The Review Smiths Issue 12

Issue 12, January 2021

THE

Review Smiths FORGING HONEST REVIEWS

Humanscale Liberty Task

Atlas Apex mtn Snowshoes

With more of us working from home why not treat yourself

Powerball Hybrid Autostart Pro OBDLink Special

TouchPoint For Calm Samsonite Securipak

Cateye SYNC Core Altura Nightvision Storm Waterproof Jacket

Camelbak Lobo

CONTENTS

04. Woolroom Luxury Organic Duvet 06. Ruffwear Approach Welcome to January!

Pack Happy new year everyone, I was given some sage advice recently, we 08. Zepp E are not to head into this year with grand plans of 'new year, new you', 10. Atlas Apex MTN but simply focus on the things we can control, live in the present and 12. Chrome Industries be grateful for good moments, no matter how small. I think after the MXD Link Sling Bag year we have had there is enough to be getting on with. So, our focus 14. Aisle Period Undies is to continue working as hard as we can to get the latest and most 16. Altura Nightvision interesting products in to review. We will be grateful for every reader Storm Waterproof that takes their time to hang out between the pages of our magazine 18. Solo Stove Bonfire and enters a competition on our social media platforms. This month we have plenty to get you outside in the winter weather (make sure 21. Ekster Aluminium you get that vitamn D) with apparel, hi viz and even a bonfire stove to Cardholder keep you toasty. We have some great products for the little ones and 22. American Tourister those expecting, some products to get you into new hobbies or Urban Groove improving the old ones and some travel bags (heres hoping).

24. Humanscale Liberty We wish you all a safe January as we tiptoe into 2021.

Task 26. iFixit Pro Tech Editor and chief Toolkit 28. Seaver CEEFIT 30. Camelbak Lobo Managing Director 34. Fittrack Dara BMI Alex Hilling-Smith 36. Cateye SYNC Core and SYNC Kinetic Senior Writer 38. Powerball Hybrid Emma Hilling-Smith Autostart Pro 40. KinderKraft Reviewer Smartplay Peter Hilling 42. Aiwa Arc 1 ANC 44. Aiwa Prodigy Air 2 For all media 46. Proviz Classic

related enquiries please Softshell contact us at info@thereviewsmiths.com 48. Samsonite Securipak 51. Lensbaby Sol 45 For Advertising Enquiries 52. Wacaco Cuppamoka 0208 191 8472 54. Sandmarc Motion Variable Filter www.thereviewsmiths.com 56. Divoom Ditoo Pixel 58. OBDLink 60. Metabones Arriflex 62. Olight S2R Baton II 64. Kally U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow 66. TouchPoint for Calm

£199 £299.99

Woolroom Luxury Organic Wool Duvet Warm- Double There is nothing quite like snuggling under a lovely warm duvet this time of year, the only issue is when it comes to getting out from underneath it in the morning.

This Duvet from Woolroom adds to the feel-good factor by introducing their first fully traceable organic wool duvet.

As you may have guessed from the name wool has always been a fundamental part of the Woolroom DNA, ensuring they use a sustainable, renewable and biodegradable material and now it is fully traceable. With a traceable material the company and the consumer can ensure the wool has been grown responsibly, the sheep have been looked after and the land is well cared for, whilst supporting the British farming communities. This luxury organic duvet is filled with 500gsm of organic traceable British wool (approx. 11-14 tog) that is quilted between a 300 thread count unbleached cotton cover, it comes in single, double, king and super king, we received the double to nestle down with.

The use of wool instead traditional filling like feathers or synthetics allows for effectively regulated warmth and moisture, keeping you warm without leaving you hot and sweaty during the night (although certain activities…I’ll stop there) and are much more animal friendly. As part of the Woolroom philosophy these duvets are free from chemicals and fire retardants and at the end of its life it can be recycled and/or composted, it arrives packed into an all-natural and reusable calico bag to safely store the duvet in the warmer months. This duvet has a nice weight to it, not too heavy but enough to give you are bit of a hug at night, it doesn’t require huge amounts of bulk to keep you warm making for a super comfortable night’s sleep. The duvet helps you sleep well in more ways than one, it will keep your body toasty and comfortable whilst giving you peace of mind that you have supported British farmers who care about their animals and the environment.

Pros 100% traceable An ethical organic British wool duvet that 100% unbleached 300 thread count helps you sleep organic cotton

Approx. 11-14 tog Breathable Comfortable weight Lovely and warm Ethical and

peacefully at night, in more ways than one.

sustainable materials For more information on the Woolroom Luxury Organic Wool Duvet Warm- Double click here

5

Ruffwear Approach Pack Ok so this is easily one of the cutest things we have ever reviewed, Ruffwear avoid naff fancy dress clothing for dogs but instead make practical and protective wear to help your doggo join you on great outdoor adventures.

Ruffwear was founded by Patrick Kruse, who loved exploring the outdoors and was always searching for ways to include his canine sidekicks in all of his adventures.

This led to the creation of this performance dog gear company. Originally launched from his garage, Ruffwear is now available across the globe and continue to focus on their core passions, enhancing and inspiring outdoor exploration for man’s best companion. This sweet doggy pack comes in Orange Poppy or Meadow Green, both bright and easy to spot colours, it comes in sizes xsmall, Small, Medium, Large/XLarge. This pack has been designed to be used for a full days hiking, there is a handy size guide on the website to walk you through getting the right fit for you pooch. It is recommended that your dog never carries more than 25% of its body weight in its dog pack and if your dog is new to dog packs, start with a light load and work up to a heavier load so your dog gets used to wearing the pack. Built to be a high performing and functional pack this allows your dog to carry equipment comfortably whilst allowing for natural four-legged movement, letting them walk, run and explore as they would normally.

The pack uses an integrated harness fit for better stability and balance, the radial cut, weight-forward saddlebags create a passive compression system that forms an ergonomic fit and better load carrying. The lightweight materials used don’t add unnecessary bulk for your pup with the Medium just 1.15 lb, whilst the 14.5 L provides plenty of space for your dog’s trail necessities, including doggy bags, snacks, an expandable drinking bowl, even a toy or two. As well as the two main pockets there are two stash pockets and external gear loops, a paddle handle sits at the top and non-slip girth straps lets you take control of your dog and give them a helping lift if needed. The five-point harness can be adjusted for a precise fit, there is a two points of leash connection, single-piece, anodized aluminium V-ring and webbing loop and a harness suspension system for added comfort. The pack is finished off with a reflective trim and light loop to make sure you can keep an eye on your dog in low light and confuse other walkers who see the light trotting along the ground.

Pros Durable materials 5-point adjustable

£99.95

harness

Trail ready stash pockets and gear loops

Reflective detailing and light loop

Padded handle and non-slip girth straps Radial cut, weightforward saddlebag

Two points of leash connection

Cons Expensive

An adorable and practical approach pack for your four-legged friend to accompany you on your outdoor adventures.

For more information on the Ruffwear Approach Pack click here

97

Zepp E The first thing you notice about the Zepp E is the clean and stylish design, we received the Polar Night Black with a circular watch face and genuine leather strap, unlike some other fitness watches you could wear this to the most elegant event, and it wouldn’t look out of place, which is why the price is as high as it is.

It features a pure black 3D curved bezel-less glass front that creates a seamless shape with smooth lines, its 9mm thickness prevents it from catching on sleeves or in pockets and makes it comfortable to wear day and night. The 1.28” Circular AMOLED screen produces 326 PPI resolution and has an ‘Always-On Display’ which means just a tap or wiggle will bring it back to life. This actually backfired at night as rolling over or switching positions could activate the bright screen, an automatic night mode would be handy to avoid this. This watch can track 11 different exercises including running, cycling, climbing and swimming thanks to the 5m water resistance (this also means you can keep it on in the shower after your workout). The bio-tracking optical sensor on the inside of the watch which looks to measure the blood-oxygen saturation (SpO2) and your heart rate to give an insight into your health when working out, it will also break it down into four levels relaxed, normal, medium or high.

As well as tracking your fitness progressions the Zepp E also uses these levels to give feed back on your stress levels, when you feel anxious turn on real-time stress tracking mode to record 24/7 stress level. The Zepp records your exercises with the Personal Activity Intelligence (PAI) which combines your data and turns it into a single metric making it easier to understand your physical

state at a glance. The Zepp E will track sleep stages at night, and can differentiate between light sleep, deep sleep, rapid eye movement (REM) and awake time for a comprehensive insight into your sleep quality with a score on sleep quality and breathing quality. You can set goals to stay motivated including steps taken, calories burned and activity intensity, the sedentary reminders and active hours will prompt you to get moving more.

The watch can always display the time on the screen with dozens of always-on patterns available to choose from on the app, the single button and touch sensitive screen makes it easy to navigate the menus with the more frequently used features just one swipe away.

