The Review Smiths Issue 5

Issue 5, June 2020

THE

Review Smiths FORGING HONEST REVIEWS

Hauch Eagle 4S Duoset the lightweight reversible stroller

Libratone Zipp Mini 2 with an intuitive touch interface

TIBO SIA75 AMP

Airex Calyana Prime

warn the neighbours

find a little zen on this

before cranking this up

grippy yoga mat

Amok draumr XL

SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder

sleep flat on your back, front or sides

prevent pet food theft

Hovding 3 Airbag an alternative to the cycle helmet

Hello, Welcome to our June Edition, it will not be long before the summer is here and we are all sunburnt and enjoying questionably cooked food on the BBQ , however it does look like this will be a rather unusual summer with holidays, festivals and sports events being cancelled. So, what better time to learn a new skill, practise a little selfcare or organise your own self isolation parties via video call, we have got a magazine packed with products to blast out some tunes, control stress levels and focus on your favourite sports. We also have some charming baby products, something for the pets, some cool STEM toys to keep the kids occupied, and even a model airplane for a new type of challenge, remember variety is the spice of life.

Now more than ever we need to keep talking and connecting with each other, social media being a core element of this strange period of our lives, so feel free to drop us a message on our Instagram, Twitter or Facebook Page, we have a great competition coming up towards the end of this month which is definitely worth keeping an eye out for.

Keep safe and wear sun cream!

Editor and chief Managing Director Alex Hilling-Smith For all media related enquiries please contact us at info@thereviewsmiths. com For Advertising Enquiries 0208 191 8472 www.thereviewsmiths.com

CONTENTS 4. Mighty Vibe 6. Libratone Mini Zipp 2 8. Motionlab Active Commute 10. Hรถvding 3 Airbag 12. Nu Skin ageLOC Galvanic Spa 14. Airex Calyana Prime 16. DAFNI Rose Gold 18. Intimina KegelSmart 19. HumanCharger 20. Revell Antonov AN225 Mrija 22. Amok Draumr XL 26. Cair Smart Air 28. Purflo Swaddle to Sleep Bag 29. Purflo Breathable Nest 30. Arccos Caddie Smart Grips 32. kano Force Coding Kit 34. kano Frozen 2 Coding Kit 36. Edifier GM3SE 38. Edifier W800BT 39. Touchpoint Sleep 40. TIBO SIA75 41. TIBO Legacy 3+ 42. Swing Align short game 44. SureFeed Sealed Bowl 46. SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder 48. 12 Cup ZeroWater Filtration Jug 50. RHA T20 Wireless 52. Hauck Eagle 4S Duoset 54. Mooncup 55. Blaze Wear Active Glove Liners 56. RiutBag X35 57. RiutBag Crush

3

Mighty Vibe As a kid I had a Discman, remember them?

They were super sensitive to skipping, impossible to fit in your pocket and with the meagre ability to play one album at a time, it wasn’t an ideal workout companion.

When mp3 players arrived with the ability to store multiple albums it was an absolute game changer, suddenly I could run with my own motivating soundtrack, exercise could be both meditative and fun. Then there was the dawn of the smartphone, having everything in one space is highly convenient but it means when I go running now, I also bring my work emails, to do lists and everyone in my contact list with me, it is hard to avoid the temptation of responding to those notification tones.

The Mighty Vibe takes things back to a simpler time by letting you enjoy the music whilst leaving all other distractions at home. This tiny and light weight mp3 player is just 3.81 x 3.81 x 1.95 cm and weighs only 20g, it comes in Black, Shamrock Green, Gully Blue and Mooshu Red, with a capacity for over 1000 songs on the internal storage, but it doesn’t stop there. By using the Mighty app you can wirelessly sync your Spotify playlists and play them back offline, it is also compatible with Amazon Music, the rechargeable battery offers 5 hours playback at a time, this might not seem a lot but that is easily a weeks’ worth of workouts.

Pros Very small Can be clipped to clothing Lightweight Play Spotify and Amazon Music playlists offline

Water and drop resistant Connects to Bluetooth headphones and speakers For more information on the Mighty Vibe click here

Step away from the screen and enjoy music without distraction

£79.99 Cons Battery life could be better

A little pricey

For a true wireless experience, the Vibe can be connected to Bluetooth headphones as well as regular wired headphones, the Bluetooth function also allows the Vibe to be connected to Bluetooth speakers, great for letting other people skip tunes without gaining access to your photographs, no one wants that. There is a large clip on the back of the device which can be used to fix the mp3 player to your clothes or bag, the clearly labelled buttons make it easy to skip tracks or change the volume on the go, however if the symbols were embossed you could do it without even looking.

The Vibe is resistant to water, snow, blood, sweat and tears to cover even the hardest workouts, as well as being drop resistant in the events of any little accidents. The Vibe comes with a high price tag and it might be expected for the battery life and storage capacity to be better, however the Bluetooth connection, Spotify and Amazon Music compatibility along with the streamlined interface and tiny size makes it easy to switch off from the screen and enjoy music without other distractions.

5

Libratone Zipp Mini 2 The first thing you will notice about the Zipp Mini 2 is the chunky zip running around the bottom of the device, is it storage, is it some clever way to switch it on, no it is simply a way to remove the cover if you fancy a change of colour (Frosty Grey, Stormy Black, Cranberry Red and Pine Green), with the extra covers being sold separately most people probably won’t bother buying new ones.

Saying that, the zip looks quirky, making this portable Bluetooth speaker stand out from the crowd, the Mini 2 is smaller than its big brother but you probably wouldn’t call it mini if you didn’t know there was a bigger version. With dimensions of 22.4 cm high and 10 cm wide and weighing 1.1kg it isn’t tiny, but it is still easily portable, there is a durable handle for ease of carrying or attaching it to a bag or tent.

The rechargeable battery offers 12 hours of playback and can be quickly connected through WiFi or Bluetooth, it works with AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and more. The Zipp Mini 2 also has a far-field mic array with 3 mics built in that lets you interact with Alexa, this means you can control your music, check the weather, control smart home devices, all without getting up off your backside, brilliant.

The new audio tuning and enhanced acoustic system easily fills up a room with 360 degrees of sound, this compact speaker gets loud. The Mini 2 is multi-room compatible with SoundSpace Link, you can save and play five playlists or radio stations with a tap when your ZIPP MINI 2 is connected to WiFi and the automatic room EQ will adjust for optimal sound, no matter the position or placement.

The top of the speaker is a multifunctional touch control that lets you intuitively adjust the volume, play, pause and skip tracks forward/back. The sound quality has a punchy bass, detailed mid tones and clear high tones, however, at high volumes those mid and high tones can become a little jumbled together, although for the most part the audio is really enjoyable. The Libratone Zipp Mini 2 is a great party speaker, ideal for outside gatherings, camping or kitchen festivities, the loud volume, great look and additional features makes this an entertaining and versatile speaker.

For more information on the Libratone Zipp Mini 2 click here

Pros Stylish design Loud volumes Strong bass Built in Alexa

ÂŁ229

Intuitive touch interface Cons Battery life could be longer

Different covers not included

A powerful little speaker great for parties and day to day use with built in Alexa

7

Motionlab Active Commute The Motionlab Active Commute has been designed for people commuting on foot or on bicycle as a way of bringing all your belongings along with you but without putting unnecessary pressure on your back, shoulders and spine caused by regular backpacks.

Created with a revolutionary carry-technology the straps sit completely free from the shoulders, the weight is spread across the hips and chest producing better stability and balance. The wraparound harness features the patented BreathEZ buckle technology for comfort and the bag moves with your body without restricting movements or breathing. The suspension system cushions the impact caused by running and cycling and mirrors the human body in how it flexes, twists and extends with your movements, the structural frame holds the bag off your shoulders and away from the body for minimal contact with your back and allowing maximum airflow.

The ergonomic hip-belt places the load on the hips where the body is designed to carry load, and remains there even with vigorous movements, the Active Commute also features reflective detailing for better visibility and is constructed from a durable, waterproof smart fabric and waterproof zips. There are plenty of pockets to organise your gear including a large purse pocket with discrete zip, elasticated side pockets, easy access rib pockets, padded 15” laptop sleeve, a fleecy iPad pocket, pen holders, multisided mesh pockets and a work section with zip pulls hidden in the side pockets, there is even a storage space for keys to stop them rattling around.

Getting the bag on is rather awkward, the straps have to be set up precisely for it to work correctly, the straps also have to be quite tight which can take a bit of getting used to, it requires a slightly different set up on the bike as it does when running or walking which makes it harder to switch between activities. The straps also need to be done up fully for comfort so you cannot simply sling it over one shoulder whilst moving from the bike to the office, when riding a regular bike it certainly feels more comfortable than a normal backpack however in a racing position on a road bike some of the weight can press on the middle of the back instead of the waist.

