Gadgethead 2.11

Magazine

UK

£4.95

ISSUE 2.11

www.gadgetheadmag.com

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Editor in Chief Daemon Sands daemonsands@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Director Alex Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com Corporate Director Anthony Letchumaman anthonyl@littlegatepublishing.com Senior Writer Emma Hilling emmahilling@littlegatepublishing.com Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com

Contents ● Osprey Radial 26 ● Spyder Garmisch Ski Jacket ● Think Tank Aiport Helipak

Page 10 ● Zippo 12 Hour Hand Warmer ● Falke 4 Grip Sports Sock ● Think Tank Shape Shifter 17 V2.0 ● Optikinetics LED Solar 250 ● Coleman FastPitch Drake 4 Tent

Page 20 ● Bogs Classic High Boot ● Go Travel Slim Power Bank ● MindShift Moose Peterson MP-1 V2.0 Camera Bag ● Zinc Volt 80+ Scooter ● Explanar Golf Training System: Improve Your Swing Technique

Page 30 ● Thule RideAlong Childrens Bicycle Seat ● Coleman Divide+ 700 LED Torch ● One Z Pillow 5-1 Nursing Pillow ● Tamrac G Elite 32 Bag ● Skoog 2.0

Page 40 ● Parlay Ultra Dark Rum ● Polar M600 Smart Watch and Fitness Tracker ● MEDesign Backfriend ● CouchCoaster ● Columbia Titanium Outdry Ex Diamond Shell Jacket ● Elliot Brown Watch ● Bogs Johnny 5-Eye Boot

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Osprey Radial 26 The Radial 26 is a unisex commuter bag designed specifically for cyclists.

The bag features Osprey’s latest AirSpeed technology which uses a trampoline style suspended mesh that allows air to circulate between your back and bag when out on the road.

Osprey say this is for commuting in hot and humid conditions but if you are like me and get a sweat on when cycling up anything over a 2% gradient the cooling element comes more than welcome. As we have come to expect from Osprey, the Radial 26 is absolutely jam packed with special features and here is a run-down on some of its best: - Ventilated stretch yoke and load lifters shoulder straps to you and me - Ultra-light and comfortable with lots of ventilation holes to keep your skin breathing - Padded laptop and tablet sleeve that rest comfortable on your back

- Internal & external organiser’s and pockets for bike specific tools, spares, paperwork, sunglasses and documents.

There is room for absolutely everything in this bag. Furthermore, there’s a high-vis rain cover stowed in the bottom, a LidLock bike helmet attachment, LED light attachment points and extra reflective details. An emergency whistle is attached on the sternum strap which is a nice touch but difficult to reach unless unclipped.

One last cool feature that is deserving of a mention is the integrated kickstand. The kickstand allows you to put your bag down whilst putting on you helmet or undoing your bike lockit is designed to stay up right so only the bottom of the bag is in contact with the ground.

Overall, I found the Radial 26 to be the perfect cycling bag and without it pedalling for you I’m not sure you could find better. RRP £110

http://bit.ly/2fZgbhn

Pros • • • • • • • •

Light weight (1.37 kg) Comfortable Breathable Loads of storage space and specialist pockets Rain cover Reflectors Kickstand LidLock bike helmet attachment

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Spyder Garmisch Ski Jacket The Garmisch is an uber-cool ski jacket available in 5 different colours; we tested the light blue with black detailing. My first impressions of the Garmisch jacket were positive.

The jacket has a high quality feel both inside and out, the 360º stretchy Nylon with Spyder’s Xt.L 20k/30k Laminate and Spylon+ DWR provides a waterproof, breathable and flexible fit and the PrimaLoft Silver Insulation (60g) keeps things lightweight. The anti-abrasion overlay film by Bemis makes life extra comfortable and then there’s the two large ventilation areas that can be unzipped if things get too heated. All the zips are waterproof with taped seams; this does make them a little stiffer than normal zips and with the narrow zip pulls it can be difficult to get into your pockets whist wearing ski gloves. The Garmisch

features a removable hood that has a stiff visor for extra protection from the elements, the arms have Velcro adjustable cuffs with gussets and soft interior stretch cuffs with thumb holes which stop the snow getting into places it shouldn’t. Talking of keeping the snow out the powder skirt is elasticated so when it’s not in use it pulls back out of the way, furthermore the Garmisch also has a ski pass card pocket in the left arm and elasticated attachment in the right pocket (just in case the machines are on the right).

There is another waterproof pocket on the right side of the chest with a detachable Chamois lens wipe and inside the jacket there’s a zip pocket for your valuables and an elasticated mesh pocket which is handy to store a buffer or warm hat.

The Garmisch is a warm, flexible jacket

with lots of useful qualities but for its rather hefty price tag you could get yourself a plane ticket to the slopes.

The price would be justified if not for some minor details like the finish on the waterproof zip on the chest pocket, and lose blue threads which were noticeable against the black and I just can’t get used to those fiddly zip pulls. For this sort of money, the jacket needs to be perfect.

Having said that, this is still an exceptionally good jacket and who knows if you aren’t as clumsy at getting into pockets as I am you may find that its worth every penny.

RRP £625

www.spyder.com

Pros • • • • • • • • •

Lightweight Flexible Stretchy Waterproof Warm Tactile Snap back powder skirt Chamois Detachable hood with visor

Cons • Stiff zips with small zip pulls • Some of the stitching is tatty on the chest pocket • Price

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Think Tank Aiport Helipak The Think Tank Airport Helipak is available in 3 models, the DJI Phanton, DJI Inspire and the 3DR Solo, we will be taking a close look at the 3DR Solo model. Think Tank have provided so much more than just a protective carry case with the Airport Helipak travel bag.

The bag has a specific area for the drone, controller and charging pack but then there’s plenty of room left over for a 7” monitor, spares, action cameras, DSLR’s or whatever else you need. The inside of the bag is kitted out with Velcro dividers so it can be completely restructured to suit your individual needs. The blades do need to be removed when packing the drone away but Think Tank have provided some protective rubber caps to keep the threads safe whilst the blades get stored away in a pocket on the inside of the lid of the bag.

The front pocket has space to carry up to a 17” laptop and tablet as well as having room for your pens, smartphone, wallet or any small essentials in the organiser pocket.

On 3 out of 4 sides there are carry handles, 2 lovely thick padded ones

(top and left side) with a thin strap on the bottom to help you grab the bag from an overhead compartment. On the right side, there’s a deep pocket for a water bottle (I just wished they had snuck in another strap on this side to make it easy to grab from any angle). On the back of the bag there’s some generously padded shoulder straps (with elasticated pockets and D rings for extra storage), the very same we have become used to seeing from Think Tank.

