ALLOWS THE FRONT CHIN BAR TO FLIP UP EXPOSING YOUR FACE AND THEREFORE MAKING IT EASIER TO CHAT TO YOUR MATES OR PAY FOR PETROL FROM JOBSWORTH GARAGE ATTENDANTS. Traditionally I ride in full-face helmets as the protection is considered best and I was excited when I was sent the Shark Evo-one 2 modular helmet to try. My initial worry about any modular helmet is the safety of the movable chin guard on impact, this is the obvious weak point, however I was reassured with the Shark Evo-One 2 as it has been tested by SHARP and the chin guard stayed locked in place 100% of the time. That is an awesome score and should mean you can rely on the chin guard to stay protecting your face, which isn’t true for most modular helmets. The Evo-One 2 has been tested and certified to be used in both full-face and open-face configurations. This would appear to be a very safe helmet. The first thing I noticed when I put the helmet on was how easy it is to get onto your head compared to a standard full-face. When the chin bar is flipped up the helmet can be pulled slightly wider to put your head in. Once the helmet is on you can ride with it as an open-face or full-face, which is not the case for many modulars. Once the chin bar is pulled to the front and clicked in place it seems to tighten the whole fit of the helmet and feels very comfortable and secure. The chin bar cleverly pushes the visor out of the way and then sits nicely around the back of the helmet with a click. The sun visor is easy to operate with a slide button on the top and as it is a slide you can
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adjust how far up or down you want the sun visor. Other helmets have an up or down only sun visor, which doesn’t always fit and can rub on your nose. I found this Shark very comfortable from the get-go with no bedding-in period, it just felt right. The Slasher graphics on mine look brilliant but if you don’t like these there are many to choose from right down to plain colours. The liner is made of luxurious wicking material to take sweat away and is fully removable and washable connected with pop studs and Velcro to the helmet. I found it simple to add in my PackTalk communication system within the helmet and the Evo has considerate cut outs for speakers in the ears. Shark also do their own communications system called SHARKTOOTH® that slots straight in. The ventilation is brilliant as there is a front chin vent and two vents on the top and of course if you get too hot flip the chin bar back for a breezy open face. The chin strap is a ratchet affair which I like as it is quick and easy. I have had too many D-ring straps that are a bit fiddly and when they get older and the strap gets softer they can twist through the D-ring. On the inside of the chin guard is a retractable magnetised breath guard. It has a plastic tag on it - which you can easily grab with a gloved hand and pull down - and
RRP £349.99
it sits under the chin to reduce wind noise and draft. When you don’t want to use it you flip it back up and it stays in place. It is unobtrusive and you might ride in the life of the helmet and not even realise it is there. The visor is wide and gives great vision. It is also Pinlock ready and comes generously with the Pinlock Max Vision insert. A question always asked when testing helmets is, “How noisy is it?” I struggle to answer that as I always ride wearing earplugs. I have read too many white papers that conclude that riding without ear protection is stupid and can terminally damage your hearing, so I won’t ride without plugs, even for a review. That said, it doesn’t seem any louder than any of my other helmets. I wasn’t sure that a modular type helmet was for me, however once I read the safety statistics and was reassured, I thought, ‘why not give it a go?’ and I am really glad I did. After riding in it for a few hours there is nothing negative to report back and there are loads of benefits you don’t get with a full-face. This is the helmet I will be riding down to the South of France in July when I will be reviewing loads of gear. With the best part of 3,000 miles planned for this trip, it will sort out the men from the boys and I will keep you posted about the helmet however at the moment its looks very positive.
www.nevis.uk.com/ PROS Comfortable Quality Sliding sun visor Ratchet strap Best of both worlds
CONS Heavier than a standard full-face
VICTORINOX AIRBOSS MECHANICAL AS SPORTS WATCHES GO, THE AIRBOSS MECHANICAL FROM VICTORINOX HAS A RATHER STYLISH DESIGN WITH A SLIMMEDDOWN PROFILE, THE SWISS-MADE AUTOMATIC MOVEMENT ETA 2824-2 IS VISIBLE THROUGH THE TRANSLUCENT EXHIBITION CASE BACK AND IN A WORLD OF THE DIGITAL TAKEOVER THERE IS SOMETHING COMPLETELY SATISFYING WITH SEEING THESE DELICATE LITTLE COGS AND MECHANISMS FLITTER ABOUT. The Airboss Mechanical comes in six designs, two with stainless steel strap, two with full leather strap and two with a fabric strap with leather inner lining. We received the navy-blue version with a fabric strap and soft beige leather lining on the inside of the strap, there are seven red stitches that tie in with the red second hand and the red 24-hour dial that sits on the watch’s window. This watch has a 38hour power reserve, a circular slide rule and exclusive military time function, it has Super-LumiNova technology for effortless readability in the dark and features a 42mm diameter with a 11mm height and weighs 92.5g. The Airboss Mechanical is water resistant up to 100m (330 feet) and up to 10 ATM, the lug has a width of 22mm and there is a bidirectional rotating bezel, the date display is centred just above the six o’clock marker, this keeps the watch face in a visually pleasing symmetrical arrangement. The dial is protected by a scratch-resistant, triple-coated anti-reflective sapphire crystal casing that provides a super clear display and features military time for those
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budding aviators. The metal tri-folding clasp is a little fiddly to close at first but it protects the leather from wearing out too quickly and makes it easier to attach with one hand, the red 24-hour dial adds nice visuals but is difficult to read, other than that the Airboss Mechanical is beautifully put together and looks and works like the premium product it is.
Super-LumiNo technology
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RRP £795
https://www.victorinox.com/uk/en/Products/Watches/Mens-Watches/AirBoss-Mechanical/p/241507 PROS Swiss-made automatic movement ETA 2824-2 Translucent exhibition case back With 38-hour power reserve Super-LumiNova technology
Premium build quality Scratch-resistant, triplecoated anti-reflective sapphire crystal Water resistant to 10ATM, 100m depth
CONS Red dial difficult to read Clasp can be fiddly to do up to begin with
STEELSERIES RIVAL 650 WIRELESS MOUSE THE RIVAL 650 FROM STEELSERIES IS THE FIRST TRUE PERFORMANCE WIRELESS MOUSE; WITH QUANTUM WIRELESSTM IT OFFERS A LAG-FREE 1000HZ (1MS) GAMING AND JUST 15 MINUTES OF FAST CHARGING WILL GIVE YOU OVER TEN HOURS OF GAME PLAY. Yes, you read that right. Starting with the physical design, it has all the telltale Steelseries visuals, those sharp edges combined with the super-smooth tactile finish, there is something a little stag beetle about it and for reasons unknown I like that. The ergonomic shaping provides a comfortable grip for long gaming sessions, there are eight buttons including the wheel all within easy reach even in the grasp of my little hand. The 650 features an allnew centre of gravity tuning system, which includes moveable weights and light-toheavy customisation, providing the widest range of adjustment of any gaming mouse with 256 weight configurations that can be changed via the removable sides and eight included 4g weights. The SteelSeries Engine Software provides access to Engine Apps where you can customise the 8-zone RGB lighting and the Discord and GameSense Engine Apps allow for chat notifications, in-game events, and more. The two sensors make up the world’s most advanced sensor system, the TrueMove3+ combines true 1-to-1 tracking with breakthrough state-of-theart lift-off distance detection, this means you have complete control for the first time ever even on lift-off. The depth sensor provides true depth perception for the
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world’s most precise and lowest liftoff detection down to 0.5mm, giving you increased accuracy, more control, and faster movement. The Primary Sensor TrueMove3 provides incredibly accurate crosshair placement for all movements, no acceleration, no tracking errors, and no lag. This sensor is a 12,000 CPI, 350 IPS optical sensor built exclusively with industry leader PixArt, moving a specific distance on a mousepad results in the same exact distance on screen, without introducing latency, interpolation, or affecting jitter reduction. The 32-bit ARM processor allows you to save CPI settings, button re-mappings and lighting effects onboard for software free use at LAN events and tournaments. The Quantum Wireless 1ms lossless performance, 1000Hz, 1ms latency, 24 hours of battery life, and tournament-grade frequency combined with all of the above make it hard not to fall in love with this mouse.
True 1 track
1-to-1 king
RRP £119.99
https://steelseries.com/gaming-mice/rival-650wireless PROS Quantum Wireless TM 24+ hour battery life with fast charging 1ms latency, 1000Hz polling TrueMove3+ Optical System True 1-to-1 tracking Instant lift-off detection Lag-free gameplay Frequency optimisation
24+ hour battery life Adjustable weight
2-in-1 shell an insulation jack combination
DAINESE AWA M2 THE AWA M2 FROM DAINESE IS A SKI JACKET WITH A DUALLAYERING SYSTEM MADE UP OF A THREE-LAYER WATERPROOF BREATHABLE OUTER SHELL AND AN INSULATED, PACKABLE INNER JACKET., THE AWA M2COMES IN BLACK-IRIS, STRETCHLIMO AND TENDER-YELLOW. The jacket has a stylish design with attractive printed glossy pattern along the undersleeve and sides resembling a space suit Dainese engineered for astronauts, it exudes a high-quality finish that can be both seen and felt, and a flattering slim fit, giving you a trimmer profile and reducing bulk; nobody wants to look like the Michelin Man on the slopes. The outer shell is made from Dainese’s D-Dry Plus, which has a proprietary microporous laminated structure that forms a waterproof and breathable layer, preventing water from getting in whilst allowing moisture and heat to escape. The 3-layer construction includes an ultra-lightweight scrim fabric that is laminated on the back of the waterproof/ breathable layer, sandwiching between the scrim, the membrane and the face fabric, making it lighter, more packable and more
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durable. To keep you warm in the winter wonderland the inner jacket has 100g PrimaLoft Silver insulation, this provides warmth without the bulk, keeps the weight low, ensures water resistance and allows for breathability (30.000 g/m2/24hrs). The AWA M2, fully sealed seams to keep out rain and snow (outer jacket only), arm pocket in translucent laminated fabric, YKK AquaGuard VISLON water repellent front zipper, rollout hood in translucent laminated fabric that stows away in the collar, side zip vents for when things get a little toasty and a snow skirt with loops for integration (for when you skid down the slope on your butt). This high-quality jacket will keep you warm, dry and looking sharp on the slopes, while the removable inner jacket makes the AWA M2 a versatile choice, letting you shed a layer on milder days.