When running I didn’t notice a huge amount of difference than with regular backpacks, the weight is off your shoulder but the straps are so tight I found them irritating, as a rule I tend to avoid taking anything with me when I run. I enjoyed the Active Commute best when walking, a long day’s hike with all the gear was noticeably more comfortable, my shoulders and neck didn’t ache at the end and the ventilation on the back kept me cool and dry.

The Active Commute is rather pricey and not the most versatile of bags, however it does offer lots of storage organisation and distributes the weight in a new way, if shoulder, back or neck pain is a reoccurring issue this could be just what you need.

Below creator Robert Moncreiff

This clever bag takes the weight off your shoulders and distributes it over the hips For more information on the Motionlab Active Commute click here

Pros Supportive structural frame No weight on the shoulders Moves with the body Lots of back ventilation Lots of storage pockets Reflective detailing and compression straps Cons Not ideal for racing position on the bike Straps need to be tight and precisely fitted Not comfortable over one shoulder A bit awkward to fit properly

ÂŁ189

9

Hövding 3 Airbag

Cycle helmets have long since been the go-to product for protection on a bicycle however they are not the most comfortable of things, the Hövding 3 Airbag is a brand new type of cycle protection that is only activated in the event of an accident and offers the worlds safest head protection, up to 8x more than the traditional bicycle helmet.

At £249 it is more expensive than most helmets and like a cars airbag when it is set off it cannot be reused, however many retailers offer a discounted price when exchanging your damaged Hövding which could bring down the price a little. The Hövding 3 comes in the form of a neck band that has been tested and approved for people over the age of 15 with a head circumference of 52-59 cm (20.523.2") and a neck circumference of 32-45 cm (12.617.7"), unlike a helmet which you simply clip on and go, this airbag takes a little more time.

First, pop it around your neck and do up the zip, it can be a little fiddly as it’s not easy to see the zip under your chin, there is an adjustable BOA dial on the unit for finetuning the perfect fit. You activate the device by closing the tab with the magnetic fastening, a light (which you also cannot easily see) an audible indicator lets you know its live. It is recommended the Hövding is only ever activated when you are on the bike and is deactivated before getting off, this can prove challenging for some commuters when you have to get on and off regularly for various obstacles.

The Hövding registers your movements 200 times/sec and in the event of an accident the airbag inside the collar inflates in 0.1 sec, this will efficiently fixate the neck and protect the head from injury. The additional App connection can be used to notify selected ICE contacts in the event of an accident, get involved with the Hövding community, see the effects of personal and collective cycling and receive notifications when the battery needs recharging.

The battery lasts around 15hours of active cycling and takes just 2hours to recharge, the outer material is made from a durable 100% polyamide with a PU waterproof membrane. Tests prove the Hövding is highly effective at protecting the head during a crash, there have been a handful of accidental activations reported but it seems like the device wasn’t being worn correctly.

So, there are some things to consider, the airbag weighs 800g, it’s not the lightest of things but the weight is spread over the shoulders, so it doesn’t cause to much of an issue, it is however rather bulky. If seated upright, it shouldn’t interfere with your movements however when leaning forward it can get in the way of turning or raising your head, this is exaggerated further if using the drop handlebar position.

If you have a large neck, are wearing bulky clothing in the winter, a hat, turban, dangling earrings, scarfs etc, this could all interfere with the performance (a full list of how best to wear it is on the website). I felt a little anxiety wearing the Hövding, the idea that this thing around my neck might explode is a bit daunting at first but it does wear off and you stop watching your movements as closely, turning your head, sharp breaking and even ducking to avoid a tree branch will not set if off.

If the size of the Hövding was reduced I could easily be converted away from my old helmet, even with the added effort of activating, deactivating and charging, but I was always very aware that I was wearing it in a way that I haven’t felt with a regular helmet, its not necessarily uncomfortable just a bit annoying at times. However, the extra safety is not to be argued with, car seatbelts aren’t always comfortable but we all know how essential they are, maybe its just a case of resetting our priorities, after all some minor irritation on the ride outweighs the potential life changing results of an accident.

Pros Up to 8x safer than a regular

Cons Bulky

helmet

Can restrict movements

Fast activation in 0.1 sec

Takes longer to activate than a

App offers additional features Registers your movements 200 times/sec Durable, waterproof materials

traditional helmet

Can be daunting at first Heavy One use only (although retailers might offer an exchange program)

For more information on the Hövding 3 Airbag click here

A brand new and safer way to protect yourself when out on the bicycle

ÂŁ249

11

Nu Skin ageLOC Galvanic Spa For an all over spa treatment at home the ageLOC Galvanic Spa comes complete with the ageLOC Galvanic Spa Device, ageLOC Face Conductor, Focus Area Conductor, Body Conductor and Scalp Conductor, this small and powerful device can be used all over the body.

Designed to be used alongside products like the Galvanic Facial Gels with ageLOC and Tru Face Line Corrector, the Galvanic Spa aims to target the visible signs of skin ageing at their source. The device utilises a self-adjusting galvanic current often seen in professional spas to help deliver antiageing ingredients deep into the skin with additional conductors and complementary products designed for the face, body and scalp.

The user-friendly LED display makes for intuitive use, the timing and polarity are automatically preprogrammed to adjust according to which area of the body you select. The shape of the conductors has been specifically designed to follow the contours of the face, scalp or body and to keep the device in constant contact with your skin.

£336.82

The Galvanic Spa will automatically adjust to your skin and deliver the correct amount of current for an effective application, the audio indicators will beep every 10 seconds and has new “end application” and “low battery” notification.

The Focus Area Conductor has a flat, smooth, ovalshaped head that centralises the surface contact area, the Body Conductor is made up of three rounded nodes to optimise coverage, whilst the Scalp Conductor has a comb-like conductor that easily glides through the hair. The Scalp Conductor is a real treat and something I hadn’t experience before, it feels so relaxing and leaves your skin feeling super clean, in fact wherever the Galvanic is used the skin is left feeling soft, smooth and luxurious.

Create a spa in your own home with this luxury range from

Nu Skin

Pros Skin feels soft and refreshed Easy to use Luxurious treatments Automatic switch off Pre-programmed sessions Spa style treatments at home

For more information on the Nu Skin ageLOC Galvanic Spa click here

13

Airex Calyana Prime It may seem like yoga is a sudden craze but in reality people have been enjoying the benefits for over 5,000 years, one of the best things about yoga is how accessible it is to everyone, with a wide variety of styles there is something suitable for all skill levels.

Some activities can require a range of equipment but all you really need for yoga is a good mat. Yoga mats help you balance during your practise and provide some comfortable cushioning as well as creating a special place for you to focus and enjoy a moment of calm.

The Calyana Prime Yoga mat from Airex is an all-round yoga mat for individual yoga training designed to be lightweight, firm and with a perfect grip, it measures up at 185 x 65 x 0.45 cm and weighs 1.7kg. The Calyana Prime Yoga mat is the first product developed in partnership between Airex and the yoga teacher Buket Akkus, it rolls up tightly for compact travel but doesn’t come with a strap or carry case which would be handy.

This mat has the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 label, confirming they do not contain any ingredients or substances that could harm your health, the textured underside helps provide a firm grip on the floor whilst the slip proof workout surface gives you excellent traction when you need it most, downward dog, warriors, triangle pose for example, even with a bit of a sweat on you feel secure in these positions. The hard-wearing materials aim to give you a long lifespan for many years of use, all you need to do to ensure a long life is to wipe the yoga mat down with a damp cloth before using it for the first time, use it for about 3 – 6 weeks depending on your intensity of practise, then it is perfectly prepared to support you.

For general upkeep just roll up the mat when not in use and wipe it over with a cloth or soft brush with lukewarm water to give it a clean when needed. The Calyana is a simple and effective everyday mat, with just enough cushioning to ease pressure points without throwing off your balance. The grippy surface is ready to go as soon as you are even with cold hands and provides a secure hold against perspiration whereas the simple design prevents any distractions from focusing on your practise.

A grippy yoga mat for consistent support during everyday yoga practise

For more information on the Airex Calyana Prime click here

Pros Super grippy surface

Comfortable thickness

Lightweight Simple design Durable

£47.99

15

Straightens hair quickly in a natural combing motion

DAFNI Rose Gold Hair Straightening Brush Hair straighteners are all well and good, but they are not always the most user friendly of things, trying to avoid getting too close to the skin or burning the ears can slow down styling, that’s why the DAFNI Straightening Brush is such a clever idea.

Most of us have been using hairbrushes from a very young age and it is an intuitive motion, the DAFNI Straightening Brush can offer eight times the surface area of regular straightening tongs due to the individual ceramic bristles. The bristles are constructed with a high-quality ceramic coating and are springy, this means the hot surface doesn’t come into contact with the scalp. The brush has an ergonomic shape that makes it comfortable in the hand and can reach around the entire head, all you need to do is brush your hair from underneath for smooth glossy results.

The DAFNI Rose Gold Limited Edition device has a Curved Core surface, this concave design allows the brush to easily reach the roots, making for quicker and more effective styling, it also means for those with thicker, unruly or afro hair have greater control.

