Gadgethead 4.12

Issue 4.12

UK

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Contents

GADGETHEAD Senior Writer Emma Hilling emmahilling@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Director Alex Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com Junior Copy Editor Alice Instone-Brewer alice@littlegatepublishing.com Junior Copy Editor James Lapping james@littlegatepublishing.com Junior Copy Editor Will Girling willgirling@littlegatepublishing.com Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com

Festive 50 • Micro Player Mini Games Consoles • Torches Roundup • Modius • Leatherman EDC Rebar Multitool • Hancock – Article 41 Raincoat • London Tradition Martina Long Coat Review • Richa Motorcycle Clothing Range • TCX Hero Gore-Tex Waterproof Boots • Beryl Laserlight • XTech X2 Shoulder Pads • Blackvue DR900S-1CH Dash Cam • simplehuman Rechargeable Sensor Pump • Westbeach Crush Jacket • Joby GorillaPod Mobile Rig • Arena Powerskin Carbon-Flex VX • Ooma Butterfleye • Sudio Nivå • Bissell Stain Eraser Cordless Spot and Stain Cleaner • Vax Blade 2 Max 40V and Tool Kit • TreePod Cabana • Freewaters Tall Boy Trainer Knit • Dainese AWA M1 • Alpinestars Tech 8 RS • Tower Gluten Free Digital Bread Maker with Nut Dispenser • TiGr Mini Plus U-lock and Mounting Clip • Coros Omni Smart Cycling Helmet • JML San Siro Coffee Machine • Earin M-2 • Spyder Bromont Jacket • Karcher K5 Premium Full Control Plus • Klymit Armored V Sleeping Pad • RHA MA750 Wireless • Jam Zero Chill • RevoNext RN-QT3 • Proviz Reflect360 Performance Cycling Jacket • KS Diggit Bluetooth Outdoor Speaker • PonyCycle Ride On Unicorn • On Running Cloudflyer Waterproof • Ford Mustang 2.3 turbo 6 speed manual

Festive 50 Find the perfect gift for everyone on your Christmas list with our Festive 50

Top sound 1. Earbuds Jabra Elite 65t 2. Headphones Urbanista Seattle 3. Bluetooth speaker Marshall Kilburn II 4. Gaming headsets SteelSeries Arctis Pro 5. Speakers Neat Acoustics Iota Alpha

Top Toys 1. Lego castle 2. L.O.L. Surprise! Eye Spy Under Wraps 3. Poopsie Unicorn Slime Surprise 4. Sphero Bolt 5. Anki cosmo

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Top Visual 1. Tv Samsung QLED Q9FN 2. Camera Nikon D850 3. Phone camera Google Pixel 3 4. Drone DJI Mavic Air 5. VR headset HTC Vive

Top Phones 1. All Rounder Huawei Mate 20 Pro 2. Camera Samsung Galaxy S9 3. Battery Life Motorola Moto E5 Plus 4. Best Budget Motorola Moto G6 5. Best Display Apple iPhone XS

Top Security 1. Home cameras Netgear Arlo Pro 2 2. Dash cam Nextbase 612GW 4K Dash Cam 3. Hard Drive iStorage diskAshur² 4. Bike Lock Hiplok Z Lok 5. Airport Security ThinkTank Airport Security V3.0 Rolling Camera Bag

Gadgethead Magazine

Top Hobbies 1. Golf trainer OptiShot 2 2. Camera bag Thinktank Retrospective 20 3. Motorcycling Alpinestars Tech 8 RS 4. Running Stryd 5. Football PLAYR

Top Sportswear 1. Rapha Classic Jersey II 2. On Running Cloud Waterproof 3. Under Armour Hovr Phantom 4. Proviz Reflect360 Performance 5. Dainese AWA M1

Top Games 1. Red Dead Redemption rpg 2. Call of duty Black Ops IIII fps 3. Super smash bros family fun 4. Spyro platform 5. Fallout 76

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Top Kitchen 1. Coffee Machine Melitta Barista TS Smart 2. Gadget simplehuman Dual 58L Voice and Motion Control Bin 3. Kettle Appkettle 4. Toaster Magimix 2-Slot Vision Toaster 11526 5. Mixer KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart

Top Outdoors 1. Tent Coleman Pinto Mountain 2. Stove Campingaz Party Grill 600 3. Chair Skandika Mercury Moon Chair 4. Torch Imalent DX80 5. Sleeping Bag Rab Andes 800

Gadgethead Magazine

Micro Player Mini Games Consoles These cute little games units are a must-have for arcade fans, collectors and retro hunters. They have all the playability and addictiveness of the originals and are the ultimate desk addition.

Let’s face it - owning an original, full-sized classic arcade unit is way beyond most of us. So, Micro Player have produced these mini games consoles to fulfil the fantasy, and Gadgethead were sent three units to try.

If you’re an arcade fan, you’ll sure to remember all of these: Pac-man – Collect the Pac-Dots and avoid the ghosts Dig-Dug – Vanquish the underground monsters Galaga – Defend against alien spacecraft You can buy these consoles for around

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£34.99 from Amazon, GAME, HMV and other leading game retailers.

They are packaged well and feel good before you even open them up, making them a great gift for those gamers who like a bit of nostalgia.

They run on either x4 AA batteries or a micro USB cable (not included). There is even an ear plug jack to fully immerse yourself in the experience (and not annoy the people around you!).

These mini machines are joy stick controlled; however, this unscrews if you would prefer to use the buttons giving the gamer control flexibility.

The screens are 2.75-inch full colour, which may seem small, but when you start playing your eyes and sensations adapt and it soon drags you into the game.

These are as fun as the originals to play, and they make the perfect Christmas present. I loved the feeling of going back to a basic game and they compliment today’s detailed games perfectly. £34.99

www.myarcadegaming.com Pros Unique Nostalgic Huge fun factor Cost

Cons Harder than the original to play, as smaller



Gadgethead Magazine

Torches Roundup Ever since I was a small boy, I have loved torches.

It’s strange, really, but I’ve always loved how they give you the power to see the un-see able in the dark.

I now live in the countryside, where a good torch is an essential household item, and I am also a keen runner. Even with the long dark nights in winter, I will be found running, so I have used lots of different torches over the years.

I have tried many types of torches whilst running, from handheld to chest mounted, but they all play second fiddle to a good quality head torch. These days, there are head torches for all budgets, but my advice is that you get what you pay for, so go for a good one and buy once.

The brightness of a torch is measured

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in Lumens, and this can range from 50 to a blinding 3500 plus.

The more lumens a torch packs, the brighter it will be, but the downside is that you will use more power and lessen the battery life. So, my advice is to go bright and rechargeable. For a head torch, around 300 Lumens is good benchmark.

NightSearcher Zoom 580R Headtorch The Nightsearcher ZOOM 580R is a rechargeable head torch with 580 Lumens, so it is more than capable of ensuring the road ahead is lit up well.

A head torch needs to be comfortable, light and secure, and with the overhead strap the 580R certainly is all of these.

It is designed with a single button operation that is easy to use even in gloves, clicking through the three beam modes.

You can also change form a wide beam to a focused spot beam by simply rotating the lens bezel.

It has a bright, cool white zoom beam or warm white diffused beam for close-up work. It is also waterproof and has a running time of around 18 hours.

It comes in nice packaging and at under £45.00, it makes an ideal gift. £44.94 (incl. VAT)

Pros Very comfortable Bright Easy to charge Capable

Cons Not reflective



https://shop.nightsearcher.com/product/NSHTZOOM580R

Gadgethead Magazine

GP batteries Xplor PHR15 300lm GP Batteries, specialists in rechargeable batteries, have finally launched their first range of headtorches. The Xplor PHR15 is a clever piece of kit that has been designed with a distance sensor built in, to automatically adjust the light levels of the torch to your surroundings.

GP Batteries are also releasing a cheaper battery powered unit at only 200 Lumens, but this unit also isn’t rechargeable; I would suggest going for the better, rechargeable, 300 Lumen model.

The Xplor PHR15’s 300 Lumen beam gives a good, clean light and has a distance of 157 metres. You can choose between three brightness levels, and the distance sensor will

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also adjust these for you. As with any good outside headtorch, the Xplor is water resistant.

It is recharged via the provided mini USB cable, and the lamp provides up to 69 hours light from one full charge, which is superb.

The headtorch comes with a cool reflective head strap for added visibility in low light conditions. It also features spot and flood

beams, a charging and power indicator light, and a flashing mode in case of emergency.

To wear, the torch is light and well balanced, even if used whist running. This is a good option if you want a sturdy rechargeable headtorch; it is not the cheapest nor the most expensive torch, and I have run with it for several months with no trouble at all.

I like it a lot, and the packaging would make it a brilliant Christmas present.

RRP ÂŁ34.99

www.uk.gpbatteries.com Pros Good battery life Easy to charge Reflective head band

Cons No over-head strap option

 Gadgethead Magazine

NightSearcher Magnum3500 £155.94 (incl. VAT) If you want or need one of the brightest torches going, you must go for the Magnum 3500. This is Nightsearcher’s most powerful hand-held torch, providing an eye watering 3500 Lumens.

The beam can cover a distance of 700m: I used it the other night and was amazed at how powerful this torch is it is awesome.

This torch has seven light modes that give the user the choice of the best power output/ battery life combination for their current needs.

These settings start

at 100%, giving 3500 Lumens of light, and then decree to 30% (1200 Lumens), 15% (450 Lumens), 2% (90 Lumens) and finally 0.2% (13 Lumens).

The Magnum has an amazing 290 hour run time at its weakest setting. Obviously, this is reduced as you increase the beam’s strength.

This torch is strong, well made and heavy, and it feels reassuringly good in your hand. It is also water resistant and, most importantly at a beam this strong, rechargeable.

Pros Amazingly bright Ergonomic Rechargeable Battery-saving settings

Cons The ‘on’ button isn’t instant



https://shop.nightsearcher.com/product/NSMAGNUM3500

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NightSearcher Keystar £25.95 (incl. VAT) This is a keychain torch with a difference: it is a real torch, and not a novelty item. All too often, keychain torches are gimmicky, cheap rubbish that don’t last, but the Keystar is a sturdy, tiny torch. It gives out a solid 300 Lumens and a 110 metre beam, which is

really amazing for its size.

It is also rechargeable and will run for 17 hours.

This is a brilliant stocking filler for everyone - I love it!

Pros Rechargeable Real torch despite its size 300 Lumens

Cons Bulky on a keychain



https://shop.nightsearcher.com/product/NSKEYSTAR

Gadgethead Magazine

Modius Many people seem partial to a mince pie or seventeen, which goes some way to explaining why (it’s predicted) Brits will pile on a massive 20 million stone (more than a lb each) between December 25 and January 1 this year.

And yet, there are also lots of people who want to enjoy the festive period but not begin January far heavier than they began December. Cue MODIUS… a NEW health-tech wearable weight loss device here to STOP the nation piling on the pounds this Christmas and then having to loosen their work belts a notch (or three) in January.

This Christmas, enjoy, be merry, be a Modius user! The latest in neuroscience will simply make you want to eat fewer Christmas treats and crave fewer mince pies, therefore keeping waistlines down…. and without the pain of

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starving yourself when everyone else is having fun. And it’s all because your brain controls this stuff, and you can now control it.

Founded in 2015 by Dr Jason McKeown, Neurovalens is the global health-tech company behind Modius. It gently stimulates parts of the brain associated with satiety, hunger and metabolism and is now changing the concept of how we lose weight, and more importantly, keep it off.

Dr. Jason McKeown says: “We see Modius as an entirely new way to target weight loss. Dieting is totally transformed when you help people reduce

their appetite and cravings. It actually becomes enjoyable.”

Modius is made

by California/ Northern Irelandbased health-tech company, Neurovalens; Modius uses safe, easy, wearable neuro technology to help make weight loss easier. Modius works by sending a slight, low-level pulse into the brain which targets the area responsible for your desire for food by reducing your appetite and cravings, the user simply needs to eat less!

Modius is the first headset from California and Northern Irelandbased health-tech company, Neurovalens and the first in its category to introduce wearable neuro technology to help make weight loss easier. Modius works

Full review from Gadgethead coming March 2019

by sending a safe lowlevel pulse into the brain which targets the area responsible for your desire for food by reducing your appetite and cravings, the user simply needs to eat less!

Results both in lab testing and in the realworld show people losing on average 4% body-fat after just three months use.

Since it’s launch on Indiegogo late last year Modius now has some impressive customer data.

After more than 350,000 user sessions: after 10 weeks the average loss is approximately 9lbs the top user has lost 87lbs – over six stone the top 100 users have lost 38lbs on average each – more than two and a half stone the top 1000 users have lost 14lbs – a stone heavier users are losing more weight under-30s, over-60s all age groups are reporting weight loss

Gadgethead Magazine

Leatherman EDC Rebar Multitool Everybody should have a multitool in their arsenal.

