Issue 17, July 2021
THE
Review Smiths FORGING HONEST REVIEWS
KitchenAid Citrus Press
Fitbit Sense
Nannio A1 Wireless Earbuds
Browning Recon Force 4K EDGE
DeWalt Hammer Drill
Duux Whisper Flex Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest Esc
GameSir X2 Type-C
Hi Everyone
CONTENTS
04. BAM Lounge Pants 06. Ruffwear Float Coat We are back, just like we promised with our July Edition, 08. Amazon Eero Mesh 6 I'm not going to lie, getting this magazine together hasn't 10. biOrb Life 60L been easy with our newest family member well and truly 12. GameSir X2 Type-C establishing himself as boss of this house. 14. Nixplay Smart Photo Like a tiny dictator when we eat, sleep and work is all decided Frame 15.6 inch (Wi-Fi) by him, but with so many awesome things coming in it has 16. Devolo Mesh WiFi 2 Kit been as easy as ever to test out and review products. 18. Vivobarefoot Tracker Some stand out favourites this issue was the beautiful biOrb Forest Esc Life fish tank, Duux Whisper Flex smart fan and the newest release from FitBit the Sense. Fear not however if those things 20. Ekster Aluminium don't tickle your fancy we also have items for the DIYers, those Cardholder 22. Mira Fertility Plus hoping to travel this year and those who are happy to enjoy 24. Edifier USB K815 their time at home still. We will be back again with our next issue in September but in 26. Roka Bantry C Medium the mean time keep an eye on our social media for a chance 28. BISSELL PowerClean to get your hands on some of the products featured in our 30. Ebac 3850e 21 Litre magazines. 31. Harry Potter Death Eater Swirl Wand Editior and chief 32. Amazfit GTR 2e 34. X-Tend Kabuto Smart 37. Nannio A1 Earbuds 38. Cubbit 40. Moodo Air 42. HYDRAO Aloe and Yucca Smart Shower Heads 44. Sense-U Video+Breathing Monitor 2 46. Airpop Active+ Halo 48. DeWalt Hammer Drill DCD999T1-GB 50. KitchenAid Citrus Press for Artisan K400 Blender 52. PMD Personal Managing Director Senior Writer Microderm for Men Alex Hilling-Smith Emma Hilling-Smith 54. Fitbit Sense 56. scooms Single Hungarian For all media Goose Down related enquiries please contact us at 58. Stanley Fatmax V20 18V info@thereviewsmiths.com Brushless Combi Drill 60. Browning Recon Force 4K For Advertising Enquiries 62. Wipebook Pro 0208 191 8472 64. Aigle Parcours 2 ISO 66. Duux Whisper Flex www.thereviewsmiths.com
£44
BAM Bamboo Clothing Original Lounge Pants Bamboo is a great choice when looking for more sustainable materials in your clothing, but BAM have gone one step further with their eco mission and become not just carbon neutral but climate positive, this means they have a better than net zero carbon footprint. This has been achieved by carefully measuring their companies impact on climate, waste, chemical, water, human and land use and reducing or investing in projects to offset the impact. This means you get to feel good about your clothing whilst at the same time feeling good IN the clothing, that’s because bamboo is incredibly soft. The Original Lounge Pants are super comfortable, perfect for sleeping in, lazing about the house, enjoying some yoga or other light exercise if you’re not in the lounging mood. These trousers are available in sizes Small up to XXLarge, and come in Charcoal Marl, Navy and Swamp (interesting choice in name). Made from Bamboo Jersey 200gsm which is made up from 68% Bamboo Viscose, 28% Organic Cotton and 4% Elastane, this combination provides an incredibly soft and lightweight material. The stretchy construction provides plenty of give letting you get into what ever your optimum lounging position may be, they will keep their shape so you don’t have to worry about baggy bottoms. The bamboo material is naturally temperature regulating and absorbent which lets you transition from bed, down to the corner shop, back to the sofa and back to bed again, all year round. The elasticated waist band is ideal for a takeaway pizza binge whilst the drawstring at the front prevents any builders bum moments. These pants are ridiculously comfortable, the only addition we would like to see is some pockets to carry your phone about and perhaps some snacks.
Lounge about in these comfortable pants whilst helping to support a climate positive company.
Pros Wonderfully soft next to skin
Stretchy Comfortable Naturally temperature regulating
Climate positive production
Cons No pockets For more information on the BAM Bamboo Clothing Original Lounge Pants click here
5
Ruffwear Float Coat Dog Life Jacket It is no secret that most dogs love the water and if you are out enjoying a day’s rafting or paddle boarding chances are your furry friends would love to come along for the ride, however, just like humans it is worth taking some safety precautions when swimming in open water. The Float Coat Dog Life Jacket from Ruffwear is a clever canine flotation harness that is suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes. The Float Coat comes in three colours, Red Sumac, Wave Orange and Blue Dusk, each option is brightly coloured helping pup to be easily spotted both in and out of the water. It has been tailored with a dog’s movements in mind ensuring they have the freedom of movement in their legs to both swim and run. The telescoping neck closure fits a range of dog sizes and is permanently attached and secure, the PVC-free Gaia foam is comfortable on the dog whilst delivering optimal buoyancy during swimming. The Float Coat will feel a little stiff at first but will soften up after a few uses, the easyto-clip, sheltered buckles keep straps firmly in place. The strong handle is positioned between the shoulders allowing you to restrain the dog when needed and help them out of the water, the low profile ensures it doesn’t get in the way or caught on things. The lead clip-in point is located under the handle, there is reflective trim for added visibility in low-light conditions and a light loop that is compatible with the Ruffwear Beacon light or can be used with third party lights. Once the water adventure is over the Float Coat can go in the wash on a cold gentle cycle, so the only wet dog smell is on the dog.
A safe way for mans best friend to enjoy water adventures with you.
£94.95
Pros Strong, low-profile handle Telescoping neck closure adjusts for dog sizes
Strategically placed PVC-free Gaia foam panels Water-compatible webbing Reflective detailing Machine washable Cons Foam is a bit stiff to begin with
For more information on the Ruffwear Float Coat Dog Life Jacket click here
7
Amazon Eero Mesh 6 Mesh networks when they first came out were very expensive creatures thankfully these are now coming down in price while bringing in the new faster WiFi 6 technology which is a platform that has room to grow over both the short and long term, this brings me nicely onto the Amazon Eero 6. The Eero mesh 6 is the second launch from Amazon since they took over Eero in 2019, from the outset what I liked was this new release has brought in WiFi 6 technology while not increasing the price too much. The Eero Mesh 6 is an ideal entry level system for you to create a mesh network at home at an affordable price of £279.99, however if you have an internet speed above 500 mbps I would suggest looking at their Pro model instead. Let’s talk cosmetic before we go technical, I love the design of the Eero, sleek, elegant and will fit nicely in any home décor. There are three units included within the box, the main adaptor that connects to the router with a spare ethernet port and two satellite extenders which will form your mesh network. The Satellite extenders do not include ethernet ports which some other products do and I feel they should include on their next model. Setup was simple and intuitive as you would expect from the brand, just download the app and follow the onboard instructions. The Eero 6 router also includes its own Zigbee radio meaning you don’t need an additional Zigbee hub so you can connect things like lights and speakers with Alexa. I found the WiFi to be stable and didn’t drop out once, however the speed dipped ever so slightly but not as much as has been exaggerated as I saw online. For me this is a perfect product for the Alexa smart home with less than 500 mbps broadband.
Pros Look Great WiFi strength is constant
Great entry level price
Cons Lack of ethernet ports on satellites
Can only handle speeds of up to
500 mbps
The perfect mesh for the Alexa smart home.