However, the operating temperature is 185˚C and nonadjustable, while this will protect most hair types and allow for daily use it may not be hot enough for very thick hair and could greatly increase the styling time.

Included in the kit is a protective thermal cover and travel mirror, it is mains powered which makes for fast heating up and the rotating cord allows you to easily move around the entire head.

When tested out on my hair which is long and fine it left it looking smooth and glossy, it was very quick to use and felt like a much more natural experience than using straightening tongs, it also meant I could do it half asleep in the morning with minimal concentration and still ended up with great results.

Pros Intuitive to use Doesn’t stretch the hair Heats up quickly 185˚C protects the hair Springy bristles shield the skin Long handle with balanced weight

Ergonomic design

£140

Cons Lower temperature might struggle with thicker hair

Temperature non-adjustable For more information on the DAFNI Rose Gold Hair Straightening Brush click here

17

Intimina KegelSmart A strong pelvic floor is important for bladder and bowel control, a better sex life and faster recovery post-partum, however, targeting those muscles for a workout is not always so easy. The KegelSmart from Intimina has been designed as a personal pelvic floor trainer which sets a routine that is simple to follow, safe to use, and completely tailored to your individual needs.

All it takes is 5 minutes every day and you could see improvements in just 12 weeks, it is constructed from 100% medical grade silicone and has a retraction cord for easy removal. Every time you exercise the KegelSmart registers the strength, endurance, and reaction speed of your pelvic floor muscles, based on your strength and endurance in each session, the KegelSmart adjusts the exercise level to fit your needs, automatically selecting the perfect routine for you and ensuring that you are always improving.

The KegelSmart will coach you through each routine with gentle vibrations, all you have to do is follow the vibrations, contract the muscles when it vibrates and rest when it stops, easy, simply turn it on, fully insert the device into your vagina, keeping the retraction cord outside the body for easier removal after your workout and the 3 quick vibrations will indicate the start of the exercise routine.

You can track your progress through 5 progressive strength levels, when you turn the KegelSmart on, a flashing LED light indicates your current level. The fact that the KegelSmart is a stand-alone product is rather refreshing, no apps or Bluetooth connection to worry about making the whole training process simpler and therefore easier to stick to. The KegelSmart has been developed with the support of a medical advisory board, including gynaecologists and pelvic health experts, it is FDA-cleared and CEmarked.

The KegelSmart is so straightforward to use, it ensures the right muscles are being worked and it will gently push you into improving your strength and resulting in a noticeable difference over time.

Pros Registers pelvic strength and automatically sets exercise level

Vibration-guided program Improves the tone and strength of your pelvic floor

An intuitive pelvic

Convenient cord for easier removal

floor trainer that can strengthen your muscles with a

5minute workout

Cons Some may prefer to record results

each day

on an app

Uses a AAA battery, not rechargeable

ÂŁ69.95 For more information on the Intimina KegelSmart click here

HumanCharger Ever watch the battery life on your phone slowly increasing as you charge it and think wouldn’t it be nice if I could simply top up my own energy as easily? No? well, neither have I but, having your own personal charger you can plug into sounds like a pretty good idea.

That is exactly what the appropriately named HumanCharger is, this compact device works by channelling a bright light directly into the lightsensitive regions of the brain, via the ears. The HumanCharger aims to increase energy levels, improve mood, increase mental alertness, reduce the effects of jet lag and keep winter blues at bay.

Each session takes just 12 minutes, it is very easy to use, simply switch it on to automatically start the session, then pop the lights in the ears, these lights are built into earbuds, similar to that of a headphone which are comfortable enough for the 12 minute session. The light can then stimulate the photosensitive receptors of the brain using a calibrated white light that passes through the ear canals and ear structure. There are different recommendations on how to use the HumanCharger depending on the cause of your symptoms, for example shift workers should use the charger every two hours when feeling most tired, you can still work whilst using them as it will not affect your ability to perform your daily tasks.

One thing that stands out about the HumanCharger is how discrete it is, other portable light therapy equipment tends to focus on the eyes in a glasses or facemask design which can make you feel vulnerable or rather silly when worn in public, it can also make day to day activities more difficult, whereas people would assume you are just listening to music, no weird looks. Light therapy has mixed results in terms of its effectiveness, projecting the light into the ears is an interesting concept but at £175 it is a big price to pay, during our tests it was difficult to ascertain if there was any direct improvements, I felt calmer after each use but this could be from taking the time out to focus on myself for a few minutes, but as for energised I can’t say there were any obvious improvements, for now a 12 minute workout, quick walk about the block or strong coffee will still be my go to energy boosters.

Pros Discrete light

Cons Costly

therapy device

No obvious energy

Quick and easy to

increases

use

Comfortable Portable

This pricey light therapy device is comfortable and discrete but left us underwhelmed

£175 For more information on the HumanCharger click here

19

Revell Antonov AN-225 Mrija

Those aerophiles amongst us will probably already know that the Antonov An-225 Mriya ('dream' or 'inspiration') is a strategic airlift cargo aircraft, designed by the Antonov Design Bureau in the Ukrainian SSR within the Soviet Union in the 1980s.

Powered by six turbofan engines it is the heaviest aircraft ever built and has a maximum take-off weight of 640 tonnes. On top of that claim to fame it also has the largest wingspan of any aircraft in operational service, the Antonov An-225 was an enlargement of the successful Antonov An-124 which was built for transporting the Buran spaceplane, the only An-225 airplane was completed in 1988. After successfully fulfilling its Soviet military missions, put in storage for eight years, it was then refurbished and is now in commercial operation with Antonov Airlines carrying oversized payloads. With world records for an airlifted single-item payload of 189,980 kilograms and an airlifted total payload of 253,820 kg it makes for a unique and interesting aircraft.

Revell have produced the Antonov AN-225 Mrija model with a 1:144 scale, ideal for aeroplane and model enthusiasts alike, it is best suited for ages 14+ and consists of 203 individual parts. Measuring up at 583 mm with a 614 mm wingspan there are clear building instructions that can be found in the Downloadcenter and are also included in the kit, all the parts have high quality moulding with the majority being durable, some of the thinner pieces are a little more fragile so a degree of care is needed.

The instructions are easy to follow but doesn’t take away the skill needed to construct this aircraft, all the paints and glue will need to be purchased separately.

This kit builds into an imposing and accurate replica of this impressive aircraft, entertaining to construct and an exciting addition to any model collection.

Build a 1:144 scale version of the record breaking

Antonov AN-225 Mrija For more information on the Revell Antonov AN-225 Mrija click here

Pros Accurate 1:144 model High quality moulding Clear instructions Impressive aircraft

â‚Ź109

21

Amok Draumr XL, Winterlight Fjøl XL and Skjold Tarp Amok Draumr XL

Pros Lightweight and compact Durable materials Straightforward set up Draumr lays flat or in chair position

Sleep on your back, front or sides Winterlight Fjøl XL pad is warm and comfortable

Cons Poles would be easier than sticks

Draumr comes from the Old Norse word meaning Dream and that seems pretty accurate with this quick assembling, lay flat set up that lets you sleep completely flat on your front, back or sides, away from the uncomfortable ground.

The Draumr is much lighter and more compact than your standard tent at 1495g (including bug net and suspension kit) and a pack size of 12 x 7 inches, this makes it a practical choice for hiking and travelling.

However unlike a tent you will need some trees (or obliging tall friends), the set up is quick and simple, wrap the included suspension straps (110 inches) around two trees, from here you just attach either end of the hammock, you can adjust the height lower if needed so it’s always best to get those straps up as high as possible at the beginning.

Then it’s just a matter of inserting the pad, there is a cut-out access point for the valve in the hammock so it can be topped up or deflated without being removed. The Stick Pockets at either end of the hammock require…you guessed it…a stick to be inserted to prop up the head and foot area for more space at both ends, the sticks need a little bit of flexibility and to be cut or snapped to the right length.

I love the idea of utilising the natural surroundings one step further to set up this hammock, however I can’t help but wonder if it would be easier to have two small poles provided just to ensure people wouldn’t break off sticks from the tree if there was nothing suitable on the ground. Getting in takes a bit of practise and there is little grace about the procedure, there are a couple of different techniques to try and see what is best for you. The Draumr can be modified into chair mode, to turn the hammock upright like a chair simply adjust the straps inside the hammock, it can be reclined too, the integrated detachable bug net can be quickly deployed when needed and is fastened via a YKK zipper. The storage pockets are located in the middle of the hammock ideal for keeping belongings close to hand, there is also a bottle holder to store your water (or beer).

Packing away is made easy thanks to the spacious stuff sack that can be compacted via the compression straps, there are handle and backpack attachment points for easy transportation. The tough 70D Ripstop Nylon is very strong, enabling the hammock to take a maximum of 400 lbs and is suitable for users up to a max height of 6 ft 10 inches.