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https://www.dainese.com/gb/en/awa-m2/ 204749411.html PROS
RRP £404.75
2-in-1 shell and insulation jacket combination D-Dry Plus 3-layer laminated shell PrimaLoft Silver Down Boost (inner jacket) 10 denier micro ripstop outer fabric 23g/m2 (inner jacket) Arm pocket in translucent laminated fabric Breathability 30.000 g/ m2/24hrs
Fully seam sealed Rollout hood in translucent laminated fabric Side zip vents Snow skirt Underarm glossy print Water column 30.000 mm YKK AquaGuard VISLON water repellent front zipper
SENZ AUTOMATIC PURE BLACK THE SENZ AUTOMATIC IS AN UMBRELLA WHICH, AS IT SAYS IN THE NAME, IS AUTOMATIC, MEANING YOU CAN OPEN AND CLOSE YOUR UMBRELLA WITH THE SIMPLE PRESS OF A BUTTON. Firstly, I found the Senz Automatic to work exactly as I thought it would, with the one button opening mechanism working perfectly, with no problems at all. Despite mine working perfectly, there are a few reviews I had seen stating that sometimes when the umbrella is opened it would turn inside out, regardless of wind. So I decided to put that to the test, and opened and closed it many, many times, and not once did it turn inside out. As well as that, one of the Senz Automatic’s main selling points is that it’s said to never turn inside out because of wind. After testing it by taking it out on a very windy day still to have it stay the way it’s supposed to be, I can confidently say that this umbrella is extremely unlikely to blow inside out especially on an average day. Now, the price of this gadget will cost you around 53 GBP, which I think is a very reasonable price, considering there are many umbrellas without the simple one button opening mechanism, which are sold for an equal, often even more expensive price.
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On top of the automatic feature, this Senz umbrella has another enticing feature, that being that the canopy stretches out further on one half, meaning it is able to prevent more rain from getting on you, whilst also meaning that any rain on top of the umbrella would pour off further away from your body, decreasing the chance of you getting soaked by it.
Easy an function automat opening mechanis
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RRP £55
https://www.senz.com/product/senz-automaticpure-black/ PROS Easy and functional automatic opening mechanism. Almost impossible to blow inside out.
Unique and practical shape of canopy. Reasonable pricing. Available in several colours and designs.
CONS Despite the practicality of it, some may find its unique shape strange and unstylish.
KÄRCHER HARD FLOOR CLEANER FC 5 PREMIUM WE ALL KNOW CLEANING ISN’T EXACTLY AT THE TOP OF THE LIST OF THINGS WE LOVE TO GET HOME AND DO - I CAN THINK OF EXACTLY 597 THINGS I WOULD CHOOSE TO DO BEFORE REACHING FOR THE MOP AND BUCKET - BUT SADLY PART OF BEING AN ADULT MEANS HAVING TO DO DULL THINGS LIKE CLEANING THE FLOOR (THE PRICE WE PAY FOR BEING ABLE TO STAY UP LATE AND EAT DESSERT BEFORE MAINS). Thankfully, gadgets are available to make these chores faster, easier and more enjoyable (if you have ever used a mechanical apple peeler you will know what I mean) and the Kärcher Hard Floor Cleaner FC 5 Premium is one of these products. This easy-to-use piece of kit replaces your broom, dustpan and brush AND mop and bucket, (think of the space you will save) by having the ability to vacuum and wash your hard floor simultaneously. The SmartRoller technology vacuums up dust, small debris and pet hair, whilst controlling the flow of water to clean your hard floors gently enough to be suitable for laminate, tile, stone and sealed wooden flooring. The rollers are positioned as such that you can get right up to the edges of the skirting boards and furniture, the built-in vacuum function of the FC 5 then removes all of the dirty moisture and mess picked up from the absorbent microfibre rollers, allowing them to dry out in just two minutes. There is a twin-tank system which ensures the dirty and fresh water don’t become mixed with only the fresh water getting fed onto the rollers, you can easily add detergent to help remove stubborn dirt as well as leaving a fresh bees’ wax or citrus scent. The FC 5 comes with a cleaning station can then be used to store or refresh your rollers; the rollers can also be placed into the washing machine if they need a more thorough clean (machine washable at
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up to 60°C). The self-cleaning function means you aren’t spreading dirt around the floor as the rollers are being continuously cleaned, while the Smartroller technology removes excess water, leaving floors clean and dry in just two minutes. The soft, highquality microfibre rollers are easy to pull off and reattach, the innovative drive concept feature means the forward rotating rollers gently pull the machine across the floor for ease of use and minimal effort. The 7m cord and flexible cleaning head allow you to safely navigate around and underneath furniture and the tanks are easy to remove to fill underneath the tap and empty out without having to touch the dirty water. The FC 5 Premium comes in white and is part of Kärcher’s latest homeline range which comes with additional accessories and will make your mop look like a stone age tool, it is super easy to use, with hygienic storage and fast, effective results, it will probably be the closest you will come to enjoying your chores.
Easy t and 2 funct
RRP £279.99
to use 2-in-1 tion https://www.kaercher.com/uk/home-garden/hardfloor-cleaner/fc-5-premium-10554650.html PROS Easy to use Impressive results Flexible cleaning head Easy-to-remove twotank system Cleaning and storage station 2-in-1 function Forward rotating rollers 7m cable
Self-cleaning function High-quality microfibre rollers
MASON PEARSON HAIRBRUSH AS ANYONE WITH LONG HAIR WILL TELL YOU, NOT ALL HAIRBRUSHES ARE BORN EQUAL, A DECENT WELL-MADE HAIR BRUSH CAN LAST YOU A LIFETIME AND LEAVE YOU LOOKING GREAT IN THE MORNING, A BAD ONE CAN DAMAGE YOUR HAIR AND LEAVE YOU LOOKING WORSE THAN WHEN YOU FIRST GOT UP. MASON PEARSON IS A FAMILY BUSINESS THAT DATES BACK TO THE PEAK OF THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION. Over 130 years ago, Mason Pearson was an engineer and inventor, beginning with crafting wool processing looms in Bradford. After meeting and marrying Mary Avis and moving to Yorkshire, Mason worked at the British Steam Brush Works in London’s East End, where he formed a partnership that was in the business of general small-brush making. Combining his previous experience Mason Pearson went on to spark the invention of an automatic brush-boring machine to speed up the process of brush making, receiving a silver medal at the International Inventions Exhibition in London. It was also in this year that he extended the idea of the ‘pneumatic’ rubber-cushioned hairbrush that we see replicated in so many hairbrushes today. The iconic brush is available in a variety of sizes with a handy size and bristle guide to make sure you find the right version for your hair type but all featuring that same orange air-filled pad and gold branding. We received the large Popular Mason Pearson hairbrush, with eight rings of boar bristles and nylon tufts and is available in the classic dark ruby as well as light blue, pink and ivory white. The pad fills with air through a small hole in the tip of the brush, which provides a soft cushioning effect on your scalp as you
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brush your hair. The boar bristles are high quality, ensuring both a beautiful finish and longevity, and the rounded plastic grip is comfortable to hold at all angles as you move around the head., As the natural oils found in the hair can eventually damage the air pad, this brush comes with a cleaning brush that can be used to remove these oils, along with hairs and skin cells. The Mason Pearson hairbrush is a classic hair styling tool that is gentle on your skin and leaves your hair looking glossy and healthy.
Boar bristle and nylon tufts
RRP £97.00
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https://www.masonpearson.com/the-collection/ PROS Iconic British hairbrush Durable materials Boar bristle and nylon tufts Cleaning brush included 4 colours available Leaves hair sleek and glossy
DiscovR A Smarter Speaker MIC DROP The speaker that listens... unless you don’t want it to.
15 hrs MULTIROOM
PORTABLE
WI-FI
Visit pure.com/discovr to learn more Copyright © 2019 Pure International Limited. All rights reserved. E&OE. Apple and Airplay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Amazon, Alexa and the Amazon Alexa logo are trademarks of Amazon.com Inc. or its affiliates. The Spotify Software is subject to third party licenses found here: https://www.spotify.com/connect/third-party-licences. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG,
ENTER THE WORLD OF ZWIFT.
© ZWIFT 2017.
An immersive digital cycling experience, Zwift makes indoor riding, training or racing, fun and rewarding.
Available on Try for free at
PC/ Mac
iPad iPhone
ZWIFT.COM
AIRFLY TWELVE SOUTH ARE A COMPANY THAT PRIMARILY DESIGN ACCESSORIES FOR APPLE PRODUCTS. WHILST THEY’RE BEST KNOWN FOR CREATING THE BOOKBOOK, A STYLISH CASE FOR IPHONES AND MACBOOKS GIVING THE DEVICE THE APPEARANCE OF A BOOK, THEY HAVE RECENTLY COME OUT WITH THE AIRFLY, A HANDY ADAPTER FOR CONNECTING BLUETOOTH HEADPHONES TO NON-BLUETOOTH DEVICES. First of all, to get yourself an AirFly, it’s going to cost you around 40 GBP. And when you take into consideration that very similar adapters are already available for purchase, some at as little as 14 GBP, it’s clear the AirFly is somewhat expensive. On the good side of things, this Twelve South gadget has a clean, good-looking design, which is evidently one of the company’s strengths, however I do not think it justifies the price.
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Moving on to functionality, after a few minutes of reading instructions and understanding the product, it works great. It is a fairly simple and practical way of using your AirPods or wireless headphones for devices that do not have Bluetooth, allowing you to listen through your headphones on planes, older desktops, fitness centres and anywhere else with a headphone jack that requires wired headphones.
RRP £39.99
Easy and practical
https://www.twelvesouth.com/products/ airfly-for-airpods PROS Easy Practical Good design Allows use of AirPods and wireless
headphones where they could not be used before
CONS Expensive Not unique
5.11 TACTILE LOAD UP 22” CARRY ON 46L
THE FIRST THING YOU WILL NOTICE ABOUT THE LOAD UP 22” CARRY ON FROM 5.11 TACTICAL IS THE EXCEPTIONAL BUILD QUALITY, IT LOOKS LIKE A PREMIUM PRODUCT BUT MORE THAN THAT YOU CAN TELL IT HAS BEEN CAREFULLY CRAFTED WITH THE BEST OF MATERIALS. IT HAS BEEN SPECIFICALLY CREATED TO PROTECT YOUR BELONGINGS WHILST TRAVELLING BY PLANE; THE COMPACT SIZE MEANS IT IS SUITABLE AS CARRY-ON FOR MOST INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC FLIGHTS. This bag features a hard-shell PC main compartment to protect more delicate gear, and it has an expandable zip (giving you an extra 2” of depth) which allows you to shove more stuff in when needed but also helps it retain its compact shape when travelling lighter. This bag’s dimensions are 22” x 14” x 9” (11”D with expansion) giving you 45.5L (55.5L with expansion) and it weighs just 7.19 lbs whilst empty. Fragile valuables like your laptop can be safely stowed away in the dedicated padded sleeve, which sits in the lid of the compartment, where there is also an admin pocket as well as access to the middle compartment. The compression-moulded EVA top lid has durable Hypalon corners for added protection whilst the loop name tape and ID sleeve make it quick and easy to secure and access your ID and other important documents. The bag has a water-resistant 1680D poly (top) and 1050D nylon outer, the bottom tray is made from a durable and impact-resistant polycarbonate shell. The retractable handle feels super strong, slides out and stows away easily, chunky wheels provide a smooth rolling experience and they can be replaced when they become
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worn so you don’t have to worry too much about what sort of terrain you and your Load Up encounter. My favourite thing about this bag is how everything has a space and its own pocket, turning the contents of your bag upside down hunting for a clean pair of socks is not much fun, so this makes finding and organising your gear a breeze. There is a middle compartment with honeycomb frame, the middle mesh compartment has a removable divider and two-way access to the top and main compartments whilst the internal compression strap in the main compartment holds everything in place. The Load Up 22” is an excellent travel companion; it is tough, organised and has replaceable wheels, just like my ideal partner.