£195
For more information on the Amazon Eero Mesh 6 click here
9
biOrb
Life 60L
The biOrb Life 60 is the largest of four tanks available in the Life collection from biOrb, the other sizes available are 15L, 30L and 45L. Each tank is constructed from acrylic which is much stronger than glass. The gloss acrylic wrap which surrounds the tank is available in White, transparent or black. The dimensions of the tank are 42cm (L) x 26cm (W) x 62cm (H) and it weighs 13kg when empty and 65kg when filled. As the biOrb Life 60 name suggests this model can hold 60 litres of water which can provide a habitat for approximately 20 tropical or 10 cold water fish. When opening the box you will find the tank with ceramic media, biOrb multi-coloured remote control lighting, filter cartridge, air stone, 12V transformer, air pump, water conditioner, fish food, beneficial bacteria liquid, filtration system and full instructions. Everything you need to get your fish tank set up and ready to bring those little fishies home. The system is simple to set up and when finished it looks stunning and is a real talking piece. We were sent an
additional Décor Set they sell these for the 15L and 30L tanks but they just added a few more for us and we chose the Red Forest which is stunning but there are another 9 Décor Sets for you to choose from. The biOrb Life 60 has a real new age design as it’s a rounded rectangle that’s taller than it is wide. The front and back panels are both made of clear acrylic, while the other sides are completely black. This design provides a sleek, modern look that will fit perfectly with most decors. The patented filtration system is unique in that it works through the distinctive central air tube that circulates 100% of the water in the tank through five different stages, including biological, mechanical, and chemical filtration, along with water stabilization and oxygenation. The pump is standardised across the whole Life range and has a low wattage so won’t use up much energy. What is not to love about this product, set up and installation is simple, it is easy to maintain and the biOrb Life 60 looks amazing, this was a real pleasure to review.
A real pleasure to review.
Pros Simple setup Lovely design Lots of choice for accessories Easy to maintain
For more information on the biOrb Life 60 click here
£365.99
11
GameSir X2 Type-C Mobile Gaming Controller 2021 As an avid gamer on the Xbox playing with friends online and the Nintendo Switch for single player RPG’s and Platformers, I have never given much time to games on my phone aside from when the wife is watching something trashy on tv or toilet time. My game of choice on both those occasions at the moment is Gardenscapes an oldy but a goody. I have been told about some amazing games available on mobile but because I dedicate so much time already to the Xbox and Switch I haven’t even given these games a second thought, however as I was given the opportunity to review this years’ new model of the GameSir X2 Type-C Mobile Gaming Controller I thought I would ask again what these games were called and try them out. So firstly on the setup, simply slide your phone into the USB C connector and they are connected; the X2 does not even require batteries as it draws the power from your
Pros Intuitive No Lag Looks Slick Does not drain battery
Cons Price
phone, I tested to see how much power was drained from Gardenscapes and during a 30 minute episode of a soap based in East London it did not drain any extra battery than playing without the X2. The controller can fit various models all you have to bear in mind is that it will fit phones up to 173mm in length and thickness of 10mm, any model that fits those dimensions or smaller will be fine. I mentioned earlier that I play a lot of RPG’s and Platformers on the Switch and the X2 is very reminiscent of this design so it felt familiar and intuitive, the buttons are responsive and feel well built they are rated for 3 million presses, which means they’ll last until long after your phone is obsolete. After downloading some shooters on my phone I wanted to test the lag of which there was none due to the wired USB C function.
$69.99
Advance your mobile gaming experience with this battery saving controller. For more information on GameSir X2 Type-C Mobile Gaming Controller 2021 click here
13
Nixplay Smart Photo Frame 15.6 inch (Wi-Fi) The Smart Photo Frame is their next-generation smart frame, measuring up at 9.96” W x 15.91” H with a 1.18” depth, it has a 1920 X 1080 FHD display and comes in sizes 9.7, 10.1 and 15.6 inches, we received the latter to review. It can be wall mounted or left free standing; the decision is yours but just like the digital photo frame it needs a main connection to operate which needs to be taken into consideration when choosing a location. The 15.6 inch is the biggest Smart Frame there is, letting you see more clearly big groups and smaller details that might get lost on small frames, it has an aspect ratio of 16:9 and supports JPEG / JPG. What makes the Smart Photo Frame a great gift for parents, grandparents and friends we are missing right now is the ability to share your images straight to their frames and get them to send you pictures to your frame in return, you can send whole playlists to different frames creating a lovely network of images and videos with your loved ones. The images are sent safely over the Nixplay App, it’s here you can connect to Google Photos to ensure your frame is up to date, Dropbox, Facebook and Instagram are also supported from the website. The frame will automatically adjust the image into the portrait or landscape placement position, the built-in motion sensor turns the frame on/off automatically when you are nearby and also works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, just ask for the playlist you want to see. The two 2 W speakers allow you to hear the audio from the videos received, the included infrared remote gives you control over the settings from the comfort of your chair. This large frame provides a beautiful display for your images and videos, getting a surprise new image from a friend or family member is such a lovely experience at a time like this we believe it is well worth the money.
A lovely and private way to share images straight to loved-ones walls.
£279.99
Pros
Share photos and videos privately Wireless connectivity Wall mount or free standing 1920 x 1080 full HD IPS display Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant Auto adjusts to portrait or landscape placement Motion sensor turns the frame on/off automatically
For more information on the Nixplay Smart Photo Frame 15.6 inch (Wi-Fi) click here
15
Devolo Mesh WiFi 2 Kit I may have mentioned once or twice I am an avid gamer, a few years ago we also decided we wanted a big house to start a family but alas I am not a multi-millionaire so we had to move out to the sticks. The move took away the amazing broadband speeds we used to get in the city as well as bringing first world problems like my house is so big the WiFi won’t reach the games room. Since the launch of mesh networks, powerline has fallen out of favour somewhat, and only a handful of companies producing hardware feature this technology. This is why I was very keen to review the Devolo Mesh WiFi 2 Kit as this is one of the products that does include powerline connectivity. Powerline networking is a technology that sits between wired and wireless. Rather than shoot network data into the air or through cables draped along baseboards, it uses the existing electrical wiring in a home or office. It also supports the longest distance of the three, though performance heavily depends on the overall electrical wiring and devices pulling power. We have previously reviewed the Magic 2 WiFi from Devolo which uses two different units, the MAGIC 2 LAN Adapter and the MAGIC 2 WiFi next Adapter. The Lan adaptor is used to connect your router to the powerline
network and the WiFi next Adapter handles the WiFi side of things . So the two pack system won’t actually offer 100% mesh WiFi; you would need to pair it up with another MAGIC 2 WiFi to get 100% mesh functionality. The MESH WiFi 2, on the other hand, has all its adapters providing WiFi. With the whole point of this being that you switch the WiFi off on your router, then the Devolo does all the WiFi offering seamless roaming as you move around the home. The Mesh WiFi 2 looks virtually identical to the Magic 2 WiFi, that we have reviewed in the past, they also include a pass-through socket so that you can still use that power socket for other devices as well. We found the Mesh Kit 2 signal strength to be the best we have tried and although we have thick walls throughout the house the WiFi reached my Xbox with ease and it has stopped the elastic banding I used to occasionally get with COD. However I did end up plugging in an adaptor directly next to the console as that’s the beauty of these adaptors with ethernet points. If you have a big house and tried other products which haven’t worked I would put my neck on the line that the Mesh 2 can solve this problem.
The Devolo Mesh WiFi 2 will smash through thick walls and hard to reach areas.