€ 409.90

(Fjol Winterlight XL Insulated Pad included)

For more information on the Amok Draumr XL, Winterlight Fjøl XL and Skjold Tarp click here

23

Fjol Winterlight XL Insulated Pad

Skjold Tarp

The Fjol Winterlight XL Insulated Pad ensures you can enjoy both comfort and the natural world, two things that don’t always go hand in hand, this pad is thick, wide and extra-long with a tubular design offering a supportive and soft foundation. The Fjøl is filled with synthetic insulation which provides efficient warmth suitable for all four seasons, letting you enjoy the outdoors even on those colder nights.

This pad is inflated via the pump bag, which allows you to inflate the mat instantly while preventing the humidity from your breath from affecting the insulation which causes the pad to deflate as the air cools.

Constructed with a 20D Polyester HEX top and 30D Polyester Ripstop bottom means the insulation is 200 gsm, with the Amok High-loft welded to the top and bottom layer provides you with an R-Value of 5 (0 °F / -18 °C). The pad weighs 996g including the pump bag and stuff sack and packs down to 11 x 6.5 inches.

For extra protection against the elements this lightweight tarp can be set up, it comes with the guylines and stakes needed, the Skjold is Amoks lightest and smallest tarp when packed, measuring at just 7.5 x 3.5 inches and weighs 570g with the stakes included.

The Skjold is cut in a unique pattern to offer protection for the unusual shape of the hammock, providing protection to you and your gear from the rain, the 40D Nylon Double RS - Sil/Sil 2000mm is a lightweight fabric but extremely strong for its weight.

The flexible and slippery surface can quickly shed water and snow, preventing build up and putting pressure on the tarp, it is ready to be deployed between two trees or set up using your trekking poles or sticks.

The all new adjuster buckles are slip proof and quick to adjust; no knot skills needed. The guylines are reflective, the adjusters and micro carabiners are preattached, the six lightweight stakes feature reflective pull cords making them easier to spot in the dark and avoid tripping over them when nature calls.

The Skjold tarp can be easily rolled or stuffed into the generous stuff sack, this is an ideal companion for the Draumr XL and outdoor adventures.

€164.95

All three products combined make for a comfortable and easily portable space to sleep whilst out in the elements

€124.95

For more information on the Amok Draumr XL, Winterlight Fjøl XL and Skjold Tarp click here

Cair Smart Air Quality Sensor It is easy to assume the air inside is clean, with the doors and windows shut the pollution from outside the house is shut out, right?

Wrong, the air quality inside your home can actually be five times as bad as outside. The Cair Smart Air Quality Sensor will monitor the air in the room and via the smartphone app it will alert you with personalised notifications of irritants like animal dander, mould, toxins and pollen, airborne particles that can set off asthma and allergy sufferers.

The Cair can detect both coarse particles (ranging from 10-3 microns in size) dust, ash, large bacteria and dense oil smoke, as well as fine particles (ranging from 2.5 microns and under), dust mite droppings, dense smoke, fine dust and some bacterial spores. VOC's (volatile organic compounds) can also be detected, these are chemicals which easily evaporate, such as, perfume sprays, scented candles, open fires and cleaning products as well as temperature and humidity.

Understanding and managing your triggers is important for asthma and allergy sufferers, the Cair collects this information so you can see any patterns forming which may trigger symptoms. The app is clear and easy to navigate, along with tracking indoor air quality the Cair sensor also includes a feature to help users track their PEF readings using the familiar Log Data button.

The Cair is compatible with the Home Connect cooker hood and is Alexa Integrated allowing you to simply ask Alexa about the air quality in your home, Alexa will reply using its specially designed Cair features. You can set up via the app to receive personalised notifications when the air quality in your home poses a potential problem, it will then provide you with a set of recommendations as to how to improve the air quality.

You can log events like allergy or asthma issues with minimal button presses, this helps to train the system to deliver personalised alerts. You will need a WiFi Router to allow the Cair to connect to the Cloud via WiFi which is a relatively easy setup, the unit itself could do with a little make over as it isn’t the most attractive of products and doesn’t blend in to the home dÊcor.

The Cair Smart Air Quality Sensor is an informative product helping you identify triggers and patterns within the air quality of your home, a good piece of kit for those suffering with asthma and allergies or those simply looking to improve the air quality of their home.

For more information on the Cair Smart Air Quality Sensor click here

Pros Detailed air quality information

Personalised alerts Recommendations to improve air

ÂŁ139.95

Easy to use app Recognise patterns and triggers for symptoms

Cons Design could be improved

An informative way to monitor indoor air quality, ideal for asthma and allergy sufferers

27

Purflo Swaddle to Sleep Bag Babies can be difficult to get to sleep, what works for them one night can suddenly be the worst thing in the world the next night, the Swaddle to Sleep Bag from Purflo is a versatile sleep system, it comes in four different colours Minimal Grey, Botanical, Soft White and Shell Pink.

This clever sleep swaddle bag grows with the baby, it can be used to swaddle the arms of a new-born and once baby grows the arms can be left out, up to 4 months old. Developed to offer parents a safer, healthier bedding solution for new-borns and young infants, it features unique breathable panels, the length of the bag can be extended and is certified hip healthy. The Swaddle to Sleep Bag is a safer alternative to using blankets and loose bedding at night and the breathable material and 2.5 tog rating helps to regulate baby’s temperature making it suitable for any time of the year.

The Swaddle to Sleep Bag features the addition of Amicor Pure this is a hypoallergenic fibre approved

by Allergy UK to aid the prevention of asthma and eczema. The arms can be swaddled in or out, whichever baby prefers, the poppers open the arm holes, these are the safest fastenings on baby clothing, eliminating the risk of choking.

The Breathable panels are carefully located to provide maximum comfort to commonly overheated areas on babies including the torso and lower neck, the legs have been tailored for a spacious and ergonomic fit to allow for kicking and wriggling as they develop healthy hip growth.

A safe YKK zipper is used to open the main section which makes it faster to get them in and out, it is carefully positioned away from baby’s skin and opens from the bottom to make middle of the night nappy changes much easier, there is no worries about catching as there is a zip guard around baby’s body and a secure seam around the legs and feet.

The extended length is also travel friendly, thanks to the shape it can be used in a car seat and pushchair, just ensure the arms are out of the swaddle when using in travel mode. The Swaddle to Sleep Bag is thoughtfully made and a versatile sleep system, suitable for travel or at home and grows with baby.

Pros Arms out option Hip healthy extendable

A beautifully made swaddle

length

Travel friendly design Breathable panels Grows with Baby Travel friendly

sleep bag that grows with baby

For more information on the Purflo Swaddle to Sleep Bag click here

£25

Purflo Breathable Nest Maxi Babies sleep a lot, not always for great lengths of time and almost never when you need them too, a six month old can sleep a total of 15 hours a day, how they have anything to cry about I do not understand.

The Breathable Nest Maxi is a cosy portable sleeping space for little one, it comes in three sweet designs Zebra, Giraffe and Marl Grey, the nest is designed for children aged 6-36 months for quiet rest time. The Nest Maxi is larger than the original Nest measuring up at L103 x W59 x H14 cm with a 87 x 34cm sleeping space, making it possible to use for a longer period of time due to the extra space, it is constructed to be breathable, air-permeable, antibacterial, chemical free and hypoallergenic.

The unique breathable mesh mattress has airpermeable sides and complies with BS4578 for breathability, the addition of Amicor Pure to the Nest reduces exposure to dust mites that can aggravate allergies such as Asthma or Eczema.

Unlike regular travel cots the Nest is collapsible and lightweight making it extremely easy to take to the grandparents or on holiday, the integrated carry handle means you can slip it over your arm whilst you grab the other 10,000 bags you need to take baby anywhere.

The cover is removable and machine washable at 40˚degrees because let’s face it where there’s babies there is mess and they are not shy about sharing it, thankfully the base is waterproof, preventing leaks from coming through onto the surface underneath, additional covers and mattresses are also available. The Nest Maxi arrives in a zip up bag helping to keep it clean during transport or storage and it weighs just 2.5kg, again making it easier to transport than some travel cots.

The Purflo Breathable Nest Maxi is a snug and practical sleeping/resting space for baby and the sweet design makes it a great choice for a gift for parents to be.

Pros Fully breathable and air-permeable Anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic Waterproof base Hypoallergenic Amicor Portable and lightweight Provides a large sleeping area Suitable for 6-36 months Machine washable cotton twill cover

£135 A safe, cozy and portable resting space for baby from For more information on the Purflo Breathable Nest Maxiclick here

6-36 months

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Arccos Caddie Smart Grips The Caddie Smart Grips from Arccos come in three different grip types MCC Plus4, Crossline 360 or UTx in either a standard or large size, these can connect to any set of clubs via the Arccos Caddie App. Featuring automatic shot tracking, hands-free fully automatic data capture and Smart Distance Club Averages it lets you know which club to select for every shot. The new A.I. Powered GPS Rangefinder is the first-ever rangefinder that adjusts in real-time for wind (including gusts), slope, temperature, humidity and altitude, it will then give you the Arccos Caddie Number, the most precise yardage in the game.