It doesn’t matter how much gear you stuff in this bag it remains comfortable to carry on your back even during some of the longest commutes. Yet another practical and innovative design by the smart minds over at Think Tank. RRP $199.99/ £183.98

www.thinktankphoto.com

Pros • • • •

Comfortable to wear Lots of storage space Carry-on baggage compliable Attached rain cover

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Gadgethead Magazine

9

Zippo 12 Hour Hand Warmer I must admit when I first saw this product I couldn’t see the point of it.

I mean I already have some reusable hand warmers, the kind where you press the metal button and then like magic they go hard and warm then you simply boil them to return them to their former state.

The Zippo hand warmer is a totally different concept that seems almost dangerous at first, especially with all the warnings in the instructions. The basics are that you fill up the hand warmer with lighter fluid by using the little jug provided, replace the catalytic burner then hold a flame to the catalytic burner for 10 seconds.

Afterward, you tuck the entire thing away in the soft bag provided and the hand warmer will happily keep warm for up to 12 hours. The bag does more than just protect your hands from getting burnt so don’t think you can skip it if you are wearing gloves;

as it prevents too much oxygen getting into the ventilation holes and causing the hand warmer to over-heat.

When we tested the hand warmer it ran for 11hours 43minutes, the cool thing about the Zippo is that it stays at the same temperature throughout, unlike other hand warmers that get cooler and cooler as they are about to run out, the Zippo hand warmer stays hot, hot, hot until it runs out of fuel and it cools down almost immediately.

Aesthetically, the Zippo looks pretty cool too (like an oversized Zippo lighter in bright orange). I wish the hand warming bag looked a little more interesting; rather than just black with a little zippo tag. All things considered this is a wicked little stocking filler that will keep your hands (or any other important bits) warm time and time again. RRP ÂŁ19.99

www.zippo.co.uk

Pros • • • • •

12 hours of consistent heat Reusable Slim and portable Available in 7 designs Cheap to run

Cons • Can be fiddly to sit up • The protective bag lacks charm

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11

Falke 4 Grip Sports Sock When it comes to running socks, I’m never sure how much of an effect they really have on your performance - surely whatever material lays between your skin and your running shoe can’t shave minutes off your personal best? We will be taking a look at the Falke 4 Grip to find out.

Firstly, let’s see what makes these different from my usual running socks (100% cotton Harry Potter ankle socks). Well, the first noticeable feature is that they are covered silicone dots both outside and inside, to optimise your grip inside your shoe and allow you to turn corners faster and easier. Secondly, the socks can basically stand up by themselves this is due to a compression zone in the ankle area intended for reducing misalignments and the risk of sprains.

They also have a moisture-regulating, 3-layered fabric structure to help keep your feet cool and dry, and their ergonomic fit and patented toe box claims to reduce pressure marks and blisters.

So how did they perform? Well, on an entertainment level my partner found it pretty funny watching me trying to get into them; due to the compression around the ankle it became quite the

battle just to get my foot in. Whilst out running, if I am totally honest I found the silicone dots a constant distraction - it was like having a label stuck to the bottom of my foot the entire time, and I found they did nothing to help my cornering.

However, the compression around the ankles provided a little extra support on tight corners - something I am particularly bad at when it comes to running at any kind of pace. When it came to taking them off again, however, it was the same ridiculous performance, to the point that I actually enlisted the help of my partner to yank them off.

I was left feeling rather confused about the 4 Grip; on the one hand the compression supported my ankle and the fabric structure appeared to keep me cool and dry, but the silicone was simply annoying at best and getting into the socks was such a battle I don’t think I would bother with them for anything less than 10 miles.

So, would I spend £32 for these socks? Certainly not. There are some nice elements but I am afraid I couldn’t get past the silicone dots (or that price tag). RRP £32

www.falke.com

Pros • Ankle compression • Moisture-regulating, 3-layered fabric structure • Ergonomic fit

Cons • Silicone pads inside and out are annoying • Over priced • Difficult to put on and take off

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Think Tank Shape Shifter 17 V2.0 The popular Shape Shifter from Think Tank has had an upgrade to version 2.0. The magic behind the Shape Shifter is in the fact it can be compressed down by 3 inches when the gear is removed making it a highly versatile travel companion. The Shape Shifter comes in two sizes (15 or 17) and can be carried by the handle or worn with the generously padded, contoured shoulder harness, with air channel (to avoid that sweat patch), sternum strap and removable waist belt. Photographers will appreciate the tripod attachment on front of bag which keeps weight comfortably centred, whilst allowing you access to all your gear without having to remove your tripod.

The Shape Shifters inside offers a Modular structure with plush pockets including the new wrap pocket that can hold a gripped body or a standard body with a small lens on it. The other pockets offer flexibility that will provide enough space for 1 or 2 DSLRs (gripped or un-gripped), 3 or 4 lenses (detached), 17” laptop, a 12” or 13” tablet and front pocket with organizer for accessories and/ or other travel essentials. The Shape Shifter 17 specs are as follows: exterior dimensions when expanded are 20” H x 12.5” W x 7” D” (51 x 32 x 18 cm) and when compressed 20” H x 12.5 W” x 3” D (51 x 32 x 8 cm).

The laptop compartment interior is 19” H x 12” W x 1.5” D (48 x 30.5 x

www.thinktankphoto.com 4 cm), tablet compartment is 10.2” W x 12.2” H x 0.6” D (26 x 31 x 1.5 cm) and smartphone/glasses pocket is 7.1” W x 4.7” H x 1.6” D (18 x 12 x 2 cm). Weight, with all accessories, is 4.6 lbs (2.1kg).

The Shape Shifter V2.0 will keep your gear dry as it is constructed from water-repellent fabric coated on the underside with polyurethane and if that’s not enough it also comes with an attached rain cover. The Shape Shifter V2.0 has all the charm of the original version with a few new added touches that make it a functional and versatile camera bag. RRP $279.75/ £199.99

Pros • Compresses down by 3 inches • Holds a full assortment of gear, tripod, 17” laptop and a full-size tablet • Sleeve to attach to rolling luggage • Detachable water bottle pouch • Contoured shoulder harness with air channel • Attached rain cover

Cons • The draw string bags and Velcro flaps can be a bit fiddley when trying to access gear quickly

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Optikinetics LED Solar 250 Come back in time with me to the swinging sixties and the psychedelic oil wheel projectors that would cast hypnotic images swirling over walls and ceiling. Opti were one of the leaders in the market of projectors back in the day, and they have now been revised for a new audience.