The Zepp E battery should last for up to 7 days with typical use however the always on feature will drain it quicker, it charges up again via the magnetic charging base in just two hours. The watch and the app are straightforward to navigate, however it cannot be connected to other third-party apps like Apple Health or Google Fit, you can set up to receive notifications straight to the watch, you are unable to reply but it lets you check in and stay connected when working out. The Zepp E comes with lots of useful features and that oh so chic design, however for the price it is lacking built in GPS, third party app integration and the lack of an automatic night mode. If you are looking for a beautiful watch that doesn’t overwhelm you with stats, can collect the data automatically with minimum effort from you and focuses on fitness above all else the Zepp E could be just right for you.

Pros Accurate health and activity

Cons Battery life shorter with Always On display Straps not interchangeable Not compatible with third

tracking

11 Sports Modes Ultra-slim, elegant design Sleep quality monitoring Waterproof Clear and bright screen Menus and app easy to use Measure blood oxygen and heart rate For more information on the Zepp E click here

party apps

Cannot respond to notifications

Always On display annoying at night

ÂŁ179 The features in the watch might not blow you away with their uniqueness but the gorgeous design certainly will.

9

Atlas Apex MTN Mountain Snowshoes What a weird coincidence, the day we received the snowshoes it snowed here, can’t wait for a wallet and wine bottle storage to arrive!

The Apex MTN collection from Altas is their top range in the All-Mountain series, with a whole heap of features to produce a highly versatile and reliable snowshoe for a wide selection of snowy adventures. They come in two different sizes to accommodate different loads 25inches will handle 100-180lbs whilst 30inches is better suited for 140-235+ lbs. These shoes come with a Boa fit system, so shoe size isn’t an issue, created with a strong stainless-steel lace that evenly distributes pressure across the entire foot for a fully secure fit that can be adjusted whilst you wear them for all day comfort. The Reactiv-Trac Frame is Atlas’s inventive design combining the classic flex of an elliptically formed nose with the perimeter traction of a serrated t-frame.

These snowshoes use stout SLS straps flex on the system’s tubular nose allowing the binding, crampon, and frame to move independently with the ground underneath, giving you a sturdy foundation and confidence in each step. The Spring-Loaded Suspension (SLS) ensures the snowshoe remains close underfoot for an easier step and suspends your foot so it can move freely and naturally. The suspension takes the impact of the steps to reduce fatigue and the foot is able to move side-to-side for better balance on uneven terrain. The SLS provides strong traction whilst the flex sinks deeper into the snow with the crampons which helps when traversing steep or off-angle areas. Talking of the crampons these shoes use the X-TRAC Crampon, they take no prisoners with a tough bite in hard packed snow and even ice and the Heel Lift Bar helps to prevent calf muscles from becoming too tired on steep climbs. Lastly, the Infinity Decking feature enhances the surface area while at the same time protecting the deck from scratches and scuffs, it incorporates the lower deck with the inside frame to eliminate frame wrap in a seamless design.

ÂŁ270

Pros Stainless steel Boa fit

These high performing snowshoes will give you the confidence and comfort to tackle snow and ice on mountain terrains.

system

Sturdy, solid footing Reactiv-Trac frame Spring-Loaded suspension

Infinity Decking Robust construction Wrapp Helix Binding Heel Lift Bar X-TRAC Crampon Suitable for all mountain wear

For more information on the Atlas Apex MTN Mountain Snowshoes click here

11

Chrome Industries MXD Link Sling Bag Chrome Industries produced their first Chrome bag over two decades ago, this sparked the commitment of making durable and useful bags that work both on and off the bike.

The lack of money in their first creation meant they didn’t have the ability to make a buckle that could hold the weight of a loaded messenger bag, so rather ingeniously they salvaged seatbelt buckles out of junkyard cars creating the iconic look. These bags have been designed for easy living in the hustle and bustle of a city, for people who choose bikes and public transport over cars, whether you are working, playing or commuting. The MXD Link Sling Bag comes in Black Ballistic or Olive Ballistic, it measures up at 8.25"H x 16"W X 2"D, weighs 1.3lb and offers up 4.3l of storage space. There is a dedicated padded laptop sleeve, 9"H X 15"L X 2"W, that fits a 13" Macbook Pro or any other laptop up to 13”. This tough bag is built with a high-quality 840d nylon, strong enough to withstand the rough and tumble of riding along with you, getting plonked on the floor and squeezed through crowds. At the front of the bag there are three quick access pockets best

suited for keeping items you might need to grab in a hurry, the right has a soft lining, handy for storing glasses, sunglasses or delicate tech without the risk for scratches. The left features a mesh inner pocket and key attachment point, and the middle pocket has some sleeves for storing pens as well as other items. The laptop sleeve is accessed via the zip closure and just in front of that is another pocket which is handy for notebooks and a tablet, there is also an organiser compartment for storing cables and chargers. That adjustable seat belt strap can be used to wear the bag across the body front and back or around the waist. This tough bag isn’t the most stylist of options and it could do with some reflective, it is comfortable to wear and helps you organise all your gear effectively, although that seat belt strap looks cool it can be uncomfortable if the edge sits against the neck. If you regularly make short commutes on the bike with your work gear, the MXD Link Sling bag is good value for money, keeping all your belongings in place as you travel to and from work.

For more information on the Chrome Industries MXD Link Sling Bag click here

Pros

ÂŁ110

Organises your belongings Tough material 13� laptop pocket Wear across the body or around the waist

Comfortable to wear Soft lined phone and sunglasses pocket

Cons Strap can be uncomfortable if it sits on the neck

This handy messenger bag helps you get to and from work with all your important gear.

13

Aisle Period Undies Although sustainable period products have recently had a big rise in popularity, they have been around much longer than many of us realise, Aisle has been making period underwear since 1993 with many style and design alterations along the way.

We received two of their undies to test out, the Aisle Boxer Brief ($46) and the Aisle Hipster ($42), both came in Black, but they are also available in Blue, Green and Rust, there is a size for everyone starting at X-Small and running to 5X Large. This underwear is made from a soft and breathable organic cotton and TENCEL, with recycled polyester and TPU in the gusset, the organic cotton provides structure with stability as well as flexibility, helping keep the gusset in the right place, and TENCEL adds to the softness and has a wicking property. We have tested out some period pants that feel more like a swimsuit material and they get so warm, whereas these feel a lot closer to normal underwear and are much cooler. The TENCEL is more absorbent than the previous materials we have reviewed, it is a man-made cellulosic fibre and is made with wood pulp in a proprietary process by Austrian textile manufacturer Lenzing AG making it an ultrasustainable material with eco-friendly manufacturing.

The boxer briefs have a trans inclusive design and provide more extensive cover for a secure feeling, they

are comfortable to sleep in. The Hipsters are the most popular choice and when they launched their extended plus size range. Instead of scaling the sizing up from a straightsized sample size, Aisle started with a 1X sample and graded the sizing appropriately, with multiple fittings and working with fit experts, to provide a genuine fit for the plus size customers. Both pairs of underwear can hold two tampons worth of blood, they both come with a booster strip, this can be slipped inside the gusset to hold an extra two tampons worth. The booster can be changed throughout the day to manage heavy flow with additional boosters available in the store for $5 per booster. When the boosters are used the underwear does feel bulky, we also found it can roll up a little at the sides, it can be a little fiddly getting them in there with the risk of things getting messy when switching them out on heavy days. These period undies are versatile with their replaceable boosters, we found they were at their most comfortable without the booster, but it is reassuring to know it’s on option. There are stats on the website showing you the impact of your chosen design in terms of waste, CO2 avoided and energy conserved giving these pants a feelgood factor. These undies offer a comfortable and reliable alternative to disposable period products, helping you kick out some plastic and waste from your lifestyle.

Pros Breathable, wicking material Plus size and trans inclusive designs

Machine washable Holds up to 4 tampons worth (when used with booster) Comfortable fit Sustainable and eco conscious materials

Cons Booster can be fiddly to insert Bulky with booster For more information on the Aisle Period Undies click here

An eco-conscious and comfortable way to manage that time

$40-$46

of the month.

15

Altura Nightvision Storm Waterproof Jacket

Riding around in the rain isn’t much fun, especially if you are commuting to work and turn up like a drowned rat, the Altura Nightvision Storm Waterproof Jacket has been made specifically to keep you dry, comfortable and visible when out on the roads in soggy conditions.

This jacket comes in sizes Small up to 3XLarge and in a bright blue, Hi Viz yellow and the chic Maroon version we received, although this is the darkest version available it also wouldn’t look out of place when worn off the bike (although you will be missing a hood). The Storm is one of the more recent additions to the Altura commuter range, one of the first things that is instantly noticeable is the unique reflective print that covers the collar, arms, shoulders, sides and wraps around the front and back making you highly visible from all angles. As this is a commuting jacket it has a looser cut to allow for jumpers, shirts, ties and more bulky clothing underneath instead of cycling bibs. The material used is lightweight, and easily packs down into a backpack or saddle bag when not needed.

