The Review Smiths Issue 25

THE

Issue 25, July 2022

Review Smiths

CONTENTS

Hi everyone!

Phew. this one has been a real toughie, with most of the team being laid out by a virus that's been making a bit of a name for itself recently, we are so grateful to have still been able to put together another fab edition for all you lovely people.

There is plenty in here to keep you entertained over the summer, including an ice cream maker from KitchenAid to ensure you have an endless supply of ice cream, slushies and sorbets. There is NERF Blaster that can be used keep people away from your ice cream and a wildlife camera to spy on the critters. We also have a cooling dog jacket from RuffWear, a purifying, self-cleaning water bottle as well as gardening gear, DIY tools, camping and outdoor equipment and exercise products to enjoy in the sun.

We have had a slight hiatus on the socials but are ready to come back in a big way so remember to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and keep your eyes peeled for the latest reviews and competitions.

Editor and chief

Managing Director Alex Hilling-Smith

Senior Writer Emma Hilling-Smith

For all media related enquiries please contact us at info@thereviewsmiths.com For Advertising Enquiries 0208 191 8472 www.thereviewsmiths.com

04. Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Dog Cooling Vest 06. Ruffwear Flagline Dog Harness with Handle 08. Cotton Carrier CCS G3 For Two Cameras 10. Nerf Ultra Two Motorized Blaster 12. Cocoon Baby Blanket 14. WORX 20V MAX Cordless GT3 Grass Trimmer – WG163E 16. Worx 400W 85m Plunge Circular Worxsaw – WX426 18. Awair Element 20. CEP Run Compression Socks 3.0 22. Ekster Senate 24. KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker 5KSMICM 26. Kally Sleep Baby Nest 28. Bosch Rechargeable Vacuum Cleaner Unlimited BCS712GB 30. Technaxx Universal Car Alarm Pro TX-168 32. Browning Recon Force Advantage 34. Pulseroll Vibrating Foam 36. Maaree Empower 38. Maaree Solidarity 40. XP-Pen Deco 01 V2 42. Hasbro Operation 46. Jackery Solar Generator 500- Explorer 500 + SolarSaga 100W 48. Datacolor ColorReader Pro 50. The Crafty Robot Smartibot Kit 52. Freya Starter Kit 54. LARQ Bottle PureVis Insulated 56. Upright Go 2

£89.95

For more information on the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Dog Cooling Vest click here

Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Dog Cooling Vest It has been so warm lately, it is uncomfortable enough going outside in shorts and a vest, imagine having no choice but to wear a fur coat even in the highest temperatures, well that’s exactly what our furry friends have to put up with. Thankfully the team at Ruffwear have made the perfect cooling summer outfit so your pup can still enjoy all the perks of being outside in the summer without overheating. The Swamp Cooler Dog Cooling Vest comes in two colour options, Sage Green and Heliotrope Purple, in sizes XX-Small up to XX-Large, it is made from a polyester air mesh outer layer, polyester non-woven felt mid layer and gentle dry-weave polyester mesh that sits against the dog’s body. This vest has had a recent update with the external air mesh getting improved abrasion resistance and improved water absorption, as well as a new construction that retains more water in high-exposure zones on the vest for a longer charge, let me explain that further.

All three layers of the vest work together to use evaporative cooling to reduce the dogs body temperature, the mid layer holds water whilst the outer layer wicks the water away, causing the same effect as when you step out of water and your skins dries. The lining keeps the water away from the dog’s body to ensure they stay dry, the outer layer also reflects heat due to its light colour and has UPF 50+ protection with a good amount of coverage around the back, neck and sides of the body. The vest is easy to slip on thanks to side-release buckles and there is a lead portal so it can be worn over a harness, the reflective trim helps your pooch remain visible when the sun starts to go down. The vest can be run under the tap before you head out for a walk or soaked with a water bottle, if it dries out simply re-soak or send you doggo into a lake or pond to reactivate the cooling system. This is a smart bit of kit a good investment especially for those breeds that struggle to regulate their temperatures.

This vest actively cools your dog down during those hot walkies.

Pros Promotes evaporative cooling

Three-layer construction absorbs water

Lead portal UPF 50+ coverage

Mesh lining keeps dog dry and comfortable

Reflective trim Side-release buckles for easy on/off

5

Ruffwear Flagline Dog Harness with Handle The fllagien Harens is eno fo Rufeawrs tosm ervastil ecsip adn ti has ujts edvicr an pugraed wtih a wen ehls a f b r c i h w c i f e r o s i c n e ra s d e i r s t a c n t o a df i n g , t e h h a d n e l h a s b e n t s e r a m l i e d n a d n t e h c e th s e a l h s a t c h e m n ipotn has edviorpm duraib.lty This harens is utlra-lthig wtih a min a lits forpie,l ti is higyl ujaet,sdlb suteilab rof a l ybod hspea, ti emsoc in isze XX-sma l pu to la/erg X-lae,rg teh isze guedi no teh teibsw wil pehl ouy coesh teh rthig isze. Ther is a ecioh fo oulrsc licehn gren, saeg gren, Bleu Duks adn sa lnom pink, a l fo hwci evha a bredis-eirstan lienr tha edhs dirt adn fu.r It is maed fmor a buorts 150 ednri etsyrlpo rptosi ehls adn 75 ednri etsyrlpo lin g wtih ehat embos lin g, tehr is a pto adn ftnor ealhs at chemn ipotn maed fmor utlra-h-ig ecluom ar-theigw enltyhpo ibengw hwilts teh acbk ealhs at chemn ipotn is notcsr ued fmor an anodize 6061T6 aulmin V-r.ing The ceths ipotn is haydn rof toesh psu ohw liek to pul no teh eadl, gvin ouy erom tnl,ocr teh hadnesl ntoipsg eamns ouy can egvi tehm a btos wtiouh ebra king ouyr (or )teihr tsred.i The edis bcukesl maek rof easy fti ng adn elavborm env wtih teh tosm cteilxab ogs.d perecft rof csralmbing etnvadurs teh hadnel adn -adol disperng / c e th s bely apenl awlo ouy to lift-a-dn asit no erom dif cutl ter ain, espcia ly odg rof toesh ohw end a ltie extra srpout. Ther aer isx ipotns fo ujatsdemn to ensur a ecrpis adn morcftelab fti, ayn ecsx ibengw tspra can be tceudk iton teh harens to etnvrp ti mobecing etnadlg in teh uednrwgoth. The fer cltvi trim psehl to icneras vibslty in wol lthig, tehr is a los a pol lthig at chemn ipotn hwci can be uesd wtih Rufeawr The Benoac ro ouyr wno lthig. This ervastil harens is suetilab rof r uged etnvadurs adn qucki awlks aourdn teh colk,b tis ltheigw a d n l s i m e n e d i g s n a e r s u te i l a b r o f o g s d f o a l h s p e a a d n i s z e .

£82.95

This lightweight harness is perfect for adventures with your furry friend.

Pros Three leash connection points Upgraded construction Lightweight

Easy on/off Versatile Padded handle Debris-resistant liner

For more information on the Ruffwear Flagline Dog Harness with Handle click here

7

Cotton Carrier CCS G3 For Two Cameras The last thing you want when shooting that perfect scene is to be wasting time routing around in a bag to switch out cameras, it could mean missing the shot or scaring off your subject, the CCS G3 Camera Harness System is designed to store two cameras, keeping them within easy reach and freeing up your hands whilst on the move.

This harness comes in a Charcoal Grey or the Realtree Xtra Camo design, it has a central connection point in the chest area and another that sits on the side of the body, it has been thoughtfully constructed with an ergonomic fit that helps to distribute the weight evenly across the body, providing better balance and less fatigue whilst shooting on location. There is no max weight limit on the harness, it is just recommended that your heaviest camera is attached to the chest. It will work with almost any tripod mount, it just needs a 1/4" threaded quick release plate, once the tripod's plate is attached to holsters plate you can switch easily between a tripod and the harness (CCS Camera Hub not included).

