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Review Smiths

Salutations, dear reader,

As autumn settles in and the leaves turn crisp underfoot, there’s no denying the seasonal shift, shorter days, cooler nights, and that unmistakable Halloween buzz in the air. This month, we’re embracing the darker, moodier side of things, blending function with form as we review some seriously stylish and rugged kit perfect for the season.

We’ve got two standout offerings from Marshall, bringing both sound and style to your autumn soundtracks. Alongside the original STORM Kettle, ideal for offgrid brews during chilly outdoor adventures. For the runners and ramblers, we put the Soar Running ProtoLab Rainmac to the test in typical British drizzle, and we’ve laced up two barefoot options from Vivobarefoot to see how they handle slippery leaves and muddy trails.

Whether you're heading into the wild or just embracing spooky season from your porch, we’ve got you covered. Here’s to crunchy leaves, warming drinks, and gear built to thrive in the thick of autumn.

Editor and Chief

Managing Director

Alex Hilling-Smith

Senior Writer

Dave Hicks

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04. XbOX ONe DOOm cONtrOller

06. ZeNOWell luNa

08. 70maI Dash cam 4K t800

10. NOvaa lab lIght PaD

11. mIcrOPlaNe rOtary grater

12. OrIgINal stOrm Kettle

14. cOcOON travel hammOcK DOuble set

16. vOIteD DrycOat 3.0

17. tracKlemeNts INDulgeNt garlIc mayONNaIse

18. gulIKIt 7 IN 1 DOcKINg statION

20. gulIKIt elves 2 PrO cONtrOller

22. gulIKIt KK2t cONtrOller

24. vIvObarefOOt gObI DuNe sNeaKer JJf

26. vIvObarefOOt PrImus traIl flOW

28. letshuOer DX1

30. sOuNDPeats caPsule3 PrO+

32. sOuNDPeats PearlclIP PrO

34. lOOP eXPerIeNce 2 Plus

36. mIster PeeKs cONtrOller hOlDer & PhONe staND – call

Of Duty, cable guys

38. shImODa urbaN eXPlOre 30 IN aNthracIte

40. marshall maJOr v

42. marshall WIlleN 2

43. vault bOy cONtrOller hOlDer & PhONe staND fallOut, cable guys

44. sOar ruNNINg PrOtOlab raINmac

The story of Doom continues with Doom: The Dark Ages! Set as a prequel to the 2016 game, this first-person shooter shifts a little away from the faster pace of its predecessors, focusing on strategic combat and a more story-telling feel to the narrative. This limited edition controller taps in to that with a design inspired by the Doom Slayer’s armour.

The main fascia is the iconic matte green with the edges surrounding the buttons featuring a nice ‘worn’ look where the paint has been rubbed off to the bare metal beneath. The right stick has been coloured red so it looks just like the sensor on Doom Slayer’s armour and we also have a gory blood splatter (well, it could be red paint but I don’t think this guy is in to interior decorating! I don’t think he’d get the business…) coming down past the left-hand stick. The hand grips have been fashioned after the armour plates and coloured accordingly. They also have a rubberlike feel and the resulting texture gives a nice grip in the hand. Another nice touch is the A, B, X and Y buttons actually have the corresponding symbol from the Sentinel alphabet rather than the traditional letters. Finally, the mark of the Doom Slayer himself is emblazoned across the right-hand grip of the controller in red.

The controller itself is wireless and comes in the standard format for an x-box controller with nothing overly new there but when you’re gaming with something like this in your hands, who cares? It looks cool and definitely fits in with the look of Doom. Plus, you get an exclusive DOOM ™ Slayer Executioner skin to use in Doom: The Dark Ages when you purchase this controller so, not only will you look good in real life, you’ll also look pretty good ingame too!

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rubber-l IK e gr IPs actually helP DOWNlOa Dable sKIN cONs

s hame they cOulDN ’ t have ma De th Is a N el I te versION Of the cON trOller £74.99

a great lOOKINg cON trOller fOr a N y fa N Of the DOOm fra Nch Ise cOu PleD WI th a u NIque sKIN fOr the N eW game .

full refu ND WI th IN 30 Days I f I t DOesN ’ t helP

very easy tO use

24 sessIONs fOr each full battery charge

4 DI ffereN t mODes DePeNDINg ON W hat yOu Wa N t tO target

cONs

NOt su I table fOr PeOPle WI th ePIlePsy Or seIZ ures Or meDIcal

I m Pla N ts such as Pacema K ers

a Drug -free Way tO helP allev I ate sleeP Issues , hea Daches , stress a ND a NXI ety WI th a full refu ND I f I t DOesN ’ t WOr K fOr yOu. WOrth a g O IsN ’ t I t? £378

ZeNOWell luNa

Stress and stress-related illnesses seem to be an almost accepted price of modern day life unfortunately and the toll this can take on your health can steadily mount and even feel insurmountable in worst case scenarios. So, anything that can help would be welcome and the ZenoWell Luna aims to help with exactly these kinds of problems.