The personalised caddie advice uses A.I. to provide you with your optimal strategy, the advanced analytics powered by strokes gained provides you with personalised performance breakdowns giving you a greater insight into your practice and effects of your equipment choices. Arccos Caddie users experience an average handicap improvement of 4.2 strokes during the first year, some in as few as 5 rounds, by ensuring players make smarter decisions and attain lower averages.

All the Smart Grips come with a 1-year subscription to the app, which starts from the date the smart grips are activated, after 1-year you will be auto-billed $99.99 per year to continue to access the full range of benefits. The embedded sensors ensure that a neutral swing weight is maintained once they are attached, the battery is designed to last for 5 years and is fully guaranteed for 2 years, unfortunately when they die they cannot be replaced so you will need to buy new grips.

The set includes 13 Smart Grips of your choice and 1 Arccos Caddie Putter sensor, a 30-day money-back guarantee is offered on uninstalled grip sets, the app is available on iOS and Android apps. The app is straightforward and easy to use, you will need your phone whilst you play to receive real-time information, this might put some people off who prefer to leave their phones behind whilst they play.

The Caddie Smart Grips provide you with a rich and useful collection of data that could improve your game, the added yearly subscription might seem a lot but its less than ÂŁ2 a week, the lightweight and balanced design means your game play will only be changed for the better.

ÂŁ249.99

Receive personalised advice on how to improve your game in real time

Pros A.I.powered Caddie Advice for every shot, on every hole GPS Rangefinder Personalised advice and tips Identify your actual strengths and weaknesses

High quality construction Cons Yearly subscription Batteries cannot be replaced

For more information on the Arccos Caddie Smart Grips click here

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Kano Star Wars The Force Coding Kit When I was a kid, the closest I ever came to learning about computers was sharing one Acorn computer between 30 students, if we were well behaved we would be allowed to print our name off in colourful letters, thankfully these days STEM games and toys are plentiful, which is reassuring as we will be relying on these kids to program our robot servants when we are old. KANO produce a range of toys designed to introduce children to the world of coding in a fun way, they won’t even realise it is educational.

Ideal for little Star Wars fans this kit lets you swap characters, add starships and change their movement.

You can even fill the screen with Porgs with a wave of a hand, play with sounds by creating R2-D2's beeps, create Chewie's Wookiee roar and immerse yourself within the Falcon's hyperdrive and more.

If that is not enough you can also play with the avatars, discover costumes, lightsabers, droids, and code your galaxy. Simply by moving your hand you can swing lightsabers, levitate X-wings and pilot starships. However, before playtime can begin your kit has to be built, the colourful easy to follow instruction book explains each stage from connecting the board to showing you how the sensors work.

Once the kit has been constructed it is time to learn to code, go on a journey from learner to master with step-by-step challenges, connect code blocks, see the JavaScript, learn about loops, logic and variables.

From here personalised adventures can be created, share with humans from across the galaxy in the Kano World Community and take inspiration for new ideas.

The Force kit is suitable for ages six and up, however, the motion sensor can be a little buggy at times which could frustrate younger users, the range of games will keep Star Wars fans and budding scientists alike entertained.

ÂŁ29.99

A fun and entertaining way to introduce children to the world of coding For more information on the Kano Star Wars The Force Coding Kit click here

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Kano Disney Frozen 2 Coding Kit For those who prefer a magical world back down on earth there is the Frozen 2 Coding Kit, the Coding of the elements allows you to play with blizzards, gusts of wind or conjure up an ice palace all by simply raising your hand. You can also stop Olaf from melting, make a mini snowstorm and discover the magic by waving a hand above the sensors, just like The Force edition the kit needs to be constructed first, the instruction book is more of a story than a manual keeping young minds entertained whilst they learn.

When constructed it is ready for you to awaken the elements, tame snow, earth, wind, water and fire, join in with the Kano World Community to see the code behind any creation and tweak what you have made into something new.

Compatible with iOS, Mac and Windows these kits can be used with a computer or tablet, get yourself lost in a magical world and complete challenges to discover more coding powers like customise the avatar with costumes and finding artefacts.

These Kano kits are great for entertaining and teaching young minds about the basics of coding, six years old might be a little young depending on the child as it takes a certain level of patience, the colourful instruction booklet, durable components and wide range of games provide endless amounts of fun, parents can easily be drawn into the world too for family playtime.

For more information on the Kano Star Wars The Force Coding Kit click here

ÂŁ29.99

Pros Cons Entertaining Younger children may Durable components lose patience Easy to follow instruction booklet

Kano World Community Extensive play

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Edifier GM3SE Gaming Earphones Pros Detachable omni-direction microphone and inline microphone

Inline control Compatible with IOS, Android, PS4 and PC Comfortable Portable Durable housing Cons Sharp high tones Limited features

ÂŁ34.99 For more information on the Edifier GM3SE Gaming Earphones click here

There is nothing quite like stepping into a fantasy world with your friends, running around trying to beat the baddies and save the day, no, I’m not talking about a heavy night on Jägerbomb’s in a dingy Wetherspoons I’m talking about online video games, whether you are fighting with them or against them being able to talk tactics or taunt your mates adds another level of fun to whatever game you are playing.

The Edifier GM3SE In-Ear Gaming Earbuds come with a detachable omni-direction microphone and inline microphone for PC, Android, IOS & PS4 and come in either a Black or Red design. These earphones have inline controls that allow you to adjust the volume, mute microphone function, answer calls and play / pause and skip audio tracks (control functions will vary dependant on operating system), it comes with a 3.5mm mini jack connector compatible with IOS, Android and PS4, for PC use there is a splitter / extension cable as well as a cloth drawstring travel pouch and connecting cables.

There are multiple silicone replacement ear tips and they come complete with arc shaped ear wings for added comfort and stability for even the most lengthy and vigorous gaming sessions. The GM3SE are manufactured from premium materials and feature a CNC machined cover with coloured accents, the 1.3m cable provides enough length to allow freedom of movement when in use. The dual moving coils with dual vibration driver units aim to produce deep bass whilst gaming or streaming video, the bass is reasonable with a vibrant mid-range, however the high tones are a little sharp which can get a bit wearing with gun fire for example.

The mic picks up and delivers clear vocals to your teammates, whilst allowing you to hear footsteps of any enemies creeping up on you. These low-cost headphones probably won’t impress serious gamers, but their compact size makes them a great choice for part-time gamers and mobile gaming on the go.

Durable, low cost gaming earbuds, great for mobile games and gaming on the go

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Edifier W800BT Headphones The W800BT headphones offer unlimited playback options thanks to the wired and wireless option, when the battery is drained simply plug in to carry on enjoying your tunes, the battery life shouldn’t let you down however with a wireless playback working time of 50 hours and a standby time of 800 hours all for just 3 hours charge time.

These headphones come in Black, Red or White and have a streamlined design, there are intuitive buttons on the ear cups which control the volume, allow you to pause/resume playback and answer incoming calls.

The lightweight frame and soft padding on the earcups and headband make them comfortable to wear all day long without causing irritation, the around-the-ear design provides a comfortable fit and is made from breathable high elastic sponge and faux leather cover.

The closed back design also helps with reducing outside noise and keeping your sound in, it does leak out at higher volumes so its best not to blast out your tunes in the library if you want to avoid a telling off.

The W800BT connect over Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless connection, there was no noticeable latency, but you don’t need to wander too far from your device before it starts cutting out, as mentioned earlier a 3.5mm to 3.5mm connector can be used to change them into wired headphones to conserve the battery life.

These headphones have 40mm Drivers which provide a reasonable amount of bass for the price range, the mid and high tones are enjoyable, no harsh tones here, great for listening to tunes on the commute as the ear cups do a good job at blocking out external sound.

The microphone will pick up a lot of background noise so taking calls in a noisy environment isn’t ideal but good enough to have a quick conversation about what to pick up for dinner.

The W800BT doesn’t have a lot of features, but they still have a certain charm about them, they are comfortable, inexpensive, offer enjoyable sound with a impressive battery life, a great choice for a low cost low hassle set of headphones.

£59.99

Pros Comfortable Long battery life Reasonable sound Intuitive controls Wireless or wired connection

Cons Limited features Microphone picks up a lot of background noise

A good choice if you are looking for inexpensive, reliable, headphones

For more information on the Edifier W800BT Headphones click here

TouchPoint Solution for Sleep

Stress effects everyone at some stage of their life. From upsetting life events to something positive like moving home, most of us have experienced those restless nights where we just cannot switch off and get to sleep.

However when the occasional restless night becomes a regular occurrence, it can have a significant negative impact on your health, both mental and physical.

There are many solutions out there to help you get to sleep, one of which is the TouchPoint Solution, non-invasive wearables that provide instant relief for stress and anxiety. The TouchPoint Solution for Sleep is a rather unique sleep aid, using a technique we hadn’t come across before. TouchPoint works by using proprietary neuroscience technology and creates a gentle, alternating micro-vibration to 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 own four year old find relief from night terrors, and a team of expert neuropsychologists TouchPoints developed a range of products available for adults and children alike to tackle common stress and anxiety related issues. From irritability, stress related headaches, PTSD, sensory sensitivity and task avoidance, the TouchPoints wearable devices have been scientifically proven to help relieve the physical symptoms of these common disorders.