There are enough adjustment holes to slide the camera back and forth so you can leave the battery compartment free for quick changes without unscrewing the plate. The cameras attach to the harness easily with a simple twist to lock action, there are additional safety tethers to prevent any expensive accidents during a hasty camera exchange.

The shoulder straps and waist strap are adjustable for a precise fit, it is effortless to slip on and remains breathable. You can tell from the feel of it how robust it is which gives you confidence to let go of your cameras whilst they are attached. There are two handy stash pockets as well as a weatherproof cover that can be slipped over your gear if you get caught in the rain. The harness is very comfortable, you can wear it with an additional backpack if needed, there is a handy lens foot that secures larger lens, preventing them from bouncing about whilst you walk. The CCS G3 For Two Cameras is perfect for photographers out in the field, it’s highly durable, body friendly, balanced and comfortable, a trustworthy assistant that’s well worth the investment.

Pros Secure two cameras and free up your hands

Twist and lock attachments system

Two stash pockets and rain cover

Highly durable Comfortable and adjustable

Lens foot and safety tether

Easy to put on and

For more information on the Cotton Carrier CCS G3 For Two Cameras click here

remove

$159

Free up your hands whilst shooting on location and let this harness take the load.

9

Nerf Ultra Two Motorized Blaster Put a Nerf in anyone’s hands and it is impossible for them not to transform into a mischievous eight-year-old and fire it at the nearest person, they are seriously good fun and come in a wide range of models. New to the scene is the Nerf Ultra Two Motorized Blaster this beast comes with six ground-breaking Nerf Ultra darts, these are the farthest flying darts ever created by Nerf (up to 120 feet), they have an innovative flight tip, Aerofin technology, and Nerf Ultra foam. The Ultra Blaster will only work with these darts so you may want to stock up, the cylinder will hold six at a time and can be reloaded quickly from the back, you can see at all times how many are left. This blaster is suitable for ages 8 and up and requires six AA batteries to power the acceleration button (not included), when you hold this button down you can then fire one dart at a time.

The Blaster is like an oversized pistol at 3.11 x 14.49 x 8.5 inches and weighs in 1.36lb, it can be held in one hand

leaving the other hand free to reload. As the darts can be fired one at a time this gives a few moments between shots to reposition your aim, it is worth noting the acceleration button is held before the trigger button or the dart may jam. If this happens the dart can easily be poked back into the cylinder via the little window in the side, this might take younger players a few goes to get the hang of it but kids these days can program computers, it won’t take them long. The Blaster is surprisingly accurate even in the most rookie hands, we had a lot of fun stacking up flowerpots and shooting them down, that evolved into shooting the person who was stacking them, 10 points for a butt shot. The Nerf Ultra Two Motorized Blaster is a lot of fun, great for ages 8-108, I must finish writing now as I need to hide behind the sofa with this weapon, my husband has no idea what’s coming for him.

For more information on the Nerf Ultra Two Motorized Blaster click here

Pros Ultra darts fly up to 120 feet £27.99 One hand action Accurate shot Fast rear reloading Darts visible at all times Cons Can become jammed if trigger not held correctly Batteries not included

Fire faster and further with more accuracy than ever before.

11

Cocoon Baby Blanket for car seats and prams Babies can get cold very easily so it is important in those early months to ensure they are warm and cosy at all times, this can become quite a battle of wills when it comes to wrestling on cardigans or tucking in blankets only for them to be kicked off in the next minute.

The Cocoon Baby Blanket aims to make things a lot simpler when it comes to the car seat and prams, suitable from newborn up until 6months old. What makes the Cocoon different from pram suits? Well on the back you will find three holes where the pram or car seat harness straps can be threaded through which means the straps sit snuggly against the body, where as a pram suit keeps the straps on the outside. In the event of an accident baby can shift forward in a pram suit risking injury to their fragile bodies whereas being in the Cocoon guarantees that the safety straps are fitted correctly. The blanket has been crash-safety tested and is proven to provide added protection for baby’s head and chest whilst in the car seat, giving you full peace of mind.

There are four poppers to fasten the blanket quickly before little one gets a chance to get chilly with the

Pros Crash safety tested Four easy poppers Machine washable Suitable from birth to 6 months

Fits all 3-point harnesses and all 5-point harnesses with detachable straps

Incredibly soft and snuggly Cons Not compatible with undetachable harnesses

large buttons indicating where the poppers are on the inside. Baby can be wrapped up before taking them out to the car, keeping them snug in transit and not disturbing any precious moments of sleep, if you move into a warm café for example you can undo the popper and leave the blanket open, so they don’t get too warm. The blanket is wonderfully soft, in fact in these cold months it’s a shame they don’t make them in adult sizes, it has a warm woollen exterior and super soft fleece lining, that is all machine washable should accidents happen (lets face it, they will).

The Cocoon Baby Blanket works with all 3-point and 5-point harness with detachable straps, the only drawback is that if the 5-point straps can’t be removed, many can for cleaning purposes, they cannot be fitted through the holes.

As it involves detaching and reattaching the straps it maybe best to get two blankets, one for the car seat and one for the pram (or a spare one ready for wash day). This blanket is such a great idea, you won’t regret the purchase, friends and family will love it as a baby shower gift, plus those chubby cheeks look cute all wrapped up making it worth it for the cute factor alone.

A safe and cosy baby blanket for car seats and prams that keeps the safety harness on the inside.

THERE ARE 5 COLOURS AVAILABLE WITH PRICES STARTING FROM £29.99

For more information on Cocoon Baby Blanket click here

13

WORX 20V MAX Cordless GT3 Grass Trimmer – WG163E The combination of rain and sun we have had the last few days has left our garden resembling something similar to the amazon jungle. As lovely as it is having a wild lawn when you lose two cats and a one year old in it, it’s probably time to give it a trim. The WG163E GT3 Grass Trimmer from WORX is a three in one tool, that can transform from a trimmer to an edger and then into a mini mower quickly and easily. This cordless trimmer has a compact body and after about 2.5hour the 20V MAX Li-Ion battery is ready to use, it weighs 3.5kg but thanks to the two wheels you don’t feel it, you just need to direct it where to go. The trimmer head can be angled from 0 to 90 this allows you to cut sloped surfaces and under hedges or over hanging plants (although you will have to crouch over to do this), it does take a bit of firm pressure to adjust the head, but this may loosen up over time.

The handles can be adjusted to find the optimum heights for comfort and stability, the 1.65 mm line makes short work of grass and weeds, whilst the wheels guide you along the edge of the borders for nice clean lines, the flower guard helps to protect the plants and lawn ornaments. The addition of the Command Feed means that you can automatically feed out more cutting wire with a push of a button, the built-in blade will cut the wire to length when you start up the machine again. This means there is no need to stop what you are doing to extend it manually; these reduced interruptions and keeps your hands cleaner for a little while longer. The battery was lasting about 20mins per charge, it might be worth having a second battery on charge to switch over for continuous gardening. The WG163E is a versatile tool and easy enough to use, merging two or three products into one often results in substandard performance but that certainly isn’t the case here, the reasonable price tag makes it good value for money, perfect for small to medium sized gardens.

For more information on the WORX 20V MAX Cordless GT3 Grass Trimmer – WG163E click here

Pros

£99.99

Trimmer, edger and mini mower

Wheeled edging for

This one tool can mow, trim and preen your borders to perfection.

manicured finish

Advance line on command Head pivots 90º Adjustable handle Flower guard 30cm cutting width Cons Adjustable head is stiff Instructions could be clearer

15

Worx 400W 85m Plunge Circular Worxsaw – WX426 Having a decent set of tools at home is a must have for any DIY enthusiasts, there’s only so many times you can borrow your parents gear before they start charging you rent, if you are looking for a circular saw to add to your collection it is well worth considering the WX426. This compact saw is lightweight and easy to handle at 1.8kg and 32 × 9 × 18cm, it has been designed to be suitable for plunge cuts and many other household jobs. The integrated LaserGuide provides a straight line for you to follow for accurate and straight cuts, it also has an improved view of the saw blade for precision as well as a suction adapter for a dust-free workspace. The retractable blade makes plunge cuts possible, perfect for vents, electric sockets and light switches for example, it comes with three blades suitable for different materials, wood, plastic, metal and tiles.

