Issue 5.03
UK
£4.95
www.thegadgethead.com
Inspired By Your Success
Kärcher Pressure washer K7 Compact • Smart Turn System Brake Module • Bresser Biolux NV 20X-1280X Microscope with HD USB Camera Polar Vantage V Multisport Watch • LittleBits Space Rover Inventor Kit • Devolo Home Control Starter Pack • Digitsole Warm Series Smart Heating Insoles • Anova Precision Cooker
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
Qvia QR790S Quad + Full HD 2CH • Victorinox I.N.O.X. Professional Diver Titanium • EcoSphere Ecosystem • Alpinestars Andes V2 Drystar Pants Halo Sport Neuropriming HeadPhones • Alpinestars Andes Pro Drystar Jacket Tech-Air Compatible • Joseph Joseph Folding TriScale • Fluval 306 Canister Filter • Hennessy Hammock Deep Jungle Zip XL Hahnel Duopal Extra for Hero4 Charger and Power Bank • Think Tank Secure Pixel Pocket Rocket • Forcefield Body Armour Ex-K Harness Adventure • Modius ROKA Phantom Titanium • Peak Design Accessories • Fingbox • Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L • ENO DoubleNest Hammock Krug-Baümen Majestic - 60252DM model • Orange Whip Putter • Knog Blinder Road 400 Road Bike Light • Moleskine Pen+ Ellipse
KÄRCHER PRESSURE WASHER K7 COMPACT LET’S FACE IT, CLEANING SUCKS. IT CAN HARD, PHYSICAL WORK THAT NO ELSE APPRECIATES (THEY WOULD CERTAINLY NOTICE IF IT’S NOT DONE, HOWEVER) AND IT SEEMS TO ALWAYS NEED DOING. THE VERY LEAST WE CAN DO TO VANQUISH THESE TEDIOUS CHORES IS TO ENSURE WE HAVE THE RIGHT TOOLS FOR THE JOB. The Kärcher K7 is a compact pressure-washer that can be used on bicycles, gardening machines, tools, garden, patio or balcony furniture, fences and smaller garden paths or flagstones, motorcycles and scooters, small cars, external staircases and larger garden paths, medium-sized vehicles and estate cars, garden and stone walls, mobile homes and 4x4s, swimming pools and patio surfaces and everything around the house and facades. Is there anything it can’t clean? Yes, your face, if you want to leave it intact. The K7 measures up at 378(L) x 291(W) x 516(H)mm and weighs just 15.8kg without accessories, but don’t let its small size deceive you, this is a powerful pressure washer with 20 - 180 bar / 2 18 MPa and a max flow rate of 600. This device has a water-cooled motor and has been created for frequent use removing stubborn dirt around the home. It has been equipped with two carrying handles and an improved telescopic handle for portability. When it is not in use, it can be easily packed away neatly into a small space thanks to its compact size. The hose, cable and
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accessories can all be stowed on board - the hose has been designed to prevent twisting, is highly flexible and, at 10m in length, is very convenient to use. There is an included Vario Lance that can adjust the pressure with a simple twist and also a quick connect gun and dirt blaster with a rotating point jet, which can be used to remove stubborn dirt without leaving a residue. The Kärcher Pressure washer K7 Compact is a powerful piece of kit that makes light work of grubby chores. It is straightforward to use and surprisingly satisfying to watch the dirt get blasted away. You might even in find yourself enjoying it.
Warning do not us to clean yo face!
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RRP £399.99 https://www.kaercher.com/uk/home-garden/ pressure-washers/k-7-compact-14470510.html PROS Compact storage Anti-twist 10m hose Easy to use Powerful Water-cooled motor High performing Telescopic handle Integrated hose, cable and accessory storage on the device
SMART TURN SYSTEM BRAKE MODULE FROM THE MAKERS OF THE SMART TURN SYSTEM, AN AUTOMATIC INDICATOR DEACTIVATOR WHICH PREVENTS THE RIDER FROM ACCIDENTLY LEAVING THEIR INDICATOR ON AND RUNNING THE RISK OF CAUSING AN ACCIDENT, THE BRAKE MODULE HAS BEEN DESIGNED WITH THE SIMILAR IDEAS AT ITS CORE: MAKE MOTORCYCLISTS INTENTIONS AND ACTIONS MORE VISIBLE TO OTHER ROAD USERS. Motorcycles have brake lights just like cars, however there are some situations when it is dangerous to apply the brake and decelerating is achieved via engine braking or downshifting. This type of deceleration provides no visual indication, putting riders at risk of being rear-ended by other vehicles. You may have guessed already, but the Brake Module switches this up by providing a light indicator (through your existing brake light) when you perform these actions. This compact device flashes your brake light when engine braking and downshifting to warn drivers behind. Just like the Smart Turn System, it is fairly straightforward to install with just three wires to connect it to your brake light. The unit then lives in the spot under your seat or your bike’s frame (somewhere accessible). There are clear instructions and a video to help you through it, but, if you aren’t very confident in your mechanical skills, you can always find a competent mechanic to set things up. The brake light’s normal functions aren’t altered after installation, but it will offer you some more options. The
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module works using motion-sensor technology (acceleration and gyroscope sensors) which detect deceleration with high performing accuracy, measuring the state and position parameters of your motorcycle 300 times every second. This, combined with an algorithm that will detect deceleration, will flash your brake light to warn drivers behind that you are slowing down without applying the brake.
Beco more v on the
There are two options to choose from and they can switched on at any point on the main unit: ‘Flashing’ and ‘Steady’ mode, which are both selfexplanatory. The Brake Module is a no brainer: it works seamlessly with your bike and it helps to keep you visible and safe on the road. Who wouldn’t want that?
RRP €79.00
ome visible e road https://safer-turn.com/product/smart-brake-module/ PROS Flashes the brake light when engine braking or down shifting Straight forward to install Doesn’t interfere with the brake lights regular operation Flashing or Steady mode options
High performing Increases visibility and protection from rear ending
BRESSER BIOLUX NV 20X-1280X MICROSCOPE WITH HD USB CAMERA THE BRESSER BIOLUX NV 20X-1280X MICROSCOPE COMES WITH EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO GET YOUR MICROSCOPIC VISUALS ON: A MICROSCOPE, MECHANICAL DESK, 2 EYEPIECES, 3 OBJECTIVES, 2X BARLOW LENS, 5 PREPARED SLIDES, 5 BLANK SLIDES, MICROSCOPE CUTLERY, PC-OCULAR, DUST COVER, HARD CASE, AND THE HD USB CAMERA WITH METAL HOUSING IS ALSO INCLUDED. The Biolux NV comes with a wide range of accessories that make it a great beginners kit. Among these is the Barlow zoom system inside the eyepiece tubes, meaning the Barlow lens magnification can be varied by a factor of 2 in visual observation. This along with the 3 objectives and 2 interchangeable wide field eyepieces gives a magnification range from 20x to 1280x, whilst the mechanical desk lets you move the sample around with precision even when viewed at high levels of magnification. There is a variable LED for illumination (3xAA batteries required) for transmitted and incident light and comes with a filter wheel to cover all samples, making samples like leaves and bugs much clearer. Also included in the kit are a dust cover, 5 prepared slides and 5 blank slides (with cover slips) to get you started. The included HD camera is a fun accessory: this saves you straining over the microscope and lets you view your samples on a computer screen, great if you are working with other budding scientists. You can also capture videos and images of your findings via the included Windows
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software (compatible with Windows 7 / 8 / 10). Other features include the solid metal construction, mechanical cross table and focussing wheel. This microscope is suitable for biology, botany, education, philately and entomology. The microscope itself appears to be well made, however the hard case is a little tatty and the foam casing could be better arranged to ensure it holds everything firmly in place. All things considered this is a good beginners kit for amateur work, bringing you closer to the microscopic world.
A great beginner’s
RRP €149
arrow-alt-circle-right https://www.bresser.de/en/Microscopes-Magnifiers/ BRESSER-Biolux-NV-20x-1280x-Microscope-withHD-USB-camera.html PROS
kit
Good beginner kit Included USB camera and Windows software Magnification 20x-1280x Incident and transmitted
LED illumination Lot of accessories Battery powered
CONS Case is cheap
POLAR VANTAGE V MULTISPORT WATCH THE POLAR VANTAGE V IS PACKED FULL OF FEATURES TO MOTIVATE YOU AND HELP YOU IMPROVE YOU FITNESS, SUITABLE FOR A WHOLE VARIETY OF WORKOUTS AND TRIATHLON TRAINING. LET ME SAY STRAIGHT OFF THAT THIS IS A MULTISPORT WATCH - NOT A SMART WATCH - BUT IT STILL HAS SOME USEFUL FEATURES TO KEEP YOU CONNECTED WHEN ON THE MOVE. THIS WATCH IS WATER RESISTANT, SO IT CAN FOLLOW YOU INTO THE WATER AND PROVIDE YOU WITH SWIMMING METRICS INCLUDING YOUR HEART RATE, SWIMMING STYLE, DISTANCE, PACE, STROKES AND REST TIMES, THE DISTANCE AND STROKES ARE ALSO TRACKED IN OPEN WATER SWIMMING (SO YOU HAVE NO EXCUSE). The Vantage V has wrist-based heart rate monitors that produce accurate data, it won’t beat a chest strap but it is a very close second, plus it’s way more comfortable and the information it provides will help you push your limits. The Vantage V helps you find a balance between training and rest, something many of us forget to manage which is one of the ways we can end up with injuries, the new Training Load Pro provides you with a full break down on how your training sessions strain your body in different ways so you can use this to see whether your body is ready for training and get recovery feedback with Recovery Pro. If you are a runner (and if you a looking at this watch, you are in luck) the Running Power feature works with the heart rate monitoring letting you monitor the external
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load of your running, it responds to changes in intensity faster than your heart rate, guiding you through interval and hill sessions. It also calculates Muscle Load, the load that your training session puts on your joints and your muscular and skeletal systems, therefore helping you avoid injury. The Running Index estimates your running VO2 max and assesses how your running performance is developing, you can also get a personal and adaptive training plan that fits you and your goals. When you train you get access to the full Polar ecosystem where everything is connected, all your training data is available on one platform in Polar Flow app, you can also automatically sync your training data to Strava, TrainingPeaks and other fitness services. You will never forget a session
with an automatic training diary, you can share your data with your PT or coach and even plan a season together with your coach with the free Polar Flow for Coach service. The Vantage V gives you a comprehensive insight into the intensity of your running sessions, but will also support over 130 different sports, you can add your favourite sports to your watch in Polar Flow. You can stay connected by receiving alerts for incoming calls, messages, emails, calendar events and more, get information on calories burned, receive motivating feedback immediately after training describing the effect of the session. Other features include sleep tracking via Sleep Plus, share highlights on the Polar Flow community, connect with online sports communities and get an insight into how your heart behaves throughout the day. Phew! I feel exhausted working though all those features, this is an accurate and reliable sports watch, it is comfortable enough for all day wear, the buttons and menus are easy to work through, the touch screen can be a little hit and miss with its responsiveness, but we can let that slide. The Polar Vantage V is a high performing watch that will help you become a high performing athlete.