Pros Includes Powerline Networking £269.99 Ethernet points in adaptors Will go through thick walls Easy to set up Cons Expensive if you only need your WiFi range increased slightly
For more information on the Devolo Mesh WiFi 2 Kit click here
17
Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest Esc
£180
Pros Attractive design Durable, Flexible Michelin ESC Sole Renewable materials Specialised lugs Water resistant True ground feel Breathable For more information on the Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest Esc click here
At first look it is hard to imagine that the Tracker Forest Esc shoes are barefoot shoes, they are a hybrid between a walking boot and a fashionable high top, they come in one design, Bracken, which compliments that familiar yellow sole. This shoe comes in mens sizes 6 up to size 14, and in the true Vivo way they have a wider fit, this is to allow the foot to spread out naturally with each step for the best stability. The Michelin ESC Sole, delivers increased levels of traction thanks to the high performance rubber and the deep off-trail lugs, this gives you the perfect balance of grip and ground feel in the toughest of terrains. The lugs have a claw like design at the front and breaking lugs at the heel and are positioned specifically to tackle accents, descents and traversing along sharp edges, the outer edges of the lugs are split which digs in deep to rugged terrain. The textured arch adds zonal grip right where you need it, the 2.5mm thin base and 7mm lug height are designed to maximise ground feel and grip in the most demanding environments. The tough and durable sole remains flexible enough for the foot to move just the way nature intended, to keep your feet comfortable there is a combination of mesh lining and Wild hide leather which is naturally water resistant and allows the air to flow inside the boot. In warmer conditions the moisture created by your foot can escape out of the pore of the leather, ensuring your foot remains dry and able to breath. A tin of all natural Renapur Leather Balsam is included with the boots, this is used to maintain the water resistance with regular treatment and will increase the boots working life. The Tracker is made to be remade and reworn, constructed from renewable natural materials, including the naturally scarred leather from free-roaming cattle sourced from small scale farmers. When the time has come to part ways with your boots return them to revivo.com for recycling. These attractive boots let you enjoy everything nature has to offer straight out of the box with a true ground feel and natural foot movement in unpredictable forest environment.
These barefoot shoes get you closer to nature without compromising comfort or stability.
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, Metallic Rose, Metallic Gold and Metallic Silver version we received which is aimed more for their female customers. 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 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 This card holder Fans out cards with a push of a button will certainly Super durable space-grade 6061-T6 aluminium Slim profile stand out in the Expandable backplate crowd, especially Blocks RFID when you push Holds 1-15 cards + bills Cons that button. Minimal storage Difficult to access lots of cards and cash in the back plate
$79
For more information on the Ekster Aluminium Cardholder click here
Mira Fertility Plus Starter Kit When it comes to expanding your family, things aren’t always a straightforward as the media might have you believe, tracking and timing can become a confusing world and quickly add to the stress of the situation. The Mira Fertility Plus Starter Kit takes the guess work out of your cycle with advanced monitoring all from the comfort of your own home. This kit comes with the Mira Fertility Analyzer, the Deluxe Mira carrying pouch, charging cable, 10 urine containers and 10 single-use Mira Fertility Plus Test Wands, it also has an extra pack of 20 Wands and urine containers (RRP £65). The Mira works by measuring the estrogen-estradiol metabolite (E3G) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in your urine. Recently, Mira launched test wands that measure actual Progesteron levels (Mira Fertility Confirm). This is comparable to lab-grade accuracy and will show when your optimum six-day window of conception is and get to know you cycle phases, hormone patterns, and all fertile days and infertile days. The tracker connects to the Mira app compatible with iOS and Android devices. To take a test immerse the wand into urine for 10 seconds, depending on the length of your cycle, you might need between 10-20 Wands test in one cycle. The wand is then inserted into the analyser and the hormone concentration result will sync to the app, the algorithms then provide a personalised and accurate insight into your fertility window and ovulation. By tracking both the LH and Estrogen levels these give you the full fertile window and ovulation information and are useful for all types of ovulation tracking including IVF, menopause, hormone imbalances such as PCOS, and other conditions as well as avoiding getting pregnant. The results are fast and clear ensuring you never miss your peak; alerts can be set to remind you of your best days for conception (or when to avoid unprotected sex), whilst the discrete analyser and handy urine collectors make it easy to test at home, work and when travelling. All this detailed and accurate data comes at a hefty price, we wish the wands were cheaper as testing up to 20 times per cycle could cost you £780 over the course of a year. However if money is no object you will be hard pushed to find a more accurate and detailed home testing device.
Pros Lab grade accurate results Tracks both LH and Estrogen Fast and clear results User friendly App Handy urine collector PCOS friendly Cons Replacement wands very pricey
Won’t appeal to those looking to avoid single use plastics
£179
Get a clear and detailed insight into your unique hormone cycle.
For more information on the Mira Fertility Plus Starter Kit click here
23
Edifier USB K815 The Edifier K815 over-ear headphones have been professionally developed to be used for online activity, including gaming and those now all too familiar video calls on Zoom and Go2Meeting. The headset is lightweight and does the simple stuff well on the videos calls, however for gaming even with extra bass I found it worked ok for nondirectional sound but on games like Call of Duty I lost my edge that I have with my normal Steel Series headset but then these are a tenth of the price. The headphones do have some bass built in but I just found because there are no controls on the device itself it is not practical for gaming. I find simple options like muting yourself very important when munching crisps in the middle of a long session, no one wants to hear the inside of your mouth. So for me these headphones are more for listening to music and conferences than for gaming, however they are extremely
comfortable and have been made so you can wear them for long periods. The headset is light and made with plastic with a gloss looking finish with a retractable mic and really soft padding on the cups. I work from home and am in video conferences for around 4 hours a day on average, these have replaced my old Logitech headset due to the comfortability factor. As the name suggests the headset has a USB connection so will work on any device with a USB port or you can use a USB adaptor. For me the Edifier USB K815 is a great utility headset as it can serve many purposes but I don’t feel it is the master of any. If you are working from home like me and looking for something comfortable and reasonably cheap these are a fantastic option.
£44.95
For more information on the Edifier USB K815 click here
If you are working from home like me and looking for something comfortable and reasonably cheap these are a fantastic option
Pros Nice sound Very comfortable USB connection Cons Not for gaming No controls
25
Roka Bantry C Medium Bag
£59.95
The Brand Roka is taken from the surnames of the founders Emma Rosenberg and Brett Katz, the couple said it was love at first sight and with Emma living in the UK and Brett abroad they became experts at packing, travelling and life on the go. Brett moved to the UK to be with Emma and he was soon greeted by our infamous weather when rain came through his rucksack, soaking his books and belongings, he quickly realized the need for a bag that was as functional as it was fashionable. Thus Roka was born. We love how the brand has created their identity with all of their products vegan, animal friendly and produced in socially compliant factories, following their brands desire to care for and recognize the importance of others. Each bag is made carefully with specifically chosen materials, to ensure that every customer receives a bag that is weather resistant, durable, and bold. The outer material of each bag is triple coated, weather resistant, matte nylon; the base is weather resistant, triple coated canvas, and all of the hardware is smoked, galvanized, and branded with the Roka logo. We reviewed the Bantry C Medium Bag in beautiful sage, there are another 57 colours you can choose from all of the which look fantastic on the matte nylon. The medium bag is 40cm x 30cm x 12cm which gives plenty of room for your everyday gear for a trip down to the city, it also has a padded compartment for your laptop or tablet (15” or smaller). The bag is water resistant and the zips and buckles are strong and well made. Roka have really done what they set out to do with the Bantry C Medium Bag crossing the axis in the centre of stylish and functional.
Pros Stylish Water resistant Well Made Great price Laptop compartment
Where fashion meets functionality.