There have been numerous times my trusty tool has got me out of trouble whilst camping, motorcycling and even in the office.

You may not need it for years but, when you need it to get you out of a muddle, it will have paid for itself! There are several decent brands available, however the Leatherman is a tried and tested manufacturer and they have led the way

since the company was founded by Tim Leatherman back in 1983.

With knife crime at an all-time high in the UK, carrying anything with a long blade is frowned upon.

Baring this in mind, Leatherman have made

the knifeless Rebar multitool, which is perfect for places or jobs where you need a handy set of tools yet aren’t allowed a knife blade. The Rebar is made from high strength stainless steel which won’t corrode, rust or stain. The quality of Leatherman products is amazing, and this is reflected by their 25year guarantee.

The Rebar has: Needle-nose Pliers Regular Pliers

Awl w/ Thread Loop

Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters

Ruler (8 in | 19 cm)

Premium Replaceable Hard-wire Cutters

Bottle Opener

Electrical Crimper Wire Stripper Saw Spring-action

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Scissors

Can Opener Wood/Metal File Phillips Screwdriver Large Screwdriver Small Screwdriver

Any Leatherman makes a fantastic gift, but the Rebar is simply perfect for the UK market. It comes in a nice box with instructions and a black leather carry case. The tool itself looks and feels quality, with a design that has been honed over years of development to be the very best there is available.

RRP £94.95

www.leatherman.co.uk Pros Durable Great history Tactile Safer to carry in the UK

Cons No knife blade, which might limit the tool’s use

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Gadgethead Magazine

Hancock – Article 41 Raincoat The British coat manufacturer Hancock are the top of their trade. Hancock’s coats are hand-made in Scotland using traditional production methods and vulcanised rubber, making modern and stylish raincoats which are 100% waterproof and will keep you dry even in the heaviest downpour.

We were sent their Article 41 raincoat in Navy, which is one of their bestselling items and comes in a choice of seven colours. It is a beautifully cut singlebreasted raincoat with an exposed top button.

It has front welt pockets and a button through the rear vent, finishing off an elegant look. It’s classy and practical; I haven’t worn a coat equal to it!

This traditional cut is perfect to wear over a suit or blazer during

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your commute to work, or even more casually with a pair of jeans.

The Article 41 coat would make a wonderful gift to a loved one. In my opinion, it is one of the best raincoats available and will give years of use. After wearing it for a while, it feels as if it will get better with age as it starts to mould around me.

At this price the coat is certainly an investment, however it is worth every penny

as it can be worn yearround and makes you feel a million dollars!

As a testament to the quality of the coat, Hancock also offer a free restoration and repair service, as they expect them to last for years without loss of appearance or function.

If your Hancock coat is in need of restorative care, they are happy to assist, free of charge.

And if there’s an issue with the seams or pockets that they cannot fix, they will replace your coat with a new one, which is not a service you get on many items these days.

Brilliant!

RRP £650.00

www.hancockva.com Pros Waterproof Hand made Classic design Oozes style

Cons Rubber smell on the new coat

 Gadgethead Magazine

London Tradition Martina Long Coat Review I have always loved a big chunky winter coat and when I got the chance to write a review for London Tradition, I jumped at it.

Since the 19th century, London Tradition has been a centre of garment manufacturing,

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however there are very few companies like them left. They are deeply proud to represent the best

in modern British manufacturing.

I am a twentysomething fashion conscious lady and my choice was the Martina long coat in the Camel colour, which is a warm shade: perfect for

www.londontradition.com various outfits, occasions and seasons. The actual making of the coat I can’t fault; the seams are tightly bound, and the stitching is very precise. The real leather details on the toggles are very well made and the coat comes with a spare toggle.

The fit of the coat is accurate, flattering and sleeve lengths are perfect.

The fit also allows me to wear a winter jumper underneath comfortably.

The wool is dense which keeps me warm and it is also wind proof. Although the wool is dense, the coat still feels lightweight when wearing it. I found this coat to fit closer to my body than other duffle coats, which I like as it gave a more flattering look.

Also to my liking was the patterned lining on the

Pros Exceptionally well designed & made

weather conditions

Suitable nearly all seasons/

Flattering cut/ style

Lightweight

Cons Hood size is slightly small

Lacks a sturdy coat-hook loop



inside, as it adds a smart design to the coat. There is an inside pocket which is perfectly sized for my phone and can be closed with a button. There are also two large pockets on the outside. The hood is on the smaller side, but this is something I have not had before in a coat and it works well and looks great (as well as keeping my ears warm!) The London Tradition logo is on the inside and above it is a ‘Made in England’ label. This works as a hanger, although I would have liked to have seen a sturdier piece of fabric to hang the coat up with.

Overall, I think this coat is very well made, with details that make it look sophisticated and sleek. This coat is versatile and works well for various occasions, including walking the dog and running errands.

RRP £260.00

Gadgethead Magazine

Richa Motorcycle Clothing Range I’ve been riding motorbikes for as long as I can remember, and the weather must be pretty awful for me to opt for my car instead. Throughout these years of riding, I have concluded that you should always wear the best gear you can afford, as you generally get what you pay for with motorbike clothing.

My current choice of clothing has boiled down to an armoured Gortex 2-piece suit and heavy adventure motorbike boots. Whilst this combination gives great protection it isn’t the most comfortable of clothing when you get off. It becomes more of an issue when I leave my modern bike at home and take out the old Triumph T140 for a spin, as being fully suited and booted on a classic bike looks plain weird. But you can still

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fall off any bike, so I still want protection. Not only would I look cooler in jeans and a jacket, it would be much more convenient to just go about your business without having to get changed.

Gadgethead were sent some Richa motorcycle clothing to test and I am delighted to say I was best qualified to take on the task!

www.richa.eu

Richa Classic Jeans Normal jeans don’t offer much protection against a fall from a bike as they have weaker seams and fabric than motorbike jeans, which have impact and abrasion resistance protection and will not self-destruct on tarmac.

I have tired motorbike jeans before, but I haven’t liked them; I found them too big and puffy. I can best describe them as wearing a pair of oversized jeans with a quilt squeezed in them. The internal knee protectors had a mind of their own and would float around and rarely be where they should, so I had no confidence in them protecting my knees if I were to crash. In short: I would ride to work in them and change into my comfortable jeans, which defeated the whole idea of them being multipurpose. These were not Richa jeans.

The Richa jeans fit tighter all over, which keeps the armour pads where they should be, and the slightly stretchy material means you can move and not feel at all restricted. I could ride to work and then spend the whole day in them, because they felt like normal jeans. The Richa jeans are light years ahead of my previous pairs and I was amazed by what a difference a great brand can make on design and implementation.

RRP £179.99

Pros Comfort

Weight

Style and fit

Look like normal jeans

Cons Not waterproof

 Gadgethead Magazine

Richa Krazy Horse Boots As I have mentioned, I usually wear heavy motorcycle boots which are waterproof, full length and give great protection. However, there are times when I am going out and I know I will be walking around, so I long to wear lighter and more comfortable boots but still maintain protection.

These Krazy Horse ankle boots look and feel just like basket ball boots. Sure, they are heavier with toe, sole, ankle and heel protection but not significantly heavy. By just looking at them, you wouldn’t know they are protective motorcycle boots and they look so cool with the jeans! They are also water proofed, so great if you are caught out in a shower. That being said, on really wet days, I will stick to my full-length heavy boots as they go up the leg a lot further.

RRP £79.99

Pros Look great Comfortable Waterproof Good protection

Cons Hot in the summer

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Goodwood Jacket Brown Wow, what a jacket the Goodwood is! As soon as I picked it up, I was impressed with the supple premium cow leather that Richa have used. The Goodwood is a classically styled racing jacket with an aged look, yet it retains all the safety benefits of a new/modern jacket.

It is the real deal as a motorcycle jacket, with a zip-removable thermal gilet and D30 armour in the elbows,

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shoulders and back, which is some of the most malleable and lightest armour I have used. The Goodwood has an adjustable waistband with press buttons, soft neoprene collar with press button closure and adjustable sleeve cuff width.

In just a minute, you can remove the armour and turn it into a fantastic casual jacket.

I am looking forward to bedding in the jacket

with a few months of riding to see if it moulds itself to me, as I am sure it will.

The armour spec is: D30 elbow and shoulder protectors in accordance with the ce standard en16211:2012 (level 1) D30 back protector in accordance with the ce standard en16212:2014 (level 1) RRP £299.99

Pros Finest leather Superbly made Coolest looks Great fit

Cons None

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Testing this new clothing was the perfect excuse for me to go for a 200-mile ride. When you get on a motorbike in the UK’s Autumn weather, there can be a distinct chill and dampness in the air which soon gives a good idea of what works well.

The jeans and boots did take some getting used to at first as I felt less protected, but this simply wasn’t the case Once I had mentally adjusted to this, I loved the less cluttered feeling whilst riding. The jeans didn’t flap around and the armour

stayed in place. The jacket was warm and draft free, and the boots were very comfortable and warm.

The very best part of the whole experience was when I jumped off my bike to grab lunch: I didn’t feel like an awkward spaceman wandering around; I genuinely felt as comfortable as I would in my normal clothes and that’s probably the greatest thing: they do look and feel like normal clothes!

I am now a convert to the jeans, jacket and trainers look as

an alternative to being fully suited and booted.

Be very aware, though, that there are cheap and inferior products out there that look good, but the proof of the pudding will be when you come off.

Richa have spent over 60 years researching and developing clothes that give the best safety protection and comfort, and they have done a sterling job as the quality and styling of Richa clothing is superb, as well as offering extremely good value for money!

Gadgethead Magazine

Sur f 3 Inspired by mountain bike technology Why choose between a four-wheel urban pushchair or a three-wheel trekking pushchair. With Surf 3 you can have both, uniquely adaptable it can switch between city and trekking modes with ease.

Whether you’re in the town or country the unique suspension ensures a smooth ride.

4 wheels for urban use

silvercrossbaby.com

Trekking wheel for multi terrain use

ENTER THE WORLD OF ZWIFT.

© ZWIFT 2017.

An immersive digital cycling experience, Zwift makes indoor riding, training or racing, fun and rewarding.

Available on Try for free at

PC/ Mac

iPad iPhone

ZWIFT.COM

TCX Hero Gore-Tex Waterproof Boots The TCX Hero is such a cool looking boot! Moreover, they are the most comfortable motorbike boots I have every worn. However, the real bonus has to be that I have been using them for dog walking, as well as everyday use in the office, and I forget that these were even motorbike boots.

They are a traditional lace-up but have a clever side-zip to make getting them on & off fast and simple. A full lace-up boot is a pain to get on, as you really have to open up the laces to get your foot in - not so with the zip method; you can get them on without undoing the laces. Their

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looks remind me of an Army or Dr Martin boot, but the Hero’s have a Gore-Tex breathable waterproof membrane and protective areas in the toe, sole, heel and ankle. These are well thought out boots, taking the previous model, improving it, and even adding a double stitched sole

to ensure they are extra durable. The only aesthetic gripe I have is the leather shift pad on the top of the toe box, but as they have them on both sides it must be a design feature.

These are the most comfortable motorcycle boots I’ve tried yet and, dare I say, perhaps even the most comfortable boots I’ve ever worn generally.

Brilliant work form TCX! RRP £179.00

www.tcxboots.com Pros Well made Comfortable Waterproof Side zip

Cons Not everyone’s style, but how could they be!

 Gadgethead Magazine

Beryl Laserlight Winter can be an especially dangerous time for cyclists, the dark mornings and afternoons along with bad weather can make it particularly hard to remain visible to other road users. Urban cycling brand Beryl, has come up with a unique way to let other road users become aware of your presence.

According to research conducted by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) 79% of cycle accidents occur when the cyclist

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is travelling straight ahead and a vehicle manoeuvres into them, probably because they haven’t checked their left rear-view mirror.

Due to this information, the Beryl Laserlight was created with a front light that projects a bright green bicycle laser symbol six metres in front of you, this lets pedestrians and drivers see that a bicycle will soon be passing by.

There is also traditional white light that can produce up to 300

lumen and have three different modes to choose from including a strobe, all this light takes a lot of energy and it will take a four-hour charge to get just 2.5hours of constant use, however you will get up to 13hour when used on the flashing strobe.