RRP £439
https://www.polar.com/uk-en/ vantage/v PROS Accurate wrist-based heart rate Training Load Pro, Recovery Pro and Running Power Features Swimming metrics Running Index and Running Programme Comfortable for all day wear Lightweight (66g) Up to 40h battery life with GPS and HR monitoring Built in GPS Two sizes available Compatible with Polar BLE heart rate sensors
CONS Touch screen lacks responsiveness
LITTLEBITS SPACE ROVER INVENTOR KIT THE SPACE ROVER INVENTOR KIT HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO INSPIRE CREATIVE KIDS AND FUTURE ASTRONAUTS TO BUILD AND CUSTOMISE THEIR VERY OWN SPACE ROVER, THEN TAKE IT ON MISSIONS INSPIRED BY NASA ASTRONAUTS. This kit comes with 15 bits, 10 paper templates, 7 accessories (including tech sensors, paper templates, wheels, mounting boards, LED light and motors), sticker sheet, 9V battery with cable, and a free app with instructions. This app has over 30 activities with step-by-step instructions and tutorials that clearly guide kids through building and customising different entertaining inventions to explore the final frontier. They can start their training in the academy and progress step-by-step through missions designed to replicate real life challenges our astronauts face today. The Space Rover is much more than a toy and its high price tag means you will have to seriously consider whether the child has an active interest in this sort of thing, as well as the patience and skills required to fully enjoy the Space Rover. This kit is aimed at 8+ but could still be too complex for some 8-year olds. Having said all that, for the right child (and adult), this is a lot of fun to build and, once assembled, it can be programmed and controlled via the app. It will help to teach STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) skills and children can enjoy both hands-on play
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and digital programming. The delicate cardboard components mean the overall Rover is light weight, but it needs to be handled delicately. The overall design has the perfect combination of technical and cute, there is the potential for hours of playtime and the app missions are engaging and fun. However, a genuine interest in space or STEM is required to fully enjoy this kit.
Mission Impossible?
?
RRP £199.99
https://www.amazon.co.uk/littleBits-Space-RoverInventor-Kit/dp/B07BFPQ3R1 PROS Easy to assemble and control Cute and entertaining STEM skills
Physical and digital play 30 activities with stepby-step instructions
CONS Expensive Lacks imaginative play 8-10 might be a bit young
DEVOLO HOME CONTROL STARTER PACK
WE ARE SLOWLY MOVING INTO A BLACK MIRROR EPISODE WHERE WE CAN CONTROL OUR ENTIRE SURROUNDINGS WITH EITHER AN APP OR OUR VOICES. I SAY, LETS JUST EMBRACE IT! ALL THOSE EPISODES HAVE HAPPY ENDINGS…RIGHT? The Devolo Home Control Starter Pack helps you start to transform your house into a smart home with three central components in one pack: The Home Control Central Unit, Home Control Door/Window Contact and the Home Control Smart Metering Plug. Starting with the Home Control Central Unit, this is the neurocentre to all the other products, making sure that all the other smart products are in communication with each other in a compact and discreet unit. The Home Control Door/Window Contact ups the security in your home by monitoring the access areas (even cupboards and draws) and detecting invasions or unauthorised entry, which will then sound an alarm if something doesn’t seem right. The Home Control Smart Metering Plug can be used to make your coffee before you wake up, warn you if you have left the freezer door ajar or turn off devices you have accidently left on. The Devolo uses standardised Z-Wave wireless technology with a 3 year manufacturer’s warranty and doesn’t require a monthly membership to use. It will work with Google Home or Google Home Mini Smart Speaker if you want to be able to control your Devolo via voice activation. The build quality could be
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improved as the plastic feels quite thin in places. It doesn’t work with other smart devices like Hive or SmartThings, so it limits you to what you can use. We also had some connection issues with the devices reading ‘offline’ when they were are active.
Comp with G Hom
The Devolo is a reasonable smart system when it works it works well, but the inconsistencies made it unreliable, plus the inevitable purchases of additional items will soon add up. Having said that the Devolo Starter pack (and the extra parts) can do some pretty cool things, it is easy to install, and the app lets you have full control in an intuitive way. This kit is a good introduction to smart home system. If you are looking to avoid a Wi-Fi connect system this could be a good place to start, but, like most things, don’t expect 100% functionality.
patible Google me
RRP £179.99
https://www.devolo.co.uk/devolo-home-controlstarter-pack.html PROS Easy to install Clean and intuitive interface Has some great, usable functions
Accurate sensors Compatible with Google Home
CONS Doesn’t always connect first time Poor build quality in parts
Additional units are expensive No Wi-Fi connection
DIGITSOLE WARM SERIES SMART HEATING INSOLES I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR A PRODUCT LIKE THIS TO LAND ON MY DESK FOR A WHILE; ALL THE WOMEN IN MY FAMILY HAVE ZOMBIE FEET: THEY MOVE AROUND LIKE LIVING FEET BUT ARE BASICALLY COLD AND DEAD INSIDE. I SPEND SIX MONTHS OF THE YEAR IN DOUBLE SOCKS TRYING TO AVOID THE INEVITABLE ONSET OF PAINFUL CHILBLAINS AND CAN CHASE MY HUSBAND OUT OF A ROOM BY PLACING A FROZEN BIG TOE ON ANY PART OF HIS BODY, IT’S LIKE AN INCREDIBLY LAME SUPER POWER - JUST CALL ME CAPTAIN FROST FEET! These insoles are the first connected and heated insoles created by Digitsole, who specialise in smart footwear that lets you keep track of your activity via the foundations and an often-overlooked part of your body: your feet. The Warm Series wants to bring a little comfort into your chosen activity by allowing you to regulate the temperature in your shoes, as well as provide you with information about your daily activity. These insoles connect to your smartphone with the Warm Series App via Bluetooth and are compatible with iOS (9.0 and above) and Android (5.0 and above) devices. It’s on the app that you can control each insole’s temperature (in case you have one foot colder than the other). These insoles can be used in your bike, motorcycle, ski or hiking shoes, as well as accompanying you on your day-to-day activities and work. You can select a temperature between 20°C and 45°C / 68°F and 113°F. These insoles are available in 6 sizes (from 36 to 47) which you can then cut down into the precise size and shape for your shoes. The battery is rechargeable (USB lead included) and can provide you with 2-8 hours of heat depending on your setting. The battery is built into the heal and is also 100% secure from accidents.
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When I first unboxed the insoles, I wasn’t convinced the chunky and firm heal would be comfortable in my shoe. It definitely takes a little getting used to, as your feet sit a little higher in the shoe than before and can affect the shockabsorbing quality for more technical shoes. However, it feels natural after a few wears and remains secure throughout. There are a few annoying issues that will prevent these from becoming the cure for my cold feet: I needed the temperature set to the max limit for it to warm my toes, which only provides about 2 hours’ worth of use, therefore limiting their usability for things like hiking or skiing. My major peeve, however, was that you need to remove the insoles to charge them AND switch them on - it is so annoying to lace up your shoes only to realise you haven’t switched them on! The Warm Series are well on their way to becoming an awesome product, but it is difficult to justify their price tag with the current functionality issues. However, if you have bags of cash, chilly toes and a healthier amount of patience, they could still be worth money.