The TouchPoint Solution for Sleep comes with two soft zippered sweatbands in either navy or grey as well as the TouchPoints Basic units (to be worn on either side of the body) a dual-pronged charging cable and a linen carry bag to store everything. The devices are incredibly simple to use, with a 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 TouchPoints can be worn on the wrists or ankles although with my skinny wrists the one size fits all band was a little large, so an adjustable strap would be a nice addition to get a precise fit and feel the vibrations effectively. It is recommended that the bands are worn for fifteen minutes before bedtime then removed when you feel drowsy and ready for sleep. However, if you forget to take them off, they will automatically switch off after 30 minutes to conserve the battery.

The lights (green, blue, amber and pink) indicate that the units are switched on and what level they are set at. I noted that this can be quite bright if you activate them in the middle of the night after waking, the button can be activated through the wristbands if needed and the light doesn’t come through. As expected, the devices do make a little buzzing noise when switched on, this also made the metal zip rattle a little during our tests, it is not hugely irritating but perhaps a plastic zip or Velcro fastening would be more appropriate.

Tests carried out by TouchPoint showed that their BLAST (bi-lateral alternating stress tactile) technology can reduce stress by up to 70% in 30 seconds and also reduces the objective marker of cortisol both during and after a stressful event. This we can believe, whether it is a placebo, a distraction or neuroscience, the TouchPoint Solution for Sleep is producing a relaxing effect, their simple and effective use is well worth a look at for anyone who struggles with sleep or relaxing in general.

Pros Induces relaxation Incredibly easy to use Three different settings Automatically syncs with each other Dual charging cord 30 minute automatic switch off Bi-lateral alternating stress tactile technology

Cons Can make the zip rattle Lights quite bright Nonadjustable Wrist strap For more information on the TouchPoint Solution click here

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TIBO SIA75 Smart Integrated Amplifier We reviewed and were impressed by the Choros Tap and Kameleon 4 Multiroom speakers from Tibo earlier this year and we were interested to see how they would fair with their line of amplifiers and we took a look at their premium integrated amplifier the SIA75.

For this review we are pairing the amp with TIBO’s Legacy 3 speakers which are unpackaged and ready to go, so let’s do the same with amp, what you will find in the box is the SIA75 Amp itself, UK and EU power leads, remote control and a quick start guide.

First thoughts looking at the design of the product is that the SIA75 would not look out of place in any setup with its sleek brushed black aluminium frame and contemporary design. Its width is 430mm which is about normal but it is thinner than most other amps at 65mm, functions on the front are nine presets, Tibo Smart grouping button, 3.5mm headphone jack and a multifunctional central dial which allows you to adjust the volume, select inputs and turn the amp off and on.

Round the back of the amp you will find two RCA line inputs, optical digital in, aerials for Bluetooth and wi-fi, ethernet port, subwoofer output, loudspeaker outputs and a moving magnet phono stage input. I am a big fan of the simplicity of the remote with the functions available being power, volume, playback, grouping and selecting the presets.

The whole setup was easy as was downloading the app and setting it up with Spotify or whichever other streaming software you use.

The SIA75 is aimed at those who like to stream music but the analogue and digital inputs also work impressively well, the audio was rich with punchy bass and clear mid and treble, I stuck some unplugged vinyl on and was impressed with instrument isolation and how clear it was still when I cranked the volume up, this system is loud and I mean loud with its 2 x 75W RMS, ideal for parties!

TIBO have really impressed me with this product and for the price tag of £249.99 this is a fantastic option.

Pros Price Sound is loud and clear Punchy Bass Sleek Design Great App The top tuned down firing bass reflex port provides for optimal performance with a focus on the bass

£249.

TIBO Legacy 3+ The classic bookshelf speakers feature 1 inch soft dome silk tweeters and a die-cast woofer basket supporting a polypropylene 5.25 inch drive unit, all housed in a thick MDF painted, solid cabinet with either a light oak or black ash finish.

These speakers come with detachable neodymium grills and brass spikes ensuring perfect stability on all surfaces, instead of placing the bass reflex port at the back, which is a problem with wall units, the Legacy 3+ has a down-firing port and with the four bullet-shaped feet supplied they sit high enough above a surface for maximum bass output.

TIBO specifies the lower frequency at 40Hz and the upper at 20kHz, with 4-8 ohms impedance and a sensitivity of 87dB, providing a large output for compact speakers. The Legacy 3+ has a true bassreflex design, making use of the rear radiation from the bass/midrange driver, as well as that from the front.

Pros Stylish, modern design Balance sound Top tuned down firing bass

The port is 44mm in diameter, 126mm long and has a curved exit, the externally mounted lip means less of the port is inside the cabinet, this enables a more secure fixing of the port to the cabinet, you can still stand mount these speakers if needed however you will get slightly less bass in this configuration.

These speakers have subtle, stylish accents that don’t scream out for attention but sit elegantly on a desk or sideboard complimenting their surroundings whichever colour you choose to install. The sound quality is well balanced across the frequencies, it can get a little bass heavy at times especially at higher volumes, this may put off some audiophiles but bass lovers will appreciate this, the volume also cranks up to easily fill up the room, allowing you to become completely immersed in the audio experience.

ÂŁ149.99

reflex port

Solid cabinet Loud volumes Cons Loses bass when stand mounted

.99

For more information on TIBO click here

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Swing Align As much as golf looks like it should be a simple as whacking a ball in a hole there are a whole load of different things happening, from the beginning of your swing all the way through to contact, if your form is off at any stage it will dramatically change the out come of your swing. The Swing Align, as the name suggests is an alignment correction tool to make sure you take consistently accurate shots, the Swing Align comes in two sizes, the Standard fits a biceps under 13.5" in circumference while hanging at rest and the XL fits on your legs for lower body drills, or on biceps over 13.5".

The basic idea is that you use the cuffs and rods to ensure your body holds the correct position during the movement.

The Swing Align can help with your alignment by making setting up your target as easy as looking down, your rotation, by getting the rod perpendicular to the target line, your connection, by using the connection belt to guide your swing and keep your arms and body synchronized and finally your swing plane, by ensuring the rod is horizontal at the top to check you have stayed on the correct swing plane. This device allows you to both see and feel a perfectly connected swing, once you have felt the correct position regularly enough it will become second nature until you can do it without the use of the trainer. The Swing Align takes a little getting used to at first, especially if you have been holding the wrong form for a long time, it is easy to use however, attach the cuffs to your arms just above the elbows, the rod connects the two cuffs for you to see your body line, the adjustable connection belt keeps the arms and torso working in perfect unison. If you are looking to improve your golf alignment and swing rotation this is a simple and effective way, much cheaper than a coach and much easier to stuff in your sports bag when you are finished.

For improvement on your short game an additional short rod can be added to the setup, this will teach the short game connection, control, and consistency, it allows for a repeatable short game swing and putting stroke whilst promoting better distance control on and around the green. This can also help you learn and maintain in one simple process and works for all short shots including full swings, pitches, chips and putts, just light the rest of the kit it teaches you via both visual and muscle memory.

Pros Easy to use

$119.95

Effective training aid Portable Comfortable to wear Low cost Cons

Correct your alignment

Can take some getting used to

instantly with this handy training aid For more information on the Swing Align click here

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SureFeed Pet Bowls SureFeed Sealed Pet Bowl As the weather gets warmer we tend to keep our windows open and with that comes the pesky flies that bounce off every window and attempt to land on our food and drink, normally we can swat them away before they cause trouble, unfortunately the pet food often remains uncovered for large portions of the day making it available to all those beastly pests.

The Sure Petcare Sealed Pet Bowl allows your pets to come and go for food, letting them self-regulate their meals (apparently some pets can actually manage this and don’t inhale an entire days’ worth of food in 2minutes). This handy pet bowl is ideal for families with just one pet, or pets who are very good at sharing, the motion sensor lid is activated when a pet comes close to the bowl, this means it is suitable for pets without a collar tag or microchip (although we recommend all pets should be microchipped and it is actually compulsory for dogs).

When the food bowl is left unattended the lid automatically folds down, this helps keep the food fresher for longer, prevents wet food from drying out, helps keep the smell of the food locked away and rather usefully stops small children grabbing a high protein snack during playtime. The motion sensor can be switched on and off via a button at the back of the unit so you can still regulate meal times if your pet gets a little drunk with power, the Pet Bowl is driven by four C cell batteries (not included) and this should last for about six months, a low battery indicator will flash when the batteries need changing.

The Sealed Pet Bowl measures up at 235mm (W) x 210mm (D) x 73mm (H) with the food bowl dimensions being 105mm (W) x 160mm (H) x 30mm (D). The pet bowl is suitable for both wet and dry food and has a 400ml capacity which is about two pouches of wet food, the included bowl is grey but if you want to jazz things up there are different colour bowls available, Blue, Pink and Green, sold separately, there are also split bowls and half bowls available.