The Optikinetics LED Solar 250 Projector is a wonderful addition to the household for individuals who partake in vision therapy. The LED Solar 250 had a reputation of having the build quality of an army tank, and the revised model continues that reputation, weighing in at 3.2 kg.

Measuring 367 x 133 x 102 cm, it feels solid, stable and what I expected considering how long I have owned my old Solar 250 100.

When comparing the LED Solar 250 to the original Solar 100C, the first thing you notice is that this is a much quieter machine. It still produces a high-quality image, the 40W LED Module producing 2000 Lumens of light with a bright, white colour temperature of 4000K. It is easy to focus with a twist of the lens on the front of the machine, and the mount can be used to attach the projector to the ceiling, wall or any flat surface, and can also be used as a free stand so you can move the projector from room to room.

There are a range of effects available for the LED Solar 250 and they are split into three main groups: Effect Wheels (6 inch or 9 inch OPTI Max), Effect Cassettes (50mm or 3 inch) and

Static 35mm Slides & 50mm Gobos.

Additional Standard Wheels and Effect Cassettes are available on their website, but they can custom-make gobos and effects in all sizes.

The LED Solar 250 manual offers clear instructions to novices but it is also an intuitive piece of kit that doesn’t take long to set up and operate. We were impressed by how quiet and cool the machine stayed, even after being switched on for a length of time.

With an average module life of over 100,000 hours, the LED Solar 250 will not let you down; it’s a good, reliable projector that produces crisp and vibrant images that are a pleasure to behold. RRP £419

www.optikinetics.co.uk

Pros • • • • • • • •

2000 lumens Solid build Stays cool Quiet 100,000 hours lifespan 4000K whites 4 mount positions Bright, vivid colours

Cons • Expensive

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Coleman FastPitch Drake 4 Tent There is a running joke within our group of friends that one of our mates couldn’t put a tent up even if his life depended on it. I kid you not, this year all he had to do was peg down the outer layer (someone else had already done the rest) and instead he opted for sleeping in his van all weekend, as the prospect of reaching for the mallet was just too much.

So, with that in mind we decided to put him to the test with Coleman’s FastPitch Drake 4 - the key word there being “FAST pitch”. The magic here is that all the poles are pre-attached to the fly sheet, so there is no hassle trying to slide them through the sleeves whilst getting them caught on every seam along the way. I thought watching him try to complete this task would be like watching a monkey try to set up a surround sound system, but in fact I was pleasantly surprised – the pre-attached poles clip together

slot put them in the relevant colourcoded holes, leaving you to just attach the inner, peg down the tent and you’re done.

I must admit we were a little cruel by giving our friend the tent without any instructions, just for the entertainment factor, but even so he set it up in less than ten minutes (yes, we timed him for added pressure!) On his second go he managed it in less than six minutes.

This is a great tent; you can fit up to four people inside, but if you don’t want to lay cheek to cheek with your tent mates we recommend two people with lots of creature comforts. For a small tent, it has a nice height - don’t get me wrong, you can’t stand up, but your face isn’t pressed against the flysheet if you decide to use a large airbed.

The Drake 4 has all the usual handy features of a Coleman tent, including SPF 50 coating, ventilation, a strong

PE ground sheet and a hydrostatic head of 3000mm with waterproof taped seams to keep out the nastiest of British weather.

Sadly, what goes up must come down, and this is where things slowed a bit. As the poles are attached to the flysheet, you need to get things in a specific order before you can roll it up and put it away. Like most tents, trying to cram it back into the bag was no easy task, but after about 30 minutes of head scratching and some rather colourful language our friend managed it.

The Drake 4 is a great weekend or festival tent. With its fast pitch system, you can spend less time putting your tent up and more time enjoying the great outdoors. RRP £169.99

http://amzn.to/2fy31F6

Pros • FastPitch Technology-attached poles and colour coded attachments • Hydrostatic head of 3000mm • UV Guard of SPF 50 • PE attached groundsheet

Cons • Heavy (6.9kg) • As awkward as all tents to put away

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DriveStation™ Quad Direct Attached Storage USB 3.0

HD-QHU3/R5

Huge Capacity Direct Attached Storage Huge Capacity Direct Attached Storage

Buffalo Technology’s DriveStation™ Quad (HD-QHU3 series) is a 4-bay Direct Attached Storage device perfect for demanding SMB. The HD-QHU3 comes fully populated with high-reliability Buffalo Technology’s DriveStation™ WD Red™ drives in total capacities of up to 24TB.

Quad (HD-QHU3 series) is a 4-bay

™ The DriveStation Quad is RAID-enabled customised Direct Attached Storage deviceforperfect redundancy and capacity depending on your specific needs for demanding SMB. The HD-QHU3 and also comes with 10 licenses of NovaStor NovaBACKUP comes Essentials fully populated Business software. with high-

reliability WD Red™ drives in total

The DriveStation™ Quad features the capacity, redundancy, capacities of required up to 24TB. and performance for any demanding user – the perfect solution for backing up large servers, multimedia files, or databases. The HD-QHU3 series is sold fully populated with WD Red drives and total capacities of 8, 12, 16, or 24TB. HD-QHU3/R5

Features and Benefits • 4 bay Direct Attached Storage fully populated with WD Red™ hard drives - Available with 8, 12, 16, or 24TB capacities

• RAID-enabled for performance and reliability - Supports RAID 0/1/5/10/Spanning/JBOD

• Perfect for Server, PC, and/or Database Backup

Features and Benefits

- Also includes 10 free licenses of NovaStor NovaBackup Business Essentials

• Power Saving – Auto Power feature turns on and off automatically with your computer

4-bay Direct Attached Storage •• SuperSpeed connectivity with USB 3.0

fully populated with WD Red™ hard drives with 8, 12, 16, or 24TB capacities • RAID-enabled for performance and reliability - Supports RAID 0/1/5/10/Spanning/JBOD • Perfect for ™Server, PC, and/or Database Backup - Also includes 10 free licenses of NovaStor NovaBACKUP® Business Essentials • Power Saving – Auto Power feature turns on and off automatically with your computer ched Storage • SuperSpeed connectivity with USB 3.0 • 3 year warranty - Available • 3 year warranty

tation Quad

Bogs Classic High Boot Rubber boots, as they were commonly known back in my youth, have changed dramatically from the harsh single-skinned rubber welly to the comfortable and stylish footwear that can command prices of well over £300.

