Gadgethead 5.11

Issue 5.11

www.thegadgethead.com

Christmas

GIFT GUIDE

UK

£4.95

Inspired By Your Success

DiscovR A Smarter Speaker MUSIC DISCOVERY Add songs you hear on the radio straight to a Spotify playlist by the touch of a button

Visit pure.com/discovr to learn more Copyright Š 2019 Pure International Limited. All rights reserved. E&OE. Apple and Airplay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Amazon, Alexa and the Amazon Alexa logo are trademarks of Amazon.com Inc. or its affiliates. The Spotify Software is subject to third party licenses found here: https://www.spotify.com/connect/third-party-licences. The BluetoothŽ word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG,Inc. and any use of such marks by Pure International Limited is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

Copy Editor Alice Instone-Brewer alice@littlegatepublishing.com

Copy Editor James Lapping james@littlegatepublishing.com

Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com

Publisher Stephen Warman

stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com

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CONTENTS Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD • Dual Driver BT ANC by 1MORE • Periodic Audio C IEM Earphones – Carbon • Halo Sport 2 • Master & Dynamic MW07 Plus • Master & Dynamic MA770 wireless speaker • Rosie-Lee, by V • Alcatel 1X mobile phone • Alcatel 3 (2019) • YI Nightscape Dash Cam • FeiyuTech Ak4500 • iStorage datAshur PRO² • Nextbase Collection 122, 322, 522 and Accessories • Zhiyun Crane M2 • BASEUS Launches New Products Into The UK Market • LIFX Beam • Nebula Capsule II • Datacolor ColorReader • Fellows 60Cs Home Shredder • ScanMarker Air • Cable Guys • Bresser telescopes • Pictionary Air • Pip-Boy Stand Replica Kit • Board Games Roundup • GameSir G6s • Monopoly Voice Banking • AlcoSense Lite 2 Breathalyzer • QARDIOBASE 2 • Activ5 • Zeus Arc • Foreo Luna Mini 3 • HeadaTerm • Selfkaire Kairetool massager • Kegal8 Ultra 20 electronic pelvic toner • Manduka Pro Yoga Mat • OneBlade CORE Black Tie Shave Kit • El Camino Jewellery • Pyropet Candle Dreki KardiaMobile 6L EKG • SEE.SENSE ICON 2 • Osprey Farpoint Wheels 36 litre • Thermarest NeoAir UberLite Sleeping Mat • Leatherman Charge+ TTI • Ultimate Base Camp kit • SOLO STOVE Bonfire • BisonGear Rolling Grill • ENO SkyLoft Hammock

• NightSearcher • MAGLITE Rechargeable Flashlight • Slingshot All Surface Wobble Base Swingball • Warbonnet Ridgerunner Hammock • Chippo Golf Game • Livall BH51M Cycle Helmet • Rapha Roundup • Blazewear Travellers Heated Gillet • Peak Design Travel Dufflepack 65L • Blazewear – Plug-In Heated Base Layers • ThinkTank Urban Access 13 Backpack • Rockfish Black Neoprene Lined Groundhog Wellington Boots • Haix Black Eagle Nature GTX • Alpinestars • Falcon Titanium Ultra Lightweight Titanium Aviators • Brabantia Washing Line • Melitta® Launches NEW E-Shop with Exclusive Range of Filter Coffee Machines • Wacaco Nanopresso • Artie 3000™ The Coding Robot • Medela Swing Maxi Flex breast pump • DELUXE GRAND PIANO (WHITE) • Whisbear® The Humming Bear • Flexa • BabyBjörn bouncer bliss • Bbhugme Pregnancy Pillow • SkyBaby Baby Travel Mattress • Deluxe Scientific Workbench • Hot Dog Sledmere Heated Bed • TMF Darth Vader Lightsaber dog lead • Sure Petcare

GOAL ZERO SHERPA 100PD WE ARE SWAMPED WITH DEVICES THAT WE NEED TO KEEP RUNNING AT ALL TIMES; IF THEY RUN OUT OF POWER, THAT CAN BE OUR WHOLE DAY RUINED, AND SOMETIMES, YOU CAN’T GUARANTEE WHERE YOUR NEXT HIT IS GOING TO COME FROM. IF YOU’RE ON THE MOVE, YOU DON’T WANT TO HAVE TO RELY ON FINDING CHARGE POINTS IN TRAINS OR COFFEE SHOPS, AND IF YOU’RE OFF IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS, YOU NEED A WAY TO KEEP YOUR GEAR AND LINK TO CIVILISATION UP AND RUNNING. THE SHERPA 100PD IS GOAL ZERO’S BEST-SELLING POWER BANK, DELIVERING 94.72 WATTS WHENEVER YOU NEED IT. How much energy is that, in be charged by connecting it to a solar panel, practical terms? Goal Zero have broken giving you access to portable, clean energy. it down into descriptions we can picture The Sherpa 100PD also has the and understand: an average tablet could aesthetic advantage of being small and receive four full recharges from the Sherpa sleek; its lightweight design slips easily 100PD, a USB-C laptop could receive two, into your bag without being a burden. If you and a smartphone could receive eight. Eight have a Qi-compatible phone, you can even phone recharges are VERY useful to have charge from this pack wirelessly, making it up your sleeve if travelling or camping, a sleeker experience still. and likewise, two laptop charges could be Overall, if you need a charge pack, a life-saver if you’re working (or gaming) on this one is punchy, powerful and highly the go. For the travelling adventurer, this portable. Goal Zero recommends a few pack could also provide a POV camera 18 ‘essential add-ons’ to purchase with the charges! You’ll never need to miss a second Sherpa 100pd, including a 45 Watt USB-C of footage ever again – won’t your friends Charger, which claims to reduce the and relatives be thrilled? product’s recharge time. If you have the There are two ways to recharge extra cash to spend, this might be worth the Sherpa 100PD. From the mains, it can getting, but the Sherpa 100PD functions recharge in three hours, or eight-ten from perfectly well on its own, and adding on a USB source. However, again, if you are extra devices takes away from how easy it using this pack on the go, it’s probable is to carry around. that you’ve bought it precisely because you can’t regularly get to a mains source.

Understanding this, the Sherpa 100PD can

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Small and sleek charge pack

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https://www.goalzero.com PROS: Provides a high number of charges Can recharge from USB, mains or solar

Wireless charging for compatible devices Easy to store

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DUAL DRIVER BT ANC BY 1MORE DUAL DRIVER BT ANC IS A SET OF NOISE-CANCELLING HEADPHONES THAT 1MORE SPENT OVER A YEAR DEVELOPING. By cancelling out distracting ambient the busy street. sound, noise-cancelling headphones allow So, are these effective? In short, you to hear the details of your audio without yes: in full-power mode, these ear buds can needing to crank it up to top volume, which produce up to -40dB of noise cancellation preserves both the sound quality and, even across the +/-3000Hz range. For other more importantly, your hearing! Using an frequencies, the noticeable cancellation is ANC system that the company designed less, but definitely present. For example, in-house, these headphones achieve this between 400Hz & 100Hz, there’s more like using the ‘feed forward’ approach to sound -15dB. In power-saving mode, these figures cancelling, which works by listening to the change to around -20dB at +/-3000Hz and exterior sound and creating anti-noise to up to -10dB below 800Hz. counter it.

To make the sound-cancelling However, sometimes, sound aspects of these headphones as effective cancelling isn’t safe – for example, you might as possible, it comes with a variety of need to keep an ear out for cars. To respond magnetic earbud tips for the perfect fit. to this, 1MORE has given its headphones an Wearing the band around your neck optional ‘Voice Enhancement’ mode, which is never going to feel as convenient as is accessed by opening up the grate at the fully wireless ear-buds. However, for the back of the earbuds. This lets ambient, noise-cancelling technology to work, it’s a surrounding noise in, even as the ANC must, and at least this has been designed counters some sound. Opting into this mode stylishly. These are a highly effective pair improves your safety, whilst still offering of noise-cancelling headphones for their a better experience than if you were using price bracket, and allow you to enjoy your regular headphones. audio in rich detail without such a strain on Another optional mode for these your ears. headphones is the power-saving mode.

This setting, understandably, reduces the amount of sound-cancelling the headphones put out, but as well as saving power, this is also another great way to select how insular and immersed you want an experience to be. For example, you may want sound cancelled fully on a busy train, but then want this reduced as you exit and navigate

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Cancel out unwanted sounds

https://1more.com/ANCBT.html PROS Excellent audio experience Quality ANC Fast charge

Wired and unwired connectivity Comfortable Intuitive use of buttons

CONS Not suitable for sports

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PERIODIC AUDIO C IEM EARPHONES – CARBON SOME PEOPLE ARE HAPPY TO PICK UP CHEAP AND EASY EARBUDS FOR A FEW QUID. THESE HEADPHONES ARE NOT FOR THOSE PEOPLE. PERIODIC AUDIO DESIGNS ALL OF ITS HEADPHONES CAREFULLY, PRODUCING EVERY ELEMENT IN-HOUSE AND MAKING EVERY CHOICE WITH CARE – OR, THAT’S WHAT THEY SAY. JUDGING BY THESE EARPHONES, I BELIEVE THEM! Whilst every element has been the most of the experience Periodic Audio is carefully chosen, the one that most sets providing, they’re a good call. these babies apart is the diaphragm (the With all of this careful (and costly) disk through which sound reaches your work having gone into these earphones, ear), which has been made out of carbon you’ll be glad to know that they come with a coated in an industrial diamond compound. five-year warranty on both parts and labour.

This makes the diaphragm extremely rigid Are they expensive? Yes. whilst keeping it lightweight, and thus lets But, if you’re serious a strong bass comes through without this about sound, this being at the expense of treble and midrange isn’t a price tag sounds. Simpler earbuds tend to favour that’s just one end of the spectrum or the other, here because but these offer a range you’d expect from of a fashion larger headphones or a well set-up speaker statement system.

– these It isn’t just the diaphragm that earphones helps Periodic Audio pull this off – every have been part of these headphones has, according built to to the company, been chosen to help sound good. support this rich and varied sound. The internal body shape has been engineered to keep the volume even throughout the sound’s journey, and the housing itself is made from precision injection molded polycarbonate, which keeps the casing firm and thus prevents the buzz of vibrations.

Finally, to top it all off, the earphones come with both silicone and memory foam eartips, so you can select your preference and have the option of an ear-filling, more immersive sound. Memory foam eartips sit uncomfortably for me, but if you really want to block out exterior sound and make

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Rich and varied sound

£399.00

https://periodicaudio.com/product/ca/ PROS: Strong bass, treble and mid-tone range Silicone and memory foam eartips

No vibration buzz Smooth, steady and even sound Five-year warranty

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HALO SPORT 2 THE HALO SPORT 2 IS AN INNOVATIVE HEADSET WITH AN AMAZING CLAIM – TO INCREASE THE SPEED AT WHICH YOU LEARN NEW MOTOR-SKILLS. THAT MIGHT SOUND LIKE A MIRACLE CURE, BUT THIS DEVICE IS BACKED BY OVER 4,000 PEER-REVIEWED STUDIES, AND THE TESTIMONIES IN ITS FAVOUR ARE EVERYWHERE. SO, HOW DOES IT WORK? USING MILD ELECTRICAL CURRENTS CARRIED BY NODES ON THE BAND OF THE HEADPHONES, THE HALO SPORT 2 SUPPOSEDLY STIMULATES PARTS OF YOUR BRAIN IN ORDER TO IMPROVE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN NEURONS. Whenever you do a new activity, your these hitches – so, if you see reviews that brain creates new pathways through which mention this issue, check the date, as it it can more quickly process the activity the should be all fixed. next time you do it. By improving neuron To further aid workouts and other connections, this information can be faster tasks, these headphones even double up laid down and accessed. as just that – headphones. I was impressed It sounds like science fiction, but with the sound quality of the headphones, using these headphones, activities such as which have a deep bass, nice mids and crisp gym workouts do seem to be easier to do. high tones. When this is the secondary Even when you aren’t learning a new skill, point to this device, I expected the sound being better able to access these parts of to be so-so, and was pleasantly surprised. your brain means you perform these physical The Halo Sport 2 has a battery life tasks better, which means you work out of 10 hours, or 15 neuro priming sessions. more effectively. It seems that some people If you have a medical condition – especially experienced difficulties with getting a clear anything like epilepsy – check whether or connection with the headphones, both with not it is safe for you to use these headphones the nodes themselves, and with pairing the before you purchase. However, if you’re headphones easily when switching between just on the fence or think this is too good to Bluetooth devices. However, we didn’t be true, the company offers a 30-day free have any issues with this, and it seems the trial so you can find out for yourself! company rolled out an update to improve

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RRP: £310

https://www.haloneuro.com/products/halo-sport-2 PROS: Comfortable fit Great sound quality Unique idea Backed by 4,000+ peerreviewed studies

Trusted by NFL, NBA, MLB, and Olympic athletes

CONS: Needs an easier-to-find list of which conditions

it is/isn’t safe with

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MASTER & DYNAMIC MW07 PLUS

SOMETHING THAT DISTINGUISHES A GOOD PRODUCT FROM A GREAT PRODUCT IS THE ADDED EXTRAS: ALONGSIDE THE MW07 EARBUDS ARE: A CHARGING CASE, INTERCHANGEABLE SILICONE FITTINGS, A CHARGER, USB ADAPTER, A CARRYING CASE AND A QUICK START GUIDE TO THE PRODUCT. The sound quality of these use. The earbuds are waterproof and have headphones is far superior to any ear buds an IP rating of 5, this is brilliant protection I have tried previously, the lows, mids, and against nasty weather other earbuds may highs are perfectly balanced, delivering struggle with. a crystal-clear sound, which, coupled up Personally, I have rarely got on with with the noise cancelling option, performs headphones as I have always found them exceptionally well. If digging through your uncomfortable, these are some of the first pockets to adjust the volume is too tiresome I’ve come across that fit nice and tightly for you, you can access volume control in my ear without causing any discomfort, on top of the left earbud, and a button thanks to all of the added silicone fittings on the right to pause and skip music. The that are included so you can find the perfect earphones come in a polished stainless fit. As well as being adjustable to fit, the steel case that looks and feels of very high MW07s also offer four different colours and quality, in which you can charge the ear designs to suit your needs. buds as well as store them when they’re I am yet to be disappointed with not being used. The battery of the earbuds any of Master & Dynamics products and alone will last 10 hours, and the case has these earbuds are no different, with huge the capacity to charge them up 3 times, so battery life, beautiful design and amazing if both the earbuds and the case are fully sound quality these might be something of charged you could have a whopping 40 interest to some of you audio freaks - just hours of playtime. As beautiful as the case bear in mind if you love them as much as I is, just be warned that it is also very likely do, being a high-end product they will set to be covered in fingerprints after every you back around $299 (£232)

MW07 Go

Following on from the review of the MW07 plus, a more affordable alternative is the MW07 Go, these earbuds are very similar to the MW07 Plus but are directed for the more active audience. The earbuds themselves are slightly lighter and smaller than the MW07 plus and use a lighter charging case that is less likely to get scratched due to its woven material. The charging case for the go has a charging capacity of an additional 12 hours and the earbuds have a battery life of 10 hours.

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Retailing at $199.99 (£155) the MW70 Go’s are $100 cheaper than the Plus so if you want the same exceptional sound quality as the Plus without the added features these are the ones to go for!

RRP £232

https://www.masterdynamic.com/products/mw07plus-true-wireless-earphones PROS: Exceptional sound quality

Huge battery life Beautiful design

CONS: You cannot use whilst charging,

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MASTER & DYNAMIC MA770 WIRELESS SPEAKER

THE BOX ARRIVED WITH THIS SPEAKER IN AND IT WAS VERY HEAVY. IT IS PRESENTED SO WELL THAT YOU KNOW YOU ARE IN FOR A TREAT JUST BY OPENING THE SPEAKER BOX AND YOU ARE GREETED BY THE BRILLIANT WHITE OF THE PACKAGING ALL LABELLED IN MIRRORED, PERLESCENT FONT TO ASSURE YOU OF THE QUALITY AND ELEGANCE OF THE PRODUCT. Once I got through these numerous The sound quality of this speaker is levels of protection, I was presented with nothing like I’ve ever heard of a Bluetooth the speaker itself. The body is made from a speaker, with the low, mid-range, and high high quality concrete composite to maximise end all perfectly singing together while acoustics and sound quality (which also staying crystal clear and nicely separated makes it weigh as much as a small child) it from one another even while playing at features two Kevlar sub woofers that can absurdly high volumes. We may have play sound comfortably all the way down to stumbled across the pinnacle of small-scale around 50hz and one smaller woofer to hit home audio devices with this little gem, so the higher frequencies.

If you’re someone who is never satisfied The metal grate fits easily to the with the mediocre and is constantly on the face of the speaker by placing it onto the hunt for something bigger and better this 4 magnetic corners which is clever and may be the speaker for you, just bear in brilliant for protecting the woofers from mind that this device will cost you a pretty children and clumsy adults. I was slightly penny, retailing at around £1600, the dubious about the grate at first as I felt ma770 is definitely one of the more high like this may rattle around while playing at end devices on the market but may well be higher volumes, but this was simply not the worth it for those of you who are serious case, instead it sat there steady as a rock about music and don’t mind the odd noise and did not interfere with sound quality in complaint. the slightest.

To connect to the speaker you can choose between 4 settings, optical, Wi-Fi, auxiliary and Bluetooth.

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RRP $1,800

arrow-alt-circle-right www.masterdynamic.com PROS Oozes quality in every aspect.

Looks great Sounds simply amazing

CONS Pricey

Very heavy but I also love that.

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ROSIE-LEE, BY V THE VQ ROSIE-LEE IS A DAB DIGITAL RADIO AND BLUETOOTH SPEAKER THAT GIVES MODERN TECHNOLOGY A RETRO FEEL. LET’S START OUT BY STATING THE OBVIOUS; THIS RADIO IS BEAUTIFUL. IT HAD A THROW-BACK DESIGN, AVAILABLE IN BLACK LEATHER WITH A WALNUT FACE, CREAM LEATHER WITH AN OAK FACE, OR A RANGE OF GREY AND SILVERY COMBINATIONS, THESE SIMPLE BUT EFFECTIVE DESIGNS MAKE THE ROSIE-LEE SUITABLE FOR A WIDE RANGE OF TASTES. THERE’S NOTHING FAKE ABOUT THIS RADIO - IT IS MADE OUT OF REAL WOOD AND LEATHER, WHICH LOOKS AND FEEL FANTASTIC, AND THE ENTIRE RADIO IS PUT TOGETHER BY HAND, MAKING SURE THAT CARE AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL IS THERE. Measuring in at 26 cm W x 8 cm H x USB connection at the back. On top of that, 16 cm D, the unit does take up rather a lot of it has two separate alarms that can be set, space on your table or shelf, but it sits low, and is able to remember up to 60 preset so it still feels neat and out-of-the-way, and stations, for anyone who still listens to the it couldn’t be smaller and still keep that radio enough to need that many. iconic look, or its quality of sound. The radio This radio would look cute and at has twin ultra-wide speakers that provide home in any room. It could be a main speaker 10W of full stereo sound, and the unit’s for your living room or a little companion to body has been designed in such a way to put on your bedside table. Either way, this throw this sound effectively around a room. thing sounds good, and it looks gorgeous.

It definitely pulls this off. Full stereo sound It isn’t a blow-your-head-off sound system, isn’t a common find in a bedside radio, but but if you want something small, aesthetic VQ Rosie-Lee weren’t messing around. and nicely made, this has the sound quality It isn’t just a good radio, either – it to match. comes with plenty of bells and whistles.

Bluetooth connectivity keeps it relevant – who has time to plug their phone in to a speaker anymore? In case you do need to, though, for example to charge it, there’s a

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RRP: £129.99

www.myvq.co.uk/audio/rosie-lee PROS: Clear sound Bluetooth & USB connection DAB, DAB+, and FM connectivity

60 programmable radio station presets Quality materials Duel alarms Looks great

CONS: Takes up a lot of space

on small surfaces

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ALCATEL 1X MOBILE PHONE SO MANY OF US HAVE FALLEN INTO THE CRAZE OF HAVING THE LATEST PHONE FROM THE BIG BRANDS. WE SPEND A FORTUNE ON SMARTPHONES THAT REALLY ALL DO THE SAME THING. I was delighted to review a cheap cases to avoid slippage, while the 5.5 inch contender to this craze. The Alcatel 1X is display makes the phone very easy to use. a nice-looking smartphone with the very This isn’t your usual cheap phone latest smartphone technology for under that sells because of its price, this is a £100, yes under £100! genuinely usable and capable smartphone It includes such features as facial that can compete with the big boys and just recognition, fingerprint scanner, great happens to be in the cheap price bracket. powerful dual camera at a ridiculously cheap price. The phone is soft-to-touch in Alcatel’s pebble painted finish, which makes the phone fingerprint, scratch and slip resistant while giving HD+ resolution.

Not only does it feel really nice to hold, the casing makes it secure in your hand unlike some of the shiny phones which need ugly

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Can compete with the big boys

RRP £99.99

www.carphonewarehouse.com/alcatel/1x.html PROS Doesn’t look or feel cheap Easy to use

Great camera and features

CONS Up against the big brands that dominate

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ALCATEL 3 (2019)

THE ALCATEL 3 IS A SLICK AND STYLISH DEVICE THAT IS HERE TO COMPETE FOR A TOP SPOT AMONGST ANDROID DEVICES. THE PHONE USES AN ANDROID™ 8.1 OREO™ OPERATING SYSTEM, WHICH IS UPGRADABLE TO ANDROID™ 9.0 PIE™. THIS IS COMBINED WITH A POWERFUL SDM439 OCTA-CORE AND A SLEEK DESIGN TO MAKE A DEVICE WORTH CONSIDERATION WHEN NEXT UPGRADING THE PERMANENT EXTENSION TO YOUR HAND. Let’s face it – we spend an increasing 2G, 21 hours at 3G, and 18 hours at 4G, amount of time on our phones, so you want and a standby time of roughly 900 hours. to have one that looks and feels good. As All of this comes from a charge time of only your window to the internet, the Alcatel 3’s 4 hours and 20 minutes.

5.9-inch HD+ Super Full View Display gives A Snapdragon chipset and a decent a striking view of photos and videos. With RAM and ROM size all mean that using an 88.4% screen to body ratio, this design this phone feels fast and zippy, with has strived to give you as much screen as extra features like face and fingerprint possible. Arguably, the screen could extend recognition making it just that bit more to the edges of the phone and give you effortless to use. Before defaulting to the that curving effect, but personally I’m not latest Samsung or iPhone, it’s worth giving a fan of that, so I think Alcatel made the the Alcatel 3 a try - it’s smooth, looks good right call. The image this screen provides is and, mostly importantly, won’t die in a vivid, clear and beautiful, living up to the hurry! look of the attractive phone itself.

To keep up with the screen, the Alcatel 3 has a 13 + 5MP dual camera.

This comes with an awesome AI scene detection capability, which works out what the camera is looking at and adjusts your settings accordingly, switching between settings for portraits, shows etc. It also supports the current fad for AR emojis, but I imagine those will quickly become as dated as the paperclip that used to pop up alongside Microsoft Word. (Did I just age myself?)

One of the most important factors in choosing a phone is its battery time.

The Alcatel 3 has a battery capacity of 3500mAh, aka a talk time of 28 hours at

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RRP £129.99

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https://www.carphonewarehouse.com/ alcatel/3-2019.deal.html?cid=PAIDSEARCH_ Google_1028223053_52353126444_aud488816789472:pla-339963273245&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8s vsBRDqARIsAHKVyqFwcGO7oK47tc1YJn9pZ0PTpfC AoYxlMZZMLMsrDQFw-nDhLRoXTfQaAhKYEALw_ wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#!propsId=21701127 PROS: Long battery life High screen and camera quality

Fast operation speed Large screen space

YI NIGHTSCAPE DASH CAM POWERFUL NIGHT VISION RECORDING Dash cams are increasingly common additions to a driver’s set-up; if you get in an accident, you want as much data as you can provide to back up that you were in the right! However, whilst dash cams are becoming increasingly competent in their design, some are still struggling to see and capture clear footage at night. Those long commutes home amongst tired drivers and in low lighting conditions could well be when an incident will occur, and if it does, you want those images to be easy to discern.