Prem constru
RRP £220
mium ruction https://www.511tactical.com/load-up-22carry-on.html PROS Strong materials Premium construction Dedicated laptop sleeve Loads of organising pockets and compartments Expandable zip for an extra 2” of depth Replaceable, durable wheels
Water-resistant Smooth rolling action
SALUS CONTROLS IT500
Com with smar o
SINCE SOME SMART PERSON DECIDED WE SHOULDN’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT GETTING UP OFF OUR BACKSIDES TO CONTROL OUR HEATING, SMART CONTROLS HAVE BEEN ARRIVING ON THE MARKET WITH A RANGE OF FEATURES AND ABILITIES. THE IT500 IS A SMARTPHONE-CONTROLLED THERMOSTAT THAT GIVES YOU THE OPTION FOR HEATING AND HOT WATER CONTROL OR TWO HEATING ZONES, WHEREAS MANY CONTROLLERS OF THIS NATURE WORK OFF A RADIO FREQUENCY, THIS PRODUCT WORKS BY CONNECTING VIA THE INTERNET. The control panel has a clean, stylish finish with a large easy-to-read display, the display itself is also touch sensitive and the wireless connection means you can put it anywhere in your house, permanently set it up on a wall mount or even regularly move it around between the seasons. You can control the temperature via an app that can be downloaded onto your phone as well as your tablet or PC, allowing you to quickly adjust the temperature whenever and wherever; you could be on holiday on the other side of the world and turn on the heating to take the chill off the house and get that hot water ready for when you get back. The iT500 features an internal system, uses 868 MHz for robust communication, the system is secure and energy-efficient whilst the wireless
30
access means it is straightforward to control and there are three possible system configurations. If the internet goes down, you can still use the iT500 via the control unit, it isn’t as intuitive but wont leave you freezing your butt off if there is a connection issue. We had occasional issues when the unit and the app randomly disconnected, this seemed to happen when we hadn’t used it in a while, but other than this the iT500 does exactly what it promises to you; you may be paying a little extra with this set up but the intuitive, wireless and internet connectivity means you will probably find it works.
mpatible h your rtphone or PC
arrow-alt-circle-right RRP £93.10
https://salus-controls.com/uk/product/it500/ PROS Easy to install Straightforward to use Internet-based connection Compatible with your smartphone or PC
Wall or surface mount Large, stylish, touch screen display
CONS Occasionally lost connectivity after longer periods of inactivity
URBANISTA STOCKHOLM THE STOCKHOLM EARPHONES FROM URBANISTA ARE, AS IS SO OFTEN THE CASE WITH URBANISTA PRODUCTS, RATHER BEAUTIFUL.THEY COME IN FOUR DIFFERENT COLOURS: BLACK, WHITE, ROSE GOLD AND OUR FAVOURITE, OLIVE GREEN, WITH A CHARGING CASE IN THE SAME COLOUR AS WELL AS A MICRO-USB CHARGING CABLE AND INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL, ALL PACKED INTO AN ATTRACTIVE BOX THAT WOULD MAKE A GREAT GIFT. These true wireless earphones are completely cable free, you get about 3.5 hours play time and if they need a top-up simply pop them back in the charging case to receive a total of 14 hours playtime (recharging fully up to three times), this is about average for this type of headphone and should be enough to get you through an entire day of commuting, working, getting home and hitting the gym afterwards. The Stockholms are ready to connect as soon as you take them out of the case, simply search for them on your Bluetooth settings and connect. They use Bluetooth 5.0 for a smooth signal, and are compatible with both Android and Apple devices. The builtin microphones (one in each earbud) lets you take calls hands free and provides a clear conversation in stereo with noise cancellation. The earphones are lightweight but felt rather large in my ears - I usually use the smallest silicone tips - however the
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Stockholms don’t use ear tips which meant they weren’t the most comfortable or secure, in fact the right one popped out when I turned my head and it caught on my hoody. They feature intuitive touch controls; with just a tap or two you can adjust the volume, skip tracks and take calls, you can also activate your voice assistant, Siri or Google Now for example, for further functionality. The sound quality is satisfying, the bass could be a touch stronger, and the top notes can be become harsh at louder volumes, but over all it provides an enjoyable sound for most genres of music, tv and films.
Beautiful design and colours
RRP £89
https://www.urbanista.com/uk/stockholm PROS Beautiful design and colours Enjoyable sound quality 3.5 hour battery life Compact and protective charging case (x3 charges) Intuitive touch controls
True wireless and seamless connection Clear hands free calls with dual microphones iOS and Android compatible
CONS Felt large in my ears
JOSHU+VELA STONE BACKPACK JOSHU+VELA WAS FOUNDED IN 2010 BY NOAH GUY WHO, AFTER WORKING FOR YEARS WITH MAJOR DESIGN COMPANIES, BEGAN DESIGNING HIS OWN BAGS. WITH AN INTENTION TO PLACE FUNCTIONALITY AT THE HEART OF EVERY PRODUCT AND ENSURE ONLY THE BEST NATURAL MATERIALS ARE USED, JOSHU+VELA STRIVE TO CREATE PRODUCTS THAT LAST A LIFETIME. The Stone Backpack, a name inspired by Noah’s father’s photographic project titled The Stone Journey, is available in either a Natural or Black finish, both with a black fastening. The combination of the Natural colour, black fastening and minimalist design gives this backpack a unique, stylish design, guaranteed to age beautifully, even if the wearer does not. You can access the main compartment via the military grade buckle, this can be unhooked with one hand, so you don’t even have to remove the bag from your shoulder. The shape has been carefully considered and aims to be the perfect everyday bag, the wide main entry makes it easy to see and quickly grab your belongings, whilst the 15” MacBook sleeve keeps it safe from damage from the rest your possessions. The main body is constructed from a smooth but strong 18oz twill cotton fabric which arrives a little stiff but softens up over time
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and becomes more flexible, while its simple unisex design will work with a range of different styles. It is the ideal fit for people between 5’2” and 6’2” tall, it measures up 16” long, 15” tall and 5” wide with straps that adjust from 21” to 27” in length, and weighs just 1.6 lb when empty. There are two small internal pockets and two outer side pockets to help you organise your gear, the base has a double layered construction for better durability when setting the bag down on the floor, the shoulder straps are easy to adjust whilst wearing the bag and all the materials used are vegan friendly. The beauty in the Stone Backpack is its simplicity; you want to go hiking with this or carry it on your back for hours at a time but for day trips, commuting to work or popping to the shops it will provide a practical and attractive place to stow your gear.
Attractive, minimalist design
https://joshuvela.com/products/ stone-backpack PROS Attractive, minimalist design Military-grade “G” hook closure Laptop sleeve fits up to a 15” MacBook Pro Two small internal pockets and two outer side pockets Strong 18oz twill cotton Double-layered bottom Shoulder straps adjust easily Vegan
RRP $168
CONS Can cause discomfort on the shoulders over long periods of time
SKULL SHAVER BUTTERFLY KISS SHAVER MY BOSS WAS RELUCTANT TO GIVE ME THIS PIECE AS THEY KNEW IT WOULD TRIGGER A RANT ABOUT GENDERED PRODUCTS THEY DIDN’T WANT TO SIT THROUGH SO CLOSE TO LUNCH TIME, FROM MAN-SIZED TISSUES TO “GOOD GIRL” DOG TREATS IT IS A PET PEEVE OF MINE, SO I WILL KEEP IT BRIEF, WHEN I’M SHAVING I DO NOT NEED THE PRODUCT TO BE PINK/PURPLE (I COULD LET THE ROSE GOLD SLIDE) WITH A LIPSTICK LOGO AND CUTESY NAME TO REMIND ME THAT I AM FEMALE; THE MEDIA, SOCIETY AND MY RECENT CERVICAL SCREENING HAS GOT THAT COVERED. The Butterfly Kiss Shaver Fierce Model comes with a bonus exfoliating brush attachment and has five rotary blades that can be used for both wet and dry shaving. The ergonomic handle lets you comfortably hold the shaver and reach all over your body with ease, the blades glide smoothly over the skin in all directions allowing you to move up/down and in circular motions without the risk of cuts, nicks or burns. It is recommended that the hair is at least 4mm in length to be efficiently cut by the blades and the IPX5 rating means it is 100% water resistant, allowing you to save a few minutes and use it in the shower. The rechargeable battery provides 30 minutes of continuous cordless operation - the LED light indicator will display the battery level, letting you know when its needs recharging - but it can also be used whilst plugged in. It is easy to clean by simply immersing the blades into
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30 mi contin us
a rinse stand (sold separately) or in a bowl of warm water, then turn on for 10-15 seconds and its done. The included exfoliating brush can be used to help clean skin, which feels nice but doesn’t add anything to the quality of the shave. You won’t get as close a shave as you would by using a razor but I found it kinder to the skin (especially in the arm pits) and still looked good even if it didn’t feel as good as a razor. If you are looking for a portable electric shaver then this could be just what you need, with a healthy battery life, ease of use and reasonably close shave, it’s a good choice.
inutes nuous se
https://www.skullshaver.com/USA/butterflykiss-shaver.html PROS
RRP $99.99
30 mins continuous use 5 rotary blades on a flexible head Compatible with all Pitbull, or Butterfly Kiss shaver blades and accessories
Exfoliating brush attachment included Ergonomic grip Comfortably glides over skin (less irritation) LED battery life indicator
CONS Colour/logo/name tacky
TYREPAL TC215/B MONITOR WITH TWO EXTERNAL SENSORS WHEN I WAS A KID MY FAMILY AND I USED TO GO ON THESE HOLIDAYS IN THIS WRECK OF A 1970’S CARAVAN, WE HAD THIS DODGY BLACK AND WHITE TV THAT NEVER HAD ANY SIGNAL AND A RADIO THAT WOULD ONLY WORK IF YOU HUNG A TEASPOON OFF THE AERIAL. THE CHEMICAL TOILET WAS ONLY FOR NUMBER ONES DURING THE NIGHT SO I HAVE MEMORIES OF RUNNING ACROSS TO THE TOILET BLOCK IN THE DARK WITH A LOO ROLL SHOVED UP MY JUMPER TO PROTECT IT FROM THE RAIN. Toilet dramas aside, these holidays were responsible for some of my fondest memories as a child; the board games, the smell of bacon in the morning, even the rain on the metal roof and plastic windows, we had a lot of fun. I remember before we would set out Dad would meticulously check the tyres of both the car and caravan, a smart idea when people towing caravans are about as popular as cyclists and tractors on the road; the last thing you need is to give passers-by the satisfaction of witnessing you changing a tyre on the hard shoulder. The TyrePal TC215B is based on the highly successful commercial monitor used to keep an eye on your car tyres but with two sensors for your caravan, it allows you to continuously monitor up to 2 tyres on a single axle caravan or trailer. The monitor displays the pressure and temperature of each of the tyres in succession, showing pressures up to 99psi simultaneously (tyres over 99psi can be accommodated, contact TyrePal for further information). This whole system is so easy to install, with no wiring involved, the monitor is clear and easy to read at a glance, the weather-resistant sensors are also easy to attach; simply screw them onto the tyre valves and they can be locked on with a security key. The batteries in the sensors are replaceable, you can add up to 22
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sensors or remove them when required, you simply link and unlink the caravan or trailer at the press of a button before setting off. If the distance between the dashboard and rear axle is further than 7.5 metres a signal repeater (sold separately) will be required to prevent signal problems. Correctly inflated tyres increase the tyres’ life span, reduces fuel consumption, reduces car emissions and can prevent blow outs and accidents; as the TyrePal can provide you with clear alerts for air loss, low pressure, high pressure or high temperature it’s a no brainer to ensure nothing but the weather and spiderfilled toilet blocks can spoil those caravan holidays.