To aid in this, it has four different modes. You simply insert the ear-piece (after moistening with the provided gel or water) in your left ear and select the mode you want to take advantage of. Relief mode is for when you have a headache (ranging from migraines to tension-type headaches), Sleep mode helps with insomnia, Relax deals with anxiety, depression and stress and Medit mode helps with inflammation, body pain and fatigue. You can easily control the intensity of the session using clearly marked positive and negative buttons and each session lasts 10-20 minutes, depending on mode. The unit itself is easy to hold and intuitive to use.

It almost sounds like a ‘magic pill’ doesn’t it? But neuromodulation is all backed up by scientific study. The device works by focusing on the vagus nerve which is an essential part of the parasympathetic nervous system. Basically, all the automatic stuff that your body does (heart rate, digestion, respiratory system etc…) is directly linked to it so, regulation of this system can help settle these patterns and, for lack of a better phrase, bring your body back in to alignment. Efficacy ranges from headaches being gone 20 minutes after use to continuous use providing better sleep patterns, relief from discomfort and fatigue. The good news is that if you don’t see any noticeable difference or are unhappy with the results, you can get a full refund within 30 days of purchase. Can’t get much fairer than that.

70maI Dash cam 4K t800

To begin with Dashcams recorded out of the front of your vehicle but, this wasn’t enough. Before long we had dashcams that recorded the back too. Sensible really when you consider the amount of accidents that happen from behind or the fact that criminals could just approach from the back of the car undetected. Now we have reached the next logical step and have a cam that covers all the interior too and with lighting!

It will come as no surprise given the name of this dashcam that the camera quality is 4K but this only covers the front and rear cameras, the interior is 1080p. To be fair, the interior isn’t usually full of speeding cars so 1080p is perfectly fine! Speaking of speeding cars, the front and rear cameras both automatically highlight and enhance road signs and number plates so that if you need to review the footage at a later date, all the necessary details will be instantly viewable. The cameras have 4G capability allowing you to download recordings quickly (40MB/s) using the 70mai app and there is also an ‘emergency recording’ function in case of a collision. The camera will automatically save 10 seconds before, the collision itself and 30 seconds after the collision in an emergency folder to prevent overwriting.

P rOs

frON t, IN ter IOr a ND rear camera emergeNcy cOll IsION recOr DINg save NIght v IsION h Igh qual I ty I mages WI th 4K a ND 1080 P cONs NO har D Dr I ve ON the cameras as a bac K u P Other tha N the cOll IsION feature

For when you drive at night, there is built-in ‘Night Owl’ vision that automatically kicks in when the light is low allowing the clarity to stay when it gets dark and there is also a ‘Lumi Vision’ mode that keeps an eye when you’re parked up at night with immediate notifications sent to you if there is an impact on your vehicle. There are a host of other features such as multi-language voice control, built in GPS, picture-in-picture view and a road story filter being a few of them. a Dash cam that cOvers the frONt, bac K a ND INter IOr alONg WI th all the bells a ND W h Istles yOu ’ D e XPect frOm a mODer N Dashcam.

a ha NDy Pa D fOr thOse that suffer

WI th m IlD Pa IN IN JOINts WI th PleNty Of fle XI bIl I ty IN set-u P.

NOvaa lab lIght PaD

Red Light Therapy is a recognised form of treatment that can help ease pain. The red light wavelengths penetrate the skin and stimulate the mitochondria in your cells, increasing how much energy is generated and so helping your body overcome mild pain. Uses on a regular basis, it can help combat long-term conditions such as arthritis and skin conditions. Usually, treatment would be provided via a Dr but this light pad allows you to use Red Light Therapy in the comfort of your home.

The Novaa Lab Light Pad comes in the form of a mate that can wrap around your limbs for targeted joint treatment or be placed flat so you can lay on it and focus on your back. There are two sets of lights it utilises – 850nm for deep tissue stimulation and 660nm for tissues closer to the surface. There are 300 individual lights for the former and 150 for the latter. The wired remote control allows you to modify the settings as you wish. You can select from as little as 10% power and all the way up to 100% as well as choose the wavelength it’s operating at, ranging from 1 to 9999 Hz. This gives you loads of flexibility when trying to find the treatment that best suits you.