Each insole can be paired independently
RRP €199.99
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https://www.digitsole.com/store/connected-heatedinsoles-warm-series/ PROS Each insole can be paired independently 20°C and 45°C / 68°F and 113°F temperature range Absorbing and hygienic Easy to adjust size
100% safe battery Flexible Accurately records steps, calories burnt, distance and route walked
CONS Expensive You need to remove insoles to charge and switch on Feet sit higher in the shoe
Could affect impact properties of more technical shoes Doesn’t sit perfectly in every design of shoe
ANOVA PRECISION COOKER THE ANOVA PRECISION COOKER IS A SOUS-VIDE MACHINE WHICH, FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE NEVER DONE MORE THAN PIERCE THE FILM AND MICROWAVED FOR 8 ½ MINUTES WHEN COOKING A MEAL, IS A FRENCH METHOD OF COOKING IN WHICH THE FOOD IS PUT IN A PLASTIC POUCH, IMMERSED IN WATER AND GENTLY SLOW COOKED TO ENSURE AN EVEN COOK WITH NO LOSS OF FLAVOUR OR MOISTURE. The Anova Precision Cooker has been designed to allow anyone to cook at French restaurant quality in a super straightforward way and in the comfort of your own home! Just follow the three steps and you would be hard pushed to go wrong. First you need a pot (for those microwave chefs this looks like a bucket but is made from metal) - it works with any size, but we found the adjustable clamp was easier to attach on deeper pots. Once attached, you set a time and temperature by using the screen and buttons on top of the device or via the Anova app (of course there’s an app), then fill the pot with water, put your chosen food in a re-sealable bag, then clip the bag to the side of the pot and walk away. Most sous-vide machines come with a bath attached, meaning it will take up a large area of your kitchen work top or cupboard when not in use. Thankfully this clamp-on variety can be easily stored away thanks to its compact design. The food is cooked by the Anova circulating up to 8L of water 360˚ around the pot. This prevents hot and cold spots and ensures an even cook throughout, no dry edges or raw centres, and it hold all the juices within the meat. You can use the app to check and adjust
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the temperature, or even stop the cooking process entirely without having to get up from your chair and walk to the kitchen. Anova comes with 1,000+ recipes of every skill level to help get you started. You can serve up to 8 people with this sousvide and the 800 watts of power heats the water up quickly. The Anova Precision Cooker is a great bit of kit: it is so convenient and simple to use, it has beautiful and intuitive construction and most importantly makes delicious and moist food.
Serves up eight peo
p to ople
RRP £139
https://anovaculinary.com/anova-precision-cooker/ PROS Cooks food perfectly Easy to use Durable construction Control from another room Serves up to 8 people 800 watts heats your water fast
0°C-99°C range with 0.1° variance 1,000+ recipes Max-level shutoff sensor and min-level alert sensor Compact for storage
QVIA QR790S QUAD + FULL HD 2CH THE QR790S QUAD IS THE FIRST QUAD HD DASH CAMERA ON THE MARKET. CREATED BY QVIA, THIS DASH CAM SYSTEM COMES WITH BOTH FRONT AND REAR CAMERAS, THE FRONT CAMERA HAS QUAD HD RESOLUTION (2560X1440P) WHILST THE REAR HAS FULL HD (1920X1080P) AT 30FPS. The Front camera also features a Sony STARVIS Sensor this provides a clear and sharp image in both high and low light conditions, the rear camera uses the Sony Exmor Sensor which works at a low definition but still provides good quality images. This camera uses a 30mm UV filter this helps to increase the image quality by reducing the levels of UV that reach the sensor it also protects the lens from damage and makes the image brighter. The Quad HD means that the QR790S has four times as many pixels as HD and double the Pixels of Full HD, as expected the images are sharp and detailed, ensuring you don’t miss the tiniest details in the event of an incident. The night vision feature uses the image processing technology of Qvia and ISP technology to brightens the image so even in low light you can see what is going on around the car, the whole system is easy to install thanks to the LED colour DIY installation guide. The Advance Driver Assistance System (ADAS) keeps you safe on the road and includes Lane Departure Warning System, letting you know if you accidently veer out of your lane, the Front Collision Warning System, alerting you to an imminent collision and the Front Car Moving Detection, giving you a warning when the car in front starts to move whilst your car is stationary. The QR790 has built in Wi-Fi allowing you to view instant play back and video in real time via the app on your smart device, the dual band GPS and Glonass
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navigation systems provides accurate location data as well as activation of the ADAS including auto date/time correction, speed limit and the ‘P Mode’ (Pseudo Speed) that provides ADAS in areas with weak signal. The QR790 has Dual Save to minimise the loss of important data, it has vibration mode, low voltage cut off to prevent it draining the car battery, built in battery life, security LED warning light and is heat resistant. There are various recording modes including Always Recording, Event Recording (saves data in the event of a collision), Parking Recording with motion detection, Parking Time Lapse and Manual Recording. This is a high performing and full featured camera that’s easy to install, providing clear and bright images (both front and rear), and helping to keep you safer on the busy roads.
Dual ba GPS an Glonas
RRP £399
and nd ss https://www.qvia.uk/qr790s PROS Bright, clear Quad HD images Easy to install Front and rear unit ADAS Night Vision
Built in Wi-Fi Dual Band GPS and Glonass Built in battery Dual Save
CONS Large front unit Small buttons on front unit
VICTORINOX I.N.O.X. PROFESSIONAL DIVER TITANIUM THE I.N.O.X. PROFESSIONAL DIVER IS THE ONLY SWISS WATCH CERTIFIED TO WITHSTAND 130 EXTREME ENDURANCE HOMOLOGATION TESTS. IT IS AN ISO 6425 CERTIFIED DIVERS’ WATCH WITH SWISS-MADE QUARTZ MOVEMENT, ANTIMAGNETISM AND A WATER RESISTANCE UP TO 200M. To ensure your wetsuit isn’t damaged by rough materials, the I.N.O.X Pro Diver has a carefully constructed strap made from handwoven survival paracord. This provides a durable, secure hold without snagging or rubbing the fibres of your wetsuit. This watch has a 45mm diameter, a height of 14.4mm, weighs a total of 126.1g and uses a hypoallergenic and lightweight titanium case. The shockproof box housing provides an incredible strength-to-weight ratio, thanks to the strength of the ultralight metal. It comes with an additional genuine rubber strap, which is extendable and features gadroons to stretch over a diving suit. The removeable bumper is used to protect the watch and create its distinctive and multifunctional style. You can also improve its visibility further by using the magnifying effect over the dial. There are nine colours to choose and each dial has the same blue luminescent minute hand and capsule at 12 o’clock, which lets you accurately read the time even in the darkest depths of the ocean. The dial has a date indicator and a red second hand that gets a little lost against some of the darker dials, but which, nonetheless, produces an attractive overall result. This is a certified diving watch that meets the NIHS 92-11 Swiss watchmaking standards. The I.N.O.X. Professional Diver
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has a unidirectional rotating bezel, screwdown crown, screw-in case back, a scratch resistant, triple-coated anti-reflective sapphire crystal lens to allow you to read the dial in bright sunshine and there is also an end-of-life-indicator. The Victorinox I.N.O.X. Professional Diver Titanium is a tough and sporty diving watch that performs highly and looks great at the same time. Suitable of both in and out of the water, this watch has been designed to take on the elements, whatever the adventure.
Tough and Sporty
RRP £649.00
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https://www.victorinox.com/uk/en/Products/ Watches/I-N-O-X-Professional-Diver/collection/tpcollection/timepieces_collection_WAT-C2622 PROS Robust Stylish Movement quartz Water resistance 20 ATM/200 M/660 FT Bumper easy to attach Clear dial and hands Lightweight Date End of life indicator
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
ECOSPHERE ECOSYSTEM
WHEN I WAS YOUNG, MY OLDER SISTER GOT SEA MONKEYS FOR CHRISTMAS. I REMEMBER BEING SO JEALOUS AND ARGUING THE FACT THAT, ALTHOUGH I WAS JUST 5 YEARS OLD, I HAD BOTH THE SKILLS AND DEDICATION TO SHOULDER THE RESPONSIBILITY OF A LITTLE SHRIMPY FAMILY OF MY OWN. I QUICKLY DISPROVED MY POINT BY ACCIDENTLY KNOCKING OVER MY SISTER’S TANK WITHIN HOURS OF HER SETTING IT UP. TWENTY-SIX YEARS LATER, I FEEL I AM JUST ABOUT READY TO TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE AGAIN, EXCEPT, THIS TIME, THERE IS NO POSSIBILITY OF SPILLAGE THANKS THE ECOSPHERE. The EcoSphere Ecosystem is the world’s first self-contained ecosystem with shrimp (close relative of the sea monkey) living inside an enclosed glass sphere. There are six designs to choose from: Small, Medium, Large and Extra-Large Spheres and Small or Large Pods. We received the Small Sphere which measures up at 3.5 × 3.5 × 3.25in and weighs just 0.5 lbs, which comes with three or four shrimp. We had four and immediately named them Ariel, King Titan, Sebastian and Ursula. Aside from the size and number of shrimps, all the Spheres and Pods work in the same way. Constructed from a totally enclosed glass unit, the EcoSphere is just over halfway full of filtered sea water, there is also algae, bacteria, man-made gorgonian (a type of coral) and gravel - every part of the EcoSphere has a role. Natural or artificial light passes through the glass and together with the micro-organisms encourages the algae to grow. This produces food and oxygen for the shrimp, who in turn produce CO² and organic waste (tiny shrimp poops) which feeds the microorganisms - it’s like a little Marxist society. There is a magnet enclosed in the sphere that can be connected to another magnet (included in the instructions) and used to clean the interior. If the algae become overgrown, then simply place the included
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cloth over the sphere until the algae has reduced. This cloth can also be used to clean the outside of the glass. Aside from keeping the EcoSphere out of direct sunlight and ensuring it is at a temperature between 15˚C - 25˚C, there is little else involved with maintaining this little world and the shrimps: no feeding, pruning or check-ups at the vets. The EcoSphere is sent out via Priority Overnight shipping, marked as ‘fragile’ and packaged with heat packs to protect the Shrimp in cooler weather. If the weather is too cold for the shrimp’s survival, the order will be held until it improves. Upon purchase you are agreeing to properly provide and care for the EcoSphere in accordance with the enclosed instructions and dutifully respect the occupants of the system as living beings, whilst the EcoSphere Associates agree to replace the EcoSphere at any time within the replacement policy period should fewer than one shrimp remain alive. The EcoSphere combines science, nature and high quality craftmanship to create a beautiful reminder of how everything in our world is connected.