For more information on the Roka Bantry C Medium Bag click here
27
BISSELL PowerClean Carpet Washer The PowerClean is their newest Carpet Washer BISSELL has brought to the market and at a really affordable entry level price, with a newborn and two cats we are having to wash our carpets regularly. The BISSELL PowerClean weighs 5.6kg which is incredibly light for a carpet cleaner yet still packs a powerful cleaning punch, when the tank is filled its roughly 2kg heavier. This is the perfect carpet washer for your home as with its size and weight it’s easy to whizz around the house even with a baby in the other arm, also from a storage point of view it is easy to store away in a cupboard when compared to some of the competing brands. The PowerClean uses Two-tank technology which means you are always using clean water and solution to clean your carpets and area rugs and the dirty water will always remain separate, so you are never recycling that dirty water back into your carpets. Some carpet washers we have used can leave the carpets wet for the better part of the day, the PowerClean left the carpet damp for a few hours. The tanks are easy to fill and empty and it is always both satisfying and disgusting to see that brown water. We were really pleased with the end result and having reviewed cleaners double the price of the BISSELL PowerClean and taking into account the portability factor as well, for me I would look no further if you are looking to freshen up your carpets.
Pros Light Easy to Store Leaves your carpets looking brand new
Doesn’t leave them damp for long
Look no further for cleaner carpets.
£149.99
For more information on the BISSELL PowerClean Carpet Washer click here
29
Ebac 3850e 21 Litre Dehumidifier I am not a massive motorhead and so we decided like many others that our garage would not be wasted hosting a car but instead be converted into a pub with a full sized pool table. The garage however is not very well insulated although connected to the house and when we came to having some friends over after the winter lockdown we found mould all over our dartboard and this led us into looking at ways of stopping this, enter the Ebac 3850e 21 Litre Dehumidifier. The 3850e is Ebac’s most powerful dehumidifier ideal for large homes with up to 5 bedrooms not for being in a garage as It’s not the most portable and I would suggest looking at one of their smaller models if portability is required. However, the lack of mobility and size of the unit is completely apt for the pure power and quantity of water it can remove from the air. The dimensions of the machine are 42.x cm x 50.6 cm x 27.3 cm (WxHxD) and weighs in at 13kg and when comparing to other dehumidifiers reviewed in the past I really like the design with a modern curve. The 3850e has a 2.5 litre water tank which is located at the front so is easy to empty, we did find this needed to be emptied quite regularly. We also found the 3850e to be quite noisy, so you wouldn’t have this sitting in the living room while watching the TV, it does have a quiet function but that in turn slows down the extraction. If you are looking for a dehumidifier that will extract moisture out of the air from a large indoor area at a rapid rate you don’t need to look any further, the Ebac 3850e is so effective and quick it’s nice to see a product that does what it’s meant to do at its optimum.
Ebac’s most powerful dehumidifier.
£289.99 Pros Front facing water tank
Quick Efficient Stylish Cons Noisy Not really portable
For more information on the Ebac 3850e 21 Litre Dehumidifier click here
Harry Potter Death Eater Swirl Wand For you Harry Potter fans out (and that includes us at The Review Smiths) you can find a range of authentic recreations of the wands from the famous movie series from Zavvi. With 43 to choose from you are spoilt for choice and these are a great price when compared to buying them directly from Warner Bros Studios. The range includes the famous trio, Harry, Hermione and Rons wand all in replica Ollivanders boxes. there is also Dumbledores and Voldermorts as well as some less familiar wands including Katie Bell, Alecto Carrow and Kingsley Shacklebolt. If you are more tempted by dark magic theres a few unnamed death eater wands and Zavvi has even got the Fantastic Beast fans covered. We took advantage of this with the Harry Potter Death Eater Swirl Wand which is available in either a presentation window display box or a simple gift box. Inside there is a rigid black cardboard display case holding the wand and brass display stand. The wand is really well made with a lovely weight to it, make it a perfect gift both collectors, imaginative play and cosplay.
£26.99
For more information on the Harry Potter Death Eater Swirl Wand click here
31
Amazfit GTR 2e This month we are reviewing a new release from Amazfit with their GTR 2e model, we have previously reviewed their Bip U and Neo smartwatches which you can find on our website. The GTR 2e Smartwatch comes in three colours Obsidian Black, Slate Grey or Matcha Green, this arrives alongside the GTS 2e as a cheaper alternative to the Amazfit GTR 2 and GTS 2 which were released a few months ago, offering largely the same features as the GTR 2 but £40 cheaper in a near identical round watch design. So what differences are there between the 2e and the 2? Physically not too much really, the GTR 2 has 3D curved glass vs the GTR 2e’s 2.5D, the GTR 2 has a stainless steel body vs the GTR 2e’s aluminium alloy body and the GTR 2 has oDLC diamond-like carbon coating vs the GTR 2e’s glass vacuum coating. This means the more expensive model has a slightly clearer screen and is a bit thicker than the GTR 2e, you also get three colour choices
with the newer model rather then just black like the original. Feature wise some features have been cut from the GTR 2e such as the speaker allowing you to take phone calls, however they have more than made up for this with both the reduced price and increased battery life. Typical battery life has been increased by 10 days from 14 to 24, basic use from 38 to 45 days and heavy use from 6.5 to 12 days. You can only get a silicone strap with the GTR 2e which I found made my wrist sweaty during workouts and make sure you wash regularly as after a few days it will build up some alien gunk behind the strap. The features however I thought were great, with easy navigation I could use the optical heart rate sensor, gyroscope, accelerometer, air pressure sensor, temperature sensor and ambient light sensor and all were reading true to other models I checked at the same time.
£119
For more information on the Amazfit GTR 2e click here
A smartwatch with up to 45 days battery life.
Pros Price Functionality Design Battery Life Cons Limited strap option 33
X-Tend Kabuto Smart Carry-On XT 2x2
My first thought when I saw the Kabuto Smart was that I was going to need to wear something nicer than my tatty old sweatpants on my next flight, this bag is so handsome you are going to want to look your best whilst travelling so as not to embarrass it. This bag comes in six stunning designs Black Silver, Black Graphite, White Yellow, Graphite, Ink Blue (my personal favourite) and the Black Copper (the model we received). The Kabuto carry-on XT 2×2 is the first expandable smart carry-on, meaning you won’t have to choose between carry-on and checked-in luggage, because this bag gives you the best of both worlds. It comes with a rain proof luggage cover to protect your suitcase, a cloth storage bag, strap for additional bags, a removable 20,000mAh FAA approved battery pack, USB C socket, 2 USB A sockets and 1 micro USB as well as a fingerprint biometric sensor (TSA approved). The suitcase measures up at 55 x 35 x 23cm with a 40Litre capacity but can be extended to 75 x 35 x 23cm with a 60Litre capacity, making a great option for both short and mid length trips, the unique vertical expandability gives 50% extra volume in a matter of seconds and the bag weighs 7.5lbs when empty. The fingerprint scanner means you don’t have to fiddle about with a combination lock or try to find that tiny key, simply place your fingertip on the sensor to open the suitcase, this is a TSA approved lock system and security officers have a master key to open your luggage if necessary, up to 10 fingerprints can be saved and two keys are provided. The removeable battery can charge up to eight smartphones or one laptop (if compatible with USB-C power), there are two easy-access front and back computer pockets, a front pocket for a computer 15 ‘and a 12’ laptop back pocket with integrated USB connection. The handy shoe compartment (13.5cm x 21cm x 33cm) is easily accessible via the bottom of the bag or from the top zippered partition and lets you keep dirty shoes or laundry from touching the rest of your belongings. The two 5.3” wheels can handle all terrains, they are fitted on double ball bearings and rubber tires for a smooth and almost silent ride, it’s a pity it doesn’t have the four-wheel configuration that makes rolling bags through the terminal a breeze, but the ride is so smooth I will forgive it. The telescopic handle has four different heights options, 43”, 41”, 39” and 37" making it suitable for people of a range of heights and share amongst the family. The flat interior maximizes storage, the plastic compound has ABS lamination and is waterproof as well as impact resistant, the retracted dimensions are 55 x 35 x 23 cm and meets the IATA carry on recommendations. This premium suitcase is gorgeous, functional and versatile, it is made to an impeccably high standard as you would expect for its hefty price tag, with lots of features to organise your gear and make traveling more comfortable, you won’t regret the investment.