The YI Nightscape is here to answer that exact need.

To create the Nightscape, YI partnered with Sony, to access Sony’s STARVIS sensor - a back-illuminated pixel technology with incredible sensitivity performance. This was combined with YI’s own YI WDR algorithm to overcome issues of dimness and overexposure; in combination these systems make sure that this cam can detect incidents clearly, whatever the lighting conditions. This means that it not only records footage crisply, but also understands what it’s seeing, allowing

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it to send the driver warnings if it sees someone driving erratically on the road.

(It also has alerts for fatigued driver, lane departure and front collision detection.)

Driving without your spouse around to nag you? This cam will fill that duty – and could potentially save you from a crash.

Unlike the dash cam you’ve had knocking around for a few years, Nightscape comes with a supporting app that lets you download and share footage with ease.

And why limit this technology to just your dashboard?

The Nightscape is a slim and unobtrusive device that you won’t mind having in your car, its menu is straightforward and easy to use, and the system is quick to set up. If you tend to do a lot of night driving, it’s a smart purchase.

It’s amazing just how sharp and clear its nighttime footage is: there’s no point having a dash cam that only works perfectly during the day – you should have one that works whenever you drive.

YI Nightscape Dash Cam key benefits for drivers: 1.

100% Battery-Free design allows for reliable operation in temperatures beyond your average dash camera. This means that even in extreme conditions (between -22°F to 185°F) you can count on Nightscape Smart Dash Camera to capture every moment.

2.

Best In Class Night Vision, The Nightscape Smart Dash Camera thrives in low lighting conditions. The combination of F1.B FHD 1920 x 1080P at 60FPS,Wide Dynamic Range and a Sony Starvis sensor make it your trusted copilot no matter what time you’re on the road.

3.

Extra wide and clear recording, See everything that matters with the Nightscape Dash Camera’s six glass lenses which capture 140° degrees or roughly three lanes of traffic. This provides you with a video record of an accident for insurance disputes or other purposes. Experience Full HD Recordings in 1080P. 4.

ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) On Board, Built-In Alerts For Fatigued Driver, Lane Departure & Front Collision.

5.

Connect and Go, Easy installation and Quickly Download Footage to Your Smartphone Over Built-In Wi-Fi Connection.

YI Nightscape Dash Cam is the Amazon’s Choice, and they are currently running a promotion to save an extra $5.00 with coupon code.

Product: YI capacitor dash cam Deal price: $54.49 with 15% off code and $5 clipped coupon

Claim Code 15NH485Z

https://www.amazon.com/gp/mpc/AIV6XEE9MP7KQ Offer ends: November 4th, 23:59 PST

PROS: Clear footage in dark conditions Can understand the road in low lighting Doubles as a baby monitor

Could function as a home security camera Unobtrusive design Helpful app Syncs with devices

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FEIYUTECH AK4500 THE AK4500 IS A LIGHTWEIGHT YET HEAVY-DUTY GIMBAL BY FEIYUTECH. THIS GIMBAL NOT ONLY ALLOWS YOU TO FLEXIBLY ADJUST THE ANGLE OF YOUR CAMERA WHILST KEEPING YOUR IMAGE STEADY – IT WORKS INTELLIGENTLY TO AUTOMATICALLY COUNTER SHAKING AND ALLOW EASIER THAN EVER BEFORE MOVEMENT WHILST FILMING. Weighing only 1.6kg, the AK4500 is to use that its app-reliant relatives. These the lightest gimbal that FeiyuTech offers, controls allow you to switch between and this opens up such possibilities for free portrait and landscape, as well as advanced and easy filming. Despite its light weight, cinematic modes like ‘Inception Mode’ and however, the Ak4500 it isn’t weak; far ‘Shadowhunter Mode’, which allow you from it, it can carry a 4.6kg payload, to track fast movement, spin and capture thanks to its light but tough, space- crazy angles at a professional standard. travel level aluminum alloy, as well as its The FeiyuTech Ak4500 isn’t cheap, brushless motor’s strong magnetic field but you honestly get what you pay for. We and high torsion. That’s the largest payload don’t have the room to get into its full list by far for gimbals in its weight bracket. of functions, but if you are looking to move What’s more, it is compatible with all of the seamlessly between different cinematic popular DSLRs on the market, from Canon, capabilities, this gimbal has your filming Sony and Nikon. covered. Check out the website for the full The Ak45000 is a smart piece of kit list of features possible from the intelligent – bearing a chip with an intelligent anti- motor and design of this essential filing shake algorithm, the gimbal can actually companion. tell how much power your camera is being shaken with, and counters this power automatically to keep your image steady without you needing to stop and make any adjustments! What’s more, and changes you do need to make can all be done from the same simple LCD touch screen, making this gimbal far more portable and easier

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RRP: $749.00

www.feiyu-tech.com/ak4500/ PROS: Lightweight Strong Intelligent

Flexible Durable Versatile

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ISTORAGE DATASHUR PRO² WE DO EVERYTHING DIGITALLY, AND ESPECIALLY IN THE PROFESSIONAL WORLD, THAT DATA IS NOT SOMETHING THAT YOU WANT TO FALL INTO THE WRONG HANDS. FINANCIAL INFORMATION, PRODUCT DESIGNS, BUSINESS PLANS – LEAKS OR SECURITY BREACHES CAN BE HUGELY DAMAGING, AND YET SOME OF US ARE STILL STORING CRITICAL DATA ON VULNERABLE, RUN-OF-THE-MILL DEVICES. ISTORAGE OFFERS A RANGE OF PRODUCTS THAT SEEK TO ANSWER THIS NEED, AND NONE ARE MORE SECURE THAN THE NEW DATASHUR PRO².

Ranging from 4GB to 512GB, with protects against SPA/DPA/SEMA and DEMA many increments in between, this ‘tamper- attacks, and environmental protection proof’ USB is resistant to both digital and systems that guard against tampering that physical attacks. All critical components targets voltage, frequency temperature are covered by a layer of super tough and light. epoxy resin, which means they’re basically All in all, this datAshur PRO² means impossible to remove without damaging or business, and the number of features it breaking them. AKA, no one could break has to protect itself highlight just how into this USB to take its memory without vulnerable a regular USB is. What’s more, ruining the data. If they try, too, the stick starting at only £49 for the 4GB stick, these is designed to show visible marks so you are affordable, given the amount of security would know if it were to happen. they provide.

Why would someone try to physically Like all security devices, this drive break in? This USB is PIN protected. If the can’t guard against human fallibility. If you PIN is entered incorrectly 10 times, it can share the PIN with someone you shouldn’t, only be opened by the admin PIN. If the there’s nothing iStorage can do. However, admin PIN is entered incorrectly 10 times, barring that, this device has you covered all PINs and the encrypted encryption key from every angle – when business deals or will be lost forever. You can even program similar could be on the line, this investment in a self-destruct pin, which will delete all is extremely small in comparison, and data if it’s entered (so be very careful who extremely worthwhile. You can even you tell that PIN to!) personalise through iStorage’s etching What about the digital attacks? service! This might play slightly against the The datAshur PRO² has a Crypto-chip that ‘security’ idea, but it’s a great corporate offers military grade AES-XTS 256-bit touch or gift for a tech-minded friend.

Hardware Encryption with FIPS PUB 197 validated encryption algorithms. It also incorporates a Common Criteria EAL4+ ready secure microprocessor, which is designed to protect against hackers with a series of features, such as hardware that

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Tamper-proof USB

https://istorage-uk.com/product/datashur-pro2/ PROS: PIN protected PIN back-up system Secure against physical & digital attacks

Self-destruct feature Customisable

CONS: Large & obvious

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NEXTBASE COLLECTION 122, 322, 522 AND ACCESSORIES

NEXTBASE 122

Starting with the most simple camera the 122 is an entry level Dash Cam, the kind of thing even my old man could get to grips with, it features 720p HD recording resolution at 30 fps on a 5 layer glass lens and a 120° viewing angl and come with free cloud video storage at mynextbase.com.

You can instantly view your footage on the 2” high-resolution screen, there is an intelligent parking mode which by records any bumps or movements when the vehicle

is parked and the Click&Go PRO mount for easy installation thanks to the integrated magnetic power connectors. You will have to supply your own SD card and the This is a good choice for basic daytime recording, it struggles a little in low light but if you are a new driver, looking for something you can afford after paying insane amounts on the car insurance, the screen switches off whilst driving so you aren’t distracted and can focus on the road.

 PROS Low cost Works well in daytime Intelligent parking mode

Screen saver prevents distractions Great entry level dash cam

CONS Struggles in low light Minimal features

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No SD card

NEXTBASE 322GW

The 322 is the world’s first Bluetooth connected dash cam, just shy of hitting the £100 mark, this is still a reasonably priced camera and for this you get plenty of features, the Emergency SOS for example will alert the emergency services to your location in the event of the accident and sends on medical data to speed up treatment. The display screen this time is a 2.5” IPS HD touch screen making menu selection and playback a straightforward experience, this dash cam records in 1080p HD resolution at 30 fps, it has a 140° viewing angle, 10Hz GPS Module, AutoSync, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi via MyNextbase Connect and PC/Mac software. The 322GW is

compatible with the Nextbase RearView Camera Modules allowing you to have eyes in the back of your head and covering all angles, the auto sync feature lets you share your videos from your Dash Cam to your smartphone and the same Intelligent Parking Mode that the 122 has. The built in 10x GPS is the most accurate dash cam on the market today, the lens is a 6layer f1.6 lens, polarising filter for a clearing picture and handles low light much better than the 122. This is a good midrange camera, with a healthy range of features to protect you and your car in the event of an incident.

 PROS Emergency SOS Bluetooth connectivity 10Hz GPS

Auto Sync Module compatible

NEXTBASE 522GW

If you have an extra £50 to chuck at your dash cam set-up then the 522GW comes with a few more features as well as a 1440p HD resolution at 30 fps for excellent optics in both bright and low light conditions. In keeping with Nextbase’s boundary pushing design the 522GW is the world’s first’s dash cam with Alexa built-in, the 3” HD IPS touch screen lest you negotiate menus and view footage with ease. This camera has Emergency SOS, Bluetooth 4.2, Inbuilt Polarising Filter, 140° viewing angle, 10Hz

GPS Module, Bluetooth 4.2, Intelligent Parking mode, AutoSync, 6layer f1.3 lens, Wi-Fi via MyNextbase Connect and PC/Mac software – MyNextbase Play. The 522GW is also compatible with Rear View Camera, Rear Window Camera and Cabin View Cameras for the complete picture, as the price tag goes up the complexity doesn’t, the 522GW is just as easy to use at the 122 but with better quality images and more features.

 PROS Compatible with Alexa 1440p HD resolution 3” HD IPS touch screen display Emergency SOS

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10Hz GPS Easy to use Bluetooth connectivity Module compatible

ACCESSORIES Nextbase 128GB U3 MicroSD Card and 32GB U3 MicroSD Card This SD card is a U3 Ultra High Speed card, which makes sure the video data is written smoothly and allows the dash cam to capture the road ahead in full HD, 1440p or 4K quality, a microSD to SD adapter allows you to easily read the files on your PC or laptop. The 128GB capacity will record approximately 16 hours, or 8 hours if using a rear camera

Nextbase Rear Window Camera

The Nextbase Rear Window Camera gives you all-round protection to keep an eye on tailgaters and rear end impacts as well as any knocks and bumps in a car park, it has a 140° viewing angle and can be easily fitted to your front facing Nextbase Dash Cam via a 6m long cable. It has a fully adjustable magnetic mount for flexibility, the camera is table tennis ball size and can be used at any angle. It is compatible with the

Rear View Camera

The Rear-View Camera features a narrower design with a telephoto lens that can record the view of the road directly behind your vehicle, the view recorded is like the image seen in your rear-view mirror. It uses a 30° telephoto lens to look back through the vehicle, capturing the road behind you, keeping an eye on tailgaters and rear end impacts. The Rear-View Camera

Cabin View Camera

Lastly, moving into the inside of the car, the Cabin View Camera protects the driver inside and out,it uses a wideangle cabin lens to record both inside and outside your vehicle, this 140° lens to provides an extra level of security for you and your passengers. The lens is designed to record inside the car, as well as through the side windows, making it suitable for Taxi, Uber and private hire drivers, it is straight forward to install

module and has up to 100MB/s read speed and up to 70MB/s write speed whilst the 32GB gives you 4 hours of HD footage or 2 hours if using a rear camera module and gives you up to 100MB/s read speed and up to 60 MB/s write speed.

Nextbase 322GW, 422GW and 522GW models. When you are using a rear-view camera module the resolution of your front camera will automatically adjust to manage the two video files. You can set up the camera to film in 422/522GW front 1080p, rear 1080p or front 1440p, rear 720p and with the 322GW it records in 1080p front and 720p rear.

can easily be installed by clicking it into the side of your front facing Nextbase Dash Cam model it is compatible with Nextbase 322GW, 422GW and 522GW and the resolution will also automatically adjust in your front facing camera to manage the high-resolution video files.

The options for these settings are the same as the rear window camera.

and simply clicks it into the side of your front facing Nextbase Dash Cam model, again it is compatible with Nextbase 322GW, 422GW and 522GW models, automatically adjusts the resolution of your front camera and offers the same recording settings.

ZHIYUN CRANE M2 SO, HERE’S THE CRANE M2 FROM ZHIYUN. THIS IS A GIMBLE THAT ALLOWS YOU TO BE AS HEAVY HANDED AND UNSTABLE AS WANT YOU AS WANT WHEN FILMING, IT CAN HOLD SMART PHONES, GO-PROS AND OTHER SMALL SCALE MIRRORLESS CAMERAS AS WELL AS OFFERING A LARGE SCOPE FOR MOVEMENT TO KEEP THE CAMERA STEADY AND LEVEL. Operating your camera using buttons durable the Crane M2 is ideal for capturing on the handle is nice and easy. To use zoom fast paced activities like sports due to its and capture/record you can connect via impressive fluidity with movement. The Bluetooth or use the buttons on the handle Crane M2 features Six different camera which are very responsive and tactile. As modes such as, pan, lock, POV and some well as being a handheld product it can also other modes slightly more innovative like be fitted with a tripod which is a useful “go” which makes its more responsive and feature as many other devices like this are easier to capture fast moving objects, and strictly bound to being handheld only. The the bizarre vortex mode which allows you Crane M2 includes to rechargeable lithium to film in a corkscrew like fashion (if needs ion batteries which are interchangeable be), although a little confusing at first the which I think is a huge bonus as battery six modes offer the ability adapt to many life does tend deteriorate over time, this different situations making it a great allfeature eliminates that problem. rounder to add to your arsenal.

Something to note is that this handle has a weight limit of around 720g, so you will probably have to keep some DSLRs and other larger devices at bay and you may have to purchase additional parts to make some cameras fit the device.

Retailing at around £260 the M2 Crane is a fairly expensive bit of kit but I do think is reasonable due to its innovative design and in particular the ability to use more than one type of camera, this feature makes it stand out far more than others products like this and will definitely appeal to more people. Being both hard wearing and

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RRP: £259 https://www.zhiyun-tech.com/cranem2/en PROS: A large scope for movement Interchangeable batteries

Is compatible with a large variety of devices Sleek design

CONS: Not waterproof Interface may be confusing

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BASEUS LAUNCHES NEW PRODUCTS INTO THE UK MARKET

JULY 2019, BASEUS, THE INNOVATIVE DIGITAL ACCESSORY BRAND HAS ANNOUNCED THE LAUNCH OF NEW PRODUCTS INTO THE UK MARKET. Since 2009 Baseus has been The Speed PPS Smart Shutdown researching, developing and designing sleek charger allows you to customise the and innovative products aimed at users who amount of time your device is left charging want fashion forward tech accessories. for. Using the touch control, you can decide whether to charge for 1 hour or up to 8 hours. You can also charge continuously as you would with a normal charger. Choose to alternate between displaying the charging voltage, charging status of the device or the remaining time on charge. The dual interface allows for safe charging for two devices at one time.

The Smart 3 in 1 wireless charger supports the simultaneous charging of a mobile phone, watch and headphones.

A must-have for Apple fans, it has an extremely quick response of 0.1 seconds to provide instant charging. The intelligent current matching according to each device ensures the safe maintenance of batteries, and the three built in independent coils charge the devices at the same time without interfering with each other. Available for £89.95.

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The Superlative Multifunctional Hub makes your laptop or MacBook more versatile. Plug and play to expand your laptop’s capabilities – the multifunctional hub range will meet every need of almost all USB C devices. Portable and compact, making it convenient to take with you when you are on the go. Ranging from a hub with built in wireless iWatch charging, to the 7 in 1 USB C hub, there are 5 in the range.

Available from £25.50.

The Multi-Function Docking Station is a sleek adaptor for all your MacBook or notebook needs. The Type C flash charging port ensures high speed power supply to keep your NoteBook fully charged all the time whilst accommodating the extension and use of multiple external devices. The PD port transfers speed up to 10GBPSm and there are 3 added USB 3.0 ports.

Available for £89.99.

The new products are available from Amazon.co.uk.

ABOUT BASEUS:

Founded in 2009, Baseus is an innovative accessory brand that integrates R&D, design, production and sales. Baseus comes from ‘Base On User’ – each product that Baseus has developed features a practical, aesthetically pleasing deign. Integrating the latest technology, environmentally friendly materials and fashion element into each concept, every range shows the unique ‘Baseus’ style.

http://www.baseus.com/

LIFX BEAM I LEARNT MANY YEARS AGO THAT LIGHTING CAN BE ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHANGES YOU CAN MAKE IN A HOME. I USED TO LIVE IN A LITTLE COTTAGE WITH VERY LITTLE NATURAL LIGHT. AN INTERIOR DESIGNER FRIEND HELPED ME WITH THE LIGHTING AND WHEN WE HAD FINISHED, MY HOME FELT A MORE WELCOMING AND WONDERFUL PLACE TO BE. You have many options when edge illumination, featuring Polychrome choosing lighting such as overhead, table, Technology™. With 10 zones per beam,you wall, spots and the use of layered lighting. can raise your home’s styling as you can Then you need to think about the bulb, do blend your creativity and colour into your you want warm or cold light, bright or dim? space and bring your room to life. The LIFX are the only light brand in the world to installation is simple, and connects via WiFi create blended light within the single unit. so no hub is needed.

The LIFX beam is a brilliant addition For the energy and securityto your lighting. This is a dynamic light conscious, you can schedule the light to bar for framing your space with 61 turn on/off/fade as well as change colour, customisable zones per pack, exclusive ensuring your home appears lived in without effects, 16 million colours and blended leaving the place in complete darkness - or white light. The starter pack contains 6 fully lit - for excessive periods. beams and 1 corner per pack. It is cutting-

€199.99

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www.eu.lifx.com PROS Easy fittings and settings Transforms a room

CONS I would need more than one pack

Endless colour possibilities Good (two-year) warranty

NEBULA CAPSULE II THE NEBULA CAPSULE 2 BY ANKER IS A SMALL AND PORTABLE PROJECTOR. YOU CAN CONNECT TO THIS DEVICE VIA AUXILIARY, HDMI, BLUETOOTH, WIFI, USB AND USBC. THE NEBULA CAPSULE 2 CAN PROJECT IMAGES FROM 20, ALL THE WAY UP TO 100 INCHES AWAY WITHOUT STRUGGLING. I WAS VERY IMPRESSED AT THE AUTO FOCUS AND HOW QUICKLY IT WILL SORT ITSELF WHEN MOVING THE UNIT AROUND. THE DEVICE ALSO COMPENSATES VERY WELL FOR ANY TILT THE DEVICE OR THE SURFACE YOU’RE PROJECTING ONTO HAS. Something that makes the Nebula additional charging, when the Capsule 2 capsule stand out from the rest is its ability dies, simply plug it in via the USBc and wait to play media independently, meaning you approximately 2 hours for a full battery, don’t necessarily have to connect any other and if this is too long of a wait you can use devices to access media. The Capsule 2 has the device while its charging. an array of streaming platforms to choose Upon testing the product I was from which are located on the home screen, finding the touch controls on the top of ready to download at the tap of a button, the device rather sensitive which can be these include YouTube, Netflix, Spotify and frustrating at times, luckily the Capsule 2 many more which essentially makes the comes with a remote control and has the Capsule 2 a portable smart TV not much option to connect to your mobile phone if bigger than a Coke can. you’d prefer to use the Nebula Connect As well as projecting a crystal clear app to make the interface that much more 720p image, the Capsule 2 also has high manageable. quality 360-degree audio which can also Overall I am extremely impressed double down as a Bluetooth speaker if you with this little projector, the fact you can wish to play audio exclusively. The projector just turn it on as and when you need it, with can be placed a minimum of 23 inches and no need for additional support from other a maximum of 121 inches away from the devices is ground breaking and something surface you’re projecting onto while its I definitely haven’t seen before, this paired optimal range, being between 40 and 80 with the built in speakers means you will inches. Obviously the further you take the need no additional hardware. device, the darker and softer the image gets but as long as you’re in a nice dark room the Capsule 2 should perform excellently.

I found the battery to last around 2 hours 40 minutes which is more than enough time to watch a film without the need for

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RRP: £450

https://www.anker.com/store/capsule-ii/D2421J11 PROS: Extremely portable, excellent picture and audio, no need for

other hardware, fast processing and overall brilliant experience

CONS: Pricey but amazing, love this product

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DATACOLOR COLORREADER IF YOU’VE EVER TRIED TO COLOUR-MATCH BY EYE, YOU’LL KNOW THAT IT’S NO EASY THING. IN FACT, IT’S A COMPLETE NIGHTMARE. DEPENDING ON THE LIGHTING AND HOW LONG YOU’VE ALREADY BEEN STARING AT SWATCHES, COLOURS ARE HORRIFICALLY SUBJECTIVE. THIS ISN’T JUST A PROBLEM THAT CAN OCCUR WHEN PAINTING A ROOM – IF YOU’RE DESIGNING ART OR CRAFTS, CHOOSING FURNITURE OR MAKING ANY OTHER CHOICES THAT INVOLVE COLOUR, THE COLORREADER COULD BE JUST WHAT YOU NEED. The ColorReader takes the brands only, it’s easy to do this in-app. uncertainty out of color matching, and The ColorReader keeps a record of using it is extremely easy. You need to all of your previous readings, so you can connect to the device via its accompanying review the details again as you need. The app, but from there, it’s simple: place the Co-ordinate Colours function will even lens of the reader face-down on the colour take your colour readings and suggest you want to measure and click the Read complimentary colour schemes to go with button at the bottom of your app screen. them!

The three closest matches to your reading This handy tool is compact, lightwill then appear, along with the colour weight and works quickly. If you don’t want name, number, fandeck name and Delta E to rely on an app, the ColorReaderPRO can from the reading itself. You can then click display all of the same information on its on any of the suggested colours to see a own screen, but either way, this device is breakdown of their L,a,b, RGB, or GMYK extremely transportable, convenient and values, as well as their Hex number, all of easy to use. which allow you to apply the exact tone of your reading to whatever you need, from physical paint to digital.

The reader finds these colour matches from the fandecks of many majorpaint suppliers, including Ace®, Behr®, Benjamin Moore®, Cloverdale®, Color Is®, Dryvit®, Farrow & Ball®, KellyMoore®, ML Campbell®, PPG®, Sherwin Williams®, True Value®, and Valspar®.