The charging cable has a USB connection which makes it easy to take with you can charge up through your USB port at work, however due to the exclusive magnetic connection to the light, you can only use this lead and not one of the hundreds of micro USB or USB C cables you have all over the place, the magnetic connection isn’t very strong so it easy to knock the wire slightly off angle and break the connection and stop charging. The box contains the unique Blaze mount which will fit handle bars with a diameter of 24mm to 31.8mm and has three different silicone inserts to ensure a precise fit, the

https://beryl.cc/shop/laserlight Pros Projects a laser bike symbol 6meters ahead

300lumen

3 white light modes

Easy to attach and detach

Durable construction

Cons Pricey

On the large side

Fiddly charging connection

Short battery life on continuous

Heavy

 bracket is made from marine grade steel to withstand the elements, the light then easily clips into the bracket with the help of the magnetic mechanism. The light has a pleasing design made from tough aircraft ready aluminium, anodised and sandblasted with diamond cut edges for a clean and smooth finish, it isn’t the lightest at 182g and is quite large at 15 mm (L) x 33.9 mm (W) x 44.6 mm (H), so it might put off the elite road cyclist who count every gram. The Beryl Laserlight is quick and easy to attach and detach, it has premium build quality and that laser image brings a new layer to visibility, whether its worth that hefty price tag however remains to be seen, however following a successful Kickstarter Campaign, Beryl will be releasing newer model at a lower price point (69.99), called the Laserlight Core at the end of 2019.

RRP £125

Gadgethead Magazine

XTech X2 Shoulder Pads Football is played so intensely in the States, that the teammates armour themselves like knights - take note Neymar - this is because they crash into each other like stags in rutting season! The X2 created by XTech Pads have been designed to provide reliable protection, whilst at the same time allowing for flexibility and breathability.

These shoulder pads have been carefully crafted to ensure every element is performing to its utmost to push you to do the same.

They are lightweight, breathable, flexible, water resistant and importantly comfortable.

Built with XRD Technology, an exclusive industry partner, the 3-Point Swivel Arch Attachment is created with a front and back 3-point swivel-lock arch attachment, this lets the players freely move their arms and locks in place during impact.

There are ventilation holes in both the front and the back of the

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unit, along with vent holes perforating the body cushions to help direct air flow on to the players body and increasing breathability, you will still sweat, because you are working your butt off, but you don’t have to worry about over heating in a load of stuffy gear. The Outside Cantilever System consists of a two-piece arch outside cantilever system which helps to disperses energy across the body upon impact before it gets to cantilever yoke and body cushions.

The adjustable channel system separates the front and back body cushions

and can be adjusted to a precise and personal fit, the swivel belt and buckle system is made from a tough and flexible Hi-flex bio-thane and adds to the overall suppleness of the apparel. These shoulder pads are custom built to your specific order and there is a straightforward drop-down system that lets you personalise the size, arch, epaulet, cup, shoulder foam, player number, back plate (all backplates will be riveted onto your custom pad), rib combo, belt rib, isolation inserts and bet cushions. The X2 are very well made with a beautiful, premium finish, they are wonderfully light, breathable and flexible as well as providing consistent, durable protection throughout the game. RRP ÂŁ450

https://www.xtechpads.com/shop/shoulder-pads/ x2-shoulder-pad/ Pros Lightweight Powerful protection Cantilever Yoke System Flexible Outside cantilever system Breathable Swivel belt and buckle Front and back ventilation holes Made to order 3-Point Swivel Arch Attachment Adjustable channel

 Gadgethead Magazine

Blackvue DR900S-1CH Dash Cam The Blackvue DR900S-1CH Dash Cam has jampacked all the latest dash cam features into a sleek and attractive body, helping you protect yourself, your car and your no-claims bonus when out on the road. This single-channel dash cam (also available in two channel) uses an 8-megapixel CMOS sensor to capture videos in 4K ultra high definition.

The BlackVue comes equipped with a U1 (16GB, 32GB) or U3 microSD Card (64GB, 128GB), for durability and high transfer speed, and it uses H.265 (HEVC) compression to ensure that images look highquality whilst file sizes are kept as small as possible. This camera has an ultra-wide 162-degree angle and has all the must-have features you would expect to find on a camera in this price bracket.

The Blackvue’s Gsensor automatically detects impact and saves data, even in parking mode. Its GPS adds your location, speed and date onto

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your video, it has built-in 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi, and it also offers a free Over the Cloud add-on service, which allow you to check on your car from anywhere, anytime, for peace of mind. The unit has a multifunction button and customisable proximity sensor that lets you toggle audio recording on and off with a simple wave of your hand, meaning there’s no need to search for tiny buttons.

The sensor can also be configured to trigger Manual Event videos, which is potentially a very useful feature for saving data of near misses or witnessing events without taking away concentration

whilst you are driving.

Both the BlackVue App and Viewer are free to download and use, letting you change your BlackVue configuration settings and browse through your videos. You can Overwrite protect up to fifty files at a time, and the Adaptive FormatFree File Management system improves recording stability and requires less microSD card formatting.

As well as watching remote Live View, you can back up important videos, play and download from the dash cam’s memory, and you can even use Two-way Voice Communication with the driver from the app, meaning you can be a back-seat driver from anywhere in the world!

The is an optional tamper-proof feature that blocks physical access to the microSD card slot and microSD

format button, and prevents unplugging the power and coaxial cables, reducing risks of data tampering. This would be useful for a professional application, allowing employers to keep an eye on their employees whilst they are on the road. The Intelligent Parking Mode Monitoring can be used with Power Magic Pro, Power Magic Battery Pack or Power Magic Ultra Battery, and will give you peace of mind when you are away from your car.

There are two main dash cam modes to choose from: Time Lapse mode (with buffered ‘Events’) and Motion & Impact Detection mode (with region-based motion detection). The few seconds leading up to triggering events are also recorded. Other features include the Super Stealthy mode, which completely turns off all LED indicators in Parking Mode, so that only the recording LED indicator facing the interior of the vehicle will blink when motion or impact is detected, making it ultra-discrete.

The Blackvue DR900S-1CH Dash Cam is probably overkill if you are just recording your daily commute, but if you are looking for something on a professional level, have a deep rooted love for your car or just have a load of money burning a hole in your pocket, this fully loaded camera provides high quality videos, and all its features ensure that your vehicle will be well looked after, even when you are not around.

RRP £399.95

https://www.blackvue.uk/products/ dr900s-1ch Pros Full HD Recording - 4K UHD @ 30fps Front BlackVue Over the Cloud Service (Remote Live View, Emergency Alarm, etc.)

Built-in 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi, G-Sensor and GPS Customisable proximity sensor Sleek design Optional tamper proof case Lapse mode/motion and impact detection mode H.265 (HEVC) compression technology

Cons Pricey

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Gadgethead Magazine

simplehuman Rechargeable Sensor Pump Sometimes you don’t even realise an appliance is flawed until a better version comes along, making you wonder why it hasn’t always been this way. Many public restrooms use automatic soap dispensers so why shouldn’t we take advantage of this technology and bring it into our homes?

I have already been converted and own two automatic soap dispensers, the only issue I have with them is the batteries they get through.

The Rechargeable Sensor Pump from simplehuman does away with the battery issue by providing three months of use from one single charge.

It comes in three attractive designs brushed stainless steel, polished stainless steel and rose gold and has a 266ml capacity.

The sensor is built into the spout which

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means all you need to do is raise your hand to the nozzle and out pops the soap, no need to touch it with your dirty hands (you know where they’ve been) keeping the dispenser smudge and germ free. This dispenser features clogproof tubing pump that delivers a consistent flow with a silicone valve that successfully prevents any drips, unlike some of the other simplehuman dispensers you don’t set the amount of soap that comes out instead this is controlled by where you position

your hand. For just a little soap you put your hand up close to the nozzle, put your hand lower and you will get three times as much, this caused a few accidents when we brushed past at a low angle and ended up covered in soap, it also means you will have to give guests a quick tutorial of how to wash their hands after they pee, which is fine when it’s your best mate but slightly more awkward when it’s the boiler man.

There is a funnel to make refilling a clean and straightforward procedure and the box contains a lovely lavender soap sample to get you hooked.

The Sensor Pump is waterproof for easy

cleaning with an IP67 rating, it has a manual on/off button in the rear and a compact body of 11.2 x 7 x 17.2cm, it looks beautiful too and would happily compliment both bathroom or kitchen. The Sensor Pump looks great and works like a treat, we didn’t find the variable dispense system the most intuitive, but you do get used to it, probably best suited for the en suite or kitchen rather than the main bathroom. RRP £69.99

https://www2.simplehuman.com/uk/ rechargeable-sensor-pump-9-fl-oz-brushed Pros Stylish design Rechargeable 3month battery life Non-drip nozzle Clog proof tubing Waterproof (IP67)

Cons Variable dispense system non-intuitive Can be accidently triggered

 Gadgethead Magazine

Westbeach Crush Jacket With the ski season just around the corner, now is the best time to upgrade your gear before you end up committing to another year of tatty old gear that leaves you feeling cold and damp around the edges.

The Crush from Westbeach is available in Cherry, Combat Green Fairisle, Ultramarine and Brown Sugar and come in sizes XS-XL. This jacket has been rated by Westbeach as 10k/10k waterproof and breathable with 60g of insulation to

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help keep you warm whilst allowing your body to breath at the same time, the thermal properties means you

can get away with just a base layer underneath on most days and the roomy Regular style fit lets you layer up or wear a thin fleece underneath on colder days. Constructed from 100% Polyester and a hard-wearing Oxford Twill for durability, it has a wicking inner lining to help keep

https://westbeach.com/products/crush-jacket Pros Bold colours and designs 10k/10k waterproof and breathability Insulating Wicking lining

Lots of pockets Helmet compatible hood Sealed seams Flexible Room for multiple layers

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those sweat patches at bay, not a good look in the bar whilst you stop for a midday drink.

The outer layer has been treated with a Durable Water Repellency Treatment to prevent rain and snow getting inside, whether that’s because of the weather or just the large amount of time you spend laying in the snow due to you being a

little hopeless on the slopes. For further protection the Crush is Critically Seam sealed to keep out with wind and water, the main zip has a Velcro fastening storm flap and a fully adjustable mountain hood which has enough room to wear a helmet underneath. There are plenty of pockets to stow your valuables and ski essentials, with five external pockets, an internal media pocket, a dedicated internal lift pass pocket as well as a large internal pocket that provides a place for your goggles when not needs but with easy access for when they are.

Other features include, long sleeves with Velcro cuff adjustment, a fixed, stretchy powder skirt and drawcord adjustment for an improved fit around the hem.

RRP £240

Gadgethead Magazine

Joby GorillaPod Mobile Rig It’s great that there are vloggers and social media influencers to tell us what to think these days rather than the traditional newspapers, it means we don’t have to strain our brains trying to remember how to read, plus its great to know these 17 year olds are making more in a week than you make in a whole year.

If you want to get in on the action without looking like a complete beginner with your double chins and stretched out arm in every shot the GorillaPod Mobile Rig from Joby could be just what you need.

This vlogging tripod rig has be specially designed for mobile phone video, this lightweight rig weighs just 0.36g before you have kitted it out, it is compact and portable at 8 x 12 x 33cm. It comes with a 1/4”-20 standard tripod mount, GoPro mount and Universal flash shoe and it compatible with all smartphones in the pro-grade including

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large screened phone as well as smaller sizes, it simply slots in and locks in place with the GripTight holder.

The Mobile Rig has GorillaPod’s Patented and recognisable ball and socket design inside the rubberised legs with grips, this makes them highly flexible allowing you to stand it up like a regular tripod even on unlevel surfaces, securely hold it or wrap the legs around objects, door handle or railings for example for excellent versatility of angles. You can easily adjust tilt and landscape-to-portrait mode for vlogging, and add up to three

additional devices like mics, lights and action cams. In this kit you get two GorillaPod arms, two cold shoe mounts, one GoPro mount as well as the main rig body. We found this rig versatile, light and compact, it’s a bit stiff to begin with takes a little time to loosen up but other than that it’s a good piece of gear to start your vlogging career. RRP £89.95

https://joby.com/uk-en/gorillapod-mobile-rigjb01533-bww/ Pros Versatile Flexible Portable 1/4”-20 standard tripod mount, GoPro mount and Universal flash shoe Two extra arms included Grippy

Cons Stiff legs to begin with

 Gadgethead Magazine

Arena Powerskin Carbon-Flex VX (open back) The Powerskin Carbon-Flex VX (open back) is a highperformance swimsuit from Arena, featuring their carbon cage fabric that is designed for short and long-distance competitive swimming.

This swimsuit has a V-Flex System, this allows for optimum freedom of movement around the hips, glutes and shoulders. This V-Flex System has been designed so the seams have been moved away from the sides of the suit to form a ‘flex line’ across the hip flexors for reduced resistance during starts, turns and breaststroke kicks. It has intelligent seam placement on the women’s suit to optimise strokes and kicks by anchoring all the tension at the centre back, the carbon fibre cage that’s integrated into the suit create a compression effect but providing support and control where it’s needed,

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it connects muscle groups and isolates upper and lower body movements to help improve the swimmers body position in the water.