Self maintaining ecosystem
https://eco-sphere.com/
RRP $79.99 (for Small Sphere)
PROS Attractive High quality craftmanship Self-maintaining ecosystem Cleaning magnet and cloth included Six sizes available Replacement Policy
prices for other sizes and shapes vary.
ALPINESTARS ANDES V2 DRYSTAR PANTS THE V2 PANTS HAVE BEEN CREATED TO PERFECTLY COMPLIMENT THE ANDRES PRO JACKET, BUT IT CAN BE WORN AS A STANDALONE PRODUCT. THEY ARE AVAILABLE IN BLACK OR LIGHT GREY/ BLACK/DARK GREY AND COME IN SIZES ‘SMALL’ ALL THE WAY UP TO ‘4X EXTRA LARGE’. These pants are suitable for a variety of weather conditions with their 100% waterproof outer, but they also allow the skin to remain cool due to a comfortable level of breathability. The V2s have CEcertified protection in strategic areas and the pre-contoured leg construction has ‘accordion stretch panels’ in the front and back of the knees, allowing for natural movement when off the bike and an unencumbered riding performance. The advanced, reinforced poly-fabric textile helps to keep you protected from the elements, whilst direct ventilation points strategically positioned on thighs have a zippered closure for controlled internal temperature. You can let the air circulate within the pants on warmer days and zip up on colder days. For storage there are zippered, waterproof hand pockets as well as cargostyle pockets for convenience and quick access to your possessions. There are interior hip pad compartments with polyfoam for a comfortable fit (CE-certified Nucleon inserts available as accessory), whilst the CE-certified Bio-Armor knee protectors are fully removable, replaceable, and provide you with impact protection. The reinforced polymer-printed texturing
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in the knee areas has also been added for additional abrasion resistance. For a little extra visibility on the road there are integrated reflective graphic details and logos which other road users will pick up in their headlights. The waist adjustment system features buckle and stretch material to allow you to get the perfect fit - even after a big meal – and there are also adjustable, removable bib braces to improve comfort. For chilly days there are long thermal liners, which are completely removable for warmer days and can be washed (thankfully).
Adjus waist s
The Andes V2 are flexible, comfortable and, most importantly, provide the protection you need on the road.
RRP $229.95
stable system https://www.alpinestars.com/andes-v2-drystar-pants PROS Adjustment waist system Integrated reflective graphic details and logos Removable long thermal liner Zippered air in-takes to control internal temperature Adjustable, removable bib braces
Internal waist connection zipper for compatible jacket Pre-contoured leg construction Storage pockets Removable CE-certified Bio-Armor knee protectors.
HALO SPORT NEUROPRIMING HEADPHONES SINCE THE INSTAGRAM REVOLUTION EVERYONE LIKES TO SHOW OFF THEIR SKILLS. IF YOU CAN’T WALK ON YOUR HANDS, NAIL THE SCORPION POSE OR SMASH OUT VOODOO CHILD ON THE UKULELE SHOULD YOU EVEN HAVE AN ACCOUNT? HOWEVER, YOU QUIT YOUR DANCE CLASSES AND MUSIC LESSONS AS SOON AS YOUR MATES STARTED HANGING OUT AT THE PARK AFTER SCHOOL AND NOW YOU CAN BARELY GET OFF THE SOFA WITHOUT GROANING AND WOULDN’T KNOW WHERE TO PUT YOUR FINGERS ON A UKE. The Halo Sport aims to speed up the process of whatever you are trying to learn or improve and comes in the form of a set of over-ear headphones with Neuropriming technology. “What the hell is that,” I hear you cry. Well, lock in; I’m going to (badly) explain right now. Neuropriming, which sounds a little Nineteen Eighty-Four, is a way of using electrical stimulation, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), to increase plasticity in the brain prior to an activity, like stretching your hamstrings before you head out for a run, except it’s your brain…and electric. Banish those One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest images from your mind, it’s nothing like that (they don’t provide you with a stick to bite down on), the electric simulation is quite painless and feels like a little tingling across your head, which isn’t unpleasant. Each session last 20 mins and aims to provide you with an 80 min period of ‘hyper plasticity’, which decreases the amount of input required for neurons to fire and helps neurons fire together. This is meant to allow for rapid strengthening of connections in the brain. The Halo isn’t the most comfortable
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Exc build
thing to wear: the sensors across the head band are very firm, but thankfully the session only lasts 20 minutes. The sound quality is reasonable but not mind blowing, although the earpads are comfortable and block out background noise successfully. The premium construction makes you feel like you have got your money’s worth and there’s plenty of people out there who swear by its effects. My personal experience (when used before a run or weight training session) was that I had good sessions but wasn’t immune to the horrible, sluggish, weakling sessions that we are all have now and then. I’m sceptical and think that a lot of the positive effects could be down to a placebo effect; I often use meditation to prep myself before a workout and find the results similar. If you have money to burn and don’t mind a few odd looks in the gym (or Spanish class), it could help you get in the zone before training or a lesson, even if it is only the belief in it that makes it work. If it works, it works!
cellent d quality
arrow-alt-circle-right RRP £449.00
https://www.haloneuro.com/ PROS Excellent build quality Easy to use Reasonable sound quality Blocks out ambient noise
Comfortable earpads Could accelerate gains from training
CONS Expensive Hard to know if it’s a placebo effect App occasionally fails to connect
Sensors are uncomfortable
ALPINESTARS ANDES PRO DRYSTAR JACKET TECH-AIR COMPATIBLE THE ANDES PRO DRYSTAR JACKET IS FROM ALPINESTARS’ ADVENTURE/TOURING RANGE. THIS JACKET PROVIDES 100% WATERPROOFING, HIGH LEVELS OF BREATHABILITY, AND IS ALSO COMPATIBLE WITH ALPINESTARS’ ACTIVE AIRBAG PROTECTION SYSTEM, TECH-AIR. The Tech-Air Street Airbag System comes in the form of a vest (sold separately) and installs easily, requiring no external sensors to operate. This jacket is available in two designs: Black/Red and Light Grey/ Black/Dark Grey/Red in sizes Small to 4x Extra Large. The jacket has an extra protective polymer layer in the elbow and lower arm for abrasion resistance, whilst the reinforced poly-fabric textile and Alpinestars exclusive Drystar waterproof and breathable construction makes it suitable for all-weather riding. There is internal impact protection provided by removable CE-certified elbow and shoulder protectors, whilst the chest and back pad compartments (CE-certified Nucleon chest and back protector inserts available as accessory) are for use when Tech-Air is not installed. The zippered chest air intakes and back exhaust ports provide you with ventilation when needed, there are pre-contoured sleeves with accordion stretch panels on elbows for freedom of movements, and the volume adjustment lets you get a close and secure fit. The Andres Pro uses a hook-andloop grip waist adjustment belt for a personalised fit, optimised for use with Alpinestars pants (see review) thanks to the internal waist connection zipper. There are external zippered pockets for secure
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storage of personal items, including a large, external utility pocket on lower back, as well as waterproof internal pockets and an insert wallet pocket. Additional features include reflective logos for extra visibility in poor light conditions, the YKK zipper has double sliders for main front closure, and an integrated soft edge collar with 3D mesh construction for comfort over long periods of wear. Alpinestars’ long sleeve thermal liner (100g body, 80g sleeves) can be added for colder days, removed for warmer days and washed for stinky days. The stretch gussets on the arm and sleeves have been designed to accommodate the jacket’s inflated volume without damaging the seams or materials. The LED display on the sleeve is used for indicating the airbag’s operational status, while internal housing located in the built-in CE-certified back protector accommodates the system vest’s ECU. The Alpinestars Andes Pro Drystar Jacket Tech-Air Compatible is comfortable and works seamlessly with the Tech-Air system, helping to keep you safe on the road.
Drystar Tech-Air system compatible
RRP $549.95
https://www.alpinestars.com/andes-pro-drystarjacket-tech-air-compatible PROS Drystar Jacket Tech-Air Compatible Comfortable Air intakes and back exhaust ports LED air bag indicator Pre-contoured sleeves with accordion stretch panels Reflective logos
Hook-and-loop grip waist adjustment belt External and internal pockets Compatible with Alpinestar pants
JOSEPH JOSEPH FOLDING TRISCALE I FOLLOW A FLEXIBLE BUT HEALTHY DIET (IF YOU IGNORE THE CHOCOLATE AND TAKEAWAYS), BUT OFTEN TURN TO THE SCALES NUMEROUS TIMES A DAY. I WEIGH THE HONEY I PUT ON MY YOGURT AT BREAKFAST, WEIGH MY VEG TO MAKE SURE I GET THE PROPER PORTION SIZE FOR MY 5-A-DAY, AND WE COOK MOST EVENING MEALS FROM SCRATCH, WHICH INVOLVES WEIGHING OUT LOTS OF INGREDIENTS. When my old scales gave up the ghost, I realised just how much I relied on them to maintain a healthy diet. My old scales were rather large and we have limited worktop space, so I was excited to find the Joseph Joseph Folding Digital Scale appear on my desk - perfect timing! The Folding Digital Scales, unsurprisingly, fold up (there was a clue in the name). This is a great space-saving idea for small kitchens like mine because these scales pack down to just 4.5 × 14.9 × 2.1cm, making them easily portable too. Once opened out, they expand to 21.9 × 20.2 × 2.1cm with the three arms providing the platform to hold a plate or bowl. You can then weigh your ingredients accurately before folding it up and neatly tucking it into the cutlery or utensil draw.
