New month, new political party in charge, new series of House of the Dragon, lots of backstabbing, affairs and monsters to watch and then there is the Game of Thrones prequel. Thankfully in amongst all the drama and uncertainty there is always juicy new products to gather up and pack our latest magazine with.
We have a fun little keyboard from Roli, with Lumi Keys this colourful instrument helps you learn to play in a variety of fun ways, we loved it, another stand out was the heated personal massager from Hydragun, we are all for self-care!
We have socks, pants, jackets, shorts, shirts, we can dress you head to toe with this months gear and when it comes to the end of the day check out the SnoozeBand Pro 2.0, tuck yourself in bed with this eye mask/earphones combo. We also want to give a shout out to the Lollipop baby monitor, both our littles ones use one and being able to check in on them, chat with them and play them soothing sounds even when we are away from home has been priceless.
We hope you enjoy reading our July edition and we look forward to seeing you again in August and love it or hate it the summer holidays!
Editor and Chief
Managing Director Alex Hilling-Smith
Writer Dave Hicks
www.thereviewsmiths.com Hi everyone!
Editor Emma Hilling-Smith
Writer Peter Hilling
For all media related enquiries please contact us at info@thereviewsmiths.com
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04. lOllIpOp BaBy Camera
06. maTTerpOrT axIs
08. rOlI lumI Keys
10. TOpeaK alIeN II
12. FIFINe H9 GamING HeadseT
14. rIBl sOlIs 100 Camera BaCKpaCK
16. aGelOC lumIspa IO Full rOuTINe BlemIsH prONe sKIN
18. CHIlKey Nd75 FuNCTIONs
20. maKalu max
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For more information on the Lollipop Baby Camera click here
lOllIpOp BaBy Camera
Leaving your baby to sleep on their own in the nursery can be a scary prospect, being able to listen in on them is one thing but being able to see them provides a whole other level of reassurance as well as allowing you to witness some amazing moments that ordinally would be missed. This sweet little camera comes in three colours Cotton Candy, Turquoise or Pistachio, the packaging is rather cute with tiny little footprints cut out in the boxes, yes, I know it will only end up in the recycling, but it certainly had the aww factor.
The camera is made from a premium, baby-safe silicone and has a long, flexible tail, this can be twisted into position to sit the camera on a table or around the bars of the cot, it also comes with wall mount and loop attachment to wrap it around the bars of the cot. It can also be attached to any standard tripod attachments giving you a plethora of mounting options in all locations. The Lollipop connects over an app on your phone or smart device via Wifi, there is a privacy mode that activates indoor monitoring only and blocks outdoor streaming, some features such as event video will be disabled in this mode, but you can still watch the live feed when your phone is connected to the same WiFi. When away from the home you can check in on how the babysitter is getting on from anywhere in the world, this also means you can give access to grandparents and friends to see special moments with either live camera view or prerecorded links.
The new Gig: Baby DJ will play calming white noise or classical music; the Cry Detection can tell the difference between background noise and your child’s cry for attention, sending an alert to your phone. The Cross Detection allows you to set safe zones to track movements in your baby’s cot, if a cat sneaks their way in or baby pokes a leg out between the bars you will be notified, it will also save a 30-second video (for 7 days) of any significant events such as crying or environmental alerts, this lets you review if anything unusual happens. The WiFi style connection could be an issue for those looking for a high security device, the privy mode is reasonably effective but limits some of the features. The Lollipop Care is an option subscription which adds to an already functional collection of features, including the 30s Event Video Recordings, 24/7 Continuous Video Recording, Video Clip Download and the rather handy new Sleep Tracking. The image quality is impressive, there is a slight delay as it switches between daytime colour and night mode, the sound is clear with very little lag, the cute design also compliments the nursery nicely, all things considered it is great value for money.
£125.56
maTTerpOrT axIs
Right now, it’s definitely a seller’s market as far as housing is concerned. Not to mention the rise in Airbnb in recent times. What better way to advertise your property than by doing a video tour? Not “…and this is the lounge…” type video tours but virtual ones where anyone can click through a door to see the next room and observe each room with a 360 degree view. The problem is, a 360 degree camera is no cheap thing. However, most of us have a Smart phone these days right? In steps the Axis.
The Axis itself is pretty much a motorised stand that keeps your phone steady and revolves it around so that you can get a full 360 of whatever area you want to capture. Sounds nice but what’s to stop you just doing this yourself, holding the phone? Well, how many of us can honestly say we can keep a phone completely steady while turning on the spot? Plus, sometimes your motion-capture app doesn’t always put the photo’s together very well.
The Axis comes with a Matterport Cloud account for free and this is where all the technical stuff is done for you. The 3D Media Platform instantly creates videos and photo’s for you to easily link to so that you can instantly have your video up online with a minimum of fuss. And that’s the real sell here, the ability to easily use what you’ve recorded in a short period of time.
You can buy the Axis on its own or with a tripod (recommended!) and, although the tripod is definitely needed, it’s not the most solid of things so if you’re considering the Axis for outside use, you may want a sturdier one. It all comes in a foam-protected carry case too so it’ll be nice and safe when transporting it.
Gone are the days where learning the piano means practising Hot Cross Buns over and over in an instructors home, Lumi Keys opens the door for anyone to learn anywhere with this super portable keyboard but also in a visually different way. It has been designed by musicians and education experts, you will still learn scales, hand positions, chords, rhythms and sheet music but in a different way to traditional piano lessons. It works alongside a subscription to the Lumi app and its here you will find over 800 songs, 250 lessons and 350 exercises. The app offers a wide range of ways to learn, there is always a new way to practise your skills, the games are entertaining and the exercises and lessons are engaging. When playing along to a song there are 4 ways to play, follow traditional sheet music, sheet music with colour coded notes, the Rainbow View which shows you colour coded notes and how long to hold them and the Cascade view which if you ever play Rockstar or one of those dance machines from the 00s will be familiar. You can slow the songs down, ensure the song doesn’t move on until you have hit the right note, pause then play or get help with
keeping your rhythm and Lumi keeps you motivated by giving you high scores to beat and tracking you progress. The keyboard feels durable, it is wireless and compact (282mm x 141mm x 27mm) making it easily portable, the keys are 7/8 the width of a standard piano to better fit the average hand and making it more accessible for younger players (although its designed for ages 13+). The colourfully lit keys make it easy for your fingers to find the right notes and if you want to increase range you can connect another Lumi keyboard to your existing one. Other features include 6hour battery life (with 5 hour recharge time), 10mm plunge, 92% plunge distance of a grand piano. There are two octaves to play with and octave shift buttons for full seven octaves and pressure responsive keys feature Polyphonic Aftertouch technology for a realistic feel.