As well as providing compression to specific muscle areas, it helps to streamline the body for reduced drag, the Infinity-Loop feature also helps to streamlined body position by running a continuous tape that anchors on the muscle chain in the upper body for extra support. It links the ribs to the hips while still allowing for freedom of movement, and connects this to the gluteus maximus (your butt) which helps keep your hips up high in the water

and encourages the optimum body position when competing and training. The X-Pivot feature adds to the compression and anatomical support by isolating the movement in the upper and lower body with strategicallyplaced tape creating a brace which keeps the lower body and core muscles firm and supported while still allowing the upper body to rotate freely with each stroke, this helps ensure an even balance between the areas of the body that need to move and those that don’t. This is a serious suit for serious swimmers and comes in at a serious price, but if shaving seconds off your PB and beating your competitors is your end goal this might be a worthwhile investment.

RRP £369.99

More Info Pros Targeted compression Infinity Loop with X-Pivot Compression panels Ultra-link Encourages optimism body position V-Flex system Comfortable Silicone grips around legs hold garment in place Strategically placed seams

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Gadgethead Magazine

Ooma Butterfleye Currently (USA only) There has been a recent spate of burglary’s around my area recently, and I’m not going to lie, it has put the wind up me. Every time I leave the house for a long period of time, I feel a sense of tension as to whether everything will be as I left it on my return.

The Ooma Butterfleye is a security device which aims to look after your home when you can’t, it is currently only available in the USA however it aims to cross the Atlantic in the future.

It can be used with or without a subscription, you will get a good number of features for free including 7-days of Cloud Storage, Instant Video Capture, Live Streaming, Instant alerts (motion, sound, face, anti-tamper), Privacy arm/disarm, On board storage and power and internet outage protection. At $9.99 for 30 days you get Facial recognition, Remote 911 (coming soon, Telo customers only), Automatic arm/ disarm, 2-way audio,

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Scheduled notifications and fixed fee up to 6 cameras, there is a $29.99 package for 90 days which will get you all the above as well as Multi-site automatic arm/disarm and Business analytics (coming soon).

The camera is a compact and glossy piece of kit, it isn’t exactly discrete but doesn’t have the intimidating, invasive design some security cameras have, there is a choice of builtin storage to choose from, 16GB or 32GB

and that battery backup helps the Butterfleye to be something you can simply set up and forget about safe in the knowledge that power cuts and internet disconnection won’t affect the device. Packed with features this camera can automatically arm and disarm based on your GPS location, will capture activity 5 seconds before a triggered event, it uses face recognition to get to know who your friends and family are, including the pets, this means you can receive customised alerts to tell you if your kids get home with someone it doesn’t recognise.

The 24/7 live-stream from anywhere in the world and the Talk and Listen feature lets you stop anyone who’s up to no good in their

tracks simply by saying “I can see you” like some omnipresent security god. The camera records in HD and provides clear images as long as the light conditions are good, there is no night vision function, this is frustrating as it has gone out of its way to eradicate the issue of power loss which has long since been a major flaw with these types of devices but seems to have dropped the ball on this basic necessity.

The Ooma Butterfleye is on its way to becoming a great security device, it’s just not quite there yet. However the features it does currently have perform well, we found set up and interaction straight forward, the face recognition and alerts work well, and the image is clear although could use with a wider angle. RRP $199.99

https://www.ooma.com/security-camera/ Pros Power and internet outage protected Low cost subscription 24/7 live streaming Free cloud storage from the past 7 days Face recognition Instant alerts (motion, sound, face, anti-tamper) Videos are uploaded and secured with banklevel AES encryption Attractive unit Connect six cameras with unlimited users per account

Cons Only compatible in the USA Some features still to come No night vision

 Gadgethead Magazine

Sudio Nivå The Nivå from Sudio are truly wireless headphones that come in four attractive styles, Black, White, Pastel Pink and Pastel Blue that are all packed into a premium minimalist body, they connect via Bluetooth 4.2 which gives you the standard 10m range.

One full charge will give you 3.5hour battery life, if this doesn’t sound enough for some serious audio addicts fear not as the

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charging case will top up the battery a further four times giving you a total of 17.5 hours before you need to find a plug socket, there are

battery level indicators on both the earbuds and charging case to ensure you never get caught short. The charging case, although useful, has a lower quality feel than they earbuds themselves, maybe this is a clever decoy to hide the true value like putting Prada in a Primark bag, it

https://www.sudio.com/eu/niva-white Pros Great audio Truly wireless Compact, modern design Discrete and comfortable fit

17.5hr battery life with charging case Built in mic for call handling Battery life indicators

Cons Lacks volume

volume

Distortion at full

Case looks cheap

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is bulky, the lid is flimsy and doesn’t feel secure and there is an odd bit of stringy material that hangs out of the case that adds nothing to the aesthetics or function and looks like the idea of the work experience kid.

Moving on, the little earbuds are compact, tactile with a contemporary design and super comfortable, they come with a choice of

ear tips to find the perfect fit and ensures you get the best performance out of the noise cancellation, which works faithfully. The 6.2mm drivers create clear and immersive tones with minimal compression that could lead you to believe they are wired, the bass is lovely and rich, the mid-tones and treble stand their ground with a clear and layered quality, the only things we could pick at is that the max volume probably won’t blow you away and there is a little distortion when turned all the way up to the loudest setting. All things considered we were impressed by the Nivå, they provide powerful and enjoyable audio, the charging case extends the battery life, they sit snuggly and discretely in the ear. RRP £99

Gadgethead Magazine

With more than 300,000 designs created since 1932, there’s a Zippo lighter for every personality and style.

For further information and to see the new 2018 collection visit www.zippo.co.uk PJ21508-GadgetHeadAd_v02.indd 1

1/12/18 8:22 AM

LIGHTWEIGHT TOOLS THAT PACK A PUNCH. Our new 12V range are the smallest, lightest cordless tools we’ve ever made, but still deliver impressive performance and reach!

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Bissell Stain Eraser Cordless Spot and Stain Cleaner You would think a group of thirty-somethings would have had enough life experience by now to be able to have a sophisticated evening in without it ending in debauchery, so did we, sadly this was not the case for a night that will forever be known as red wine tsunami night.

First, a glass got knocked over on the table, oops no problem, we can clean this.

Second came the glass of red wine smashed on the carpet, followed by a “helpful” friend throwing tonic on it (“I totally read this somewhere” becoming the quote of the night) thus spreading it further. This was all topped off with, not one, but TWO glasses getting dropped on the sofa as the man babies fell asleep mid drink. After considering swapping my friends for some that are more refined, like a group of angry Rhinos. We decided to give the

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Bissell Stain Eraser Cordless Spot and Stain Cleaner a go.

This cordless machine promises to instantly remove stains anywhere… right away!

With a 300ml clean capacity, it works with a Professional Spot and Stain formula and can be used to spray, scrub and used as suction to extract stains from carpet, upholstery and car interiors. If we do end up inviting the Rhinos instead of our mates, it’s good to know Bissell is suitable for pet owners too, you get 15mins run time for 4 hours charge (1 month standby charge), which doesn’t sound a

lot but should be more than enough for one stain. The stain remover is compact at 18 (H) x 14 (W) x 42 (D) cm, it is weighty at 2kg but remains comfortable during use, its portable design makes it easy to move from the stairs, to the car to the carpet, and hard floors in any room.

There are 3 modes to employ Spray, Scrub and Suction, the spray mode sprays diluted BISSELL formula onto the stain, you can then agitate the area with the scrubbing brush on the bottom of the machine whilst the powerful suction extracts the stain away.

It is powerful enough to remove stains like red wine, fruit juice, food grease, coffee, tracked in dirt as well as urine on carpets, rugs, sofa and upholstery

for those parties that get seriously out of hand. We were really pleased with the performance of the Stain Eraser, it made light work of even the nastiest looking stains, the spray can be a bit over generous at times and leave some wet marks, and the weight means holding it vertically can get tiring after a while, however it is a small price to pay for successful removable of red wine from your curtains. RRP £99.99

https://www.bisselldirect.co.uk/bissell-staineraser-20056 Pros Spray, Scrum and Suction modes Excellent stain removal Works on carpet, hard floors, car interiors and upholstery Easy to use Premium constructions 300ml clean capacity 15minute tun time (1 month standby)

Cons Bit heavy Can leave damp marks

 Gadgethead Magazine

Vax Blade 2 Max 40V and Tool Kit The Vax Blade 2 Max 40V is a cordless vacuum cleaner complimented with a Tool Kit that includes a flexible, extendable crevice tool, tough dirt tool, dust brush, textile tool, stretch hose and storage bag, the Blade 2 is almost three times more powerful than any cordless vacuum Vax have produced.

Without the Tool Kit you just get a crevice tool and dust brush so its definitely worth getting the upgrade, along with the tools you also get the charger, wall mount kit and a tool caddy, this is handy for clipping on tool to the unit for quick access when vacuuming, however it is a bit of a reminder that you can’t store any of the other tools on board which results in you travelling around your house with tools sticking out of your pockets or the waistband of your trousers.

The battery takes about 3 hours for a full charge which is quick when you stop

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to consider you get a solid 45 minutes of 40V suction up until the last second before the battery dies, this is easily enough time to get around the whole house, maybe even twice. It weighs 3.1kg which isn’t the lightest, but it balances well when the floor head is attached, the floor head is extremely flexible and manoeuvres effortlessly around the room, under furniture, into corners and up against the skirting boards. There is Boost Mode for increased power at the touch of a button, removeable 0.6L bin for ease of emptying and the Dusttracker LED headlights illuminate

the area, letting you spot all the dust and dirt hidden in dark spaces.

The extending tube can be fully removed to turn the Blade 2 into a handheld which is ideal for cleaning the stairs, car and upholstery, the filters can be removed and rinsed for maintenance.

We loved the powerful suction the Vax Blade 2 provided but if could do with a few user friendly touches, for example it won’t stand up on its own, the handle could be angled for a more natural grip and the tools can be tricky to detach (not to mention there is no way to store more than one onboard), however the long battery life, ease or movement and boost function, make a lot of these minor issues easily forgettable. RRP £249

https://www.vax.co.uk/vacuum-cleaners/ cordless-vacuum-cleaners/vax-blade-2-max-40vcordless-vacuum-cleaner Pros Powerful, long lasting suction Converts to handheld device Functional tools include Wall mount 3hour charge time Flexible floor head Balanced weight Picks up pet hair

Cons Doesn’t stand up on its own Can’t store tools onboard Tools can be awkward to detach

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Gadgethead Magazine

TreePod Cabana TreePod is the brainchild of Colorado company, Hanging Habitats, who love nothing more than literally hanging out! This KickStarter project had its success in 2015 with a pop-up tree house aimed at children however, this latest creation is aimed at adults with a hammock/tent/chair combination that lets you chill out whilst suspended off the ground.

Inspired by those creatively bonkers Magis Spun Chairs the TreePod adopts a similar shape but offers a very different experience, it has silver mesh sides to allow for an open 360 degree view to ensure you don’t miss a thing, it also creates airflow keeping you cool by letting the natural breeze reach your skin and filling you up with the scent of the great outdoors.

You don’t have to let the bad weather stop

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you from enjoying the TreePod, it can also be set up indoors (if you have somewhere to hang it) stuff it with cushions and make yourself a cosy nest to avoid the bad weather. The TreePod comes in six attractive colours, Aquamarine, Graphite, Moss, Slate Blue, Terracotta and Ivory, and is available in three size, 4ft, 5ft and 6ft, they take up to a max weight of 500lb with the largest weighing 22.75 lbs. In the box you get the

pod, rope, hand strap, frame, quick link and a carry bag. Don’t let the amount of gear intimidate you as it is simple to set up. Firstly you need to find your perfect location, with a stand costing £279.99 a tree is definitely your cheaper option, then slip in the frame just like you would a tent.

Next, you secure the hanging rope, toss it over your selected fixture, a branch for example (always ensure it will safely bare your weight, plus the weight of the TreePod) and pull to the desired height, then secure the hanging rope to a sturdy support to finish off, all that’s left to do then is climb in and relax. The

TreePod has UV treated canvas but the mesh will let the suns rays get to your skin, there is also no rain or bug protection and its heavy weight means its much more suitable for glamping or replacing traditional garden furniture then for travelling or replacing tents. It will take a little bit of practise and thought to set it up correctly but once mastered it is comfortable and relaxing, an interesting upgrade to the hammock. RRP £329.99

https://mytreepod.com/products/treepodcabana?variant=4584380760101 Pros Stylish Attractive colours Comfortable Strong, good quality materials Indoors or out 360˚ views and ventilation thanks to mesh UV canvas

Cons No rain or insect protection Set up can be tricky at first Expensive stand and accessories

 Gadgethead Magazine

Freewaters Tall Boy Trainer Knit Freewaters was set up in 2010, San Francisco, by two surfers/product designers with the dream of producing footwear for those who want to travel without limitation, but at the same time help give something positive back to the world.