Be aware - whilst some are sold overseas, these are all North American brands, with only NCS 1950® and RAL® from Europe. If you want to narrow your search to certain

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$99

http://colorreader.datacolor.com PROS: Huge range of paint brands Accurate readings Gives you the top three choices

All of the colour ID data you could need Coordiante Colour mode Saves your readings

CONS: Mostly North American paint brands Price

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FELLOWS 60CS HOME SHREDDER

ALTHOUGH MOST OF OUR DOCUMENTS THESE DAYS COME IN A DIGITAL FORMAT MANY OF US STILL RECEIVE OR POSSESS SENSITIVE DOCUMENTS THAT ARE BEST SHREDDED FOR SECURITY REASONS. THE POWERSHRED 60CS CROSS-CUT SHREDDER FROM FELLOWS IS A COMPACT PERSONAL SHEDDER IDEAL FOR TUCKING AWAY IN THE CORNER OR CUPBOARD FOR THE OCCASIONAL SHREDDING SESSION. THIS SHREDDER FEATURES THE ADVANCED SAFESENSE TECHNOLOGY, THIS UTILISES AN ELECTRONIC SAFETY SENSOR WHICH AUTOMATICALLY STOPS THE SHREDDERS FROM SHREDDING WHEN HANDS TOUCH THE PAPER OPENING, WHICH IS AN EXCELLENT ADDITION IN PREVENTING A SAW-LIKE HORROR MOVIE ADMIN SITUATION. Measuring up at just 16.1”H x than my ancient 10 year-old personal 9.2”W x 14.6”D and weighing just 12.80lb shredder but it’s quick and doesn’t smell it is easy to store away and move around like melting plastic like my old shredder. from room to room, however a little nook With its protective features, compact size or handle on the main body would make and cross section shredding, the 60Cs is a it easier to transport, especially if you great little shredder for light duties around have one hand full of paperwork. If your the home; if you are anything like me you phone, pet or dinner distracts you from will be shredding everything you can get your shredding duties the Sleep Mode will your hands on. shut down after two minutes of inactivity, saving you on your electricity bill. The 60Cs can shred 10 sheets per pass into 5/32” x 1-9/16” cross-cut particles giving you a security level of P-4, it can also safely shred staples, paper clips and plastic credit cards and can shred for up to six minutes before a 20-minute cool down period is needed.

The six-gallon bin has a lift-off head for easy emptying and shreds each piece of paper into approximately 400 particles, it isn’t the quietest of machines, no louder

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Six-gallon bin with lift-off head

https://www.fellowes.com Pros SafeSense Technology Sleep Mode Continuous 6-minute shredding Compact

Safely shreds staples, paperclips and credit cards Cross-cut shredding Approximately 400 particles per sheet

CONS Not quiet, but none are!

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SCANMARKER AIR I WISH I’D HAD ONE OF THESE WHEN I WAS AT UNI! THE SCANMARKER AIR IS A ‘DIGITAL HIGHLIGHTER’ THAT SCANS TEXT AND SENDS IT STRAIGHT TO YOUR COMPUTER, TABLET OR SMARTPHONE. RATHER THAN LABORIOUSLY, MANUALLY TYPING OUT NOTES, THE SCANMARKER AIR LETS YOU SAVE TIME TO SPEND ON THE MORE IMPORTANT WORK. The ScanMarker Air is an attractively device does warn you when this happens. It designed ‘pen’ that fits easily in your hand, also warns you, with blue and green lights, and feels very similar to using a traditional whether the pen has Bluetooth connection highlighter. The pen connects via Bluetooth and power. If your connection is weak, to your devices, so you can use it with it’s going to be a frustrating process, but wires-free ease. Once it’s set up, scanning there’s not much the company can do about is straight forward – simply hold down a this. As for staying in line, this comes with button and drag the pen across text. This practice, so stick with it. text is then sent to either the ScanMarker The pen’s actual scanning is App, or the text program of choice. accurate, once you get the knack of the This is already a game-changer, but hand action, and the possibilities it offers the applications go further, and in many are insane! If you’re often note-taking or ways, are more exciting than the scanning dealing with foreign language texts, this is function itself. The ScanMarker doesn’t well worth the slightly costly investment. just transfer text – it can translate on the go, with capabilities for over 40 languages!

Not only can it translate between any of these languages, but it can read aloud in them, too. This ability to read your notes to you as you scan also makes this pen fantastic for audio learners and anyone with learning disabilities, dyslexia, poor vision etc.

This all sounds too good to be true, but does the pen actually work? It takes a little setting up – you need to download the app and fill in some settings such as whether you’re scanning with your left or right hand, what language you’re scanning, and whether you’d like the text translated etc. Once up and running, it can take a few attempts to scan perfectly, especially if you wobble out of line with the text, but the

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Fast and accurate

https://scanmarker.com/ PROS Much faster than manual typing Accurate Attractive pen Comfortable to hold 40 languages (see full

list on their website) Reads aloud Bluetooth Charges by USB Barcode scanner

CONS Sensitive to your hand going out of line with

the text

CABLE GUYS THE CABLE GUYS SERIES BY EXG PRO PULLS TOGETHER A WHOLE HOST OF FRANCHISES TO OFFER YOU THEMED PHONE AND GAMING CONTROLLER STANDS DESIGNED LIKE A RANGE OF CHARACTERS. THESE FIGURES ARE 8” TALL, AND AS WELL AS HOLDING YOUR DEVICE, THEY COME WITH – AS THE NAME SUGGESTS – A CABLE FOR CHARGING IT. THESE CABLE GUYS ARE A FUN WAY TO STORE AND DISPLAY YOUR CONTROLLER OR PHONE WHILST IT CHARGES, AND ARE COMPATIBLE WITH ALL PLAYSTATION AND XBOX CONTROLLERS, AS WELL AS MOST SMARTPHONES (BUT MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THAT IT’S COMPATIBLE WITH YOURS BEFORE YOU PURCHASE!) We were sent Black Panther and a few of the realistic characters didn’t fare Tails from the Cable Guys collection. as well. For example, Ezio isn’t the tall, The detail on both of these is inarguably mysterious assassin we know and love - he awesome. Tails, in particular, looks great: looks more like Varric from Dragon Age, aka this definitely is Tails, with no uncanny squat, broad and kind of like he has a point valley or slightly ‘off’ bits. The same can to prove. He and Black Panther suffer from be said for the whole Sonic series of Cables a full-body design that makes them out of Guys (and as we know, recreating Sonic’s proportion and short in stature, whereas design is a lot harder for some people than the Hulk, or the unsurprisingly bent-over you’d think...).

Deadpool, pull off their full-body designs Black Panther, being a humanoid well, so you really need to judge these Guys character with a more realistic design, is a case by case. little different. The details on his suit are Of course, that all might not matter definitely present and have been carefully to you, and the majority of these designs thought about, but something about trying look fantastic! These are really fun stands to create its texture has made him look a that double up as a helpful charge point, little tacky, and the proud Wakandan Prince they make a great gift, and there’s a huge doesn’t seem like he’s at the same standard range to choose from – just choose carefully, as some of the other superhero looks. as some have definitely come out looking Looking at the collection as a whole, better than others. most of it looks incredible, but whereas the cartoonish characters all translate nicely,

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Tails: £22.98 Black Panther: £21.19 https://exgpro.com/cable-guys/ PROS: Huge range of options High level of detail

CONS: Some look better than others

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Charge point

BRESSER TELESCOPES

BRESSER OFFERS TELESCOPES FOR BEGINNERS THROUGH TO SPECIALISTS AND PROFESSIONALS, WITH MANY OPTIONS FOR ADVANCED AMATEURS IN BETWEEN. IN OTHER WORDS, THEY KNOW TELESCOPES. WITH THEIR CHEAPEST TELESCOPE AT PRICED AT €50 AND THEIR HIGHEST AT ALMOST €10,000, THIS COMPANY OFFERS TELESCOPES OF AN ASTRONOMICAL RANGE. WE LOOKED AT TWO SOLID OFFERINGS THAT ARE PRICED AT €799 AND €849 ADVANCED TELESCOPES FOR A DEDICATED HOBBYIST.

BRESSER MESSIER MCX-127 GOTO TELESCOPE EQ/AZ This compact telescope is a fantastic all-rounder that covers everything you could need from an entry-level telescope. Instead of specialising in on certain functions, it has all bases covered, but does so at a high level of quality. The truly exciting feature is its GoTo computer control - a hand-held controller that allows you this highertech level of input without slowing you down with a cumbersome monitor. This computer-based navigation gives you the experience of being in a real observatory, allowing you to precisely select where in the sky you’re like to look, rather than trying to aim by eye and hand as you would have to with a simple telescope. You can even program the GoTo to remember stars and other celestial objects that you would like it to track and find in the future.

This telescope it sturdy on its feet, with a stainless-steel tripod keeping it safe and stable, and a solid fork mount made of die-cast aluminium. It easy to pack up and transport, too: compact and relatively light, this is a great kit for if you need to travel with your set-up. It can even be used without the tripod, instead sitting on a tabletop, which again aids how flexible it is when it comes to transport and use on the move.

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As well as being accurate and easy to navigate, this telescope gives a brilliant delivery. Its movements benefit from careful engineering to make sure they are precise and smooth – instead of struggling against clunky equipment, you know that this telescope it going exactly where you want it to. Then, once you have a lock on the piece of sky you’d like to study, the company’s proven Maksutov-Cassegrain optics allow you to view it in a sharp, highcontract image that makes sure important details aren’t lost.

To further give you that observatory experience, you can even take highresolution photographs of the night sky using the MESSIER MCX-127 – all by using your smartphone. Using an included smartphone holder, you can line up your phone’s camera lens directly behind the eyepiece (BRESSER Super Plössl eyepiece 26mm), to take a picture of exactly what you see.

If you’re already a serious stargazer and know exactly what you want, you might want to fork out more money for a higherspec, more specialised telescope than this, but if you are starting out, this is a perfect piece of kit.

PROS: Helpful, accurate GoTo navigation Sturdy, light frame Smooth movement

Compact and transportable Smartphone holder for photos

CONS: Out of the box - Not suitable for daytime use or landscape observation but it can be purchased an optional available BRESSER 45 degree Amici-Prism

RRP: â‚Ź849

item No. 4930220. This turns the MCX telescope into a high performance spotting scope with an erect image without left-right reversal.

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RRP: €799

BRESSER MESSIER NT-203S/800 EXOS-2/EQ5 Bresser’s ‘Newton telescopes’ range has become a go-to in deep sky astrophotography, and in this model, that tried and tested design has received a level-up. The MESSIER MCX-127 and telescopes of its ilk prioritise transportability and the tracking capabilities of the GoTo navigator; the NT-203s/800 f3.9 prioritises light gathering and produces brighter images.

Its design has been changed from its predecessor by increasing the size of its primary mirror, which makes the images if produces deeper and more detailed.

To get technical, this large primary mirror makes this a faster optical system than the old design and this allows significantly shorter exposure times.

Meanwhile, the big 85mm secondary mirror prevents vignetting for optimal illumination. This telescope has an aperture of 203mm and a focal length of 800mm f/3.9, and comes with a 2.5” Hexafoc Focuser that is able to be

upgrade to a 10:1 reduction.

In terms of handling, the telescope has large and easy-to-use knobs for adjusting both mirrors, and if you wish, it is possible to purchase and link up a GoTo system to assist in your handling. As with the MESSIER MCX127, it has a sturdy construction and precise engineering to make sure its mounts and body are rigid whilst its axis are smooth.

One thing Bresser is clear to mention is that this make of NT203s/800 telescope is less suitable for landscape viewing in the daytime – it is made specifically for stargazing, so bear this in mind in case you would like a more all-purpose purchase. However, if you want a clear, beautiful look into the sky and the ability to capture it, the NT-203s/800 f3.9 is the new goto, improving on an already tested and popular design to raise the bar and re-set the standard.

PROS: Deep, detailed images Sturdy frame

Smooth movement Easy controls

CONS: Not suitable for daytime use or landscape

https://www.bresser.de/en/Astronomy/Telescopes/

PICTIONARY AIR WE ALL KNOW PICTIONARY – NOT ONLY IS IT A STAPLE HOUSEHOLD GAME, BUT IT’S ONE THAT HAS INSPIRED MANY UNOFFICIAL VARIATIONS OVER THE YEARS, ALL OF WHICH HAVE SOUGHT TO FIND NEW WAYS TO MAKE IT EVEN LESS LIKELY THAT YOU’LL HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT YOUR TEAMMATES ARE DRAWING. However, for a truly modern record however lengthy and elaborate an update to the game, it’s time to return to illustration attempt you want.

Mattel, and to the Pictionary brand itself.

The game is compatible with most Pictionary Air has scrapped the whiteboard Android and iOS devices with Android 6.0 and instead uses an app to make sure that or iOS 11.0. However, you currently can’t the illustrator has no idea what they’re play on Sony Xperia or Google Pixel C, so drawing at all. Using the wand that comes check that your device is compatible before with the game, drawers will attempt to you purchase. To show the results on your sketch out their clues, but only the other TV, it will need to be capable of streaming, players, using their smartphones or a TV, such as Apple TV or Chromecast. will see the image as it appears.

This is a creative way to shake up This twist is a brilliant way to use a well-known game, and it’s definitely modern technology to make even bigger good for some extra giggles. However, in fools out of yourselves and your loved ones. practical terms, organising everyone at a It sounds a little fiddly, but it’s very easy family game night to set up their devices, to set up: you just install the Pictionary from the kids to the grandparents, might be Air app on your smart phone or tablet, and a big ask. If you can stream to your TV, the point the in-app camera at the drawer to problem might be sorted, but I’m not sure show them and the sketch they’re creating. whether this game will catch on as an easy The app also lets you make changes go-to for a rainy day or lazy post-Christmas such as how long you want the round time Dinner games session. Still, it’s good fun to be, or you can deactivate the timer and well worth a play! Maybe it’ll become a all together in ‘Selfie Mode’ to instead new staple in your home.

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www.mattelgames.com/en-us/family/pictionary-air

RRP: $19.99

PROS Extra laughter value Easy app to use

Compatible with most devices

CONS Not compatible with Sony Xperia or Google

Pixel C

PIP-BOY STAND REPLICA KIT USABLE REPLICAS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN MY FAVOURITE KIND OF MERCH. IN-UNIVERSE CLOTHES AND PROPS ALLOW YOU TO FEEL AS THOUGH YOU HAVE A PIECE OF THAT WORLD THAT YOU CAN INTERACT WITH IN THE SAME MANNER AS THE CHARACTERS THEMSELVES. THE WAND COMPANY HAS GONE TO A NEW LEVEL WITH THEIR PIP-BOY ACCESSORIES, AND FOR FANS OF BETHESDA’S FALLOUT SERIES, IT’S WORTH CHECKING OUT THESE PIECES OF VAULT-TEC TECH. Although this replica is certainly which looks fantastically detailed), it would game-authentic, I wouldn’t consider it an be a very satisfying, if costly, combo. iconic and recognisable enough part of the The fact that this stand doubles as game to be worth owning on its own. When a Bluetooth speaker does make it worth paired with a Pip-Boy, however, as Vault- consideration. Imagine it stood there, Tec intended, it comes together into an Pip-Boy proudly displayed, piping out “I extremely iconic piece of the game’s reality. Don’t Want To Set The World On Fire” or By the very nature of its in-game that timeless, totally acceptable classic, design, the Pip-Boy stand isn’t very “Civilization (Bongo, Bongo, Bongo)”. (Is it decorative. However, the attention to detail in your head, now? It’s in mine.) is definitely there – branded by Vault-Tec on The Pip-Boy stand is part of a the side and RobCo underneath, the stand series of Pip-Boy upgrades from The Wand comes as a build-it-yourself kit, along with Company, including a light-up digital an in-universe themed instruction manual display screen (£34.99) and an FM radio and even Vault-Tec branded tools! These that has both real radio functionality as are all nice touches that give your purchase well as 20 in-universe Wasteland channels some extra value. On top of this, the stand (£39.99). These are all very cool upgrades, isn’t just a stand. In fact, it operates as a but given that the Pip-Boy is already costly Bluetooth speaker, and as a fun extra, it can (£149.99!) this is collectively a LOT of cash also play a selection of comments from your to throw at what is basically a decorative vault’s Overseer.

Bluetooth radio. However, if you’re a fan Personally, I can’t see this stand of the Fallout series and can afford the having much appeal as a stand-alone item, purchase, it’s fun to know these options are but paired with a Pip-Boy (which you can out there! also buy from The Wand Company and

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£79.95

www.thewandcompany.com/pip-boy-accessories/ PROS: Attention to detail In-game themed instruction manual Looks authentic

Bluetooth speaker Build-it-yourself – easy but fun

CONS: Price

Needs to pair with the Pip-Boy for full effect



BOARD GAMES ROUNDUP BANANAGRAMS

Portable, simple and fun, Bananagrams is a word game that, deceptively, isn’t specifically about anagrams, even though you’re bound to find yourself rearranging letter tiles every which-way, as you race your opponent/s to build all of your letter tiles into a complete ‘word grid’. In a sense, it’s like scrabble, except there’s no board, and you’re building your interconnecting grid of words by yourself, and striving to finish it before your opponents finish theirs.

For 7 years and up, this requires no extra equipment, is easy to carry and play at home or on the go, and it’s a simple game to play (though not always simple to win!)

Like any good board game, it’ll have you screaming at yourself as you try to make your

brain and hands work faster, and, sneakily, it’s a good way to keep kids engaging with words. If Scrabble is too slow-paced a game to keep your kids (or yourself) engaged, this is a brilliant alternative. The tiles even come in a snazzy banana-shaped carry case!

(Bananagrams is currently available in Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Hebrew, Hungarian, Icelandic, Italian, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, and Swedish.)

https://bananagrams.com COBRA PAW

A tile-snatching game that tests your ‘ninja-like reflexes’, the advert on Cobra Paw’s website features a faux, borderline-Asian accent and music to match (which is all mildly problematic), coupled with some fun artwork of angry-cute ninja cats. I imagine the company carried out some market research into what these

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millennials (the generation returning to and redefining board game nights with avid levels of nerdery) supposedly like, and came up with cats and Asian media.

Well, they’re not wrong! However, beyond marketing, the game doesn’t have much to do with either. Gameplay is straightforward: players take it in turns to roll two d6 dice bearing different symbols, and must snatch up any tiles in play that have the corresponding two symbols. Like any simple speed-based game, this is a great way to warm up before a longer game, or to perk up everyone’s mood if you’re stuck inside on a rainy family holiday.

http://cobrapaw.com

TELESTRATIONS

Pictionary meets a game of telephone, ‘Telestrations’ is a new addition to a whole genre of games based around your friends and loved ones being unable to draw. Round one begins with each player selecting a card with a list of words on it, and rolling a d6 dice to select one at random. Before the egg timer runs out, they must draw that word as best they can, then pass their board to their neighbour. Each player then receives a new board, must guess what’s on it, and must pass that word along to their neighbour. Everyone then draws these words, and so on – you get the picture.

All going well, the pictures you get back at the end of a round should resemble the word you started with, though of course it’s far more fun if they don’t.

Inspired from the public domain game, Eat Poop You Cat, this game is similar to several other drawing-based games floating around, but with a twist that makes a lot of fun (IF your friends are terrible artists. If you can all draw well, there’s limited challenge or gigglefactor).

The game comes with eight erasable sketchbooks and markers, a d6, a 90 second timer and 2,400 words.

www.barnesandnoble.com/w/toys-games-telestrations-partygame-2010/19950152

YOU’VE GOT CRABS

Another game by the creators of Exploding Kittens and The Oatmeal, You’ve Got Crabs is a game of secrecy, sneaky signals and nautical creatures (and absolutely nothing to do with anything else the title might imply). Players split into pairs and decide on a subtle gesture that they can make to each other without (hopefully) the other players spotting them, and then the game begins. The aim of the game is to get a hand of matching crabs out of a selection of different pun-tastic varieties. Once you have a matching hand, you must signal it to your partner. If they point at you and yell “You’ve got crabs!” before any of your opponents do, you score points. If the other team spot you first, you lose points.

There’s nothing quite like a game of sneaky subterfuge – especially when you get

to point and yell at your friends. This game is family friendly, has nicely drawn cards, and is really simple to get your head around.

Again, this is a great warm-up game before a heavy strategy game – especially if your pairs set up temporary wars and alliances that carry over into your next game.

https://youvegotcrabs.com PANDEMIC

Unlike many of these games, Pandemic is not a quick-fire activity. From Z-Man Games, this is a 45-minute game for 2-4 players that requires cooperation

and strategy to beat the pandemic before it wipes you out.

Each player takes on one of seven different roles, playing a disease specialist who comes with a unique set of skills that they can use throughout the game.

Together, you must find the cure for not just one, but four diseases, as well as fight off the disease’s effects, contain its spread and keep track of which cities have become infected.

This unique and challenging game originally came out in 2013 and it has become a staple at many game groups and gaming stores. If you’re into this sort of thing, the likelihood is you’ve heard of it; if you haven’t, get it and introduce it to your friends.

https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/30549/pandemic

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DIXIT

Dixit is a storytelling game that prompts you to really think outside of the box. Everything about the design of this game is adorable, from its colourful wooden rabbit-shaped counters to its beautifully drawn artwork, which could easily be the illustrations to a children’s book or a particularly cute tarot deck.

These surreal, gently fantastical images are the basis of the game; taking it in turns, one player is the ‘storyteller’ - they draw six cards, and from the images, they construct a sentence or short story.

The other players then select the cards in their hands which best match up with the story they were just told, and put them face-down into the middle. These are then mixed with the storyteller’s six, and every player must bet upon which were these original six.

For the ‘storyteller’, the best way to win is therefore to take inspiration from the cards in an abstract and

not immediately obvious way, which is fantastic given how symbolic and evocative the 84 cards already are.

Unlike most modern board and card games, everything about this game is peaceful, from the artwork to the concept. I challenge you not to feel peaceful as you look at it. The card-based improvisation is similar to Overlord in many ways, except that instead of goons groveling to their master and forming elaborate stories to undermine each other with, Dixit takes a far more whimsical route.

This is a unique, interesting, and uncommonly peaceful game. It still involves strategy and attempts to outdo each other, but it does so in a very different way to most games on the market, which makes it very worth a look. You’ll either love it or hate it, but either way, you won’t know until you try it.

https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/39856/dixit

GAME OF THRONES CATAN: BROTHERHOOD OF THE WATCH If you know games, you know FFG, you know Catan and, I’d be happy to bet, you know Game of Thrones.

For those who don’t know, FFG prolifically produces not just for board and card games, but a range of products that includes graphic novels and tabletop roleplaying games. In terms of roleplaying game systems, for example, for those tired of D&D, FFG carries many of its major competitors, including Legend of the Five Rings, and the Star Wars system that included Edge of the Empire, Force and Destiny, Age of Rebellion and many others. This Star Wars system was so well built and so unique that a de-Star Warsed version, Genesys, was created to allow groups to turn the system to any setting.

(Even without Genesys, I’ve personally seen the Star Wars system reskinned to be used for a 1920s occult horror game, a modern urban fantasy and many others).

Not only are FFG very good at what

they do, but, because of this, they are trusted with many major licenses, creating games for not only Star Wars, but Marvel, DC, Bethesda, and now, Game of Thrones.

Game of Thrones Catan: Brotherhood of the Watch combines two very well-known elements – Catan, one of the most popular board games going, and Game of Thrones, which needs no introduction. The classic resource-building game has now been given a George RR Martin twist, as players develop ‘The Gift’, a bountiful and undeveloped area south of the Wall given to the Watch by the Starks thousands of years before. What is there to say? Catan is Catan; the Night’s Watch are the Night’s Watch. This reskin of a popular game is a great way to drown your Games of Thrones sorrows and distract yourself from the show’s ending as you turn against your friends over supplies. With all of the characters you know from the books/ show, you must develop and defend what you build, and remember, winter is coming.

www.catan.com/game/game-thrones-catan-brotherhood-watch

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BEARS VS BABIES

From the creators of popular webcomic The Oatmeal and the infamous card game Exploding Kittens comes another game based on carnage. The premise of the game is bizarre but simple: build monsters that eat babies.

Whoever eats the most babies wins.