The applications of using this device are many and varied. You can use it to aid with knee support and recovery, neck relaxation and flexibility, back mobility, joint flexibility, muscle recovery and it can even help to regulate circulation and provide nerve support. Use it for about 20 minutes at a time and they say within 4 weeks, you’ll be seeing the benefit. They’re that confident with it that they even offer a 60-day money back guarantee if you don’t see any improvements. Worth a shot then for those that have constant nagging joint and muscle pain.

OrIgINal stOrm Kettle

Each year, me and my partner go camping. To keep things easy, we take food that just needs hot water adding to it to be edible such as powdered mash, porridge or noodles in a pot. So, our kettle and camping stove are essential. And, inevitably, every year we scurry about like headless chickens checking how much gas we have left in the tins we have and panic-buying to make sure we don’t run out ending up with loads of half-used gas containers. Then we get there and find out the lid is missing for the kettle…

This thing then, is a god-send and I can’t believe I’ve never found it before. Quite simply you pour the water in through the nozzle where the cork resides, start up a fire using paper and kindling in the base of the kettle and let it do its thing. The chimney heats the water very effectively and in no time you have up to 2 ½ pints of hot water. Oh, don’t ever leave the cork in as it’s boiling! If the fire starts to die down, you can add more fuel in the top (twigs, more kindling, sensitive documents…). Once boiled, you have a handle and the chain the cork is attached to allowing you to safely pour without risk of scalding yourself. The fire base detaches allowing you to easily clean it out of debris once done.

The STORM Kettle doesn’t just boil water however, it’s more versatile than that. You can additionally purchase a kit that allows you to use it as a cooking fire with a platform for a pan so, if you do get fed up of re-hydrated meals, you’ve got other options too. All-in-all a very efficient and useful bit of kit that takes up far less space than a traditional kettle and stove and is a lot less faff.

P rOs lIght W eIght (1lb , 13 OZ ’s)

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I f yOu Wa N t tO use I t as a stOve tOO, I t cOsts e Xtra fOr the equ IPmeNt a ND Is ON e Pa N at a t I me – DON ’ t e XPect g Ourmet meals!

cOcOON travel hammOcK DOuble set

Sometimes when you’re off hiking or adventuring a sleeping bag isn’t always the most practical solution for catching some Z’s. Stony ground, slopes or just nowhere that’s clear enough to set up your tent can all be barriers. So a hammock is a sensible compromise. All you need are some handy trees and away you go, easy sleeping. They can also be used as a quick and easy resting tool when you stop for a break, saving you having to carry about a bulky, weighty chair.

The Cocoon Travel Hammock Double set is a compact and lightweight hammock (coming in at 670g) constructed from 70 Denier Diamond Ripstop Nylon making this a very robust piece of kit. The straps are connected to the material with ‘four needle’ stitches making the chance of a tear or rip very low indeed, giving you a secure and stressfree nights’ sleep. The kit also contains two 12KN

aluminium carabiners (can support up to about 1200 Kg – more than enough to handle the maximum weight support of the hammock which rolls in at 180KG: It’s fair to say the fabric would give way before you’re putting any serious stress on the carabiners!) so you can attach either end to your chosen branch/pole/tree of choice. There are multiple adjustment points along the straps and this allows for your optimum setup and enables you to get the correct suspension angle. And, of course, this is a double sized hammock so can easily accommodate two of you.

The hammock packs away in to a small, convenient bag measuring 20cm x 10cm, far less space than a sleeping bag and so is instantly more transportable and practical as long as the weather is clement of course. The bag can also double up as a water bottle holder when not transporting the hammock itself.

P rOs

l Ight W eIght cOm Pact very secure a ND safe carry bag ca N DOuble u P as a Water bOttle carr I er cONs NO cOver I f I t starts ra ININg . £46.95

I Deal fOr a DveN turOus cOu Ples W hO OfteN POP Off fOr a h IK e IN the m IDDle Of WOODy reg IONs . We all KNOW sOmeON e l IK e that.

vOIteD DrycOat 3.0

Sports such as cold-water swimming and surfing are growing in popularity but, it’s fair to say, the coastlines of Britain are a far cry from that popular image of sunny beaches in other, warmer areas of the planet! As a result, the cold is a constant battle in the UK for those wishing to indulge in these sports, especially when needing to get changed in to warm clothing immediately after a dip. Awkward shuffling about with towels in open and windy areas is not a fun experience, not to mention trying to retain your modesty while getting changed in public…

The Voited DryCoat 3.0 is a great solution for all of the above problems. Firstly, it’s water repellent and windproof on the outside, giving you instant protection on those windy days – the chief reason for ending up cold when clambering out of the sea and getting changed out of your swimwear. Secondly, the inside is lined with a microfibre fleece that is quick-dry and absorbent, giving you some much-needed warmth fresh out of the water that dries up nice and quick. Thirdly, it’s very roomy inside! Especially designed to facilitate getting changed, the sleeves are voluminous and the design allows plenty of wriggle room without ever needing to remove it so you can get changed out of your wet things and in to nice comfy dry clothes without worrying about exposure and staying warm at the same time. And just to top things off (literally!), there’s also an adjustable, insulated hood to help keep you head warm and out of the wind too.