This saw has an idle speed of 3,600 rpm, a blade diameter of 85mm and blade bore of 15mm, it can deliver an adjustable cutting depth that maxs out at 27mm. The thin blade design reduces the amount of dust it kicks out, the 400w power isn’t going to blast throw materials but it can comfortably handle 18mm wood and sheet metal. The Spindle lock button makes for quick and easy blade changes, it is worth noting that this delivers straight cuts only, no angles or bevels, it isn’t up to cutting thicker woods or use in a professional environment. Where it excels is DIY jobs around the home, it can easily be used with one hand, it takes a degree of concentration as it can wander off course even when following the laser and works best when you take your time and let the saw do the hard work instead of forcing it forward too hard. All things considered this is good value for money, a go to circular saw for odd jobs and projects around the home.

A great basic circular saw, the perfect addition for the home tool kit.

For more information on the Worx 400W 85m Plunge Circular Worxsaw – WX426 click here

£99.99 Pros Cuts wood, metal, tiles, plasterboard and plastics Adjustable depth up to 27mm LaserGuide Suitable for plunge cuts Spindle lock button for easy blade change Minimal dust and built-in dust port Compact and lightweight One-hand operation Cons Can stray off course Not suitable for thicker woods and heavy work Cannot perform bevel cuts

17

Awair Element Pros Real time monitoring Access your air data from anywhere with the free Awair app leader in IAQ technology Compare with outdoors Track changes over time and shows how actions impact your space

Personalised recommendations Compact and stylish Cons Display difficult to read Price might put some off

Find out exactly what you are breathing in whilst you are indoors.

£299

Many of us are spending more time in our homes since there has been a big shift towards remote working, this is convenient for lots of reasons, however unlike most offices our homes are also spaces we cook in, play in, have the pets running around in, wash and clean in.

All this activity can cause a poor air quality within our homes and working spaces, the Element from Awair can help you get a better understanding of what exactly is in the air you are breathing. This monitor lets you track temperature, humidity, CO2, VOCs, and PM2.5 via the free Awair Home app and offers help on how to improve your indoor air quality. It comes in a compact and discreet little package, you will need to dedicate a plug for it, it looks a little like an alarm clock/speaker. It’s easy to set up, plug it in and download the app and follow the prompts and you are ready to go, you won’t need to be glued to your phone as the Element will display its finding on the device in real time. The white light display on the light grey background looks pretty sleek but doesn’t make it the easiest to read especially in sunlight, a darker colour or different font might help.

The Element uses the most accurate airflow design on the market, it tracks the invisible nasties in the air by looking at five key environmental factors that can affect your health

For more information on the Awair Element click here

Cold temperatures can suppress the immune system and aid the spread of viruses, you can set up a notification when things get too chilly, and you can either adjust your thermostat or add a trigger for this to happen automatically. On the flip side too much or too little moisture can lead to cold, flu symptoms, and risk for toxic mould, so the Element can let you know when it’s time to turn on the dehumidifier, exposure to carbon dioxide can affect performance and decision-making, when this gets too high it is time to open a window.

Toxic chemicals are found in everyday materials and can cause skin and respiratory irritation, if the TVOCs spike, you adjust your rooms ventilation or open a window to help whilst Particulate Matter (PM2.5) can get into the lungs and trigger asthma and allergies, the Element will also keep you up to date with these levels, using an air filter will help alleviate exposure. The Element uses Awair’s fan and laser sensor design, it has been tested and modified since Awair’s founding in 2013 to make it the leader in IAQ technology. This air monitor is handy for ensuring you know what you are breathing, for the hefty price tag a clearer screen would definitely be appreciated but the app works well alongside it and offers you personalised tips.

19

CEP Run Compression Socks 3.0 There is a lot of focus on having the right shoes when it comes to running to protect our feet and joints but what about the socks, the hard work starts at your feet, show them some love with some decent socks. The Run Compression Socks 3.0 from CEP go one step further but taking your ankles and calves into consideration too, these socks come in men’s and women’s sizes and seven different colours ranging from subtle to bright and bold. The Run Compression Socks 3.0 have been chosen by Trail Running magazine as the “BEST SOCKS OF THE YEAR 2020”, they are made from 85% polyamide, 15% elastane suitable for athletes, endurance athletes, fitness and running.

The built-in compression hugs the foot and ankle and gently eases off as it goes further up the leg and calf, it delivers a comfortable amount of pressure. The benefits of compression claim to be not only supportive for the muscles and target areas also warming the muscles up faster, aiding recovery and accelerated removal of metabolic waste. With the socks on and pulled up the legs ankles and feet feel lightweight and springy, with the anti-blister effect ensuring socks remain comfortable throughout. Constructed from the CEP smart textile with improved thermal balance which provides a warm but breathable fit, to ensure your feet stay toasty without overheating. If your feet do get a bit warm and sweaty the moisture management with the Feran ICP finish promotes evaporation wicking away the dampness to keep the feet comfortable. These socks feel great on, they have the perfect balance of flexibility and compression, they remain in place throughout the run allowing you to keep your head in the game and focus on what matters.

Give your feet and muscles a treat with these comfortable compression running socks.

Pros Targeted compression Smart Dry Yarn and HeiQ smart temp technology 16-part yarn structure Wicking Feran ICP finish Flexible and comfortable to put on Durable £44.95 Hold in place Cons Pricey For more information on the CEP Run Compression Socks 3.0 click here

21

Ekster Senate Cardholder

We were excited to receive another unique wallet from Ekster this time in the form of the Senate Cardholder, this particular wallet comes in seven different colours Classic Brown, Blush Beige, Merlot Red, Roma Cognac, Steel Blue, Juniper Green and the Nappa Black unfussy version that we received.

All the different colours feature a black elasticated cash strap and black card release button, the Senate combines leather and aluminium to deliver a truly robust cardholder with a super slim profile at just 0.3 x 4.1 x 2.3 in (0.85 x 10.5 x 6 cm). The leather used is a top-grain leather that is tanned under gold-rated environmental protocols using ECCO Leather’s new DriTan technology, this leaves a minimal impact on the planet whilst producing a durable finish.

The joy of leather is that it will age beautifully and gain character with time, leaving each wallet with an individual look. The cardholder can store a maximum of 6 non-embossed cards, or a combination of 4 - 5 embossed/nonembossed cards (depending on the thickness of each card), we were able to fit in 4 embossed bank cards at one time.

Much like we have seen before in the Parliament Wallet and Aluminium Card Holder the Senate has the patented card ejection mechanism, this makes accessing your cards a quick and simple process, no rummaging through your wallet to find the right card.

The button is made from plastic, this helps to keep the weight down, but we can’t help but think an aluminium button would just look and feel a little better. When the button is pressed the cards pop up and fan out letting you clearly see the cards and grab the correct one. The removable leather back pocket can be used to store an extra card, a driver’s license for example, it is a little tight at first but will soften up over time, you can even tuck an emergency bank note in here out of view. The Senate also comes with the removable cash strap where bank notes can be tucked in and easily seen, this modular set up allows the wallet to be adapted for different occasions. The Senate also has RFID blocking technology, and the optional extra of adding the Tracker Card ($49). This card is solar powered (2-3months battery life) and uses a worldwide lost and found platform, QR Safety a connection range up to 200 ft (60 m), it can be used to ring your wallet or phone and even take group selfies remotely. If you like to keep things streamlined and only carry what you need then the tough, distinct and smart Senate is definitely worth a look.