As you might expect from a storm jacket it is fully waterproof with taped seems and a waterproof zipper. The adjustable Velcro cuffs and draw strings around the collar and hem allows for a precise fit, locking out both the wind and rain from all directions. There are two hand pockets, chest and back pockets to store any essentials you might need close to hand, wallet, security pass, bike lock and keys for example, the soft fleece finish in the collar and zip garage keeps things comfortable against the skin. When things get a little warm there are zippered under arms ventilation panels and open panel across the back, it works well on general commutes but if you like to push your limits whilst travelling to and from work you might want to look for something with more ventilation. The Nightvision Storm Waterproof Jacket is an excellent choice for urban commuting, providing protection from both wind and rain whilst keeping you highly visible on the road.

ÂŁ79.99

Pros Silver reflective print for all angle visibility

Keep warm, dry and visible when commuting around urban areas.

Fully waterproof including taped seams

Underarm and back vents Hand pockets, chest and back pockets

Fleece lined collar with zip garage

Relaxed fit Cons Not best suited for very intense, sweaty rides

For more information on the Altura Nightvision Storm Waterproof Jacket click here

17

Pros

$349.99

Uncomplicated cleaning Portable Massively reduces the smoke output Easy to set up

A great way to stay warm and

ventilation holes

Robust body

360 degree strategically placed cosy Lightweight when enjoying Cons outdoor spaces.

Not weatherproof The price may put some people off

For more information on the Solo Stove Bonfire click here

Solo Stove Bonfire If the last year has taught us one thing it is how much we should appreciate our gardens and outdoor spaces, however even in the summertime when the sun goes down it can get nippy, this is where fit pits have swooped in to save the party.

The Bonfire from Solo Stove aims to eliminate the unpleasant side effect of an open fire, getting a face full of smoke that makes you cough and splutter into your hot chocolate. Constructed from a durable stainless-steel drum, it has strategically placed holes in the double-wall structure that draws in air from the bottom to feed the fire above for efficient burning which produces nearly no smoke and minimal ash left over to clean. You may get a little smoke when it’s first lit or if you put too many logs on but most of the time it’s really pleasant to sit around. The 20lbs weight makes it easy to transport, take it camping, round to a friend or just for moving around the garden.

Due to the risk of rust the stove can be left out over night

but it’s not a good idea to store outside permanently, pop it in the garage or shed once its finished with and cleaned out or purchase a weatherproof cover. Any firewood logs are suitable but for optimum efficiency dry hard woods are recommended like birch, maple, hickory and oak, these will also burn longer than softwoods. Four to six logs are a good amount, anymore and you risk blocking the ventilation holes with ash and kicking up some smoke. Once the fire is well established the Bonfire becomes very hot so ensure it is in the right place before setting up, when finished and cooled down simply tip the Bonfire upside down to empty any remaining ash. The Solo Stove Bonfire is a great addition for those who enjoy the outdoor space or car camping. Getting your friends and family gathered round with marshmallows and a hot drink is total bliss, especially with knowing you won’t be trying to dodge the smoke.

19

Ekster Aluminium Cardholder Ekster have taken the traditional wallet and ran with it, these seriously robust wallets are made with metal and unique features to produce a functional and stand out product.

The new Aluminium Cardholder comes in Green Ore, Space Grey, Matte Black, Midnight Blue, and the Redwood version we received. This minimalist wallet is made from a space-grade aluminium and has a built-in button that with a quick press pops up your cards and fans them out for easy access, when you are done simply replace the card and push them all back into place. Even with the most vigorous shaking these cards aren’t going anywhere without that button being pressed, even if you choose to store one card. One to six cards can be stored in the main compartment (maximum of six non-embossed cards, or a combination of 4 - 5 embossed/non-embossed cards, depending on the thickness of each card) with the option of storing an extra nine in the expandable aluminium backplate. This can also be used to hold notes, however the more bits you have tucked in here the more it slows you down in identifying and retrieving them.

The wallet measures up at 0.29 x 4.1 x 2.3 in (0.75 x 10.5 x 6 cm) making it easy to tuck into a jacket or trouser pocket (even skinny jeans), however be aware of removing it from your back trouser pocket before sitting down, you won’t damage the wallet, but your backside will certainly know about it. The Aluminium Cardholder uses an integrated RFID blocking layer that prevents thieves from stealing your identity and money by data skimmers. The optional Ekster Tracker Card can be bought separately, which helps you locate your wallet from your phone (or vice versa), with a solar powered battery and up to 200ft (60m) range with Bluetooth 4.0. The Ekster Aluminium Cardholder is a stylish and distinctive looking device, it is probably best suited for occasions rather than day to day use unless you tend to carry a minimal amount of cards/cash with you.

Pros Smart, unique look Fans out your cards with a push of a button

Super durable space-grade 6061-T6 aluminium Slim profile Expandable backplate Blocks RFID Holds 1-15 cards + bills Cons Minimal storage Difficult to access lots of cards and cash

$79

in the back plate

This card holder will certainly stand out in the crowd, especially when you push that button.

For more information on the Ekster Aluminium Cardholder click here

21

American Tourister Urban Groove Laptop Backpack 14inch American Tourister have been creating luggage and bags since 1933 with the very first suitcase being sold at just $1, in 1993 they were bought by Samsonite, bringing together two of the world’s biggest luggage brands whilst keeping the American Tourister brand at affordable prices.

The Laptop Backpack 14" is part of the Urban Groove collection, this particular model comes in one colour, black, and will appeal to those looking for a straightforward laptop bag without outlandish designs drawing attention to itself or breaking the bank. This bag measures up at 44 x 30 x 24.5cm and weights 500g, it gives you a total capacity of 25L with the included 14inch laptop compartment and is constructed from 100% polyester. Starting at the very front of the bag there is a hidden, zip up compartment pocket, handy for storing things you may need to grab quickly, phone, wallet or travel pass for example. Behind that is a larger zip up compartment with a plastic key attachment clip and a second zip up mesh pocket to store smaller accessories, cables or chargers, the larger area can be used for documents or notes books.

The largest compartment is the widest, this can be used to store spare layers, lunch or any other essentials you may need and behind that is the padded laptop sleeve. Just above that is a dedicated area to write your contact details including, names, phone number and email

address, just in case it gets misplaced at any point. At the top of the bag is a padded carry handle and coat peg hook, whilst the two shoulder straps are adjustable in length and feature a light amount of padding and webbing for ventilation. On the left side is a mesh stretch pocket handy for storing a water bottle and keeping any potential leaks outside of the bag. The two zips on the main compartment can be locked with a padlock for extra security. There were a few negatives that stood out when testing this bag, the finish could be a little cleaner, there were a couple of lose threads here and there. The laptop sleeve reaches all the way to the bottom of the bag and although the base is padded there is a gap between the base and the back which the laptop can slip between, it is worth being aware of this when setting it down on hard surfaces. There is very little ventilation on the back of the bag so things can get a little toasty on warmer days, the padding could also be more generous here to prevent the laptop from bumping into the back whilst walking. This laptop bag is best suited for carrying your gear to and from work via a car or public transport like a bus or overground train, it isn’t all singing and all dancing, it gives you the essentials and nothing more complicated.

Pros Plenty of pockets to store your gear

Simple design Hidden front compartment Padded carry handle Stretchy water bottle pocket Cons Few loose threads Minimal ventilation Shoulder straps and back strap could use more padding

Laptop reaches the bottom of the bag

A basic laptop bag that doesn’t draw attention to itself and the valuable contents that are tucked inside.

£42.00

For more information on the American Tourister Urban Groove Laptop Backpack click here

23

Humanscale Liberty Task From ÂŁ739

For more information on the Humanscale Liberty Task click here

Humanscale has been in business since 1983 and has established itself as a leader in the market. With a focus on producing high quality products that are simple to use. Its products are known for their individual brand style and environmentally friendly designs.

The Liberty Task chair is an intelligent mesh task chair engineered to provide automatic lumbar support for every user, as well as offering simplicity and complete ease of use. Liberty was designed to offer a unique, minimal aesthetic and to provide custom comfort for every person who sits in it. Liberty uses Humanscale’s revolutionary Form-Sensing Mesh Technology and mechanism-free recline for perfect support and unprecedented comfort.

The Liberty chair takes no time at all to set up as it arrives in only two separate pieces. The top portion of the chair includes the seat, back and arms all pre-installed. The bottom portion of the chair consists of the base, wheels and cylinder, also pre-installed. The top portion of the chair just needs to be placed on the bottom half and the assembly is complete.

One of the most appealing things about the Liberty chair is how nice it looks. The Liberty was designed by Neils Diffrient. He wanted to create a minimal but functional mesh task chair. The Liberty has a clean look with the lack of paddles and levers sticking out from the seat. It has curved lines and contemporary aesthetics.