For more information on the Surefeed Sealed Pet Bowl click here

Pros Easy to use Motion sensor activated ÂŁ45.00 Keeps food fresher for longer Fast set up Pet adapted to the idea quickly Locks in smells and locks out pets and intruders Cons Not microchip compatible Bowl, lid and side guards are hand wash only

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SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder

If you have more than one pet chances are feeding time might become a rather complicated affair, our two cats have always been bad at sharing wet food, one of ours will scoff his meal down like he hasn’t eaten for weeks whilst his brother likes to savour every bite like some furry food critic. This would result in greedy guts edging closer to his brother until his head was in the bowl and his poor bro would reluctantly step away.

The Microchip Pet Feeder is ideal for situations like this, the bowl will only open for a pet whose microchip is registered to that bowl, for my situation this would mean I would only need one bowl and register it to Mr. I like to savour my food, without resorting to shutting him in a different room at mealtimes.

The bowl can be registered to up to 32 different pet identities giving you more versatility in who is allowed what food and these microchips will be stored in the memory even when the batteries are removed. Just like the Sealed Pet Bowl the Microchip Pet Feeder is powered via four C cell batteries that will provide about six months of use and a low battery indicator will flash when the batteries need changing.

If pets aren’t microchipped the bowl is compatible with the SureFlap RFID tags (one included) which can be simply attached to the pet’s collar, registering the microchip or tag is a straightforward procedure and the training mode helps your pet get used to the new self-serve system. It took my timid little boy a few goes to get over the initial shock of the lid moving when he approached but he soon got used to it when he realised it meant food was on offer. The length of time it takes for the lid to close can be adjusted via a button on the base, this helps keep out chancers from jumping in before the lid closes, the side guards also ensure another pet cannot squeeze in.

The lid remains closed for unauthorised pets, even when they try to be sneaky, making it a great choice for multi-pet homes, pets on prescription food and weight management, it also ensures the food is kept fresher for longer when the lid is closed, keeping it away from flies. The 400ml bowl is the same as the Sealed Pet Bowl, it is suitable for both wet and dry food, it comes with one bowl, one split bowl and mat, with additional bowls and mats sold separately. It took our cat a little longer to become comfortable with this feeder, I think because the chip reader is above his head when the lid moves it just freaked him out more in the beginning, but when he got the hang of it there was no turning back.

Pros Compatible with all microchips and SureFlap RFID collar tags Stop pets stealing each other’s food Good for prescription food and weight management Sealed bowl keeps food fresher and free of flies A low battery indicator Stores up to 32 pet identities in memory Training mode Easy to set up

£80.00

Both the Sealed Pet Bowl and Microchip Pet Feeder are great ways to keep pet food fresher for longer whilst the

Microchip Pet Feeder prevents food theft.

For more information on the Surefeed Microchip Pet Feeder click here

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£39.99

12 Cup ZeroWater Filtration Jug The filters from ZeroWater use a five stage filtering system to ensure you are left with the purest water at the end of the process.

Firstly, the Coarse Filter Screen removes suspended solids such as dust and rust that can make your water appear cloudy, the Foam Distributor removes additional suspended solids, next the Multi-layer Activated Carbon and Oxidation Reduction Alloy removes organic contaminants; pesticides, herbicides, Mercury, Chlorine, Chloramine, and stops bacteria from growing. Next the Dual Comprehensive Ion Exchange Resin removes inorganic compounds i.e. metals, non-metals and radiological contaminants and to finish up the Ultra-Fine Screen and NonWoven Membrane Layers remove the remaining suspended solids and holds the resin in place.

The 12 Cup Filter Jug comes with a water quality meter (TDS meter) so you can actively see the difference between the quality of your water before and after the filtering process. This jug is the first in its class to feature a sealed lid and reservoir which lets you pour the filtered water whilst the remainder is in the reservoir being processed, this provides you with a further 2 cups of capacity to the 10 cups of filtered water in the jug. It has a one-handed, pull and pour button spout which means you can easily pour it straight from the fridge without having to set your glass or bottle down first, you may need to work on your biceps however as it is pretty heavy when full.

The ZeroWater reduces 99% of all Fluoride and other in-organics, such as Nitrates, from your water, it is certified to reduce lead and chromium, the FDA requires the TDS level in purified bottled water to reach 000-010ppm, ZeroWater is the only filter in its class to achieve this level. It will take up a good chunk of space in your fridge, measuring up at 29.5L x 15W x 28H cm, the “Quick Fill� Spigot makes it easy to fill whilst the Comfort-Grip Handle gives you a firm grip when pouring and filling. Best of all the water filtered by the ZeroWater filter tastes lovely, just like the purified water you get in bottles, but without all that horrible plastic waste.

Pros Delicious purified water TDS meter included to check your filtration

Pour filtered water as soon as its ready

One hand pouring Five stage filtering system Quick Fill Spigot Long lasting filters Cons Heavy when full

For more information on the12 Cup ZeroWater Filtration Jug click here

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RHA T20 Wireless The T20 Wireless from RHA are a hybrid of all their technologies all built around their DualCoil driver, these in ear monitors with detachable stainless-steel housing come complete with loads of goodies.

In your purchase you will find the T20 Wireless In-Ear Monitors, unbalanced OFC Cable (MMCX – 3.5mm), SecureFlex Bluetooth Neckband (MMCX - Bluetooth), Stainless Steel Tuning Filter Holder, Tuning Filters - 1xBass, 1xTreble, 1xReference, Neoprene Carry Case, USB-A to USB-C charging cable, clothing clip, stainless steel ear tip holder, Dual Density Silicone Ear Tips (2xS, 2xM, 2xL), Double Flange Silicone Ear Tips (1xS, 1xL) and two Comply Foam Comfort Tsx-400 ear tips.

The DualCoil driver is an upgrade of the standard dynamic driver, with an additional voice coil and custom diaphragm, this aims to deliver equal focus to bass, mid and treble frequencies, whilst the swappable tuning filters allows you to customise your sound, the Bass filters add extra power behind EDM tunes for example whilst the Treble filters heighten details in acoustic or folk tracks, the Reference filters aim to produce the original sound as the artist intended.

ÂŁ199.95

The T20 can be used both wired or wireless, just switch the earbuds out between the 3.5mm connection and the Bluetooth neckband, compatible with high-fidelity aptX codec and a 12-hour battery life, the battery life could be better especially in the price range as many headphones are coming on leaps and bounds in this area.

The neckband is lightweight and flexible, comfortable enough to wear during most exercises although they do bounce around during running which becomes irritating after too long. The fantastic range ear tips included and the buds themselves guarantee a secure and comfortable fit for everyone whilst blocking out external noises at the same time for complete immersion.

Playing around with the filters gives you a good range of sound stages to enjoy, the mid and high tones were a little tight at times, but overall the sound is high performing and worth the money. Those with more discerning audio tastes will enjoy the sound of the T20 but the limited battery life and Bluetooth 4.1 could do with an overhaul, saying that we still enjoyed using these versatile headphones.

PROS WIRED OR WIRELESS CONFIGURATION DUALCOIL TECHNOLOGY SWAPPABLE TUNING FILTERS COMFORTABLE EARBUDS LIGHTWEIGHT AND FLEXIBLE NECKBAND DURABLE BUILD QUALITY CONS BATTERY LIFE COULD BE BETTER BLUETOOTH 4.1 SLIGHTLY OUTDATED

For more information on the RHA T20 Wireless click here

51

Hauck Eagle 4S Duoset The Eagle 4S Duoset from Hauck has the grand title of being the lightest reversible stroller at only 6.9kg, suitable for new-borns it has a premium look about it and comes in four good-looking designs, Melange Grey Denim, Grey Black, Grey Pink and grey.

Featuring a softly padded seat that is easy to mount in both a forward and rear facing position, for protection against the weather there is a large and extendable canopy, with a peekaboo window that is UV resistant for bright sunlight and waterproof for rain. To ensure air circulation, the canopy's zipper can be opened to uncover the mesh part to let cool air in and hot air escape and to avoid those nasty bugs getting at baby there is a pull over mosquito net.

One clever idea is that when baby has outgrown the pram configuration the cover can be converted to a boot cover by using the included seat pad, giving it a second life, this can then be used for the stroller seat. The seat pad is made from a soft material and comes with openings for the stroller's 5-point harness, it is large and spacious (72 x 34cm) making it suitable for up to 25kg. The stroller's push handle can be adjusted in height but only between 91 - 104 cm which isn’t a huge range so this could still be too low for tall parents.

The suspended comfort wheels are detachable and puncture resistant, both the front wheels swivel making for easy manoeuvres in tight spaces and lockable for better control over uneven terrain, the wheels also feature reflective detailing. When folded up the stroller measures up at 66 x 55 x 25.5 cm so it will still take up a rather large part of your car boot, it can be carried over the shoulder by the strap but it still isn’t the most user friendly for regular trips on public transport.