I am reviewing the Bogs Classic High Boots, which come in at £80. I started using these boots to walk the dogs on wet autumnal days and soon wore them to walk whether it was wet or dry. These boots are so comfortable that there is no compromise in wearing them - just pull them on and walk in absolute comfort.

Trudge through fields, rivers, snow it’s all the same, and if they get too dirty, all they need is a quick wash under the outside tap and they are ready to go again.

HD-QHU3/R5

My cheaper rubbers boots have cracked and perished after only a few years, so these were delivered to me just in the nick of time. I will report back on the Bogs Classic High Boot after a year of use to see how they are holding up.

For now, my review of these boots is simple: they are stylish, incredibly comfortable, light and are great value.

Pros: • Bogs Max-Wick™ moves sweat away and keeps feet dry • Non-slip, non-marking and self-cleaning outsole • 7mm of Bogs Neo-Tech™ insulation • Comfortable in temperate and cold conditions

Gadgethead Magazine

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Go Travel Slim Power Bank The Go Travel Slim Power Bank is an Li-ion battery powered 2300mAH emergency phone charger that claims to be able to fully recharge your smart phone in 1.5 hours, we have tested out so many of the power banks at GadgetHead and all too often we find that they just don’t live up to their claims but will the Go Travel Slim be any different? Starting with general aesthetics the Slim is a pretty little power bank, available in blue or red it has a nice matt finish that makes it rather tactile, at only 62g it is extremely light and with dimensions W85mm x H54mm x D7mm it is ultra-compact, the website suggests it is like a credit card and can live in your wallet but seeing as it is thicker than all 6 of the cards

in mine it very much depends on the size of your wallet. It comes with a USB/Micro USB cable but you will need a compatible plug to be able to charge it, it says on the box it takes three hours to fully charge the Slim Power Bank and we found that to be true. The Slim has a light system to let you know how it’s coming on by flashing a little blue light, it starts off with one flash, then two and so on all the way to a steady beam of blue light that indicates that it is fully charged. I found it annoying that with such a short cable and the light next to the USB port it can be difficult to see the lights when it is plugged into the mains. Once fully charged you simply switch the cable around and plug it into your phone (compatible

with iPhone leads as well) and the flashing blue light works in reverse order to tell you how much charge is left in it. Go Travel suggests you can charge and talk at the same time so we tested it out with my Samsung S6 whilst it was switched on and I was texting, in 1hr 5mins the power pack was dead and had charged my phone 56%, this would be useful in an emergency but certainly doesn’t stand up to the claims made on the packaging. For £18 it is an ok power bank, it takes a long time to charge and without plugging it in there is no way of telling how much charge is left, in my opinion it is too big for your wallet and too small to be of much assistance. RRP £17.99

http://bit.ly/2fy6d3G

Pros • • • •

Compact Tactile Cable included Good Value

Con • Only charged phone to 56% off a full charge • No iOS cable included • Indicator light in a bad location

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MindShift Moose Peterson MP-1 V2.0 Camera Bag For those into their wildlife photography (and even those who aren’t), you might recognise the name Moose Peterson as one of America’s best-known wildlife photographers.

Peterson has been published in over 130 magazines worldwide, so it only seems fitting that the designers at MindShift (a Think Tank Company) collaborated with him to create the ultimate camera bag. Now, they have collaborated again to re-visit and improve the original model.

The Moose Peterson range can be used by any photographer, and the MP-1 V2.0 isn’t an exception. The Mp-1 V2.0 has a whole host of features to help you keep you gear organised, safe and clean: it has three compartments, one large at 6.8” W x 21.8” H x 6.8” D and two smaller ones measuring at 6” W x 10” H x 6.75” D. All compartments have adjustable walls

and Velcro zip pockets, as well as the original 1998 ‘Moose Ears’ auto-close compartment flaps to protect the interior and cargo from dust, spray and wind.

The RC Fuse YKK zips are robust, making it easy to access the bag even whilst wearing gloves. It also features a padded handle on the top and the right side and a webbing handle on the bottom. A seam-sealed rain cover/drop cloth is included for added protection against the elements, and it also has a stow-away dual density foam padded shoulder harness cushioned with air mesh.

The shoulder-straps themselves are comfortable to wear over long periods of time, even with a full load.

There is no laptop compartment included in the Moose Peterson MP-1 V2.0 design, which could be an issue for some photographers. However, the

room is saves goes to good use; the bag can hold up to 3 gripped DSLRs with lenses attached, 3–5 additional lenses, 2x tele-converter, 1–2 flashes and accessories or 3 gripped bodies and 1 ungripped body detached from lenses, 7–8 standard zoom lenses, 1–2 flashes and a 2x tele-converter.

The bag accommodates a maximum lens size of 800mm detached or 600mm attached.

The Moose Peterson MP-1 V2.0 Camera Bag is an excellent camera bag - everything about it is designed around keeping you equipment safe on location, even down the fact that it doesn’t look like a camera bag. RRP $349.99/ £279.98

www.mindshiftgear.com

Pros • • • • •

3 compartments Large capacity Attached rain cover Moose ear flaps Fits in overhead storage on flights

Cons • No laptop compartment

Gadgethead Magazine

25

Zinc Volt 80+ Scooter You can never be too sure what’s going to come through the door next when you work for a company like GadgetHead and with this product I heard it before I saw it. Was it a hair dryer coming down the hall? A swarm of angry bees perhaps? No, it was the sales director sat beside the Zinc Volt 80+ grinning from ear to ear.

Now don’t get me wrong this is a toy for children (max weight 70kg) but it was so much fun scooting about on this bad boy. The Volt 80+ uses a chain motor to get up to dizzying speeds of 8MPH (trust me it feels fast when you are racing it down the path trying to dodge wheelie bins and wing mirrors) and with a battery life of about 60mins per charge, we got a satisfying 55 mins before it ran out of juice. Charging this thing does take a whopping 5 hours so for goodness sake if you don’t want to hear “is it ready yet?” non-stop during Christmas morning please consider charging before wrapping it up and sticking it under the tree.

The scooter is simple to assemble and once you have it fully charged it’s easy to use, simply twist the handle on the right to go and squeeze the brake on the left to stop, easy!

You can stand up or sit down on the removable saddle, with fully customisable graphics this scooter looks awesome and it even has disc brakes to give you better control in the wet as well as in dry weather. My only niggle with this scooter is that it is a little on the heavy side so it can be tricky for little ones to lift it up steps for example, it would also be cool if this scooter could be used as a normal scooter without the motor so you could have the best of both worlds.