This has been achieved by ensuring that each pair sold helps to fund clean drinking water projects in small communities in Kenya, Haiti and

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the Philippines and have so far completed 80 water projects to date. You can feel good about giving this company your money which is a rare feeling

these days, the Tall Boy Trainer Knit comes in Light Grey, Olive and Black/Grey, when you place your order you can personally select which water project you would like to support, building rain catchments in Haiti, dig wells in rural farming communities in Kenya or provide water for

https://free-waters.co.uk/products/tall-boytrainer-knit-mens-grey Pros Funds water projects

Breathable

Attractive design

Vegan

Comfortable

Light

Cons Not suitable in the rain

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indigenous people in the Philippines. Having to select and effectively reject two other projects is a tough choice to make but highlights the vast areas in need of clean water and could have a positive effect of educating and encouraging people to donate directly to the charities.

The Tall Boy has been created as a comfortable all rounder that can be

worn all day whether you are in the office, out with friends or on overseas adventures due to the extra thick cushioning, fully breathable knit fabric and lightweight feel. The uppers have been engineered with air flow zones to help keep your feet cool, the seamless design also eliminates any pinch points and potential blisters.

The Zoned Rubber helps to provide grip and durability but only where you need it, in the heels and toes to keep the weight down. These shoes aren’t good in the rain and become slippery on muddy surfaces, however they are comfortable straight out of the box, nice and light, and the stiff sole puts a spring in your step whilst all the ventilation keeps your feet cool. Oh, and did I mention they look awesome? RRP £75

Gadgethead Magazine

Dainese AWA M1 If you are looking for a serious upgrade this ski season (and have a good chunk of cash burning a whole in your pocket) the AWA M1 from Dainese could be just what you are looking for. Available in four designs, Black-Iris, Gun-Metal, Lemon-Chrome and Stretch-Limo it comes in sizes XS-XL. What makes the M1 special is the layering system that is made up of a three-layer waterproof breathable outer shell and an insulating, packable inner jacket. Both the outer (shoulder and arms) and inner layers has integrated Trailknit seamless knitted constructions, this fabric has been developed by electronic knitting machines, different to traditional woven fabric, it provides more flexibility and has better elasticity, and this is Dainese’s first garment to host a knitted construction

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on the outer layer that provides a more fitting form.

For protection against the elements the M1 has been laminated with a proprietary waterproof breathable membrane and has DWR treatment on outer fabric, the outer also has a D-Dry Plus 3-layer shell and is has fully seamed seals. The hood is fully adjustable with room for a helmet underneath and removeable to reduce bulk on milder days, this jacket offers a water column of 30,000mm and YKK AquaGuard VISLON

water repellent front zipper. The inner jacket has PrimaLoft Silver Down Boost (80g) for warmth and lightweight 10 denier micro ripstop outer fabric 23g/m2, it attaches to the inside of the outer layer for ease of dressing but can be completely removed and worn independently depending on the weather.

The M1 has a breathability rating of 30,000 g/m2/24hrs, a snowskirt that attaches securely out of the way when not in use and side vents that can be unzipped for extra ventilation and can also be used to access the pockets on the inner layer, and due to the dual layers and tough exterior the M1 is rather heavy at 1.54kg. There are loads

of pockets to make sure you have space for all your belongings and essentials, in the inner jacket there is a detachable lens wipe in one pocket and a detachable card holder in the other. Everything about the M1 screams premium, if I was to be ultra-picky I would add a fleece lining to the outer pockets to double as hand warmers and wrist gaiters in the sleeves to seal the gap between gloves and sleeves, other than that is jacket is close to faultless.

RRP £615.65-£989.50

https://www.dainese.com/gb/en/ awa-m1/204749412.html Pros 2in1 shell + insulation jacket combination Breathability 30,000 g/m2/24hrs and 30,000 mm water column Fully seam sealed (outer jacket) Close fit with flexibility Removable, adjustable helmet compatible hood Trailknit construction on both inner and out linings Premium quality Lots of pockets Fully removeable inner jacket Detachable lens wipe and card holder

 Gadgethead Magazine

Alpinestars Tech 8 RS Alpinestars have been making serious apparel for serious sports since 1963, we are taking about the kind of sports where you could potentially die at every second - motocross, road and off-road motorcycling racing, open wheel and stock car racing and the sort of cycling where you throw yourself down near vertical slopes at ridiculous speeds.

The Tech 8 RS have been designed for off-road performance with a new, full, inner bootie for a precise and comfortable fit and an innovative buckle closure system for convenience.

These boots are available in three distinct additions: Black, White and Black/ Red/Yellow in US size 5-15. They have an upper constructed from abrasion-resistant microfiber material with a reinforced leather panel over the toe-box, the microfiber is water-resistant, offers durability, reduced weight and a consistent fit for long term use.

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The Inner Bootie has a 3D breathable mesh plus synthetic material chassis for support and breathable textile lining around the ankle, as well as some soft padding with an incorporated adjustable shock absorbing gel that is integrated into the ankles (these are replaceable).

The footbed is removeable and has an anatomic design with dual compound, a polymer forefoot, EVA arch support and top textile lining.

Every detail has been considered, this boot has an anatomically profiled, high modulus polymer shin plate for

impact and abrasion protection, it allows for a good range of fitment and has a Velcro closure system. There is a high modulus calf plate that is contoured to fit, a contoured, tempered steel shank is over injected inside the midsole, the low-profile toe area has been created for improved control in the shift area, whilst the TPU kick starter protection insert located on the right boot is fully removable and replaceable for an extended life span.

The Tech 8 RS has a stamped steel toe and heel guard, the instep has been redesigned and the Achilles accordion Flex Zones add control and comfort. It uses a buckle closure system that is made from a high-impact polymer and aluminium, the bridge closures have

a memory of your fit and uses quick release/locking system with self-alignment that makes for fast fitting and removal, all the buckles are replaceable. The sculpted rubber medial panel provides a strong grip on the bike and aluminium foil insert adds improved heat resistance. The extended polymer gaiter creates a seal around the top of the boot, to keep out dirt and water, and the outsole is fully replaceable. These super tough and stable boots have everything you need, lots of ventilation, comfort, control and high-level protection, plus they look amazing, that’s at least two parts of your body taken care off if you insist on participating in these daredevil sports. RRP £499.99

https://www. alpinestars.com/tech-8rs-boot Pros Comfortable and breathable Replaceable components High levels of protection Redesigned instep and Achilles accordion flex zones New buckle closure system Dual polymer blade system Full-length, sculpted rubber medial panel Insulated with aluminium foil Extended polymer gaiter

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Gadgethead Magazine

Tower Gluten Free Digital Bread Maker with Nut Dispenser You would be hard pushed to find anything more deliciously comforting than a slice of freshly made bread, even the smell of it baking in your home is like one big aromatic hug, however the time and physical effort it takes to produce a decent loaf can be very off putting (those guys on bake off make it look easy).

Thankfully the food gods answered our prayers by creating the bread maker. The Tower Gluten Free Digital Bread Maker comes with 17 programmable settings to different types of homemade bread including gluten free, a notoriously difficult loaf to master.

Ditch the additives, excess salt and sugar and let this machine do all the hard graft in producing a more nutritious loaf than

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you will find in the supermarket aisle, and why stop there?

This machine will also make you jam to accompany your bread and yoghurt too, because who doesn’t like yoghurt?

Constructed from steel housing with a matte finish, this machine also has a built-in nut dispenser that will add ingredients at just the right moment. One of the best features is the delay timer (up

to 15hours) which means you can be greeted with warm bread as soon as you wake in the morning, there is a Keep Warm function which will keep the bread warm for up to 60minutes after it has finished baking. This machine features a user-friendly touch screen panel with an easy to read LCD display screen for selecting the programme, select the size (500g, 750g or 1000g) and your choice of crust (light, medium or dark crust), there is a viewing window, so you can watch your bread take shape and the 15 min power interruption back up

system prevents issues caused by accidental switch off. The name is slightly misleading as it suggests it purely makes gluten free bread, it is basically a bread maker with one of its 17 functions being a gluten free option, the gluten free bread we made was ok, but still quite dense as so often this type of bread is, however, as a regular bread maker this is an excellent option. If you are looking for beautiful loaves you may be put off by the paddle dent in the bottom, making some of the middle slices uneven, and they don’t always come out completely symmetrical however we think this adds to the charm and it doesn’t affect the taste. RRP £69.99

https://www.amazon.co.uk/TowerT11002-automatic-Dispenser-Stainless/dp/ B00MMLHXLY?th=1 Pros 17 programmable settings Built in nut dispenser 15hour delay 60minute keep warm function 3 sizes to choose from 3 choices of crust Good quality construction Touch screen buttons and LCD display Viewing window Throw in your ingredients and let it do the rest

Cons Paddle dent in loaf Loaves can be unsymmetrical Gluten free loaves a little dense

 Gadgethead Magazine

TiGr Mini Plus U-lock and Mounting Clip TiGr was born via a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2011 when Bob, John, and Jim Loughlin set out to create a bicycle lock that is light, straightforward to use, easy to store and provides good security, while also looking great.

All TiGr locks are very secure and have been certified to meet rigorous European bicycle security standards, the TiGr Mini Plus can be used to secure to the frame and wheel to a bike rack, however it is important to point out that this will offer medium security protection, this

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means its suitable in most situations but you probably would only use it as a secondary lock if you were leaving your Raleigh in the dodgy part of town.

The Mini Plus is made from a tough titanium which means it is super light and weighs just 1lb and measures up at 11.5 x

8 x 4 inches, it will fit any bike and comes with a mounting clip that can be attached to the inside of the frame, under the seat, its slim design means it doesn’t detract from the over all beauty of your two wheeled beauty. There is a clear PVC coating to prevent the lock from scratching the paint work, the locking mechanism is easy to use, the two ends of the lock pop into the cap and is automatically locked without the need

of the key, then simply use the key to unlock the cap and remove it take off the lock. The TiGr Mini Plus isn’t the most beautiful of things, it could have a cleaner finish, as even with the PVC coating some of those edges look a little rough but it is minimalist, simple and most importantly lightweight, a good choice for medium security or as a secondary lock. RRP £135

https://www.tigrlock.com/store/tigr_ulock/ Pros Super light Easy to use Comes with sturdy mount Compact PVC coating

Cons Small locking area may restrict use Not a high security lock

 Gadgethead Magazine

Coros Omni Smart Cycling Helmet The Coros Omni Smart Cycling Helmet combines protection with connectivity, that helps to keep you safe on the road whilst allowing you to enjoy some tunes and remain connected to people via calls and SOS Emergency Alerts.

Starting with the overall design, the helmet has large ventilated areas and angled edges for a sharp and streamlined look, it is available in Black, White, Red and Blue. The finish is a little shabby in places on close inspection, the glossy black outer layer doesn’t line up evenly against the inner shell and some of the edges are a bit tatty, but overall it looks good. There are a few key features at work here, the main draw is the bone conductive technology which allows you to connect the helmet to your phone over Bluetooth, the receivers are

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attached to the helmets straps and stick just in front of your ears on the top of the cheek bones, allowing you to hear the music without covering your ear canals so you can still safely hear the world around you and not let passers by hear your embarrassing playlist.

Setting it up is a piece of cake and the audio was surprisingly clear, I mean it can’t compete with in-ear or over-ear Bluetooth headsets and its full volume isn’t going to blow you away, but it is balanced enough to be enjoyable and more importantly keeps you safe and focused on the road. The two-way

audio allows you to take calls, earbud and wire free, activate your smart assistant (Alexa for example) to control your phone, change tracks and adjust your navigation. If you don’t want to look crazy talking to yourself there is a lightweight and compact remote that can be mounted on the handle bars with buttons to effortlessly change music tracks, adjust volume, turn on/ off your LED lights or answer a phone call.

For better visibility both day and night the Omni has built in LED lights at the rear of the helmet, these can be switched on/ off manually however there is a sensor that automatically activate the lights when it gets dark.

Lastly the SOS Emergency Alert

feature will automatically contact your list of emergency contacts when the Omni detects an impact, keeping you safer on solo rides, there is a companion app, available for Apple iOS or Android, this lets you save rides and routes, share your favourites but add very little to the helmet experience so isn’t a necessity to download.