Using the cards from your hand, you can construct different fantastically wild monsters by connecting assorted heads, limbs and bodies together and, if you’re lucky, giving them a few accessories. Once you have your chainsaw-armed, Jaberwockie-headed monster sporting a sweet sombrero and an IV caffeine drip, you can pit it against the various hellspawn babies, such as

https://bearsvsbabies.com

‘Beard Baby’, ‘Big Ole Diaper Baby’ and other abominations that definitely look like they need to die. The various horrific babies have recognisably Oatmeal-esque art, aka the palatably grotesque.

Like most card games, the ins and outs of all of the rules would take too long to get into here, but basically, using cards in your hand that allow you to make different moves, combined with the power of your monsters, you must consume as many babies as possible to beat your competition. This game is creative, ludicrous, gross, and basically everything a true gaming group of today wants.

GAMESIR G6S VIBRATING MOBILE GAMING TOUCHROLLER FOR IPHONE ONE THING THAT IRKS ME WITH GAMES ON MY PHONE IS THE PLAYABILITY. SOME GAMES WORK FINE WITH A TOUCHSCREEN, CANDY CRUSH, DUO LINGO AND DOODLE JUMP WORK PERFECTLY ON AN IPHONE. BUT IF I WANTED TO PLAY SOMETHING THAT WAS ORIGINALLY FOUND ON A CONSOLE, SUCH AS FIFA OR CALL OF DUTY, WELL…IT JUST WON’T BE THE SAME ON A PHONE, RIGHT? WELL NOT ANYMORE! GameSir has solved that problem. to worry about getting banned when using The GameSir G6s Vibrating Mobile Gaming it and you will now be able to own your Touchroller for iPhone is the perfect way pals on household names such as Fortnite, to continue gaming on the go, without Minecraft and Mobile Legends. having to buy a separate handheld console I like this product simply because it such as the PS Vita or the Nintendo Switch. solves a problem that has always bugged It is a simple device you slot your phone me. The rift between console and mobile into – just like a phone case. It includes a gaming has finally been filled. It is also 3D joystick and 10 configurable buttons. perfect on the go due to the 40 hours of The ‘Touchroller’ aspect is a term coined by battery time. It is still easy to use your phone GameSir and describes the combination of how you usually do, as you can still charge gamepad and touchscreen controls. With your phone and plug your headphones in GameSir G-Touch Technology, Bluetooth without any extra hassle. I thought that I connectivity and E-Sports Level Micro was hooked to my phone already, but with Switches, it is truly innovative. It will this, you won’t be able to separate us! support iOS native games so you don’t need

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£39.99/ $49.99

https://gamesir.hk/products/gamesir-g6 PROS Good concept Easy to use

Not bulky

MONOPOLY VOICE BANKING WE’VE ALL SEEN DOZENS OF MONOPOLY REVAMPS OVER THE YEARS. THEMED FOR EVERY MAJOR FANDOM AND LICENSE, THERE’S A NOVELTY MONOPOLY FOR EVERYONE, BUT IT’S FAR LESS COMMON FOR THE ACTUAL GAMEPLAY OF THIS HOUSEHOLD CLASSIC TO GET SWITCHED UP. FIRST PATENTED IN 1904, MONOPOLY WAS ORIGINALLY CALLED ‘THE LANDLORD’S GAME’ AND WAS CREATED TO SHOW THE HARMS OF THE RENT LAWS AT THE TIME. IN 1933, IT SETTLED INTO THE VERSION WE RECOGNISE TODAY, AND IT’S CONTINUED TO SET FAMILIES AGAINST EACH OTHER EVER SINCE. You can’t fix what isn’t broken, as However, this is also a draw-back of was discovered by the far less successful this change. Whilst it may be easier to play ‘Triopoly’ that attempted to add more without all of the fake money etc. to keep levels to what is already, let’s face it, a track of, you also lose the joy of stacking very long game. However, Monopoly Voice and hoarding it. An electronic bank also Banking doesn’t try to change the rules: it limits the ability to play with house rules or simply uses modern technology to give the to make on-the-fly dodgy deals. These sorts traditional game an updated boost. of ab-libs and variations from the rulebook The Monopoly Voice Banking game are part of the fun! comes with an interactive Mr. Monopoly That said, this is a very well thought banking unit. A giant version of the classic out and useful upgrade, and it comes with Monopoly top hat sits in the centre of the an aesthetic, modern revamp to the board board; it is voice-activated, and chats to that gives the whole thing a sci-fi look. the players with the voice and attitude you I wouldn’t want to have this instead of a might expect from Mr. Monopoly. Charming traditional Monopoly game, but it would man! make a fun alternative – especially if playing This upgrade is brilliant – it keeps with younger children or other people who track of everyone’s transactions, and gives may get overwhelmed by all the paper and the cash-based game a new feel for the cards, or if you’re playing somewhere with digital banking age. The voice recognition limited table space. works well, and the game is now faster to set up, easier to keep track of, and you don’t have the mess of dozens of cards and piles of notes.

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arrow-alt-circle-right $ 29.99

https://shop.hasbro.com/ PROS: Fun new aesthetic Good voice recognition Keeps track of all transactions

Stops you cheating

CONS: Limits the freedom to play with house rules No play money to clutch!

Stops you cheating!



ALCOSENSE LITE 2 BREATHALYZER

A GOOD NIGHT OUT CAN BE A LOT OF FUN, BUT EVEN IF YOU’RE SMART AND GET A TAXI OR A LIFT HOME THAT NIGHT, ARE YOU SURE THAT YOU’RE LEGAL TO DRIVE IN THE MORNING? OR, MAYBE YOU’VE HAD A COUPLE DOWN THE PUB, BUT YOU’RE PRETTY SURE YOU’RE SOMEWHERE AROUND THE LEGAL LINE. FOR ROAD SAFETY AND PEACE OF MIND, DEVICES LIKE THE ALCOSENSE LITE 2 BREATHALYZER CAN TAKE SCHRÖDINGER’S CAT OUT OF THE BOX AND LET YOU KNOW WHETHER OR NOT YOU (OR YOUR FRIENDS) SHOULD BE GETTING BEHIND THE WHEEL. The original AlcoSense Lite was, make sure you get the message, no matter when it was released, already a strong how intoxicated you might unknowingly enough product to receive multiple be, any reading that’s over the limit is awards, so how has the Lite 2 improved displayed alongside a nice, clear image of a on the design? Following in these reliable No Driving image. You couldn’t miss it even footsteps, the Lite 2 has taken a good if you wanted to! product and made it even more accurate Be aware before you purchase and even easier to use, with upgraded – AlcoSense is a UK company, so this sensors and simplified operation. breathalyzer assesses your ability to drive The Lite 2 has a smooth and according to UK rules. You can adjust its streamlined design. It’s a small device settings to any UK or Irish limit, but it is (in fact, it’s helpfully pocket-sized), with not designed to be used in Europe, the US, nothing clunky or obtrusive to its design or elsewhere. that could make its use feel like an invasion or chore. You need to give it a good huff for it to make its reading, but apart from that, it’s extremely simple to use – thank goodness, as you’re most likely to be using it mid-hangover or after a pint or two!

The breathalyzer gives its readings in ‰BAC (promile blood alcohol content) in increments of 0.1. This is an entrylevel product for domestic and casual use, but if you need more precise readings than this, other products are available from AlcoSense. Worried that you won’t remember what ‰BAC you should watch out for? To

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Extremely simple to use

https://alcosense.co.uk/alcosense-lite-2.html PROS: Easy to use Gives results in seconds

Clear reading

CONS: Only UK and Irish limits



QARDIOBASE 2 SCALES ARE SMARTER THAN EVER WITH THE QARDIOBASE 2. THIS WIRELESS ‘BODY ANALYSER’ FUNCTIONS AS A TRADITIONAL SET OF SCALES, PLUS A WIDE RANGE OF SETTINGS AND FEATURES ALL PULLED TOGETHER IN A FLAT, SLEEK DESIGN THAT WILL LOOK GOOD IN YOUR BATHROOM OR HOME GYM. With this Smart Scale, you can track of scales that displays a sad face at me! not only your weight, but your BMI and However, the QardioBase team put thought body composition (body fat %, muscle, into the feature, reasoning that numberwater and bone mass). To make things easy, watching can become psychologically it links up with a corresponding Qardio harmful for some people – especially app, through which you can view analytical when new goals can become addictive, or graphs and charts to show your health and normal daily fluctuations are dwelt upon progress, and you can even set goals and too greatly. Instead, the option of this reminders to keep you on track. The scale ‘smart mode’ summerises whether or not also syncs with the popular MyFitnessPal the user has moved closer to their set goal, app, which allows you to plan and monitor and removes a potential source of stress. your diet. Using this app and the Qardio Another helpful feature is the pregnancy app in conjunction will help you to not only mode, which allows expecting mothers to understand your progress, but to plan how track their weekly progress. to work on it. However, as a detailed diet The QardioBase 2 is compatible monitoring app, MyFitnessPal has led some with iOS 9.0 or later, Kindle, Android 5 people to obsessive calorie counting, so or later, Android Wear and Apple Watch. when pairing this app with a set of Smart This sleek set of scales offers far more than Scales, go in aware. a traditional set, some of which I would On that topic, one of this scale’s want, and some I wouldn’t. However, ‘smart modes’ involves showing your smart scales are a valuable tool if used progress with simple happy, neutral or responsibly, and QadioBase 2 has a range of sad smiley faces. This is an option that can easy-to-understand insights that can help replace readings in traditional kg or lbs, to you to maintain your health. give you a quick reminder of where you are compared to where you were. Personally, I can’t think of anything worse than a set

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£129.99 www.getqardio.com PROS: Weight, BMI and Body Composition readings Weight available in kg or lbs

Pregnancy mode Supporting app Data is easy to read



RRP: £130

ACTIV5 THE ACTIV5 IS A SMALL HOME ISOMETRIC WORKOUT DEVICE THAT ALLOWS YOU TO ACCESS A FULL BODY WORKOUT ALL FROM USING THIS SMALL APPARATUS. THE ACTIV5 CONNECTS TO YOUR PHONE VIA BLUETOOTH AND MEASURES YOUR STRENGTH, PRECISION ENDURANCE ALL THROUGH SQUEEZING THE APPLIANCE TOGETHER OVER SET PERIODS. THE ACTIV5 TRAINING APP FEATURES SOME DIFFERENT GAMES YOU CAN PLAY TO MAKE EXERCISING WITH THIS DEVICE MORE FUN AND A LITTLE LESS LABORIOUS. THE ACTIVE5 IS SUITABLE FOR ALL AGE GROUPS, MAKING IT A GREAT PRODUCT FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS A QUICK WORKOUT, WHEREVER YOU MAY BE. With every workout personalised it seems like most modern devices require to your strength, the Active5 will measure a lot of power and to be charged up most your progress and push you in the right days. Being so small the Activ5 is the direction. All the Activ5 needs in terms perfect exercise unit for travelling, it can of power is one AA battery, this will last fit in most pockets and is very lightweight. for about 6 months, I love this feature as

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https://activbody.com/fitness-activ5/ PROS: Extremely portable lightweight

huge battery life

CONS: Exercises are limited to isometric



ZEUS ARC GT

BY ZEUS THE ZEUS ARC GT IS A SMALL AND PORTABLE VAPORISER. THIS DEVICE HAS A NICE AMOUNT OF AIRFLOW MEANING HAVING A LOOSER DRAW THAN A LOT OF OTHER VAPORISERS, THIS KEEPS THE VAPOUR COOL AND SMOOTH. WITH A BATTERY LIFE OF 90 MINUTES AND GENEROUS CHAMBER, THE ZEUS ARC IS PERFECT FOR USING WHILE ON THE GO. THE ZEUS ARC HAS 3 TEMPERATURE SETTINGS RANGING FROM 205 TO 225 DEGREES CELSIUS WHICH IS A GREAT FEATURE AND MAKES A NICE CHANGE FROM FIXED TEMPERATURE DEVICES. The build quality of this product is around and emptying the chamber, this very solid, it has a good weight and feels is attached to the base of the device using great in the hand, being a portable vaporiser, magnets, allowing for quick access. the device is a liable to get a tad warm, Over all the Zeus Arc is an excellent which is nothing to worry about but may bit of kit, and with a retail price of £179.99 something to bear in mind. I was surprised you’d certainly hope so! So if you’re looking to see the chamber is plated with gold, for a healthier alternative to your “more as well as looking great, this gold plating traditional ways” or you’re just after serves a purpose and it’s not just flaunting something a bit less conspicuous, the Zeus your wealth; being highly conductive the ARC GT is definitely one to look into! gold plating regulates the temperature exceptionally well, making sure you get a consistent hit with minimal hot spots and combustion of any unmentionables. The Zeus Arc features a handy tool for poking

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RRP ÂŁ179.99

Purchase in Europe: tvape.de/zeus-arc-gt.html Purchase Globally: tvape.com/zeus-arc-gt.html PROS: Excellent build quality, Ergonomic design

A pleasant experience

CONS: May heat up a bit The mouthpiece is sometimes a pain to

find

FOREO LUNA MINI 3 THE LUNA MINI 3 HAS ARRIVED, NEW AND IMPROVED WITH THE AIM OF GIVING YOUR FACE A DEEP CLEAN WHILST REMAINING GENTLE ON YOUR SKIN, AVAILABLE IN FIVE COLOURS, BLACK, DARK PINK, LIGHT PINK, YELLOW AND LIGHT BLUE. THE MINI 3 FEATURES AN UPGRADED T-SONIC FACIAL CLEANSING MASSAGER, (T FOR TRANSDERMAL), WITH TWELVE ADJUSTABLE INTENSITIES AND A DUAL CLEANSING SURFACE FOR A CUSTOMISABLE SKINCARE EXPERIENCE, IT HAS A NEW SWEDISH DESIGN WITH A LARGER BRUSH HEAD THAN THE MINI 2 AND OFFERS APP CONNECTIVITY AS WELL AS A SOFTER, LONGER TOUCHPOINTS. It is straightforward to use - connect the highest intensity). However, the device your Luna Mini 3 to the Foreo app via remembers your preferred settings, and Bluetooth (you must unlock LUNA Mini sets them going again with the click of a 3 before using it for the first time), then button, so you won’t need your phone with dampen your face, apply your preferred you for every wash. cleanser to the Mini 3 and hit the start The Mini 3’s lightweight and button. From here you simply glide the soft compact size makes it easy to pack away in silicone touchpoints in circular motions even the smallest of bags, suitable for the over your face until the built-in timer shuts gym or mini breaks, it is 100% waterproof it off, then rinse the Mini 3 down, pat your and hygienic thanks to the silicone design. face dry and continue with your skincare The Foreo Luna Mini 3 is so easy to use, it routine. The quick-press Glow Boost feels pleasant during the process, like it’s cleansing mode gives you clean, glowing working right into the skin, and my face felt skin in only half a minute, the 8000 T-Sonic smooth and clean afterwards. My favourite pulsations per minute help the touchpoints time to use it was post workout, as it would go deep and can remove 99.5% of dirt, oil, leave me feeling fresh and revitalised. sweat and dead skin. The Find My Luna feature lets you hunt down a lost Mini by triggering a buzz from the app so you can find it again, the app is used to select the intensity level, between 1 and 12 (12 is

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Available in five colours

https://www.foreo.com/luna-mini-3 PROS 8000 T-Sonic pulsations per minute Glow Boost feature Compact lightweight design Easy to use

Find my Luna function 12 intensity levels Leaves skin feeling soft and clean 100% waterproof and hygienic

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HEADATERM

A DEVICE THAT CURES HEADACHES SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, AND YET HEADATERM IS CLINICALLY PROVEN TO REDUCE AND RELIEVE TENSION HEADACHES, CLUSTER HEADACHES AND EVEN MIGRAINES. THE DEVICE IS NON-INVASIVE, SIMPLY STICKING ON YOUR FOREHEAD AND LOOKING A LOT LIKE A MEDICAL VERSION OF WONDER WOMAN’S HEADGEAR (IT EVEN HAS THE TRIANGLE IN THE CENTRE!) HEADATERM’S PREMISE IS BASED AROUND ELECTRICAL STIMULATION, WHICH CAN HAVE MIXED RESULTS IN SOME OF THE PRODUCTS WE’VE SEEN. HOWEVER, HERE THEY’VE GOT THE DATA TO BACK IT UP. People who suffer from primary completely; other times, it might only headaches, aka headaches that come on reduce the effects, but either way, this is a stronger or more regularly than normal, huge boon that can ease your day. You can usually turn to medication, but HeadaTerm also select the level of intensity you want offers a drug-free alternative. We’re not the pulses to fire at, so you can pick the just talking about average headaches here level that works best for you.

– these are the ones that debilitate people Because it is light and compact to for a day, causing them to miss or struggle carry around, the company claims that through work. If that’s you, perhaps this is you can use this device outside or at the worth a try? office, but given the slight faff of the gel, To use the HeadaTerm, you do need I’d question that. However, as a home to gel up in order to fix it to your forehead, treatment, it’s extremely convenient. which does slow down the process – Speak with your doctor, and also test especially as you have to wash that stubborn whether this device works for you, before gel off before you can continue your day. you substitute it for pills. However, it’s Treatments take 20 minutes, which, whilst definitely well worth a try! not too long, again means that you need to set time aside for it. However, the effects can then last up to seven hours. What’s more, this device is reusable – each device can deliver 21 rounds of treatment, which makes its low price is a real plus.

So how does it work? Primary headaches are transmitted by the supraorbital nerve and the supratrochlear nerve. HeadaTerm introduces precise electric impulses to act on these nerves and reduce the migraine signals transmitted.

Not only are the pulses soothing, but they actually tell your body to stop producing the headache that’s knocking you sideways!

Sometimes, it might cure the problem

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RRP £26.99 www.watmedical.com/product/anti-migraine-device PROS: No drugs Reusable

Non-invasive Adjustable pulse settings

CONS: Needs time set aside (unlike pills)

Requires gel

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SELFKAIRE KAIRETOOL MASSAGER THE SELFKAIRE KAIRETOOL IS A DEEP TISSUE MASSAGER WHICH CLAIMS TO HAVE A UNIQUE TWIST. YOU CAN USE THIS HANDY DEVICE TO KNEAD TIGHT MUSCLES AND RESOLVE ACHES AND PAINS, INCLUDING STUBBORN ISSUES SUCH AS LOCKJAW. AS A MASSAGER, IT’S BRILLIANT. HOWEVER, THIS ISN’T ALL THE KAIRETOOL OFFERS: THIS TOOL CLAIMS TO FIRM UP AND SLIM DOWN THE MASSAGED AREAS OF YOUR BODY, AND THERE SEEMS TO BE REEMS OF USERS WHO AGREE! Before and after images from others slim down and firm up. Plus, the design who’ve used the product look subtle, but itself is aesthetic and comfortable to hold. this is a more believable improvement The body of the Selfkaire Kairetool than if the images were drastic. Rather is made from surgical grade stainless steel, than losing pounds and pounds, this device making it extremely hard-wearing and seems to tighten and tone up what already easily cleanable whilst also having a nice exists. You won’t see dramatic weight loss, weight to it. Being small, the Kairetool but you might see a firming up of your jaw can be taken anywhere with you, which is line or upper arms and thighs – especially excellent for athletes or anyone else with an after a couple of months of daily use. on-the-go lifestyle. The design is cute, too, We feel as though we’ve seen a and if you feel like spoiling yourself, there difference using the Kairetool, but it’s are some gorgeous if pricey upgrades with hard to understand exactly how it achieves rose quartz or jade handle decoration. the results it advertises. The company Deep tissue massaging is usually information explains that it is all achieved done with your hand, but this can be through the natural heat created by the quite hard work and may even cause more friction of a targeted deep tissue massage, unwanted issues; the Kairetool eliminates but it’s hard to tell what sets this product this problem, and whether or not its other apart from other massage tools, in that claims are exclusive to this product, it’s case. There’s plenty of detail on the impact definitely a good massager and definitely this heat and pressure has on body tissue, seems to firm up the targeted area. As including reduced water retention and a with all health and beauty products, we release of toxins (the latter of which occurs recommend you speak with your doctor in any massage), but not on what makes the before trying this tool. The company warns result specific to this tool and not others that you shouldn’t use it if you have metal like it. allergies, electronic implanted devices, That said, a change does seem to epilepsy/seizures, cancer, are pregnant or occur! Whether it’s exclusive to this tool, are under the age of 18. or whether others like it could achieve the same results, or whether it’s just the power of suggestion, targeted areas do seem to

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RRP £130

https://selfkaire.com/ PROS: Looks pretty Hard wearing Good deep tissue

massager Fits comfortably in the hand

CONS: Unclear science to back up its other benefits

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KEGAL8 ULTRA 20 ELECTRONIC PELVIC TONER THE PELVIC TONER BY KEGEL 8 IS A DEVICE DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN THE PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLES IF THEY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED BY EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF STRESS SUCH AS CHILDBIRTH, STRESS LIKE THIS MAY CAUSE INCONTINENCE AND THAT’S WHERE THIS DEVICE COMES IN. The device monitors the pelvic floor retails at around £170 which is definitely muscles and will tell you when to tense justifiable given how much this device can and to relax, over an extended period of help you to function on an everyday basis. time you will find your pelvic floor muscles Its recommended that you use a pelvic toner strengthening and becoming more effective every day for about 16 weeks and then against incontinence and other pelvic floor carry on doing pelvic floor exercises every issues. The controller interface, while following day for optimum effects. being somewhat confusing at first is easy to navigate given you’ve spent some time with it. The device has nice aesthetics, feels good in the hand and is completely painless to use. The pelvic toner by Kegal8

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RRP £167.99

https://www.kegel8.co.uk/ PROS: Ergonomic design and can help out a lot of

women tremendously

CONS: interface may be confusing at first

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MANDUKA PRO YOGA MAT YOGA IS ONE OF THOSE THINGS THAT PEOPLE HAVE A MISCONCEPTION ABOUT, AND I WAS NO DIFFERENT BEFORE STARTING, I ASSUMED IT WAS ALL DEEP BREATHING AND RELAXING, AND GENTLE STRETCHES; THE REALITY IS THAT I TEND TO FEEL MORE STIFF AFTER A YOGA CLASS THAN I DO A HIIT CLASS OR A LONG RUN. YOU DON’T NEED A LOAD OF GEAR FOR YOGA HOWEVER A DECENT YOGA MAT CAN MEAN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOU NAILING A BOUND HIGH LUNGE POSE AND LANDING SQUARE ON YOUR FACE. The Manduka PRO Series started feet and smoothly move between poses. I with the Black Mat Pro and is still going can only take Manduka’s word for it when it strong 20 years later. Measuring at 180 cm comes to the lifetime guarantee however it x 66 cm with a 6mm thickness it may be a only takes a little research to discover there little thicker (and heavier - 3.4kg) than you are plenty of people out there still using are used to, however this is deliberate. The theirs after many years. density of the PRO Series aims to bring some The mat has a pretty strong smell extra stability whilst providing cushioning when you first start using it, but a few for those pointy elbows and knobbly knees, days airing will remedy that. Like all mats, whilst the closed-cell construction prevents it will take a little breaking in, and after a moisture from absorbing into the mat few weeks it performs admirably. It is thick (yes, yoga makes you sweat) and prevents enough to provide extra comfort when bacteria build-up, making cleaning a needed but not too spongy that it throws breeze. The uniquely formulated material off your balance and the added thickness allows its grip to improve with every use, it meant I could use it outside on the patio is crafted in an emissions-free facility and without any cheeky stones poking through. is OEKO-TEX certified, meaning it’s 100% Due to the weight of the mat (and lack of a safe for you, your kids and the dog to touch. storage bag) you might not fancy lugging it This mat has been designed to last back and forth to the studio, but it is well a lifetime, helping to curb the amount of suited for home yogis.