To conclude, the Zinc Volt 80+ Scooter is well made, easy to use and lots of fun. A brilliant Christmas present and at only £129.99 it represents good value for money too.

RRP £129.99

www.zincsports.com

• • • • • •

Pros 60min battery life 8MPH Removable saddle Sleek design Customisable graphics

Cons • Heavy • 5 hour charge time • Can’t be used as a motor-less scooter

Gadgethead Magazine

27

Explanar Golf Training System Improve Your Swing Technique Golf is one of the most satisfying if not frustrating games that I have ever played. It takes dedication and time to master and it’s fair to say that most of us simply aren’t up to par. On paper the game appears simple- hit the ball into the hole, however in that simple instruction there are so many things that can go wrong. All golfers have thought long and hard about improvement and how to optimise their game. Personally, I am obsessional about my swing and constantly think about how I can better it. You see if you hit the ball only a few degrees differently the outcome over hundreds of metres is huge; I’ve spent too much time in the undergrowth trying to find my ball not to notice.

I have tried loads of techniques to try better my swing from one to one tuition and watching DVD’s to videoing myself and critiquing, however you never get a feel for how the perfect swing should be! Imagine you could drop a PGA master into your body and let them swing for you, you would

feel that perfect swing and therefore have a better chance of replicating it; Explanar can almost do this.

There are a couple of clubs to choose from with a predetermined and simple adjustment situated at the rear of the machine. The clubs feel like normal clubs but have a roller around the shaft to roll over the Explanar.

This is a fantastic tool to induce muscle memory on what the perfect swing should feel like. The club runs over the frame at the correct angle and your body gets to feel what should be happening. I have suffered far too long from an awful slice which is affecting my game.

After an afternoon on the Explanar I felt my swing had changed, it felt different to usual and I was itching to get to the driving range. Straight away, my shots on the range were so much better. I am sure this is not a quick fix solution but I will continue to use it to overcome all the bad muscle memories I have. The tuition I have received in the past

has been ok, however it could never give me the feeling of the correct swing. The Explanar lets your body know how it should feel and by repeating your swing your body will remember. For the more advanced golfers amongst us the Explanar can be used to master specialised shots such as draw and fades.

The Explanar is a well-made piece of kit. It did take a little over an hour to put together but then it is maintenance free. They say the definition of Insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results and that was me with my old swing. Now I know how the correct swing should feel I have more confidence on the fairways and it’s all thanks to Explanar.

RRP $399.00 junior,$799.00 adults.

www.explanar.com

Pros: • Easy build • Instant Results • Simple to set settings

Cons: • Hefty Price

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Thule RideAlong Childrens Bicycle Seat The RideAlong is a rear facing children’s bicycle seat which comes available in 3 colours; grey, light grey and zinnia (a beautifully bright orange). The RideAlong feels solid, this thing is built too last.

Initially, the seat made me panic as to how difficult it was going to be to assemble but I was pleasantly surprised with how quick and easy it was to attach to the bike. The universal quick release bracket allows the seat to mount and dismount from the bike in seconds and is compatible with most bike frames (27.2-40mm diameter on rounded frames and maximum 40x55mm on oval frames).

The frame simply slides under the seat which then fits into the bracket on the bike, you just simply lock the frame off under the seat and then lock off the bracket with a key and you are ready to go.

The RideAlong is suitable for children from 9 months (consult your Midwife for children under 1year old) up to approx. 6 years old (up to 48.5 lbs/22 kg). One of the best things about this child seat is how simple it is to put your little one in and adjust it to their size, all the adjustable

components are highlighted in blue and can be adjusted with one hand.

The RideAlong also has a reclining option of 5 different positions up to 20 degrees, our little test subject really liked this action as he could see more of the world this way and with the DualBeam suspension system he enjoyed the smooth ride.

Thule have also provided some other cool functions like the detachable, water-repellent seat padding which is machine washable and reversible, offering two colour options. There’s also a built-in reflector and safety light attachment point to provide extra visibility to increase safety for both you and your passenger. The only thing that would make the RideAlong better is the introduction of a 5-point harness rather than the current 3-point harness, just to keep those little wriggly legs in place whilst you are out and about.

All in all, the RideAlong is an excellent child seat. The seat is solidly constructed, super easy to attach and use whilst at the same time providing a comfortable ride for both you and your co-pilot. RRP £120

www.thule.com

Pros • • • •

Easy to attach Solid construction DualBeam suspension system One-hand tilt function of up to 20 degrees (5 positions) • Compatible with most frames • Meets international safety standards

Cons • 3-point harness instead of 5-point harness

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Coleman Divide+ 700 LED Torch As the evenings draw in and we spend more and more of our waking hours in the dark, I found myself digging through the kitchen draw for my torch only to discover that the batteries I left in it last year had died.

This happens because even when a torch has been switched off, its batteries never disengage from the metal contacts inside, and this is enough to drain the batteries over time. Enter the patent pending Coleman’s BatteryLock Technology.

This ever so simple but effective system disengages the batteries so the torch can be stored away and then re-engaged when you need to use it. Why hasn’t anyone else thought of this? All you have to do is twist the end of the torch until you can see a red BatteryLock band - this indicate that the batteries are disengaged.

Twist it back until the band disappears and it ready to use again.

The Divide+ 700 kicks out 700 lumens of light output with a beam distance of 330 metres or 70 lumens output with a beam output of 110 metres, and a run-time of 7hours on 700 lumens and 55hrs on 70 lumens. So, in a nut shell, you have the option

of bright or exceptionally bright to choose from.

The torch itself is very tactile, with a nice weight to it and a handy wrist strap. A little texture on the handle wouldn’t go amiss, especially if it’s raining, as it can be a little slippery on bare skin or in woollen gloves.

However, the on/off button is nice and big as well as responsive, so it is easy to use even with my cumbersome ski gloves on.

Overall I liked the Divide+ 700 - it is a powerful torch with an innovative system that will keep your batteries (all 6 of them) full of life for longer.

RRP £49.99

http://amzn.to/2ff8QZX

Pros • • • •

BatteryLock Technology Two brightness levels 6 AA batteries include Tactile

Cons • Slippery on wet skin and in woollen gloves

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One Z Pillow 5-1 Nursing Pillow The One Z Pillow is brought to you by the brains who created the Twin Z Pillow, as seen on Shark Tank (the USA version of Dragons’ Den). With a flip-up back support, the pillow can be used for breast and bottle feeding, self-feeding, infant support, ‘tummy time’ and ‘mummy time’.