Pros Max storage 10+ cards, but 7 cards is recommended The elastic pocket strap offers room for large stacks of cards or notes Quick card access mechanism Environmentally certified leather Optional Tracker Card RFID technology

$79

Cons Takes less cards if they are embossed

Button could be metal

Streamline you bank cards and notes with this smart card holder, built

Ekster’s unique and practical features.

with

For more information on the Ekster Senate Cardholder click here

KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker 5KSMICM Today has been the hottest day of the year, it was still 30 degrees at 5pm and all I want to eat is ice cream, in fact I’ve already had an ice lolly and ice cream bites, it is too hot for anything else, lucky for us we had supplies in the house but imagine the horror if we didn’t, what would we do?

Well, if you are lucky enough to have a KitchenAid tilt-head stand mixer (excluding the 5KSM3) you can get the Ice Cream Maker attachment and make your very own ice cream, as well as slushies and sorbets. The 5KSMICM comes with a 1.9L ice cream bowl, dasher and drive assembly. To make ice cream you will need to store the bowl in your freezer for at least 16 hours until it is completely frozen, you can make up to 1.4 L of ice cream batter. Fasten the bowl to the stand mixer, attach the drive assembly and the dasher, add your ice cream batter to the bowl and mix for 20 to 30 minutes on speed 1, then serve straight away or freeze in an airtight container for later.

The improved bowl design stays colder for longer, giving you more time to churn and get that ice cream thicker and

creamier, the dasher rotates quickly to thoroughly mix the batter, spreading and scraping the tiny ice crystals off the walls of the frozen bowl, and incorporating air.

The faster the mix freezes the smaller the ice crystals, smaller ice crystals mean you avoid gritty and grainy ice cream, no one wants that, no matter how sunny it is. Once you have finished with the ice cream maker the dasher and drive assembly can go in the dish washer, and when the bowl is room temp it can be washed out with soap and warm water. There is plenty of inspiration on the KitchenAid website to get you experimenting with small batches of different ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and frozen yoghurt, playing with flavours and consistencies. Before you get excited it is worth noting the bowl measures up at 17.8cm H x 27.9cm W x 21.6cm D and you will need to dedicate this space to store the bowl, however you can tuck some bits inside and leave it there full time, which means it is ready to use on a whim.

Treat yourself this somewhere with home made ice cream on demand.

£129

Pros produces thick, creamy and crystal free ice cream

Also makes slushies, sorbet, frozen yogurt and more Bowl stays colder for longer Frozen treats in under 30 minutes (excluding prefreeze) Easily connects to your stand mixer Cons Needs 16hours to freeze the bowl Not everyone will have space in the freezer Bowl not dishwasher proof For more information on the KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker 5KSMICM click here

25

Kally Sleep Baby Nest

£79.99

A cosy and portable nest for baby to relax in whilst you gain access to your hands (even if it is for a short while).

We have had the pleasure of reviewing some lovely body pillows from Kally Sleep that can be used to help pregnant mammas get a decent night’s sleep, so it makes perfect sense to turn to them to help provide a cosy spot for baby to rest.

The Baby Nest comes in three colours, Powder Pink, Powder Blue and Light Grey, we would have liked to see more colours or patterns available as Light Grey is the only option if you are avoiding those baby pinks and blues. Spare covers available at just £22.49 (usual price £29.99) it comes in one size and measures in at 80cm x 45cm x 15cm with a 60cm x 25cm inner mattress and weighs just 2.2kg making it easy to move about from room to room or take to grandparents’ house. This snug little nest is suitable for new born to 8months old it is safety certified by OKEO-TEX and Intertek to ensure baby’s comfort and security. The Baby Nest is constructed from 100% quilted cotton and padded with a breathable, hypoallergenic stuffing, keeps baby at a comfortable temperature whilst providing a soft texture against delicate skin.

There are useful grab handles at the top and sides of the nest and an adjustable Velcro strap at the bottom that lets you increase size of the nest as baby grows or how you choose to use it. This makes the nest a comfy spot for changing (although bare in mind it is not waterproof) and dressing baby, providing some tummy time or taking a supervised nap, it is Kally Sleep’s recommendation that no baby nest should be used for overnight sleeping and your child should be supervised while sleeping in the nest at all times. As comes with the territory of babies, the Nest will probably get dirty at some point but thankfully the cover is removable and can be washed in the machine at 40°C, it will need to be dried naturally on a flat surface so it might be worth having a spare cover to hand. The Nest comes in a zip up travel bag, keeping it clean when throwing it in the back of the car, the soft padding means it’s ideal for popping baby down on firmer surfaces like in the bathroom when you take a bath or in the kitchen at a safe distance whilst you make some lunch for example. The price for such a short age range may put some people off but when it comes to making life just that little bit easier in the early days many will see that as price worth paying.

Pros Soft and breathable Portable, travel case included

Machine washable cover Adjustable size via Velcro strap

Suitable for rest, tummy time and supervised naps

Lightweight Suitable from new born Cons Pricey Short age range Only three colours available For more information on the Kally Sleep Baby Nest click here

27

Bosch Rechargeable Vacuum Cleaner Unlimited BCS712GB Gone are the days when vacuums need to be huge bulky and sound like a Boeing 747 to give your home a good clean, the Rechargeable Vacuum Cleaner Unlimited 7 White from Bosch is wonderfully compact and light. This makes it easy to move around the house, but the user-friendly features don’t stop there, the Flex Tube allows you to reach under furniture effortlessly and the Nozzle Foot Release makes it simple to detach the nozzle from the tube without bending over for spot cleaning.

The Easy Parking Clip lets you securely hold the tool in place against a piece of furniture whilst you move the cat out of the way or have a sip of tea, however being able to stand it upright on its own would be more convenient. Saying that the Quick Stand will hold the floor unit upright whilst you use the handheld nozzle, the floor unit has a motorized brush with LED lights, handy for spotting debris under furniture or dark corners. This vacuum come with a crevice nozzle, 2in1 furniture brush and upholstery nozzle, long flexible crevice nozzle as well as a charging cable, quick charger, docking station and two exchangeable battery pack. The dual 3.0 Ah batteries offer 33% more runtime, this means you can clean up to 100m with just one battery charge, that’s about 40mins run time and when that runs out simply switch it over to carry on, no waiting around for a recharge.

When the time comes to charge up the batteries the fast charger works up to three times faster than the docking station (1hr for a full charge), it is also compatible with all 18 V batteries from Bosch Home and Garden and other Power For All Alliance brands, plus the vacuum will recognise the battery and automatically get the best performance out of it. After cleaning its easy to empty the 0.3 l dustbox, just turn the red wheel and let it drop into the bin, there’s no need to wash the filter. The free 10-year motor guarantee ensures you have lots of cleaning power for years to come.

The BCS712GB is a powerful and versatile little machine, you can bend and twist all over the place, get up close and personal with the skirting boards and use the various attachments for tighter spots, over head and furniture. There are three power modes to choose from which will affect the battery life, but we found it could handle most daily dust and debris on the lower setting, it did struggle a bit with pet hair on carpet particularly in high traffic areas. This is a good choice for those with mobility issues, allowing you to reach areas without bending down and take a break when needed and particularly good with hard floors, we love that added battery too, letting you getting all the cleaning done in one hit, giving you more time to enjoy messing it up again.

Pros Flex Tube and Nozzle Foot Release saves your back

LED lights Highly manoeuvrable lightweight

Easy Parking Clip Two batteries Fast charge 40min run time Quite Quick, mess free emptying Cons Struggles with pet hair on high traffic areas For more information on the Bosch Rechargeable Vacuum Cleaner Unlimited click here

Get into all those awkward spots without tying yourself in knots.

£399 29

Technaxx Universal Car Alarm Pro TX-168

Pros Straightforward installation 105dB Button for panic alarm PIR motion detection sensor 7 days battery life Remote control (possible to connect up to 3 remotes) Universal compatibility Cons Limited features For more information on the Technaxx Universal Car Alarm Pro TX-168 click here

The TX 168 from Technaxx is a universal car alarm, it comes with a car alarm, external siren with connection cable and 3A fuse, remote control (with CR2032 battery), Mounting material and user manual. This mini alarm is just 69g and (L) 3.0 x (W) 3.0 x (H) 13.5cm whilst the external siren is 120g and (L) 7.3 x (W) 5.7 x (H) 6.2cm, do not let the size deceive you however it can knock out a 105dB alarm. The DC12 or 24V rechargeable Car Alarm is for the cigarette lighter socket whilst the DC12 or 24V external siren is for the engine compartment for drawing even more attention to your vehicle to deter intruders.