The chair can be customizable to your specific needs, where you can adjust your armrest/armpad, frame colour, back mesh, mesh colour, seat textile, textile colour, seat type, cylinder height, casters, fire proofing and base upgrades.

Humanscale’s customer support/sales team is extremely friendly and knowledgeable, so if you are not sure what you want they will with pertinent questions offer you informed suggestions.

Pros What happens when Beautiful Design style and comfort So comfortable Takes the stress away from come together? The your back

Customisable

Humanscale Liberty Task that’s what.

25

iFixit

Pro Tech Toolkit

A decent tool kit is an indispensable item everyone should have, it will often be something you turn to time and time again in your moment of need, the Pro Tech Toolkit from iFixit has been designed to be a high-performance toolkit for all things repair.

This tool kit is suitable for both the pros to diy novices, it comes in a tough polyester canvas case that rolls up and secures with strong Velcro, when rolled up it measures up at 21 × 19 × 7cm and is 56 × 19cm when laid out flat and weighs in at 0.85kg. This modern tool kit has been created for the technical age, no longer will you have to rely on those tiny screw drivers that come in Christmas crackers to work on electronic repairs, and this is where iFixit specialise, providing you with the tools to fix things yourself (just like our folks did in the olden days). This kit comes with a 64-bit driver with 150mm flex extension and 4mm screwdriver bits, including Phillips, Flatheads, Torx, Torx Security, Pentalobe, JIS, Hex, Tri-point, Nut Driver, Square, Gamebit, Spanner, Triangle, Standoff Bit for iPhone, Oval Bit, Magnetic Pickup Bit, SIM Eject Bit and 1/4" to 4 mm Driver Adapter.

The 4mm bits are made from a strong S2 steel with the bit driver being constructed from anodized aluminium, the case that keeps all the bits together is made from recycled ABS with Eva inside keeping all the bits in place. Along with the bit driver there are also plenty of tools for gripping, poking and prying which include Anti-Static Wrist Strap for protection for circuits against static electricity, a small suction handle for holding onto things without handles, 3x iFixit opening tool made from a soft plastic, 6x iFixit opening picks, nylon tipped reverse tweezers, angled ESD tweezers, blunt ESD tweezers, standard spudger, halberd spudger, metal spudger, jimmy and magnetic pad to holds tiny screws and parts during repairs. This kit along with the iFitit website will give you the confidence and the right tools to repair electronics just like you would fix a leaky tap or put a shelf up.

Pro Huge array of tools Specifically design to

ÂŁ59.99

A

repair modern tech

Durable and compact comprehensive

tool kit to

tool roll

Mako Precision Bit Set Tips and support on the website

repair modern electronics.

For more information on the iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit click here

27

Seaver CEEFIT £229

For more information on the Seaver Horse Ceefit click here

We have fitness trackers for adults, children and even dogs so it only makes sense to have a closer insight into an animal that works out alongside you, no I’m not talking about yoga cats, I’m talking about horse riding.

The CEEFIT by Seaver is a smart fitness tracker that uses sensors to record the training session focusing on your horse’s fitness and performance, it comes in the form of a small sensor that fits into a silicone clip which is adaptable to all girths. The sensor is an inertial unit, that connects via Bluetooth low energy (BLE) and has wireless charging, it is both shock and water resistant with a battery that has 2 weeks of standby time and can record 25 hours of training. The unit weighs just 40grams and comes in a black design only, a 3m tape measure is included to take the necessary measurements to create your horse's profile on the app as well as the wireless charging pad and USB connector to charge your girth from a wall outlet or USB port.

The CEEFIT is guaranteed for two years for production

Pros Small, easy to clip on, suitable for all

defects, you can add an unlimited number of horses to the app which is available on both Android and iOS, the Seaver app for SmartWatch is compatible with Apple Watch (Series3 and more) and Samsung Galaxy Watch (equipped with TizenOS4 and more). Take the CEEFIT along with you on your daily trainings and it will track locomotion, courses and jumps and GPS track and speed, with symmetry in trot measured to anticipate a lameness and act before it's too late. The jump data such as height, angle and amplitude, cadence in approach, push, shift and more, allows you to analyse your courses down to the last detail. The app includes over 100 training exercises, video analysis lets you relive your course with precision, the speed is tracked to objectively work on your rhythm, the dash board shows the heart rate, calories burnt, length and the intensity of the ride. The app is clean and intuitive to work with providing clear data at a glance, the sensor appears to be accurate and gives a good insight into your ride, helping you take care of your hard-working horse and seeing exactly where there’s room for improvement.

girths

Locomotion, courses and jumps, GPS track and speed.

Over 100 Training exercises

Clear, easy to read data

Video analysis Wireless charging Fall detection

Track your horses’ fitness and your riding performance via this compact motion sensor.

29

Camelbak Lobo It might be hard to imagine being out and about in weather hot enough to require a hydration pack whilst in the clutches of January but when the time comes you will be grateful for products like the Lobo from Camelbak.

This lightweight pack (480g) can house the 3l water reservoir CRUX reservoir with Quicklink, the low profile has been designed specifically for cycling with 9l worth of space to store snacks, layers and any other essential gear you may need whilst you are out. Partially made with postconsumer recycled materials this bag is available in Black, Kelp/Black and Gibraltar Navy, it is suited for everyday bike use with the large reservoir, but it is best suited for when you want to ride hard and fast without huge amounts of stuff weighing you down. The Air Director back panel aims to channel the air flow down your back, it is made up of ventilation holes and mesh over the shoulder straps and back panel to keep you cool and comfortable. There is a removable stability belt that will keep the bag close to your body, stopping it bouncing around or throwing your balance off, especially useful with mountain biking.

There is an integrated tool roll to store your bike essential tools, CO2 cartridges and patch kits for example, as well as secure zip pockets, a secure phone pocket, and an exterior helmet carry system, ensuring you know exactly where your gear is when you need it. The stretchy overflow pocket lets you quickly shed a layer and stash it away without wasting too much time remaining stationary, there is an elastic pump loop for easy storage and reflective detailing for better visibility in low light. When it comes to drinking the tube is stored on the shoulder strap for easy access, the Magnetic Tube Trap holds it secure and helps guide it back into the locking position without taking your eyes off the road. The bite valve ensures water only leaves the tube when It’s in your mouth, no dribbles or soggy cycle gear to worry about. The Lobo is light, narrow and secure, with a generous water supply that will probably out last your stamina, best suited for short and fast rides where you only need the essentials, your bike and your energy.

This hydration pack is perfect for those hard and fast rides in the warmer months.

For more information on the Camelbak Lobo click here

ÂŁ89.99

Pros Air Director back panel and ventilated harness

Adjustable sternum strap Stretch overflow pocket Magnetic Tube Trap and bite valve Lightweight and narrow profile Integrated tool organization Reflective detailing Cons Limited storage

31

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43

Fittrack Dara BMI

£147.50

For more information on the Fittrack Dara BMI click here

New year, new you, lockdown was bad enough but a lockdown Christmas with less people around to help get through the snacks means many of us are carrying a little extra weight than we were this time last year.

The FitTrack Dara Smart Body BMI Scale helps you get an incredibly detailed insight into your health instead of just giving you the one number to work with. These scales aim to provide an effective but uncomplicated way to stay motivated and track your health, with over 17 different health measurements to work with. The Dara comes in white or black both with a sleek and modern design with a large, bright LCD display, it is here you find your overall weight (requires 4 AAA batteries, not included). To set up its simply a case of connecting the scales to your phone via Bluetooth and sign into the free app, it will ask you for a few details before giving an approx. goal weight, however it’s your body you choose your goal.

Eight different accounts can be added to the scales meaning the whole family can get involve with a healthier lifestyle, including the new Infant Mode, it will automatically recognise who is stepping on the scales. The Dara has four metal electrodes for your feet, two for your heels, two for your toes, then a very low electrical signal is sent from your feet, through your body, don’t worry this is safe and you won’t feel a thing. The electrical signal passes quickly through water in muscle tissue but slower through fat tissue, this is then used to measure and calculate your body composition measurements. Once measured the scales will provide you with your weight, BMI, visceral fat, muscle mass, hydration levels, bone mass, BMR, body fat %, protein % body age, body fat, weight control, standard weight, weight without fat, muscle weight, protein amount and obesity degree, phew that’s a lot to take in.

The measurements are highly accurate and are +/- 3% as accurate as a medical DEXA (x-ray) body fat percentage scan, with your weight being precise to +/- 300grams. The smart algorithm adjustments are based on individual habits giving you personalised insights into your health, you can understand how the different body metrics that can be improved, letting you know if those numbers mean fat, muscle or water in your body. The Athlete Mode helps provide more accurate results for active users and making it suitable for all body types. The scales are compatible with fitness apps like Apple Health, Google Fit and many more. The app gives you all the details with easy to read charts, daily, weekly and monthly tracking to help you stay focused on your goals. These detailed and user-friendly scales give you a true insight into your weight, with reliable results making it the most accurate body composition scale in its class.