The Lumi Keys is just such a wonderful piece of tech, not only is it fun and pretty to play with it makes music so accessible, theres so many ways to learn and play that everyone can find a way that works for them.
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I remember my first ‘Swiss Army Knife’ and being impressed with all the multiple tool options, including a cutlery set! However, it’s fair to say, I probably used just a fraction of all the tools that were on it and, looking back, it was just trying to be too much at once. These days, we’re looking to get the most out of what we buy so this multi-function tool, unlike mine from yesteryear, has a focus and that focus is cycling.
You don’t find a pair of scissors or cutlery (although the serrated knife could double-up if you’re desperate!) on this set, instead you have multiple size Hex Wrenches, 4 other types of wrench for different parts of your bike, a chain tool, tyre levers, a flat-headed and Phillips screwdriver and a… bottle opener. Seems out of place but, let’s be honest – would it really be a multi-functional tool without one? All-in-all you get 31 different tools crammed on to an engineering grade polymer body that weights in at an impressively light (for what you get) 290 grams. It also comes with its own little carry case that can attach to your bike frame so you don’t need to worry about it falling out of your pocket as you’re busy cycling.
For all of the tools it comes with, it folds up in to a surprisingly compact 3.4”x1.7”x1.6” and also splits in to 2 separate halves. Not only does this allow for more to be packed in due to increased surface area, it’s also pretty essential if you want to change a tyre! The positioning of the tools has clearly been well thought out with nothing getting in the way of anything else while using any of them. The other thing that impresses me with this is the very comprehensive user manual that comes with it, detailing how to use every single tool. Absolutely essential for when you’re out in the wild and need to make an emergency repair. Well worth it for the price.
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FIFINe H9 GamING HeadseT
Some peoples gaming set ups are so flashy with multicoloured neon lights that wouldn’t look out of place in a 90’s rave, theres no denying it looks cool, but I have always gamed in semi darkness as my phone lighting up is enough to distract me. The Fifine H9 Gaming Headset is one for the minimalists, no lights, no gimmicks just low-cost audio that focuses on comfort, oh and has a cheeky smiley on the can to remind you to enjoy yourself.
These headphones weigh 260g making the nice and light, they have matt ear cups with thick padding and soft pleather, that offers passive noise cancellation against aggressive keyboard smacking and mouse clicking. You would expect a decent microphone from FIFINE, being a microphone manufacturer originally, and they do deliver, the warm tone is clean and cuts through the sounds of the game so your teammates can hear you clearly without picking up your background noise. The arm of the boom mic is flexible allowing you to find the perfect position and it doesn’t pick up any air blow directly into the mic, it is also detachable so you can remove it and use the headphones for listening to a movie without the mic getting in between your mouth and your snacks.
There is a 3.5mm connector and a TRRS 4-pole jack plug, so you can game and chat on a PC or a laptop, but also on the console controller, steam deck, or even mobile. There is an included USB audio dongle, this teeny-tiny box aims to prevent audio from getting interfered with when the motherboard of your PC is way too noisy. The enhancement provided by the USB sound card doesn’t just stop at the clean audio, but also the emulated 7.1 surround sound as well as the volume control of the headset and boom mic.
These are good, budget headphones, they are a little on the small side so those with larger heads (no judgement) might find them a bit tight, the audio is reasonable, and the mic is impressive, audiophiles won’t fall in love with it but that’s no who it is aimed at.
$37.99
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rIBl sOlIs 100 Camera
This rather unassuming bag doesn’t draw too much attention to itself, which is good when it could be housing thousands of pounds worth of camera gear inside, it holds 16litres and weighs just 690grams. It measures up at 300mm (w) x 430mm (h) x 170mm (d) and internally 280mm (w)x 410mm (h)x 150mm.
It has been designed with flexibility in mind, it incorporates an ICU (Independent Carrying Unit) which can be removed, this offers a separate storage capacity if required making it handy for all trips, even the ones where you leave your camera at home. It has a water repellent outer layer that is made from an Eco-friendly recycled RPET 600D waterproof fabric, made from recycled plastic bottles. Its low profile means you don’t have to stress about fitting on the underground and knocking people over.
It features a soft padded shoulder harness with a cinch strap for sunglasses etc, there is a grab handle at the top and a carry handle on the side, there are two adjustable synch straps on one side to attach a tripod or coat etc and on the rear of the bag is a discreet zipped pocket hidden behind the trolley sleeve. On the inside there are two compartments, the main section is accessed through the rear of the bag with a full zipped opening and there is access to a storage area with a built in USB port (connect a powerbank to recharge your tech). Additionally, within this area are two padded pockets, the rear section of the backpack incorporates padded sleeves for a 15.6” laptop, up to a 11” tablet and a zipped mesh area for accessory storage.
The lower compartment is accessed via zipper from the front of the bag it has a removable ICU with a zip, grab handle and soft velour dividers, it is held in place by press studs, the ICU can store a small DSLR or Mirror-less camera body and lens kit plus one telephoto zoom lens or two smaller lenses. The ICU can be inserted into the main compartment too.
We love how versatile this bag is, it can safely hold your camera gear with plenty of room for your other belongings, it is rugged enough to go wherever you go and all the compartments keep your things well organised.