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The TriScale is available in either Green or White, but I would like to see a few more colour options to brighten up the kitchen. The LCD screen is built into one of the arms along with the buttons to switch the scales on/off, change the unit of measurement, and reset to zero. This all tucks away when folded down, preventing scratches or damage whilst in storage. The screen is easy to read and the touch sensitive buttons are intuitive and fast to respond. The auto ‘power off’ feature will also help save your battery life (1x 3V CR2032). These scales measure grams, pounds, ounces, fluid-ounces and millilitres, with a max capacity of 5kg/176.4 fl.oz/11lb/5000ml. It also offers an ‘add and weigh’ function which lets you add multiple ingredients in the same bowl
Available in Green or White
whilst creating the recipe. The folding TriScale works accurately and it’s a real space saver. My only issue was, when using cups or small bowls, it can be a precarious balancing act which slows you down in the kitchen. If you have limited space or need scales that can travel with you, these are a great idea; they work effortlessly: a great kitchen companion.
https://www.josephjoseph.com/engb/triscale PROS
RRP £35.00
Compact when closed Portable Accurate Easy-to-read LCD display with touch-sensitive buttons Auto power-off feature Useful ‘add and weigh’ function Measures gms, lbs, ozs, fl.ozs and mls.
CONS Small cups and bowls can be difficult to balance
FLUVAL 306 CANISTER FILTER UNLESS YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE WORLD OF AQUATIC PRODUCTS, YOU MAY HAVE NOT COME ACROSS THE NAME FLUVAL BEFORE, BUT THEY ARE IN FACT ONE OF THE WORLD’S LEADING PRODUCERS OF AQUATIC PRODUCTS, AND YES, WE ARE TALKING ABOUT TANKS FOR FISHY FRIENDS. These guys have been creating quality products for over 35 years. The Fluval 306 Canister Filter has been designed to deliver a range of practical benefits to create a clean and healthy environment for your fish. It has a high level of filtration, which means less maintenance (less time spent elbow deep in scummy fish poopy water). It offers Fluval’s faster setup and quiet operation to ensure the fishkeeping experience is more enjoyable for both you and the fish. Inspired by the success of the 05 Series, this filter aims to enhance functionality and filtration to create a clean, healthy aquarium. It has a host of features, including patented Aqua-Stop Valves for straightforward hose disconnections. This filter comes with 4 foam pads, 2 x 70g carbon, 2 x polishing pads, 2 x 120g BioMax, 2 x Bio-FoamAquaStop valve assembly, ribbed hosing, 2 rim connectors, intake tube, intake strainer, output nozzle, 2 rubber connectors, instruction manual and quick start manual. The single-motion lift-lock clamps make cleaning and maintenance a straightforward process and there are multiple removable filtration baskets already packed with the necessary media for mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration. The Fluval 306 has a 1150 LPH (303 US GPH) flow rate with a 6.6L media
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Impro mo hydra perform
capacity. It is suitable for fresh or saltwater aquariums up to 300 L (70 US Gal) and measures up at 25(L) X 18(W) X 46(H)cm (10 X 7 X 18in) with a max head height of 1.75m (5.8ft). The unique square-shaped canister holds 35-50% more water than round canister filters of similar size, ensuring you get a better water flow through the cleansing path.
Other features include the better biological filtration with the addition of Bio-Foam media, the sound-dampening impeller design for 8-15% quieter operation, a redesigned impeller cover that is less prone to breakage, a re-engineered, efficient priming system which allows for easier starting, and stronger lift-lock clamps for a secure closure, whilst the hose lock nuts improve security. The Fluval 306 Canister Filter is a reliable choice to keep your fish happy and healthy. It is well made and packed with features to make fishkeeping an enjoyable and effortless experience.
oved otor aulic mance
RRP £167.99
(Freshwater) http://www.fluvalaquatics.com/uk/ product/A212-306-canister-filter/#.XG0kKOj7TIU (Saltwater) http://www.fluvalaquatics.com/uk/ product/A212-306-canister-filter/#.XG0kc-j7TIU PROS 300L capacity Improved motor hydraulic performance Low maintenance Sound-dampening impeller Stronger lift-lock clamps for more secure closure Hose lock nuts improves security
HENNESSY HAMMOCK DEEP JUNGLE ZIP XL IF TRAVELLING LIGHT IS A KEY ELEMENT TO YOUR OUTDOOR ADVENTURE, THEN CONSIDER THE DEEP JUNGLE ZIP XL AS A REPLACEMENT FOR THE HUMBLE TENT. THIS HAMMOCK FROM HENNESSY HAMMOCK IS FOR SERIOUS TREKKING - WE ARE TALKING DEEP AMAZON JUNGLE ESCAPADES, NOT A WEEKEND IN YOUR LOCAL WOODLAND, ALTHOUGH IT WOULD WORK FOR THAT TOO. The Deep Jungle has a three season, 100% mosquito-proof double bottom with two layers of tightly woven Spectra reinforced 30D high tenacity ripstop nylon. It has been designed for anyone up to 300 lbs/136kg and 7 ft/213cm (standard version is also available at 6ft/180cm and 250lbs/114kg). The Deep Jungle Zip XL is available in Coffee colour with a ripstop pattern and a Greyish, Brownish Green fly and black trim. It has a packed weight of just 3 lbs 2 oz/1500g and a compact pact size of 5” x 8” x 12”/13cm x 20cm x 30cm. All Hennessy Hammocks come with attached mosquito netting, detachable rain fly, support ropes, and stuff sack with set up instructions on the back. There are also 42” / 107 cm long ‘Tree Hugger’ webbing straps, provided as a complimentary extra, which protect the bark of trees (these are weighed separately from the hammock). The two Spectra ropes with polyester cover are 10 ft / 305 cm long with a 1800 lb / 818 kg tolerance and the webbing straps are 2” / 5 cm wide x 42” / 107 cm and made from long polyester. The rainfly weighs 11.3 oz / 318 g and is constructed from 30D High Tenacity 66 Silnylon Ripstop fabric. It has a parallelogram design and can all be packed down into the stuff sack (20 g / 0.7oz). The side entry zipper closure features a strong #8 YKK zipper and two double sliders, making it easy to get in/
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out and allowing you to reach and easily grab gear outside of the tent. The Deep Jungle Zip can be used as a seat as well as a sleeping space - the asymmetrical design makes it comfortable to lay down completely flat and, on your side, it feels nice and roomy. It has been created to be used with the Radiant DoubleBubble Pad, which attaches two “o” rings between the dual fabric layers to hold the pad on the correct diagonal. The Deep Jungle Zip XL is very easy to use and provides a comfortable place to rest, away from the bugs and the cold, wet floor. You can customise your kit for your specific needs, environment and time of year, plus there’s storage space for all your essentials.
Compact and Lightweight RRP $319.95
https://hennessyhammock.com/products/deepjungle-asym-zip-xl PROS Excellent and durable construction Asymmetrical shape and structural ridge line ensure comfort and the perfect set up Quick and easy to erect Leave the area just as it was before you arrive Compact and lightweight Very comfortable, lay flat, on your side,
seated and reline position Keeps the bugs out Quick drying and breathable 3 season 100% mosquito-proof Double bottom 20d Polyester No-SeeUm netting
HAHNEL DUOPAL EXTRA FOR HERO4 CHARGER AND POWER BANK THE DUOPAL EXTRA FROM HAHNEL IS FULLY COMPATIBLE WITH THE ORIGINAL GO PRO HERO 4 BATTERIES.
It can be used to charge up to two Hero 4 batteries at the same time and features an internal power bank that can provide you with emergency charging when away from the mains. This means you don’t have to miss a thing whilst out on your adventures. Keep your Go Pro running and boost your phone’s battery life to work out where you are going next. The Go Pro batteries can be fully charged within 2.5 hours, giving you up to 5 hours recording time in total. A Mini USB to USB cable is included in the kit.
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Fully compatible with Hero 4
RRP £39.99
https://www.hahnel.ie/irish-shop/duopal_extra/
THINK TANK SECURE PIXEL POCKET ROCKET THINK TANK IS WELL KNOWN FOR THEIR HIGH-QUALITY CAMERA BAGS, BUT THEY ALSO CREATE PREMIUM AND FUNCTIONAL PRODUCTS FOR THE SMALLEST AND MOST ESSENTIAL ACCESSORIES. There aren’t much more disheartening moments than going to take a picture of the mind blowing, once-in-alife-time view only to discover your SD card is full and your spares are scattered across various pockets in your bag, and, in the scramble to find a fresh card, the moment has passed and the shot is lost. Think Tank’s Pixel Pocket Rocket range comes in four variations: the Original, the SD, the Pee Wee, and now the Secure, which we will be taking a closer look at. The Secure Pixel Pocket Rocket has zippered pockets to ensure maximum security for multiple card sizes, whilst enabling instant access when you need it. The pockets have been designed to fit Compact Flash, SD, QXD and Micro SD - it can hold up to 6 CF memory cards, 6 XQD memory cards, 12 SD memory cards or Micro SD memory cards. The 3 individually divided pockets allow you to organise your cards into used on the left and unused on the right, for example, or you can even flip the cards over when they are used and instantly recognise which are which using the transparent windows. This compact case folds down into 4.5” L x 2.5” W x .5” H (11.5 × 6.5 × 1.5 cm) and weighs just 0.2 lbs (0.1 kg) with the
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lanyard attached. It can fit in your pocket or used with the handy removable lanyard to fix it to your clothes or bag, making it easily accessible. There is also a belt mount option which is new on all models, so you never have to think twice about where your cards are. The Secure Pixel Pocket Rocket is available in Green or Black. It is a simple but very effective storage solution for all your cards, keeping them safe, secure and close to hand when you need them.