PVC mats that enter landfills every year, during the manufacturing of most PVC products, toxic emissions may be released into the air, however, PRO series mats are manufactured through a process that ensures no toxic emissions are released into the atmosphere. The proprietary dot pattern bottom prevents the mat from slipping during practice, it is available in extra-long if needed (an extra 35cm); its soft, fabric-like top lets you easily slide your

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https://eu.manduka.com PROS Closed-cell surface bacteria and moisture resistant Lifetime performance Slide resistant High-density cushion

Secure grip Sustainable engineering OEKO-TEX certified, emissions-free manufacturing 100% latex free

CONS Weight No bag included

Strong PVC smell to begin with

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ONEBLADE CORE BLACK TIE SHAVE KIT WITH ALL THOSE OF CHRISTMAS PARTIES JUST AROUND THE CORNER ITS TIME TO LOOK YOUR BEST, WITH ONEBLADE CORE BLACK TIE SHAVE KIT WILL HELP TO KEEP YOUR FACIAL FUZZ UNDER CONTROL EVEN IF THE REST OF YOUR BODY BEGINS TO TRANSFORM INTO A CHRISTMAS PUDDING. THE CORE FOLLOWS AN AWARD-WINNING DESIGN PRODUCED BY ONEBLADE AND THIS KIT COMES WITH THE • OneBlade CORE Razor, head geometry provides baby butt effect • Anodized Aluminum Razor with 2-3 passes and effectively protects Display Stand, skin from bumps. It is more effective than • Feather FHS-10 Blades- 30Gillette while skin irritation is completely pack (get 2-3 shaves per blade), reduced.

• Black Tie Edition Shave CreamThe quick-load blade system makes Lavender (150ml), switching out the blade a quick and • Black Tie Edition Aftershave straightforward process, the anodized Balm- Lavender (90ml), aluminium razor display stand provides • 20mm Knot Tuxedo Synthetic a simple, stable place for your blade to Shaving Brush dry out after use. All OneBlade razors use • Razor Blade Disposal Case disposable Feather FHS-10 single edge The flagship of OneBlade is a single razor blades that are not a regular safety edge and hand-assembled razor OneBlade razor blades, these blades can be purchased GENESIS built from the ground up with an for €0.65 each, most users get 3-5 shaves all the best German stainless-steel called per blade, meaning each shave will cost you PANACEA. Each piece is . The presented around €0.2 each. Along with the kit there model OneBlade CORE has been engineered is a blade box bin, this is little cardboard with the polymer Tritan (extremely durable) box has a slot to dispose of your blades, and is more affordable version keeping safely and the packaging we received was the same features as GENESIS. While the all recyclable. The OneBlade CORE Black Tie Genesis is entirely built up with PANACEA, Shave Kit would make a lovely gift for those the CORE Razor has engineer-grade Tritan you appreciate a close and precise shave, polymer with solid stainless steel “core” oh, and likes the scent of lavender. insert for added ergonomic weight, the fixed head features optimal geometry and pivots via a stainless-steel spring. The pivot head and extremely accurate re-engineered

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arrow-alt-circle-right www.onebladeeu.com PROS Provides a precise, close shave with baby butt effect Price per shave Comfortable on the hand

Simple but effective razor stand High quality shaving cream and balm Quick load blade system Blade disposable box

CON Blades only last 3-5 shaves (however replacements are affordable)

Lavender is very classic but is not for everyone

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EL CAMINO JEWELLERY A TWIST ON THE CHARM BRACELET CONCEPT, EL CAMINO OFFERS NECKLACES AND BRACELETS THAT DOCUMENT YOUR TRAVELS AND CAN BE ADDED TO OVER TIME, MAKING FOR PERSONAL ACCESSORIES THAT ARE LADEN WITH MEMORIES, AND ARE WELL MADE INTO THE BARGAIN. Camino is Spanish for ‘path/track/ engraved with either an arrow, wave or trail’, and El Camino really knows its market mountains, to represent truly memorable and how to make a brand. These necklaces moments on your travels – whatever that and bracelets are super on-aesthetic for the means to you. Between these options and people they’re appealing to, and the beads wooden Spacers, which are filler beads themselves take that look and give it more made from sustainably sourced wood and meaning. coconut in different shades, you can create The elements themselves are well something truly personal that keeps on made. Sturdy, reliable cord forms the base growing along with your memories. for these accessories, and the different We received a necklace that read, ‘steps’ you can make are all well designed from top to bottom: Red Sea, North and use quality materials. Country Steps America, Arrow Adventure Step, Scotland, and Small Steps (aka cities, landmarks and Indian Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Netherlands, other popular destinations) have the place and Mediterranean Sea. The resulting names engraved clearly on stainless steel effect was beautiful, and I can easily see beads, with wider beads for the Country the addictive satisfaction of building one Steps and thinner for the Small Steps. of these and adding to it over time. The You can even have steps customised with necklace, which hangs in a straight line, whatever text you want, to record a specific feels very satisfying to run your hands over, festival or event. but the bracelets are also a fantastic option Not all of the beads are so literal, that are easy to wear as permanently as however. The Sea and Ocean Steps are you’d like. stunning, handmade from coloured glass Even though this isn’t a style of in a mix of pale and rich, marine-like jewellery I would normally wear, I’m colours, with abstract gold or blue swirls extremely tempted to make one my own! cast through them. These beads don’t bear These are fun, attractive, personal, and the any text, the different colours instead elements are all made to a high standard. representing different seas and oceans, Go have a play! reminding you of where you’ve been and adding a beautiful element to your accessory. The same concept is applied to the glass Region Steps.

Another abstract element is the Adventure Steps, which are stainless steel

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Fun, attractive, personal

PROS: Huge number of step options Customisable steps High-quality materials

Attractive designs Sturdy cord Buildable over time

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PYROPET CANDLE DREKI THESE GEOMETRIC DRAGON DESIGNS ARE ALMOST TOO CUTE AND IMPRESSIVE TO WANT TO MELT – THEY’RE A FANTASTIC ORNAMENT IN THEMSELVES, AND IT SEEMS A SHAME TO LOSE THAT ARTISTRY. HOWEVER, FEAR NOT, FOR THE PYROPET RANGE ONLY IMPROVES ONCE IT’S LIT. THESE CANDLES TAKE 20 HOURS TO FULLY BURN DOWN, SO YOU HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO ENJOY THE DRAGON AS IT COLLAPSES, AND AS IT DOES, IT REVEALS AN AWESOME TWIST – A METAL DRAGON SKELETON INSIDE. HOW COOL IS THAT?? LIKE THE EXTERNAL DESIGN, THE SKELETON IS KIND OF CUTE, BUT IT’S ALSO KIND OF, WELL, METAL. Once your dragon has melted, the got a cool skeleton – what more could you final result could be an epic decoration in want? itself, with the metal skeleton rising up over Dreki comes in either Neo Mint, a cascade of lava-esque wax. Some candles vibrant red, a pale green or black. It produce a disappointingly weak effect when would be fun if there were more colours to melted, as we found this year whilst trying choose from, but Pyropet has the two most to make Halloween decorations at home, ‘classic’ dragon colours covered, so we can’t but Dreki won’t let you down. We may have complain. The candle is made from paraffin just missed Halloween, but really, these wax, with the skeleton made of aluminium, candles are going to improve a room on any which keeps it lightweight, long lasting, month of the year. and isn’t going to become dangerously The Pyropet range has candles in a hot. The candle measures in at 16.5cm H x variety of shapes, such as dogs and owls, 14cm D x 6.5cm W, and would make a cute but that makes their ‘death’ seem a little and surprising gift this Christmas! sad, to me. A dragon seems to make the most of the concept – you’ve got fire, you’ve

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£27.00

https://eu.54celsius.com PROS: Cool & cute design Fun concept Long burn time

Produces a satisfying melted wax effect Lasting decoration once burnt

CONS: Only three colour options

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KARDIAMOBILE 6L EKG

THE KARDIAMOBILE 6L EKG IS THE ONLY PERSONAL 6-LEAD EKG THAT IS FDA-APPROVED. WITH THIS NIFTY LITTLE DEVICE, YOU CAN MONITOR AND RECORD YOUR HEART RATE WHENEVER YOU NEED TO, FROM THE COMFORT AND EASE OF YOUR OWN HOME. THE DEVICE CAN ANALYSE YOUR DATA AND ALERT YOU TO ANY POTENTIAL PROBLEMS, AND ALSO ALLOWS YOU TO PROVIDE YOUR DOCTORS WITH FAR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR HEALTH THROUGHOUT THE DAY, WHICH CAN EMPOWER THEM TO GIVE FAR MORE ACCURATE DIAGNOSES AND TREATMENT. Taking medical readings can be more. Like the 1-lead model, the 6L can nerve-wracking, but using the KardiaMobile detect AFib, Bradycardia, Tachycardia & 6L is relaxingly simple. All you need to do normal heart rhythm, but it provides more it open the app and click ‘Start Recording’, detailed information in all of these areas, followed by ‘6-Lead’. Then, holding the and can flag up indicators of issues such small electrode, place your thumbs on either as cardiovascular disease. Overall, the 6L side of the ‘A’ symbol on the front, and rest delivers EKG leads I, II, III, aVL, aVR, and the back against your knee or ankle. Wait aVF, as well as blood pressure and weight for the reading to smooth out, then record tracking. for 30 seconds, and the app will come up For an additional $10 a month, the with your results.

Premium Protection Plan can also provide This process is non-invasive, easy, additional services such as cloud storage and doesn’t involve any gel, wires or of your data, medication tracking, and scary-looking machines. The electrode is a the ability to replace your device for only small, simple rectangle that’s designed to $19.99. However, even without these be comfortable and easy to hold, and the extras, you already get an incredible amount controls on the app are extremely straight- of support from this device. If you can’t forward. afford it, then the original KardiaMobile We previously reviewed the is still an extremely useful and heralded KardiaMobile 1-lead EKG, which has option, but the additional information from become the most clinically-validated and the 6L could greatly speed up a diagnosis or widely-used mobile EKG in the world! This alert you to an issue far sooner. The 6L is cheaper option may still be all you need, a game changes, and easy, at-home devices but the new 6L is capable of so much like this are the medical world of the future.

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PROS Quick & easy to use No gel or wires EKG leads I, II, III, aVL, aVR, and aVF

Looks unobtrusive & aesthetic Helpful analysis Easy-to-use app

CONS Cloud storage costs extra

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SEE.SENSE ICON 2 I LOVE THE BACKGROUND ON SEE.SENSE. THE COMPANY WAS FOUNDED IN 2013 BY PHILIP AND IRENE (A HUSBAND AND WIFE TEAM) BUT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO LIFE BY THOUSANDS OF CYCLISTS. FROM THOSE AT OUR LOCAL CLUB IN NORTHERN IRELAND, TO THE MANY WHO HAVE SUPPORTED THE COMPANY OVER FOUR SUCCESSFUL KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGNS, AND EVEN INVESTED IN SEE.SENSE IN AN EQUITY CROWDFUNDING RAISE ON CROWDCUBE IN 2016.

I am a keen cyclist and I like to make At riskier moments of a ride such as my riding year stretch out if possible. I junctions or approaching car headlights, do this by having a huge array of clothing the ICON2 reacts by automatically flashing to dress for all eventualities.

Rufus brighter and faster to make sure you stand Wainwright once wrote “There’s no such out. thing as bad weather, only unsuitable The See.Sense Mobile App lets you clothing” However good my planning is personalise your light settings and gives you I can’t change the seasons and the dark low battery alerts straight to your phone, nights. this is a brilliant addition as in the past the Cycle lights have dramatically only warning I have had is a dimmer beam changed over the years and whilst and then no light. rechargeable lights are commonplace, ICON2’s technology detects any road these See.Sense ICON2’s take lights to a issues or unsafe routes you face on your whole new dimension. ride. You can then share these ride insights The ICON2lights are really very via our app to help Planners upgrade roads clever.

They are packed with more and boost cycling safety. brightness and intelligence than I have ever These lights as have a crash alert seen in bike lights. Thef front light has 400 which can notify an emergency contact lumens and the rear light 300 lumens which if you’re in an accident. There is also a gives you 16 hours of run-time in full power theft alert feature where you can receive reactive flash mode, and shines powerfully notifications if your bike is moved when in all lighting conditions, both day and night. you’re not there.

The night-time illumination is stunning These are not cheap bike lights but as each light contains two different types then they aren’t just bike lights. I would of LEDS for both a focused and dispersed happily pay £150.00 for a pair of these beam and they make you visible up to 3 lights as they are simply brilliant. Durable, km away. The most impressive part of the easy to fit and most defiantly fit for purpose. light coverage for me was the 270° of side Well done Philip and Irene and the team, visibility, it floods the road with light and outstanding! makes night riding safe again.

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RPP front and rear £149.99 single units £79.99

www.seesense.cc PROS Easy fit Bright Long lasting

Low battery warning

CONS Rarely I will say that

there is no con

OSPREY FARPOINT WHEELS 36 LITRE THE FARPOINT WHEELS 36 IS A TRAVEL BAG DESIGNED BY OSPREY, IT HAS EVERYTHING A CONVENTIONAL SUITCASE WOULD HAVE BUT CAN ALSO DOUBLE UP AS A BACKPACK. IF THE RUGGED TERRAIN GETS TOO MUCH FOR THE WHEELS ON THE SUITCASE, THE TELESCOPIC HANDLE CAN BE PUSHED DOWN AND THE INNER PANEL UNZIPPED TO REVEAL THE SHOULDER HARNESS AND HIP BELT FOR ADDED SECURITY. However, the extra-large wheels a comfortable experience when using the have a rubber circumference and roll product. While the 36-litre size is ideal more easily over uneven ground than your for short trips, conforming to carry-on standard trolley bag. As well as having regulations, the65-litre option means you dozens of compartments for various items, needn’t pare down your luggage, and is still the suitcase also has straps inside and lightweight enough to carry. outside the bag to keep everything secure, so it doesn’t shake around. The straps and handles are well cushioned which delivers

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RRP: £190 https://www.ospreyeurope.com/shop/gb_en/ospreyfarpoint-wheels-36-2019 PROS: Incredibly versatile,

CONS: The zips aren’t lockable

high-quality product

THERMAREST NEOAIR UBERLITE SLEEPING MAT THE WORST THING FOR ME ABOUT CAMPING IS STRUGGLING TO SLEEP WITH UNCOMFORTABLE BEDS. I HAVE TRIED MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF FOAM BEDS AND AIR BEDS, ALL OF WHICH ARE A POOR SUBSTITUTE TO A REAL BED. The Thermarest NeoAir UberLite • Big on Comfort: 2.5 inches (6.4 Sleeping Mat is designed for comfort and cm) of stable cushion provide to be the lightest insulated air mattress luxurious comfort available at just .25 kg. For hikers this is • Reliable NeoAir® Construction: perfect as the UberLite keeps your pack Compresses small enough to weight to a minimum. But weight isn’t fit into your pocket with the the only proprietary here as it needs to included stuff sack. ensure a good nights sleep and it does. It is very comfortable and cleverly made to give insulation from the cold ground. It is well made, strong and durable so I had no worries that it would pop at the mere sight of a stone. It does however come with a repair kit.

• Light weight: Weighing around half a pound, the UberLite is the lightest insulated air mattress you can buy.

• Minimal Pack Size: Shrinks down very small • Backcountry Warmth: An R-value of 2.0 provides more insulation than any other sub 10-ounce mattress.

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arrow-alt-circle-right www.thermarest.com

RRP £145.00

PROS Incredibly light Durable

CONS Narrow for a fat boy like me

Comfortable

LEATHERMAN CHARGE+ TTI THERE IS SOMETHING VERY SATISFYING ABOUT OWNING A MULTI TOOL. IT MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE A TRUE ADVENTURER. I CARRY MINE ON MY MOTORBIKE AND THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS SITUATIONS WHEN I HAVE BEEN RIDING OR CAMPING WHEN IT HAS SAVED ME FROM STICKY SITUATIONS. Leatherman are the pinnacle of 11. Cutting Hook multitools and the Charge Plus TTi is ready 12. Ruler (8 in | 19 cm) for jobs big and small. It is made from 13. Can Opener the very best materials and the Titanium 14. Bottle Opener handles make the tool lightweight and 15. Wood/Metal File strong. It feels really good to hold.

16. Diamond-coated File As you would expect from 17. Large Bit Driver Leatherman the Charge is top notch and has 18. Small Bit Driver everything is well designed. The features 19. Medium Screw Driver lock in place so there will be no mistimed 20. Black Nylon Sheath folding onto your fingers, I still have a scar on my finger where as a kid my knife folded and the blade bit into my knuckle.

It is easy to operated one handed.

Leatherman guarantee many years of trouble-free use and they are so confident of their tools they come with a 25-year guarantee for tools.

The Charge TTI comes with: 1. Needlenose Pliers 2. Regular Pliers 3. Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters 4. Premium Replaceable Hardwire Cutters 5. Electrical Crimper 6. Wire Stripper 7. S30V Knife 8. 420HC Serrated Knife 9. Saw 10. Spring-action Scissors

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RRP £229.95

https://www.leatherman.co.uk/ PROS Looks and feels great Has so many uses

Fits comfortably on to your belt 25 year guarantee

CONS Nylon cases are not as hardy as leather

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ULTIMATE BASE CAMP KIT I LOVE CAMPING BUT AS I MATURE IN YEARS MY CAMPING HAS EVOLVED INTO BEING A VERY COMFORTABLE AFFAIR. WE HAVE A HUGE TENT WHICH ACCOMMODATES A COOKER AND A FRIDGE SO WE CAN KNOCK UP A FULL MEAL WITH EASE. THIS ULTIMATE BASE CAMP KIT WOULD BE BETTER TESTED BY A MORE MINIMALISTIC CAMPER. I AM ALWAYS IN AWE OF THOSE CAMPERS WHO OPEN THEIR TRANGIA AND COOK AWAY. SO, I ASKED A COURSE FISHERMAN FRIEND, HIS STYLE OF FISHING NOT HIS VOCABULARY, TO TRY OUT THE ULTIMATE BASE CAMP KIT OVER A COUPLE OF DAYS AND NIGHTS FISHING. This is an extremely efficient • Hobo Stove - for cooking over Camping Kit which is suitable for Fishing, the fire base. hunting, Scouts, family picnics, Car • Camping Plate Set (All the Camping, Kayakers.

Add it to your accessories are made from wilderness / Disaster / Earthquake or Stainless Steel) Survival kit. Superb camping gear or for • Drawstring carrying bag anyone who works in or enjoys the outdoors.

The kettle itself holds 1/6 ltr and He was firstly impressed by how will let you know when it has boiled with compact the bag was. It is amazing how the wonderful whistle of success. The much stuff is in here and once you start design means it boils really quickly. to lay out what the kit contains it is only This new and latest version of highlighted. It contains: the kettle that we tested is an all welded • 1.6ltr Stainless Steel Kettle & construction and no rivets. All items are fire base. (New model kettle, Stainless Steel so will last for a long, long no rivets & laser welded) time and feel very hardy.

• Cook set - which includes: The kit Weighs 2.26kg / 4.95lb 0.85ltr Pot / Frying Pan (pot which is brilliant when you consider the lid) / 2 Piece Grill / Gripper amount of gear it holds.

Handle This is an extremely efficient • Pot Support - two pieces which Camping Kit which is suitable for Fishing, flat pack for easy packing. hunting, Scouts, family picnics, Car • Cup set - 500 & 350ml Camping, Kayakers.

Add it to your cups with silicone CooLIp wilderness / Disaster / Earthquake or pieces, silicone coated foldable Survival kit. Superb camping gear or for handles, measurements on the anyone who works in or enjoys the outdoors inside of the cup & polished interior for easy cleaning.

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RRP £99.00

https://www.kellykettle.com/ PROS Looks impressive on the camp site Huge amount of stuff

Well made Stainless steel Affordable

CONS I struggled to get it all back in the back, but soon mastered it.

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SOLO STOVE BONFIRE IN THE UK A FIRE PIT IS THE NORM IN OUR GARDENS. EVEN IN EARLY OR LATE SUMMER THE TEMPERATURE PLUMMETS AT NIGHT AND A FIRE PIT IS GUARANTEED TO TAKE THE EDGE OFF THOSE COOLER EVENINGS. THERE IS ALSO SOMETHING MESMERISING ABOUT SITTING OUTSIDE AND WATCHING THE FLAMES, I LOVE EVENINGS LIKE THIS. The Solo Stove Bonfire is a unique which in turn means a hotter fire with fire pit as it is designed to capitalise less smoke and a beautiful flame that your on combustion airflow efficiency and family and friends will enjoy watching! minimalist design. The patented air flow The ash pan catches loose ash and of the Bonfire is unmatched by any other prevents it from clogging vital airflow. fire pit! This technology has been perfected If you want the best fire pit then to burn logs completely while minimising this is it, the technology is great, and it smoke and producing far less ash than a works perfectly, creating little mess and an standard fire pit. This leaves your garden incredible amount of heat. with little mess and not smelling like campfire.

The Bonfire burns the wood while the air intake holes on the bottom pull air in towards them. While air is being pulled in, the double-wall construction allows air to be heated up and fed through the top vents providing an extra boost of pre-heated oxygen, creating a secondary combustion

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RRP $254.9

www.solostove.com PROS Looks nice in the garden Easy to light Very hot

Little mess Little smoke

CON The only thing I can think of is the price however if you want the best fire pit then this is

it. This will stretch out the days you can spend under the stars.

BISONGEAR ROLLING GRILL

RRP $34.00

WITH AN ENDLESS POSSIBILITY OF WHAT YOU CAN TAKE CAMPING NOWADAYS, YOU CAN QUICKLY BECOME BURDENED WITH THE AMOUNT OF GEAR YOU’RE CARRYING. THE ROLLING GRILL BY BISONGEAR IS A GREAT ITEM FOR HELPING WITH THAT. The lightweight grill can roll up to sure on how robust the product will be after nice compact size to fit in the carrying sack extended use, so will endeavour to test over provided, then to assemble the grill, simply the summer and report back. slide two rails to the sides of the grill and adjust the legs to your preference - this should take no longer than a minute. The rolling grill is very easy to clean and cook on due to its non-stick Teflon coating, making it an excellent item to add to your camping arsenal. I used this grill over a weekend and had a good experience overall but not

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http://www.bisongears.com/ PROS: Lightweight, very portable

CONS: Rails may fall off if not put on correctly

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ENO SKYLOFT HAMMOCK ENO (EAGLE’S NEST OUTFITTERS) ARE A POPULAR AND ESTABLISHED PRODUCER OF ALL THINGS ‘HAMMOCK’.

