Home Outdoor Gear

Magellan’s eXplorist TRX7 CS helps you navigate off-road


Pre-loaded with more than 117,000 trails and landmarks, the Magellan eXplorist TRX7 CS is an all in one GPS turn by turn navigation system that can take you off the beaten path and back home again without getting lost. The eXplorist TRX7 is shock resistant and IP67 dust and waterproof. It includes a 7-inch touchscreen, and a high-definition camera capable of one-touch videos or photos.

One of the best features of the Magellan eXplorist TRX7 CS is that it does not require a data connection to access maps and trail info.

The navigation system is priced at $649.99. You can read more about it at magellangps.com and Amazon.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: ,

Magellan’s eXplorist TRX7 CS helps you navigate off-road originally appeared on on July 2, 2017 at 1:20 pm.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Off Grid Tools Survival Axe Elite review


Survival tools run the gamut from a pocket knife to axes and even beyond. I don’t know if there is any real definition of what a survival tool is, so I guess it comes down to what an individual would consider to be a survival tool. With that in mind Off Grid Tools has offered up for review their version of a survival tool, the Survival Axe Elite.

Note: Images can be clicked to view a larger size.

Although not all survival tools will have multiple useful features, to me the most effective ones will. The Survival Axe Elite delivers on the multiple use aspect being advertised as having 30 features. Now, just for clarification, features may not mean tools or uses depending on your definition. As you can see by the picture below from the Off Grid Tools website all the features are shown and listed.

Again, you would need to decide and define what you consider a feature.

I will break this review down by the axe head section and the handle section. Before I go too far into this review I want to address the “hatchet” in the room. I know some of you may look at the Survival Axe Elite and say, “isn’t that a hatchet?” And by many definitions, the tool could be considered a hatchet, but hatchets are also known as hand axes so by accepted terms the Survival Axe Elite is an axe.

The head of the axe contains the majority of the Survival Axe Elites tools the main two to me being the hatchet edge and the hammer head. Although the other tools can be useful, those two are the workhorses of this section of the tool. I don’t want to discount the other features here like the pry bar and gas valve shut off, or even the built-in sockets, but I consider those to be ancillary items.

The handle of the Survival Axe Elite covers the full tang of the axe. The rubberized 33% glass filled nylon handle has some interesting feature including a six-inch reciprocating saw blade and a hardened glass breaker.

There is a locking mechanism at the bottom of the axe that keeps the reciprocating blade lock in place when in and outside of the handle. I will say that when the blade is deployed the locking mechanism does not hold the blade locked in place on my Survival Axe Elite. The blade lock is low enough on the handle that it should not interfere with your use of the Survival Axe Elite.

I mentioned the glass breaker before, but the handle also has a seatbelt cutter built into it. Both would seem to function well, but I must admit I did not try out the glass breaker. As with the blade lock both of these items are low enough on the handle so they should not interfere with normal use.

I mainly tested the Survival Axe Elite by using the hatchet, hammer and saw blade. The hatchet blade is good for chopping, I wish that the blade was sharpened a little better, I believe this would make chopping wood easier. The hammer was also good at what it does, hammer. The grip was comfortable for both chopping and hammering. I did try out the nail puller and it also performed well. That brings me to the saw feature. First, let me say I love the fact that the saw feature is included on this tool, that being said I think the tool would benefit from a redesign of the locking mechanism. I am just scared that I will hit the back of the blade making it close on my fingers. The blade did cut well and the way the system is designed makes it a little more ergonomic when cutting.

So, what’s my bottom line here? The Off Grid Tools Survival Axe Elite is good. From what I did it functions well. The features have been well thought out but, I would honestly only use some of the features in an emergency (mainly the hex sockets). The build is solid and the materials seem to be first rate. The oxide coating has held up so far and will help protect the Survival Axe Elite while it waits to be used. Even with the minor issues I have had with this tool, I would still recommend it to someone that was looking for a tool of this type. The Survival Axe Elite is available on the Off Grid Tools website for $89.99.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by Off Grid Tools. Please visit their site for more info and Amazon to order one.

 

Product Information

Price: $89.99
Manufacturer: Off Grid Tools
Retailer: Amazon
Pros:
  • Well built
  • Built in tools
Cons:
  • No axe head cover or case

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: , ,

Off Grid Tools Survival Axe Elite review originally appeared on on July 2, 2017 at 9:45 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Off Grid Tools Survival Axe Elite review


Survival tools run the gamut from a pocket knife to axes and even beyond. I don’t know if there is any real definition of what a survival tool is, so I guess it comes down to what an individual would consider to be a survival tool. With that in mind Off Grid Tools has offered up for review their version of a survival tool, the Survival Axe Elite.