Available in Green or Black
RRP $19.75
https://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/pixelpocket-rocket PROS Zippered closures fit CF, SD, XQD, and/or Micro SD Durable construction Belt-mount option Compact and lightweight Clear identification window Removable lanyard to attach to clothing or bag
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
FORCEFIELD BODY ARMOUR EX-K HARNESS ADVENTURE IF YOU ARE GOING TO STRADDLE A ROCKET AND HURTLE ALONG THE TARMAC, IT’S PROBABLY A SENSIBLE IDEA TO WEAR SOME PROTECTION, AND YES, I MEAN MORE THAN A HELMET AND IMITATION LEATHER JACKET. FORCEFIELD BODY ARMOUR ARE SPECIALISTS IN IMPACT PROTECTION AND HIGH-PERFORMANCE CLOTHING SYSTEMS, SO IT’S A GOOD PLACE TO START. The Ex-K Harness Adventure is a complete CE Level 2 upper body protection system, carefully designed with the most extreme actions in mind. It is made and reinforced with Kevlar thread for added strength and durability - this tough but lightweight fibre is perfect for this type of clothing due its cut-resistant properties. This harness features an open design system with multiple adjustment points that helps to provide optimum flexibility and comfort, allowing for a full range of movements and ensuring you have protection where you need it whilst also providing plenty of free space for breathability and a natural feel. There is a central front zip that allows you to quickly and easily slip in and out of the harness. Once on, the harness will securely remain in place throughout your ride. The Ex-K has a neck brace location point and class leading CE Level 2 back, chest, shoulder and elbow armour that completes this upper body protection system. The harness uses the Nitrex Evo material for its high energy absorbing properties, it is also lovely and soft against your body and provides the flexibility and daylong comfort for your best performance on the bike. The 3D texture moulds to your body’s shape when activated by the heat it receives from your skin. Not only does this help to keep it secure and close to the
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body but also offers Repeat Performance Technology for consistent protection time and time again, even after multiple impacts. The Ex-K Harness Adventure will work as hard as you do, ensuring your upper body is protected so you can focus on the ride, safe in the knowledge that Forcefield has got your back (chest, shoulders and elbows).
Heat Activated Body Moulding
RRP $445.00
https://www.forcefieldbodyarmour.com/body-armour PROS Heat activated body moulding Neck brace compatible Reinforced with Kevlar thread Vented for breathability RPT (Repeat Performance Technology) Fully adjustable 3D moulding
Soft, flexible and comfortable Lightweight Open design system
MODIUS
IT’S EASY TO SPEND FIVE MINUTES ON SOCIAL MEDIA, LOOKING AT ALL THOSE PHOTOGRAPHS OF TANNED MUSCULAR BODIES AND TO INSTANTLY FEEL ENVIOUS AT HOW EASY THEY MAKE IT ALL LOOK. THE TRUTH IS THAT LOSING WEIGHT IS TOUGH. EVER NOTICE THE MOMENT YOU DECIDE TO CUT OUT THE SWEETS AND FATTY FOODS THEY ARE EVERYWHERE? SUDDENLY THERE’S MORE CAKES IN THE OFFICE THAN STAFF, EVERY SOCIAL EVENT REVOLVES AROUND EATING, AND YOU FIND YOURSELF STARING LONGINGLY AT THE EXTRA’S FRY UPS IN THE CAFÉ OF EASTENDERS. The team behind Modius tell us that we go through diet-induced neurological changes when we restrict what we eat, which makes food not only taste better but also causes food to give a bigger rush of the hormone dopamine, making it even tougher to abstain. Modius also say that when you begin to diet the levels of the satiety hormone leptin go down, which means it will take more food to make you feel full. Why do our fat bodies hate us so much? It’s this area that Dr Jason McKeown decided to focus on by creating the Modius system, aimed at reducing cravings, decreasing your appetite, and making you feel fuller quicker. The Modius comes in the form of a headset and an app, along with 150 pads and 100 wipes. It works by connecting the headset to the pads that you attach behind your ears. These send a pulse that stimulates the nerve behind your ear and feels like a soft tingle. This targets the part of the brain that controls fat storage, the theory being that, if used for 45 mins, 5 times a week for 3 months, you will notice reduced cravings and weight loss. The app controls your headset levels, lets you log your weight, track your progress and stay motivated with 24/7 access to the ‘Modius Life’ community. The headset is
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easy to use, you can fit a session into you daily routine without any issue and after about 2 weeks I felt like I had slightly more control over my cravings. It is hard to tell whether this is because of the Modius stimulations or because I’m actively taking steps to try to break my current weight loss plateau. Like with any kind of weight loss system that differs from healthier eating and exercising more, take your time and do your research before investing such a large amount of money.
Kick t cravi
Talking of the price tag, the build quality could do with an upgrade in places: the plastic is thin and the wires feel a little delicate. If you have the money and you are prepared to continue to eat healthily and get regular exercise, this could be a good addition to your weight loss plan.
arrow-alt-circle-right
those ings!
RRP £369.00
https://www.modiushealth.com/pages/all-products PROS Super easy to use Noticed reduced cravings Can kick start weight loss
Targets appetite and cravings
CONS Expensive Difficult to know how much it will help long term
Poor build quality in places
ROKA PHANTOM TITANIUM
ROKA WAS FORMED IN AUSTIN, TEXAS IN 2011 BY TWO FORMER STANFORD ALL-AMERICAN SWIMMERS WITH THE MISSION BEING TO BUILD THE WORLD’S FASTEST WETSUIT. OVER THE YEARS, THEY HAVE BRANCHED OUT INTO FASHIONABLE EYEWEAR ALONGSIDE THEIR WETSUITS AND GOGGLES, THANKS TO THEIR EXPERIENCE AND LOVE FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS. The Phantom Titanium are ultralightweight aviators that are available in two sizes: Regular, which has a 57mm lens, or Large, with a 59mm lens. The Phantom adopts the classic aviator shape which suits most face shapes. Thanks to the titanium frame, these lightweight glasses weigh just 20g - not only does it provide an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, but it is a strong metal that will withstand the elements as well as being corrosion resistant. It also retains tensile strength at half the weight of traditional alloys. The Phantom uses ROKA Category 3 lenses providing a transmission of 11%, best suited for very bright and sunny conditions and will provide a neutral colour vision with moderate contrast. These glasses can also help reduce reflected blue light in deep water environments. The Phantom Titanium come in four designs; we received the Silver Frame with Arctic Mirror Lens, but they are also available in a Copper Frame with Rose Gold Mirror Lens, Matte Black with Carbon Polarised Lens and the Gunmetal Frame with Glacier Mirror Lens, all with different optical effects. The GEKO Fit has been inspired by the sticky feet of the gecko -
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don’t worry, you don’t have to slap a lizard to your face - and a proprietary elastomer material has been chosen to create the nose and temple pads. This hydrophilic, chemical-resistant material provides multidirectional traction even if you have sun-cream and a bit of a sweat on. The Phantom Titanium are comfortable glasses that you can wear all day without fatigue. They have a tough but lightweight build, provide crisp and natural optics, whilst also helping you look instantly cooler the moment you put them on.
Timeles Stylis
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RRP $250.00
https://www.roka.com/products/phantom-tiaviator-sunglasses PROS Light and strong Titanium frame (20g) GEKO Fit provides firm traction Fingerprint resistant 4 designs available Comfortable Timelessly Stylish
PEAK DESIGN ACCESSORIES
THE PEAK DESIGN TRAVEL BAG WE RECEIVED CAME WITH THE SMALL CAMERA CUBE, THE MEDIUM PACKING CUBE, THE TECH POUCH AND THE RAINFLY. ADD ALL OF THESE ITEMS TO UPGRADE THE TRAVEL BAG INTO AN EXCELLENT TRAVEL SYSTEM!