Installation is a reasonable simple process; it requires a full charge before using for the first time and if the vehicle isn’t being regularly used it is worth charging it every 2-3months to keep the battery working as it should.

The remote allows you to active and deactivate the alarm a red light will flash every 5 seconds to indicate it is activated, the PIR will reach the car from up to 10m with a clear view and it is possible to connect up to three remote controls for one alarm. The alarm will automatically be triggered when it detects motion via the PIR sensor, there is a manual panic button that can be activated from inside the car too. The detecting range is 120° cone angle and the rechargeable battery has a charging time of two hours with equates to a working time of seven days and standby time of up to 14 days, the indicating light will let you know the battery and charging status. The TX 168 is a practical and functional universal car alarm, giving you remote control over the arming and disarming of your vehicle.

€69.99

A functional, universal car alarm with remote control.

31

Browning Recon Force Advantage

The Browning Recon Force Advantage trail camera provides a way to get an even more detailed look into this secretive world, packed full of tech it allows you to capture videos and films of all the action happening when you are not around. This camera measures up at 5” x 4” x 2.5” with a rugged casing and camo finish it blends in with its surrounding and can withstand the elements. It comes with a 12-volt external power jack and can be mounted via the ¼” -20 tripod socket or the metal tree mount bracket. It is worth noting you will need 8AA batteries that are not included, we chose rechargeable batteries, even though on a full charge the battery indicator was saying there was 75% left but this didn’t have an influence on the battery life.

The Recon will also require a SDXC memory card that’s not included, with a compatibility all the way up to 512GB, the SD card management options allow you to choose to overwrite older images on the SD card if the memory is full.

Images and films can be viewed on the television or computer via the TV out and USB Port, it is also compatible with the Browning Buck Watch Timelapse viewer software. The 2 inch colour screen sits at the front of the camera and allows you to set up the perfect angle and review your images without removing the camera from its mount, the SD card can also be popped out easily to check your footage without losing that perfect angle. The camera settings are fully adjustable with variable detection range from 55ft. - 80 ft, 3 different IR flash modes (Power Save, Long Range, Fast Motion) for capturing the best picture control at night with Illuma-Smart technology that automatically adjusts the IR Flash depending on the conditions.

The 20 MP pictures has an adaptable trigger speed between 0.2 - 0.7 second and a 0.6sec recovery time between Images, whilst the 1920 x 1080 full HD video can be set to either 30 or 60 frames per second. There is the option of selecting up to 8 multi shot rapid fire images with a programmable picture delay of 1 sec – 60 min. All the images have an information bar that not only displays the time and date, but also the camera ID, temperature and moon phase (for werewolves?). Additional features include the Timelapse mode, Smart IR video, which continues recording video whilst the animal is moving in front of the camera, the videos are also recorded with sound. When using the Recon Force for the first time all the settings might seem a little over whelming, but you will soon get the hang of things, the field of view and image quality provide excellent photos. We had few false triggers during high winds, but the majority of the footage featured something, even if it was our own cat, the videos are equally impressive with reasonable sound adding to the detail. All those setting options, healthy battery life and quality footage makes this camera ideal for everything from catching large game on your grounds or mice and hedgehogs at your back door.

For more information on the Browning Recon Force Advantage click here

Pros 20mp images and 1920 x 1080 FHD video with

£139.08

sound

2" Colour Viewing Screen 120 ft. adjustable infrared flash range

Adjustable trigger speed Detection Range up to 80 ft.

Illuma-Smart Technology Automatically adjusts IR Flash for Perfect Night Photos Long Battery Life (mains powered option included) Supports up to 512GB SDXC Memory Card (not included) Robust and weatherproof Cons Batteries and SD card not included

Get a clear insight into the goings on in the outdoor spaces around you with the versatile and well-designed trail cam.

33

Pulseroll Vibrating Foam Roller The only way to build up muscle is to push it to its limits, switching up the moves and resistance regularly will improve your stamina and create gains, the downside to this is that your muscles can often feel stiff and sore the next day.

DOMS, (delayed onset muscle soreness) is a reminder that you have pushed your body but could also be a sign that you didn’t warm up or warm down correctly or maybe a combination of both. Foam rollers, love them or hate them, are an effective way of massaging deep into the tissue, this foam roller from Pulseroll brings a new dynamic by vibrating deep into the muscles helping to increase blood flow and reduce next day soreness. The Vibrating Foam Roller comes in Black or Red and the new and improved motor that offers four vibration levels. Level one produces 1300 RPM, level two 2000 RPM, level three 1300 to 2700 RPM (Pulsating) and level four 3700 RPM, the rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts up to 240 minutes with an average life of 3 hours.

The levels can easily be adjusted via the buttons on the device or if you have got yourself into an awkward position there is a handy remote that can be used instead. Due to the motor it is heavier than your average foam roller at 1kg, the inner tube is solid unlike traditional foam rollers and with its 15cm circumference it can be difficult to hold onto with one sweaty hand. If you are using the roller on floorboards be prepared for things to get loud, the vibrations are very strong so you will get some odd looks in the gym but man does it feel good, it borders on that almost painful level and afterwards your muscles feel more relaxed and supple. The Pulseroll Vibrating Foam Roller isn’t subtle by any means, but it helps with all those knots and tension, use it to warm up muscles before an exercise and flush away lactic acid at the end of a session to help aid recovery.

Get deeper into those muscles with 3700 RPM of vibrations.

For more information on the Pulseroll Vibrating Foam Roller click here

Pros 4 vibration levels Remote 3 hour battery life Deep tissue massage Effectively relaxes muscles Cons Heavy £99.99 Can get loud on some surfaces Not the easiest of things to transport

35

Maaree Empower One of the things that immediately stands out about Maaree is that’s a brand created for women designed by women. There have been many occasions when I’ve been trying to extract myself from a sports bra post workout and it’s obvious the designer has never worn a bra in their life, its underwear not a straightjacket guys!

The Empower is their medium impact bra, it comes in a range of colours, and we were lucky enough to receive the limited edition print that was especially created for Breast Health Awareness Month, which also supports the CoppaFeel charity by donating half of the profits from this bra. Maaree are so keen to ensure you have the correct support they offer a free online bra fitting service and after reading that 80% of women are wearing the wrong size sports bra I jumped at the chance, confident I would be in the 20% of women who had it right. This style of fitting was introduced during the pandemic, but it soon became apparent it was a great way of quickly fitting women, in their own homes and ensuring the measurements are being taken correctly. After a lovely chat with Mari it turns out my sizing was way off and I jumped from a 36 C to a 30 E, I can’t even blame my post-partum body as I felt like I was fitting into my bras pre baby ok, the Empower comes in XS, S, M, L and XL which the fitting team can help you out with too.

This bra is best suited to medium impact sports, like gym

workouts, cycling and weight training for example, it goes on over the head but there is a ‘Slot & Snap’ to get a precise fit under the bust, it makes it easier to get out of too. The clasp isn’t one I am familiar with, I had a few practise goes before putting it on, it is no harder than a hook and eye clasp and is actually easier and faster to undo and its flat shape avoids pressure points during floor work. The bra is constructed with 65% ECONYL yarn, this is a 100% regenerated nylon fibre made from nylon waste like fishing nets, fabric scraps and industrial plastic salvaged from all over the world.

The bra provides high coverage so it can be worn as a stand-alone top, particularly good on a hot and sweaty day like today, it provides a flattering, smooth body shape whilst holding everything in place. The Empower was put through its paces during a yoga session, weight training and HIIT class, it felt comfortable throughout and the Overband was effective at keeping things secure especially on the inversions during yoga. Whilst weight training the Empower kept the boobs out of the way and in the HIIT session it proved reliable enough for 85% of the moves, tuck jumps, step ups and sprints got things a little bouncier, but it wasn’t uncomfortable for the short bursts required. The Empower is perfect for medium impact workouts, it is comfortable, supportive, looks great on and uses recycled materials that’s a lot of boxes ticked.