Pros User friendly Automatically recognises up to eight users

Measures fat mass, muscle mass, bone mass, weight and hydration

Four electrodes Suitable for all body types Compatible with fitness apps

Clear display on both the scales and app

A motivating way to help kick start the new year with a healthier you.

35

CatEye SYNC Core and SYNC Kinetic At this time of year it is dark when you go to work, dark when you come home, even when it’s daylight it’s still gloomy so a decent set of bike lights are an absolute must to keep you safe and visible on the road.

The SYNC Core and SYNC Kinetic twin pack covers you from front to back, starting with the Core, this light sits at the front of the bike, featuring the ONE touch control but more on that later.

This light can kick out 500 lumens and provides excellent side visibility, this helps you see the road in front of you as well as being seen by other road users.

The Core is constructed with a compact and lightweight body at just 41.5 x 33.5 x 93.5mm and 94 grams, that has a built-in fast recharging battery, the FlexTight bracket makes for quick and secure attachment.

The HyperConstant mode delivers powerful visibility in the daytime, the OptiCube lens technology produces a round beam pattern, there are 5 light modes to choose from, High, 500 lumens for 2 hrs, Middle, 150 lumens for up to 9 hrs, Low, 100 lumens for 15 hrs, Daytime HyperConstant, 500/100 lumens last for 18 hours whilst the Flashing mode uses 100 lumens for up to 130 hrs. The battery takes between 3-6hours to recharge. The SYNC Kinetic is more than just a flashing red light, it features a built- in accelerometer that detects when you slow down and automatically switches to 50 lumen burst mode, alerting those behind you that you are about to stop or turn off the road, even when the light is off beforehand. It also features the Daytime HyperFlash mode, enhanced side visibility, OptiCube, and a built-in rechargeable battery.

There are 6 modes High, 40 lumens for 1.5 hrs, Low, uses 5 lumens for 15 hrs, Flashing, 30 lumens for 50 hrs, Rapid, 50 lumens for up to 20 hrs, Daytime HyperFlash, 50 lumens for 30 hrs and the Group Ride mode, which is more gentle on fellow riders eyes, uses 40 lumens and lasts 15 hrs. All these modes can be uses in Kinetic mode too, only lighting up when you slow down, however this mode reduces the battery life faster. Both lights are part of the SYNC collection which can be linked up to the app which then allows you to turn on both lights with the touch of one button. The app is also where you can view the battery life of both lights, turn them on and off, sync with other lights (up to 7 including wearables), customise the light modes and use the ‘find me function’ which gets the light flashing by tapping the button on app. The memory function means the lights will go back to the last setting you used saving you time from scrolling through settings every time you sit in the saddle. These lights are a sensible choice for regular commuting, user friendly with functions that react to your ride, keeping you safer on the road all year round.

For more information on the CatEye SYNC Core and SYNC Kinetic click here

Get two smart lights in one nifty kit, that help you to see and be seen on the road.

Pros Sync up to 7 lights Easy to use Functional app Lightweight and compact

Multiple light modes

Kinetic mode with accelerometer

Rechargeable Memory function

ÂŁ89.99 39 37

Powerball Hybrid Autostart Pro ÂŁ84.99

A user friendly arm, wrist and shoulder workout, ideal for rehabilitation and impact free muscle strengthening.

For more information on the Powerball Hybrid Autostart Pro click here

The Powerball is an interesting piece of exercise equipment we haven’t come across before, this rather inoffensive device didn’t feel particularly heavy upon first inspection so it was hard to imagine how this could work your muscles, fingertips to shoulder like the product claimed.

However, with a quick read of the instructions and a test run it soon became obvious, the Powerball uses precision gyroscope which is made of a fast-spinning rotor enclosed in a solid outer sphere. Designed around the idea that the best products are often the simplest, to get going all you need to do is wind back the precisely balanced zinc rotor, release when you are ready and begin turning your wrist in slow, gentle circles. You remain in control of the speed and if you choose to go a little faster you will feel the resistance increase making it suitable for both non-impact rehabilitation and isometric strengthening of the arm.

As the arm works blood flow increases and joint health is promoted by stimulating the production of synovial fluid (the fluid that lubricates and nourishes joints), whilst the grip required to hold Powerball engages the finger flexor muscles and the wrist extensor muscles helping to improve grip strength. The Hybrid Powerball has an LCD Speedmeter and comes with a carry case. The Speedmeter

is powered by magnetic induction, no batteries required and has four different settings to track your strength gains or rehabilitation progress. Weighing less than 500g it can develop up to 28kg/60lbs of resistance at maximum spin speed, this means you can achieve a serious workout with a highly portable device, take it to the gym, work or even use it in the car, wherever you need, the options are endless. The Hybrid is made with a military-grade polycarbonate shell, the vibration free 18,000rpm are comfortable in the hand and has an intuitive feel to it that lets you know automatically if you are doing it right.

Physio designed programs get you started with individual videos that focus on each area from fingertip to shoulder and rehabilitation programmes for a wide range of injuries on the website. The Powerball Hybrid Autostart Pro was a pleasant surprise, effective at working a wide range of muscles in the arm in an easy to use, portable unit. Perfect for those looking to gently work their arms, wrist and shoulders, be it rehabilitation from an injury or simply looking to strengthen and tone those muscles.

Pros Impact free Fingertip to shoulder workout

Drop resistant Reversible inner tracks for longer life

Rehabilitation friendly Up to 28kg of smooth resistance

LCD speed meter Automatic starting Portable

39

KinderKraft Mat Smartplay

A fun and safe place for baby to develop, rest and play, with enough versatility that it doesn’t become boring.

ÂŁ79.00

Pros Great value for money Portable and easy to set up Stimulation toys and colours

Adjustable toys, sides and bars

Ball pit Safe and durable materials Hooks made of lightweight plastic

Modern design Durable fabric, easy to clean (machine washable) 24 months manufacturer's guarantee For more information on the KinderKraft Mat Smartplay click here

41

Aiwa Arc 1 ANC

The reason overhead earphones are still hard to beat when it comes to audio experience is because of the fully immersive experience those ear cups provide, the Arc 1 ANC from Aiwa blocks out the world around you letting you focus on the music.

These headphones are only available in black and come with a protective hard case with a carry strap, the zip on the case opens up completely to the point where it detaches the lid from the base, this is then fiddly to reattach. Inside the case is a handy stretchy pocket to store away the cables, however the two raised bits in the middle slow down stowing away the headphones as they have to be lined up precisely which seems unnecessary. The headphones arrive folded down, when the ear cups are popped out, they automatically switch on, there is a green flashing light that indicate they are on, it would be nice if there was an option to switch this off as it could be irritating to others, travelling at night on a plane or bus for example. The Arc 1 are constructed from mostly plastic with aluminium and leather finishing touches making these headphones lightweight to wear, just 243g, the plastic body might not appeal to all, but it does make all day wear more comfortable.

The ear cups are padded with a good amount of memory foam and reduce exterior noise and when the ANC is switched on this reduces outside noise by 23dB, completely blocking out the world around you enough to get lost in your tunes without distraction. I found that even with the head band at its smallest size, the earcups were very low on my ears, I know I have a small head, but I don’t normally experience this with headphones. The headphones connect over Bluetooth 5.0, that provides a stable and reliable connection, there are two integrated mics and echo cancellation for hands free calls and accessing Siri or Google Assistant. The battery life is impressive at battery life with 40 hours playback, 25 Hours with ANC activated, when the battery runs out you can always use the included 3.5mm audio cable to keep the music going. The 40mm dynamic drivers produce an enjoyable sound, it could do with a little bit of a bass injection for cans this size, but it gels well with the mid and high tones. Other features include the IPX5 water resistant rating, replaceable memory foam pads and on ear controls. The ANC, battery life, sound and comfort make the Arc 1 ANC a decent pair of headphones, however, for the price there are a few areas that could be improved upon.

For more information on the Aiwa Arc 1 ANC click here

Pros Functional ANC Enjoyable sound Generous padding Lightweight Foldable 40 hour battery life

Cons Awkward carry case Lid completely comes away from base of case

Might not be suitable for small heads

Flashing indicator light

â‚Ź129.99

Bass could use a boost

These headphones are comfortable with enjoyable audio but we would like a little more for our money.

43

Aiwa Prodigy Air 2 You can pay a fortune for wireless earphones which is great if you are an audiophile looking for all the latest features, however some people just want to be able to enjoy their tunes free from wires.