The DryCoat is also perfectly passable as a regular coat with zip-up pockets and an easy, casual throw-on style so whether you’re dog walking or just enjoying a stroll on a windy day, this coat should do you good.

P rOs

2 Way reversI ble ZIP allOWINg tOP a ND bOttOm access W heN cha Ng INg

£150

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r elat I vely IN e XPeNsI ve cONs

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gulIKIt 7 IN 1 DOcKINg statION

Most docking stations are relatively austere and functional looking. They are there to serve a purpose and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. But, given the choice, wouldn’t you want something that looks good as well as being functional? Something that really hits you in the nostalgia ‘feels’? Well how about this little gem from Gulikit then?

The shell is inspired by the 1991 SNES design and will certainly appeal to those older gamers who have fond memories of the SNES or for those that really like going retro with their set up. It’s like a little ‘mini-me’ of the SNES and is actually really aesthetically pleasing! But, does it do what it’s supposed to do? Well, first of all, let’s talk about the docking itself. The cover clicks back in to 4 different settings allowing you to dock pretty much any hand-held no matter how chunky or slim – you can even slot your mobile phone in there securely. It also supports Steam Decks, AYANEO, Switch, Switch Oled and ROG Ally amongst others so should be suitable for whatever your device is. There is good ventilation right behind where your device docks so no problem of over-heating and the general open-ness of the docking station helps with this too.

As well as cool looks and plenty of room for whatever you dock, we have 3 highspeed USB-A ports, HDMI, an ethernet port, a USB-C charging port and the cable that plugs in to your handheld device, giving us our ‘7’ in the name above. In addition to this, there are slots for 4 TF cards (micro-SD cards to all our retro friends out there) to be stored and the dock supports 4K 60Hz Video Output and is compatible with 1080p and 720p Modes. Finally, the price really brings this home for me. 30 quid for a dock that looks this good is an absolute bargain in my opinion.

gulIKIt elves 2 PrO cONtrOller

Most of the time when it comes to gaming controllers you get a choice: Wired or not. The Elves 2 Pro Controller from Gulikit gives you both options! So, whether you’re a ‘sit in front of your TV’ type gamer (like my other half) who prefers the wired connection for that instantaneous input (1000 Hz polling rate) or if you’re a ‘sit back and relax in your chair’ kind of gamer (like me who sits about 3 metres back from my screen!) who prefers the practicality of wireless gaming (170 Hz polling rate), this controller has you covered.

The Elves 2 Pro comes with a multitude of functions to make your gaming life easier. To begin with you get patented Motion Aim Assist to help you with First Person Shooters, a nice little touch to give you that competitive edge. It also supports semi and full auto fire, giving you yet another angle with which to destroy your enemies! A handy function they have built in is the ability to switch the D-pad from an 8 directional tool to a 4-way pad helping to prevent ‘ghosting’ in FPS’s. So far, you’d be forgiven for thinking this controller is just for FPS’s but it’s also pretty handy for fighting games. A floating D-pad helps you to keep in contact and not lose connection when button mashing and the vibration function comes in 3 different modes all with 3 power levels giving you 9 different rumble variants, perfect for setting the mood, whatever you’re playing.

The joystick are Hall Effect giving you that longevity and precision you just don’t get with mechanical joysticks and there is an inbuilt 6-axis gyroscope so you get a really good, immersive motion control which helps with those driving games. This controller is compatible with Windows, Switch, Switch2, Android and iOS platforms.

£59.99

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uPgra DeD autO -P IlOt g am INg

mult I-PlatfOrm cOm Pat I bIl I ty

mOt ION a I m a ssIst cONs

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gulIKIt KK2t cONtrOller

Our second Gulikit controller in this issue has been designed for use with PC’s although it does boast multi-platform compatibility also being usable with Switch, Android and iOS platforms. This one has wired and wireless capabilities too although the speed is a little lower on the wireless connection coming in at 160 Hz but the wired connection is no different at 1000 Hz. Many of the same features are found on the KK2T controller such as the 6-axis gyroscope, the support for semi-auto and full auto fire, the Motion Aim Assist for First Person Shooters and the anti-ghosting option for the D-pad, also handy for FPS’s.