Pros Supportive Flattering fit £49 Adjustable back strap Easy to take on and off Free online fitting Pre-tensioned Overband Technology Limited edition pattern gives 50% profits to the CoppaFeel charity Sustainable ECONYL yarn Cons Slot & Snap clasp takes a bit of practice Non-adjustable shoulder straps For more information on the Maaree Empower click here

It is obvious this bra has been designed by women who work out.

37

Maaree Solidarity

Pros Adjustable Overband Technology Hybrid style- compression and encapsulation Supportive yet flexible Convertible between Racerback or H-back styles Free online fitting Suitable for high-impact Sport High-coverage Body positive company Fast drying Excellent value for money

£64

After testing out the Empower I was really excited to get my hands on and boobs into the Solidarity, this bra has been developed for high impact sports like running and high intensity gym workouts, and with everything being a little wobblier post baby I was keen to see what this bra had to offer. The secret to this bra’s success is the Maaree Overband, it is also found on the Empower but really comes into play during more vigorous activities. It was developed when the founder, Mari, noticed that the upwards motion of our boobs was often overlooked, after experimenting by attaching belts over the top of her chest she realised that was what the bras had been missing.

Unlike the Empower the Overband is adjustable, letting you select the precise amount of tension needed to secure the breasts whilst allowing for natural movements…like breathing. The curved panel at the top of the bra follows the contour of the body and reduces upward and sideways movements whilst evenly distributing the pressure. This was the bra I measured up as a 30 E for, so I was really curious about the fit and I’m happy to say Mari knows what she is talking about I was amazed how good the fit was.

The cups are a hybrid design which have blended light compression with a slight encapsulation sports bra which is both comfortable and flattering as well as providing enough cover for it to be worn without a top layer covering it up. The bra is fastened with a three-row hook and eye clasp that opens up the back fully for easy fitting and removal, the shoulder straps can be converted between a Racerback or H-back style. I took the Solidarity for a run as soon as it arrived and put it through its paces with jogging, running, sprinting and even threw in a few burpees because I’m a masochist. The Solidarity is easily one of the best sports bras I have worn, the balance between comfort and performance is spot on, like you are holding them in place with your own hands, it’s the only way to describe it, it is wonderfully flexible so you can move around freely whether its during sprints or star jumps. The material if fast drying which helps to keep you comfortable and at the end of the workout it is easy to remove no matter how sweaty you are. It is very reasonably priced for such a technical piece of clothing, I think it’s time for me to stock up.

An impressive sports bra that has been thoughtfully designed around the natural movements of a woman body.

For more information on the Maaree Solidarity click here

39

XP-Pen Deco 01 V2 if you are looking for an entry level drawing pad this low cost but functional option could be ideal.

Gone are the days when drawing tablets have to cost the earth, the Deco 01 V2 from XP-Pen comes in at just under £60, with a 10 x 6.25inch workspace giving you plenty of room to play with.

It is super slim at just 8mm thick and lightweight, making it highly portable, the stylus supports up to 60 degrees of tilt function which makes for a natural writing and drawing action allowing you to add shading to your creations. The XP-Pen Deco 01 V2 is compatible with Android devices 6.0 and above, Windows 10/8/7, Mac OS X 10.10 and above, and Chrome OS 88.0.4324.109. Also compatible with many major designer software such like Photoshop, SAI, Painter, Illustrator and Clip Studio to name a few.

Down the left-hand side of the tablet are eight customisable express keys, which can be personalised to be shortcut keys to open different software programs, the screen can be rotated 0, 90, 180, and 270 degrees. The edges of the drawing area are back lit so you know exactly where the boarders are, the brightness can be adjusted to suit your work environment, the drawing pad has 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity to provide a real drawing feel, if you press a little lighter the lines become fainter and thinner.

You can use the Deco 01 V2 to draw, paint, design, and edit photos on your tablet, this can be very handy at the moment for demos in web meetings and remote learning and it is compatible with Microsoft Office apps like Word, PowerPoint, OneNote and more. The stylus is thicker than your average pen or pencil but feels comfortable in the hand with a textured grippy surface that allows for long periods of use. Other features include the 5080 LPI resolution, handy pen stand, replacement nibs and an Anti-fouling glove which is sort of a half glove which prevents the outside edge of your hand marking the tablet whilst leaving the middle, index fingers and thumb free to draw naturally. This entry level drawing tablet delivers what you may expect for the money, it isn’t packed with loads of features, however the drawing pad is responsive, it works with plenty of apps, programs and operating systems, perhaps best suited for occasional editing and sketching, students, or hobbyists but professionals should look elsewhere.

Pros

£59.99

Lightweight Compatible with multiple apps and programs

Button to select eraser on pen Comfortable pen Reasonable sensitivity Programmable short cut buttons Low budget Drawing feels natural Cons Sensitivity struggles with complex details

Limited features Wired power only For more information on the XP-Pen Deco 01 V2 click here

41

Hasbro Operation

£24.99 This classic game is just as frustrating and entertaining as it ever was.

For more information on the Hasbro Operation click here

When it comes to board games the ones that have stuck around for generations seem to be the same ones that also happen to cause frustration, family arguments and if you are lucky, so fun times, there is something addictive about these games and the tension they produce. Among the biggest culprits are Monopoly, Mouse Trap, Battle Ships and the latest available in our house Operation.

Believe it or not this game was first dreamt up in 1964, that means poor old “Cavity Sam” has been under the knife for 57 years, that’s a long time, even by NHS standards.

The guy who came up with the idea, John Spinello, got a bit of a raw deal too, he sold this idea to the toy designer Marvin Glass for $500 and the promise of a job after graduation which he never received. It passed hands before being taken over by Hasbro and is now worth a whopping $40 million, that’s a lot of Funny Bones trying to be prised out around the world. It still features the original pieces, including the adams apple, the broken heart and that fiddly breadbasket in the tummy.

It also has the same game play and a similar image of Sam, although thankfully he is now wearing a pair of pants and his eyebrows look less threatening. For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of playing this surgery-based board game the concept it simple, you pick a card which will allocate the body part you need to retrieve. Then you have to use the Electro Probe (tweezers) to remove the piece without touching the sides, if you do a buzzer will go off and Sam’s nose will light up, its then the next players turn to have a go. The player who successfully removes the offending item receives the money, the most money wins the game. It is as entertaining and infuriating to play as it was when I was a kid, plus that buzzer still makes me jump, it’s great for testing kids’ dexterity and patience skills and once the kids are in bed, take things to a new difficulty level by getting some drinks involved.

Pros Entertaining Easy to learn Quick games Practise dexterity and patience

Cons Board could be more robust

Likely to cause frustration (but that’s part of the fun)

43

BOMBAZINE pendant

YELENA pendant

KEEGAN wall light

ARONA pendant

For stockists, please visit www.darlighting.co.uk or contact our team directly on: 01295 672 200

£135

Don’t get caught out the morning after

One in five drink drive prosecutions happen the morning after†, many unaware they still have alcohol left in their system after a few drinks the night before. AlcoSense quickly and accurately shows your blood alcohol level, so you know when you’re clear. “a fresh level of accuracy in consumer breath testing”B

£69.99

£99.99

- Successor to the multi award-winning AlocSense Elite 1 and 2 - Premium semi-conductor sensor - Reads up to twice English limit - Don’t drive alert when close to English, Irish or Scottish drink drive limit - Accurate to +/-0.20‰BAC

- Uses a 64mm2 version of exactly the same fuel cell sensor used in several Police breathalysers - Adjustable don’t drive alert to any limit world-wide - Full colour screen and easy to use interface - Multi award-winning

2018

Next day delivery available online, or buy in-store

ALCOHOL

B R E AT H A LYS E R

Order securely at alcosense.co.uk or call 0800 195 0088 †: Source: DfT Road Accident Data 2015, B: Review of the AlcoSense Pro, 24/12/15. Intellectual Property: www.alcosense.co.uk/ip. © AlcoSense Laboratories, part of Now Group UK Ltd, Unit 3 MEC, Cordwallis Street, Maidenhead SL6 7BE

Jackery Solar Generator 500Explorer 500 + SolarSaga 100W The Jackery Solar Generator 500 is a bundle that comes with the Explorer 500 power station and SolarSaga 100W solar panel for a convenient, portable power supply, it allows you to bring your indoors with you wherever you want to go.