The Aiwa Prodigy Air 2 are a budget pair of wireless earphones that come in under ÂŁ50, first impressions are that the earbuds are light weight, perhaps a little bulkier than we would have liked but comfortable. They come in a compact charging case with super-fast charging which will give you six hours playback after just 30min charging in the case, this gives a total of 24 hours playback before you need to hunt down a plug socket again. These earbuds connect over Bluetooth 5.0 for a stable stream with zero latency, after the initial set up, they pair automatically when you take them out of the case. The earbuds are impact-resistant with a IPX5 water-resistant rating, making them suitable for workouts and light rainfall, however when running, the combination of light rain, sweat (yes, your ears can sweat) and the movement meant they felt quite loose to the point that the left ear popped out and needed readjusting.

The 6mm precision mylar dynamic drivers deliver a high and mid tone heavy sound, good audio books, pop music or podcasts but if EDM and bass tracks are your go to tunes these may lack the necessary umph. Both earbuds can function as the master so if you need to keep one ear on the world around you the other earbud can be slipped into the pocket without disrupting the connection. The dual built-in microphones and echo cancellation means phone calls can be taken hands free, whilst Siri/ Google Assistant can be activated to answer text messages, skip tracks or check the weather without reaching for your phone. Although the sound quality won’t blow you away and the fit might be a little loose for some when you weigh up the price, the battery life, Bluetooth 5.0 connection and fast charge they are good value for money.

A lowcost pair of wireless headphones with a healthy battery life and voice command features.

Pros Low cost Stable connection 24hour battery life Fast charge IPX5 Voice command

For more information on the Aiwa Prodigy Air 2 click here

Cons Loose fit Weak bass ÂŁ44.99

45

Proviz Classic Softshell Cycling Jacket Who says sensible clothing can’t look good, the Proviz Classic Waterproof Jacket is as stylish as it is protective, it comes in four colours Black, Blue, Red and the Hi-Vis yellow we received to try out.

This is a high-spec softshell jacket that is built around the classic cycle jacket look, constructed with a quality blend of materials that not only provides good levels of breathability but also waterproofing up to 20,000mm. The four-way stretch fabric lets you move naturally without it catching or riding up, letting you comfortably switch from the riding position to upright. The triple layered, material is gentle against bare skin and keeps your body warm and dry all year round, it’s stretchy fit means you can easily layer up underneath in colder seasons.

There is no way you won’t be spotted in this yellow number, the bright design is easily visible in the daylight, and when the sun sets the large amounts of

Pros 20,000mm waterproof and 20,000gm/24hr breathability

Semi-fitted Triple layered 30D interlock four-way Three rear pockets, one zipped

Multidirectional REFLECT360 detailing Reflective Logos and Trim Windproof Year-round wear

REFLECT360 trim on the chest, arms, wrists, back and lower back ensure you are seen from every angle. The 140gsm soft touch polyester fabric gets to work when you up your pace by wicking away moisture from the skin and out of the jacket, keeping you cooler. There are three rear pockets for storing essentials which can easily be reached on the fly, one has a zip closure for extra security and protection from the elements. The zip pull at the front is easy to grab, even with chunky gloves on, and the soft zip garage at the top stops the cold metal or zip irritating the skin. The stretchy cuffs prevent wind and rain getting up the sleeves whilst in the riding position. The Classic Softshell Cycling Jacket is beautifully made, high performing on warm, cold, warm and darker rides, an essential piece of cycling apparel you can wear all year round.

This jacket will become your regular cycling companion, comfortable, practical and highly visible, great value for money.

£99.99

47

Samsonite Securipak Laptop BackPack 15.6

For more information on the Samsonite Securipak Laptop BackPack click here

When we were travelling in China, we were told that if we wore our bag on our back the contents belonged to the people behind you, at the time the only way to combat this was to wear the bags on our front for security, this was neither practical, comfortable or flattering.

The new to the scene Samsonite Securipak tackles this issue by placing all the access points to the bag against your back, no one is getting in there without your knowledge. We received this bag in a striking True Blue design however it comes in a choice of 10 designs in total, ranging from the bright and bold to the more subtle styles ensuring there is something for all tastes. This backpack has a narrow profile, measuring up at 44 x 30 x 16cm making it suitable for commuting in busy environments, the underground for example, it has a 17L volume and weighs a comfortable 700g.

The exterior is constructed from 100% recycled PET, with a cut and water-resistant finish, the front of the bag has a clean finish with a small amount of branding mounted on the full-length reflective strip. At the top of the bag is a well-padded carry handle and strong coat hook loop, this is also where the first pocket is located, it can be accessed without moving the shoulder straps out of the way, ideal for essentials that might need to be grabbed in a hurry.

There is the exterior USB port which feeds into the bag with a dedicated pocket for a power bank, letting you charge your devices on the move and without leaving your bag open. On either side of the main compartment are two generous pockets, one featuring building RFID Shield protection to provide an antitheft space for your wallet keeping it safe from payment/identity fraud and skimming. The main compartment can be opened up fully thanks to the poppers and Velcro on the side panels, letting the bag fold open and giving you full access, the laptop sleeve is generously padded and doesn’t come into contact with the ground owing to the padding at the bottom of the bag.

Other pockets include a tablet or document sleeve, organiser compartments for smaller belongings, stretch side pocket and zip up pocket. The pack panel has thick padding preventing the contents from digging into the back, there is also a Velcro luggage pass through located here. Due to all the comfortable padding, you may find yourself getting warm on sunnier days or when rushing about, other than that the Securipak Laptop BackPack is near faultless, having successfully combined high levels of security and comfort for urban travel and exploring.

A high security laptop bag, made from recycled materials and comfortable to wear, what’s not to like!

Pros Recycled outer materials Cut and water resistant ÂŁ89.00 Comfortable padding Integrated USB Port Anti-theft Lots of pockets to get things organised Reflective detailing 15.6" laptop sleeve RFID pocket 49

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Lensbaby Sol 45

Although phone cameras are becoming more capable, they still do not come close to competing with a quality and range of creativity DSLR camera, Lensbaby make a range of compatible lenses for your camera be it Canon, Nikon, Sony or Fuji, they’ve got you covered.

These lenses focus on creative and inventive styles of photography and have been producing distinctive images for over a decade now. Sol 45 allows for selective focus photography as easy as tilt, focus, shoot with this compact lens that creates a sweet spot of focus surrounded by smooth bokeh. The lens comes compatible with Canon EF (DSLR), Canon RF (Mirrorless), Fuji X (Mirrorless), Nikon Z (Mirrorless), Nikon F (DSLR), Sony E (Mirrorless) and the Pentax K. We received the Canon EF to play, the ‘Sweet Spot’ highlights the most important subject in your frame with a sharp spot of focus effect making it pop out on the image. The ‘Bokeh Blades’ will then add subtle lines and texture to drop your attention even further to the subject and soften the background with the moveable bokeh blades, creating that dream effect.

This lens is great for portraits and still life but will also bring street scenes to life, especially when shooting around lights from signs, traffic or shop fronts, if there are still Christmas lights up near you, take this lens out for a play.

The focal length is 45mm with a fixed aperture of f/3.5, it uses a minimum focusing distance of 14”, it is not optic swap compatible and uses manual focus. The angle of view with full frame is 51.4°; APS-C (1.5x): 34.9° and the angle of the tilt is 8.5°, the lens has a compact construction at 2.87 x 2.87 x 1.5 in and weighs 5.3oz DSLR. The focus area of the Sol 45 is pretty tight so it may take a bit of getting used to however this will appeal to beginners as it makes the framing a more selective process. This lens is a lot of fun, it isn’t overly complicated, it allows all skill levels to get involved in producing dreamy and stylised images, step away from the digital filters on social media and gain the effects for real.

£152.41

An easy to use, fun lens that produces characteristic images suitable for a range of creative photography.

Pros Fun and stylised images Sweet Spot focus Moveable Bokeh Blades 8.5° tilt angle 45mm focal length Straightforward to use Suitable for beginners Cons Some experienced photographers might struggle with the tight focus For more information on the Lensbaby Sol 45 click here

51

Wacaco Cuppamoka Wacaco are pros at creating portable ways to have a decent cup of coffee whenever and wherever you are, and now they have a brand-new product, the Cuppamoka which lets you make coffee by using the traditional pour-over coffee brewing process.

There is something so satisfying about watching a pour over, no pumping or effort required, and the results are a full flavoured cup of coffee at the end. The Cuppamoka is no bigger than a cup, everything fits neatly inside making it perfect for slipping in your work bag, camping kit, hiking bag or storing at the office or at home. This brewing method has had a bit of a revival in popularity recently and why shouldn’t you be able to enjoy it away from the coffee shop. Pour-over brewing method is prized for revealing the multilayers and subtle aromas of the coffee bean via control of variables such as water temperature, coffee saturation and extraction time allowing you to get it just the way you like it. The cup will hold up to 300ml of coffee and is

made from a durable stainless steel with double-wall vacuum insulation that keeps the drink hot for 2-3hours.