it has been a long time since we have had the chance to travel, treat yourself to some luxury luggage For more information on the X-Tend Kabuto Smart Carry-On XT 2x2 click here
Pros
£299.85
Beautiful design High quality construction Vertical expansion give you extra 50% Fingerprint sensor Large, smooth and quiet wheels
Removable 20,000mAh battery pack
Four height telescopic, extra wide handle
Dedicated computer compartments
Shoes storage
35
Eliminates chlorine for unbeatable tasting water
Purifies water and reduces trace pharmaceuticals and pesticides
Zero chlorine Zero plastic
100% flavor
Stop plastic waste
100%
100% minerals preserved
Preserves the essential
No filter cartridges or maintenance
PURIFY YOUR
TAP WATER IN 15 MINUTES www.lavie.bio
15 minutes Automatic start and stop
Nannio A1 Wireless Earbuds
With the Nannio A1 coming in at a mid-range asking price we had some reasonably high expectations of these wireless earbuds, they arrived with a charging case, six EarTips S/M/L, six EarWings S/M/L and charges via a USB-C charging cable. The first impression was the case was slim and light but perhaps a little too wide, after all when it comes to women’s clothing you are lucky if you can get a pound coin into your pocket. This plastic body feels a bit delicate in places especially around the lid, so it is worth taking a bit of care when opening the case. There are four LED lights to display the battery life on the outside and two on the inside to indicate they are ready for pairing. The earbuds sit neatly in the case with a small gap in the middle to pop them out, if you have larger fingers, you may find it more difficult to pry them out of the case, they aren’t the smallest earbuds out there, with thick protruding stems, however once in the ear they have a low profile and look good. The ear tips are comfortable and hold in place, there are the winged ear tips too which seem too small and in the wrong position to add anything much to the fit, but they can’t be removed as it ruins the overall streamlined finish. These earbuds have a healthy battery life with 8hours playback and an extra 40 hours with the charging case, with the ANC switched on and higher volumes the battery will run out faster but not dramatically so. The A1’s connect effortlessly over Bluetooth 5.1 for up to a 15m/50ft range and are compatible with both iOS and Android devices, it features ANC (active noise cancelling) technology to help block out external distractions the headphones work by producing a mirror image sound in your ear to cancel out external noise. When switched on the noise cancelling does provide a decent level of reduction of ambient noise without too much distortion, we were suitably impressed. The sound quality equally impressed us, with clean, layered tones up and down the sound stage, the bass could be thickened up a little but overall, it is enjoyable to listen to most genres and it maintains this quality at high volumes. The IPX5 rated waterproof body means they can handle a trip out in the rain and a sweaty session in the gym and if you need to keep one ear out on the world around you both earbuds can be used as a stand-alone headset with mic. The Nannio A1 earbuds haven’t blown me away visually, however it’s the sound that counts and this is where you get what you pay for.
Pros Enjoyable sound quality Efficient ANC Lightweight £59.99 Waterproof Up to 8hours play back Cons Charging case on the large size
EarWing not effective Touch controls bit fiddly
These midrange
earbuds have effective
ANC and a long battery life to keep the noise of the world at bay all day.
For more information on the Nannio A1 Wireless Earbuds click here
37
Cubbit
We have been extremely interested in Cubbit for a long time since we publicised their successful Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign, raising over $1,243,632. What intrigued us was having read into their USP and then into other cloud based companies like Dropbox, Google Drive and iCloud, so firstly let me explain how the other branded cloud based organisations work. The files you access from the likes of Dropbox, Google Drive and iCloud are stored in a data centre, potentially located thousands of miles away. These files are then accessible from anywhere in the world using an internet connection, using a variety of our day to day smart devices. These companies all require a centralised data centre, which is maintained and kept connected to the internet, these are connected to the internet 24/7, draining energy, and emitting large amounts of CO2. We as a family have been doing everything we can to become greener and putting less stress on our environment and as we work from home the Cubbit has been something we have been itching to test because if it works and is reliable there is no question that we will be moving over. So How is the Cubbit different? We received our Crowdfunding edition of the Cubbit last week, what you receive in a physical form is a Cubbit cell which links onto your router, this was very simple to do and in keeping with being green you can find the instructions online. These cells then act as mini data centres, which contribute to the overall network. The files uploaded by users are then stored in the network, which is made up of these cells, which means this is a model based on collaboration between users and doesn't rely on a large server farm owned by a multinational corporation. Because of the hexagonal shape of the Cubbit I imagine these all being cells of a hive working in tandem. Dragging and dropping files was no different to what we are used to and Cubbit provide a beautiful and intuitive interface. The units are pricey as an initial investment but what is a major positive is there are no monthly subscription fees with the Cubbit, with the 512GB version retailing at £248 and the 1TB version we received retails at £299.
£299
A sustainable
Pros
cloud based
A greener way
system that
of storing on
interfaces
Well built
like the big
Easy to install Easy to use
players. For more information on the Cubbit click here
the cloud
39
Moodo Air There are positives and negatives to working from home, the positives being I get to spend loads of time with my partner and new born, the negatives are that the cat trays are in the office where I am sat nine hours a day. Now we do clean the cat trays regularly but there are times when a sulphuric undertone takes over and an immediate remedy is required which is why I was eager to review the Moodo Air, a smart home aroma diffuser. We have reviewed aroma diffusers in the past but this is the first we have reviewed that can be connected to your smart home, allowing us to create a different ambience for each part of the day. The Moodo Air can hold up to 4 different scent capsules simultaneously. The device is compatible with all your mainstream hubs, You can control the device, set schedules, and change scents through smartphone apps or voice controls. When purchasing your Moodo Air, you will also have to select your first scent pods. There are 20 scents to choose from individually or you can select scent families which go together and there are ten of these to choose from. After receiving the Moodo Air and scent pods simply slot the pods into the four slots on the device and follow the instructions on the app. I really like the design of the product and with its diminutive size of 4” x 4.9” it can cover up to 600 square feet with a battery life of up to 7 hours and a recharge time of 4 hours. Each scent pod can last up to 2 months in daily use of 2 hours and are recyclable as well.
£149.90
For more information on the Moodo Air click here
Pros Nice Design Covers large area Long life scent pods which are recyclable
Intuitive
Each scent pod can last up to 60 hours and are recyclable
41
HYDRAO Aloe and Yucca Smart Shower Heads
€143.80
Pros Elegant Simple to install Functional reduce your water usage saves money intuitive app For more information on the HYDRAO Aloe and Yucca Smart Shower Heads click here
During the last 12 months of lockdown our household has been focussing on more sustainable living and one of the areas we have looked at to both help the environment and save the pennies in our pockets is our utilities from both providers and products we use. This month we looked at ways to decrease our household spend from our two showers. The HYDRAO Smart Shower is a new, eco-friendly shower head that aims to reduce our aquatic footprint with an aesthetically ludique way. Developed by French firm Smart & Blue, the HYDRAO Smart Shower is a straightforward and elegant solution to minimise excessive water usage. Showers can be one of the biggest causes of wasted water but the Hydrao Shower Head allows you to record how much water is used during a shower allowing you to alter your habits to shower in a more sustainable way. The Hydrao Shower Head is powered by a turbine with the water flowing through the system ensuring that no extra power is wasted and that everything is battery free. On the functionality there are three settings, rain, massage and mixed – to alter how the spray comes out of the nozzle whilst the shower head changes colour to alert you how much water you are using and how to reduce it towards more economical levels. Usually when a product like this comes out in the early stages looks wise they are a bit clunky but we found the product to be elegant with an easy set up as well. The average shower uses 60L of water but with the HYDRAO Aloe and Yucca Smart Shower Heads this is reduced down to 20L with the Nudge system that changes colour depending on the volume of water used it nudges you to use the right amount of water per shower to avoid waste. The WaterSense water flow are flow limiters which reduce the water flow down to WaterSense standards without reducing the comfort. We were really pleased with both Shower Heads and would highly recommend.