We were getting about 7hours per charge which is respectable, listening to audio is a pleasant enough experience but due to the lack of noise reduction, taking calls can quickly result in lots of “sorry what??” and “say that again” however the lights, remote and emergency SOS features some what make up for this. RRP $199.99

https://coros.com/omni.php Pros Safely allows you to listen to audio Reasonable sound quality LED Lights 7hour battery life SOS emergency alerts Two-way audio Lots of ventilation

Cons Poor quality when taking calls Tatty edges in places

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Gadgethead Magazine

Lifeprint Harry Potter Magic Photo What could be better than an inkless printer that can bring your photos to life? A Harry Potter inkless printer that can bring photos to life, just like the portraits in Hogwarts Castle but with the help of an AR compatible app instead of magic - I know, I’m sorry, but it’s the closest you can get to becoming a wizard right now.

This compact little printer is smaller than some smartphones at 11.9 x 2 x 8.1cm and weighing just 181g thanks to its predominately plastic construction, however it feels durable enough, it is available with White or Black Faux Leather finish which looks good.

One feature no Potter fan will be able to resist is that you can personalise your printer with one of five included metal medallions that sit proudly on the front of the device in its own little integrated slot, I had Hufflepuff medallion (yes, I’m a puff, the common room is next to the kitchen, it’s a no brainer) before I even

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knew what the printer was. It comes with one pack of ZINK Photo Printing Paper which contains 10 sheets with a peel and stick back, the Lifeprint requires no ink and works by ZINK Technology that uses heat to produce the image so no need for expensive ink cartridges, just expensive paper (30 sheets for $19.99).

Now for the touch of magic, once you have downloaded the app and registered the device you can create your image, take a photo and you can edit it with Harry Potter themes stickers, you can then add your AR Video and play with the AR facial filters (including Harry, MadEye Moody and Luna’s

Spectrespecs), you then send the image to the printer.

The finished photo is good quality with bright colours and clear detail, you then hold your phone with that app open over the image and watch your photo come to life, it is quite magical. There is the added option of connecting with others in your house and printing your photos directly to each other’s printers from anywhere in the world, there will be privacy implications with this feature that may put people off, but this can all be adjusted in the settings.

The app isn’t the most intuitive but with some dedicated practise (think of it as a Muggle Studies Class) you will get to grips with it, it is pricey to top up with paper but a fun and original product that Potter and AR fans will enjoy. RRP £149.99

https://lifeprintphotos.com/blogs/the-scrapbook/ the-world-just-got-a-little-more-magical Pros Clear, bright images 5 metal house badges Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery AR brings the image to life Good construction Print straight onto friends printers anywhere in the world

Cons App is a little convoluted Pricey refills

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Gadgethead Magazine

JML San Siro Coffee Machine I am always interested in anything that can make the process of getting a coffee into my system quicker, and the JML San Siro Coffee Machine Compact can offer you such a wide variety of drinks it promises to be a good coffee companion.

This machine uses San Siro coffee and tea capsules but is also compatible with all the Nespresso range, this opens you up to a huge amount of beverage choice. It’s reasonably compact, 11.8 x 36.5 x 25cm which means it’s kind of tall and kind of long but narrow, so it won’t hog too much of your kitchen top. It comes with an 800ml water tank that will provide you with 2-4 drinks depending on the size and provides 19 bar of water pressure for the perfect crema on top for your espresso, this is created from the pressure of the water that’s forced through the ground coffee and produces a smooth, creamy finish on the coffee.

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There is a handy built-in capsule ejection system which means you don’t have to touch the hot capsules after you’ve made your drink, there are hot and cold functions to let you choose between temperatures as well as the size of your drink.

The adjustable pouring spout means you can adjust it to the size of your cup whether it’s a latte glass or espresso cup you can make your drink hands free without spilling a drop, the general build quality is poor in some areas, the plastic feels thin in place, the drip tray is and the metal closure is a little snappy.

The biggest issue we found was filling the water take, it isn’t easily

accessible as it sits at the rear ot the machine which is usually pressed up against your wall, the water tank isn’t removeable and the lid flips up towards the back also which means we have to keep moving the machine every time we wanted to fill it, you will also need to use a jug which isn’t provided.

This machine comes in your bog standard black but also six funky coloured designs, Pink, Blue, Carbon, Light Green, Race Red and Violet and has a rinsing and descaling function for maintenance as well as an energy saving mode. We loved the wide variety of drinks this machine can make, hot or cold, big and small but that water tank is frustrating, and the build quality could do with a boost before it is worth the full asking price. RRP £99.99

https://www.jmldirect.com/kitchen/coffeemachines/san-siro-coffee-machine-bumper-offer/ Pros 19 bar high pressure pump Adjustable spout height Hot function and cold function Automatic capsule ejection system Rinsing and descaling function Energy saving mode Narrow

Cons Awkward water tank access Low quality build in places No jug included

 Gadgethead Magazine

Earin M-2 Earin is a Swedish based company that take audio seriously, they were one of the first companies to produce truly wireless headphones after a successful Kickstarter project way back in 2016 which is about 50 years in gadget time. At first look the Earin M-2 appears to have the same level of quality and class as their older brother, these small but mighty earbuds are wonderfully light that you could be forgiven for thinking you weren’t even wearing them.

The Earin M-2 uses a unique dual antennae design which provides excellent wireless connectivity for a stable experience, whilst the NFMI MiGLO technology

by NXP produces a delay free experience

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when connected over Bluetooth 4.2. To help you block out the sounds of your fellow commuters or irritating family members, these headphones have inbuilt Intelligent Noise Reduction, letting you filter out distractions

when enjoying your music and letting you take calls wherever you are, with thanks to the four microphones both inside and outside the earphone.

The sound is beautifully balanced, easily one of the best Bluetooth audio experiences we have come across, the base is deep and not over powering, the mid tones are rich whilst the treble crisp and clear, you won’t be disappointed. On top of sounding great, the M-2

look amazing, with a sleek contemporary design, they come with a selection of tips, including foam tips which help the noise cancellation and give you secure, comfortable and precise fit. The unique and stylish capsule case that doubles as a charger, this will top up the max of 4 hours on the earbuds to 14 hours, which, considering the price and how much you will want to use these is a little bit of a let-down. The M-2 uses a touch and tap interface for intuitive control of your music as well access to Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant, you can also use the companion app to customise settings to your environment and download the latest software. If you a looking for a great sounding pair of truly wireless headphones look no further, the short battery life might put some people off but it’s a price we are willing to pay for the quality audio. RRP £219

https://earin.com/ Pros Beautiful design Sleek and compact charging case Excellent audio

Intelligent Noise Reduction Intuitive controls Comfortable foam tips

Seamless connection with next to no latency

Cons Short battery life in this price range

Costly

Up to 4 hours continuous usage

Video & Game Compatible with low latency

Up to 14 hours usage with capsule

Also in the box 3x pairs custom foam tips 1x pair silicone tips

Micro USB cable to charge capsule, 96mm

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Gadgethead Magazine

Spyder Bromont Jacket Spyder was born in 1977 when David Jacobs’ noticed there were limited options for ski racing sweaters.

From there, the company has expanded into all types of snow sports apparel and outdoor wear.

The Bromont Jacket is highly featured and well-equipped for the elements, it is available in three striking two tone designs Black/ Turkish Sea (black and blue), Polar/Acid (grey and yellow) and Volano/Black (red and black) as well as a more understated Wool Blend Twill/Turkish Sea (grey).

It comes in a tailored fit for a slimmer look, but without restricting movement.

This jacket has two of our favourite names on board, GORE-TEX and PrimaLoft. Starting with GORE-TEX, this

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high quality technical magic appears in two ways the 360º Stretch Nylon with GORETEX Laminate and PFCecFree DWR and Wool-Like 2L with GORE-TEX Laminate and PFCecFree DWR, this provides a four-way stretch for excellent flexibility whilst keeping water, wind and snow out of the jacket and allowing heat and moisture to escape. The Bromont uses PrimaLoft Silver insulation (60g) this silky soft padding provides a high loft and warmth that mimics the

performance of goose down but won’t clump when wet and dries out quickly. On top of this the jacket also has a watertight AquaGuard front zipper, underarm ventilation system, fully adjustable and removable hood and powder skirt, adjustable cuff and hem and fully taped seams.

There are plenty of pockets to take your essentials and valuables with you on the sloops, all with waterproof zips, the two main pockets have a soft lining to double up as handwarmers, there is also a chest and data card pocket zippers, google pocket in the interior. There is spacer mesh padding

around the top of the back and arm pits for extra ventilation and the Recco Avalanche Rescue System is built into the jacket and the reflective detailing on the front, back and sleeves of the jacket help with visibility. The Bromont jacket is wonderfully warm and weather proof, due to the generous insulation the jacket is a little bulky so is best suited for very cold days, the main zip is quite stiff but hopefully this will loosen up over time other than that (and perhaps that bold design) this isn’t much to put you off. RRP £647.93

https://www.spyder.com/collections/mens-skijackets/products/mens-bromont-jacket Pros Unique design 60g PrimaLoft insulation GORE-TEX technology Breathable Lots of pockets Tailor fit Adjustable hood, cuff and hem Water, wind and snow proof Removable ski skirt Waterproof zips Recco Avalanche Rescue System

Cons Bit bulky Stiff main zip

 Gadgethead Magazine

Karcher K5 Premium Full Control Plus This time of year, we seem to have an endless stream of guests who want to come over, eat our food, and drink our booze. On top of the hassle of feeding and talking to them, we need to pretend we don’t live in absolute filth by cleaning the place.

It’s not just the inside we have to worry about, with all the outdoor Christmas lights and plastic reindeers we like to make sure the whole place is spotless. It sounds like a lot of graft but thankfully the Karcher K5 Premium Full Control Plus can help you out in a big way, this home pressure washer comes with a 3-in-1 Multijet lance that can be adjusted between vario lance, dirt blaster and detergent settings.

This kit comes with the T350 Patio Cleaner, 1L 3-in-1 Stone and Facade Detergent, highpressure gun, high-

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pressure hose reel, high-pressure hose (8m), Quick Connect on machine, detergent application via Plug and Clean system, telescopic handle, water-cooled motor, soft bag, integrated water filter, adapter garden hose A3/4” and the 3-in-1 Multi Jet. This isn’t a cheap set up, but it will help you tackle patios, decking, fencing, walls, wheelie bins and cars with ease (I mean your guests really shouldn’t be judging your wheelie bins, but this is how gossip gets started). The pressure is adjustable in every mood via the

touch display buttons of the LCD display on the trigger gun, you can store all the accessories on board, so they are within easy reach where ever you are. The 8m hose gives you ample reach, whilst the Plug and Clean detergent system which also resides on board makes applying and switching detergents a quick and trouble free procedure. Detergent mode allows you easy application of cleaning products, the hose reel can be quickly wound up for simple storage, the aluminium telescopic handle sits at a comfortable pulling height. The technical specs are as follows: pressure is 20 - max. 145

bar (2 - max. 14.5MPa) with a max flow rate of 500 and temperature of up to 40°C, it weighs 13.6kg and measures up at 411 (L) x 305 (W) x 584 (H)mm. The K5 is very easy to use, it’s rather big and heavy but can be easily moved around on its wheels, you will just to make sure you have the space to store it, it will still take a little time to get things sparkling clean but it doesn’t involve any real effort on your part (other than perhaps a bit of scrubbing on very stubborn mud on the car) and once finished the results are satisfying. RRP £449.99

https://www.karcher. com/uk/home-garden/ pressure-washers/k-5premium-full-controlplus-home-13246350. html Pros Easy to use Powerful and satisfying results Comes with all the attachments and detergents you need Pressure can be controlled in all moods Onboard storage 8m hose with hose reel Telescopic handle and wheels for easy manoeuvres

Cons Heavy and large Not the fastest Pricey investment

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Gadgethead Magazine

Klymit Armored V Sleeping Pad When it comes to comfort people often think more is…well more, however you don’t need to have the thickest mattress in the world to get a decent nights sleep. You heard it here first, the Klymit Armored V sleeping pad has been created to offer you an excellent night’s sleep, even on the most rugged of terrain with a thin sleeping pad that can be inflated in less than a minute.

The Armored V has 300,000 armoured SuperFabric scales covering the entire underside to create a tough barrier between your and the sticks and rocks that are just itching to dig themselves into your body during the night.

They also can resist punctures, slashing, moisture, and abrasion and claim to be strong enough to perform in even the most

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demanding of outdoor conditions, whilst remaining flexible enough to fold and roll into compact storage.