£59.90
aGelOC lumIspa IO Full rOuTINe BlemIsH
prONe sKIN
We are all susceptible to out breaks now and then but some suffer more than others, whether its hormones, stress, suncream, make up, sweat or just your natural skin type, the ageLOC LumiSpa iO has been designed specifically for blemish prone skin. The box contains the ageLOC LumiSpa iO device (with standard Normal Silicone Head), the Gentle Silicone Head, the Activating Cleanser for blemish prone skin, the Bemish Serum and the magnetic charger.
The idea is that you use the ageLOC LumiSpa iO System morning and night as your cleansing step by using the cleanser that contains Salicylic Acid, then follow it up with a thin layer of Blemish Serum over the entire face, you can use a second serum, just wait two minutes before applying it, then finish up with your favourite moisturiser.
You have the choice of the Gentle or Standard silicone head so you can find the right one for your skin type, they simply clip on and off, they help to remove oils and dead cells from your face for a deep but gentle clean, it is recommended to remove the silicone head and thoroughly clean it after each use and leave it to dry completely. ageLOC also recommend you replace the head every three months which can work out as an extra £320 a year, plus the cleanser is another £40 for 100ml bottle and the serum is £40 for 30mls.
The sensors built into the device track each Silicone Head’s actual usage, the Nu Skin VERA app provides you with intelligent guidance about the pressure, motion, and coverage of your application. LumiSpa iO Synchronised Skin Care Routines and how-to illustrations lead you every step of the way to get the best results and the device is waterproof so it can even go in the shower with you if you like.
After the very first use the skin feels softer and looks like it has a healthy glow to it, it is recommended to keep using it for 12 weeks to see the full effects, with 100% of users saying they had smoother, softer and visibly cleaner skin and 71% saying they saw a reduction in appearance of blemishes.
The LumiSpa iO is a pricey investment but if it can solve you troublesome skin issues it could be worth every penny, if nothing else it leaves you skins feeling great.
£327.87
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CHIlKey Nd75 FuNCTIONs
This aluminium keyboard comes in four designs, Jet Black, Mountain Blue, Elegant Purple and Pure White, with a 75% layout, a 6.5° typing angle and front height of 19.2mm, it comes with Dopamine Blue Switches, batteries, keycaps, TYPE-C Cable, 2.4G receiver, storage box, dustbag, replacement flexible flat cable and accessories.
There are three mounting system options, split o-ring mounting, silica gel particle mounting and top mounting each providing a different feeling when the key is pressed. It is easy to switch out the mounting thanks to the screwless quick assembly system. The ergonomic layout has a curvature profile making it comfortable and effortless to reach all the keys quickly, the full aluminium case is durable and can withstand some heavy typing. It has per-key RGB and offers 19 preset lighting effects, with the option of you personalising it further with more colours, there is also an integrated, multifunction LCD screen with access to your settings, time and date display and even the option of cute little screen savers.
The keycaps of the ND75 are double-shot, with each keyboard colour coming with matching keycaps and the stabilizer is a factory lubed plate mount. It is multi-system compatibility, Windows, Android, MacOS and Linux and it can connect to three devices, your mobile phone or tablet can also be used.
We were really impressed with this little keyboard, it is so well made you would be forgiven for thinking they sent you a much more expensive one by mistake, this will satisfy everyone from the office workers to the hardcore gamers. With effective stabilisers, multiple personalisation options, super tactile typing, tri-mode connectivity and a tough little body it is an absolute no brainer.
$99
maKalu max
The mouse has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a box with wheels. These days, you get all manner of designs, taking in to account things like hand and wrist fatigue, multiple buttons and the ability to program them for what you need them to do. Customisation is key these days and Makalu have gone one beyond programming your buttons and have made the sides of the mouse itself customisable.
You get two sets of side grips included that attach with the aid of magnets. One set is wider and designed more for gaming use while the other is narrower and more suitable for non-gaming use. You can even mix and match so, if you prefer a set up with one side bulked out and the other slim, knock yourself out! Now, customisation of controllers is hardly a new thing (consoles have been doing it for a while afterall) but what I really like about the Makalu Max mouse is the fact that they have made stl files (3d printing files for those unaware) available to download so that you can modify and print your own side grips, giving you complete control over the practical and aesthetic side of your mouse.
From the technical side of things, the Max’s PAW3370 sensor has up to 19000 DPI (Dots Per Inch) and also comes with 3 different weighted discs so you can choose the weight that suits you as well as being able to change the balancing point of the mouse – very useful when you use it for gaming! You even have the choice of a wireless connection at 2.4Ghz or wiring it directly using the USB-C socket if the battery goes (or if you just prefer wired!) although it has a decent life of about 80 hours so this shouldn’t need to happen too often. All-in-all, a very customisable mouse ideal for whatever you need it for and at a reasonable price, can’t ask for much more really!
£55.66
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Just in time for BBQ season, the latest addition to the Tracklements artisan, planet-friendly range of condiments will make firing up the barbecue well worth the effort and touch the sweet spot for friends and family whether they’re vegan, pescatarian or meat eaters.
£4.35
NaTIve uNION desK lapTOp sTaNd
We’re all a lot more aware of our physical health and the impacts negative influences have on it these days and one of the major contributors to long-term health issues is on-going and consistent bad posture, such as that developed working at a desk 8 hours a day, 5 days a week with a laptop - as is more common since Covid and working from home. Unlike a conventional desk top PC, there’s no separation from the keyboard and monitor, leaving you with a hunched back and cricked neck. Other than plugging in to a monitor (which kind of defeats the whole point of having a laptop in the first place!) or building dodgy platforms with boxes or books, a desktop stand is probably the most practical way to solve this problem.
Now, Desk Laptop stands are hardly anything new so what does this one from Native Union offer? Well for starters it has an impressive maximum height of 60 cm’s, giving you a nice large range to play with and making it more likely you’ll be able to get it at just the right height to suit you. It can also handle up to 5kg of weight, far more than that of a standard laptop so no worries there. The base is weighted for stability and also doubles up as a neat little tray to hold bits and bobs and also has a pen holder - or you can use it as somewhere to keep your mobile phone safely out of the way while you work. Get yourself a wireless keyboard and you should have everything you need to focus on a safe and comfortable working area. The stand has a nice aesthetic to it with rounded edges, providing form as well as function and it comes in a choice of 3 matt colours (slate green, Sandstone and black). a sT yl IsH, sOl I dly-made lapTOp sTa N d TH aT
sHOuld FIT IN w ITH mOsT desK seT-ups .