Easy to install and will pay for themselves over the year with water utility bills.
43
Sense-U Video+Breathing Monitor 2
When preparing for the arrival of a new baby you will often be told to sleep when baby sleeps, however what you don’t get told is that a combination of hormones, anxiety and excitement can make sleep in the early days near enough impossible. One of the things I struggled with was the idea that something might happen to baby whilst I was asleep next to him and the idea of moving him into his own room to sleep filled me with terror. The Sense-U Video+Breathing Monitor 2 aims to alleviate a lot of these fears by monitoring baby for you giving you better peace of mind and maybe some decent sleep. This bundle comes with all the gear to monitor breathing, body temperature, sleep position and let you stream live HD video at anytime from anywhere. The camera records in 1080p HD and features night vision, two-way audio, background audio and motion detection all on a secure WiFi connection. The Breathing Monitor 2 is easy to use, it securely attaches to the nappy and will continuously monitor baby’s respiration rate, body temperature, and sleep position, it connects to the Base Station over Bluetooth which gives a range of 50ft which might be too restrictive for some. The monitor will send notifications to the Base Station with a colour coded system that will alert you to weak breathing, if they have rolled onto their stomach or have a high temperature. The good news is the alerts from the Base Station will also be received by your smartphone too with an audible notification, twins and multiples in the same room as the Base Station are also supported. The great thing about having a physical base station and not just relying on your smartphone is not having to worry about your phones battery silently running out. The system allows you to share baby’s video stream and vitals with family members on different smart phones or tablets. There are no subscription fees or monthly costs with the Sense U, the set up is straightforward with the app walking you through the process, and once installed it is easy to navigate and has a clear display. This Sense U bundle could use a few tweaks to make it perfect, multi device access and a wider connectivity range for the breathing monitor. If the single smartphone connectivity isn’t an issue the Sense U Video+Breathing Monitor 2 is a highly detailed monitoring choice, letting you relax as a parent safe in the knowledge that you will be alerted to any unsafe situations.
Pros Easy to set up and use HD video Night vision Two-way audio Breathing, position, body temp and
This monitoring
room temp monitoring
system lets you
$299
Base Station with colour coded
keep a close eye on baby’s
alerts
Subscription free Cons Limited breathing monitor range Video streaming only available on
vitals and environment when you aren’t with them.
one device
For more information on the Sense-U Video+Breathing Monitor 2 click here
45
Airpop Active+ Halo Smart Mask
£149.99
For more information on the Airpop Active+ Halo Smart Mask click here
Covid has brought a number of changes to our lives and for me the one that has become synonymous with leaving the house is checking I have my keys, wallet, phone and…….face mask. The Airporp Active+ Halo Smart Mask is a reusable mask with replaceable filters of which you receive four with the product, along with a pouch and adjustable straps. It has an Airknit outer shell which is humidity, water and scratch resistant and a Patented medical-grade double membrane that is hygienic, thin, flexible & skin soft for continuous comfort. The mask fits comfortably and comes in either Black or White but what sets this product apart from the everyday mask? It has a Flex-Frame Chassis which is their flexible frame that keeps the filter open and in a correct shape when snapped into the outer shell and reinforces the filter's structural integrity. It also has Aerodome Design, their Innovative domed design engineered for ideal airflow. The 3D shape stands off the face to create a canopy of clean air and balanced air circulation. I did prefer the air gap the Active+ Halo Smart Mask gave above your nose and mouth, it made breathing easier when compared to the conventional mask. What makes the Active+ face mask “smart” is the Halo sensor embedded in the cloth layer. The sensor can track your breathing rate, air volume, and wear time and when combined with the smartphone app, can use your location to determine AQI (air quality index) and calculate the amount of particulate matter blocked. I did struggle with the interface of the app. A pack of 4 filters cost £24.99 and the filters need to be replaced either once a week or after 40 hours use whichever comes first, these are easy to fit and replace. I found the mask comfortable, but for the initial price and replacement filter price it is expensive and the app itself is a little awkward to navigate.
Pros Comfortable
When leaving the
Cons
house grab your
Bulky
keys, wallet, phone
Expensive Unintuitive App
and……..face mask.
47
DeWalt Hammer Drill DCD999T1-GB £329 When it comes to DIY tools a decent hammer drill is essential, something with enough power to tackle everything from wood to masonry, being free from the cables is also a must to make jobs fast and accessible. The DCD999T1-GB Hammer Drill from DeWalt is from the 18V XR tool range with Flexvolt Advantage technology, this electronic module has pack identification technology which means the drill will recognise when an XR Flexvolt battery is attached and automatically unlocks even more power. The DCD999 delivers up to 42% more power when paired with a DCB546 XR FLEXVOLT 6Ah battery versus a DCB184 18V XR 5Ah battery. This drill has been built to deliver both speed and durability for a long service life, it comes with a magnetic bit holder, side handle, belt hook and TSTAK compatible box. Along with the powerful XR Flexvolt battery this drill uses a brushless motor that gives its power making it DeWalts most powerful 18V XR drill and delivers a maximum torque of 112Nm for tough jobs, making it suitable for both home use and worksites. There is a three speed all metal gearbox and electronic clutch with 11 position adjustable torque control for precise handling when screw driving as well as the dedicated hammer drill mode. At just 1.61kg and 213L x 208H x70D mm it is comfortable in the hand, it has a maximum drilling capacity of 55mm in wood, 15mm in metal and 13mm in masonry and has a chuck capacity of 1.5-13mm. In the drill/drive mode the DCD999 can be set to 0-450/1300/2000 rpm and on the hammer mode0-500/1500/2250 rpm. This powerful cordless drill is a tough workhorse and versatile enough to tackle a wide range of projects and will quickly become your go to tool thanks to its high performance and reliability.
Pros Flexvolt Advantage technology
XR Flexvolt battery Cordless All metal three speed transmission
Brushless motor Powerful and versatile Comfortable in the hand Precise control Full metal ratcheting chuck with carbide inserts
An absolute essential tool that can take on
DIY and professional jobs on the worksite.
For more information on the DeWalt Hammer Drill DCD999T1-GB click here
49
KitchenAid Citrus Press for the Artisan K400 Blender If you are the proud owner of a KitchenAid Artisan K400 Blender 5KSB4026 you may already be using it to create healthy smoothies and fruity drinks, but now there’s the added option of making delicious citrus juices. The Citrus press is an easy-to-use BPA free accessory that attaches to your K400 Blender and comes with everything you need to juice lemons, limes, grapefruit or oranges without the pulp. This press comes with a pulp basket, reamer and juice container with a spout to pour the juice once it is ready. It is capable of making up to 1L of juice with all the vitamins, minerals and soluble fibre that comes from citrus fruits and with all the fresh and beautiful tastes, these can then be enjoyed on their own or added to the blender to make soups, marinades, drinks and sauces. The intuitive design makes it easy and fast to use, simply replace the blending jar with the juice container, pop the pulp basket on top and attach the reamer. Then its just a case of slicing your chosen fruit in half placing it on the reamer and selecting the first power setting, just apply slight pressure to the fruit to begin juicing, all the pulp and pips are caught in the basket whilst the juice passes through into the container below. The handy measuring points on the container let you know exactly how much juice you have, ideal when adding specific amounts to a recipe and once you are finished throw the whole lot in the dishwasher, giving you more time to enjoy your concoction and less time with your hands in the washing up bowl.