The Armored V features Body Mapping Technology, this means the patented V-shaped design provides comfort whether you sleep on your side, stomach or back, the Side Rails have been integrated into the patterning and construction, they help

keep you in the right place whilst you sleep by centring your body within the pad and inhibiting air movement while moving about whilst you sleep. The Deep Weld Patterning help to prevent the flattening of your sleeping bags padding by allowing the bag to fully loft beneath you, this improves both comfort and insultation whilst the Twist-Pull Valve lets you inflate the sleeping pad in just 10-15 breaths and when you are ready to pack up, simply open it up for speedy and complete deflation.

There is a patch kit included for emergency repairs, it weighs in at

a rather hefty for 1300g for a slim sleeping pad and will pack down to a not so compact 14cm x 22.9cm, once inflated is measures up at 182.9cm x 58.4cm x 6.4cm, which means that if you are over 6ft you will experience some overhang.

The Armored V isn’t the most lightweight or compact of sleeping pads and certainly could do with being a little longer, however is it super tough, comfortable and can be inflated/deflated rapidly, worth considering. RRP £199.99

https://www.klymit.com/armored-v-sleepingpad.html Pros Comfortable Tough and durable Body mapping tech Side Rails Deep weld pattern Twist Pull Valve for quick deflation Inflates in 10-15 breaths

Cons Bulky for a sleeping pad Short Low quality carry case Heavy

 Gadgethead Magazine

RHA MA750 Wireless The MA750 Wireless headphones from RHA featuring noise isolation and a lightweight Aerophonic housing design (just 41g), are packaged beautifully and these headphones look premium from the outset. They have been designed to channel the sound from the headphone’s driver directly into the listener’s ear without obstruction, thanks to the housing design which is unique to RHA’s MA Series.

The MA750 have a thick but supple contoured SecureFlex cable in silicone neck band for which ensures they remain in place if

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you take the earbuds out to speak to a real life human (eeesh, what a horrible thought) and have flexible ear hooks for comfort and a

secure fit.

We tested these out with a little bit of road running and a short HIIT session and they proved reliable at remaining firmly in place, they generously come with a variety of earbuds including both the regular silicone and Comply Tsx-400 memory foam, to help you get a precise fitting, the neckband did

bounce around during the HIIT session which could become irritating but they are more than suitable for running and very comfortable for everyday use, like ignoring the world when you head out shopping (god bless self service checkouts). If there is an option of comfy foam earbuds, I will always choose these, for they offer the best comfort but also helps to minimising external sounds for better noise isolation.

There are three buttons built in, remote and mic to allow you to take calls hands free, control your music and activate your virtual assistant. You can get your pump on safe in the knowledge that these headphones have an IPX4 rating making them sweat and splash proof, they will also keep going well after your have had enough with 12 hours of continuous playback (30 days standby). There is a LED battery indicator to make sure you never

https://www.rha-audio.com/uk/products/ headphones/ma750-wireless Pros Good sound quality Comfortable and secure fit Sweat resistant and splash proof Built in remote and mic

Comply Tsx 400 memory foam tips 12hour battery life Premium construction

Cons Treble can be harsh at times

Carry case could be better quality

 get caught short and the MA750 will automatically switch off after 20 minutes of inactivity, the earbuds are magnetised and connect safely around your neck when not in use. These headphones have 560.1 drivers, connect via Bluetooth and have high fidelity aptX and AAC streaming, this all provides acoustics that are warm and consistent most of the time, the bass has a comfortable punch without becoming over powering and the mid tones are rich and distinguished, the treble can hit some harsh points at times but over all the sound is satisfying. The MA750 come with a rather sad mesh carry pouch that although well made seems a step down on quality but aside from that it feels like you are getting exactly what you deserve for your money here. Premium build, comfortable fit, sound isolation and good audio, make these headphones a safe bet. RRP £149.95

Gadgethead Magazine

Jam Zero Chill The Zero Chill from Jam has a unique design to make it stand out from the crowd at the party. It is available in Grey, Blue, Blue Camo, Cream Soda and Black with an unusual sloping top, fabric carry loop and large “X” “-“, and “O” buttons.

It has a powerful range when connected via Bluetooth of up to 30m which means you can take photos from a distance of your mates dancing around like fools without interrupting the music at any point. The Zero Chill can handle any party be it a midnight rave on the beach or an impromptu pool party thanks to the IP67 rating, which not only makes it dirt-proof but also means it can be fully submerged in water up to one meter for 30 minutes.

The Zero Chill is a chunky chap but nicely compact at H7.39 x W7.39 x D16.78cm, but it is rather heavy at 680g, it wouldn’t be

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your go-to choice for lightweight travelling. It has an excellent battery that will provide you with up to 22hours off one full charge and can be controlled by its multifunctional button, to say these lack intuition is an understatement but thankfully it comes with a sticker to help you work out how many times to press what, just be prepared for any friends who want to take over as DJ to ask for tuition. One thing we did love was how the charging port and cable are all tucked about in the bottom of the speaker (with a handy cable spool to keep everything nice and neat) accessing

this area isn’t easy as the silicone plug it pretty tough to pull out, it needs to be this way however to ensure a water tight seal, its just a bit of a pain. The sound is obviously the most important element of every speaker and we are pleased to report it provides an even layered sound, that allows you to enjoy a whole genre of tunes, however bass heads might find it lacks a bit of punch for their liking.

The Jam Zero is a good choice for parties at home, glamping adventures or day trips, its 360degree powerful sound, long battery life and protective body will allow you to party as hard and as long as your middle age cardio system allows. RRP £59.99

https://uk.jamaudio.com/zero-chill-bluetoothspeaker Pros Good sound Loud 22hour battery life 360degree sound Submersion proof, and dust proof (IP67) Cool design

Cons Hard to access charging port Heavy Lacks bass Awkward multifunction buttons take time to learn

 Gadgethead Magazine

RevoNext RN-QT3 The RN-QT3 from RevoNext are available in three designs, Matte Black, Grey Space and Red, they have an almost steampunk looks which creates a unique style, the earbuds have a strong outer casing made from aluminium alloy but from the look alone they don’t strike you as comfortable.

In the box you get the Quad Drivers In-Ear Headphones three pairs of Silicone Ear Tips (S, M, L) the 3.5MM 0.78mm 2 pin Detachable Cable and a User Manual. These earphones had me a little confused, the ear buds are detachable from the cable, this you make sense if there was an included case that was configured to accommodate this, there is not. It would also make sense if they had the option of Bluetooth wireless connectivity, but they don’t, it left us a little stumped as to why you would want to continually risk damaging these

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delicate little pins and having to repeat the fiddly process of inserting them (this is not a large hand or short sighted friendly routine).

The cable is thin and springs about in different directions due to all the kinks in it, but it untangles easily which is always a plus, however the cable does cause some microphonics (when you can hear the cable rubbing on you clothing or skin through the ear pieces). These earbuds are Quad Driver headphones which consist of two balanced armatures and double dynamic drivers, this resulted in

some decent audio, the bass was strong and rounded without being too overbearing, the mid-tone was pleasant but came across a little flat compared the base whilst the treble was cleared it was sharp at louder volumes which can become irritating when listening to treble heavy genres like Jazz or Classical for example, they do punch out some good volume however at higher levels a slight hiss was noticeable when listening to audio tapes or gentle indie.

You could get away with avoiding the hiss if the noise cancellation performed better as you wouldn’t need to bring up the levels so much in nosier environments. That brings us to the last thing, comfort, the QT3 wire wraps around the back of the ear (there

is a rumour all wired headphones should be worn this way) this means you will need to ensure the wire is connected the right way round so the ergonomic shape conforms to your ear. The earbuds themselves are uncomfortable, there’s no other way to say it, they feel, too large, too heavy and have too many sharp edges to remain comfortable for long.

Unless you are a big fan of the brand, or prefer style over of function we think you can find better quality and comfort in a similar or lower price range. RRP £84

https://www.revonext.com/ Pros Cool design Loud Good bass Removable cable (might benefit some but seems like a gimmick)

Wire untangles easily Built in mic for call handling

Cons No case Uncomfortable Harsh treble Hiss at higher volumes

Noise isolation is poor Attaching cable is fiddly

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Gadgethead Magazine

Proviz Reflect360 Performance Cycling Jacket New for the 2018/2019 season, the Reflect360 Performance Cycling Jacket from Proviz has been designed to keep you not just visible but fricking unmissable on the dark roads this time of year.

It have been created to go over the top of your regular cycling gear (including waterproofs as there is little water projection from this jacket), this jacket will offer 360 reflection from vehicle, street and torch lights helping to keep you safe on your travels.

The Reflect360 has retro-reflective material across the whole of the front of the jacket, the tops of the arms, across the shoulders and the lower back in order to give you a huge amount of surface area for lights to reflect off, there is a built in breathable panel across the majority of back and under the arms to allow heat to escape when you are pushing

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it hard. Proviz wanted to keep things simple with this jacket, it is extremely light and can be packed down into a compact space, the material utilises millions of tiny, highly reflective glass beads, the zip locks at the top so there’s no risk of it slipping down when you are on the move.

There’s also a Zip Garage (probably the best name I’ve ever heard for a little bit of fabric), this is essential for keeping that cold metal away from the skin, preventing chafing and general discomfort when its fully zipped up.

The inside of the jacket has a soft-touch, moisture wicking mesh lining across the back

and under arms which to help deal with those sweat patches and increase airflow. It has a fitted waist, small side pockets and a low profiled rear spray guard which means if wraps around your lower back and butt to protect against splash from the road as well as keep out drafts, the cuffed sleeves also keep out the wind. The Reflect 360 performance is more of a shell than a jacket due to the lack of waterproofing, and we would like to see a longer zip pull to make it easier to open with gloves on, apart from that this jacket ensures you are highly visible, it is lightweight and stretchy, ensuring complete freedom of movement and ventilation. RRP £99.99

https://www. provizsports.com/ en-gb/reflect360performance-menscycling-jacket.html Pros High visibility 360 Breathable Rear, side and underarm moisture wicking polyester mesh Tailored fit 170 grams Windproof Zip guard and lock zip Fitted waist Low profiled rear spray guard

Cons Small zip pull Lack of waterproofing

 Gadgethead Magazine

KS Diggit Bluetooth Outdoor Speaker December might not be the ideal time for parties outside but there’s something wonderful about being snuggled around a fire with a blanket, beer, and your mates - alternatively you can wait another 6 months for the temperature to peak before venturing outside. Either way, the KS Diggit is ready when you are.

This versatile outdoor speaker connects to your smart

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device via Bluetooth V4.2 which gives you up to a 10m range, the

cool thing about this speaker is that it comes with its very own stake, you can stab it into the ground or any nearby vampires, then simply slide the speaker onto the top. By raising the speaker off the ground, it prevents the audio from being absorbed

https://www.kitsound.co.uk/product/speakers/ bluetooth-speakers/diggit-bluetooth-outdoorspeaker by the earth, grass or sand, providing 360 degree audio. The Diggit doesn’t come with a case and there is no way of attaching the steak to the speaker when travelling so make sure it doesn’t get swallowed up in your camping gear by mistake.

Like all KS products it is easy pair, it has that familiar and weirdly satisfying on and off tone as well as the audible indicator for when you have successfully paired (without any annoying voices), it offers up to 8 hours of solid playtime but will take a length 3 hours to fully charge. We loved the wood effect finish on this speaker, its like a breath of fresh air and compliments its natural settings, for protection it has and IP55 rating, making it resistant to

Pros Excellent audio

360degree sound

Easy to use Light ring

Stake raises it off the floor

Looks great

Compact 8 hours play time

Cons No carry case to keep components together

Long charge time

 water jets from any direction as well as dust and sand resistant too. The LED light ring at the top of the speaker helps you locate the speaker in the dark but does make the buttons harder to see in low light, there are 4 buttons in total allowing you to switch on, adjust volume and tracks as well as handle calls. The Diggit is compact at H160 x W62 x D62 (mm) and weights just 350g, however don’t let its size deceive you, its 2x dual-opposing 5 Watt 40mm drivers pack out a punchy sound with rich midtones and clean, crisp high-tones, it lacks a little oomph around the bass but not enough to ruin your listening experience. There’s a lot to love about this speaker, it looks good, is super easy to use (even a technophobic granny could get it going), and best of all it sounds great both indoors and outdoors. RRP £39.99

Gadgethead Magazine

PonyCycle Ride On Unicorn For all of you who said they would never be able to successfully combine a horse with a bicycle, be prepared to feel very silly indeed. For the rest of you who think normal thoughts with your brain, let me introduce you to the PonyCycle.

Children and their slow growing limbs have to wait until the ripe old age of seven before most instructors will throw them into the saddle, so this might make a suitable substitute until then, after all it looks incredibly realistic well no that’s a lie - but it is super cute and fuzzy. The PonyCycle Ride On comes in six designs plus unicorn, we received the unicorn (obviously the best) and this is suitable for ages 3-5 and will take a maximum weight of 25kg, there are larger versions available for older children. Just like real unicorns the PonyCycle is easy to assemble and requires zero batteries or

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charging which makes a nice change, it is 100% kid powered, all they have to do is move up and down with their feet on the pedals to ride the unicorn, this will move the unicorn’s legs and head forward and cause the four legged friend to perform a galloping motion and propel the mighty steed forwards.