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If you haven’t got wireless charging all over the joint (don’t worry, no shaming here!) then you’re probably familiar with that really annoying moment when you can’t find the right charging cable. You start to question everyone else’s choices on electrical devices (we’ve all got Apple and they’ve gone and bought an Android or vice-versa!), get annoyed at them for their obviously inferior choice of device and generally get quite grumpy, all because of the deep-dive in to the nest of alien wires clustered around your plug socket, trying to find your Newt… (that’s a movie reference in case you were wondering!).
The simple and obvious solution is, of course (other than brain-washing the morons you live with to have the same brand of device), to have a universal charger cable and that’s pretty much exactly what Native Union have come up with here. As well as the fairly ubiquitous USB-C connection there is also a Lightning connector for Apple devices. They’re built on to a dual connector head with automatic slide-lock tech (patented by Native Union) that means only one of the chargers can be active at a time, conforming to MFi regulations and keeping your devices protected as a result. It certainly solves the problem of finding the right cable!
The cable itself is an impressive piece of kit. Firstly, it’s a decent 8ft in length and is mostly comprised of recycled materials and the cable tie is made from a plant-based product so no real leather used here either. It’s also extremely durable with reinforced braiding and an aramid fibre core leading to it being able to withstand 30,000 twists which should be plenty for a realistic lifetime of use for most of us! The charging is also highspeed and can support up to 240W’s power transference.
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Power Banks are a fairly common thing with most people that are on-the-go owning at least one that they can take advantage of when needed. The problem with most Power Banks however, is the size and weight of them, not to mention the fact that you usually need some kind of carry case for them or at the very least, room in your rucksack/ handbag for these potentially bulky items. This one from Native Union rocks in at a lighter weight than most at 127g’s and is fairly discretely sized at 70mm by 102mm. And the thing that really seals the deed is how thin this Power Bank is at less than 1 cm thick allowing it to be a truly pocket-sized power bank, unlike many of its competitors out there. As well as the compact aspect of this unit, it also has a casing of a plant-based leather substitute, Yatay™, giving it a warmth and natural feel that you don’t often find on Power Banks.
So, it looks and feels pretty and is a nice, compact size but what of its performance? It can hold 5000 mAh when fully charged (enough power to mostly charge the majority of mobile phones) and has a 15W output when charging wirelessly. Oh, did I forget to mention that bit? Yep, this thing can also charge wirelessly and, to make life even easier, the back is magnetised so you can literally attach it to your item that requires charging and let it do its thing while you stroll around, comfortable in the knowledge you’re not going to inadvertently pull out any wires or lose your charger. Peace of mind is always good in my book so this is a big plus for me. Finally, it charges wired as well via a USB-C cable and, as you’d expect, it’s quicker when it does as well as having the handy pass-through charging capability for when both your power bank and device are low on juice. a COmpaCT, dIsC reT e a N d pOCK eTsIZ ed pOwer Ba NK, I deal FOr usING w HIle Ou T
When it comes to power tools you can rely on DeWalt to deliver high quality gear every time. The DCK2050H2T come with not one but two powerful tools, the DCD805 Brushless Combi Drill 90Nm and DCF850 Brushless Impact Driver 205Nm. Alongside the two tools you also get two 18V 5.0Ah Li-Ion batteries, the 75min Multi-Voltage Charger and a TSTAK kit box.
The Brushless Combi Drill is a two speed Hammer Drill Driver that delivers up to 90Nm of torque in a compact 177mm body. There are 15 torque settings for precise control over drilling and fastening, the enhanced pivoting LED positioned on the foot offers visibility in dark spaces. The ergonomic design has a rubber grip over-mould giving you a firm grip, the intelligent trigger design delivers total control of application. The two speed all metal transmission for increased runtime and longer tool life, there is a handy steel belt hook and magnetic bit holder. The Impact Driver is DeWalt’s smallest most powerful 18V XR impact driver, it delivers 205Nm in a 100mm compact body suitable for construction, industrial and automotive environments.
Other features include a three-mode switch for enhanced control, the Precision Drive stops the material and fastener been damaged in smaller jobs. The 3x LED ""Halo"" light ring provides excellent visuals, the three motor speeds and torque settings give you precise control whilst you work, and the compact body makes it easy to fit into tight spaces. Both tools use the POWERSTACK batteries, these deliver 50% more power with a 25% smaller footprint and works with all the 18V XR tools you already have.
Both tools and accessories are safely stored away in the TSTAK Kitbox, these storage units are modular and can be stacked together in a variety of configurations letting you effortlessly keep all your tools together and safe whether stored at home or in the work van. These compact and powerful tools will be your go to for every job, be it professional or DIY home improvements.
£539.99
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sHOwers pass meNs ClOudBursT HOOdIe
Ah, good old British weather! Glorious sunshine in the morning, torrential downpour come lunchtime and we wouldn’t have it any other way! Well, that last bit was a lie but we literally can’t change the weather (yet!) so we may as well embrace it yeah? It’s also the reason why clothing such as this hoodie from Showers Pass (what a great name!) are designed and created although these guys originate in Portland Oregon which has a surprisingly similar climate to our little island here near the European mainland and for that, I am grateful. Without it, we wouldn’t have this convenient little waterproof hoodie.
Made from 3-layer eliteAIR™ fabric which has 43,000 g/m² breathability combined with a moisture-wicking lining at the collar (Considering 20,000 g/m² is suitable for heavy trekking or hard physical labour, this is clearly going to keep you aerated as well as anything else can!) and a waterproof rating of 10,200 - which is enough to handle a heavy shower that doesn’t go on for too long (it’ll start to let the wetness in after a while). For what it’s designed for however, this is perfectly acceptable, probably best not to start your run while it’s raining though, unless it’s a short one!