To use the One Z Pillow you simply flip up the square end, wrap the pillow around yourself and recline against your chair or headboard. There is a clip you can fasten to keep you and all your bits in place as you feed, and when you aren’t nursing, the pillow can be used as a safe and comfortable spot to place your baby.

The One Z has been designed to help alleviate back and neck pain whilst feeding, whilst also trying to

be as eco-friendly as possible, using zero added chemicals in the fabric, including any fire retardant treatment.

The pillow is available in 11 different colour options, with the choice to add some personalised writing - your baby’s name for example - in five different colours and two different font options. These options make the One Z an excellent present for expectant or new parents.

The One Z Pillow is made of 100% polyester, including a 100% polyester fibre filling. The cover is a super soft cuddle fabric, which is also made from polyester, and can be removed for machine washing, and the pillow itself can be spot cleaned with a damp, soapy cloth.

Our test subject said she liked the

fact the One Z eliminated the need for extra pillows and found it very supportive; the pillow wraps around very naturally and the clasp ensures a snug fit without any gaps between the body and the pillow, so there is no risk of your baby slipping. Her only criticism was that the pillow can get quite warm around the waist and back during long feeds, due to the polyester and the wrap-around effect.

Other than that, we believe the One Z Pillow is a wonderful nursing pillow, designed to look after both you and your baby. $59.99

www.onezpillow.com

Pros • • • •

Comfortable Supportive Machine washable cover Clip for a snug fit

Cons • Too warm after a long feed • Large (not easy to store away)

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Tamrac G Elite 32 Bag The Tamrac G Elite 32 Bag continues to use the innovative butterfly opening system and is available in two sizes, 26 or 32. We will be taking a closer look at the 32 today, the bigger of the two bags with an interior size of 33 x 51 x 18 cm, so spacious it made my gear look a little insubstantial (two DSLR bodies 4 lenses, tripod, flash and battery pack). Tamrac say that the 32 will actually fit tablets and laptops up to 15” and Lenses up to 18” (35.56 cm) and with such space it’s easy to see how, but it doesn’t stop there.

The G Elite 32 is packing more features than my DSLR, starting from the outside it has a stowaway harness with removable waist belt (which converts it nicely into a streamline carry case), a seam-sealed rain fly / ground cloth, fully riveted handles and M.O.L.L.E. compatible attachment points to give you even more options.

Colour-coded zipper pulls makes the compartments easy to coordinate and the main compartment can be locked for extra security. Aside from the main compartment there is also a

water bottle pocket, a large pocket to store a laptop or tablet and then on top of that an organiser style mesh compartment for all your accessories.

The interior walls inside the main compartment are solid and fully adjustable thanks to the Velcro strips, and that brilliant butterfly opening soon becomes something you really appreciate (especially with a full load) allowing you to quickly and easily gain access to your most important gear. The wide padded shoulder straps coupled with the waist and chest strap means that the G Elite 32 is comfortable even when packed out to full capacity.

This bag really seems to have thought of every detail even down to the two colour options, charcoal or olive, neither of which is going to show up dirt and scuffs. The G Elite 32 is (I am going to say) the perfect camera bag, as hard as I tried I couldn’t find fault with it. Yes, the bag is a little expensive but with its versatility and added features the Tamrac G Elite 32 Bag is a must have.

RRP $403.95

www.tamrac.com

Pros • Butterfly opening system • Large capacity • Stowaway straps and removable waist belt • YKK RC-FUSE zippers with WR coating • Seam-sealed rain fly / ground cloth • Aircraft overhead compartment compatible • M.O.L.L.E. compatible attachment points • Lockable main compartment • Multiple interior mesh pockets and interior zipper garages • Fully adjustable divider system • Dust bag for storage • Lightweight-4.5lb

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Skoog 2.0 With a name like Skoog this product could be absolutely anything and to be honest once I had taken it out of the box it still had me baffled however with the tag line, “music for everyone”, I was really intrigued.

The Skoog is in fact a customisable music interface that simplifies playing a decent tune to a few basic movements, making music accessible to young children and people with disabilities and special needs. The Skoog 2.0 is a squidgy black cube with 5 interactive colour coded sides, you can create sounds by poking or squeezing the sides or tilting it in different directions, to do this you need to synchronise the Skoog to a compatible iPhone/Pad (iOS 9 and up) through the free app or plug it into your Mac or PC via USB and download the free software. Here you can customise the sounds, Classic Synth, Breathe Bass, Ice for example all fairly similar electronic synth

sounds, you can also customise the sensitivity and scales as well as link it up to an external MIDI for even more creative options.

After playing with the Skoog 2.0 I could see that this could be a great tool for musical therapy, it can be attached to a stand made really stable for less physically able people and all the sounds it produces are quite dreamy and relaxing. As for kids I think it is too simple and the novelty will wear off, yes it is compatible with some serious tech but that’s like taking a tambourine into a professional recording studio and I think for its incredible high price tag you are better off getting a child a keyboard or guitar to introduce them into to world of music.

The Skoog 2.0 has been redesigned with a black body and a thin outline circle of colour to differentiate the sides, the old Skoog was white with full coloured circles making it much

more attractive and easy to see the colours, I found it difficult to tell the difference between the red and orange as they looked so similar. A major plus from Skoog is the customer service they offer and I needed some help with the software and they were on hand very quickly and were up to speed with solutions with any problem you faced which was refreshing. The bottom line is that this is a very niche product that might be perfect for a small selection of people but with such an affluent price tag I’m not sure who those people would be. Good for a combination of music and physical therapy but for us it won’t be replacing real instruments anytime soon. RRP £199.95

www.skoogmusic.com •

Pros • Customisable

Cons • Only works with iPad/Phone, Mac or PC (not compatible with Android and doesn’t work by itself) • Felt a poorly made in places • Colours don’t stand out • Costly

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Parlay Ultra Dark Rum Before Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl many of us didn’t know the meaning of the word Parlay, but thanks to Keira Knightley running around in her nightie yelling it at a bunch of rather mouldy looking pirates we all learnt that it could save your ass during a pirate ambush.

The word parlay, or parley, is derived from “parler” the French verb meaning “to speak”, the term written as “parlay” comes from the Pirata Codex aka the Code of the Pirate Brethren, set down by Morgan and Bartholomew. The word allowed any person to invoke temporary protection and brought before the captain to “negotiate” without being attacked until the parley is complete. One thing we didn’t need a Johnny Depp movie to teach us however is that pirates liked rum.