For all the similarities however, there are plenty of worthwhile differences. The joysticks for example are electromagnetic, providing protection from stick drift and giving good responsiveness rather than Hall Effect with the trigger buttons being Hall Effect instead on this model, giving you long life and precision on those. The AutoPilot Gaming has been upgraded from the previous model and been optimised with better hardware and software and they’ve added a self-correction mechanism to further enhance the usefulness of this feature. This is mainly due to the Gpower CPU at the heart of the controller providing more speed and ability to multi-task at a lower power consumption.

The handles have been designed for long periods of gaming with an advanced polymer surface treatment preventing peel and non-slip grips with a dotted texture to ensure you don’t lose your grip in those crucial moments! The joysticks also have a handy adjustable sensitivity feature, giving you the flexibility you need for any kind of game you’ll be playing. Finally, the battery uses up zero power when your controller is in standby mode giving you the maximum usage possible before you need to recharge.

vIvObarefOOt gObI DuNe sNeaKer JJf

Despite their reputation for all-terrain running shoes, Vivobarefoot don’t just do shoes for running everywhere. This offering is of a far more relaxed and stylish nature and something you’d be quite happy wearing for a trip to the shops or a stroll about town without feeling like you have to be off running to justify wearing them!

Made from a more traditional, lightweight canvas, these sneakers, while looking good are packed with the usual kind of tech you would expect from any Vivobarefoot product. The sole base is a mere 4mm thick and the shoes are ultra-flexible, allowing your feet to do what they’re naturally designed for. The tread has been designed to allow for maximum feel of contact to the ground so that you can react to what you’re walking on and luxuriate in that barefoot feel. It’s not massively chunky (pretty much 0 tread depth) and I wouldn’t recommend wearing these out on an icy surface or for when you’re likely to be clambering up a slope but then that’s not what they’re designed for!

Both the canvas and the cotton are 100% organic and the outsole is made with a combination of synthetic and natural rubber. Unfortunately for those vegans out there, there is bovine leather involved so these ones are going to be on your avoid list, a shame really as they really do look quite good. The other thing worth mentioning is the JJF part of the name. These have been designed in partnership with John John Florence, 3 times surfing World Champion and part of their design is quite unique in that the insole is a Bloom® Foam JJF Insole made from algae biomass, giving an ecofriendly alternative to the usual foams used in insoles. This helps the quick-drying technology that helps to keep your feet nice and dry while out and about.

£160

P rOs very fle XI ble that tra Demar K ‘barefOOt ’ feel 100% Orga NIc ca N vas a ND cOttON qu Ic K-Dry INg INsOle cONs

I DON ’ t trust that trea D IN sl IPPery cONDI t IONs a styl Ish Pa I r Of sN ea K ers that barely feel l IK e they ’ re ON yOur feet.

vIvObarefOOt PrImus traIl flOW

If you’re in to trail running, you’ll be well aware that keeping your footing is essential and some shoes can easily remove you from that sense of connection with the ground - whether through the soles being too chunky to the shoes not giving your feet and ankles the flexibility they need so you can respond to differing terrain and nuances in the ground you’re running over. We’ve covered Vivobarefoot products before and it’s fair to say they know what they’re about when it comes to designing footware for trail running. So, what’s with the Primus Trail Flow then?

First of all, the shoes are foot-shaped, not shoe-shaped. They have been designed to allow your toes freedom of movement and your feet the flexibility you would have if you were actually running barefoot. Secondly, the soles are thin (1.8mm base depth and 3.5mm lug height) meaning your feet get a real idea of the surface you’re running on and allow you to respond accordingly. The added benefit of this is that your muscles and tendons get a real work-out without artificial support that you see in more traditional running shoes and you’ll actually see an improvement in strength and flexibility over time. Thirdly, the material is extremely flexible and lightweight, cutting down on the weight you’re having to lift and adding to that sense of lightness while running.

The other thing Vivobarefoot focus on is sustainability and impact. The majority of the shoes are made from recycled materials and they believe the shoes are vegan (things like dye and adhesives are yet to be confirmed as wholly vegan), ticking another box of eco-friendliness. Oh and they also have a 100 day trial offer. After 100 days, if you’re not happy with them, you can get a full refund so go ahead, get running.

P rOs

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ca N ta K e a bI t Of gett INg useD tO lOOPINg the WI res Over

yOur ears a ND may be a l I ttle u NcOmfOrtable fOr sOme .

letshuOer DX1

The problem with wireless headphones is that half the space in the buds has to be devoted to Bluetooth tech and this can sometimes lead to a compromise in sound quality. Wired headphones generally tend to provide more depth and richness as a result, hence why many audiophiles would rather use them then wireless headsets. These headphones from Letshuoer are more like wired ear buds, in effect giving you the quality of a wired connection with the convenience of not having to wear a massive, obvious headset!