The hood is adjustable, allowing you to tighten up against particularly harsh downpours or to loosen up if it’s one of those humid days and includes reflective accents for added safety. Speaking of which, the roomy back pocket has a reflective trim as well. The cuffs are partially elasticated too and there is a double cinch cord at the waist giving a decent fit all round as a result. The whole thing weighs around 325g’s and folds in to its own back pocket for transport when the rain isn’t bucketing it down.
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– NO N eed FOr a separaT e BaG . r eFleCTI ve pa N els FOr sa FeT y CONs TH e HOOd COuld Be a BeTT er FIT, eveN w ITH TH e adJ usTa BIl IT y.
sNOOZeBaNd prO 2.0 BlueTOOTH sleep masK
I’ve always loved my sleep but after having two kids when I can get to sleep is very much dictated by them. Sometimes that means sleeping in the daytime when it’s light or trying to get some rest whilst my partner takes care of a noisy toddler, these are not conducive environments for sleep. On top of that I’ve always struggled to relax before bed and my go to is to listen to calming music or meditations, this equally becomes difficult when you are sharing a room with a partner or baby.
As someone who already wears an eye mask the SnoozeBand Pro immediately peaked my interest, my in-ear headphones would often cause me pain when sleeping on my side or they would fall out in the night and get lost in amongst the bedding. This Bluetooth sleep band is made with a soft brushed cotton on the outside and lightweight padding around the eyes, blocking out the light without causing pressure points, it can be adjusted to get the perfect fit for you. The built-in ultra-thin 4mm speakers allow you to comfortably sleep on your side without anything digging into your ears or head, the rechargeable battery lasts up to 15 hours from 1 charge and takes 1-2 hours to fully recharge.
The automatic shut-off timer saves the battery life and ensures you fall into a deeper sleep without audio continuing to play, choose for it to stop after 1 or 2 hours. It connects to any device using Bluetooth 5.2, you can view the battery status on your device which means there’s no annoying lights on the SnoozeBand and even better no nasty “battery is low” or “power off” voice prompts that will jolt you awake.
I found the SnoozeBand Pro 2 really comfortable, its gentle around the eyes and ears but won’t wiggle its way off when you roll over. It blocks out all the light, which makes those daytime naps and bright summer mornings a non-issue,
I found it was still in place in the morning. The material is comfortable against the skin, but I did find my head felt quite warm in the morning, I think I might struggle with it at the peak of summer. Thankfully the band is machine washable to keep things hygienic, especially if like me you sometimes fall asleep in make up or use a facial moisturiser at night. Even with the chance of a sweaty head on summer mornings and some additional bed hair I would still use this, it’s so comfortable and means I can listen to what I want without disturbing anyone else and block out light, snoring or whatever else might try to get between me and some decent sleep.
£64.99
p rOs
COm FOrTa Ble , eveN FOr sI de
sleepers
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au TOmaTIC sw ITCH OFF
NO dIs T raCTING l IGHTs Or vOICe prOmpTs
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Ca N G eT warm w H eN wOr N
all NIGHT
THIs COm FOrTa Ble
sleep masK a N d
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dIsT ur Bed By yOur eN v I rON meNT.
GOdOx maGIC xT1
For those familiar with using wireless microphones in either their professional life or just for creating content for their own pleasure, the struggle with keeping all the bits and pieces together and easy to find is real! Now, we’ve reviewed Godox microphones before and they do provide good charging cases that hold both TX (transmitter) and RX (Receiver) units but this latest offering goes one step further, doing away with the charging case completely, making the RX itself the charging case with the ability to store the 2 TX’s in one convenient portable unit.
The advantages for this are two-fold. Firstly, it’s less to carry around and less things to look for when ‘Action!’ is called for, all being secured in one place. Secondly, if you’re only using one transmitter, the other can stay on charge, giving you double the time. The TX’s each have about 8 hrs worth of charge and the RX has 16 hrs so this works out nicely. You can recharge the RX via the supplied USB-C – USB-A cable and this also gets you connected to your PC so you can download and edit your recordings. They’ve also provided a 3.5mm TRS – USB-C cable for those that want or need to connect to their mobile rather than PC and a TRS-TRS cable so you can connect to a digital camera.
The Line of Sight range between RX and TX is up to 200 metres, giving you plenty of room and scope when making your recordings and the magnetic backing to hold the TX’s in place ensures you don’t end up with any accidents while moving about. The microphones are omni-directional, ideal for when you’re not in a fixed spot and there is also a lowcut 150hZ filter along with a 1-click noise-reduction button on both of them. You’ll wonder how you coped before you had this!
THIs Is NOT a Bad m IC seT aT all FOr TH e pr ICe a N d w ITH a u NIque T w IsT IN TH e T x/rx COm BO
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p rOs G OOd ra NG e COmpaCT CONN eCTION OpTIONs all COvered 10-level vOlume adJ usT meNT ON TH e m IC s
CONs
I F yOu already Ow N sOme G OdOx m IC ’ s , THIs may Be a N u NN eC essary purCH ase .
Pesticides and chemicals on our fresh food is not a new thing and cleaning your food before cooking and consumption has always been a sensible thing to do. But most of us rely on a simple wash under the tap and no matter how thorough you are, you may still end up with undesirable elements on your food. This device from MIRA aims to provide a cleaning solution without any chemicals being involved at all.
To use it you simply place your produce in to a container along with water and then rest the fins in the centre. Make sure you don’t fill the water so high that it goes above the fins, the top of the unit is not waterproof! You then input in to the touchscreen the kind of cleaning you want to do. There are several options including a detoxification for raw food, anti-parasitic and thermal treatment. There is even an option for detox of household items such as keys for example. The device then uses ultra-sonic pulses to remove physical contaminants as well as oxidising any pesticides on the food so that they become inert and safely removed once you remove the products from the water.