A fast way to make pulp free juice with the
KitchenAid Artisan Blender
£49
Pros BPA Free Fast action Pulp free juice
Durable materials Dishwash proof Up to 1L capacity
For more information on the KitchenAid Citrus Press for the Artisan K400 Blender click here
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
PMD Personal Microderm for Men The PMD (Personal Microderm Device) for Men delivers a professional grade treatment for mens skin all from the comfort of your own home, it may come with a hefty initial investment but when you tot up the price of professional treatments you will be saving money in the long run. This skin care device comes with the Personal Microderm unit, mens face, body and blackhead caps, extended range of reusable discs and the charger. The main device and all the accessories have a premium feel about them, the cordless design makes it easy to use wherever you are and on whatever part of the body you choose to treat. So, what is a Personal Microderm and what are the benefits? In a nut shell it provides a deep cleanse by using patented spinning discs embedded with aluminium oxide crystals, this exfoliates the skin, lifting away dead and dull skin cells and simulates new cells. The second feature of this treatment is calibrated vacuum suction, this increases circulation and
triggers the skin’s natural healing process which increases collagen reproduction. When the top layer of dead skin is removed skin care products can be absorbed more effectively and get up to 20 times deeper into the skin. This form of treatment aims to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, even out skin tone and texture, lowers the appearance of the pore size, rehydrate the skin and reduce appearance of dark spots. PMD recommend weekly treatments for effective results, choose the correct level, low or high and move the device over the skin in upward motions. Once finished use a toner and moisturiser and leave for 20 minutes and finish up with using one of the Luxe caps to slide the device over the skin once more for the suction treatment. The end results should be eliminated ingrown hairs, reduced appearance of pore size and blemishes and fresher, healthier looking skin.
Get that spa level treatment from home with the adjustable Personal Microderm device.
£159
For more information on the PMD Personal Microderm for Men click here
Pros Patented spinning discs for mens skin Calibrated variable vacuum suction Two speeds and suction settings Face, body and blackhead caps Ergonomic cordless design Comfortable and easy to use Skin soft and looks healthier Premium components Cons Initial cost could put some off
53
Fitbit Sense This month we took the Fitbit Sense through its paces, the Sense is their premium smartwatch brought to the market in September last year. On a personal note a friend of mine has sworn by this device and as me and many others have put on weight through lockdown he has done the opposite and lost 4 stone and he swears it’s down to this device and will power. The Fitbit Sense is one of the smallest smartwatches available and can be purchased in either Lunar White/Soft Gold Stainless Steel or Carbon/Graphite Stainless Steel. Measuring just 40.5mm across and 12.35mm thick, it has a beautiful 1.58in OLED display screen which is bright and punchy. The screen is surrounded by a polished stainless steel bezel with the rest of the body being aluminium. The watch is water resistant up to 50m and with a battery life up to 6 days between charges, with constant use and all notifications turned on we found the watch lasting 3 days, I really liked the fast charge functionality allowing the device to be charged for 24 hours in 12 minutes. Fitbit have focussed as much on your wellbeing as they have your general fitness, when you purchase the smartwatch you receive 6 months access to their Premium service where you can tune in to their meditation sessions and mindfulness tutorials and you do all this through their stress monitoring function with the EDA scan app. With the ECG app you can assess your heart for atrial fibrillation, there is Oxygen Saturation (SpO2) Monitoring function so you can track SpO2—the level of oxygen in your blood. Other health features include the On-Wrist Skin Temperature Sensor, Heart rate tracking, built-in GPS and sleep tracking the Fitbit Sense is absolutely jampacked. If you want to scale it all back and simply go for a run and track distance and pace while controlling your music you can as the Fitbit Sense allows you to control Deezer and Spotify directly. It even has voice assistant allowing you to speak to Google and Alexa, I felt like James Bond, you have probably guessed it already but I loved this watch and for me this sets the bar for smartwatches.
This has set the bar for all other smartwatches. £279.99
Pros Beautiful Jampacked with features In built GPS Fast charge time
For more information on the Fitbit Sense click here
55
Single Hungarian Goose Down Duvet 9 tog scooms
This is the first time we have had a chance to review a product by scooms, so firstly for our readers who have not come across the brand before… scooms is the brainchild of Emily and Jonathan Attwood, the couple moved from California to Surrey and wanted new bed linen, duvet’s and pillows but they could not find the quality of product that they wanted. The Scooms Single Hungarian Goose Down Duvet 9 tog isn’t cheap but oh my is it comfy, this is aimed at the Autumn season and it was perfect until we had to replace it during the recent warm spell. The duvet is made from 90% Hungarian goose down and 10% Hungarian goose feathers and is sourced responsibly, meaning the materials come from geese that have been treated well and never live-plucked. Although it’s made from down and feathers, there’s no problem with putting your scooms duvet in the wash. The company recommends doing so every six to twelve months. If you’re struggling to justify spending upwards of £200 on a duvet, you’ll also be pleased to learn the scooms comes with a 60-night trial. If for any reason you don’t get on with it in that period, you’re entitled to return it for a full refund. However once you have spent a week cuddled up with it the brand knows they have got you as you will not be returning it and compromising your quality of sleep. The duvet has multiple small pockets that trap the down to ensure an even spread and it is no coincidence as to why the duvet is like a cloud, the 9 tog duvet pockets also have clever extra side walls which give the down more space creating extra fluffiness and increasing breathability. Every duvet is double stitched for robust durability, they really have quality checked everything with this product. Taken directly from their website they offer free next day delivery via DPD for UK orders placed by 1:00pm, Mon Fri. Delivered in a reusable material bag in a cardboard box, without plastic wrapping or paper inserts.
For more information on the scooms Single Hungarian Goose Down Duvet 9 tog click here
Pros Gorgeously Comfortable Washable Ethically sourced
When it comes to sleep you have to indulge. £145£295
57
Stanley Fatmax V20 18V Cordless Brushless Combi Drill We have all become a lot more focused on our homes and decorating lately, with plenty of time staring at the same four walls it’s natural to notice the DIY jobs that need doing, if the thought of home improvements makes your blood run cold, fear not, all you need is the right tools. You may only associate the brand Stanley with a rather well-known knife, but they produce a wide range of premium tools including the Stanley Fatmax V20 18V Cordless Brushless Combi Drill. The quality of this drill is immediately felt the moment it’s in your hands with a tough, well-built body (33.6H x 10.7W x 33.5D cm) and nicely balanced weight, making it comfortable to use and tough enough to withstand some rough handling. This is a combi drill and comes with a two-speed motor and 15 clutch positions giving you precise control over each job as well as a powerful 18V lithium-ion battery to let you move through jobs quickly. The 0-1,500 RPM high speed mode is suited for drilling into wooden and steel surfaces,
whilst the 0-350 RPM low speed is better used for controlled screwdriving, the 25,500 BPM hammer function ups the power for effective work on concrete and masonry drilling. The Brushless motor technology in this drill has increased both the power, productivity and the runtime of its predecessors, making it a more compact tool without compromising on performance. This paired with the cordless action makes it ideal for DIY projects, allowing you to get into tight spaces and awkward angles for a range of drilling and screwdriving tasks. The Fatmax comes with a 2Ah battery and charger, compatible with all the V20 tools in this range, and a robust kit box to store it safely away. This combi drill is a great choice for dayto-day jobs around the house and garden, the charge time is a little slow at nearly an hour and half for a full charge but the thoughtful extra features like the integrated LED work light, single-handed bit change and built-in bit holder make it wonderfully user friendly.