Letshuoer have developed a new 11mm dynamic driver unit just for this set of headphones and they haven’t skimped! It’s made from an aluminium-magnesium alloy and is nanoparticle coated as well as including a diamond-pattern diaphragm that helps to fight noise distortion giving you a wider dynamic range and a fuller tone. All the driver components are made using CNC (Computer Numerical Control – basically computer constructed rather than human) from start to finish, giving a precision that helps to almost rule out that noise distortion as everything snaps together perfectly.

It's not just the driver that has this kind of precision applied to it. The cables are a 256-core silver-plated monocrystalline copper braided and shielded affair and have been designed to be lossless. You get two types, one for 3.5mm jacks and the other for 4.4mm and the cables plug in to the buds with a 0.78mm dual pin. The shell is electroplated stainless steel and the buds have been ergonomically designed for maximum comfort and long-term wear. To top it all off, they’ve also included a built-in 5kHz notch filter that helps to purify the audio. There’s no denying the precision that has gone in to these headphones and the quality is definitely noticeable with a crystal clear sound coming through. Definitely worth a purchase.

£144.83

The earbud market is very competitive these days with so many different brands and types out there, it’s difficult to make a choice. Well, the good news for us consumers is that this means companies are forced to make new innovations and ways to make their gear more affordable while still knocking out quality goods. That’s what we have with these earbuds from Soundpeats.

Coming in at a mid-range price, they pack a good quality sound in for the money you part with. The speaker is xMEMS and this, combined with a 12mm bio-diaphragm dynamic driver gives you that quality. The xMEMS speaker boasts 7x better special audio imaging that gives you more clarity of sound and is also ultralight, allowing the buds to stay at a really lightweight 5 grams each, giving you the confidence to move about while using them and to almost feel like they’re not there at all. Very handy if using them in the gym or while doing other physical activities.

These buds are compatible with both Android and iPhone (although in order to get the best sound range out of them, your Android needs to be at least 8.0 – this allows the 20Hz – 40kHz range to be taken advantage of) and also feature Bluetooth Multipoint, enabling you to easily switch between devices without having to reconnect. The Bluetooth is 5.3 so compatible with the vast majority of wireless devices and the codecs covered are SBC, AAC and LDAC covering most bases. There is also the obligatory app (PeatsAudio) that allows you to keep the firmware updated and to fiddle about with equalisers to get exactly the sound you want. If you don’t want to go that hassle, there are 9 pre-sets you can take advantage of and even a low-latency gaming mode for those that really need the sound to match the action on-screen.

£89.99

yOu ’ re NOt g OINg tO get much better sOu ND qual I ty at th Is Pr Ice esPec I ally I f yOu ’ re ha PPy tO mess abOut

WI th the equal Isers IN the a PP.

P rOs

g reat sOu ND qual I ty fOr the Pr Ice they DO a g OOD JOb Of stay INg IN yOur ear – KINDa cruc I al

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IPX4 sW eat resIsta Nce cONs

WI th act I ve NOIse ca Ncell INg ON, the battery lasts

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a DI ffereN t lOOKINg set Of DeceN t earbu Ds IDeal fOr

thOse l IsteNINg tO musIc a ND st Ill N eeDINg tO be

aWare Of theI r OutsIDe eN v I rON meN t.

P rOs

qu Ic K charge tech NOlOgy allOWs fOr a 10 m IN ute recharge bOOst Of 2 hrs Play t I me

I Deal fOr thOse that DON ’ t l IK e the IDea Of shOv INg

sOmeth INg r Ight IN yOur lughOle! actually lOOK qu I te cOOl, almOst l IK e bIg earr INgs

eXter Nal sOu NDs are st Ill hearable , IDeal IN busy eN v I rON meN ts cONs

the a Nc ONly WOr K s ON PhON e calls , NOt W heN

Play INg musIc sO these areN ’ t great I f yOu Wa N t tO get lOst IN yOur au DIO.

sOuNDPeats PearlclIP PrO

£59.99

lOOP eXPerIeNce 2 Plus

The Ekster Cardholder Pro is the world’s slimmest all-metal smart wallet, not a smidge of plastic in sight, it is made from 100% recycled aluminium metal, it provides super slim storage option and fast card access thanks to the push of a button. It is customisable with modular add-ons but more of that later, it will hold 1-14 cards and bank notes. It comes in a choice of five classic colours and seven newly released patterns, it measures up at 0.6 x 4.25 x 2.4 in (1.55 x 10.8 x 6.3 cm), it will hold 5-7 cards in the cardholder, 6-8 in the expandable aluminium backplate.