PARTNERS OF LEAVE NO TRACE, THE COMPANY CREATES ITS PRODUCTS WITH RESPECT FOR THE WILD AND AN INVESTMENT IN RESPONSIBLE CAMPING, RIGHT DOWN TO DETAILS SUCH AS ITS HAMMOCKS’ TREE-FRIENDLY STRAPS AND, OF COURSE, THE PROVISION OF RELIABLE OFF-THE-GROUND SLEEPING AND RELAXING AT ALL. THE COMPANY HAS SET THE INDUSTRY STANDARD FOR WELL-DESIGNED HAMMOCKS FOR DECADES, SO HOW DOES ITS NEW, DUAL-FUNCTION SKYLOFT FARE? We received the hammock in seafoam you’re looking for a comfortable hammock to and grey, which was a pretty combination take with you for lounging and napping, the and my favourite of the designs available. versatility here is fantastic – I just wouldn’t The others are a dark navy and olive, olive attempt a genuine, heavy night’s sleep in it. and grey or seafoam and navy. The seaform But now is the time to mention the Single and grey was attractive, gentle and pleasant and DoubleNest hammocks by ENO which to look at. When the hammock arrived, we certainly do wrap fully around you. They were a little nervous over the size of the have a hammock for all occasions. package, but it was light and came with a That said, this hammock is light and helpful carry handle – phew! packs away easily, making it ideal to take SkyLoft advertises this hammock camping. Its sack doubles as an integrated as being able to switch between ‘sleep’ pillow, and its material (NewWave™ Nylon) and ‘relax’ modes. It creates the switch breathes nicely, so you won’t feel hot or between these two modes using a system of smothered on a sunny day. Built into the toggles and aluminum spreader bars, which hammock, two stretch cargo pockets can essentially switch the hammock’s tension hold anything you might want to reach for. from taught to relaxed. It is extremely This hammock is well designed, comfortable to relax on, and these two attractive, easy to set up and take down, modes are fantastic for setting your own easy to transport, and its mini features and personal preference whilst lounging. its changeable settings make it a cut above However, it is neither deep nor covering, the competition. If you want a solid night’s and has shallow sides, so it has none of the sleep out in the elements, I’d purchase a features I would look for to feel secure that hammock that’s designed specifically for I was going to have a comfortable night’s that, but otherwise, this is a great piece of sleep without losing balance or falling out kit to add to your outdoor adventures. of bed. In an attempt to be the best of both worlds, it perhaps falls short. However, if

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https://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/shop/ skyloft-hammock PROS: Comfortable Breathable Adjustable tension Integrated pillow and pockets

Easy to set up/take down Lightweight Tree-friendly

CONS: Not as covering or secure as a some sleeping hammocks

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NIGHTSEARCHER NIGHTSEARCHER IS A UK LED LIGHTING MANUFACTURER THAT SPECIALISES IN PORTABLE LIGHTING. FLOODLIGHTS, WORK LIGHTS, SEARCHLIGHTS, FLASHLIGHTS AND INSPECTION LAMPS – THIS COMPANY PRODUCES LIGHTS THAT COULD BE, AND ARE, USED BY THE EMERGENCY SERVICES, ARMED FORCES, CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES AND MORE. PROFESSIONAL, INDUSTRIAL-LEVEL, AND READY FOR ANYTHING, INCLUDING LIGHTING UNDERGROUND WORKS, THESE LIGHTS WON’T LET YOU DOWN. THEY’RE EXTREMELY POWERFUL, EXTREMELY RESILIENT, AND EXTREMELY WELL MADE.

http://nightsearcher.co.uk/ The BeatLite series are new additions to NightSearcher’s range of work lights. These rechargeable LED lights come with Bluetooth connectivity and inbuilt speakers, which allow you both to hear calls from your team and listen to music whilst

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you work. This feature is a fun and useful addition to NightSearcher’s range, and this added Bluetooth aspect hasn’t detracted from the quality of these products’ light output.

BeatLite 500

This compact work light provides 500 lumens of light – that’s bright! and can be switched between a wide or narrow beam. It also has a Dimmable mode to save energy, if you don’t need that full 500 lumens kick. The beam can reach to 50 metres, and using its Li-ion lithium battery, the torch can give out light (and music) for ten hours on a single charge.

The Bluetooth connects easily to phones, tablets and MP3 players, and with integrated 5W speakers, it gives you a decent audio quality. These aren’t

speakers for music nerds, but they do the job whilst you do yours. The light is also impact resistant up to one metre, which is extremely useful whilst you’re hard at work, and with a hook and an adjustable magnetic stand, you have options in how best to secure it as you do.

This is a handy light with a fun and useful twist, from a company that knows what it’s doing. If you want a light that’s up to the task whatever and wherever that task may be, NightSearcher are a company to trust, and this is a compact and nifty little tool to add to your arsenal.

PROS: 500 lumen output Good battery life Speakers & Bluetooth connection

CONS: Basic audio output

Compact and portable Impact resistant up to one meter Adjustable beam Hardy

BeatLite 2000X

This X-shaped light can be hung or stood, and as the name suggests, it puts out a powerful 2000 Lumens of light. Like the 500, this light reaches to a 50-metre beam, and can run up to ten hours. However, unlike the 500, this light has five different light modes: 100%, 80%, 60% , 40%, and 20%. 2000 lumens is an extremely powerful beam, and you won’t always need light that bright, so these settings allow

you to save energy (and your eyes!), and thus makes this light far more versatile and suited to a wider range of operations.

The 2000X’s audio output is more powerful, too, with two integrated 20w speakers. All in all, this is the beefier version of the 500. Like its smaller brother, it is impact resistant up to one metre, syncs easily to Bluetooth, and is both a fun and useful addition to your worksite.

PROS: 2000 lumen output Good battery life Speakers & Bluetooth connection Five light settings

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Impact resistant up to one metre Hardy Strong audio output

Galaxy Star Rechargeable Led Work Light Another in the rechargeable LED range from NightSearcher, the Galaxy Star has been built to be extremely durable, and extremely illuminating.

Robust and portable, this light has been made from industrial strength aircraftgrade aluminum, has heavy-duty protection around its edges, and like many of NightSearcher’s products, is impact-resistant to one metre. It doesn’t feature the speakers of the BeatLite 2000X, but it does kick out even more

light, at a whopping 2800 lumens and a 90-metre beam range. Like the 2000X, this intense beam can thankfully be reduced over five brightness settings.

At only 700g, the Galaxy Star is light to transport, and yet powerful to have on site. You don’t get the extra bells and whistles of the 2000X, but what you do get is a hardy, reliable piece of kit that’s going to survive its trip to your worksite and can light up whatever and wherever you need.

PROS: 2800 lumen output Five light settings 90-metre beam Good battery life

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Impact resistant up to one metre Hardy Lightweight

MAGLITE RECHARGEABLE FLASHLIGHT

MAG INSTRUMENT’S MAGLITE BRAND HAS A NOSTALGIC HISTORY, HAVING OPERATED IN THE US SINCE 1979. WHEN DISCUSSING THE MAGLITE, THE COMPANY DRAWS CONSUMERS BACK TO ICONIC ASPECTS OF AMERICAN LIFE, SUCH AS FIXING A CAR WITH THEIR DAD, SERVING ON THE FORCE OR GOING CAMPING WITH THE FAMILY. They’re hardy and wholesome images in its charge base – the base clips on and for a hardy and reliable brand of products. stays out of the way, with a long handle to Since the company began, it has of course hold or holster without the base affecting worked to improve on its original designs, your grip. This base can charge the torch and now, the MAG-LED™ range ties modern whilst plugged into the mains, but detached technology into this sense of tradition. As from that, it still carries power which it can LEDs have improved, using them allows a top the torch up with during use. If the torch to kick out more light whilst using battery is ever fully empty, the base will less power than a traditional bulb, making recharge it in two and a half hours, but Mag Instrument’s torches more effective it’s unlikely that it should even ever get and giving them a longer life. that low.

The latest development in this MAGLITE torches are carefully modernisation is the Maglite Rechargeable made to make sure that they are weather Flashlight. These ultra-bright LED torches resistant, easy to grip, they have adjustable come with a long-life rechargeable battery light level settings, and generally bring and a charging base, so the torch is always everything to the table that you’d want ready for when you need to head out on the from a torch, but at a high, innovative go. It also comes with a belt holster and level. These torches are bright, reliable, pocket clips, to allow you to attach the torch and now, you’ll never need to hunt around however you prefer, which again evokes for batteries. thoughts of using this MAGLITE whilst out doing hands-on jobs. Even better, the torch is designed so it can actually be used whilst

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Ultra-bright LED torches

https://www.maglite.com/shop/flashlights/ rechargeable.html PROS Recharges quickly Good grip Bright, steady light

Weather resistant Portable charging cradle

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SLINGSHOT ALL SURFACE WOBBLE BASE SWINGBALL WE HAD A SWINGBALL SET WHEN I WAS A KID. IT WAS A SIMPLE SET-UP – YOU STUCK THE POLE IN THE GROUND AND WHACKED THE BALL AS HARD AS YOU COULD (OR, WITH A BIT MORE PRECISION, IF YOU WERE ACTUALLY TRYING TO PLAY). THE RACKETS THAT CAME WITH THAT GAME WERE PRETTY MUCH THE SAME AS THIS SET HAS NOW, BUT THIS UPGRADE HAS A FEW KEY DIFFERENCES THAT WE WERE LACKING BACK THEN. THE OBVIOUS ONE IS, OF COURSE, THE WOBBLE BASE. Instead of needing to be hammered stick with traditional Swingball, although into the ground, this game’s free-standing this upgrade may also be a great way for base makes it far more easily set up or them to get some of their hyperactive transported around. Its base’s curved energy out! Chaos aside, this is a brilliant design has several advantages – it can free- upgrade for making your Swingball game stand without a high risk of being knocked easy to pack and take camping etc., and over, it can convert into a handy carry-case, with two modes to choose from, you can and, even better, it means that this game embrace the new levels of mania as and is even wilder and less predictable than it when you want to (and when the kids can was before! handle it!).

My sister and I managed to send the ball flying around at great speed and at all sorts of dangerous angles back in the day, but with the new wobble base and a rotary head, the potential for chaos has been turned up to 11. That might be both a pro and a con – the product description itself calls the new amount of unpredictable movement from the ball ‘manic’, and that’s pretty accurate. Then again, it also says that this mode should be played by adults (although the product is also listed as for ages 6+).

Thankfully, this danger zone isn’t your only option – you can take your stand out of ‘Slingshot’ mode and into regular ‘Swingball’ mode, which puts down stabilising feet and allows you to play a more traditional, slightly less taxing game.

If you have kids that are hellbent on murdering each other, you might want to

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£39.99

www.swingball.co.uk/ PROS: Transportable Hard to knock over Two play modes

More challenging that the original design

CONS: Might be a bit too hectic for ‘energetic’ kids

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WARBONNET RIDGERUNNER HAMMOCK THE RIDGERUNNER BY WARBONNET IS A VERY LIGHTWEIGHT AND EASY TO SET UP BRIDGE-STYLE HAMMOCK. WHILST BEING COMPACT AND ONLY WEIGHING 27OZ, THE RIDGERUNNER IS AN EXCELLENT BIT OF KIT TO CARRY AROUND WITH YOU. THE HAMMOCK FEATURES A MOSQUITO NET WHICH CAN BE PULLED TIGHT, SO IT NEVER MAKES CONTACT WITH YOUR BODY OR FACE AND AN ADDITIONAL BOTTOM LAYER THAT HANGS BELOW THE HAMMOCK FOR ADDITIONAL PROTECTION AGAINST INSECTS. Hammocks usually have the huge and doesn’t squeeze every inch of your body downside of offering virtually no room together making you feel as though you’re for storage, the Ridgerunner has two in a cocoon. Overall this is an amazing large saddlebags that hang externally product for the rugged outdoor lifestyle either side of the hammock, so you don’t and is definitely worth spending your have to sacrifice any valuable space. The hard-earned cash on if you’re in need of Ridgerunner can be put up very quickly somewhere to rest your head during long by unrolling the hammock and clipping nights in the wilderness. the strong straps around two opposing trees. This hammock has a weight limit of 115 kg and a height limit of 6ft 6, which makes it suitable for the vast majority of people, while excluding anyone with their own gravitational pull. Whilst laying in the hammock I was very surprised at how stable it felt, usually when laying in a hammock I am extremely wary of any movement I make as it feels like the hammock will spit me out onto the cold hard ground. There is also a bulge at the head of the hammock, acting as a pillow which is one less item to lumber around with the rest of your kit.

The Ridgerunner is supported by two poles at the head and foot end, this gives you a consistent space from head to toe

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RRP: ÂŁ80

https://www.warbonnetoutdoors.com/ PROS: The second layer that hangs below allows you to put a camping pad between those layers for bottom insulation

Very lightweight Easy to put up Extremely comfortable

CONS: Lacks insulation and needs additional

tarpaulin to shelter from rain

CHIPPO GOLF GAME

RRP $190

CHIPPO IS A SIMPLE AND VERY ADDICTIVE GOLF CHIPPING GAME WHICH WILL ENHANCE YOUR SKILL OF CHIPPING. IT IS SO MUCH FUN THAT YOU CAN SPEND HOURS PLAYING AND THEREFORE PRACTISING ONE OF THE FINER PARTS OF GOLF. I LOVE IT. The kit comes with two boards which have artificial turf mats attached to the back. These come off and become your floor so you don’t need to play it on grass, you can use it on sand, stones, wherever you want. The game comes with 6 foam balls so hopefully you won’t break or damage anything.

The game is so easy to set up, you simply remove the mat from the back then bend down the legs and place the board on the ground, done!

Its genius is that it is so simple, just a game of chipping the balls in the holes and if you play golf you will know how you can get drawn into practising and lose hours.

Simple, addictive and well made.

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Enhance your skill of chipping

arrow-alt-circle-right

https://chippogolf.com PROS Fun, fun, fun!

Easy to set up

Well made

CONS It is heavy to transport

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LIVALL BH51M CYCLE HELMET THE BH51M IS A CYCLE HELMET WITH MANY INNOVATIVE FEATURES INCLUDING INDICATORS, BLUETOOTH, SPEAKERS, HANDSFREE PHONE CALLING, GPS AND AN SOS ALARM. I WAS QUITE CONCERNED THAT WITH ALL THE TECHNICAL ASPECTS THE RIDER MAY LOOK REMINISCENT OF A MARTIAN, HOWEVER UPON OPENING THE PACKAGE I WAS PLEASED TO SEE OTHERWISE, INSTEAD THIS HELMET LOOKS VERY SIMILAR TO MANY OTHER CYCLE HELMETS AND DOESN’T STAND OUT LIKE A SORE THUMB. The speakers in the helmet are send an SMS to emergency services, sharing a fantastic feature, albeit a little tinny time of impact and your location. they work very well with playing music, Technology aside, let’s look at how receiving phone calls and listening to GPS it performs solely as a helmet. It isn’t (while keeping your ears uncovered). I’ve noticeably heavier than any other helmet also had no issues with the mic, being on I’ve used and is made from the usual the move I was worried about problems such materials, the strap is adjustable by sliding as wind interference and my voice possibly the clicking mechanism in and out and it is becoming inaudible over loud traffic, but rather comfortable as far as helmets go. I was impressed with the lack of, ‘I can’t hear would say £150 is well worth it for a helmet you!’s from the other side. with this amount of tech packed in, not to To control the features of the mention many other helmets will sell for helmet the BH51M uses a small remote well over £100 whilst being your “average control you can attach to your handlebars, Joe” type. these controls are nice and tactile and the different buttons are easily distinguishable by touch, eliminating any need to stare at the interface whilst hurtling down a busy bypass. SOS mode is a feature that reacts to significant impact and will automatically

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arrow-alt-circle-right https://livall.co.uk/product/livall-bh51m/

RRP: £150

PROS: great build quality, very useful features

long-lasting battery life

CONS: Audio quality could be better

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RAPHA ROUNDUP

I HAVE CYCLED FOR YEARS, AND IN MY CLUB, IT SEEMS THAT WE ALWAYS LEAN TOWARDS RAPHA AS THE BRAND OF CHOICE. JUDGING

BY JUST BY HOW MANY MEMBERS WEAR IT, THIS IS CLEARLY THE BRAND TO HAVE. I HAVE PIECES OF RAPHA GEAR THAT HAVE THOUSANDS OF MILES ON THEM AND STILL LOOK AND FEEL LIKE NEW! I LOVE THE FIT AND THE QUALITY THIS BRAND PROVIDES, AND I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN IN THE MINDSET THAT YOU SHOULD BUY THE BEST PRODUCT ONCE, RATHER THAN BUYING CHEAPIES OFTEN.

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RAPHA WATER-RESISTANT CARGO BIB SHORTS RRP 195.00

My go-to cycling clothing item is a bib short. I find them more comfortable than shorts, and they stay in place far better. The only issue I have with bib shorts is that there are no pockets. On hot days, I like to ride just in these bib shorts, but sometimes you need to wear a top over them just to have somewhere to store things.

Hallelujah - these new Rapha bib shorts actually have pockets! Placed on both the legs and upper back, these mesh pockets mean I can finally carry everything I want, whatever else I wear.

We tested the leg pockets to ensure that your belongings are secure - whether you’re carrying a little or a lot, the stretch opening keeps the contents in place.

Made with a new lightweight water-resistant material, these bib shorts protect you from the rain, shedding water as you ride. Comfortable up to 30°C, they perform just as well in the heat as they do the wet, making them the ideal bibs for every ride. The perforated chamois has even been designed to ensure quick drying for multi-day adventures.

Comfortable shorts are the cornerstone of every great ride, and now you don’t need anything else to set off.

When you want just one piece of cycling kit for the job, the Cargo Bib Shorts will carry you through.

 PROS Leg and back pockets Two reflective stripes on both legs and back Regular fit for comfort

CONS They still don’t make me tall and thin

Water-resistant Lower front yoke makes it easier for toilet breaks Brevet chamois pad, perforated to dry quickly

SOUPLESSE BIB SHORTS II (WOMEN’S) RRP £180 but on offer at £90 on www.rapha.cc

Rapha are top notch at R&D, keeping their gear the very best it can be. In keeping with this, the new Souplesse Bib Shorts II have been updated for this season. The updated design uses a softer fabric than before that offers support, comfort and abrasion resistance. On top of this, the bibs are cut and shaped to sit perfectly on your legs in the onbike position.

The bib’s re-shaped upper is cut from a high-stretch mesh fabric that is fast drying and highly wicking. The design has very few seams, and those it has have been streamlined in shape to remove excess fabric, thus avoiding chafing, hot spots, or fabric bunching uncomfortably at the hip. The shorts also use a new, low profile and lightweight gripper that gives a supportive but not overly tight fit at the thigh.

To finish the shorts off, they bear a sublimation-printed logo on the rear of the upper, and reflective tabs and logos on the thighs, which aid visibility to help keep you safe on the road.

 PROS Very comfortable Great fit Looks great

CONS They still don’t make my wife tall and thin

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RAPHA PRO TEAM TRAINING JACKET RRP £160.00 This jacket came into us as autumn started to cool the air down.

Talk about good timing! The Pro Team Training Jacket is designed to protect you from the elements when you’re working hard. The jacket is super comfortable and rides in both cool and changeable conditions, regulating the rider’s heat during bursts of effort whilst also protecting against the weather. It manages this because it is made with a protective 3-layer front fabric that stops the worst the wind and rain that is

thrown at it, whilst a breathable stretch back offers rapid regulation and keeps you from overheating. Overall, it is very comfortable, and has the usual Rapha quality in its look and feel that I have come to expect.

All-round reflective elements have also been included on the front, back and arms to keep you visible whether you’re riding early in the morning or late at night. In combining the comfort of a jersey with the protection of a jacket, the Pro Team Training Jacket is the ideal partner on high-pace rides.

 PROS Looks great Very comfortable

CONS I would prefer a bright version

Regulates your core temperature

BLAZEWEAR TRAVELLERS HEATED GILLET THIS IS THE TRAVELLER HEATED GILET BY BLAZEWEAR. WITH THE NIGHTS DRAWING IN AND WINTER RAPIDLY APPROACHING, YOU MAY FEEL THAT ALL YOUR FAVOURITE OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES ARE BECOMING PROGRESSIVELY MORE UNCOMFORTABLE AND PERHAPS YOU’RE THINKING OF HOLDING OFF ON THEM UNTIL SUMMER MAKES ITS WAY BACK AROUND, IF THIS SOUNDS FAMILIAR THE PEOPLE AT BLAZEWEAR MAY HAVE A SOLUTION FOR YOU. The main body of this garment is and easily justifiable due to its innovative made from a lightweight highly insulating design and the abundance of tech it has material appropriately named Thermolite; packed within the gilet. it features three heat pads that will heat I love how easy it is to heat the jacket, all the way up to 55°C by the press of a simply hold the button on the battery and button located on the inside of the gilet. the button inside the gilet and then click the The heating elements are powered by a 5V glowing button to a temperature to suit; the 10400 mAh lithium ion battery which is added feature of being able to charge your easily charged with the USB cable provided. phone is a huge bonus for anyone.

The battery conveniently sits in an inside I was blown away at how much heat pocket while you’re on the go and can also this thing packs, even without using the be used to charge other devices such as heating elements the Thermolite will take phones or tablets. any body heat and cling onto exceptionally The detachable hood allows more well. The three heating elements in the versatility by undoing the zip around gilet, one located on the back and one the collar, and makes the garment more either side of the chest, heat up quickly and adaptable to various climates which is efficiently and still conserve the battery life definitely going to be a plus for when you very well. These heating elements should are embracing the forever- fluctuating be close to your body for the best results, weather conditions. so make sure you get a nice snug fit to seal The gilet retails at £149.99 which in the heat!

I think is more than reasonable for a high quality, lightweight and breathable gilet,

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Lightweight, highly insulating material

RRP £149.99

https://www.blazewear.com PROS Comfortable Very warm

Looks good

CONS Battery pack is a bit big and heavy

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PEAK DESIGN TRAVEL DUFFLEPACK 65L

WE RECEIVED THE PEAK DESIGN TRAVEL DUFFLEPACK 65L IN THE SAGE DESIGN (ALSO AVAILABLE IN BLACK) WHICH LOOKS RATHER UNIQUE WHILST REMAINING DISCREET ABOUT THE PRECIOUS AND EXPENSIVE EQUIPMENT IT EMBRACES. OFFERING A MINIMUM OF 45L UP TO A WHOPPING 65L OF SPACE WHEN EXPANDED SO YOU DON’T NEED TO COMPROMISE ON WHICH GEAR YOU DECIDE TO TAKE WITH YOU, WHILST THE ERGONOMIC PADDED BACKPACK-STYLE ADJUSTABLE SHOULDER, WAIST AND STERNUM STRAPS ENSURE EVEN THE HEAVIEST LOADS ARE COMFORTABLE ACROSS YOUR BODY. For versatility when travelling, Sage design (not available on Black). the shoulder straps can be stowed away The high-visibility grey interior underneath a magnetically sealed back makes it easy to locate your gear, the panel, making it easier to store in overhead oversized, weatherproof, ultra-long zip storage and send along conveyer belts, also gives you more access and visibility the six padded handles make for other than traditional duffels, and keeps your comfortable carrying options on all sides. interior protected from the elements as The pack’s external dimensions well as the built-in theft-deterrent main measure up at 26” x 15” x 12” (26” x and size zipper pull locks. The only thing 17” x 13” when expanded) with internal the Duffelpack lacks is a dedicated laptop or dimensions of 26” x 9.5” x9” (26” x 15” tablet compartment, however this shouldn’t x 9” when expanded) and weighing 3.9lbs hold you back, this large haul versatile bag, when empty, there is space for four Peak can protect your camera gear from both the Design packing cubes and has dedicated environment and potential thieves (thanks Capture Clip (sold separately) attachments to that back access) as well as leaving you points on shoulder and waist straps. Two plenty of space and pockets to organise for internal and two external pockets provide your personal belongings. This is a bag you additional storage and two external carry will end up using time and time again. cinch straps are included for extra storage, the exterior fabric is weatherproof, 100% recycled 600D nylon canvas, the bottom is made from 900D Ottoman-weave Poly for durability, the straps are woven nylon with Hypalon, while the Nubuck leather accents

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Versatility when travelling

https://www.peakdesign.com/products/travelduffelpack PRO Premium style and construction Expandable (20L) Six carry handles to grab and go Comfortable, stowable shoulder, waist and sternum straps

Extra-long zipper path Durable and weatherproof Versatile Secure

CONS No tablet or laptop storage

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BLAZEWEAR – PLUG-IN HEATED BASE LAYERS I RIDE A MOTORBIKE MOST DAYS OF THE YEAR AND I HATE WHEN I NOTICE THE CHILL COMING IN SLOWLY BUT STEADILY. MY PASSION FOR RIDING WILL ALWAYS WIN OVER A COLD DAY, HOWEVER AS I GET OLDER AND MY CARS GET NICER, THE BATTLE IS BECOMING MORE CLOSELY FOUGHT. What if you could ride your bike all was then I went to the bathroom and took year round and be toasty warm regardless them all off for a colder day. of how cold it is? This is a dream-like I usually come to work at about 6am reality I have found myself in. Our friends so even autumn mornings can be just above at Blazewear have sent the full ensemble freezing and these base layers are a game of electrically heated base layers for me to changer. The obvious thing is that you review. are warm, but any biker knows if you are The power comes from a lead you cold you become dangerous. God forbid the simply bolt onto the battery that feeds out need to emergency stop, but when really between the seat and the tank. When you cold your reaction time reduces and if your get on you plug in, simple. hands are stiff and cold it can be fatal. Your I thought it would be a pain to put safety is increased using this gear. all this gear on however it is no different to putting other base layers on, only these ones plug in.