Note: Images can be clicked to view a larger size.

Although not all survival tools will have multiple useful features, to me the most effective ones will. The Survival Axe Elite delivers on the multiple use aspect being advertised as having 30 features. Now, just for clarification, features may not mean tools or uses depending on your definition. As you can see by the picture below from the Off Grid Tools website all the features are shown and listed.

Again, you would need to decide and define what you consider a feature.

I will break this review down by the axe head section and the handle section. Before I go too far into this review I want to address the “hatchet” in the room. I know some of you may look at the Survival Axe Elite and say, “isn’t that a hatchet?” And by many definitions, the tool could be considered a hatchet, but hatchets are also known as hand axes so by accepted terms the Survival Axe Elite is an axe.

The head of the axe contains the majority of the Survival Axe Elites tools the main two to me being the hatchet edge and the hammer head. Although the other tools can be useful, those two are the workhorses of this section of the tool. I don’t want to discount the other features here like the pry bar and gas valve shut off, or even the built-in sockets, but I consider those to be ancillary items.

The handle of the Survival Axe Elite covers the full tang of the axe. The rubberized 33% glass filled nylon handle has some interesting feature including a six-inch reciprocating saw blade and a hardened glass breaker.

There is a locking mechanism at the bottom of the axe that keeps the reciprocating blade lock in place when in and outside of the handle. I will say that when the blade is deployed the locking mechanism does not hold the blade locked in place on my Survival Axe Elite. The blade lock is low enough on the handle that it should not interfere with your use of the Survival Axe Elite.

I mentioned the glass breaker before, but the handle also has a seatbelt cutter built into it. Both would seem to function well, but I must admit I did not try out the glass breaker. As with the blade lock both of these items are low enough on the handle so they should not interfere with normal use.

I mainly tested the Survival Axe Elite by using the hatchet, hammer and saw blade. The hatchet blade is good for chopping, I wish that the blade was sharpened a little better, I believe this would make chopping wood easier. The hammer was also good at what it does, hammer. The grip was comfortable for both chopping and hammering. I did try out the nail puller and it also performed well. That brings me to the saw feature. First, let me say I love the fact that the saw feature is included on this tool, that being said I think the tool would benefit from a redesign of the locking mechanism. I am just scared that I will hit the back of the blade making it close on my fingers. The blade did cut well and the way the system is designed makes it a little more ergonomic when cutting.

So, what’s my bottom line here? The Off Grid Tools Survival Axe Elite is good. From what I did it functions well. The features have been well thought out but, I would honestly only use some of the features in an emergency (mainly the hex sockets). The build is solid and the materials seem to be first rate. The oxide coating has held up so far and will help protect the Survival Axe Elite while it waits to be used. Even with the minor issues I have had with this tool, I would still recommend it to someone that was looking for a tool of this type. The Survival Axe Elite is available on the Off Grid Tools website for $89.99.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by Off Grid Tools. Please visit their site for more info and Amazon to order one.

 

Product Information

Price: $89.99
Manufacturer: Off Grid Tools
Retailer: Amazon
Pros:
  • Well built
  • Built in tools
Cons:
  • No axe head cover or case

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: , ,

Off Grid Tools Survival Axe Elite review originally appeared on on July 2, 2017 at 9:45 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

ShedRain e-Motion motorized compact umbrella review


Do you carry a compact umbrella with you for rainy days? I have one in my drawer at my day job and one in the glove compartment of my car just so I have all my bases covered. The overall design of compact umbrellas hasn’t changed much over the years unless you include the button on the handle that automatically extends the canopy over your head when you press it. Yes, that’s a very handy feature, there hasn’t been a button to automatically close the umbrella until now. Let’s go singing in the rain with the ShedRain e-Motion motorized compact umbrella.

What is it?

The ShedRain e-Motion motorized compact umbrella is a 14″ long umbrella that fully opens and closes with the press of a button.

What’s in the box?

ShedRain e-Motion motorized compact umbrella
Protective sleeve
AC adapter
Instructions

Design and features

At first glance, the ShedRain e-Motion motorized compact umbrella looks like an ordinary black umbrella that you probably already own.