The Pro blocks RFID to prevent wireless theft and it comes with a lifetime warranty now included you can also make it unlosable with the Finder Card, this will give you alerts if you leave it behind. Works with the Apple and Android can be used to see your lost wallet or luggage’s location on a worldwide map, it is super slim at just 2.4mm, has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 6 months. You can activate the Finder Card from your phone up to 300 ft (90 m) away and the 79 dB ringer will help you find it fast. It has an IPX5 water-resistant rating, and you can share your tracking device’s position with up to five people for added security and safety in numbers.

The Cash Clip Backplate add-on is used to carry bank notes securely and increase card storage space without adding unnecessary bulk. It is also made from recycled aluminium, blocks RFID signals, and backed is by our lifetime warranty. Something that has been previously missing was the ability to carry coins, whether it’s to drop a few into a charity tin or get a trolly at the supermarket you can now carry coins without adding bulk to your wallet. The slim Coin Tray add-on fits onto the back of any Ekster cardholder between the main body and expandable backplate it offers a streamlined and secure spot for loose change, keys, or other small items.

The Pro can store even more than ever now thanks to the additional add-ons, and this has all our favourite features like the button card access and the super tough but slimline profile.

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P rOs sIgNI f Ica N t NOIse reDuct ION

DIscreet lOOK carry case easIly a DDeD mute cONs the lOu Der yOur eN v I rON meN t, the less useful these becOme , DON ’ t rely ON them as sOu ND blOc K ers , th Is they are NOt.

Say hello to Mister Peeks, the most tactical way to store your gear. From the Call of Duty Cable Guys range, this quirky operator is ready to hold your controller or phone like a true pro. Whether you are dropping into the action or just catching up on messages, Mister Peeks keeps your essentials upright and always within reach. With his distinct pose and detailed gear, he brings serious style to any gaming setup or shelf. He stands at around 20cm tall, is sturdy enough to handle most controllers and devices, and does it all with zero fuss – no batteries, no charging, just pure support. A must have for any Call of Duty fan or desk commander.

shImODa urbaN eXPlOre 30 IN aNthracIte

For those interested in photography, whether it be professionally or at an amateur level, keeping your equipment safe and close to hand is essential. Those moments when you need to take advantage of an image can be gone in seconds and immediate access to your camera can be critical. This camera bag from Shimoda allows this access while at the same time keeping your equipment snuggly packed away and protected.

This 30 litre capacity bag comes with a padded shock-proof insert that features multiple components allowing you to pack all sorts from your actual camera to different lenses to multiple flashes in a convenient, easy-to-organise fashion. The side pocket is reachable under-arm and can easily fit your camera also, allowing for those quick-grab moments I mentioned earlier while externally you have pockets for a tripod, gimbal and even a water bottle pocket. The back flap is designed to be anti-theft and also opens up nice and wide so you have full access to your bags’ contents when speed isn’t of the essence.

The bag has also been designed to match international carry-on regulations for when you’re travelling by air so you can keep it with you as hand luggage, ensuring you won’t have to risk any of your valuable contents in the main luggage area of the hold. It’s also water-resistant so can keep your stuff dry for short periods of rain and has a base handle for usual luggage carry as well as being able to mount on your back as a regular backpack. There’s a hidden passport pocket and routing for a mobile phone charger. Finally, if you ever find yourself in a position where don’t need to lug your camera equipment around, the insert can be removed, giving you a handy 30-litre travel bag suitable for any occasion.

a Water a ND shOc K-resIsta Nt carry bag

fOr all yOur PhOtOgra Phy equ IPmeNt that

easIly cON verts IN tO a geN eral Pur POse

carry bag W heN N eeDeD a ND PrOv IDes qu Ic K, easy access W heN the mOmeNt matters .

P rOs

s hOc K-resIsta N t IN ter Nal Pac KINg

easy-access sIDe POc K et a N t I-theft POc K et ON rear

Water-resIsta N t cONs

£330

qu I te Pr Icey fOr a N amateur but I f yOu ’ ve IN vesteD heav Ily

IN yOur equ IPmeN t, W ell WOrth I t.

marshall maJOr v

If there’s one name to stand out in the world of speakers, it’s got to be Marshall. With that distinctive boxy amp we’ve all come to appreciate from live gigs, they’re instantly recognisable, just like these headphones. I absolutely love the fact that they’ve imitated that boxy look with these, it gives them a distinct, unique look that just screams Marshall at you!