The Explorer has a 518Wh/144,400mAh battery capacity, 500W Rated Power and 1000W Surge Power from the pure-sine wave AC port. It features three USB ports, AC outlet, and 12V car output, it can provide stable power to mainstream electronics and small appliances, including TVs, projectors to small blenders, not forgetting enough power to charge up all your devices. The Professional MPPT technology provides faster solar recharge rates this means it can be recharged within 9.5 hours by SolarSaga 100W solar panel (more on that in a bit), this will then give you over 50 phone charges, 45hrs of light, 9hrs on a mini cooler or 50mins of a blender, Margaritas anyone?

Highly portable this power bank weighs just 13.32lbs and has an integrated carry handle, it measures up at 11.8 x 7.6 x 9.2 inch, it has a robust build suitable for outdoor environments and car travel. On the front of the charger there is an LCD display which will show you the level of charge left, output power of the devices connected and input power if it’s being charged.

You can charge the power station three ways, using the

included 19V, 3.42A 65W mains charger, the included car charger cable, or solar panel. This high conversion efficiency solar generator comes equipped with a USB-C output port and a USB-A output port, charging multiple portable devices at the same time. It weighs 9.1 lbs and has a foldable design for max portability, it measures 24 x 21 x 1.4 inch when folded and 48 x 21 x 0.2 inch unfolded, it comes with a built-in kickstand to get the perfect angle in the sun. Made from tough materials it is durable and splash-proof (not suitable for use in the rain), the ETFElaminated case is tough enough to extend the lifespan of the solar panel. There are zippers on the pocket which are handy for storing the power cords, and cover the power port, it can be used with the Explorer but also separately, which is useful for day trips when a full power bank isn’t required. One issue we found was the the AC outlet is low on the front of the Explorer device, so for some larger plugs with undercarriage I would have to have the units front up in the air, however, I did appreciate that you can switch off each of the outputs separately without unplugging. This is an ideal bit of kit, perfect for campers, glampers, working from home in the garden, anyone really who enjoys the outdoors but doesn’t want to sacrifice the home comforts.

For more information on the Jackery Solar Generator 500 click here

Pros 518Wh/144,400mAh battery capacity Charge your phone, 50 times £787.99 Lots of power outlets Easy to use Durable and portable Multiple charging options for the power bank Solar panel can be used on its own Cons AC outlet should be higher up

Blow your friends battery packs out of the water.

47

Datacolor ColorReader Pro

When it comes to colour matching Datacolor are the go-to company for precise and easy readings, the ColorReader Pro boosts over 92% first-match accuracy, this smart device is highly portable and comes with a protective carrying case so you can pop it in your toolbox.

Suitable for painters and decorators, textiles, graphic designers, photographers, interior design, retail, architects, powder coating and DIYers, it’s user-friendly meaning anyone can get instant readings. To use the Pro you will need to download the ColorReader app and charge up the device, its then just a case of following the colour calibration steps.

Next, press the top of the device, put it on any flat surface and hit the trigger button, the colour will then appear on the built in LED screen along with the top three closest paint matches. In the app you can get all the detailed colour values, you can get useful Colour measurements as well as Delta E, CIE Lab, RGB, Hex, CMYK, LRV and LCH measurements and displays RAL standard. You can save your favourite colours with personalised reference labels and share colours with friends, colleagues, clients and even paint stores, you can also sync fan decks to the device’s internal storage so you can use it without the app and see results right on screen.

There is the option to build your own colour palettes, and browse complementary, triad, analogous and monochromatic palettes suggested by the app. Digital fan decks are displayed of your favourite paint brands for inspiration as well as real time updates of the most frequently scanned colours from ColorReader giving you an insight into what’s trending all around the world. The magic is in the advanced optical lens and six high CRI white LEDs which isolate and illuminate evenly across the sample for highly accurate matching on the first reading. The quality control mode can be used to set a colour standard and compare subsequent readings to it, showing pass/fail, ΔL, Δa and Δb perfect for demanding industrial settings. The ColorReader Pro does a great job at providing accurate readings swiftly and efficiently all wrapped up in a work friendly package, the price tag might put off DIYers but it is ideal for professional use.

This highly portable colour reader provides fast and accurate results on the devices

LED screen.

Pros Over 92% First-match Accuracy Convenient Carrying Case LED Screen Save, Label and Share Colors Advanced Quality Control On-device Colour Storage Easy to use Cons Price might put off DIYers

For more information on the Datacolor ColorReader Pro click here

£259

49

The Crafty Robot Smartibot Kit Think of a robot and you will probably think of a human like metal character with bolts and antennas sticking out from it, well the Smartibot from Crafty Robot turns things on its head by allowing kids and adults to create their very own cardboard A.I. enabled robot. The Smartibot kit is powered by your smartphone via the Smartibot app, which is available on iOS and Android, it is also programmable with visual blocks editor and JavaScript, with the Espruino platform. It arrives with everything you need to get building, including cardboard parts to build two other robots a Teabot, who can actually bring you drinks and snacks on its little flatbed things and Unicorn which cannot bring you drinks but it is a fricken unicorn, what more do you want.

Your smartphone can be attached to the robot and when used with the A.I. is can be used to chase things like your pets, husband or other robots you have knocking about. The cardboard pieces that come in the kit can be re-used time and time again or get inventive by creating your own out of bits you find in the recycling bin, building bricks like Lego. If you want inspiration check out the Projects section on Thingiverse for ideas, there are even 3D printing designs that can be downloaded. The robot will need four AA batteries for power which aren’t included, and it is recommended getting a decent set of rechargeable to keep the fun going, it is also advised that children under 14 are supervised with the robot (to avoid world domination) and it should be kept away from very young children.

£55

Pros

Entertaining Introduces STEM Good value for money

Customisable More expansion packs available

Reusable cardboard kits

£25

Smartipresence + Fighting Robot Expansion Pack Along with the starter kit we received the Smartipresence and Fighting Robot Expansion Pack, with all the parts you need to convert the Smartibot onto a Smartipresence telepresence robot or a fighting robot with a flipper (a must have for anyone who remembers Robot Wars). The Smartipresence is a robot body that attaches to your phone, this will interact with video calls and has the ability to move around for themselves giving the person on the phone a physical (although cardboard) body.

The person on the screen can move forwards and backwards, turn and look up and down, it comes with 10 hours of calls using the Smartipresence system, with additional 10-hour blocks costing £5 each. It’s a bit of a novelty but during lockdown it is the closest we can get to some people and the kids love it. The BattleBot transforms the cute Smartibot into a badass fighting robot with a powerful flipper that can turn opponent’s upside down, stickers are included in the kit to personalise the fighting bot including shark’s eyes, teeth and hazard warning markings. Get two Smartibots together and battle it out, or simply go on a rampage of destruction around the house.

These two little kits are good value for money, the Smartibot is an entertaining little bot, especially whilst we are spending more time indoors, a great choice for those interested in STEM or just want a robot slave to bring them drinks.

For more information on the The Crafty Robot Smartibot Kit click here

51

Freya Starter Kit I knew we were in for an interesting day at work when I read on the website that Freya was all about being selfaware, playful, caring, determined and not giving a f**k, their words not mine.

This female-led company believes diversity is not binary and goes beyond ethnicity, sexual identity or self-image.