Link and un caravan w a touch o button
nlink with of a n
RRP £120
https://www.tyrepal.co.uk/product/tc215b-with-2external-sensors/ PROS Super easy to install Replaceable batteries Alerts for air loss, low pressure, high pressure or high temperature Clear monitor display Security lock for sensors Link and unlink caravan with a touch of a button
TUSHBABY ALTHOUGH TODDLERS ARE CONSIDERED SMALL WHEN COMPARED TO SAY A BABY ELEPHANT, IF YOU END UP HAVING TO CARRY ONE WHEN THEIR LEGS INEXPLICABLY STOP WORKING IT CAN BE HARD TO BELIEVE THEY DON’T IN FACT WEIGH THE SAME AS A BABY ELEPHANT. SWITCHING A CHILD BETWEEN PIGGY BACKS, RIDING YOUR SHOULDERS AND BALANCING ON YOUR HIPS IS ENOUGH TO MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE PERFORMING A WORKOUT WHILST TRADITIONAL CHILD CARRIERS CAN BE BULKY, HOT AND DIFFICULT TO LOAD AND UNLOAD YOUR CHILD INTO. The TushBaby is an innovative product that combines a child carrier with a bum bag, this compact device comes in the form of a wide 47” hip belt that fastens via a large strip of Velcro and one safe and sturdy, adjustable buckle. It is made from a washable, high-quality fabric and YKK zips, there is a plush pad around the abdomen for the carrier whilst the seat is lined with memory foam and an anti-slip fabric patch to create a comfy spot for the little one to park their butt. There are no straps to fuss around which makes loading and unloading a breeze but this does mean you will have to sacrifice at least one hand to hold them in place, however this is still one hand less than would be required if they were sat on your shoulders. Another joy of toddlers is the sheer amount of crap they come with, thankfully there is loads of storage available for nappies, baby wipes and snacks for example, with a generous pocket beneath the seat, zip closure side pocket, mesh pocket and front loop to that can be used to attach a toy. The TushBaby evenly distributes the child’s weight across your body, preventing back strain, while the supportive ergonomic seat puts your baby’s hips in the paediatric-
40
recommended “M” position. The whole piece weighs less than 1lb, it can be folded and buttoned up for compact storage, it is suitable from newborn up to 3 year olds (or 44 lbs), with four carrying positions: feeding, side carrying, front facing, and face to face (age depending). The TushBaby is a thoughtfully-designed baby carrier, comfortable for both baby and wearer it takes the strain so you don’t have to whilst providing a convenient space to store a whole heap of gear.
Quick and easy loading
y
RRP $79
https://tushbaby.com/ PROS Safe and secure Quick and easy loading Adjustable Machine washable Memory foam and antislip seat
Loads of storage Comfortable Compact storage when not in use Lightweight Four carrying positions
CONS No storage bag included
HALO SPORT 2
THERE ARE NO SHORT CUTS WHEN IT COMES TO LEARNING A NEW SKILL, BE IT PLAYING THE PIANO OR WEIGHT LIFTING, YOU ARE ONLY GOING TO GET BETTER THROUGH PRACTICE, THAT ISN’T TO SAY THERE AREN’T WAYS THAT CAN BRING YOUR PRACTICE SESSIONS TO THE NEXT LEVEL, MAKING SURE YOU ARE WELL RESTED OH AND ELECTROCUTING YOUR BRAIN. Ok, so it’s not quite as bad as that; the Halo Sport 2 uses neuroscience to help you learn skills more efficiently, you know how you fluff up a pillow to make it softer and then it moulds to your head better, think of it a little like that…but with your brain. In seriously basic terms, the Halo Sport 2 uses a process called plasticity, this is your brain’s ability to create and strengthen connections between neurons, the physical activity of learning. The Halo uses a form of brain stimulation called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), which sends a small electric current to the part of the brain that controls movement, activating neurons so they fire more often when you train. The theory being the more neurons that fire, together, the faster pathways are built in your brain, this means you still need to put in the effort but should receive a better return on your effort. We have some experience with the original Halo Sport and were pleased to discover the Sport 2 is much more comfortable. The Primers (spiky looking bits that sit on your head) are soft and flexible, unlike the previous model. The Halo Sport 2 should be used for a 20-minute priming session (although you can start your training after as little as 5 minutes), you are then encouraged to train for 60 mins, after the initial 20 minutes you can remove your headset or keep it on to enjoy your tunes. I would like to see some padded inserts that can be switched with the primers for a more comfortable (and discrete) fit after the session is over, allowing you to wear them as regular headphones.
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You can play your tunes wirelessly thanks to the Bluetooth audio connectivity, the sound quality is reasonable, with good bass and a loud maximum volume, ideal for workouts. So, how does it feel? Well, to start with it felt odd, not painful but almost like pins and needles in your head, however as your body gets used to the sensation it feels less strange with each session. There is a companion app that can be used to set reminders and provides tracking and brain training tips. There does seem to be evidence that this kind of system works, just like you would stretch your legs before going for a run it limbers up your brain allowing you to perform better, faster. My personal experience with it was it helped me feel prepared and focused on my training sessions, whether this was a placebo or genuine effect is hard to pin down. The bottom line is the Halo Sport 2 is an easy to use, wellbuilt product that could potentially speed up and improve your learning skills, this does come at a cost but if you have the money to spend and don’t mind the occasional curious look if you are wearing it out in public, it could be worth a go.
Premiu build qua
RRP $349
um ality
https://www.haloneuro.com/products/halo-sport-2 PROS Premium build quality Easy to use
I personally found some positive effects Good wireless audio
CONS Pricey Odd feeling to begin with
Sur f 3 Inspired by mountain bike technology Why choose between a four-wheel urban pushchair or a three-wheel trekking pushchair. With Surf 3 you can have both, uniquely adaptable it can switch between city and trekking modes with ease. Whether you’re in the town or country the unique suspension ensures a smooth ride.
4 wheels for urban use
silvercrossbaby.com
Trekking wheel for multi terrain use
In Tune With You
Discover and enjoy live and on-demand audio effortlessly, anywhere.
Copyright Š 2019 Pure International Limited. All rights reserved. E&OE.
Visit www.pure.com to view our full range
MEN’S UA RUSH ¾ LEGGINGS
THERE SEEMS TO BE A BIT OF AN ISSUE WITH THE MEN I WORK OUT WITH AND THE IDEA OF EXERCISE LEGGINGS, I GUESS AS THERE IS A LACK OF LEGGINGS FOR MEN IN EVERYDAY HIGH STREET FASHION THEY ARE WORRIED THAT PUTTING A PAIR ON WILL RESULT IN THE DUDE POLICE ROCKING UP AND REVOKING THEIR MALE MEMBERSHIP. It was only after pointing out that the buffest and most muscly PT in the gym wore leggings that I managed to persuade one of them into giving it a go and, albeit wearing shorts over the top, he realised how much better it was to work out in them. The ¾ RUSH Leggings come in black and grey (light grey, almost white), if you are little self-conscious or this is the first time you have reached for a pair of leggings then the black might be a better place to start, or wearing a pair of shorts over the top as the combination of the lighter colour and compression fit doesn’t leave a lot to the imagination, although when you appreciate the performance qualities you will probably start to care less (or more!) about how all your lumps and bumps look. These leggings are available in sizes XS up to XXL and, as previously mentioned, feature a compression fit, this provides support to the muscles, improves blood flow, and rids the legs of lactic acid build up which can improve both performance and recovery. This ultra-tight, second skin design also prevents chafing and eliminates pressure points, and the ¾ design provides extra ventilation around the lower legs as well as creating an athletic and stylish overall effect. These leggings can be used as a base layer or a single layer, the material is stretchy enough to allow you complete freedom of movement, the encased elastic waistband had a raised jacquard texture and
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sits comfortably against the skin. There is strategically-placed mesh panelling on the outside of the hips and on the inside of the leg from the knee down for extra ventilation and the inseam measures up at 48cm, it could be improved with a pocket for a door/car key and potentially a drawstring although the leggings remained firmly in place throughout our testing. These tights feature a mineral-infused fabric that aims to absorb and reflect the energy back into tissues and muscles; it’s difficult to tell if this had and effect or if it was the compression fitting or simply the fact they tried leggings for the first time, but our tester said they felt a notable improvement of their endurance and strength as well as appreciating the comfort and freedom of movement.
Compressio fit
on
RRP £50
https://www.underarmour.co.uk/en-gb/mens-uarush-3-4-leggings/1327647.html PROS Compression fit Mineral-infused fabric Mesh panels for strategic ventilation Encased elastic waistband with raised
jacquard texture Comfortable Stylish look Zero chaffing or pressure points
CONS No pockets
ROYOLE ROWRITE YOU MIGHT WONDER WHY ANYONE WOULD SHELL OUT FOR A DIGITAL NOTEPAD OVER THE TRADITIONAL PEN AND PAPER, WELL FOR STARTERS YOUR NOTES WILL BE IMMEDIATELY BACKED UP, UNLIKE YOUR SCRAWL ON THE BACK OF AN OLD ENVELOPE, IT CAN ALSO BE EDITED, EASILY SEARCHED, SHARED AND PRINTED, HOWEVER DIGITAL NOTEPADS CAN PROVIDE A CLUMSY WRITING EXPERIENCE. The RoWrite combines the practical features of a digital notepad with the familiarity of writing with a ballpoint pen on real paper; it works by clipping a single sheet of paper on top of the RoWrite sensor, you can then use the Refillable Ballpoint Pen that captures 2048 pressure levels to write and draw in a smooth and accurate way. The sensor underneath copies your notes like a carbon copy pad and reproduces them onto the app in the exact order you took them down. The pen is slim and comfortable to write and draw with, whilst the paper comes in either blank or lined A5 versions, the refills are pricey however the RoWrite can be used with regular paper, it’s just that their pads come with the holes needed to attach the paper securely to the device, but this could be easily replicated. There are two obvious draw backs, the first being the restriction in size, which might limit you when it comes to sketches and diagrams whilst the fact that you can only use one sheet at a time could mean you risk missing information whilst switching over the paper if you are taking notes during a lecture for example. The free app is easy to use and lets you organise, edit and share your notes, and is compatible with Android”’ 5.0 or later and iPhones and iPads with IOS 8 or later. The App also allows you to enhance your
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digital pages: simply sync to the app after using RoWrite or pair before writing on paper and you can add digital backgrounds, choose digital writing instruments, erase, change stroke thickness/opacity, add colour and watch a video of your creation in-app. It is here that you can also convert handwriting to editable text, but you need to write very clearly for this to be accurate, it had a very difficult time converting my scruffy handwriting and joined up writing, although it was rather entertaining to read its attempts I wouldn’t trust the feature for important tasks. The outer case is made from a protective textured cloth with a place to hold spare paper, business cards and a pen, all your notes can be exported as PDF, JPG, PNG, or TXT files and you can save things to the cloud. The RoWrite is easy to use, with up to 8 hours of battery life, it could use a few more features and tweaks to improve the converting to text feature but if you are looking to back up, share and digitally edit your notes this could be perfect for you.