The umbrella is 14″ long when closed and features an 8-panel design that is made of a black polka dotted polyester material that has a rain repellent Teflon coating, sturdy fiberglass ribs, and a steel shaft.

The e-Motion has a comfortable rubberized handle with a wrist strap. But when you look a little closer you’ll notice two arrow buttons and a battery status LED below them.

The ShedRain is powered by a built-in rechargeable battery that can last for months on a charge which is done using the included AC adapter. The adapter plugs into a socket on the bottom of the umbrella handle and a small rubber cover protects the socket when it’s not being used.

Charging the umbrella is as easy as plugging the cable into the umbrella, plugging the adapter into a wall outlet, and then waiting for the LED on the AC adapter to turn from red to green.

There’s also a status LED on the umbrella handle, which turns red when the battery needs to be recharged. I’ve yet to see it light up because one charge provides enough power for up to 150 openings and closings.

How does it work?

It really couldn’t be any easier. You unwrap the velcro strap around the closed umbrella and press and hold the up arrow on the handle. That’s it. To close you press and hold the down button. Like I said, easy.

See it in action

As you can see from the video, using the ShedRain is easy and it’s fun too. I love it!

Final thoughts

Most standard umbrellas offer a one-button open of the umbrella, but they still have to manually push the folded canopy down the handle. I bet some of you thinking that people are lazy if they can’t even close an umbrella without needing a button or a motor to do it. But think about it for a minute. Closing an umbrella is awkward when your other hand is holding something, you have dexterity problems or you only have one arm in the first place.

The only criticism of the ShedRain that I can think of is that it uses a proprietary AC adapter. I wish it used a microUSB or USB Type-C connector instead so I could charge it at the office, in my car, etc. As is, you have to to make sure not to lose the AC adapter that ships with the umbrella.

Note: I’m not sure what happens if the battery in the umbrella is completely dead. Will it open? I have sent that question to ShedRain and will update the review as soon as I get an answer.

The ShedRain e-Motion motorized compact umbrella makes using an umbrella fast and easy by completely opening and closing it with the simple hold of a button. Now I look forward to rainy days!

Source: The sample for this review was provided by ShedRain. Please visit their site for more info.

 

Product Information

Price: $99.00
Manufacturer: ShedRain
Pros:
  • Very easy to use
  • Opens and closes with the press of a button
  • Compact
  • Rechargeable
Cons:
  • Uses a proprietary charger

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: ,

ShedRain e-Motion motorized compact umbrella review originally appeared on on June 28, 2017 at 4:56 pm.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

The Pocket Shot Hammer Full Kit Slingshot review


The Pocket Shot Slingshot is an innovative, modern take on the classic slingshot design. With the addition of the Pocket Hammer handle and Arrow Cap, this reimagining of the classic Y-shaped slingshot, a circular design which replaces strong rubber bands with an elastic pouch, is incredibly effective and so much fun to use.

The original Pocket Shot and Pocket Shot Arrow Cap was previously reviewed by fellow Gadgeteer contributor Larry Geisz. You can read those expertly conducted reviews here and here. I’ll be focusing on the Pocket Hammer Full Kit, which includes the Pocket Hammer handle and wrist brace.

The Pocket Hammer Full Kit comes with a standard Pocket Shot circular slingshot, a black Standard pouch, a blue Pro pouch, a Red Arrow pouch, the Arrow Cap, 100 5/16″ steel balls, four arrow nock caps, and the Pocket Hammer handle with wrist brace.

The Pocket Shot is super simple to assemble. The included circular rings and caps screw together, nesting whichever pouch you choose in between for a strong and secure fit.

According to the manufacturer, the material used to make the Pocket Shot is a durable, high impact polycarbonate composite.

Once assembled and held properly, wrapping your index finger and thumb around the circular notch of the Pocket Shot and pulling back the end of the pouch with your dominant hand, the unit feels natural and easy to handle.

The Pocket Shot can shoot a number of different types of ammo, including paintballs, marbles, smooth stones, and some airsoft pellets. The Pocket Hammer Kit comes with ammo in the form of 100 5/16″ steel ball bearings.

Most conveniently, you can use the Pocket Shot pouch to store your ammo as well as other pouches.

In use, the Pocket Shot measures about five inches long, but when closed it packs up into a very portable 2.3 by 1.3 inches.

The three different latex colored pouches, Standard (black), Pro (blue) and Arrow (red), provide different FPS rates when shooting and in the case of the Arrow pouch, when coupled with the Arrow Cap, allows you to shoot full sized arrows and crossbow bolts.