CAMERA CUBE (SMALL) Starting with the Cube (available in Small, Medium or Large), this fits perfectly in the Travel Bag 45L and provides an ultra-protective and easily accessible space for your camera or drone, with lowprofile FlexFold dividers that allow you to customise the interior. The tear-away main opening can be tucked away for faster access when packed into the bag. There is a movable pocket for filters, lens caps, and other small stuff. The Cube is made from a weatherproof, recycled 400D nylon canvas
shell with highdensity foam sub-lining to keep your gear safe and dry. It also has a C-clip mounting system which keeps the Cube firmly in place. RRP $49.95
Everyt you n
https://www.peakdesign.com/products/cameracube?variant=11530961649708 TECH POUCH As the name suggests, this is the perfect place to store all the cables and accessories your camera or drone requires. It has origami-style pockets for enormous spatial efficiency and lets you squeeze more into a smaller space, whilst at the same time keeping them neatly organised and easy to find in a hurry. There are elastic accessory loops for things like pens, SD cards, and
batteries, whilst the exterior handles and clamshell-style opening make this pouch easy to access. There is an external zip pocket that lets a cable pass-through for easy device charging. The 200D recycled nylon canvas shell is weatherproof and the anchor attachment points connect to Peak Design straps. RRP $59.95
https://www.peakdesign.com/products/tech-pouch
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thing need
PACKING CUBE (MEDIUM) The Packing Cube (available in Small or Medium) is compressible and created for easy access thanks to the unique tear-away zipper. It is instantly dividable and features a U-zip opening. The internal divider lets you separate clean and dirty clothes, allowing each compartment to expand or contract based on the contents. The expansion/compression zip gives you additional space, or simply compresses your contents once packed. The outer shell is made from a self-healing 70D nylon/poly blend. It can be used in any suitcase or bag but has been specifically designed to fit perfectly in Peak Design Travel Bag 45L, and the stiff walls mean it can sit upright when open for ease-of-use, whether it is packed or empty. The exterior has been made from ultralight, 100% recycled weatherproof 70D nylon and poly shell with an abrasion and rip-resistant coating, whilst the interior silicone-coated mesh internal pocket will keep items clean and dry. RRP $39.95
https://www.peakdesign.com/products/packingcube?variant=11531140038700 RAINFLY That brings us to the last accessory: the Rainfly. When the weather just isn’t on your side, the Rainfly will give you protection from the elements. Designed for the Travel Bag 45L, this rain cover is made from a tough 200D siliconized ripstop nylon and can be packed down into its very own integrated carry pouch when the sun comes out. This pouch can be securely attached via exterior attachment points on the Travel Backpack 45L and stowed neatly inside a magnetically sealed exterior sleeve, this lets you deploy it in an instant if the weather turns bad, whilst the cinch cord keeps the Rainfly secure around the bag. RRP $29.95
https://www.peakdesign.com/products/rain-fly
FINGBOX
THE FINGBOX, WHICH SOUNDS A BIT LIKE WHAT YOU WOULD CALL THE ROUTER WHEN YOU CAN’T REMEMBER WHAT THE PROPER NAME IS, LETS YOU MONITOR AND PROTECT THE PEOPLE AND DEVICES ON YOUR NETWORK VIA THE FING MOBILE AND WEB APP. The Fingbox plugs into your Wi-Fi router and lets you see who’s coming and going in your home, as well as set parental controls, detect intruders and attacks. It’s basically like a compact internet bouncer… ID please, mate. This little Fing measures up at just 5.3 x 5.3 x 5.3 inches and looks a little like an Ikea ashtray, however there are brains behind its rather humble outer appearance. Lets dive a little deeper into the features the Fingbox has to offer: You can see your ISP rank and run automatic speed tests to identify outages, the device will help you find the best Wi-Fi sweet spots around your home (think of Jim Carry stroking the wall in Cable Guy), and you can see which devices are eating up your bandwidth. You can use the Fingbox to catch intruders and hackers in real-time, receive alerts and monitor your devices and network 24/7 from anywhere, and you will receive advance warning of vulnerabilities on your network including opened ports, public IP addresses or missing firewalls. Reign ultimate control in your home by setting parental controls, which can limit internet access and enforce encourage some digital downtime for both adults and children alike. Want another hour on Red Dead Redemption 2? Do the washing up first! You can assign users to specific
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devices so you can check on who’s at home and who’s out whilst you are away and see if there are unknown devices near your house, even if they’re not connected to your Wi-Fi. The Fingbox had a few initial connection issues, but after that it worked as described. If you are looking for a way to monitor who and what uses your internet and to ensure you are getting the broadband speeds you are paying for, this could be a useful unit to install.
24/7 remot monitoring
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RRP $99.00 https://uk.fingbox.com/ PROS Easy to set-up Digital Presence Monitoring Intruder and Hacker Alerts 24/7 Remote Monitoring Parental Controls Bandwidth Analysis and Wi-Fi Speed Tests Internet Speed Tests ISP Ranking Surrounding Device Detection (DigitalFence)
PEAK DESIGN TRAVEL BACKPACK 45L THE TRAVEL BACKPACK FROM PEAK DESIGN HAS BEEN CREATED FOR TRAVELLING, I WORKED THIS OUT THE MOMENT I REALISED IT WAS CALLED THE ‘TRAVEL BACKPACK’ - 10 POINTS TO GRYFFINDOR! (WHO AM I KIDDING, I’M CLEARLY A HUFFLEPUFF). This good-looking bag is available in two equally attractive colours: Black (yawn) and Sage Green (yes!), and just like any good travel companion it is carry-on friendly, easily fits in the overhead compartment and won’t eat your snacks whilst you sleep. Peak Design know that no two trips are the same, so they have aimed to produce a versatile bag that is compatible with their packing tools (available separately) and will fit three cubes (or one medium and one small, or one large cubes). The outer shell is constructed from a durable and weatherproof 100% recycled 400D nylon canvas with a tough 900D weatherproof bottom, whilst the inner is PU-coated to prevent rainwater entering the bag. You can quickly access your gear from either the top, side, front and rear entrance point, and the waterproof zips are tough and easy to grip even with gloves on. You get 45L of capacity with the Travel Bag, which can be collapsed down to 30L with the compression straps, making it suitable for day trips. There are lots of inner and outer pockets to organise your gear: the main compartment can be divided up thanks to the zippered mesh sleeve, the front organisation panel has four-zippered mesh pockets for small and flat accessories, the top and side pockets are soft-lined and there are zippered closure stash pockets for, well, your stash obviously, and there
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is a dedicated zippered laptop/tablet pocket (40.6 x 30 x 2.5 cm). The ridged sidewalls and back panel mean everything stays were you put it, whether you stand the bag up, lay it down and when its empty. The comfortable shoulder straps can be stowed away behind the magnetic external pouch, giving you a cleaner finish for storing the bag in the overhead or sending it through the security scanner. The back pouch can also the folded in for extra back padding when carrying it via the shoulder straps, it also reduces the surface area that touches your back for a little extra ventilation. There are 360-degree grab handles, including a strap to attach the bag your other luggage, the front and back zippers are lockable, a protected luggage tag holder is also included, as well as the stowable padded hip belt, which helps to distribute the weight across your body. The Travel Bag has inner dimensions of 53.34cm (21”) x 38.1cm (15”) x 14.61cm (5.75”) and weights just 2.05 kg (4.5 lb) when empty. We received the Travel Bag with four accessories (sold separately) that we will take a close look at next. The Travel Bag 45L is packed with clever features to make travelling with valuable camera gear, as well as all your personal belongings, a breeze. Oh and the new Sage Green colour is discretely stylish!
RRP $299.95 https://www.peakdesign.com/products/travelbackpack PROS 45L down to 30L with compression Loads of pockets Structured sides and back panel Shoulder straps and hip belt can be stowed away Comfortable Stylish design 360-degree handles
Meets international max carry-on standards in default 35L configuration Expand the side pockets to store water bottles or tripods
ENO DOUBLENEST HAMMOCK ONE THE TRADITIONAL BENEFITS OF HAVING A TENT OVER A HAMMOCK IS THAT YOU CAN CRAM MORE PEOPLE INTO A TENT, THAT WAS UNTIL HAMMOCKS COTTONED ON AND UPPED THEIR GAME. THE DOUBLENEST FROM EAGLES NEST OUTFITTERS (ENO) HAS ENOUGH ROOM FOR TWO PEOPLE TO LAY DOWN FLAT, OR, IF YOU’RE FEELING LESS SOCIAL, ONE PERSON TO SPRAWL OUT. The beauty of sleeping in a hammock is that you feel closer to nature, you do less damage to your environment, and it requires no heavy poles or ground sheets to lug about on your back. The DoubleNest Hammock packs down into the attached compression sack, giving you dimensions of 9’ 4” x 6’ 2” / 2.86m x 1.89m and a weight of 19oz / 538g. It comes in a huge array of colours - 47 in total - so you can choose whether you want to blend into your surroundings or remain easily visible. Although the hammock is super light don’t be fooled by its thin feeling: it is constructed from 70-denier nylon taffeta and high tenacity polyfilament Webbing, which is both tough and durable. It also has heavy-duty triple-stitched seams which can hold up to 400lbs. You can whip up the DoubleNest in a matter of minutes; it uses its tree friendly polyfilament webbing straps, which have been designed to leave minimal impact to the environment - I mean, you wouldn’t thank a friend for letting you stay over by punching a hole in their wall and keying their car, would you? We received the DoubleNest with the atlas suspension system, these are also tree friendly straps that provide a strong, secure and easy erection (that’s the best kind, right?) They weigh just 11 ounces
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and have a total of 30 adjustment points. You also won’t have to try and remember your knot tying skills from scouts, as these straps are completely knotless (yes, that’s a word). Other features include the aluminium wiregate carabiners and the soft, breathable and fast-drying material. There are also a huge range of accessories for a wide range of adventures. We found the DoubleNest was well made, keeps the bugs out, and was easy to set up and pack down. However, the big drawback for us was that we struggled to get a comfortable night’s sleep in it. There is about a 4 stone weight difference between me and my bunk mate which meant, whatever we did, I would end up rolling on top of him. If you are looking for a cosy place to rest and lounge with someone you are happy to get up close and personal with, then it’s perfect. Maybe one night would be ok, but as for sleeping with someone night after night, I think the novelty will wear off, although it does make an excellent roomy space for one.