I was so excited when they first arrived that I wore them on an autumn day of around 16 degrees. They are comfortable, snug and warm without the heat. I was amazed when I turned them on as to how quickly they warmed up, we are talking seconds. They have three settings and two big buttons to control the heat independently to your legs and feet and your hands and torso. The buttons are easily used in a gloved hand. I didn’t need them on the first outing but as I sat with my mates in a café having a coffee after a hundred or so miles, one asked me if I was coming down with something as I looked sweaty and ill. It

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Simply bolt onto the battery

Heated Glove Liners Heated Top Heated Pants Heated Socks

RRP £99.99 RRP £139.98 RRP £139.98 RRP £89.99

https://www.blazewear.com PROS Warm without heat Amazingly hot when turned on and has 3 settings

Really cozy Well made

CONS I had to buy bigger gloves to go over the base gloves

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THINKTANK URBAN ACCESS 13 BACKPACK THE URBAN ACCESS 13 BACKPACK FEATURES THE METICULOUS CONSTRUCTION AND HIGH-QUALITY MATERIALS WE ARE SO USED TO SEEING FROM THINKTANK, IT HAS EXTERNAL MEASUREMENT OF 12.2 X 18.9 X 9 INCHES, WITH INTERNAL DIMENSIONS OF 10.2 X 13 X 5.5INCHES, THERE IS AN INTEGRATED 13INCH LAPTOP COMPARTMENT THAT MEASURES UP AT 9.2 X 13 X 0.8INCHES AND THE WHOLE BAG WEIGHS 3.7 LBS WHEN EMPTY. This means you end up being able to evenly. There are two quick side-access pack away one ungripped DSLR or Mirrorless panels, just swing the bag around to the left body with lens attached (up to a 24–70mm or right to grab your gear on the fly, or gain f/2.8), as well as two, three or four access to all your belonging via the back additional lenses including a 70–200mm panel, it is easy to pack and personalise the f/2.8 detached AND a 13” laptop, plus your interior for your specific gear. personal gear. Constructed from a tough The centre tripod mounting system 500D 2-tone poly tech-weave, 420D high- balances even the largest of tripods density nylon, nylon webbing, high-density securely while still allowing access to your nylon air-mesh and 3-ply bonded nylon gear, there is a deep front pocket that fits a thread this bag can handle the elements, the light jacket, a luggage handle pass-through, durable water-repellent (DWR) coating with top compartment can be used for snacks polyurethane backed fabric adds superior and personal gear, there are expandable water-resistance. On the inside there water bottle pockets on both sides, top are adjustable stiffened closed-cell foam compartment mesh pockets help to keep dividers with a polyurethane backed liner, small items organised and the internal tough 210D nylon, super-grip Velex, Hexa organiser pockets give you easy access to mesh and high-density nylon microfiber for small accessories, filters, batteries and protection and extended lifespan. There is cards for example. The Urban Access 13 is a polyurethane coated nylon 190T seam- a hard-wearing, functional and comfortable sealed rain cover for when the weather gets back, suitable for long days out on location seriously grim, the robust shoulder harness and studio shoots alike, an investment you has load-lifters to help adjust the weight of won’t regret. the pack and the removable sternum strap and waist belt secures the backpack to your body and helps to distribute the weight

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https://www.thinktankphoto.com/ PROS Durable and high quality Two quick side-access panels and full-access rear panel Dedicated laptop pocket fits 13” laptop Tripod attachment on front secures a small or large tripod with deployable cup Deep front pocket, top compartment, expandable water

bottle pockets, top compartment mesh pockets and internal organiser pocket Comfortable shoulder harness with load-lifters Removable sternum strap and waist belt Customisable divider system Seam-sealed rain cover included Solid magnetic buckles

CONS Lacks ventilation system so things can get warm

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ROCKFISH BLACK NEOPRENE LINED GROUNDHOG WELLINGTON BOOTS WELLINGTON BOOTS ARE A TRUE EXAMPLE OF ‘YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR’. THE AVERAGE WELLY IS A SAGA OF BLISTERS, A SLIPPING FIT, SOCKS PUSHING THEMSELVES FURTHER AND FURTHER DOWN YOUR FEET, TWISTED ANKLES...AND HALF OF THE TIME, THIS LEVEL OF DISCOMFORT AND INCONVENIENCE ISN’T EVEN MADE UP FOR BY AN ATTRACTIVE BOOT. THEY’RE WATERPROOF (HOPEFULLY), BUT THAT MINIMUM REQUIREMENT IS ALL YOU’RE GETTING FROM THEM. NOT THE WELLINGTON BOOTS CREATED BY ROCKFISH. Rockfish sells hand-made, high- the British countryside, so I’ve had more quality boots that are made to fit and than my share of boots, and this pair are protect your feet with all of the technology a godsend. Even frosty winter walks over of a walking boot. We received the choppy, churned up fields would be fine in Groundhog boots in black, and they are a these things; they can tackle mud, rocks serious-looking piece of kit. In many ways, and slopes with no trouble at all. What’s they resemble motorbiking boots, due to more, they have a hi-vis strip on the back their thick, solid soles, their re-enforced that makes sure you can be seen on those shell and even their adjustable rear gusset dark paths, without taking away from the and calf fastener, which make for a more boot’s attractive design. secure, reliable fit than I’ve ever seen These boots are even made before on a wellie. You’d hardly think these sustainably, with traditional techniques even were wellingtons, except that they used on the rubber farms to protect the slide on easily and are, of course, 100% environment. What’s more, these boots are waterproof. The 5mm neoprene boot is vegan friendly, right down to the glue! hand-made from four-way stretch nylon, Rockfish Neoprene Lined Groundhog with a neoprene lining that insulates up Wellington Boots are available in sizes 5UK to -40°C, and airmesh technology that – 13UK, and come in an olive green and tan maintains the internal climate of the boot. design as well as the black, for that real The inside of these boots is also ‘Country Life’ look. If you have the money crazy-comfortable. Soft, spongey – your to spend, they’re a wise investment – they feet feel cozily nestled in them, yet are well might be the last wellies you ever need protected. A carefully engineered insole, an to buy.

EVA midsole and a rubber outsole with deep grips all keep your feet as happy as possible in wet and even on rough terrain. I live in USE CODE GAD24 FOR 20% OFF

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RRP £109.99

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https://rockfishwellies.com/collections/groundhogwellington-boots PROS Secure Comfortable Waterproof

Good walking shoes Sustainable Vegan

CONS Only two colour options

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HAIX BLACK EAGLE NATURE GTX THERE ARE MANY BRANDS AND TYPES OF WALKING BOOTS. WHEN LOOKING FOR A WALKING BOOT YOU TEND TO GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. SPEND A LITTLE AND THEY WILL LEAK, RUB AND NOT LAST. SPEND A BIT MORE AND YOU WILL GET PROTECTIVE, SUPPORTIVE, COMFORTABLE BOOTS THAT WILL LAST YOU YEARS AND TAKE YOU OVER THOUSANDS OF MILES. The Haix Black Eagle Nature GTX slip, they also have good heel protection Mid has a cool name, which might be suited and are made without the use of any metal. to a gun or a car. What you get is a very I have rambled with these for a while capable pair of walking boots that are great and I have had no problem with rubbing, all-rounders, making them usable for work pain or even sole wear. They are super or leisure. Made of nubuck leather, they are comfortable, and I think look good for a extremely light and breathable. The Gore- walking boot, aesthetics may not factor in tex lining makes them reliably waterproof. everyone’s selection, but they’re an added The fit is very comfortable, with padding in bonus. all the right places. The moulder sole is non-

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www.haix.co.uk

RRP £164.90

PROS Light Comfortable

Waterproof

CONS The Gore-Tex lining can make your feet hot in

the summer.

ALPINESTARS

WITH CATEGORIES FOR URBAN, ADVENTURE, ROAD AND MOTOCROSS RIDING (AND EVEN AUTO AND CYCLING), ALPINESTARS PROVIDES BRILLIANTLY ENGINEERED GEAR FOR EVERY RIDER. THE COMPANY’S MORE DISCREET, FASHIONABLE DESIGNS ARE STILL PACKED WITH SAFETY FEATURES THAT DON’T COMPROMISE HOW HIGH-STREET-READY THEY APPEAR, AND ON THE FLIP-SIDE, THE HIGHLY SAFETY-CONSCIOUS, HEAVYDUTY GEAR IT MAKES FOR RACERS AND HARD-CORE RIDERS STILL LOOKS FANTASTIC. WE RECEIVED FOUR ITEMS FROM ALPINESTARS LATELY, AND ALL OF THEM MADE IT CLEAR JUST WHY THIS COMPANY IS SUCH A NAME AMONGST SERIOUS BIKERS.

SUPERTECH R BOOT RRP £399.99

The Supertech R is Alpinestars’ most iconic boot and, over the years, this popular product has been repeatedly upgraded with the latest in technology developments to keep it as advanced now as when it was first released.

Some of its latest additions included a redesigned compound rubber sole and front flex area, as well as an updated ergonomic shin plate that better spreads any impact across the entire surface, thus better protecting the wearer from breaks.

The wearer is also better protected than ever by the boot’s brilliant new internal, bio-mechanical ankle brace. Made out of a fiberglass-reinforced polyamide compound, this brace is designed to wrap

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your ankle in closed cell padding, keeping you nestled in comfort whilst also sturdily protected. This brace works with the outer structure of the boot to keep you safely shielded whilst allowing your foot free and full movement.

These boots come in a variety of colour and design options and, as always, they’re a sturdy, reliable and advanced piece of kit. Their durable microfibre upper offers superb flexibility, and yet the detailed engineering, from their TPU/aluminum toe sliders to their ergonomically shaped top gaiter not only keep the boots fitted snuggly to you, but keep you guarded from harm with every piece of tech Alpinestars could throw at your safety.

DISTINCT DRYSTAR® BOOTS RRP £179.99

Whereas the Supertech R rock an iconic ‘motorbiking boot’ look, the Distinct Drystar Boots do just the opposite. Brown leather ankle-high boots, these could work as part of a fashionable modern or vintage-inspired look, as well as serving to protect you on your bike. Whilst they’re not as heavily protective as their more clockable

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brothers, they come with a reinforced toe box, heel counter and dual density ankle inserts, as well as Alpinestars’ exclusive vulcanised rubber compound sole for optimal levels of comfort and grip, and would look as perfectly acceptable on a stroll around town as they would as you hop off your mod scooter or vintage bike.

GP PRO R3 GLOVES RRP £189.99

Made to ensure protection at high speeds, the GP PRO R3 gloves have safety features for days, and yet they make sure that they’re still comfortable. To ensure that the optimum material is used for every part of the GP Pro R3, Alpinestars combined three types of leather when they designed them: cow, goat, and kangaroo. This guards your hands with firmer, thicker leather in vulnerable areas such as knuckles, yet covers your palms with more supple, softer kangaroo leather that lets you move with flexibility. Accordions in the leather allow for further movement.

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This sort of attention to detail is paid throughout the GP Pro R3’s design.

Naturally, they feature Alpinestars’ exclusive Dynamic Friction Shield (DFS) protectors on the long cuffs, to protect against high levels of abrasion if falling against the road at speed. Combined with advanced airflow ventilation and aramid reinforcement, these gloves are ready to keep you safe and comfortable no matter what. To make sure they’re up to snuff, Alpinestars tests them in racetrack conditions, so it knows they can handle whatever you throw at them.

W-RIDE DRYSTAR® GLOVE £69.99

Finally, the last product we received from Alpinestars was the W-Ride Drystar Globe. The feature that immediately stands out as setting these gloves apart is that their fingers are GPS systems and smartphone compatible.

These aren’t quite as heavy-duty as the GP PROs, which are made for track racing, but for an urban rider, these give you all the protection you need, and still allow you to operate a screen.

These gloves are well insulated and offer good protection against the elements; waterproof whilst remaining

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breathable. They are made from a leather and stretch mesh that is tough yet comfortable, with a reinforced palm and thumb to give you a safer grip, and a hook and loop closure to keep them secure on your hand. The knuckle area on these gloves is solid, to protect from scrapes, and also sports a reflective strip to aid visibility. All in all, these gloves might not be made for extreme riding, but if you’re taking to the road, then they have you well covered and, just as essentially, won’t slow down your ability to use your navigation system!

FALCON TITANIUM ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT TITANIUM AVIATORS “DON’T JUST CHOOSE THE COOLEST LOOKING SUNGLASSES” WAS THE ADVICE FROM MY OPHTHALMOLOGIST. THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING SUNGLASSES IS TO PROTECT YOUR EYES. LOOKING COOL COMES A CLOSE SECOND THOUGH! Interestingly darker lenses don’t strong and durable. These are incredibly protect better and the colour doesn’t comfortable and the patented GEKO pads matter. Polarized lenses will cut glare on the nose and arms grip well, these are but not UV so check the label. His advise great glassed to exercise in as however was that cost should not be a factor for eye sweaty you get, they will not move, shake protection. or bounce off. They are ballistic impactThe Falcon are an Aviator style and resistant C3 lenses give great clrity and do look so cool. anti-scratch, anti-fog, anti-reflectance, The Falcon’s titanium glasses weigh oleophobic and Hydrophobic coatings. in a lightweight 19 grams and are very

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RRP £255.00

PROS Great protection Comfortable, great fit

CONS Not sunny enough in the UK to wear ALL the time!

Very light Look amazingly cool

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ENTER THE WORLD OF ZWIFT.

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BRABANTIA WASHING LINE NOT EVERYONE HAS A GARDEN, AND YET MANY OF US NEED SOMEWHERE TO DRY OUR LAUNDRY. IF YOU LIVE IN A FLAT OR APARTMENT, WOULD STRUGGLE TO GET OUTSIDE, OR JUST WANT TO BE ABLE TO DRY YOUR LAUNDRY ON A RAINY DAY, THE PULLOUT CLOTHES LINE FROM BRABANTIA IS A DISCRETE AND SPACESAVING ALTERNATIVE TO A DRY RACK. Drying racks may seem convenient, when you’re all done, it easily tucks away but let’s face it – when they’re up, they again, almost as though it was never there. dominate a lot of space, and even when This is a great solution to clutter, if you they’re folded down, they’re yet another want to be able to do your laundry inside thing to wrestle away into a cupboard or to without it dominating your life. Simply find just lean messily against the wall. Wouldn’t an out-the-way place to install the line, and it be great if it could just vanish when it’s your problems are solved. It’s even made not needed? The pull-out washing line can! from corrosion resistant materials, and Attached to the wall in a small comes with a five-year warranty, so you can white or matt steel mount, the washing put it up in your bathroom without fear. line is about the size and look of a clingfilm dispenser, but instead, it dispenses a fiverow washing line that can extend up to 4.4 meters and attach to an opposite wall. Be warned – the 22 meters advertised capacity of the washing line includes all five rows, so don’t buy it if you’re hoping to stretch it further than 4.4 meters. However, its actual reach allows it to be put up in most rooms, and in total you have 22 meters of washing line space.

The washing line is smooth to pull out and easy to attach. It has an auto blocking system that keeps the lines taut, to make sure that your clothes dry well, and

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£25.50 £41.00 www.brabantia.com PROS Discrete Compact Easy to set up

CONS 4.4 meter stretch limit

Five rows of drying – 22 meters total Corrosion resistant

MELITTA® LAUNCHES NEW E-SHOP WITH EXCLUSIVE RANGE OF FILTER COFFEE MACHINES EXCLUSIVE TO MELITTA® UK’S BRAND-NEW E-SHOP @ MELITTA. CO.UK – THE GERMAN COFFEE SPECIALIST IS INTRODUCING TWO NEW FILTER COFFEE MACHINES TO CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF ITS ONLINE STORE.

MELITTA® SINGLE 5

Perfect for small kitchens, the slimline Melitta® Single 5 filter coffee machine with its premium appearance serves up to five cups at a time.

Available either with a glass jug or thermal jug, this space-saving machine also features an additional travel mug into which coffee can directly be brewed. This innovative addition is not only highly useful but also time saving when preparing a quick coffee-to-go. The mug can take up to three cups of coffee.

What’s more, the aroma valve of the new Single 5 provides the best coffee temperature and taste for every cup size.

Whether it’s one cup or five, Melitta® Single 5 offers a rich taste by brewing coffee at the ideal temperature of 95°C. The aroma valve keeps water in the heater until it has reached its optimal brewing temperature –

MELITTA® AROMABOY®

Small in size but big at preparing coffee for two-cup pleasure, the Melitta® Aromaboy® champions a classic compact design with its retro appearance.

Ideal for a single-person household or holiday home, this iconic filter coffee maker (which is celebrating its 40th year) is very much an energy saving appliance.

Complete with a practical and illuminated auto-off function which turns the machine off when not in use, the

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even the first drip of water is hot enough to allow all valuable flavours to evolve.

The handling of this machine is also effortless; when pouring in water, the required amount can be measured at the cup scale of the external water level indicator.

Then simply fill coffee into the Melitta® Original 1x2 filter and press ‘on’. The drip stop will prevent leaking.

The attractive material combination of brushed stainless steel filter cover and glossy synthetic casing makes the new Single 5 an elegant kitchen accessory. The thermal jug is also made of stainless steel whereas the classic glass jug has a stainless steel handle.

Melitta® Single 5 is available in white, blue/grey and black priced £34.99 (glass version) and £89.99 (stainless steel / thermo mug) Aromaboy® runs on an energy-saving 500 watts making it economical in electricity consumption.

The space saving machine also comes with a transparent water container and a dishwasher-proof glass jug with filter.

Melitta® Aromaboy® is available in black, white and beige/brown priced £34.99

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WACACO NANOPRESSO SO, COFFEE IS THE FUEL OF LIFE, WE CAN ALL AGREE ON THAT, AND BAD COFFEE IS LIKE ACCIDENTALLY FILLING YOUR PETROL MOTOR WITH DIESEL, IT’S SIMPLY NO GOOD! THE NANOPRESSO IS A PORTABLE ESPRESSO MACHINE WHICH ALLOWS YOU TO HAVE A DECENT COFFEE NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE. Packed with new features and using the bottom of the scoop to tamp the capabilities, to help improve the way coffee, replace the basket and portafilter, you make your favourite coffee, it is built add boiling water to the water tank and around a newly patented pumping system, attach. Now for the fun bit: unlock the which means it can reach a maximum of piston, flip the Nanopresso upside down 18 bars (261 PSI) of stable pressure during and get pumping, it takes 6-8 pumps to extraction process. Although it takes get up to pressure then a further 20-30 many different elements at work all at for the extraction. The force required is once to produce the perfect espresso, the 15% less compared to previous models (1st innovative construction makes for super generation Minipresso), it isn’t difficult but easy operation, resulting in a rich and tasty is more comfortable to use both hands. The espresso with a dense crema layer every Nanopresso is compact at 6.14” and weighs time. just 336g, the water tank can hold up to Almost everything you need is inside 80ml of water. It’s lined and protected by the Nanopresso, you will need to ensure the detachable cup, both parts feature a you have boiling water and ground coffee heatsink pattern to absorb and protect the ready to use, from here you unscrew the hands from the heat. base of the Nanopresso and remove the The Nanopresso is easy to use, quick scoop and cleaning brush, the water tank to clean and provides excellent espressos, has a cup attached to it so that can also whether you are in the kitchen, by the beach be removed. Next, unscrew the portafilter or up a mountain you can take a moment to and take out the coffee filter basket, scoop refuel with a cup of liquid energy before your coffee and add to the coffee basket, going about your day.

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Portable espresso machine https://www.wacaco.com/pages/nanopresso PROS Produces delicious espresso with crema Easy to use Quick to clean Compact and light

Durable materials A range of designs to choose from 80ml water tank Manual power better for the environment

CONS You will need to supply boiling water

Nowhere to store coffee

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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

In Tune With You

Discover and enjoy live and on-demand audio effortlessly, anywhere.

Copyright Š 2019 Pure International Limited. All rights reserved. E&OE.

Visit www.pure.com to view our full range

ARTIE 3000™ THE CODING ROBOT WHEN I WAS IN PRIMARY SCHOOL, WE HAD A PROGRAMMABLE ROBOT THAT LOOKED A LOT LIKE A RUMBA. IT WAS HUGE, HEAVY, AND WOULD MOVE AROUND THE FLOOR IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS IF YOU PRESSED THE RIGHT SERIES OF BUTTONS, BUT THAT WAS ABOUT IT. IT WAS EXCITING AT FIRST, BUT I REMEMBER WISHING THAT IT COULD DO MORE. Since then, technology has come a When drawing, you need to either long way, and so have classroom robots. tape or hold down the paper that Artie is With Artie 3000™, kids can learn how to travelling on, or it will occasionally catch or write real programming code. To give a full move. However, the programming itself is sense of achievement and purpose behind simple and fun, and allows you fast results his movements, Artie doesn’t just take that will keep kids engaged and wanting to directions – he draws as he goes. With four learn. I saw some reviewers comment that changeable coloured pens, Artie creates they were worried kids wouldn’t get on patterns as he travels, either through easily with the tablet menus, but everyone preprogrammed shapes or your own original who’s used Artie in the classroom seems to code. have had a roaring success, and let’s face This is a really fun, simple and it – kids are way better with tablets than we effective way to teach kids how to write are. Have you ever seen how fast they can code. There is an instant result from be on those things now? It’s scary! their efforts and choices, which is going In an increasingly digital world, to inspire creativity and encourage more teaching kids how to code is more important extended and repeated use of Artie than than ever before, and Artie does so in a fun simply seeing him trundle along. He also and accessible way. He’s also a seriously comes with games to further engage kids cute little guy who doesn’t take up too much and covertly teach them how to use the space, and that should be enjoyed by all kids robot, and the pre-programmed shapes are alike. Who doesn’t love a cute robot? a great way to get people started by showing what can be achieved if you stick with it.

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$69.99

www.educationalinsights.com/artie-3000-8482-thecoding-robot PROS: User friendly programming Draws as he moves Cute design

WiFi enabled – program from a tablet Compact

CONS: Sometimes moves or scrunches the paper

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MEDELA SWING MAXI FLEX BREAST PUMP AS A NEW MOTHER I ALWAYS KNEW I WANTED TO BREAST FEED. I RECEIVED BRILLIANT ADVICE ON THE DELIVERY WARD AND I HAVE PERSISTED THROUGH THE PAIN AND LOVE IT MORE THAN I EVER THOUGHT POSSIBLE. I FEEL SO CONNECTED TO THE LITTLE FELLA. Of course, there are times when I Medela 2-Phase Expression® want to go out and have a break. I am more technology – mimics babies’ sucking for a than happy to leave him with his doting more natural pumping experience grandparents after I have expressed milk. I In the pack you receive: was slightly daunted as I attached the breast pump to me for the first time but was soon • 1 x Swing Maxi motor unit comforted by how easy it was. This pump • 1 x mains adapter is perfect for those of us who’s baby can’t • 2 x 150 ml bottle with lid feed directly from the breast or you have to • 2 x bottle stand spend time apart, expressing means your • 2 x PersonalFit Flex™ baby can still benefit from your breast milk. connector The Medela Swing Maxi Flex breast • 2 x PersonalFit Flex™ breast pump is for us mums who need that extra shield size 21 mm bottle in half the time. This portable electric • 2 x PersonalFit Flex™ breast breast pump will help maintain your supply, shield size 24 mm help coping with issues affecting your • 1 x IFU Swing Flex™/Swing breastfeeding, or simply want more time maxi Flex™ with your baby and less time pumping.

• 1 x Quick Card This pump is very clever and here are a few features: Motherhood is a challenging and New PersonalFit Flex™ breast often scary world to enter however with shield – a whole new pumping experience, companies like Medela to hold our hands, it personalised to you is so much easier.