Aesthetics aside, these Bluetooth headphones are very adaptable. The Bluetooth is 5.3 and you can connect up to two devices at a time with 10 saved in the memory. They also have an impressive battery life, tapping out at 100 hours playtime when wireless. The quick charge function gives you another 15 hours of wireless play time for just 15 minutes of charging so you can easily rely on these when you’re out and about and if you want a full charge, it only takes 3 hours. The Marshall app also allows you to fiddle about with the battery life using their battery preservation setting so you can adjust it suit your usage. Speaking of charging you have two options: good old wired USB-C and these also charge wirelessly on a charging pad for added convenience.

Another useful feature is the so-called M-button. This is a catch-all button that allows you to open Spotify Tap, adjust your EQ settings and open the Voice Assistant. You can customise how the M-Button works for you in the app also but it starts with Spotify Tap as the default. Phone calls are easily dealt with using this feature too. The app allows you to custom tune the dynamic drivers so you can set up your sound to bring great clarity to whatever you’re listening to and having the app ensures you have the most up-to-date firmware. The final thing to mention is the ease with which you can just fold this up and slot it in to a pocket or in a bag, very handy.

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Da Ptable , yOu ca N use them Pretty much hOW yOu l IK e .

r easONably Pr IceD fOr W hat yOu get a bIl I ty tO cONN ect a NOther set Of hea DPhON es sO yOu ca N share

yOur musIc WI th sOmeON e else m arshall qual I ty lOOK Pretty cOOl cONs

there Is NO autOmat Ic cut- Out Of bluetOOth W heN yOu use a WI reD cONN ect ION, yOu N eeD tO eNsure yOur bluetOOth Dev Ices areN ’ t Play INg W h Ich Is ODD.

£129.99

marshall WIlleN 2

If you are looking to step away from your screen without sacrificing your favourite tunes the W16 might be worth looking at. Just like the W26 is it also fully waterproof but this time you have an 8GB MP3 player built into the headphones creating a lightweight all in one device along with waterproof earbuds (I mean it would be pretty useless if they weren’t).

Set up is easy. You just plug it into your computer with the USB cable, drag and drop your music files, and you’re good to go. It supports standard MP3 and WAV formats, for some it might mean dusting off their old CDs rather than relying on Spotify.

Once in the water, it performs pretty well. The earbuds stay in place throughout most swim strokes thanks to the ear hook design but they could come loose during a dive or jumping in. They come with different sized tips to help you get a good seal, that is essential because water in the ears can affect sound quality, but once you’ve got the right fit, it’s surprisingly clear. It’s never going to match high end headphones, but for swimming laps or water-based workouts, it does the job nicely. It takes a bit of getting used to losing your hearing in the water but for sessions in a private pool it is truly blissful.

The controls are basic but functional. You can skip tracks, pause, and adjust volume with a few simple buttons on the back of the unit. It can be a little fiddly if you’re trying to do it mid stroke, but it works well enough. The battery life will last up to 20 hours, the charging process is quick and straightforward using the same cable used for file transfers. It’s worth noting that the Tayogo W16 is strictly an MP3 player. There’s no Bluetooth, no fancy app, and no extra features. But that’s kind of the point. It’s a fuss free way to bring music into your swim routine without spending a fortune. Overall, the Tayogo W16 is a practical and budget friendly choice for swimmers who want an easy solution to music in the water. It’s not flashy, but it works.

a small yet Pu Nchy POrtable sPea K er IDeal fOr every Day use a ND Perfectly su I teD fOr cam PINg .

sOar ruNNINg PrOtOlab raINmac

Not only is having your run cancelled because of a heavy downpour a real disruption to your routine (especially if you’re in training for an upcoming event), a heavy downpour halfway through without decent protection can be just as disrupting and can lead to a very uncomfortable run and wet trudge home. And in this country, it’s quite likely to happen too!

In case the name didn’t give it away, Soar are all about running. So, it may also come as no surprise that this rainmac has been designed with running primarily in mind. The garment is loose-fitting but has drawcords strategically placed so you can seal up your cuffs and the hood around your face while the waistband also tightens. This obviously prevents water entering and stops the mac billowing about as you run. It’s roomy enough that once you have tightened it up, you can still move freely so you can run un-hampered. To keep it breathable they’ve used a nano membrane combined with Durable Water Repellent, a zipped rear vent and it’s fully taped.. So, you can rest assured you’ll stay at a comfortable temperature all through your run – no overheating here!

Let’s have a look at some numbers to back the claims up. The waterproof rating is 10000mm which means it can withstand a column of water 10 metres high before losing it’s waterproofing. Pretty safe to say none of us will ever be in a position where this is going to become a reality! The breathability is rated at 30,000g/m2/hr which, given most breathable, waterproof material comes in at 20,000g/m2/hr gives you an idea of how much more breathable this particular rainmac is. To top things off, the zip runs all the way from top to bottom and all the zips are YKK Aquaguard waterproof and the two large hip pockets are zipped also.