Now, you may be forgiven for thinking this is all hyperbole and there’s nothing wrong with washing under a tap (it’s never done you any harm so far, worked for your parents and their parents etc…) but when you consider how farming has evolved in the space of a few generations, it’s not hard to see that things ain’t the same as they once were! Certified lab tests have seen a consistent level of effectiveness (ranging from 96.3% mold removal success to 99.9% hard metals removal) that I challenge anyone to achieve using water running from a tap. This item may not be essential in the UK due to stringent checks on food and water quality but it’s certainly going to give your food one of the safest and most comprehensive chemical-free washes out there.
p rOs
CH em ICal-F ree
Clea NING prOCess
mulTI ple Clea NING
mOdes
easy TO use
Ca N Be used TO Clea N IT ems OTH er TH a N
peaCe OF m IN d
I F yOu wa NT TO Be a B sOlu T ely sure yOur FOOd Is as Clea N as Ca N Be a N d H ave sOme peaCe OF m IN d, THIs Is wOrTH G eTTING .
COmpresspOrT TraIl raCING 2-IN-1 sHOrTs
With the warmer weather finally showing up its time to get those pins out and enjoy the freedom from multiple layers whilst training, the Trail Racing 2 in 1 shorts from Compressport come in two designs, a minimalistic all black or the eye catching white and yellow combination. These super lightweight shorts weigh just 110g and have been specifically created for both trail training and racing.
You get two shorts for the price of one with a fully-knitted inner boxer and a lightweight looser fitting overshort, having recently had update after feedback from athletes they provide comfort and a full range of motion for uneven terrain and hill climbs. The boxer section is highly breathable with an ergonomic structure to reduce delicate body parts from bouncing around (you know what we mean). The ultralight and non-irritating outer material provides optimal freedom of movement without catching or chaffing between the thighs, whilst the trail-specific outer mesh waistbelt has been added to allow you to conveniently carry nutrition and small personal belongings. Even when running a faster pace you gear is kept snug to the body and won’t jiggle about causing irritation and distractions, it is divided into three compartments so you can organise you things, simply pull one of the easy access tabs to grab what you need without skipping a beat. The hidden rear pocket with invisible zip provides secure storage for any valuables, keys or bank card for example.
A new-generation drawcord replaces the previous toggle, allowing you to evenly adjust the shorts for a perfect fit. The outer layer is made from a quick-drying membrane that won't weigh you down and can tackle those sudden weather changes, although they have been created for the trail, they are more than suitable for road running or HIIT classes at the gym. You will find yourself reaching for these as soon as the weather turns milder, they combine comfort and functionality perfectly helping you focus on your pace and miles.
sKullCaNdy HesH evO
These over-ear headphones come in four designs, the True Black is standard but there are also three Triple Threat limited editions, the Snow, Sunset and Asphalt, the come with 40mm drivers and Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connection. These cans are going to appeal to people looking for no fuss audio, just connect and play, theres no active noise cancellation, you can’t take them swimming, they won’t measure your steps or tell you the weather, just pure audio.
They come with a 36hour battery life and just 10mins charge time will give you 3 hours, that’s enough time to make a cuppa, have a biscuit and they are ready to go again. The built in microphone lets you take calls or activate your smart assistant, there is also handy integrated Tile technology, this will help you locate the headphones if you misplace them, simply download the Tile app to activate.
The earcups are well cushioned and will sit comfortably on your ears for hours if you choose, they also provide noise isolation, the headband is plushy and the overall lightweight (213g) adds to the comfort, things can get a bit toasty though on warmer days. When it comes to packing them away the fold down flat thanks to the strong hinges, making them easy to stow away when not in use. The audio is good, we were hoping for a little extra bass than was provided and as there is no option to play about with the EQ you get what you are given, the mid and high tones are clean and defined but overall it does lack a little punch.
Audiophiles might find the lack of controls and slightly soft bass off putting but most listeners and fans of the brand will enjoy the defined tones and the comfortable fit, plus the added bonus of always being able to find them means you will always have your music close to hand.
p rOs easy, INT u ITI ve CONT rOl pa N el a dJ usTa Ble TO TH e maJOr IT y OF sIZ es Ou T TH ere COm BIN ed H eaT a N d v IBraTOry massaG e Free aCCess TO a N ONl IN e pH ysIO -TH erapIsT led T reaT meNT reGI me
HydraGuN HeaTpulse KNee massaGer 2
Age gets the better of all of us eventually and, if you’re someone who exercises regularly or work in a physical job, it will come as no surprise that your knees tend to be one of the first things to ‘go’. So, for those of us that can’t afford a professional masseuse or sports therapist (most of us I would assume!), we have gadgets such as this one to help us out.
This knee massager works using heat (shocking, I know…) and pulses to provide a soothing massage for your aching knees. The temperature range runs from 40° to 70° and there are three different speeds of vibration to choose from, giving you quite a wide range so you can set it at whatever level is most comfortable for you. The controls are fitted on to an easy-to-use touchscreen device that detaches, allowing easier access for charging via the supplied USB-C charging cable. The material is made using Graphene – a substance formed from single-atom layers which, as a result of how it forms is excellent at transferring heat without much loss at all, giving you consistency across the device for your massage.
Speaking of the massage, the vibrating cores are in a position that target the entire joint from either side of your knee, ensuring the massage hits the muscles and ligaments rather than getting wasted on your knee cap! When it comes to fitting the massager on, the straps are Velcro and adjustable so you can use it on your elbow for example and you also get an extender strap for those with a larger leg circumference or for doing other areas of your body such as your shoulder. Despite the name, you don’t have to keep it just for your knees! They recommend using it for 30 minute sessions at a time and the battery is good for about 3 hours so you’ll get 6 sessions out of it before needing to recharge.