The leak proof drinking lid allows drinking on the move and the uniquely shaped body makes it comfortable to hold, even in gloves. Inside the cup you will find the removable filter holder, drinking lid, collecting pad, 10 paper filters, scoop and instruction book. You will need to check out the instruction booklet maybe for the first couple of times to get the hang of the procedure but after a few goes it becomes a quick and simple process.

All that’s needed to use the Cuppamoka is your favourite ground coffee and hot water, if you have a pour over kettle this will give you much more control over the water, but it isn’t essential. The Cuppamoka is another superb product from Wacaco, functional, portable and produces a delicious coffee, everything we have come to expect from this brand.

£129

For more information on the Wacaco Cuppamoka click here

Pros Portable pour over brew Compact, everything fits in the cup Thermal cup keeps coffee hot 2-3hours Robust construction Easy drinking travel lid Effortless to use

Enjoy a pour over coffee away from the coffee shop with this portable coffee maker.

53

Sandmarc Motion Variable Filter- iPhone $99.99

Do you want to be able to create those beautiful ethereal images of smoky looking water running down a stream and breaking onto the beach?

Well, a motion filter, just like the one we received from Sandmarc, allows your iPhone to be able to produce these stunning photographs. The Motion Variable ND Filter allows you to adjust your iPhone camera to any environment, it is produced with a multi-coated cinema glass, which can add a wide range of possibilities to your creative content.

The 3-6 Stops (ND8-ND64) filter comes in a protective pouch and with an phone clip mount for quick mounting and removal. The filter is compatible with the iPhone 5, iPhone 4, iPhone SE and newer including the iPhone 11 Pro Max, 11 Pro and 11, as well as the Samsung Note 10, S10 Plus, S10, S9, S9 Plus, Samsung Note 8, S8, S8 Plus, S7, S7 Edge, Google Pixel 3, Pixel 2, Pixel, Huawei P30 / P20 Pro and OnePlus 7 Pro. It can also be attached to other Sandmarc lenses including the Wide, Anamorphic and Telephoto Lens thanks to the patented direct threading system which lets you attach the lens with no additional step-up rings or mounts.

Once the filter is secured to phone or lens the ND levels can then be adjusted by rotating the front ring, there may be some minor vignetting when using Anamorphic lens. The frame is constructed from a tough but lightweight Aluminium, keeping the weight down to just 20g, and measures up at 40.6mm inner diameter and 58mm outer diameter. The cinema glass brings out true life colours by adjusting the exposure and avoiding cross vignetting (X bar) commonly seen in other variable ND filters, the markings indicate “ND” levels or “Stops of light” around the aluminium frame so you can remember what works well in certain situations. This filter comes to life on the new iPhone 11 models and can be used with the night mode in low light, suitable for photographers, film making or just more creative holiday shots who wants to play with long exposures and cinematic motion blur in film making.

Pros Multi-coated Cinema Glass Variable ND- ND8-ND64 (3-6 Stops) Universal Patented Clip-on System Wide, Anamorphic & Telephoto Lens Compatible Easy to adjust, attach and remove Works with iPhone 11 night mode in low light

Cons No cap to protect front or back of filter

A robust filter that can bring a new level of long exposure creativity to your shots.

For more information on the Sandmarc Motion Variable Filter- iPhone click here

55

Divoom Ditoo Pixel Display Bluetooth Speaker The Divoom Ditoo is a rather unique product, it’s hard to put a label on it, yes, it is a Bluetooth speaker, but it is so much more, it comes with a built in 3.55 inch LED screen giving it compact retro computer vibes.

The Ditoo comes in Black, White, Pink, Green, Red and Blue, the 10W DSP Bluetooth Speaker is surprisingly powerful for such a little unit, it comes with the unique DSP bass boost mode which can comfortably fill up a room with enjoyable sound. The speaker has a 360° output to direct the music to all corners of the room, the party doesn’t stop with the music however as the screen can display pixel imagery that dances to the beat of your music.

The display comes with 256 programmable LEDs that can display 16 million colours. You can make your own designs via the app and download other people’s creations, there is even a monthly pixel art contest to test your creative skills.

Other useful features include the smart alarm clock, you

Pros Vintage PC with a classic arcade machine style

Bluetooth speaker with good sound quality

256 programmable LEDs/16 million colours

$79.90

can set it to receive social media notifications, organise your calendar and even use it to check the temperature and weather forecast.

As if that wasn’t enough the Ditoo has some classic mini games built in including Tetris, Snake and Magic 8 Ball, you can colour in some pixels for a bit of relaxation or work on remixing and recording tracks with the DJ mixer.

The Ditoo is totally adorable, fun and useful, its retro look with backlit mechanical keyboard and the functional joystick just look so good on a desk. A great choice for anyone looking for a decent Bluetooth speaker, a touch of retro and a distinctive gadget for the workspace. I’m still not 100% on what I would classify the Ditoo as other than something I want; it covers everything from the practical to purely entertaining all combined in a robust yet adorable little package.

Built in classic games and digital radio DIY Pixel Canvas for 1.5 Million Pixel Art Lovers A Classic Gaming Gadget with Fun All Around SD card slot Smart alarm clock, calendar, weather and social media notifications

For more information on the Divoom Ditoo Pixel Display Bluetooth Speaker click here

This awesome looking Bluetooth speaker is packed with useful features and entertainment a perfect addition for tech, music, pixel art and retro lovers alike.

57

OBDLink Gone are the days when you can look in an engine have a bit of a tinker and immediately identify any issues, with so much technology packed into modern cars it takes a computer to detect the problems. OBDLink create a range of personal OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) products to help you work on your car yourself.

OBDLink CX

$49.95

The CX is the most affordable of all the OBDLink machines, it is made for BimmerCode and recommended by the BimmerCode team with 100% coverage of BimmerCode Vehicles, this is BMW, Toyota and Mini cars. It works via an app available on iOS and Android devices, it is easy to pair up and provides solid connection to avoid data corruption to avoid the risk of bricking your ECU. From the app you can then monitor live parameters, perform diagnostics and clear check-engine light, simply plug it into the OBD II port. With a super compact size 1.8 X .9 X 1.3 inches means it is easily stored in the glove compartment, ready for when needed.

For more information on the OBDLink CX click here

$59.95

OBDLink EX

The EX has been made for FORScan which covers Ford, Mazda, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles, it is a plug in and play, professional-grade OBD adapter designed to take full advantage of all of the features of the FORScan software for Windows. It offers 100% coverage of Ford modules and all features offered by FORScan, the electronic MS-CAN/HS-CAN switch allows FORScan to access all CAN buses at the same time and delivers additional functions not accessible via the toggle switch adapters as well as being 20 times faster. The EX will provide you with the same level of diagnostics as you would receive at the dealership, it can access modules like Remote Keyless Entry and Start that would otherwise be unavailable. This OBD can switch between HS-CAN, MS-CAN, and J1850 Ford networks, with no risk of causing issues if accidentally transmitted on the wrong network rounding off the user-friendly tool.

For more information on the OBDLink EX click here

The MX+ is a Bluetooth OBD adapter that transforms any iPhone, iPad, or Android device into a professionalgrade diagnostic scan tool, trip computer, and real-time performance monitor, pretty impressive stuff. Supporting both GM-LAN and Ford MS-CAN vehicle networks and comes with free OEM add-ons for maximum vehicle coverage, it also just happens to be the world’s fastest Bluetooth OBD-II adapter. This hacker-proof device allows you to read and clear the Check Engine light, it has automatic sleep and wake-up function, it is supported by dozens of 3rd party apps and will run free firmware updates to ensure you always have the latest tech and information. The little unit takes just three minutes to install, with a handy button on the back to set up the connection process. When it’s up and running it doesn’t broadcast its presence or use an easy-to-guess PIN to protect the communication link, only physical access to the device will allow you to connect to it.

OBDLink MX+ $99.95

For more information on the OBDLink MX+ click here

All three of these devices can help you deal with car maintenance with the MX+ being the most comprehensive and secure, it is worth checking out which device is compatible with your car before purchasing, this can all be found on their website. As it is an American based company the MX+ works with all 1996 and newer model cars and light trucks sold in the U.S, including all American, European, and Asian vehicles however most modern non-U.S. vehicles are compliant with the OBD-II standards.

Pros User friendly Free app Compact devices Fast and robust connect

Great value for money

Personal OBD machines let you discover the issue within your car just like they would in the garage.

59

Metabones Arriflex Lens to Micro 4/3 Adapter Metabones create a premium lens adapter that allows you to use a wide range of lens on your camera. From the beginning Metabones wants to focus on quality construction, unlike some other popular manufacturers who often use an aluminium ring painted black on the camera-body-side, Metabones use precision-machined brass with chromium plating on both the camera-body and the lens sides which delivers both a smooth mounting system, a clean appearance, and a strong foundation for your lens. On the lens side there is a durable leaf-spring structure, which strengthens the adapter-lens connection and provides a tightness that reduces wear, prevents focusing issues and optical alignment errors.