Intui to u
arrow-alt-circle-right
itive use
RRP £119.99
https://www.royole.com/uk/Rowrite PROS Attractive device Intuitive to use Pressure-sensitive refillable pen with regular ink Edit, share and back up your notes
Easy to use app Pin point accuracy Can be used with regular paper as well as Royole refills
CONS Translate to text function not reliable Limited functions On/off button near charging lead so
it can be accidentally turned off
UA VANISH WOVEN SHORTS
WHEN YOU ARE PUSHING YOURSELF TO THE LIMITS DURING YOUR WORKOUT YOU NEED THE APPROPRIATE CLOTHING THAT CAN KEEP UP WITH YOU. THE VANISH WOVEN SHORTS FROM UNDER ARMOUR ARE A GREAT CHOICE TO JOIN YOU ON YOUR EXERCISE REGIME. AVAILABLE IN SIZES XS ALL THE WAY UP TO XXL, THEY HAVE A FITTED FINISH, WHICH MEANS THEY ARE TAILORED IN A MORE ATHLETIC STYLE WITHOUT BEING TOO TIGHT OR TOO LOOSE IN ANY AREA. They come in six different colours: green, grey, black, navy, blue and brown, so you can have a pair for every day of the week (Sundays are obviously rest days). We received the green model which is an attractive kingfisher colour and will happily complement a whole range of coloured tops. The shorts are constructed from 100% polyester which makes them super lightweight, I mean if you didn’t look down you could be forgiven for imagining you were simply running around in your pants (something we do not recommend) and the durable woven fabric means you will be worn out long before these shorts are. There are strategically placed ventilation panels on the front of the shorts across the thigh for extra breathability during those hot sessions, if things do get a little sweaty the material wicks away the sweat and dries out quickly, leaving you dry and comfortable a short while after your session. The inseam measures up at 20cm, which will sit just about the knee on most men, this provides a stylish, casual finish whilst the four-way stretch construction allows for total freedom of movement whether you are practicing yoga, playing football, weight training or participating in some intense HIIT training. To ensure the shorts stay in place there is a drawstring
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in the front half of the waist band whilst the back is built from a soft and highly stretchy elastic. This means the back of the shorts lays completely flat against the skin ensuring total comfort when laying on your back for leg raises or sit ups for example, there are two open hand pockets for storing your gear and although they are quite deep it is best to remove heavy items before exercising for maximum comfort and zero distractions. The Vanish Woven Shorts are a must-have item for the gym drawer: lightweight, breathable and high performing they are ready for whatever activity you want to throw at them.
Durable w fabric
woven c
RRP £36
https://www.underarmour.co.uk/en-gb/mens-uavanish-woven-shorts/1328654.html PROS Fitted finish Ultra-lightweight Durable woven fabric Mesh panels for strategic ventilation 4-way stretch construction
Wicking material and fast drying Half-back elastic/half drawstring waistband Open hand pockets Six attractive designs
TUCANO URBANO MOTORCYCLE ACCESSORIES AS OUR MOTORBIKE TRIP THROUGH EUROPE QUICKLY APPROACHES, I AM GATHERING GEAR TO TEST ALONG THE WAY. OUR FRIENDS AT TUCANO URBANO HAVE SENT US SOME BITS TO TRY AND MAKE THE TRIP MORE COMFORTABLE IN THE SUMMER HEAT.
Tucano Urbano are a motorcycle accessories company based in Milan, with in-house styling and innovative R&D.
www.tucanourbano.com/gb/ The following reviews are only brief overviews of my initial thoughts as the main reviews will be in the August issue after I have tried them for the best part of 3,000 miles through Europe.
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TUCANO URBANO COOL FRESH SEAT COVER RRP £27.99 This is a full-length universal seat cover that is designed to create gaps in the 3D design for air flow making the seat cooler with the added benefit of an extra 2cm of padding. These also come in single seat size. It is well made of strong Polyester with three adjustable elastic straps that secure it under the seat and it doesn’t slip and slide around.When it rains the water drains straight through it. Hopefully this will help eliminate numb bum and keep me cool.
TUCANO URBANO AERO TOUCH GLASS GLOVES RRP ÂŁ34.99 These are soft and comfortable summer gloves with mesh on the back for maximum ventilation. The leather parts are goat hide, which is considered the best for motorcycle gear. Whist they are light they feel strong and have a good adjustable Velcro cuff to keep them in place. These are touchscreen gloves so you can operate your phone or GPS without removing them.
TUCANO URBANO NANO PLUS ONE-PIECE RAINSUIT RRP £65.00 It is difficult to wear gear which works for all types of weather. We are hoping for a dry and hot trip however there is always the chance of a summer downpour. This is where the Nano rainsuit will come in. I am hoping that I don’t have to use it, but it will definitely be present on the trip. The Nano suit comes in a tiny drawstring bag so can be tucked away. This isn’t a cheap suit and cheap generally means that they don’t breathe and your own sweat is retained making you as wet and uncomfortable as if you hadn’t put it on. This suit has been developed to keep both the rain and your moisture out. The tapered seams help towards its waterproof rating. Hi-vis is added to the arms and shoulders to keep you visible. There are wide zip openings all the way from the ankle to the knee to help get this over your boots and adjustable Velcro to secure the ankles.
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TUCANO URBANO NETWORK 2G JACKET RRP ÂŁ98.00 The Network 2G jacket is a CE-certified protection jacket, designed for hot climates. It incorporates large mesh panels on the arms, front and back to let cool air blow through and keep you fresh and cool. It has good safety features such as armour in the shoulders and elbows and reflective strips. There are loads of pockets inside and out. It has an elastic strap to go around your belt and a connection system to Zipster 2G.
JAXJOX KETTLEBELLCONNECT THERE’S A LOT TO BE SAID FOR WORKING OUT AT HOME; IT’S CHEAPER THAN SIGNING UP TO A GYM, YOU CAN MAKE ALL THE WEIRD NOISES/FACES YOU NEED TOO, AND YOU PROBABLY KNOW WHO HAS BEEN IN THE SHOWER BEFORE YOU. However, not all of us have the space for a full gym rack and weight set in our homes, so we are going to let you into a little secret: you don’t need a load of gear to work out. The KettlebellConnect is a good example of how a single piece of equipment can provide a whole range of workouts at different weight intensities to target every muscle group. “How can one kettlebell weigh different amounts?” I hear you ask. Well I was just about to tell you! This kettlebell can weigh 12lbs, 18lbs, 24lbs, 30lbs, 36lbs or 42lbs (5.5kg, 8.5kg, 11kg, 13.5kg, 16.5kg or 19kg), thanks to the adjustment system. The KettlebellConnect comes in three pieces: the Shell, which looks like a regular kettlebell only hollow, the Base unit and five additional weights (USB charger with adaptor and Instruction Manual are also included). To change the weight, you simply place the shell over the stacked weights on the base, select your weight by hitting the +/- button and the rotating weightselection core locks in the weighted plates. That’s not all the KettlebellConnect has to offer however, there are also six axis motion sensors that track your movement whilst you work out: a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis accelerometer. It has a battery life of 14 hours from one charge, you can connect up to nine users and the data automatically syncs to each individual account in the JAXJOX app. If you only
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have the KettlebellConnect the app will record reps, but you will get better metrics if you connect your Fitbit or other JAXJOX products. The Kettlebell is slightly larger than what I am used to working with, which meant that some things like swings had to be modified slightly, and the handle would benefit from some added grip for when your hands get sweaty. A clearer indication of which way round the kettlebell needs to go in the Base unit would make changeovers quicker, (it was taking us about 12-15 seconds to switch out weights from a rep with the lightest weight, to the base unit, to a rep with the heaviest) and the audible beep lets you know when it’s ready. The KettlebellConnect can be used without the app but there are loads of free workout videos on there to keep you inspired, so it’s worth a look. As the weights aren’t permanently fixed inside the shell there is a small about of movement from inside the bell, which might take some getting used to, having said that the weights feel secure throughout use. The KettlebellConnect is a compact and versatile way to work out in your own home, the “connect” element could offer more features for the price you pay (a heart rate monitor in the handle), however the ability to adjust the weight so simply is by far the best thing about the product.
RRP $349
https://jaxjox.com/product/kettlebell-connect/ PROS Quick and simple weight adjustment 12lbs, 18lbs, 24lbs, 30lbs, 36lbs and 42lbs all in one Compact Sensors track your reps
Compatible with Fitbit Free training videos Provides a full body workout in the comfort of your own home Audible beep when weights are secured
CONS Slightly larger than regular kettlebells Difficult to differentiate which way it fits into the base unit
The weights cause movement inside the shell
SOUNDCORE BY ANKER SPIRIT WIRELESS EARPHONES THERE IS NOTHING QUITE LIKE MUSIC TO MOTIVATE YOU ON YOUR WORKOUTS, PEOPLE WHO MANAGE TO PUSH THEMSELVES DURING A SESSION WITH NOTHING BUT THE SOUND OF THEIR OWN WHEEZING BREATH AND POUNDING HEARTBEAT IN THE EARS ARE SOME SORT OF WEIRDOS. The issue is that you may have some really good over-ear headphones already, but wires and bulky headgear are just not your friend in the gym, seriously try doing 10 burpees without them doing your head in. The Spirit wireless headphones are lowcost headphones designed for the gym; I have lost two sets of earphones (not to mention £250 sunglasses) at the gym so far as I am ridiculously forgetful, so the low price was a major bonus for me. Second was the SweatGuard waterproof protection that ensures the earphones are protected against sweat, water, and other liquids, with an IPX7 rating the second highest protection available allowing them to be temporally submersed in water for 30 minutes at 3 feet. These earphones come with ergonomically-designed ear tips for a comfortable fit, as well as ear wings which hook into the outer ear to ensure a precise and secure fit no matter what mad exercise you are doing. The superlightweight neckband can be instantly adjusted for a tidy finish and prevents it getting in the way or irritating the skin during your workout. The battery life offers 8 hours of continuous use, enough to get you through a week’s worth of workouts, there is passive noise cancellation thanks to the ear tips, it connects via Bluetooth
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5.0 giving you roughly 12m depending on the surroundings, the three-button remote allows you to skip, pause and play tracks, adjust the volume and take phone calls, the microphone with cVc call noise reduction is built into this remote. The sound quality lacks a little bass and can kick out some harsh top notes at times, the mid tones are reasonable, and the overall sound quality is acceptable, it isn’t going to blow you away but its enough to keep you motivated during a session. The carry case is cheap, but if you are anything like me you will never remember to use it anyway, the best thing about these headphones is that they are so lightweight and comfortable, you can easily wear them all day without any discomfort. The Spirit headphones are a great choice if you are looking for wireless earphones with a priority of low cost and comfort over super high-quality audio.