£73.99
p rOs
a BIl IT y TO C reaT e 2d a N d 3d sT ruCT ures I NsTa NT ‘dOes TH aT wOr K?’ FaCTOr
B r IGHTly COlOured a N d easy TO H a N dle per FeCT FOr s T em sKIll G rOw TH CONs m ay Be a l ITTle TOO easy?
playmaGs 150 pIeCe seT
Ask anyone that knows me and they will confirm that I love magnets! I build 8mm scale model kits with interchangeable parts that require magnets (and a fair degree of engineering skill to put together in some cases!) and this has only come about due to my days of youth using good old Meccano and Lego – both of which encouraged my creativity and understanding of how things go together as well as forward planning to facilitate this.
Nothing about the product yet Dave, what are you babbling on about? Well, quite simply, the above goes to show the advantage of having a toy set that provides these opportunities for little ones to learn real practical knowledge and skills that could set them up well for their future. The Playmags set is simply the next evolution in these kind of educational toys and, rather than have fiddly screws and nuts or plastic components that little hands may find tough to fit together easily, it relies on magnets. Although you could argue the fine-motor skills suffer as a result, what this set allows your child to do is get instantaneous feedback on what works and what doesn’t (not to mention they get that very satisfying ‘click’ when the pieces are put together!) and their creativity is not held back as they struggle with fiddly bits. Being a parent myself, I well know how quickly some kids get bored and move on when frustration sets in so, hopefully, this kit will keep them entertained for at least half an hour before they move on to the next thing!
The kit keeps the shapes and colours simple, relying on squares, triangles and rectangles as well as primary colours (with yellow and purple added) and you also get some tiles with letters on for added educational flex. Whatever else your kid gets out of this, I can’t see any of them not having fun.
sTaNCe sTraNGer THINGs BOx Crew sOCK
Know a fan of Stranger Things? Well, we have a great gift idea, the Surfer Boy Pizza Box set from Stance, with three pairs of socks, the Surfer Boy, Hellfire Club and Stranger Things graphics. These crew socks don’t just look cool, but the combed cotton blend mean they are both comfortable and breathable also.
For more information on the Stance Stranger Things Box Crew Sock click here
£59.99
sTaNCe wINdy peaKs
Next up from Stance is the Windy Peaks crew socks, made with a nylon blend they are a little thicker with a medium and targeted cushioning. They feature engineered arch support, seamless toe closure and a deep heel pocket, making these a good choice for those who enjoy a good walk. For more information on the Stance Windy Peaks click here
£22.99
sTaNCe ruN lIGHT quarTer
A pair for the runners, whatever your pace the Run Light Quarters keep your feet comfortable, with an above-the-ankle cut that reduces distracting friction, they also wick away sweat at every mile. They feature light cushioning, Infiknit design, performance mesh, engineered ankle protection, seamless toe closure and channelled air cushioning, all to help you get the best out of your run.
For more information on the Stance Run Light Quarter click here
£15.99
sTaNCe ramp CamO BOxer BrIeF
Lastly, moving the comfort from your feet to your cheeks, no not your face, we have the Ramp Camo Boxer Brief. Ready for anything from hunting to a lazy day at home these super soft pants are made with the Stance Butter Blend material, they have Feather-Seam Construction to avoid irritation and the Hidden Core-Flex Waistband for the ultimate luxury feel.
For more information on the Stance Ramp Camo Boxer Brief click here
£30.00
a BIl IT y TO CON verT TH e mOsT up-TO -daT e musIC FIles aCC uraT ely G OOd prOveNa NC e
Bu IlT-IN H eadpHON e ampl IFI er TH aT FITs BOTH 4.4 a N d 6.3mm JaCK s var I a Ble Or FI xed Ou T pu T sw ITCH
CONs
wH eN IT G eTs TO a CerTa IN pOINT, Is TH e dIFFereNC e really wOrTH IT FOr TH e averaG e pu NT er? For more information on the ifi audio Zen DAC 3 click here I F yOu ’ re a N audIOpHIle w ITH l I m IT ed F u N ds , THIs Is prOBa Bly very appeal ING TO yOu. FOr TH e resT OF us , w Ill IT ma K e TH aT muCH dIFFereNC e? wHO Cares!? IT ’ s sTIll wOrTH IT FOr TH e sOu N d
TH aT Is sTIll BeTT er TH a N w H aT ever yOur spea K ers Or H eadpHON es alON e Ca N KNOCK Ou T
IFI audIO ZeN daC 3
ifi have a good history when it comes to DAC’s and this particular design is no exception. As you may have already worked out, this is the third device to bear the Zen name and when you consider the Zen has been awarded the WHAT Hi-Fi? ‘Best DAC below £200’ for four years in a row (The original in 2020, the Zen 2 in 2021-2023), you can see why they’re continuously updating this little device! Although the 3 has moved beyond the ‘under £200’ tag so we’ll see if it gets an award in 2024…
For those not in the know, the Zen is a USB-based DAC (Digital to Analogue Converter) that you can attach as an intermediary between your player and your chosen audio device that helps to clear up the background sound and provide a much purer, cleaner sound – more akin to whatever the original artist had in mind. The Zen 3 improves on the 2 by doubling its digital capabilities to 768kHz resolution (for those that have 768 kHz recordings!), DSD512 (the highest sampling rate currently achievable on DSD recordings) and MQA decoding, giving you the ability to listen to most audio recordings as close as possible to the original recording as done by the artist in the studio.
From a button pushing perspective, the Zen 3 has a variety of features that ensure purer sound quality. The USB port is restricted to only transferring data when an external power source is connected for example as well as having overvoltage protection and a reduction in DC offset (in very simple terms, the distortion generated by flicking switches) in comparison to the 2 helps keep the sound consistent while you’re making use of it. All in all, the Zen 3 has got as many bells and whistles (not literally, obviously!) as you need at a price that most of us would be happy to pay to listen to most of your audio in as good a condition as most of us will need.
Bam OrIGIN aIr BamBOO pOlO sHIrT
The Review Smiths are already fans of BAM Clothing, it often causes a bit of a tussle on who gets to check out the latest apparel, you feel good for wearing it in more ways than one. The Original Air Bamboo Polo Shirt comes in five colours, Navy, Ocean Teal Marl, Seaweed, Sangria (red) and Swallow (blue), it also comes in five sizes, S, M, L, XL and XXL. The first thing you notice is the reason why we love BAM, it is luxuriously soft, honestly you won’t be able to stop touching it. Unlike a lot of polo shirts, it is a lightweight material so it remains comfortable in warmer weather whilst still looking smart thanks to the classic polo collar.