They believe that choice is the single most empowering encounter any woman can own, with all this in mind they have produced a product that takes on two of the things that society like to pretend are not nature for women or outright don’t exist. If you’re a little prudish this revelation might make you clutch your pearls but firstly, women grow body hair and secondly, women also enjoy sex, be it with a partner, many partners or on their own. Now everyone has recovered for that truth bomb we can look at the Freya Starter Kit, this is both a razor and a vibrator, it has a lightweight (2oz) and curvonomically-design that follows the contours of your body for both a comfortable shave and fun play time. There are six vibration modes to choose

from and the curved shape and soft touch means it will definitely hit the spot, you can only turn the vibrator on when the shaving head is fully removed, you do not want vibrating razor blades anywhere near your body.

The shaving head has five precision, safety blades, easy to clean with their clog free layout, the flexible head features a lubrication strip to help protect your skin. The starter kit comes with the option of a Peachy, Royal (blue) or Breezy (light blue) coloured handle, the USB charging cable, spare blade and adhesive wall holder, you can also set up a subscription service for new blades so its one less thing you have to remember to purchase. The razor and vibrator are both well made products, the only thing that might be a little mixed up is they don’t traditionally reside in the same room, vibrator in the bathroom? Hanging on the wall next to the toothbrush? Razor in the bedroom draw? Maybe I’m living life wrong? Either way we are all for a product that’s focuses on women’s self-care and selflove.

Combine self-love and selfcare in one product.

For more information on the Freya Starter Kit click here

$49.99

Pros Curvonomic shape 5 Sharp Blades Aloe & Vitamin E strip

Body Safe 5 vibration settings Female led company Cons Do vibrators and razors naturally live in the same room?

Not sure I would hang it on the wall

53

LARQ Bottle PureVis Insulated Reusable bottles are better for the environment but aren’t always the easiest things to clean, old water and mouth germs can become the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, the LARQ PureVis takes the hassle out of this by becoming the world's first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system.

This bottle come in two sizes, the 500ml or the 750ml and comes in six colours; Monaco Blue, Obsidian Black, Seaside Mint, Granite White, Eucalyptus Green and Electro Blue, we received the 750ml in Obsidian Black. It comes with the PureVis technology lid that eliminates up to 99% of bio-contaminants such as E. coli from both the water and the bottle, this comes in the form of a UV-C LED. It works in a chemical free, nontoxic way to clean the bottle, 280 nanometer UV-C light is enough to neutralize germs, triggering a photochemical reaction that destroys their DNA. The LED is powered by a rechargeable lithium polymer battery, each cleaning cycle takes just 60 seconds to complete this means you get about one months’ worth cleaning per single charge.

Once activated (in Normal Mode) the bottle will automatically start a cleaning cycle every 2 hours, the bottle can also be locked to travel mode to stop the lid from accidentally being activated unnecessarily. The Adventure Mode option will provide a three-minute cleaning cycle and a higher dose of UVC this is a particularly good choice if you’re not sure about the quality of your water, when travelling for example. The double-wall vacuum insulation keeps the water cold for up to 24hrs and hot for 12hours, the food-grade 18/8 stainless steel and BPA-free construction remains comfortable to the touch whether its full of hot or chilled water.

The handy LED display on the lid notifies you to the charging status, battery level and the selected mode. It is also worth noting once the water has been purified there isn’t a noticeable taste difference like you can get with some filters, other than the fact it remains fresh tasting, this fresh taste lasts over time too, unlike regular water bottles than can end up tasting a little funky. With normal use from a reliable water source this bottle only needs cleaning every 3-4 weeks, the mouth area might need more regular care if the owner wears lipsticks, gloss or moisturises. The LARQ has been designed to work with water and its best sticking to that most of the time, if you do end up using it for tea or coffee it will need hand washing after each use. The LARQ takes the reusable water bottle to the next level, self cleaning and purifying your water it is perfect for everyday use and travelling adventures alike, well worth the investment.

A bottle the selfcleans and purifies water, yes For more information on the LARQ Bottle PureVis Insulated click here

please!

Pros Worlds first self-cleaning bottle Neutralises up to 99% of bacteria such as E.coli 1 hour charge = 1 month use Normal and Adventure mode Travel lock Double wall insulation for hot and cold water 500ml or 750ml Stylish design LED display

£118

55

Upright Go 2

With so many people working at desks all day it is easy to pick up some pretty poor posture habits. As many people are now working from home the office furniture may have become a dining table, worktop or sofa, all of which are not suitable for an 8hour workday. Bad posture won’t just get you told off by your mum but will also have an adverse effect on your body causing strain on your back and neck which can develop into long term pain over time.

The Upright Go 2 aims to correct this by constantly monitoring your posture and retrain both your muscles and brain to hold you in the correct posture. This comes in the form of an App, personalised training plan based on your age, weight and back pain and the Upright Go 2 unit which is a 48 x 28 x 8.6mm sensor that attaches directly to your skin via a medical grade adhesive sticker. There are ten stickers included in the pack and they last around 3-10 days depending on your skin type. A single charge will provide 30hours of battery life whilst the lightweight design means you can easily forget you are wearing it, that is until you start slouching. When the six precision enhanced sensors in the GO 2 detects incorrect posture, it will vibrate to remind you to straighten up, the intensity of this vibration can be adjusted from a gentle reminder to a brisk telling off.

This stage is the Training mode, after this comes the Tracking mode which switches off the reminders but continues to track your posture, you can then review your achievements at the end of the day via the app. The app is easy to navigate, you can set daily training sessions that last between 10-15minutes, view your posture statistics, goals, improvements and more. You will probably find your muscles ache to begin with as they are simply not used to holding the correct position, but this lessens with time as your muscles become stronger and the position becomes more natural. The tracking and detecting proved to be reliable the majority of the time, and certainly will let you know when to straighten up, it is discreet and easy to use. There is a little room for improvement when it comes to the cost of the device, if it was waterproof you could forget about it in the shower, rain or even a sweaty workout, a few additional functions would be nice too for example reminders to move, get up, or stretch maybe beneficial.

Upright Necklace The Upright Necklace gives you an alternative way to wear the Upright Go 2 without sticking it directly to your skin, it comes in six colours and is made from a high-grade medical silicone with a strong magnetic closure for a secure hold but fast removal. The Upright Go 2 then connects to the necklace via the USB C port which rests on the back in a similar position to where it would be stuck with the adhesive. The necklace is handy if you need to be able to remove the device quickly or you choose to only wear it for short periods of time, on walks for instance, however we found the adhesives more comfortable for longer periods and more accurate.

Pros 30 hours of battery life From Six precision enhanced sensors $99.95 Training and Tracking mode Comfortable and discreet to wear Effective coaching Real-time posture feedback and tracking Cons Limited features for the price Not waterproof If you suffer with back or neck pain (particularly after a long day at work) or simply want to ensure you avoid it in the future this little device will straighten you out.

For more information on the Upright Go 2 click here

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Don’t get caught out the morning after

One in five drink drive prosecutions happen the morning after†, many unaware they still have alcohol left in their system after a few drinks the night before. AlcoSense quickly and accurately shows your blood alcohol level, so you know when you’re clear. “a fresh level of accuracy in consumer breath testing”B

£69.99

£99.99

- Successor to the multi award-winning AlocSense Elite 1 and 2 - Premium semi-conductor sensor - Reads up to twice English limit - Don’t drive alert when close to English, Irish or Scottish drink drive limit - Accurate to +/-0.20‰BAC

- Uses a 64mm2 version of exactly the same fuel cell sensor used in several Police breathalysers - Adjustable don’t drive alert to any limit world-wide - Full colour screen and easy to use interface - Multi award-winning

2018

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Order securely at alcosense.co.uk or call 0800 195 0088 facebook.com/thereviewsmiths

†: Source: DfT Road Accident Data 2015, B: Review of the AlcoSense Pro, 24/12/15. Intellectual Property: www.alcosense.co.uk/ip. © AlcoSense Laboratories, part of Now Group UK Ltd, Unit 3 MEC, Cordwallis Street, Maidenhead SL6 7BE

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