Good value f money
for
RRP £27.99
https://amzn.to/2MfjfXC PROS Super comfortable Easy to use Good value for money Inline remote Lightweight
SweatGuard feature (IPX7) Acceptable sound quality Ear wings tips
CONS Lacks bass Harsh high tones at times Cheap carry case
TCX BAJA BOOTS TCX ARE RENOWNED IN MOTORCYCLING CIRCLES FOR PRODUCING GREAT VALUE, HIGH-QUALITY PRODUCTS. I WAS DELIGHTED TO BE TASKED WITH TESTING THE TCX BAJA MID ADVENTURE BOOT: THESE BOOTS ARE DESIGNED TO GIVE MOTORCYCLISTS MAXIMUM PROTECTION WHILST RIDING, AND YET TO BE EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE WHEN WALKING. The TCX Baja Boots we were sent were a vintage-look brown leather, which had a lovely feel to it and looked superb. They were incredibly comfortable from the off, and the 100% full grain leather will only get softer and more comfortable with time. These boots have a waterproof membrane keeping them nice and dry inside, and there is an elasticated top with Velcro fastening to keep water and grime out. The buckles are aluminium and give a good reassuring ‘click’ when locked in. The protection feels secure, with a reinforced toe box, ankle and sole support.
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There is also a reflective strip on the back of the boots, so as to be seen when riding at night. The sole is nice and tacky, with a large step between the heel and sole so they fit well onto your pegs. When I was at the Birmingham bike show at the tail end of 2018, I spent a bit of time looking around the boot stalls and it was very apparent that are a huge range of styles and manufacturers to choose from. However, after trying them, the TCX brand would be at the top of my list for style, quality and cost.
Go lookin comfo
RRP £259.99
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ood ng and ortable
www.tcxboots.com PROS Quality Comfortable Good looking
CONS Doesn’t give full shin protection (so go for the Baja full boot)
ROK COFFEE GRINDER WHEN YOU STUMBLE INTO THE KITCHEN FIRST THING IN THE MORNING DESPERATE FOR A SHOT OF THE BLACK STUFF TO KICK START YOUR BRAIN THE LAST THING YOU WANT IS TO THE EAR-SPLITTING MECHANICAL SCREAM OF A COFFEE GRINDER RATTLING THROUGH YOUR SKULL. The Coffee Grinder from ROK is a blissfully quiet manual grinder, a much more ear-friendly way to start the day. It is incredibly easy to set up and use; simply attach the handle and place the cup underneath, add your beans and turn the handle clockwise to grind. The grinder has a mechanical design which appears quite stylish at first look, however some parts could have a cleaner finish, the plastic gear cover felt quite thin and stands out from the rest of the chrome design, the base could be heavier to prevent any movement whilst grinding although there are two grippy strips that run along the underside of the grinder and this does a reasonably good job of securing the unit to your work surface. The cup felt a bit cheap until I realised it was made from bamboo, so ROK gain points for choosing a sustainable and more environmentally-friendly material. This grinder is suitable for all types of coffee from French to Turkish and features a double bearing drive shaft to prevent wobble and provide a consistent coffee particle size. It weighs just 2.25 kg so moving it from place to place isn’t an issue however at 30.40 cm x 17.70 cm x 22.50 cm it will be easier to keep the grinder on the worktop rather than in the cupboard, and the handle is quite long so you will probably need to pull the grinder forward for use to avoid it hitting the wall. Turning the handle is straightforward,
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no muscles necessary thanks to the bevel gears and their self-lubricating properties, however the plastic construction could affect the longevity of the product. To adjust the coarseness of the grind you simply twist the dial but there is no indicator to suggest where to put it for French press for example, so it’s done by trial and error. The ROK Coffee Grinder provided a consistent coarseness suitable for espresso to filter coffee and everything in between, there is something pleasant about using the manual grinder and tweaking the burrs to fine tune your grind, a much nicer way to prepare your morning coffee whilst half asleep.
Consisten range of coarsenes
nt f ss
RRP £159
https://www.rok.coffee/ PROS Looks stylish Quiet to use Consistent range of coarseness Simple manual control
Double bearing drive shaft Steel burrs Bamboo cup
CONS Plastic components not as durable Could have a cleaner finish
No visual indicators of how coarse the grind is
UA RUSH SPORTS BRA ALONG WITH RUNNING SHOES, A DECENT SPORTS BRA IS AN ABSOLUTE PRIORITY FOR ME BEFORE I HEAD OUT FOR A WORKOUT, CASE IN POINT WHEN MY YOGA CLASS WAS CANCELLED AT THE LAST MINUTE AND A CIRCUIT CLASS WAS PUT ON INSTEAD I THOUGHT, ‘WHAT THE HELL I’M ALREADY HERE!’ WHAT A MISTAKE, I WAS SO UNCOMFORTABLE THROUGHOUT AND STILL FELT ACHY THE NEXT DAY. SPORTS BRAS TEND TO COME IN CATEGORIES OF LOW TO HIGH IMPACT AND THE RUSH SPORTS BRA FROM UNDER ARMOUR SITS IN THE MIDDLE OF THAT CATEGORY AS A MEDIUM IMPACT BRA, THIS MEANS IT IS BEST SUITED FOR SPORTS LIKE CYCLING, BOXING AND WEIGHTLIFTING. They don’t have a traditional back measurement and cup measurement, 34C for example, but a quick look on the size guide means that this would be medium (the sizes range from XS to XL). This bra is non-adjustable so it may be worth trying on a few sizes to ensure you get the right fit, I wear a 34C and the medium came up a little large on me and, as the bra has been designed with a fitted cut, you want to make sure you are benefiting from the athletic design that promotes total mobility but eliminates bulk. The RUSH Sports Bra uses a mineralinfused fabric that absorbs the energy your body emits and reflects it back into your tissues and muscles, helping your muscles work harder. The interior mesh lining adds some breathability, whilst the soft, breathable and removable cups provide
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Comfor for med and lo impa
extra structure and coverage. The wide encased elastic band feels soft but secure against the skin, holds the bra in place and provides support, the longer hem also means that it can be worn as a crop top on its own, the high neckline provides plenty of coverage at the front and supports the upper chest muscles whilst the keyhole strappy back offers extra ventilation. The UA RUSH Sports Bra was comfortable and supportive throughout our testing, there were no noticeable benefits with the mineral-infused fabric reflecting energy to my muscles however it kept me feeling secure with plenty of breathability in the back and a full range of motion.
rtable dium ow act
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https://www.underarmour.co.uk/en-gb/womens-uarush-sports-bra/1332483.html PROS Comfortable for medium and low impact Attractive design Removable cups Breathable
Long hem means it can be worn as a crop top Fitted cut feels secure
CONS Non-adjustable Line runs a little large
RRP £42
LOWEPRO PROTACTIC BP 450 AW II NOW NOT EVERYONE WOULD FIND THEMSELVES FAWNING OVER A CAMERA BAG BUT THE PORTACTIC BP 450 AW II IS AS BEAUTIFUL AS MUCH AS ITS NAME IS BORING. IF YOU ARE INTO YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY CHANCES ARE YOU HAVE SOME PRETTY EXPENSIVE GEAR SO ENSURING IT IS PROTECTED ON THE GO IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST. Not only is the 450 AW II gorgeous, it is also high-performing and functional, it has a modular design, weighs 2.84kg when empty, and can hold up to a 15-inch laptop, 1-2 Pro DSLRs, one with 70-200mm f/2.8 lens attached, 360 camera, DJI Mavic 2 Pro or Zoom or DJI Osmo+. The external dimensions measure up at 36 x 22 x 52cm with a 30 x 16 x 44cm internal dimension and a 29 x 2.2 x 37cm Cradle Fit laptop compartment., A rigid structured body makes it easy to access your gear whilst wearing, even with one hand. Talking of access, you have not one, not two, but four separate access points, so you can always locate and grab your gear when that perfect photo opportunity arises. The professionalgrade camera backpack is rugged with a durable outer body and lightweight FormShell construction for superior protection against the elements. The interior is fully adaptive with modular exterior attachment capabilities, and the convertible utility belt can be used as a waist belt to help distribute the weight of the bag over the body for a more comfortable fit over extended periods of wear. The back of the bag features an ActivZone back panel which provides targeted comfort and support whilst
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offering good ventilation and breathability, whilst the All-Weather Cover protects your contents from rain, snow, dust and sand. It is fully compatible with all ProTactic series modular accessories and includes a utility pouch to organise small accessories, a water bottle holder tripod cup and two Quick Straps. There are loads of pockets to organise your gear including in the hip belt, transparent pockets to view smaller accessories like cables, filters and batteries for example, while the adjustable stiff dividers let you configure the main compartment to your specific needs. This tough and stylish bag is everything you need to keep your equipment safe on the road, with loads of ways to organise, access and protect your gear it’s a bit of a no brainer, did we also mention that we like it a lot?