This top fits the elusive smart casual look, it has a three button opening and the collar has contrast back neck tape and a woven fabric undercollar so it sits perfectly and looks good, there is a discrete little BAM icon on the left hip. The material is flattering with a slightly tighter fit around the arms but loose around the tummy and side split at the hem creating a profile that suits most wearers, it also ensures it’s comfortable.
Thanks to the blend of bamboo viscos and organic cotton it is naturally cool and breathable but also provides the right amount of stretch to allow for natural movements without restriction, it washes out well and holds its colour. The only down side (and I’m really being picky now) is that it cannot go in the tumble dryer, you can feel better by knowing this reduces its carbon footprint but not helpful if you are in a hurry to get it dry. This is a great choice for summer gatherings, keeping you cool and comfortable whilst looking smart, there’s not a lot of clothes that can boast that.
THIs susTa INa Ble
TOp NOT ONly ma K es yOu lOOK GOOd Bu T dOes GOOd FOr TH e pla N eT TOO.
B reaTH a Ble
FlaTT er ING C u T
lIGHT weIGHT
susTa INa Ble
CONs
Ca NNOT T um Ble
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.
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 nonembossed 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 Finder Card can be bought separately, which helps you locate your wallet from your phone (or vice versa), with 6 month battery life and up to 300ft (60m) range with Bluetooth 4.0 (only compatible with Apple devices). 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.
p rOs
smarT, u NIque lOOK
Fa Ns Ou T yOur Cards w ITH a pusH OF a Bu TTON super dura Ble spaC e- G rade 6061-T6 alum INI um
sl I m prOFIle
expa N da Ble BaCK plaT e
BlOCK s r FI d
HOlds 1-15 Cards + BIlls
CONs m INI mal s TOraG e
dIFFIC ulT TO aCCess lOTs OF Cards a N d CasH IN TH e BaCK plaT e
p rOs
qu ICK Card aCCess meCH a NIsm
r FI d BlOCKING T eCHNOlOGy p rem I um leaTH er CONsT ruCTION
r ING er r ING yOur walleT Or pHON e (w ITH FIN der Card)
vOICe-aCTI vaT ed COmpaTIBle w ITH G OOGle a ssIsTa NT, a lexa a N d
sI r I (w ITH FIN der Card)
s elFI e-mOde Ta K es remOT e G rOup selFI es w ITH yOur FIN der Card
CONs
I NFlex IBle Cards Ca N sl I p Ou T
CasH NOT es are H ard TO OrG a NIse NO COIN sTOraG e
eKsTer parlIameNT walleT
Ekster sets out to make life as easy as possible by reimagining the traditional wallet by making it easier to use and harder to lose. Based in the Netherlands Ekster is named after the Dutch word for Magpie, well known for its habit of collecting and hiding shiny things. Inspired by the Magpie the Ekster’s flagship wallet the Parliament (named after a flock of Magpies) was created to protect everyday valuables.
The Parliament wallet comes in seven editions in its classic design (we received the Nappa Black version), it is also available in three different colours of vegan leather, made with PVB sourced from scrapped cars and three matte finishes to ensure there is a perfect colour and material for everyone. The Nappa Black is constructed from genuine leather which will age beautifully with use and are tanned under gold-rated LWG environmental protocols. The built-in aluminium cardholder is one of the things that sets this wallet apart, with a press of a button the card-slider mechanism pops out up to six non-embossed cards (or a combination of 4 - 5 embossed/non-embossed cards) in a staggered fashion making it easy to locate the card you need. I found selecting a card easy when they were fanned but my sausage fingered friend struggled to separate them, there are two pockets where you can store your most used cards.
This wallet can take 12+ cards but it is recommended that 9 is the max number. The RFID/NFC protecting technology in the wallet protects your cards from wireless skimming and private data theft, the elasticated strap can be used to store bank notes but unfortunately there is nowhere to store coins. There is a lot to love about the Parliament, however, there are elements that won’t work for everybody. It is reasonably compact (1.1 x 10.5 x 6.5 cm) but the metal construction means it is better suited in a jacket pocket than a trouser pocket, the cards in the card slider can slip out if given a shake (I’m not sure why you would do this but it’s something to consider). It is hard to see all your bank notes under the strap and removing just one at a time can be fiddly, something this wallet was trying to avoid. This wallet comes down to personal preference, it is a premium construction and RFID protection are great features but the limited space and solid body make it best suited for evenings out and special occasions rather than everyday use.
eKsTer FINder Card
£47
wOr K s w ITH TH e a pple FIN d my NeT wOr K
TH e sl I mmesT FIN d my dev ICe as THIN as T wO sTa N dard C redIT Cards
TH e lOudesT r ING er
r ING yOur FIN der Card F rOm yOur I p HON e up TO 300 FT (90 m) away a N d prOduCe a 95 dB r ING er
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TH e FIN der Card Is a N eNC rypT ed T raCKING dev ICe TH aT
mICrOplaNe prOFessIONal y peeler serraTed
This stainless steel serrated double blade is super sharp and designed for easy and smooth peeling. It can tackle a wide variety of fruits and vegetables particularly those with more delicate skin like tomatoes, kiwis, mangos for example. It is comfortable to use thanks to the ergonomic, non-slip, soft-touch handle.
For more information on the Microplane Professional Y Peeler Serrated click here
£22
mICrOplaNe prOFessIONal y peeler sTraIGHT
The straight edge version also features an ultra-sharp stainless steel double blade, this blade is more suited to firmer fruits and vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, courgettes, potatoes, parsnips for example. The Y-shaped design provides the ultimate control when peeling and prepping your food.
£22
For stockists, please visit www.darlighting.co.uk or contact our team directly on: 01295 672 200