Due to long voyages at sea fresh water would turn stagnant so rum became the drink of choice amongst pirates due to its long shelf life and

low production costs; this rather long winded lesson finally brings me round to Parlay Ultra Dark Rum. Parlay comes from a distillery in the not so mysterious depths of Dullingham near Newmarket, it has some cool branding that wouldn’t look out of place beneath the deck of a pirate ship- its ink black contents are complimented beautifully with a gold script and a distinctive dripped wax seal. Looks aren’t everything as we know, what matters most when it comes to any booze is the taste.

Parlay ultra-black rum is, according to the website, triple distilled and infused with raisin, tangerine, cherry and vanilla to ensure a smooth and fruity flavour but with the warmth of a true rum. To me personally, it tasted smooth and sweet with a desired kick at the end that would put hairs on your chest, it’s rather moreish and with its stylish design Parlay would make a great present for both pirates and rum drinkers alike. RRP £28

www.parlayrum.co.uk

Pros • Stylish design • Tasty • Good value for money

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Polar M600 Smart Watch and Fitness Tracker The M600 is the latest offering from Polar, who are known for bringing smarts into sports. Polar have nearly 40 years of experience and a proud heritage in innovative physiological and sports medical research. They are the pioneers in heart rate monitoring, activity trackers and training computers; they created the first heart rate monitor, the first activity tracker and now the first fully functioning smart watch truly made for sports.

The M600 works on both iOS and Android platforms, giving the most impressive coaching and activity tracking software on any smart watch today.

This watch has few buttons - two actually, because the M600 is touch screen. The main front button activates the activity app. Once a workout session has begun. pressing the same button will pause or stop it. You can navigate backwards with a screen swipe, but there is also an easily accessible second button on the

side that guides you back.

The watch can have a continuous display or a display that flicks on when you move your hand to look at it. I found this out on the first night I wore the watch, as every time I moved in my sleep the watch would light up, and apparently I move a surprising amount in my sleep! The next morning, my wife told me that she was woken throughout the night as the watch flooded the room with light. I found that a double press of the side button would disengage this facility, which made my wife very happy.

The charging cable connects magnetically to the back of the watch, which is one of the easiest systems Polar have come up with. There is talk of a two-day battery life, but I found this M600 to have a much better life than that, and it only takes about an hour to charge to full capability.

The watch is fully waterproofed and has a huge amount of activities you

can choose from to track your workout. The watch has 6 LED lights on the back to monitor heart rate (having more apparently makes it more accurate), and it also couples up with a Polar H7 heart rate chest strap if you prefer.

As you would expect, the M600 has GPS mapping and a Polar app that is very easy to read a navigate. The watch itself has so much information to offer that it is easier to dissect it on the phone app, rather than the watch’s 1.3-inch screen.

The M600 itself is rugged and big, which I really like. I use it every day and it hasn’t even got a scratch on it.

The watch has interchangeable straps currently in black or white, and a soon to be released red.

All in all, Polar M600 is a great fitness watch that looks awesome. Polar lead the way in this type of technology and it is ever present with the M600.

RRP £264.50

www.polar.com

Pros • • • • • •

iOS and Android app link-up Easy interface Accurate workout tracking Good battery life Easy charger design Rugged build

Cons • Small screen (resolved by app link up)

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MEDesign Backfriend Back pain is a debilitating issue that many of us suffer on a daily basis.

However, by adopting better posture, these pains can be somewhat eased.

I myself struggled at the start of the year with lower back pain and it’s a miserable thing to have to endure. The MEDesign Backfriend is an orthopaedic seat, which provides both lumbar and thoracic support. It is designed to be portable, so you can use it at work, at home, in the car and even on public transport. The Backfriend is height adjustable so you can get a fit which best suits, with a padded seat and curved back support the Backfriend is comfortable and accommodating.

The product is also available with a double padded seatbase option ( an extra £4.50), which I recommend if using the Backfriend for long periods of time. Natural fleece covers are also available as an accessory, providing a high level of comfort to those who need a little more pressure relief. I

found it particularly effective whilst driving my partner’s car (his seats are quite tired and soft which really plays up my lower back when driving for long periods). Weighing in at only 3.5lbs the Backfriend is lovely and light, coming in a varied selection of colours (8 to be exact).

The carry handle at the top makes it easily transportable. Having said that, due to the stiff curved design the Backfriend doesn’t compact down well making it a bit bulky when carried.

After trying it out for a prolonged period I can say for sure that the Backfriend helped with my lower back pain. I immediately noticed the difference once going back to driving without the back support and have even decided to purchase one for my friend (a long sufferer of back pain).

Altogether, an impressive product that can improve your posture and eliminate back pain, it is worth every penny. RRP £61.50

www.medesign.co.uk

Pros • • • • • •

Comfortable Lightweight Portable No straps or fittings to deal with Available in 8 colours Available single or double padded

Cons • Not very compact

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CouchCoaster I live in a house of disappearing coasters. I also live in a house filled with surfaces you mustn’t drip or spill on for pain of death - not a great combination! So, when I tried out the CouchCoaster I was cautiously optimistic (though praying it didn’t fail me and land me in trouble with the Other Half…)

Happy to say, I’m still alive and it did not disappoint. The CouchCoaster is a portable holder for your tumblers, mugs, bottles and cans. It is made from plastic and silicone with a weighted base, plus two silicone arms with weighted ends that wrap around the arm of your chair, claiming to sit sturdily on any arm shape or material.

First, I tried the coaster on my sofa, and was surprised at how steady

its grip was. Even with a full glass, it wasn’t going anywhere, no matter how much I jolted the sofa arm and launched myself into my seat. Next, I tried a leather armchair – the grip seemed slipperier and I thought we were destined for disaster, but again, my drink survived all jolting tests.

Finally, I tried a glass bottle to test how the device coped with a base smaller than the holder, and still my beverage survived spill-free.

A clever feature to the CouchCoaster is its removable centre, which changes the holder from cup to mug sized, with a slit in the flexible silicone case to make room for your handle.

Some silicone has an off-putting texture, but the CouchCoaster is smooth to touch, and even fresh out

of the box, there was no trace of that silicone smell that some products carry.

My one complaint is the colour. I reviewed the Steel Grey – dull and industrial looking - and the other options (Jet Black, Mocha Brown, Rosso Red or a vibrant white) are similarly stark. Some softer choices would be welcome. I suspect ours is going to my dad’s man-den rather than being allowed to stay with us!