The Matte-Black treatment reduces internal reflections to a bare minimum for the best optical results, this adaptor also has a satin surface finish to match your OEM lens and camera mounts. The Arriflex Lens to Micro 4/3 Adapter allows lenses to be attached to a Micro Four Thirds format camera, it is worth noting that although the lens will fit physically, auto functions (AE metering for example) will not be transferred using this adapter. This is an adapter for lenses in the older Arriflex mount, NOT the Arri PL mount. When the lens is mounted the fit is precise with no gaps, movements or fiddly adjustments needed when fitting the lens. The adapter has been designed to reach infinity focus with the correct registration distance required for optical quality of CRC lenses or lenses with floating elements. This premium adapter will open up a whole new world of lens options for your Micro Four Thirds format camera, with a robust construction you can rely on for years to come.

$159

For more information on the Metabones Arriflex Lens to Micro 4/3 Adapter click here

Pros Durable precisionmachined brass with chromium plating

Satin finish Tight, precise connection

Smooth attachment Strong leaf-spring

A strong and reliable adapter for

Micro Four Thirds format camera.

structure

61

Olight S2R Baton II 1150 Lumens Compact EDC Torch It is that time of year again where we get about 2hours of decent sunlight before we drop back into darkness, so a good torch is an essential piece of everyday carry (EDC) and the Olight S2R Baton II 1150 Lumens Compact EDC Torch is a great choice.

This torch is powered by a rechargeable battery and comes with the MCC 1A Magnetic Charging Cable, which attaches to the base for hassle free charging. The only issue with this type of specialist battery is that you cannot switch it out with a shop bought version, however the charging cable is a USB cable which means you can pop it in a battery pack for some extra juice. The compact body weighs just 98.5g and measures up at 10cm, with a 2.3cm body and head diameter, it has an IPX8 rating and a robust casing. The torch comes with a blue pocket clip already installed on the torch, a spare black pocket clip, lanyard and soft, draw string carry pouch. The S2R Baton II has a maximum light intensity (candela) of 4600 and max.

ÂŁ64.95

performance of 1150 lumens, it uses a TIR reflector (big, defined wide hotspot) and Luminus SST-40 LED. It produces a beam distance of up to 135m, with a broad hotspot that is good for up close lighting, there are 6 modes to choose from that are all selected via the one switch. The switch has a little light on it that shows you how much power you have left with a green, amber or red illumination. The different modes are Level 1 1150~400 lumens with a max run time of 2+230 minutes, level 2 produces 400 lumens for 4 hours, level 3 provides 120 lumens for up to 14 hours, level 4 delivers 15 lumen for 100 hours and level 5 will give you 0.5 lumens for up to 60 days, there is also a strobe option for bringing attention to yourself. This torch is ideal for everyday carry, popping on the keys, leaving in your car or taking camping, you will find plenty of uses for this powerful little torch.

A useful piece of EDC to light up the world around whenever and wherever you need it.

Pros 6 light modes Max run time of 60 days Max lumens 1150 Robust and durable case Rechargeable battery USB charger can be used with a power bank

Cons No SOS mode Cannot use store bought battery in emergency

For more information on the Olight S2R Baton II click here

63

Kally U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow Being just 12 weeks pregnant when the Kally U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow arrived I was a bit blown away by the size of it, would I really need this much pillow? Would it actually fit in the bed?

This pillow comes with one white cover, with additional pillowcases available from £14.99 (usual price £19.99) and a 14-night sleep trial to see it its right for you. At such an early stage in my journey and with less of a bump than when I eat an entire pizza, I put the pillow to one side expecting to use it much later on. However, it was around this time I started experiencing hip and shoulder pain, I have always slept on my front, but this was beginning to hurt my lower back (and two other body parts that had experienced a growth spurt), side sleeping was the lessor of two evils. I thought I would give the pillow a test run and wow I should have been using it sooner, the pressure on my shoulder and hip joint was immediately relieved and there was something very comforting about being hugged by this cuddly monster.

The Kally U has anti-allergy treated fibres to protect against bacteria (we are talking night sweats amongst the array of other fluids that we probably shouldn’t get into right now). The Breathable cotton outer layer and hollowfibre filling keeps you nice and cool even when snuggled right into the pillow, this is a medium softness pillow (rated 5/10) providing just enough support for me. The U-Shape has been designed to encourage healthy sleeping positions, promoting side sleeping with support where it’s needed and reduce tossing about and rolling onto your back during the night. If you want to roll onto your other side during the night you don’t need to rearrange your bedding, simply roll over. The pillow can be used post-partum for a better night’s sleep, back support when watching tv or pulled around the front of the body as a nursing pillow, it can even be used for conditions like sciatica, fibromyalgia, gastric reflux and ME. The only issue I found was the included cover has already become a bit bobbled after just 5-6 weeks of use, this certainly isn’t a deal breaker though, it is so comfortable and versatile remaining cool throughout the night (and day) this wouldn’t put me off.

This will become your favourite bed companion, offering a comfortable and supportive space to get some sleep during your pregnancy.

For more information on the Kally U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow click here

Pro Large U shape design (150cm x 33cm) Medium firmness Cool and breathable Versatile Suitable as a nursing pillow Can be used for sciatica, fibromyalgia, gastric reflux and ME

Anti-allergy treated fibres Full body support Promotes side sleeping Cons Cover became bobbly quickly

ÂŁ54.99

65

TouchPoint for Calm Stress effects everyone at some stage of their life. This last year many people have been more aware of their levels of stress with lots of big changes and difficult times to get through, throwing a big spotlight on how important it is to prioritise mental health.

The TouchPoints for Calm are a clever kit that uses a unique technique to bring on a moment of calm, wherever and whenever you need it. TouchPoint works by using proprietary neuroscience technology and that creates a gentle, alternating micro-vibration to help calm you down, ready to fall into a natural sleep. Established in 2016 by founder Vicki Mayo, who originally set out to find a way to help her 4-year-old suffering from night terrors to get a good night’s sleep. There are now a range of products available for adults and children alike, tackling a whole host of common stress and anxiety related issues, including irritability, stress related headaches, PTSD, sensory sensitivity and task avoidance. This model TouchPoints for Calm focuses on calming and comes with two stainless steel mesh, magnetic closure wrist straps or watch-like options, as well as the TouchPoints Basic units.

These stylish wrist straps are worn on either side of the body and you can discretely wear them throughout the day, at work, large social gatherings or any function that may trigger stress. They are incredibly simple to use, the multifunctional button needs to be hit once to switch it on and again to scroll through the three speed settings. By Holding them next to each other, you only need to select the speed on one device and the other will automatically fall into the right rhythm. The lights (green, blue, amber, and pink) indicate the units are switched on and what level they are set at. They do make a little buzzing noise when active which could be distracting in very quiet settings. Tests carried out by TouchPoint showed that their BLAST (bi-lateral alternating stress tactile) technology could reduce stress by up to 70% in 30 seconds but and also reduced the objective marker of cortisol both during and after a stressful event. We cannot decide whether the science is working here, or it is simply a placebo, either way the TouchPoint for Calm quickly and effectively.

Grounding you and brings you into the present, giving you a chance to reset and relax.

A stylish and clever calming wearable that brings you

Stylish, adjustable wrist

into the present and helps relax your body and mind.

Pros straps provide discrete daily wear

Induces calm Easy to use Three different speed modes Units automatically sync with each other

Dual charging cord Bi-lateral alternating stress tactile technology

Cons No automatic switch off High price may put some off

For more information on the TouchPoint for Calm click here

£135

Don’t get caught out the morning after

One in five drink drive prosecutions happen the morning after†, many unaware they still have alcohol left in their system after a few drinks the night before. AlcoSense quickly and accurately shows your blood alcohol level, so you know when you’re clear. “a fresh level of accuracy in consumer breath testing”B

£69.99

£99.99

- Successor to the multi award-winning AlocSense Elite 1 and 2 - Premium semi-conductor sensor - Reads up to twice English limit - Don’t drive alert when close to English, Irish or Scottish drink drive limit - Accurate to +/-0.20‰BAC

- Uses a 64mm2 version of exactly the same fuel cell sensor used in several Police breathalysers - Adjustable don’t drive alert to any limit world-wide - Full colour screen and easy to use interface - Multi award-winning

2018

Next day delivery available online, or buy in-store

ALCOHOL

B R E AT H A LYS E R

Order securely at alcosense.co.uk or call 0800 195 0088 †: Source: DfT Road Accident Data 2015, B: Review of the AlcoSense Pro, 24/12/15. Intellectual Property: www.alcosense.co.uk/ip. © AlcoSense Laboratories, part of Now Group UK Ltd, Unit 3 MEC, Cordwallis Street, Maidenhead SL6 7BE

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