There are handles on either side of the animal’s head to help guide the unicorn in the right direction but just like a stubborn old mule it won’t do everything for you tell it and refuses to go backwards, so a certain amount of stopping, lifting it up and turning it around will be required. Whilst it may

just look like a lot of fun the PonyCycle helps to improve balance and co-ordination skills as well as encouraging them to be active, after a long hard day in the saddle your jockey can brush out the tail and mane to encourage the imaginative play. The 4 easy-glide wheels means that PonyCycle Ride On can be used for both indoor and outdoor use, but due to the lack of brakes, make sure it only gets ridden on flat ground. The PonyCycle is a cute, fun and active toy which is a cool step up from your traditional rocking horse. RRP £199.99

https://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/outdoor/ rocking-horses/ponycycle%c2%ae-unicorn-rideon/p/163584 Pros Easy to assemble

Active play

Quality construction

7 cute designs

Encourages imagination, balance and coordination skills

Brushable mane and tail

Easy glide wheel

Cons Doesn’t go backwards

 Gadgethead Magazine

On Running Cloudflyer Waterproof The ever popular Cloudflyer from On Running has had a waterproof upgrade for the winter, it’s hard enough to find the motivation to head out for a run with the dark evenings and cold that the sight of rain and the thought of cold wet socks is enough to send you under the duvet for good.

The Cloudflyer Waterproof provides a lightweight shoe with waterproof protection, it’s available in one design Black & Lunar in both Men’s and Women’s and they are available in half sizes.

They feature a fully waterproof mesh which has been engineered to keep out both wind and water whilst at the same time allowing heat to escape the shoot to keep your feet cool whilst you pound the pavement.

These shoes use Cloudtec technology which includes ZeroGravity Foam that offers an ultralight and advanced abrasion pads for a strong grip and a long life, the

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Rebound-Rubber uses an open Cloud element construction which again saves weight and returns the energy you put in to each step, whilst the engineered Speedboard Forward encourages the natural rolling motion of your foot.

These shoes weigh 292g (US M 8.5) and have a heel-toe offset of 7mm, for increased visibility there is reflective detailing on the forefoot, laces, heel and outsole, the v-moulded heel cap provides a nonslip fit. These shoes were tested out on a particularly grizzly day, one of those where it keeps switching between fine mist and

big fat rain drops, after 10k of puddles, rain and wet grass, (plus 15mins of standing in the freezing cold because I lost my key mid run), by the time I finally go inside my socks were literally the only part of me that were still dry, and I mean bone dry. Excellent waterproofing aside the Cloudflyer’s are springy and well cushioned, they provided excellent traction on wet concrete, but they can become slippery on muddy surfaces.

Overall these are great waterproof shoes best suited for urban running, they are highly waterproof and windproof these lightweight shoes will protect your feet on those wet runs, it’s just the rest of you that will be drenched. RRP £155

https://www.on-running.com/en-gb/products/ cloudflyer-waterproof-black-lunar-m Pros Waterproof and windproof Cushioned Comfortable Reflective detailing Stable Lightweight

Cons Loose traction on muddy surfaces

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Gadgethead Magazine

Sweet Dreamers Ewan Deluxe Ewan has had a smart upgrade and comes equipped with the MoonMode smartCRY sensor, this means Ewan will learn your baby’s cry and automatically switches on activate and helps to resettle them back to sleep. It will listen for up to four hours every time your baby cries and has four soothing sounds: real womb recordings, vacuum cleaner, rainfall and harp melody - all combined with resting heartbeat to calm and reassure your baby or toddler. He also offers a calming pink glow which mimics the womb to comfort and soothe, he is (thankfully) machine washable as the control pod can be fully removable, this fuzzy little friend will look after your little one and help the entire family get a good nights rest. RRP £39.99

https://www.sweetdreamers. co.uk/shop/bedtime-baby-sleepaids-and-soothers/ewan-deluxegrey/

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L.O.L. Surprise! Eye Spy Under Wraps It looks like L.O.L Surprise is set to be another big hit this Christmas. The Eye Spy Series offers 15 surprises to collect, you will discover these surprise clues and find codes with the L.O.L Surprise Eye Spy Series spy glass and there are also water surprises to discover when you feed or bathe the L.O.L Surprise doll. The capsule can be used afterwards as a purse carrying case and doll stand, each capsule will include a spy glass, a secret message sticker, surprise codes, a bottle, 7 mystery disguises, a pair of shoes, a fashion accessory, an outfit, and a L.O.L Surprise Eye Spy UnderWraps Doll - this will be a fool-proof gift. RRP £14.99

https://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/toys/fashion-and-dolls/l-o-lsurprise-/l-o-l-surprise-eye-spy-under-wraps-series-assortment/p/165629

Templespa Truffle Deluxe Gift Set Know someone who deserves a good pamper this Christmas? Then the Truffle Deluxe Body Radiance Collection might be an ideal gift! Included in the beautiful gift box is the Trufflelicious luxe shower crème (150mL/5fl.oz) and Body Truffle total body radiance (50mL/1.6fl.oz). It cleans and leaves you looking radiant by reviving tired and dull skin immediately and turning it visibly hydrated. Suitable for all skin types, this gift set is great for those with tired looking skin and who seek radiance. It has a blend of black summer truffles, cocoa butter, strawberry extract, gold and silk peptides, combined with fragrance notes of mimosa, honey and sandalwood. Everything about this gift emanates luxury plus it will mask the smell of boiled sprouts and gravy that secretes from your pores by the end of Christmas day. RRP £40

https://www.templespa.com/truffle-deluxe

Gadgethead Magazine

Comfy Balls Simply the best name for an underwear brand ever, this company makes traditional boxer trunks with more than enough space and support to keep all your equipment sufficiently in place. Designed with the perfect cut, they feature tailored flat-lock seams and super soft oeko-tex certified fabrics for comfort and breathability, while all models use the PackageFront design which reduces heat transfer and restricted movement. There are four series to choose from, cotton, wood, performance and superlight with loads of colours to choose from. Women don’t have to miss out either, both wood and cotton are available to help keep their lady balls comfortable. Probably one of the weirder and borderline inappropriate gifts you can give this year - but trust me they’ll appreciate the comfort. RRP £25.99

https://www.comfyballs.co.uk

Coloral Bottle With cycling quickly becoming the go to midlife crisis distraction that is usurping the sports car and golf club membership, there is probably someone you know who would love the Coloral cycling bottle, though it’s equally great as work, gym or travel bottle. This super stylish 400ml water bottle is a faithful replica to the original design used in the golden age of cycling, made from food‑grade stainless steel that is brushed for a muted finish, it has durable design whilst remaining lightweight and compact, and will fit modern bottle cages. The Coloral has been vacuum insulated to keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot. There isn’t a scrap of plastic to be found in the bottle or its packaging, you are safe in the knowledge that there are no nasties leaching into your drinks. RRP £35

https://coloral.cc/

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Stella & Dot Colour Pop Interchangeable Earring Set Looking for something a little more unusual than the standard silver hoops?

Then try surprising someone with these Stella & Dot Colour Pop Interchangeable Earring Set. What sets these apart from other jewellery is the ability to mix and match different shapes, sizes, and colours of genuine lambskin leather making it a wonderfully versatile piece. The shapes simply pop onto the included hoops Gold or Silver (titanium), they will also thread onto the Colour Pop Versatile Pendant available in Gold or Silver, this kit comes with four pairs of genuine leather shapes and titanium ear posts, in a sweet little presentation box. RRP ÂŁ69

https://www.stelladot.com/p/ color-pop-interchangeable-earringset

Gadgethead Magazine

Zippo 2018 Collectible of the Year There has always been something so iconic about a Zippo lighter, the flick of the lid and that metallic “click” sound oozes cool; I don’t even smoke and I have four of them! This year’s collectible lighter of the year would make an excellent gift even if it never see’s a drop of lighter fluid. This Golden Scroll lighter has a 360° MultiCut engraving of floral motifs and intricate banding that diagonally wraps around the entire Armor, did we mention it is Gold-Plated? It comes with a luxury box to complete the look and has been limited to only 12,000 pieces worldwide. Each lighter is consecutively numbered and authenticated with an exclusive bottom stamp. RRP £145

https://www.zippo.co.uk/armor/3710-2018-collectible-of-theyear-191693037357.html

Poopsie Unicorn Slime Surprise For reasons unbeknown to me, kids friggin’ love these things! This mystical unicorn will poop out slime, just like real unicorns, the poop can then be customised and transformed multiple times.

There are also 10 magical surprises including a collectible bottle and poop character keychain, mystery scent dropper, unicorn spoon, collector’s sheet and unicorn food (slime powder). Colours and styles may vary, there are 18 to collect in total, so what a great way to celebrate Christmas by watching a Unicorn poop slime everywhere and ruin your carpet. RRP £49.99

https://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/toys/fashion-anddolls/poopsie-surprise/poopsie-unicorn-slime-surprise-pinkrainbow/p/165627

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VOOPOO Drag 2 The VOOPOO Drag 2 Kit is a rather attractive vape which comes in two parts, the Drag 2 box mod and the brand new Uforce T2 tank, designed to precisely fit your hands with rounded corners and edges - it has an OLED screen that displays the battery level, mode, resistance/voltage, and wattage. This vape has a 32 bit US GENE. FIT Chip, powered by dual 18650 batteries you can choose from 157W to 177W. The Drag 2 is protected from battery reverse, switch timeout, coil and cotton burning, over temperature, over current, over charge, over discharge and from short circuit returning. It is available in 8 funky resin plates. RRP ÂŁ64.99

https://vapeuk.co.uk/products/voopoo-drag-2-kit

Gadgethead Magazine

Ford Mustang 2.3 turbo 6 speed manual Max Power PS: 290 Combined MPG: 32 RRP on the road £37,045 There are few cars I have tested this year that I haven’t wanted to give back, but the Mustang 5.0l V8 was

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one. What an eyewateringly marvellous car that is; you can read about me gushing over it back in our June issue

this year! Not only did that car have stunning good looks, but it had an engine that other cars long for.

As you can imagine, then, I was over the moon when our 2.3 turbo version Mustang

arrived in the beautiful Kona dark blue, with black wheels and a gorgeous black and brown interior.

I had organised a 400mile road trip though all manner of roads, to really see how the 2.3 version behaved.

This car looks every bit a classic slice of American muscle. The poised and aggressive exterior is set off beautifully with the soft and comfortable interior.

For a two-door sports car, the cabin is large and will comfortably seat four adults, and the interior is a great mix of quality materials and practicality throughout.

This Mustang is an everyday, car as it doesn’t have the annoying characteristics of many of the other sports cars. It has good ground clearance and visibility, it’s very easy to drive and, to my surprise, can be parked in a tight modern multi-story carpark.

The engine is a sweet 2.3 petrol unit with twin-

scroll turbocharger strapped on and it will wind up from 25 MPH in sixth gear, but to get the very best out of the 2.3 you wring her out in each gear and then she will howl and fly. Our test vehicle averaged 32 mpg, which is surprisingly good.

Whilst the looks are amazing, I must admit that I was disappointed by the exhaust noise, as it was just too quiet. At tick-over, the Mustang sounds like any modernday car, and it’s only when you boot it does it start to sound how I think she should. A car like this needs to sound like a V8 even if it isn’t. That said, my wife loves the 2.3 for being classy and quiet, whereas I like the over stated and loud V8. I guess it’s horses for courses.

You have a choice of driving modes for the 2.3 that range from Normal, MyMode, Snow/Wet, Sport+, track and Drag modes. All of these offer a slightly different driving experience; however, I found it spend 90% of the time in Normal, as the mode does everything well.

As I mentioned back in June’s issue, I tested the 5.0 litre V8 Mustang and I fell head over heels in love with that car. The throb from the torque of that beast was nothing short of intoxicating, so the little 2.3 always had a hard battle to win my affection. However, towards the end of the test week, it had. It’s a very usable and practical sports car that is easier to drive fast than its bigger brother, as it is more forgiving.

The 2.3 is around £4k less than the big V8 and you will gain about 10 miles per gallon better economy. Even so, the V8 thrill factor is priceless.

All Mustangs offer great value for money and nothing can touch them. They look and feel wonderful but if I was to spend my hard-earned money, I would have to go with the V8. I suspect that if I were to be looking to buy this style of car, I would be happy to accept the lower MPG for the real muscle sensation.

Gadgethead Magazine

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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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