However, all in all, this is a handy, reliable device that does everything it promises to. You can purchase the CouchCoaster safe in the knowledge that it can follow you anywhere in the house, and your drink won’t be moving an inch. RRP £19.99

www.couchcoaster.com

Pros • Firm grip on different arm shapes & materials • Holds different cups/mugs/bottles safely • Removable centre for changeable size • Smooth feel • No odour

Cons • Unappealing colours

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Columbia Titanium Outdry Ex Diamond Shell Jacket OutDry Extreme is a first-of-its-kind material that uses a waterproof and breathable fabric technology constructed with a waterproof layer on the outside and soft, wicking fabric on the inside. It is this combination that makes the Titanium Jacket such an excellent waterproof.

Traditional rain coats use a combination of an interior waterproof lining that doesn’t let the skin breath and creates that horrible sweatbox feeling, and a water-repellent coating that can degrade over time.

The OutDry Extreme technology uses water-tight membranes with millions of microscopic perforations that let water vapour, body heat and sweat escape through a wicking membrane fused directly to the shell, creating one layer.

At first look, the Titanium Outdry looks very basic, but there are a lot of clever features working together to help keep you dry: fully taped seams, a draw-cord adjustable hem with silicone grippers, articulated elbows for ease of movement and abrasion

resistant overlays to keep things comfortable. If things get too warm, there are also zips under either arm to allow for some ventilation.

The jacket has two pockets that allow plenty of room for all your belonging, made from a mesh to keep the jacket’s weight down to a minimum.

With adjustable contoured sleeves and waterproof zips, believe me when I say no rain will be getting in this jacket.

The zip pulls have little extensions on them, making it easier to grab them when you have thick gloves on.

Another cool thing about the Titanium Outdry is that it has a long body (30”), which is longer at the back to avoid any risk of the rain sneaking down your trousers.

The Columbia Titanium is a simple looking jacket that is secretly packed with technical details to help protect you against the elements. This jacket is also lightweight and, with its soft wicking interior, is comfortable to wear even in the worst of weathers. RRP £120

www.blacks.co.uk

Pros • OutDry™ Extreme - waterproof breathable technology • Sealed seams • Omni-Wick EVAP™ advanced evaporation • Bonded visor, hem, and cuffs • Attached, adjustable storm hood • 2-way underarm venting • Articulated elbows • Adjustable contoured sleeve cuff • Draw-cord adjustable hem with silicone grippers • Drop tail

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Elliot Brown Watch A proper watch is a very personal and emotive purchase and there comes a time in everyone’s life when a cheap watch will no longer cut the mustard.

By proper I mean a purchase that requires some thought on cost, design and feel rather than purely a practical buy. It’s not always about jumping in feet first and buying the most expensive time piece, there are smaller manufacturers that offer incredible value for your money which produce fewer and therefore arguably more exclusive watches.

Take Elliot Brown watches who design and manufacturer their models in the UK. All their watches use internal movements from Switzerland because let’s be honest, the Swiss make the very best movements that money can buy!

I spoke with Ian Elliot about his watches and his company. Back in 1988 he was the co-founder of the very well-known Animal brand but has since sold his shares and created Elliot Brown watch company.

His partner in crime is Alex Brown who bravely turned down a job at Cartier to establish Animal’s watch department which he felt would be more interesting. He stayed with

Animal for seventeen years and now is a lynch pin at Elliot Brown. Both these guys had the desire to manufacture a product they could be passionate about and thus Elliot Brown watches was born.

With numerous awards and accolades under their belts the Elliot Brown brand is heading for new heights.

Every detail has been thought out, from the packaging to the watch itself.

There’s a feel-good factor with the packaging and If you were to receive the watch as a gift your heart would be racing with anticipation. Opening the first box will reveal a lovely watch box which oozes class. On opening this main watch box, you will find your timepiece and mine is the Canford watch. The Canford is a handsome watch with a simple face and I must say it’s perfectly weighted. Mine came with an assortment of spare straps from the classy black leather, a funky orange rubber and an army look webbing option; all are interchangeable within minutes with the tools that were provided. I have been wearing the watch with the orange strap which looks cool but as I am often in a suit I tend to use the leather strap.

I know it sounds obvious to state

as a watches primary job is to keep the time accurately, but it seems important to mention that the Canford keeps perfect time. My friend recently bought a Rolex Submariner and nobody believes it is genuine and that’s the rub with the huge brands, there are so many copies the brand is being damaged. The Elliot Brown watch might not be so well known but the quality shines through and it grabs people’s attention.

To put the watch to the test the guys at Elliot Brown sunk one of their watches in Pearl Harbor for 6 months and when it was raised it was unrecognizable with the crud growing over it yet after a quick clean up the watch looked and worked perfectly.

The watches are also shock resistant to ISO1413 and water resistant to ISO2281 (I am not sure exactly what these figures mean other than I can do everything I want in this watch knowing that I will break before it).

Each watch is backed up with a 12 months’ guarantee on all parts and workmanship. Even if you have done something silly and broken it they will put it right although this may be case dependent. All in all, a brilliant watch at a fair price. RRP £325.00

elliotbrownwatches.com

Pros • • • •

Sleek design Nicely packaged Durable Branding

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Bogs Johnny 5-Eye Waterproof Boot You will wear a pair of shoes hundreds of times during their lives, so it seems only fitting that those shoes reflect you. The Bogs Johnny 5-Eeye Waterproof Boot looks like an old-style work boot, but has all of the modern benefits.

Back in bygone years, the work boot was an unyielding beast that needed years of dubbing to be applied before it would give enough to bend and be even a little bit comfortable.

Comparatively, the leather of the Bogs boot is beautifully supple straight out of the box. I began to wear these at the beginning of autumn; my feet were soft from months of wearing flip flops and sandals through the summer, but they haven’t rubbed or chaffed my feet at all.

These Bogs boots are so comfortable that they feel like your favorite slippers, and I just love the look of them. The specifications on these boots are also really high, with a waterproofed leather upper, moisture Max Wick lining, a rubber sole and chunky tread.

I believe you get what you pay for with shoes, and a dear old friend always used to say you that could tell the metal of the man by the shoe he wore. Even a battered high-quality shoe would win a game of trumps on a newer, cheaper model.

At £125 RRP, these Johnny boots offer great value for money - if you strip down how many times you wear a good pair throughout their life, you pay only pennies per outing.

These are my new favorite boots that I use for work, going out and even walking the dogs. They can be hosed down and look as good as new fantastic shoes. RRP £125

www.bogsfootwear.co.uk

Pros: • • • • •

Waterproofed leather upper Sturdy and comfortable Great look Easy to clean Good value

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Please check out our full terms and conditions on www.littlegatepublishing.com We are disclosing this as we like to be transparent about our reviews.

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