For more information on the Stanley Fatmax V20 18V Cordless Brushless Combi Drill click here
£199
Pros Suitable for wood, metal and masonry (wood 25mm, metal 13mm, masonry 13mm) Cordless Powerful brushless motor E asily one of 2-Speed gearbox the best drills 0-600/1,900 rpm load speed 32,300 BPM for home Premium build improvements Integrated bit holder LED light and DIY jobs. Robust but lightweight Cons Slightly long charge time
59
Browning Recon Force 4K EDGE Many of us experienced the pleasure of discovering just how busy our gardens were last year when we were forced to slow down, this year you don’t need to miss out if you are back at work with the installation of a trail camera to create your very own Spring Watch. The Recon Force 4K EDGE became the latest addition to Brownings extensive collection of trail cams in 2020, this camera features true 4K UHD video recording at 30 fps and can capture images up to 32MP, delivering wonderfully clear and detailed results. The camera can be mounted in a variety of ways, it comes with a strong metal tree mount built into the back which will grip onto the surface whilst the adjustable strap can be used to secure it. There is also a standard ¼” -20 tripod socket at the base, we found it easiest to attach it to a flexible tripod so the angle can be adjusted precisely to where you need it. The 2inch colour display will run a count down when turned on which lets you line up the frame, although it can be awkward trying to look at the screen without your face getting in the way of the shot. The detection range can be adjusted between 55 and 80 ft as well as two adjustable IR (infrared) flash modes, Long Range and Power Save, for better control over your images at night, the Smart IR will continuously record any wildlife moving in front of the camera after it has been initially detected. The Force 4K EDGE is compatible with up to a 512GB SDXC memory card although there isn’t one included in
the price, the settings will let you choose between saving all your recordings until the SD is full or overwriting older images for continuous use. This camera offers up to a 100 ft. Flash Range, the Illuma-Smart Technology will automatically adjust the IR Flash for the best night photos, you can choose between up to eight multi shot images and up to eight rapid fire images with a programmable picture delay option between 1 sec. and 60 min. Other features include the Timelapse Plus Camera Mode with Infrared Triggered Pictures, the picture info bar that displays Time, Date, Temperature, Moon Phase and Camera ID and editing is available with the Browning Buck Watch Timelapse Viewer Software. This camera is powered via eight AA batteries, depending on the settings all the tech in this camera can make it quite power hungry so we would recommend using some high-quality rechargeable batteries, the 12volt External Power Jack is also an option for a reliable power source. The sound quality on the videos won’t blow you away, it picks up a lot of background noise, however it is clear enough to identify animal and bird calls. The Force 4K EDGE is really a force to be reckoned with, the compact (5” x 4” x 2.5”), camouflage, weatherproof body, blends into the environment and provides you with high quality images and videos of all the action that takes place in your garden.
For more information on the Browning Recon Force 4K EDGE click here
Pros Adjustable Detection Range up to 80 ft. and IR Flash Illuma-Smart Technology Up to eight multi shot and rapid fire images Smart IR Video Programmable Picture Delay (1 sec. – 60 min.) Picture info bar displays: Time, Date, Temperature, Moon Phase, Camera ID Timelapse Plus Camera Mode, with Infrared Triggered Pictures Built in metal tree bracket and ¼” -20 tripod socket
Compatible with Browning Buck Watch Timelapse Viewer Software Cons £162.32 Sound quality could be better Power hungry
Capture all the wildlife activity in your garden in
4K definition. 61
Wipebook Pro As a mid-thirties male balancing three jobs, a family including a new-born I feel lost and spiralling if I have not made a to do list first thing in the morning with a startling array of things I have to do, the satisfaction of each tick is euphoric. Last month I bought three new A4 refill pads which is something I tend to do every quarter, these refill pads are filled purely with to do lists, doodles and notes. Now as a family we are trying to become greener in all areas of our lives from recyclable toilet roll to reusable nappies so if I can save both the planet and £48 per year that I spend on refill pads I am very interested in hearing more. Firstly the product looks great and has a real professional feel about it with a tanned faux leather hardback while elegantly bounded, inside there are 10 A4 ruled sheets so
20 sides for you to list away. With the patented hypergloss film technology, there is limited smudging when using correctable markers, which was something I was concerned about before using but I found the product reliable, durable and conveniently light weighing only 0.7 lb. To clean is very simple, just use a damp cloth and go again. If you want to save any notes you can via the Wipebook scan app which is simple to use. I am very impressed with the simplicity of the product and it’s all round quality and It has solved a problem for me that I didn’t know even needed solving. I am doing my bit for the planet while the Wipebook Pro has also paid for itself in one year with the amount I was previously spending on refill pads.
It has solved a problem for me that I didn’t know even needed solving.
Pros Nice Design Easy to clean
Durable No Smudging Cheap Scan app
$44.99
For more information on the Wipebook Pro click here
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Aigle Parcours 2 ISO Walking is one of the most accessible forms of exercise, not to mention one of the most relaxing and enjoyable, however with your feet taking all the weight and impact the entire time it is understandable they can become sore and tired, even in the most comfortable of shoes. That’s why Aigle set out to create the Parcours range, the first anti-fatigue boot, that aims to keep your feet happy which will also have a direct impact all the way up your legs into your hips and your back, after all, good posture starts with a good foundation. The Aigle Parcours 2 ISO are part of this range and come in four colours, Bronze, Noir, Brun and Kaki, and are available in European sizes 36-50. Designed predominately for hunters who will spend long days walking in all sorts of conditions, they feature a triple density sole, this is made up of an absorbent cushioned heel that takes the impact of each step and redistributes this energy into sending the heel forward for the next step. It also hugs the foot offering stability and support; the second layer of rubber is the intermediary sole which adds to the balance whilst the third layer is on the outer sole which was inspired by a goat hoof and has a 360-degree curve for a better grip on all terrains. These boots will also protect from the cold thanks to the insulated sole and lining, they are fully waterproof and have an adjustable gusset to gain a precise fit and keep out rain and debris when trekking through the undergrowth. The outsole has deep lugs for improved traction on wet and slippery surfaces and can take on rugged environments time and time again due to the abrasion resistant finish. These boots have shown to be able to absorb twice as much energy as the European standard and with twice the grip of the original model in lab tests making them ideal for hunters, farmers, environmentalists and forest rangers alike.
Pros Anti-fatigue All day comfort Insulated Waterproof Adjustable gusset Abrasion resistant outsole
Strong traction If you spend long days on your feet in the countryside it may be worth investing in these feet friendly boots. For more information on the Aigle Parcours 2 ISO click here
£180
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£149.99
For more information on the Duux Whisper Flex click here
Duux Whisper Flex We have been very grateful the last week to be reviewing the Whisper Flex from Duux, yes we have been spoilt with the weather with temperatures in the high twenties but we have been doing all we can to keep our six week old cool from the heat with the ideal room temperate for newborns between 16 and 20 degrees. This was set up with me holding said baby while my partner was getting some well deserved zen In the form of yoga, it was very easy to set up with the instructions and parts all in clearly numbered bags. The only thing I had a slight struggle with was adding the extension to make the fan taller as the instructions tell you to plug the fan directly into the base before they add later in the instructions you can extend it. I was struggling with how to take it apart and looking for the two buttons mentioned in the instructions that needed to be pressed to release. After being stuck with a clueless face for a few minutes I found there was just a long button you press in at the bottom and then pull it away to release. We had the Whisper Flex without the battery pack which you can pay an additional 50 euros to have for mobility, without this option you can plug into your mains. We were surprised that you have to buy the battery for the remote separately when for the sake of convenience and not much money a battery could be supplied. Where the Whisper Flex really excelled and where you want it to succeed is in its general functionality, firstly the fan is really quiet and ranging from 1 – 26 in terms of power you only really hear the fan from 12 upwards. The fan has a horizontal oscillation from 0-90 degrees and a vertical oscillation of 0-100 degrees. A timer can be set for the fan to switch off automatically from 0-12 hours of being turned on, there is a natural wind function and night mode so you don’t get disturbed by the LED. We have all been there at the beginning of a heatwave at the supermarket or DIY store buying a £20 fan, usually they are noisy as hell and pretty ugly. Yes the Duux Whisper Flex is more expensive but you do get what you pay for.
Don’t get caught out in this years heatwave. Pros Really Quiet Easy to setup Looks Elegant Nice and simple functions
Cons No battery for remote Instructions to take apart could be clearer
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