Breath ActivZ back p
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hable Zone panel RRP £259.95
https://www.lowepro.com/uk-en/protactic-bp450-aw-ii-black-lp37177-pww/ PROS Premium construction Breathable ActivZone back panel 4-point access Waist belt/utility belt Lightweight FormShell construction CradleFit 15-inch laptop compartment Rigid construction
Lots or pockets to organise your gear Comfortable and lightweight
LOGITECH CIRCLE 2 THE CIRCLE 2 FROM LOGITECH IS A VERSATILE HOME SECURITY CAMERA THAT CAN BE USED IN A WIRED OR WIRELESS CONFIGURATION, INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE HOME.THE SUPER EASY-TO-INSTALL CAMERA FEATURES A 180° WIDE-ANGLE LENS THAT RECORDS IN 1080P HD AND IS WI-FI CONNECTED TO ALLOW YOU TO STORE YOUR FOOTAGE IN YOUR OWN PRIVATE CLOUD. The Circle 2 is beautifully made, using premium materials, looks attractive, and you can choose to power it from the mains or via the rechargeable built-in battery which gives you total freedom when it comes to installation location. Its weatherproof body means it can handle the best and worst that the elements have to offer, the 180° wide-angle lens has night vision that is visible up to 15 feet. This camera is compatible with Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant, you can live stream the footage on to your phone or Chromecast device, you can check in from any location using the Circle web app or Android TV. The Smart Alerts feature will notify you on your mobile phone to important moments, with frequency and sensitivity customisation options, there are no streaming limits on the free plan as well as 24hour cloud storage, unlimited downloads and Smart Time-lapse Day Brief. You can access premium upgrades including extended cloud storage and Person Detection by paying for the Basic or Premium subscription, the Advanced Event Filtering identifies and records relevant motion so you can quickly view the things that matter to you. The built-in speaker and microphone allow you to talk to whoever is at your door, in the garden or sneaking into the fridge - and hear their reply. The Smart Timelapse Day Briefs feature lets you view a 30-second recap of the day while the Circle’s algorithms sort through footage to see what happened during the day so that you don’t
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have to. The Smart Location feature means that the Circle 2 knows when to turn alerts on or off, so you will only receive alerts when you are away from home. The Circle 2 also has a digital zoom, adjustable pan and tilt, multiple camera support and comes with swivel mount with tethered 10 ft (3m) cable, camera cover, USB power adapter, wall bracket, 4 screws, 4 anchors, 2 cable clips and the Quick Start Guide. When it comes to protecting your data the security camera is digitally signed and comes with 24 hours of free AES 256 Bit Dual Layer Encryption storage in your own secure private cloud, all footage is transferred securely using the latest industry standard security protocols (TLS 1.2 and greater) and stored using double-layer encryption (AES 256) for extra security and protection, and for privacy inside your home you can easily stop live streaming and recordings by selecting Privacy Mode, or switching it off. The Logitech Circle 2 comes with enough basic features that you don’t feel pressured into paying for a subscription, the image quality and viewing angle is good however if you choose to mount the camera wirelessly outside you will have to regularly remove it from the bracket to charge (every 3-5 days when there is lots of activity) which could damage it over time. The Circle 2 is a good option if you are looking for a camera you can regularly move around the house; for long-term outside mounting we would recommend you use it in the wired configuration.
RRP £169.99
https://www.logitech.com/en-gb/product/ circle-2-home-security-camera PROS Wide angle lens Clear image Easy to set up Attractive and durable design
Portable Secure cloud storage Talk and listen Smart time-lapse day brief
CONS Short battery life in active areas Large unit Subscription necessary for premium features
Night vision could be clearer
FORMA ADVENTURE BOOTS THE ADVENTURE BOOTS FROM FORMA LOOK AWESOME, YES WE KNOW SAFETY COMES FIRST BUT STYLE IS A CLOSE SECOND, ESPECIALLY IN THE WORLD OF MOTORBIKES, IF IT DIDN’T LOOK SO DAMN COOL WOULD THERE REALLY BE AS MANY PEOPLE DRAWN TO THEM, HELL NO. These boots have been designed for road riding with some handy dual-sport features thrown in, constructed from a lightweight and durable full-grain oiled leather they offergreater rider agility and bike control. Thanks to the soft and flexible leather the boots are wonderfully comfortable, suitable for long touring sessions or nipping around the city. The boots come with CE level 2 protection and a 12-month warranty, the Drytex waterproof technology prevents rain and spray from the roads from getting into the boot and soaking/freezing your feet, while the antislip sole gives you solid traction both on and off the bike. We must point out here that due to the lightweight sole design, these boots are not recommended for use with kick-start bikes or bikes with aggressive motocross style foot-pegs; Forma recommend that if you are a rider that mostly stands up when you ride that the Forma Terra Evo boots are more appropriate. These boots are easy to slip in and out of with a Velcro collar closure and plastic buckles, we were slightly concerned about the longevity of the plastic buckles over metal but this does help to
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keep the weight down and they are called ‘Unbreakable GH buckles’, so there has to be something in that. The inside of the boot features a soft anti-bacterial insole, so your reputation isn’t diminished by hideous odours the moment you get indoors and remove your boots. For added protection there is a stainless-steel shank, injection-moulded shin plate, plastic gear pad protection and TPU-reinforced ankle area as well as adjustable straps for a precise fit and extra soft polymer padding for comfort. The Adventure Boots are ready when you are, super comfortable for long rides, lightweight, protective and look great, they will become a reliable companion on many adventures.
CE level protectio
2 on
RRP £219.99
https://www.factoryagencies.co.uk PROS CE level 2 protection Flexible full-grain oiled leather Drytex waterproof Lightweight Anti-slip sole Super comfortable Protective Anti-bacterial insole
OPTOMA NU FORCE BE SPORT 4 FOR ME, ONE OF THE LEAST MOTIVATING THINGS IN THE GYM IS THE SOUND OF SOME ATTENTION-SEEKING MEATHEAD GRUNTING THROUGH EVERY REP LIKE THEY ARE TRYING TO GIVE NADAL A RUN FOR HIS MONEY; THE BEST ANTIDOTE TO THIS ANNOYANCE IS TO PLUG INTO YOUR FAVOURITE TUNES AND DROWN OUT THE WORLD AROUND YOU. The Optoma NU Force BE Sport 4 have been specifically designed for use within the gym, the Bluetooth headphones remove any annoying dangling wires shackling you to your phone and come with a sweat- and water-resistant IPX5 rating. The BE Sport 4 come with a 10 hour battery life and just 15 minutes’ charge will get you 2 hours of continuous playtime, leaving you with one less excuse not to hit the gym. The instructions for pairing aren’t the clearest but with only 3 buttons to play with it isn’t too difficult to work out, and the posh English voice prompt lets you know when you are connected and ready to go. Once connected to your smart device via Bluetooth you get 10 metre range without obstacles, allowing you to put your phone in your pocket or on the equipment whilst you work out, the earbuds feature graphene-coated drivers for a lighter weight and good conductivity that requires less power than traditional drivers. The aptX function lets you listen to CD-quality music wirelessly with a much higher quality than standard Bluetooth codec, while the AAC improves the quality of sound when playing music from Apple devices and other sources such as YouTube, DAB radio and streaming services. The built-in microphone, located on a lightweight in-line remote, lets you answer calls handsfree, this can also be
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used to adjust the volume, play, pause and skip tracks as well as activate Siri or Google Voice. These earbuds come with a whole host of ear tips including SpinFit TwinBlades for a secure fit in the ear canal during vigorous activity, the Wings Tips have a soft silicone wing that locks the ear bud in place in the outer ear (to be used with regular or SpinFit earbuds). The earbuds are magnetic so you can wrap them around your neck and hold them in place when not in use, (as a person who still has to make Lshapes with their finger and thumb to tell their left from their right an indicator as to which earbud is which would be useful). The sound quality is impressive for the price range, with rich mid tones and clear top note, it does lack a little bass but overall it provides an enjoyable experience. The Optoma NU Force BE Sport 4 are a good choice if you don’t want to spend a fortune on headphones that are going to get covered in sweat but still want decent sound quality whilst you work out, they don’t have the most extensive range of features but they are easy to use, lightweight and comfortable, more than enough to get you through the gym session.
L ea p
RRP £89
Loads of ar tips for precise fit https://www.optoma.co.uk/audioproduct/be-sport4 PROS Good sound quality Comfortable Lightweight Loads of ear tips for precise fit
Magnetic earbuds Inline remote and built in microphone ACC and aptX
CONS Limited features Instructions not clear
Lacks bass No left/right earbud indictors
UA RUSH SHORT SLEEVE
THE RUSH SHORT SLEEVE TOP HAD THE HONOUR OF MAKING ITS DEBUT APPEARANCE ON THE FINAL DAY OF MY THREE-MONTH TOUGH MUDDER TRAINING, THIS HAD INVOLVED 8-MILE RUNS, HOUR-LONG CIRCUIT TRAINING, HILL SPRINTS AND MANY MANY PULL UPS, THANKFULLY MY LAST SESSION CONSISTED OF A VERY GENTLE 5 MILER (ALTHOUGH IT WAS CHUCKING IT DOWN AT THE TIME, NICE WEATHER WOULD BE TOO EASY). The top, available in both men’s and women’s versions, comes in three colours: the same grey we have seen before in the RUSH collection (women’s only), with a hint of purple to it, black and lighter grey, they all feature the RUSH branding in between the centre of the shoulders and the Under Armour logo on the front of the chest, this stands out the most prominently on the lighter grey. The first thing I noticed was how lightweight the top was, and that element paired with the silky-smooth material made it very comfortable to wear, it hung comfortably over my running tights whereas some can ride up with the continuous movement. The top has a fitted finish, which means it has a slimmer athletic-style cut that follows the natural shape of the body but doesn’t provide any compression. The top can be worn as a base, mid or top layer and due to its thin material it doesn’t create bulk. Like the other RUSH products we have seen, it has the mineral-infused fabric that claims to absorb the energy your body emits and reflect it back into your tissues and muscles. I’m not sure I noticed any obvious effects on my muscles from the material, but my upper body did feel warm and relaxed straight from the start and remained so even in the rain. There is a small amount of mesh panelling on the collar for added
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breathability, but overall there is very little breathability in this top; the thin material helps some heat escape but as I often get very hot whilst working out I would avoid wearing this on very warm days. The dropped hem provides enhanced coverage (just in case your leggings ride down) and it is shaped to create a streamlined silhouette that’s rather flattering. Both the men’s and the women’s version of this top are very similar although the men’s has mesh insets on the side hem for added breathability as well as a modified raglan sleeve and low profile collar construction instead of the high collar seen in the women’s version. The looser fit and reduced ventilation means it might become too warm and ride up during intense HIIT classes with movements like mountain climbers, hip thrusters or any upside-down work, headstands or handstands for example, however I would recommend this top for things like weight training, running or tennis thanks to the lightweight, soft and flexible material.
Lightwe and silky
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eight y soft
RRP £45
https://www.underarmour.co.uk/en-gb/mens-uarush-short-sleeve/1327641.html PROS Lightweight and silky soft Stretchy material Dropped hem
Collar creates unique look Muscles felt warm and relaxed from the start
CONS Lacks ventilation
SOLAR TACKLE SP C-TECH BEDCHAIR (WITH DETACHABLE BAG)
THERE IS NOTHING THAT HAS QUITE THE SAME IMPACT ON THE QUALITY OF YOUR DAY AS A BAD NIGHT’S SLEEP AND THE LAST THING YOU NEED WHEN TRYING TO PARTICIPATE IN WHAT SHOULD BE AN ENJOYABLE HOBBY IS TO BE RUINED BY A SEMI-DEFLATED AIR BED OR LUMPY UNCOMFORTABLE FOAM LINER. The SP C-Tech Bedchair from Solar Tackle has been created to provide you with a comfortable space to sit whilst fishing and then sleep comfortably in the great outdoors when you haven’t managed to catch anything for over five hours. When I read the term ‘bed chair’, I thought it would change from a flatbed into a sit-up chair but it only sets up in the flat configuration, this isn’t an issue as I would rather it does one thing well than try to do too many things half-heartedly. For starters this thing is a bit of a beast at 12.9kg, it is super bulky and not the easiest thing to carry around (says a 5’3” person) so it is best suited for the sort of locations you can park up nearby and intend on sticking around for a little while or it might not be worth the hassle. This flagship bedchair is constructed from durable, high-quality materials, with a strong high-tensile aluminium frame that features a unique Spring-Loc leg-adjustment mechanism and twin-pivot hinge system. This leg system means you can create a flat sleeping surface even if the ground
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underneath you is bumpy, the entire bed is so easy to set up: simply unclip the buckle (the strap helps to keep the bed compactly folded when not in use), pop out the legs and unfold the head and feet section, it couldn’t be more straightforward. The 3D DuraDore air-pocketed mattress is spongey and comfortable whilst the super-soft, suede-padded edging all round means you can fall asleep on it without a sleeping bag or sheet. The bed provides a good amount of lumbar support with zero sagging, it is springy enough to assist in rolling over and getting up, you can lay comfortably on your back, sides or front. The chairbed comes with a detachable bag with lots or organising pockets that securely hooks onto the side of the bed, providing a handy, place to stash your phone, wallet and midnight snacks. The SP C-Tech Bedchair is a durable, functional and comfortable chairbed, even if you never even take it outside it would be handy to pop up in the living room if you had a guest to stay it is that good quality.