Tree fr stra
RRP £70.00
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riendly aps
https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/eno-doublenesthammock-p445235 PROS Strong Compact Easy to set up and pack down
Tree friendly straps Roomy space for one Lots of colours available
CONS Difficult to get comfortable for a good night’s sleep
KRUG-BAÜMEN MAJESTIC 60252DM MODEL KRUG-BAÜMEN PRODUCES HIGH-END TIMEPIECES FOR BOTH COLLECTORS AND FIRST-TIME BUYERS. IT WAS FOUNDED OVER 20 YEARS AGO WITH ALL PIECES DESIGNED IN THE UK, AIMING TO CREATE LUXURY WATCHES FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN WITH PREMIUM MATERIALS AND PRECIOUS STONES. The Majestic collection was first released in 2017, taking the label into a new area with partial skeleton displays. In an increasingly digital world, there is a new appreciation for mechanical construction and there is pleasure to be gained from watching the tiny cogs and gears move around. The Majestic is available in eight different designs, including both black and brown leather straps, stainless steel straps, gold and rose-gold plating and real diamonds. We received the Majestic Brown Leather Strap Watch 60252DM model, which has been designed to bring a little glamour into your daily look. It features four authentic, single-cut clear diamonds as hour markers for the 12th, 3rd, 6th and 9th hours. This wristwatch is as classy as it is beautiful - suitable for both formal and casual occasions, it comes in an attractive presentation box which will keep it well protected when not in use or travelling. Three of the sub dials on the watch face keep track of the day, date and month, whilst the 4th sub dial is used as a 24-hour clock. It has a stainless-steel case with rose gold plating and a round mineral crystal glass face, whilst the strap is brown, crocodile-
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embossed leather with a rose gold buckle clasp. It weighs a light 82g and has a water resistance up to 50 metres. This timepiece is powered by your arm’s movement and comes with a 2-year warranty. The 60252DM Majestic is a striking watch: the royal blue detailing on the hands, hour indicators and outlining on the sub dials balances with the rose gold and brown leather to create a unique look that you can dress up or down for any occasion.
Powered by your movemen
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nts
RRP £945.00 https://www.krug-baumen.com/watches/krugbaumen/60252dm-mens-majestic-brown-leatherstrap-watch.html PROS Powered by your movements 4 diamonds Stainless steel case with rose gold plating Day/Date/Month/24h sub dial Genuine Leather strap Water resistance up to 50m
2 Years International warranty Presentation box Mineral crystal glass Partial skeleton displays
ORANGE WHIP PUTTER
THE ORANGE WHIP PUTTER IS A TRAINING AID TO HELP GOLFERS IMPROVE THE PUTTING SKILLS, WHETHER THEY USE LONG, SMOOTH STROKES OR SHORT AND SWEET MOVEMENTS, EACH PUTT SHOULD BE THE SAME TO ENSURE IT MEETS THE CENTRE OF THE BALL TO ACHIEVE THE BEST RESULTS. “While caddying on the PGA Tour, I was fortunate to watch the best players in the world practice putting, and see how they performed in competition on the greens. Those who had the best (repeatable) rhythm were the most successful, and tended to make the most putts. Also, because of this consistent stroke, they were more capable of striking the center of the face and allowing their Putter to perform it’s best. Use of the Orange Whip Putter will make every putter perform better!” Jim Hackenberg, PGA The Orange Whip is 34.5in, weighs 1.85 lbs and has been carefully engineered to improve both the tempo and the centre contact with the ball - this is crucial for a successful game. The energy is transferred to the ball from the putter and if it doesn’t connect with the sweet spot at the centre of the ball, it will have an impact on the angle the ball rolls off on. The weight of the putter head has been combined with the proven counterweight, whilst the flexible shaft system allows you to confidently feel the swing’s motion and the balance of your putting arc. The Putter has been designed with a dual sided spherical putter head, therefore it can be used either right-handed or lefthanded, this helps to teach centre-striking of the ball and lets you receive instant feedback as to whether you have hit the sweet spot or not. The counterweight balance helps to stabilise the stroke from start to finish, this
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is essential for you to get the feedback on your tempo and balance with each stroke. Lastly the flexible shaft promotes both tempo and rhythm in your stroke by producing the perfect pendulumlike motion, when the putter makes contact at the lowest point of the arc it will deliver the most energy to the sweet spot, which in turn creates the perfect endover-end roll of the golf ball.
Intuit to us
It looks a little different from your usual putter and the grip is also a bit different from most regular putters, but don’t let that put you off! Once you have it in your hands, it becomes familiar and will highlight your flaws loud and clear. The Orange Whip Putter helps you nail the vital point in your game and develop a consistently perfect putt time after time, so that, when you are back on the green, you will have seamless form.
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RRP $119.00
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https://orangewhipgolf.com/products/the-orangewhip-putter PROS Intuitive to use Counterweighted flexible shaft system Dual sided spherical face Interchangeable shaft position for right and left handed
Dual sided face for standard and pro training. Trains putting rhythm and tempo Improves distance and direction control
CONS Unusual design could put people off
KNOG BLINDER ROAD 400 ROAD BIKE LIGHT FROM THE COMPANY THAT HAS ARGUABLY ONE OF THE BEST NAMES COMES THE BLINDER ROAD 400 ROAD BIKE LIGHT. THIS SUPER POWERFUL LIGHT KICKS OUT 400 LUMENS OF LIGHT THANKS TO THE TWO HIGH INTENSITY LEDS, HELPING TO INCREASE YOUR VISIBILITY ON THE ROAD AND ENSURE PEOPLE CAN SEE YOU COMING. This compact little light is easy to attach and doesn’t require any tools: the two removable silicone straps (for bars 2228mm and 29-35mm) simply wrap around the bar and attach to the unit. This small unit measures up at 53 x 30 x 75mm, weighs 105g and has 11 light modes: low, medium and narrow low beam, narrow beam, low, medium and high wide beam, dual low, dual medium and dual high beam, as well as alternating LEDs flashing and 1 LED steady/1 LED flashing run-time. You get between 1 to 9 hours battery life depending on your mode, with dual high being the most draining and low flash giving you the longest life. The Blinder has an IP67 rating that keeps it protected from dust and it is 100% waterproof. The beam angles are 15° on the narrow setting, 22° on the wide setting and 15°/22° on dual. The lights have two high precision, injection moulded TIR collimating lenses which create a balanced ratio of beam width and distance for safe illumination, giving you visibility up to 1000+ metres and the light beam is constant throughout run-time. The light takes a long 5 hours waiting time to recharge, making it best to charge overnight or whilst you are at work (damnit,
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use their electricity!) To activate the light, you must press and hold the button to avoid accidental activation (you turn it off the same way), whilst short presses will toggle through the different modes. There is a low battery indicator, thermal management automatically regulates the light output for optimum performance when the bike is stationary and in motion, and it also comes with a helmet mount. T h e Blinder Road 400 is satisfactorily bright with loads of modes to choose from. We would like to see an increased battery life, but otherwise it is a good road bike light for increased safety on the roads.
11 lig mod
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ght des
PROS
RRP $119.95
Balance and consistent beam 11 light modes 400 lumens 100% waterproof and dustproof Thermal Management Tool-less attachment Cons Short battery life Long recharge time
MOLESKINE PEN+ ELLIPSE MOLESKINE WAS FOUNDED IN 1997 WITH THE VISION TO BREATHE LIFE BACK INTO THE LEGENDARY NOTEBOOK USED BY ARTISTS AND CREATORS SUCH AS VINCENT VAN GOGH, PABLO PICASSO AND ERNEST HEMINGWAY. IN THEIR EFFORT TO ENSURE THEIR RELEVANCE IN THE MODERN WORLD, THEY HAVE CREATED A SERIES OF DIGITAL PENS AND ACCESSORIES TO FORM A BRIDGE BETWEEN OLD FASHIONED PEN AND PAPER AND CONTEMPORARY TECHNOLOGY. Think about it: when did you last use a pen and paper to write anything longer than your phone number or pizza order? The Pen+ Ellipse brings back the joy to handwriting with the added convenience of transferring your notes straight to your device. First off, this kind of setup doesn’t come cheap: the pen itself is pricey and this is because the Pen+ Ellipse will only work its magic on ‘Ncoded’ smart paper, but that could be forgiven if the note books were slightly more affordable. However, both pen and note books are beautifully made and if money isn’t an issue, read on. The box contains the Pen+ Ellipse smart pen, USB cable for smart pen recharging, one pen tip ink refill and the Volant XS Starter Journal, and they do mean ‘XS journal’ you won’t get far with this, so it is worth getting yourself a journal when you order the pen. The pen is made from metal which feels great in your hand, with a comfortable weight to it, although it may take a little getting used to due to its irregular rectangle shape. However, the writing action is pleasingly smooth and an altogether pleasant and natural experience. When you
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RR £179
are finished, the lid has a clip that lets you slide it onto the cover of your journal, ready for next time. As mentioned, the Pen+ Ellipse is made with ‘Ncoded’ paper technology, allowing it to recognize individual pages, different Paper Tablets, as well as specific times and dates in the Smart Diary/Planner. Every stroke is captured in real time and can be immediately transferred to your device via the Moleskine Notes app, whether you are writing, drawing or designing, they will appear line for line on your smartphone or tablet. The Pen+ Ellipse is a great choice if you are looking for a middle man between pen and smart device. We were getting about 5.5 hours use from one charge, which might be a little short for some serious note takers, but the fact you don’t have to have the app open and can simply upload your info at a later date gives you a wonderful feeling of freedom, whilst also taking away the risk of distraction from using a smart device.
RP 9.00
https://gb.moleskine.com/pen-plus-ellipse/p0655 PROS Works as promised Satisfying writing action Stylish Premium construction Each stroke captured in real time
Can be used without remaining connect to the app Removes distractions from note taking on devices
CONS Expensive Battery life might be too short for some
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