It is compatible with both the iPro Baby (i-Size) and the Comfort Fix (ADAC: GOOD) infant car seats, both car seats need the Eagle Adapter Comfort Fix/iPro Baby to be fixed on the stroller chassis. The Eagle 4S Duoset is not the most compact when folded down, but it is certainly lightweight, it has a great stylish look, versatile wheels and provides a comfortable, safe and roomy spot for baby to ride from day one

A lightweight and versatile stroller

suitable for new-borns that looks great and is easy to move around

Pros Great look Very light Roomy seat High performing, versatile

£399

wheels

Large shopping basket Compatible with car seats Front and rear facing Cons Not that compact when folded down

Limited handle height For more information on the Hauck Eagle 4S Duoset click here

53

Mooncup Growing up there were limited options when it came to dealing with that time of the month. Tampons or sanitary pads both involved repeating awkward purchases at the local corner shop where the boy on the checkout would blush as much as you did.

Thankfully these days there are many more options including menstrual cups. These silicone cups have actually been around since 1937 with the Mooncup being the first of its kind, and they are now increasing in popularity as people try to step away from single use products and disposable plastics.

The Mooncup menstrual cup comes in two sizes. Size A is recommend for those who are 30 and over, and all who have given birth vaginally regardless of age.

Size B is for those under 30 who have not given birth vaginally. This cup is made from a soft medical grade silicone, designed by women as a convenient, safe and eco-friendly alternative to tampons and pads.

The cup is 5cm long and has a ‘stem’ to help with removal, and as vaginal length varies, the stem of the Mooncup is designed to be trimmed if needed.

Unlike tampons that will absorb 35% of vaginal moisture, the Mooncup doesn’t dry you out or leave fibres behind. Instead it collects the blood, holding 3x more than a regular tampon and avoids the discomfort and messiness of period pads. The Mooncup can be used multiple times, saving you money and is always ready when you need it; there are full instructions included in the box and video tutorials online to ensure you get the perfect fit. Like with all cups it can take a few cycles to get used to and to find the best folding technique that works for you.

It is recommended that the cup is emptied every 4-8 hours, then be rinsed and reinserted. When inserted correctly you cannot feel the cup. The silicone is moves more comfortably with the body than tampons making it suitable for sports and sleeping.

It is refreshing to need just one product month after month saving both money and waste.

Pros Saves money Environmentally friendly Comfortable, flexible, medical grade silicone Free from latex, dyes, BPA, phthalates, plastic, bleaches or toxins.

Hypoallergenic Made in the UK Provides an Advice Service run by medical heath professionals

Cons Can take a few cycles to get to grips with

LIBERATE YOURSELF FROM SINGLE USE PERIOD MANAGEMENT WITH THE MOONCUP

£21.99 For more information on the Mooncup click here

Blaze Wear Active Glove Liners We have Raynaud’s syndrome in our family, on colder days we will often compare the state of our hands to see who has the most zombie like fingers, gloves are the obvious answer however when your fingers are already numb it can take a long time for them to heat up again.

The Active Glove Liners from Blaze Wear take warmth to a new level with an active heating element that evenly distributes heat around the glove. These liners have been designed to be worn beneath your standard gloves but can also be worn on their own (although you will want the heat switched on), these gloves are available with or without the battery pack, although they are high quality gloves, £89.99 without the battery is still more than I would be willing to pay. When you add on the battery pack it brings the price up to £139.98 which is a lot of money but worth it for the guaranteed heat boost.

The material around the hands is thin, soft and very flexible, they easily fit under winter gloves but the extra layer can restrict movement a little when inside tighter gloves, the battery is stored in the cuffs with a waterproof zip, this is more bulky than the material on the hands, which could clash with gloves with longer cuffs, ski gloves for example. The tips of the index finger and thumb are touch screen sensitive so you can still use your phone without exposing your skin to the elements.

The adjustable heat levels offer four different options with a maximum temperature of 55°C, the battery will last 1.5hours at this level and up to 5hours on the lowest heat setting, the heat is sent into the gloves quickly and wraps around each finger (usually the coldest part). The advanced flexible carbon fibres can be bent and compressed without compromising their technical integrity, the gloves can even be handwashed if they become dirty.

The Active Liner Gloves are a brilliant for anyone with Raynaud’s, circulation issues or just hates having cold hands, they are wonderfully comfortable and that fast acting heating element ensures they remain toasty warm in even the coldest weather.

Pros Lightweight and breathable Flexible heating element Fits underneath regular gloves Hand washable Touch screen sensitive Charge both batteries at the same time

Adjustable temperature settings Cons Short battery life on highest temperature

Bulky cuffs might clash with winter glove cuffs

£139.98

High quality heated glove liners that quickly warm your hands on even the coldest days

For more information on the Blaze Wear Active Glove Liners click here

55

RiutBag X35 The X35 from RiutBag is two bags in one, with an expandable capacity of up to 35 litres this bag is carry-on compatible (50cm x 35cm x 20 cm) and packs down into a slim profiled daypack, ideal for carrying a 13-15.6 inch laptop.

With a sleek urban style this backpack has been designed to be ready for work, travel, casual use and everything in between, featuring RiutBags 100% secure reverse zip system you know your belongings are protected from pick pockets and thieves in busy areas. The X35 has a unique origami design to expand it outwards, it arrives folded, when more capacity is needed simply unclip the side snap fastenings and top buckles to pop out the extra space.

This bag is highly durable thanks to the tough, waterproof woven nylon and anti-abrasion TPU, the ridged sides make for a sturdy backpack for daily and international travel. The main 10 / 35 litre compartment opens suitcase style and has a bright, cavernous area to store the majority of your possessions and there is a handy mesh divider to provide privacy. The 15.6” laptop compartment has built in cushioning for protection, there are zipped inner pockets, a top loop for hanging, an extra compartment for holding a tablet or documents straight, two large 32cm bottle holders, top handle, an extra-large top pocket, zipped D-pocket at the base of the spine for access on the go, a trolley suitcase strap and adjustable/removable chest straps.

The bag weighs 1.38kg, a compatible attachable and removable waist strap is available for added stability and better weight distribution when carrying heavy loads for longer periods of time (it’s a pity its not included as standard). The zips for all the access points lay comfortably on the carriers back for high security, unfortunately there is no ventilation system on the bag and combined with that strong nylon material things can get rather hot and sweaty on warmer days.

The RiutBag X35 is a smart, secure and practical travel bag that expands to your needs, suitable for both travelling the globe and commuting to work with a few simple moves.

Pros Secure zip system Expandable from 10-35 litres Comfortable, adjustable straps Lots of features of easy travelling Padded laptop pocket

£169

This highly secure backpack is both expandable and carry-on compatible For more information on the RiutBag X35 click here

RiutBag Crush When we were travelling in China we were encouraged to wear our daypacks on our fronts as “a bag on your back doesn’t belong to you”, this makes sense for security reasons, preventing anyone behind you from sneaking into your bag however for comfort and practicality it is less than ideal.

RuitBag came up with what now seems like an obvious answer to this issue by switching up the location of the access zips to lay against your back, meaning you get the comfort of carrying your gear on your back whilst safe in the knowledge that all the zips are out of reach in crowded areas.

The Crush is a great travel companion, designed to be a super light and secure daypack, ready to deploy when you need it, this minimalist bag folds down into a neat pocket built onto the bag and weighs just 240grams, just because its compact doesn’t mean you have to compromise on strength, thanks to the double layers of ripstop nylon, that’s the same material used to make hot air balloons.

This bag is also shower proof, helping to keep your gear dry when caught out in the rain, for protection against pouring rain the RiutBag Cover (small size) is available separately to make the Crush 100% waterproof. The bag has a minimalist black design on the outside with a bright green inner lining to help you find your belongings, measuring up at 40cm x 25cm x 20cm and just 22cm x 15cm x 6cm when folded down. There are three pockets to help keep your things organised, a top pocket is ideal for small valuables you might need to access quickly, the D-pocket is used to pack down the bag but can also be used to store your phone or wallet and the main compartment is suitable for everything else.

Due to the compact construction of this bag there is no padding on the straps however they are wide enough to distribute the weight and have ventilation webbing to keep things cool. The back panel doesn’t have any ventilation so be prepared for some sweat patches on warm days when wearing it for a long time, it comes in a little water resistant draw string bag (it’s a bag in a bag in a pocket), one handy addition would be a little loop or strap on the outside of the Crush when its packed down so it can be attached to the outside of a bag, bike or belt loop.

The Crush is a handy little bag, great for travelling, cycling and daytrips with the added security features to protect your belongings in crowded areas.

Pros All access points hidden against the wearers back

Folds down into its own D-pocket Breathable straps Shower proof High quality materials Cons No ventilation on the back

£49

The Crush is a compact, lightweight bag that is ready to deploy whenever you need it.

For more information on the RiutBag Crush click here

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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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