RRP £309.99 https://www.solartackle.co.uk/gear/chairs-bedchairs/sp-c-tech-bedchair-(includes-detachablebag) PROS Super comfortable Good size (205cm x 80cm) Generous lumbar support Adjustable feet for uneven terrain Easy to set up Handy detachable bag 3D DuraDore airpocketed mattress
FIXD
MY BEAT-UP OLD CORSA THAT LIKES TO BREAK DOWN ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY DURING IMPORTANT EVENTS, (MY WEDDING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY AND FAMILY MEALS), I’M BEGINNING TO THINK SOME OF MY ANXIETY ISSUES HAVE RUBBED OFF ON IT AND IT CAN’T HANDLE SOCIAL SITUATIONS. I HAVE SEEN THAT LITTLE YELLOW ENGINE MANAGEMENT LIGHT POP UP ON THE DASH MORE TIMES THAN I CARE TO REMEMBER AND 9 TIMES OUT OF 10 IT IS A RELATIVELY SIMPLE PROBLEM TO FIX, BUT AS I HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING THE PROBLEM WE REGULARLY PAY OUT SILLY AMOUNTS OF MONEY TO OUR MECHANIC. The FIXD was launched in 2014 and aims to change the way car owners tackle repairs by helping you to better understand your vehicle. The FIXD unit works with any petrol-powered vehicle from 1996 onwards and any diesel vehicle from 2008 onwards. It is very easy to install, taking under two minutes, and requires zero tools or mechanical knowledge; all you need to do after that is download and connect it to the free FIXD app. The app will tell you why the Check Engine Light is on, the severity of the issue, and how much it will cost to fix it, you will also receive real-time information about Engine Load, Fuel Pressure, and Oil Temperature, and can be used on multiple vehicles. Continuous monitoring will alert you to problems with your vehicle and provide you with the manufacturerrecommended maintenance timeline, so you know when you’re due for a service. The app stores a history of issues detected within your vehicle, it will provide the factoryrecommended maintenance schedule for your specific make/model/year/engine, where you can view exactly what services need to be performed at each maintenance interval to help you know what is required to properly maintain your vehicle and provides mileage-based reminders to alert you when you are approaching a maintenance interval.
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Other features includeMobile Phone push notifications and Relevant Reminders, which provides reminders for upcoming suggested maintenance and when a check engine light is detected. Ok, so the FIXD won’t stop your car from breaking down but it will provide you with a clear insight into your vehicle’s issues, giving you a greater understanding of the consequences of continuing to drive, and more control over the situation.
Get th annoyi engin light er explain
hat ing ne rror ned
RRP $59
https://www.fixdapp.com/ PROS Engine light explained Multi-vehicle control Continuous monitoring Maintenance timeline Vehicle history Easy to install
UA RUSH LEGGINGS
I REMEMBER WHEN I FIRST STARTED RUNNING ABOUT 14 YEARS AGO I USED TO DO IT IN CARGO SHORTS, I THOUGHT THE BAGGIER THE BETTER, COVER UP ALL THOSE LUMPS AND BUMPS (I ALSO REMEMBER RUNNING IN HIKING BOOTS ONCE, HOW I DIDN’T BUST A SHIN I DO NOT KNOW). LOOKING BACK I REALISE HOW DIFFICULT I WAS MAKING THINGS, NOT TO MENTION THE FRICTION BURN BETWEEN MY THIGHS, OUCH. I never really understood why people used skin-tight clothing whilst working out, surely it was more restrictive, then my Mum got me some capri tights and the penny dropped. Leggings provide a degree of compression and support for muscles, prevent rubbing, add protection against the weather and ensure total freedom of movement and after trying them for the first time I never looked back. The RUSH leggings from Under Armour come in black and grey (although there is a soft hint of purple in the grey), featuring mineral-infused fabric that aims to absorb the energy your body emits and reflects it back into your tissues and muscles. These leggings feature a compression-style fit, like a second skin, that hugs close, I felt it most notably around the calves, but isn’t insanely tight like some compression garments. The leggings don’t make workouts in anyway restrictive, in fact the super stretchy material provides you with a full range of movement. The leggings are constructed from 82% polyester and 18% elastane, the strategically-placed seams eliminate pressure points and chafing and there is a handy mesh pocket on the side of the leg. I found this pocket especially useful whilst weight training; as I use an app to track my weight/reps, I could quickly grab and stow
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away my phone without having to deal with zips and the positioning meant it didn’t dig into my back whilst on the resistance machines. The only downside to the pocket is that is does bounce around a little whilst running so I won’t be ditching the arm band case just yet. I found the RUSH leggings secure and comfortable, the compression (and possibly the mineral-infused fabric) felt good across my legs (although the two chocolate pastries I had may have helped with my boundless energy). The lack of a draw string meant that they would ride down slightly whilst performing mountain climbers and burpees, not enough to go full builder’s bum but still required a little wiggly adjustment in the rest period. I would use these leggings for low- to medium-intensity exercises: yoga, running, weight training and some of the gentler exercise classes.
Muscles felt wa and ready to g
RRP £60
arm go
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https://www.underarmour.co.uk/en-gb/womens-uarush-leggings/1332472.html PROS Muscles felt warm and ready to go Comfortable soft material Super stretch
Compression fit Side pocket Discrete branding No chafing or pressure points
CONS No draw string to secure the waist No high vis/reflector detailing for outside visibility
KATHMANDU INTERLOPER GRIDTECH
WHEN SETTING OUT ON AN ADVENTURE THE LAST THING YOU WANT IS YOUR BAG DICTATING WHAT YOU CAN TAKE WITH YOU (OR THE CURIOSITIES YOU ARE ABLE TO PICK UP ON THE WAY), THE INTERLOPER GRIDTECH FROM KATHMANDU OFFERS UP 70L OF SPACE AND IS SUITABLE FOR BOTH ADVENTURE TRAVEL AND TREKKING. ONCE YOU ARRIVE AT YOUR BED FOR THE NIGHT, BE THAT A SWANKY HOTEL OR A BUDGET HOSTEL, YOU CAN DETACH THE 18L GLUON SUMMIT DAYPACK TO EXPLORE YOUR SURROUNDINGS WITH JUST THE ESSENTIALS YOU NEED. THE MAIN PACK MEASURES UP AT L 90CM X W 36CM X D 29CM WHILST THE GLUON IS NICE AND COMPACT AT L 46.5CM X W 27CM X D 20CM AND THE WHOLE THINGS WEIGHS 3.28KG (INCLUDING THE GLUON). THE MAIN PACK IS CONSTRUCTED FROM 420D GRIDTECH RIPSTOP NYLON WITH CORDURA W/R, THE HARNESS IS 420D HD OXFORD W/R WHILST THE LINING IS 200D OXFORD POLYESTER W/R; THE GLUON SUMMIT IS 210D NYLON W/R, 200D OXFORD POLYESTER W/R. The Adjustable C3 ADAPT harness has been created for long-distance carrying, this ergonomic harness hugs the body and provides a sturdy and comfortable ride, and to ensure the harness doesn’t get damaged whilst passing through the various hazards that make up the baggage handling system in the airports there is a protective, fold-away harness cover. The Interloper has a whole load of pockets to organise your gear, including a quickaccess lid compartment, hydration bladder pocket (bladder sold separately), there is a lowercompartment ideal for sleeping bags, a removable mesh laundry bag (a great
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thing to have on those longer adventures) and side pockets for water bottles or walking poles. The Interloper also features top-loading access with a luggage style opening, internal zipper security pocket, lockable zipper docking points, side carry handles and external compression straps. The Interloper gridTECH is rather bulky and won’t help you make friends on the metro, but it is a comfortable and functional all-rounder, the daypack isn’t as good a purpose-built daypack in terms of features and luxury however it will certainly do for single day trips.
RRP £299.99
https://www.kathmandu.co.uk/interlopergridtech-70l-backpack.html PROS Comfortable harness and hip belt Durable materials Detachable 18L Gluon Summit Daypack Lots of pockets for organising your gear Protective, fold-away harness cover for
airport check-in Internal zipper security pocket Lower compartment ideal for sleeping bags Removable mesh laundry bag External compression straps
CONS Bulky
TERMS & CONDITIONS OUR AIM IS TO GIVE OUR READERS THE MOST HONEST REVIEWS WE CAN. WE ALSO WANT TO ENSURE ALL MANUFACTURERS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PROMOTE THEIR GOODS REGARDLESS OF THEIR FINANCIAL STANDING. IN FACT WE ARE INCREDIBLY PROUD THAT START UP COMPANIES HAVE JUST AS MUCH CHANCE OF PROMOTING THEIR GOODS AS DO ESTABLISHED BRANDS. OUR POLICY IS SIMPLE IN THAT WE DON’T OFFER RETURNS UNLESS PREVIOUSLY AGREED. WE ALSO RESERVE THE RIGHT TO KEEP OR SELL THE GOODS TO FUND OUR WRITERS AND KEEP OUR MAGAZINE ACTIVE. WE DO NOT OFFER SPONSORED REVIEWS WHERE WE ARE PAID DIRECTLY FOR THE REVIEW AND WE FEEL THAT THIS MODEL IS THE BEST WAY TO GET AN OBJECTIVE AND IMPARTIAL REVIEW. SO WHILST WE WON’T GUARANTEE A FAVOURABLE REVIEW, WE WILL GUARANTEE AN HONEST ONE. PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS ON WWW.LITTLEGATEPUBLISHING.COM WE ARE DISCLOSING THIS AS WE LIKE TO BE TRANSPARENT ABOUT OUR REVIEWS.
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EXPLORE. ENJOY.
MAXIA 4
THE NEW GENERATION OF THE LEGEND GIVI’S most popular top case, totally redesigned. Stylish as never before, versatile and as strong as ever. • ABS cover with a new design • Internally strengthened outer edge • Double cover made from plastic and aluminium • New outer band • New optical reflectors with small reflector on the outer band • Capacity: 56 lt
Sponsor of the LCR Honda MotoGP Team.
Find more than 900 accessories at www.givimoto.com