Double pumping – for more milk with a higher energy content than expressing from each breast in turn

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RRP £175.00 www.medela.co.uk PROS Quick and easy Not sharp parts

Easy to clean

CONS Lots of breast pump to choose from so to ensure it suits your needs got to www. medela.co.uk

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DELUXE GRAND PIANO (WHITE) FORGET THE AVERAGE, FLAT-TO-THE-GROUND TOY KEYBOARD – YOUR KIDS CAN BE SCHROEDER FROM PEANUTS WITH THE DELUXE GRAND PIANO FROM HAPE. THIS MINI PIANO IS PART OF A SERIES OF DESIGNS FROM HAPE, WHICH INCLUDE MINI BLACK AND PINK BABY GRANDS AND A MINI RED UPRIGHT PIANO. HOWEVER, LOOKS-WISE, THE DELUXE GRAND PIANO IN WHITE TAKES IT THAT EXTRA BOUGIE LEVEL. Complete with a matching stool, this your kids are too big, and ready to move on wooden toy is made beautifully to give it a to a real piano. This is a good thing, in a stylised Grand Paino shape. It isn’t just a way, getting them used to ‘their own’ piano toy, either – this is a functional keyboard, of accessible size and resistance whilst they with 30 keys that are helpfully labeled are too small to use a regular one, but like in coloured stickers to help your children most kid’s toys, it doesn’t have a long shelf learn their notes. The piano even comes life. with simplified sheet music – rows of notes However, that’s par for the course, written in colour-coded circles that match and this piano definitely looks fantastic, the stickers above the keys – to get them and it teaches kids to go towards and started on playing tunes. They will have to enjoy a piano in a way that allows them to re-learn sheet music later down the line, actually play it successfully, which could set but this is a great way to get them engaging them up brilliantly for learning music in the with the concept whilst at a young age. future.

This ‘piano’ is teeny-tiny, made to be suitable for your little’uns, but they will quickly outgrow it. It is even more quickly outgrown than a traditional, flat toy keyboard, because this piano requires you to sit at it. It is recommended for 3+ years, but you only have a few years until

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www.hape.com/ PROS: Cute design Well made Helpful labels on keys

Accessible size and weight for kids to play Accompanying ‘sheet music’

CONS: Will be outgrown quickly Has fewer functions

than a traditional electronic keyboard

WHISBEAR® THE HUMMING BEAR WHAT MORE COULD A PARENT WANT BUT THAN A SELF-SETTLING BABY WHO SLEEPS FOR A SOLID 12 HOURS? UNFORTUNATELY, WE’RE NOT ALL SO LUCKY AND NEED THAT HELPING HAND, AND IN THIS CASE A HELPING MAGNETIC PAW. WHISBEAR® THE HUMMING BEAR MIGHT BE THE ANSWER FOR US SLEEP DEPRIVED HUMANS, WITH ITS SOOTHING WOMB-LIKE SOUNDS AND GREAT NEW FUNCTION, WHICH IS NEW TO ME, CRYSENSOR. This can be activated if your Whisbear also inform us that it’s little one stirs after an initial 40 mins of more than just a sleep aid, with its rustling ‘shushing’. I really hoped my 6-month old elements in the ears and paws along with would fall asleep peacefully within a few contrasting colours and different textures minutes of me, or her daddy, gently rocking of fabrics. On the whole, yes it looks and quietly shushing her. But she did push lovely, very cute, and I think all the right us to the edge of insanity after staring up intentions are there, but being a mother of at us from the crook of our arms, grinning a very curious baby, it may not have been from ear to ear after what seemed like a very calming and was a bit too enticing for lifetime. With an adjustable volume, to her. Saying that, a really good part was the suit your and your baby’s needs, the sound magnetic paws, which made it so easy to gently fades away after the impressive 40 attach to the edge of her cot and out of arm’s minutes, which is a bit more of a realistic reach. But the strength of the magnets may timescale in comparison to the other similar not hold up against little grabbing hands farmyard-based products on the market. and it may even fall off when on the go. The But back to the CRYsensor function. It has Humming Bear is made from the highest a soft hair-dryer sound which automatically quality, attested and super soft fabric, starts when it picks up the cry of your called Velboa which is also very strong and not-so asleep angel. This will go on for 20 durable, - always a plus when it comes to minutes and fades away in the hope that baby toys/equipment. baby has drifted off once again (insert All in all, this very sweet little bear snigger). The only downside to this is the is a nice addition to hopefully making sensitivity to its surroundings. If you hear a parental life a little bit easier but not sure strange humming in the middle of the night how cost effective, at RRP of £49.99 but baby is sound asleep, then it is you who is the culprit. So, for the first 6 months of recommended room sharing, I would say you are pretty guaranteed to set the thing off yourself.

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RRP £49.99

https://whisbear.co.uk/ PROS Cute Soft Durable material Easy to attach to cot

40 mins runtime plus 20 additional CRYsensor

CONS Very sensitive Too sensory to be called a sleep aid

Not very strong magnets

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FLEXA FLEXA IS A LIGHTWEIGHT, COLLAPSIBLE STROLLER DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR PARENTS IN THE CITY. EVERY DESIGN CHOICE IN THIS STROLLER HAS BEEN MADE WITH CITY LIFE IN MIND: YOU MIGHT NEED TO TAKE YOUR STROLLER ON THE SUBWAY, PUSH IT THROUGH BUSY STREETS OR CROWDED CAFES, CARRY IT UP SOME STAIRS, AND GENERALLY TRAVERSE THE INCREDIBLY NONSTROLLER-FRIENDLY PACE OF URBAN LIVING. FLEXA TACKLES ALL OF THESE CHALLENGES WITH THOUGHTFUL AND SIMPLE SOLUTIONS THAT COULD MAKE YOUR LIFE A THOUSAND TIMES EASIER. First off, the Flexa is light, and calf support, and even a ‘Paparazzi-Proof’ already, I imagine some parents are letting hood to protect them from the sun or, if out a sigh of relief. Only 8kg, it is easy to you’re really living that fast-paced city carry without adding to the exhaustion life, cameras. What’s more, the stroller already inherent in having young children! looks good – it’s attractively designed, and What’s more, it folds up with the click of when it’s unfolded, it looks and feels just as one button, collapsing flat in a way that’s stable and hardy as any other stroller. This easy to hold and takes up minimal space. is a solid, reliable tool that works to make You can tuck this under your arm and carry your life as easy as possible. it around one-handed, and it can even freeThe Flexa is available in Yellow stand whilst in this mode, which not only Sulfur, Black Camo, Black Midnight, Black makes for a far easier trip on the subway, Platinum (black with white lines), and Blue but also makes this stroller extremely easy Turquoise, which I can only describe as to store at home. Even the stroller wheels ‘Deliveroo Blue’. Having seen all the clever tuck in, so those constant wall-scuffs are a additions to the Flexa’s design, I don’t know thing of the past. how I’d ever go back to a regular stroller. If The Flexa has double-wheels at the you live in the city and have a young child, back, to improve its steering and stability you need to try this out. for navigating busy roads. It even has an adjustable handle that can lower in height to four different positions to help you move around crowded shops and cafes.

All in all, the amount of thought that has gone into this is amazing. The thought isn’t just for the parents, either; this stroller is also comfortably built for your child (suitable from birth to 22kg/ three years). It has three shoulder strap positions, which you can adjust as your child grows, a padded bumper bar and folding footplate, integrated

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Easy to carry

www.diono.com PROS Collapsible Free standing when collapsed Adjustable handle Wheels tuck in when folded

CONS Would like more colour options

Easy to store Lightweight and easy to carry Secure for your baby

BABYBJÖRN BOUNCER BLISS MY BABY IS NOW AT 6 WEEKS AND WHILST I ADORE BEING WITH HIM ALL THE TIME, SOMETIMES I NEED TO PUT HIM DOWN TO DO SOMETHING. USUALLY SOMETHING AS MUNDANE AS TO EAT, DRINK, WEE OR EVEN JUST TO WIPE THE SICK FROM MY SHOULDER.THE BABYBJÖRN BLISS IS SUITABLE FOR INFANTS FROM BIRTH TO 2 YEARS OLD. IT IS A WELL-MADE BOUNCER AS YOU WOULD EXPECT FROM BABYBJÖRN. THE BOUNCER HAS THE PERFECT BALANCE OF SPRING TO ROCK YOUR BABY GENTLY WHEN THEY KICK OR WAVE THEIR ARMS. THIS IS A TOTALLY NATURAL ROCKING MOTION, WITHOUT THE NEED FOR BATTERIES OF POWER CABLES. AS A RESULT, IT IS LIGHT AND VERY PORTABLE TO MOVE TO WHEREVER YOU NEED – IT FOLDS DOWN COMPLETELY FLAT AND THEREFORE IS CONVENIENT TO CARRY, TAKING UP LITTLE SPACE. This isn’t intended as a bouncing The bouncer gives good support to prison for your baby, in fact the rocking your baby’s back, neck and head. The fitted helps your baby to train and develop their fabric seat distributes your baby’s weight balance and motor skills. They will love the evenly, which is particularly important for movement. newborns.

It can be set in three different Crucially, the fabric is easy to positions for play and rest; when your child remove and is machine washable at 40˚C – has learned to sit up without help, you handy for all manner of accidents! simply turn the fabric seat around and use the bouncer as a comfy children’s chair. A very clever design!

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www.babybjorn.co.uk PROS

£149.99

Looks nice Quality Perfect bounce

CONS It is more expensive than some but it offers much more

Keeps your baby happy Stores flat Easy to wash

BBHUGME PREGNANCY PILLOW THE PREGNANCY PILLOW IS AVAILABLE IN THREE COLOURS AND TWO SPECIAL EDITIONS GREEN LEAF AND MARBLE. What makes this pregnancy pillow So if you’re a pregnant lady and stand out from the rest is its versatility; you’re struggling with the long painful not only can it be used at night to keep you nights or if you’re neither pregnant nor on your side during pregnancy, but you can a lady but you’re just in need of some also wrap it around your waist to sup-port extra comfort, I would definitely suggest your back whilst breastfeeding. The pillow considering this pillow. comes with a cover that is made from OEKOTEX cer-tified cotton which is free from toxins and also keeps one cool at night.

The pillow can also be ad-justed as the bump grows. The pillow’s filling has been selected for its anti-bacterial properties.

Weighing in at only 1.2 kg this pillow is surprisingly lightweight, and the case of the pillow is inter-changeable and machine washable which I’m sure any new parents can appreciate the importance of. Upon testing the product, I noticed that while being very comfortable, the pillow would also keep nice and cool which is brilliant for any soon-to-be mum struggling with the heat. The ends of the pil-low can be bound together to make a doughnut-like shape using the discs at the end which are there for adjustment, these are called bbhugme pebbles and are BPA free.

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arrow-alt-circle-right https://www.bbhugme.com/

RRP: £138

PROS: very comfortable, lightweight and washable

Three colours and two special editions in green leaf and marble.

CONS: More expensive than others on the market

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SKYBABY BABY TRAVEL MATTRESS BABIES ARE GREAT, TRAVELLING IS GREAT BUT THE COMBINATION TOGETHER IS OFTEN FAR FROM GREAT. HAVING AN UNSETTLED BABY IS UPSETTING ENOUGH FOR THE PARENTS HOWEVER WHEN YOU THROW IN TO THE MIX A CONFINED SPACE AND DISGRUNTLED MOANING PASSENGERS THE SITUATION BECOMES AWFUL. WHAT IF THERE WERE A WAY TO HELP RELAX A BABY TOWARDS AN INCIDENT FREE TRIP, SURELY IF WOULD BE WORTH A SHOT! The SkyBaby Baby Travel Mattress be clipped externally on to any bag saving has been designed to make your baby valuable packing space. It is lightweight at as comfortable as possible on flights as under half a kilo. most airlines will not assign a child under It’s simple to use on the move two their own seat. This mattress is an and under pressure, as it can be quickly comfortable alternative to having your baby unfolded for the baby and packed away sleep on your lap or on a long haul flight in again in minutes. It’s also safe for baby if an airline bassinet. It is not always feasible there is a spare seat using the lap belt. to buy a separate seat for your infant and The SkyBaby is suitable to use with some airlines do not allow baby car seats children, from new-born to two years old, so it can be difficult to create a pleasant depending on the size of the child. There sleeping environment for your baby. The are two different-sized loops which expand integrated mattress, thick pillow and wings around baby and are quick and easy to pop hug the infant, and because it works in open. And the SkyBaby is fully washable conjunction with the plane’s loop belt, baby too. is both snug and secure.

The SkyBaby provides a bed on the go, and it couldn’t be simpler to use on cramped airplanes.

It’s portable and comes folded neatly in a compact drawstring pouch which can

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ÂŁ29.99

sky-baby.co.uk PROS

Light

Easy to transport Well made

CONS Only go up to 2 years old, I want one too.

Hugs baby Make an uncomforatble situation comfortable

DELUXE SCIENTIFIC WORKBENCH THE DELUXE SCIENTIFIC WORKBENCH IS PART OF THE HAPE JUNIOR INVENTOR SERIES, ALONG WITH THE ‘THREE EXPERIMENT KIT’, THE ‘SCIENCE EXPERIMENT TOOLBOX’, AND THE ‘DISCOVERY SCIENTIFIC WORKBENCH’. AS YOU CAN PROBABLY TELL FROM THE NAMES, THESE SETS OFFER A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE IN A GROWING SCALE, WITH MORE POTENTIAL EXPERIMENTS AND FUN GEAR WITH EACH LEVEL. THE SET-UP ITSELF GROWS, TOO, MOVING FROM A SMALL BOX TO A FULL DOUBLE-LAYER WORK STATION THAT YOUR CHILD CAN STAND AT AS THEY ENJOY SCIENCE. With the Deluxe Workbench, you zero mess or goop. It’s also non-gendered in receive enough equipment to conduct 15 its design, which is always awesome to see experiments, which have been designed when it comes to these sorts of toys. This to demonstrate key scientific principles to set is for anyone four years and up, and is your kids as they play. In total, it has 79 suitable for playing alone, with friends, or separate pieces, including screw drivers, with an adult to guide them in following cogs, and even a toy frog to experiment on. through some of the possible experiments.

Don’t tell PETA! This is a fantastic toy for kids that This set-up is seriously cool. It could set them up well to think about encourages kids to engage with science in science in the future, and even better, this a way that gives them loads of options and set is one of a range, meaning you can find re-play value, but unlike some science kits, the toy that suits your budget.

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£74.95

www.hape.com PROS: Colourful Ungendered 15 possible experiments

Fun & engaging way to learn science Is its own storage space No goo!

CONS: Lots of parts = lots of strewn-about toys!

Not transportable

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HOT DOG SLEDMERE HEATED BED

AS QUICKLY AND INTENSELY AS THE SUMMER ARRIVED IT APPEARS TO HAVE LEFT, LEAVING BEHIND COLD TEMPERATURES AND A LOAD OF RAIN, IT IS TIME FOR US TO DIG OUT THE JUMPERS AND WINTER SOCKS, HOWEVER WE AREN’T THE ONLY ONES WHO APPRECIATE SOMETHING WARM TO SNUGGLE INTO AT THIS TIME OF YEAR. ALTHOUGH OUR FURRY FRIENDS WALK AROUND ALL YEAR IN A FUR COAT, WHEN TEMPERATURES DROP DOWN LOW, EVEN THEY WILL FEEL THE COLD. Hot Dog are a family-owned company that is prone to chewing then this may not based in Northallerton, North Yorkshire be the correct product for you. As dogs and and produce thermal and central heated cats tend to follow their owners around the dog beds, with a range of designs that aim house you don’t want to waste electricity to complement your home décor. Although heating a bed that isn’t being used, so the these beds are created for dogs, anyone clever Hot Dog uses a pressure-activated who has both a dog and cat will know if it’s sensor to switch the bed on when your furry meant for the dog, the cat will immediately friend curls up in there. want to use it. These beds come in six Our cats love this bed; they normally designs including waxed, tartan and grey rotate between one on my lap and one in materials. All designs are made with the bed, this isn’t just suitable for cold quality threads, tough fabrics and ethically nights however it can also be used as a sourced, sustainable and highly durable therapeutic aid for pets with issues like materials that are fully washable (excluding joint or circulatory problems, arthritis, hip the waxed outer materials, pillows are also dysplasia, aches and pains, elderly or infirm suitable for washing). The pillow beds have pets, pets prone to the cold, or recovering press stud fastenings, allowing the covers from surgery or injury. to be removed easily for washing.

The Hot Dog is a premium product We received the Sledmere small bed that will be appreciated by both your fur (pillow beds also available) constructed with babies and your interior designer. a contemporary silver tweed fabric it looks and feels high quality, the cushioning used is non water absorbing and 100% recycled.

When it is time to heat things up, you will need to be plugged into the mains, the heat pad sits in a special pocket underneath the pillow, there are seven heat settings to choose from between 25˚C to 55˚C and can easily be adjusted via the thermostatic control panel with display screen. The electrical cable is coated in a chew-resistant metal and plastic, however Hot Dog does recognise that this product is not 100% fail safe and advise that if you do have a dog

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https://www.hotdogpetproducts.com/sledmereheated-dog-beds PROS 100% recyclable or biodegradable Pressure-activated heat pad Low voltage for safety Armoured cabling Thermostatic protector Seven heat settings with LED indicator 25˚C to 55˚C

Machine washable cover CE approved and RoHS compliant Six stylish designs

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TMF DARTH VADER LIGHTSABER DOG LEAD

RRP: £29.99

SO, HERE’S AN INTERESTING WAY TO KEEP A HOLD OF YOUR DOG - THE DARTH VADER LIGHTSABER DOG LEAD BY TMF. THE LEAD FEATURES A RECHARGEABLE RED LED STRIP LIGHT AND REFLECTIVE STITCHING TO ALLOW YOU TO SAFELY WALK AT NIGHT AND LOOK LIKE THE SITH LORD HIMSELF. The handle of the lead also just simply by plugging it into any USB socket so happens to look like the hilt of the with the cable provided, which is also a Lightsaber, which is comfortable to hold handy way of guaranteeing that you won’t and has a button to turn on the light and misplace your doggy accessories. simultaneously make the iconic sounds.

The battery life of the LED varies from 8-16 hours depending on which of the 3 settings you choose from; this includes blink, fast blink and constant. The lead can be charged

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https://www.themonsterfactory.com/product/starwars-darth-vader-lightsaber-dog-lead/ PROS: Funny, can fit any dog collar, comfortable to

use, one of a kind.

CONS: There’s no loop on the handle for more grip, not reliable for dogs

that pull.

SURE PETCARE www.surepetcare.com

I WOULD LIKE TO SAY I OWN TWO DOGS AND TWO CATS BUT IN REALITY, I OWN TWO DOGS AND I AM THE BUTLER TO TWO CATS. ONE OF THE CATS IS 14 YEARS OLD AND ALL SHE DOES ALL DAY IS WAIT TO BE FED AND IF LEFT ALONE WITH HER - AND THE OTHER CAT’S - FOOD, SHE WOULD GORGE HERSELF UNTIL SHE WERE FIT TO BURST. THIS WAS MADE WORSE A FEW MONTHS AGO WHEN SHE HAD TO HAVE A COUPLE OF TEETH REMOVED AND NOW ALL SHE CAN EAT IS SMELLY WET FOOD - WHICH SHE ADORES - BUT THE OTHER CAT, WHO IS A HUNTER GATHERER, ISN’T SO KEEN AND WOULD MUCH RATHER GO OUT FOR A TAKEAWAY, USUALLY A RABBIT THAT HE LEAVES ITS BACK END OF ON THE KITCHEN FLOOR.

The Sure Petcare SureFeed RRP £119.99 or with the hub £169.98 This is a microchipped pet feeder that allows selective feeding for pets using their own microchip. These are perfect for my fat cat and the hunter. No longer can fatty mine sweep all the food continuously through the day. The microchipped feeder has integrated scales which allows me to accurately portion food for each meal and monitor how much, how often and when my pet last fed. It’s a brilliant design to stop her eating the other’s food with the microchip-selective entry, only opening for the registered cat. It’s like having a

Sure Petcare Hub RRP £49.99

This is the hub that connects to the internet and monitors when a product feeder or cat flap - is used and allows you to control it from the app on your phone. This

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doorman on her food bowl. The pet feeder is connected to the Sure Petcare app via a hub which is connected to the internet and provides me with the information.

is not only a cute hub with ears that light up, it means that you can see both products’ usage in one place, noticing changes of your pets’ comings and goings as well as their feeding patterns.

For households with more than just two rival cats, it’s handy to note that the hub can connect to up to 10 products. Whereas the hub can be purchased without a feeder, the SureFeed (or Cat Flap Connect) will not operate without the hub, so this is the essential piece of kit, which connects the Sure Petcare app to the product and allows you to view their graphs and behaviours

on the app. The Sure Petcare app can be downloaded free from the Apple App Store and Google Play.

The Sure Petcare Animo Activity and behaviour monitor RRP £59.99 The Animo runs on a separate app – the Sure Petcare Animo app - as this is a completely different system, specifically for dogs.

The Sure Petcare – Animo is a behaviour and activity monitor - like a FitBit - for your dog. It is collar mounted, waterproof, dog proof and does feel suitably hardy and robust. It is very clever as it will monitor activity and calories used but it also looks into sleep quality. It can be difficult to keep track of changes in your dog’s behaviour so even small changes can give you a critical insight into your dog’s health

and wellbeing. This monitor will start to collect your dog’s behaviour patterns from the moment that it is attached to the collar. However, there is a 14day learning period, where Animo will establish what is ‘normal’ for your pet, so that any change in certain behaviours can be easily identified in the reports.

SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect RRP £109.99 or with the hub £149.99 These microchip-controlled pet doors stop intruder animals entering your home by only opening to your pet’s unique identification microchip. This may not be necessary in rural locations but in busier towns with a multitude of cats it is certainly reassuring to know your cat isn’t being followed home by the big bully Tom, or having its meals stolen by a greedy neighbour while you’re out and unaware! Similarly, spreading word of the benefits of microchip-activated doors lessens the chances of your own cats venturing into others’ territory and

getting up to mischief, it’s yet another reminder of the benefit – or rather necessity - of microchipping our pets.

Great to see responsible pet products on the market.

PROS Well made Clever design Great insight into your pet’s behaviour

Controls their diet Hub runs up to 10 units

CONS Not cheap but what is with pets?

They are brilliant and a game changer. Well worth the money.

Encourages responsible pet ownership.

TERMS & CONDITIONS OUR AIM IS TO GIVE OUR READERS THE MOST HONEST REVIEWS WE CAN. WE ALSO WANT TO ENSURE ALL MANUFACTURERS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PROMOTE THEIR GOODS REGARDLESS OF THEIR FINANCIAL STANDING. IN FACT WE ARE INCREDIBLY PROUD THAT START UP COMPANIES HAVE JUST AS MUCH CHANCE OF PROMOTING THEIR GOODS AS DO ESTABLISHED BRANDS. OUR POLICY IS SIMPLE IN THAT WE DON’T OFFER RETURNS UNLESS PREVIOUSLY AGREED. WE ALSO RESERVE THE RIGHT TO KEEP OR SELL THE GOODS TO FUND OUR WRITERS AND KEEP OUR MAGAZINE ACTIVE. WE DO NOT OFFER SPONSORED REVIEWS WHERE WE ARE PAID DIRECTLY FOR THE REVIEW AND WE FEEL THAT THIS MODEL IS THE BEST WAY TO GET AN OBJECTIVE AND IMPARTIAL REVIEW. SO WHILST WE WON’T GUARANTEE A FAVOURABLE REVIEW, WE WILL GUARANTEE AN HONEST ONE. 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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EXPLORE. ENJOY.

MAXIA 4

THE NEW GENERATION OF THE LEGEND GIVI’S most popular top case, totally redesigned.

Stylish as never before, versatile and as strong as ever.

• ABS cover with a new design • Internally strengthened outer edge • Double cover made from plastic and aluminium • New outer band • New optical reflectors with small reflector on the outer band • Capacity: 56 lt

Sponsor of the LCR Honda MotoGP Team.

Find more than 900 accessories at www.givimoto.com