For more power and stability when shooting, the kit comes with the Pocket Hammer handle and wrist brace. The Hammer was designed by SimpleShot to provide a more traditional slingshot feel to the Pocket Shot while providing extra leverage and power.

The Hammer has a honeycomb, textured grip that was easy to maintain control of even with sweaty hands or in wet conditions.

The bottom of the Pocket Hammer has a standard rail mount attachment for adding accessories like flashlights or lasers for easier target acquisition.

The upper part of the Pocket Hammer has a metal tension clip that is secured by two screws at the base of the handle. By moving this tension clip outwards, you can break down the Hammer for storage or cleaning.

When fully extended and adjusted properly, the Hammer’s wrist brace stabilizes the slingshot and helps you get a deeper pull which translates into higher FPS when shooting.

The wrist brace itself is removable and the Hammer can be used with or without it.

You can attach any pouch to the Hammer just as easily as you would swap them out in the standard Pocket Shot configuration.

After attaching the red Arrow pouch to the Hammer, you’ll need to attach the Arrow Cap to be able to safely shoot arrows from the Pocket Shot.

The Arrow Cap consists off a standard looking archery whisker biscuit modified to fit on the Pocket Shot and Hammer. A whisker biscuit is an arrow holder with synthetic bristles that encircles and holds the arrow shaft in place and allows the feathers or vanes to pass through easily.

Once the Arrow Cap is securely attached to the Pocket Hammer you’re fully equipped to use the Pocket Shot to shoot full-sized arrows and crossbow bolts.

Now for the fun part! For the field test of the Pocket Hammer I needed an expert. Someone who’s logged hundreds of hours shooting and testing all types of equipment and weaponry. A fearless, rugged individual whose opinion I could trust.

So, naturally, I recruited my number one outdoorsman, my ten-year-old nephew, Enzo.

Enzo lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with his mom and dad, his sister Carmela and his trusty canine sidekick, Ernie. Despite his young age, Enzo is an accomplished archer and marksman as well as a budding bladesmith. He’s tried out everything from Nerf guns to Daisy air rifles to high-powered drones and remote controlled cars.

We take safety very seriously, so all testing was done under the close supervision of Enzo’s dad and safety glasses were worn by all involved.

Our first priority was to try out the Standard Pocket Shot using the Pocket Hammer. We used the included steel ball bearings as ammo.

Enzo was pleasantly surprised with how easy the Pocket Shot and Hammer were to assemble and shoot. The wrist brace was a little uncomfortable for him at first, but he quickly became accustomed to it, hitting target after target with ease.

“I really liked that I could change the pouches myself and it was really fun and easy to aim and SO accurate!” Enzo said enthusiastically.

After voicing his approval of the Standard Pocket Shot and Hammer, Enzo excitedly moved on to the second round of testing, the Pocket Hammer with the Arrow Cap and pouch.

We set up our archery target and got to work. We used standard full sized arrows and the provided arrow nock caps to make the arrows easier to grasp inside the pouch. Pocket Shot does carry their own arrows on their website. The Pocket Shot arrows are specifically designed for use with the Pocket Shot and Hammer.

The verdict on the Arrow set-up was just as positive. It was easy for Enzo to get a full draw on the arrows and to consistently hit his mark. Although he still loves his bow, Enzo raved about how powerful, accurate and portable the Pocket Shot Hammer is.

“I can pack the whole thing up and take it camping with us,” he said with a grin.

Overall, the Pocket Shot Hammer Full Kit is an affordable, well-built and effective tool for target shooting and hunting small game. At just $99 for the entire kit and accessories, it’s a great buy over purchasing everything separately. The Pocket Shot Hammer Kit would make a terrific addition to your hunting, bug-out or camping gear. Enzo and I highly recommend it.

Note: Some types of slingshots and wrist braces are illegal in certain areas. Check the legality of such devices in your area before purchasing,

Source: The sample for this review was provided by Pocket Shot. Please visit their website for more info and find them on Amazon too.

 

Product Information

Price: 99.00
Manufacturer: Pocket Shot LLC
Retailer: Amazon
Pros:
  • Affordable
  • Very portable
  • Uses different types of ammo
  • Easy to assemble
  • Very accurate
Cons:
  • Small learning curve
  • Wrist brace can be uncomfortable until adjusted properly

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged:

The Pocket Shot Hammer Full Kit Slingshot review originally appeared on on June 19, 2017 at 8:23 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.