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

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

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Cord Commander cord and charger organizer review


We all love our gadgets, but until the day comes when the can all recharge wirelessly, we need charging adapters and charging cables. Keeping the adapters and cables together and neatly organized isn’t an easy task unless you have help like the Cord Commander. Let’s check it out.

What is it?

The Cord Commander is a simple product that has been designed and made in the USA to help manage cable clutter for Apple and Samsung charging adapters.

What’s in the box?

Each box has one Cord Commander and a sheet of simple instructions.

Made of tough but flexible plastic, the Cord Commander is available in two versions. There’s a version that’s compatible with Apple iPhone and iPad style chargers and another version that works with Samsung phone and tablet chargers.

The folks at Cord Commander sent me one of each style. The Apple Cord Commander is shown above on the left and the Samsung version is on the right.

The Cord Commander has a “shelf” with slots in it for the prongs on the adapter and two “wings” on the back that are designed to wind excess cord.

It’s important to pay attention to the orientation of the power adapter when you insert it into the Cord Commander.

If it’s turned the wrong way, it won’t sit flat on the “shelf”.

But once inserted correctly and with the cable wrapped around the wings, the combo is neat and tidy, making it less of a mess in a drawer, gear bag, etc.

There are four cord catch notches on the top edge of the Cord Commander that are used to lock the loose end of the cable in place. Two of the cord catches are larger to accommodate larger diameter cords.

Note that even the larger cord catches might not allow extra thick cables to snap in place as is the case with a Choetech cable TYPE-C charging cable that I use with a Samsung adapter.

Final thoughts

The Cord Commander is more convenient to use than a twist tie or a rubber band because everything you need is right there without any separate parts.

If you have been looking for an easy way to keep your Apple or Samsung adapters and cables more organized, the Cord Commander is a good solution. It’s easy to use and requires no modification to the adapter or existing cable.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by Cord Commander. Please visit their site for more info and order through eBay.

 

Product Information

Price: $7.99
Manufacturer: Cord Commander
Retailer: eBay
Pros:
  • Easy to use
  • Keeps adapters and cords neat and together
Cons:
  • Some cables are too thick to snap into the cord catches

Filed in categories: Reviews

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Cord Commander cord and charger organizer review originally appeared on on June 18, 2017 at 5:42 pm.

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Cord Commander cord and charger organizer review


We all love our gadgets, but until the day comes when the can all recharge wirelessly, we need charging adapters and charging cables. Keeping the adapters and cables together and neatly organized isn’t an easy task unless you have help like the Cord Commander. Let’s check it out.

What is it?

The Cord Commander is a simple product that has been designed and made in the USA to help manage cable clutter for Apple and Samsung charging adapters.

What’s in the box?

Each box has one Cord Commander and a sheet of simple instructions.

Made of tough but flexible plastic, the Cord Commander is available in two versions. There’s a version that’s compatible with Apple iPhone and iPad style chargers and another version that works with Samsung phone and tablet chargers.

The folks at Cord Commander sent me one of each style. The Apple Cord Commander is shown above on the left and the Samsung version is on the right.

The Cord Commander has a “shelf” with slots in it for the prongs on the adapter and two “wings” on the back that are designed to wind excess cord.

It’s important to pay attention to the orientation of the power adapter when you insert it into the Cord Commander.

If it’s turned the wrong way, it won’t sit flat on the “shelf”.

But once inserted correctly and with the cable wrapped around the wings, the combo is neat and tidy, making it less of a mess in a drawer, gear bag, etc.

There are four cord catch notches on the top edge of the Cord Commander that are used to lock the loose end of the cable in place. Two of the cord catches are larger to accommodate larger diameter cords.

Note that even the larger cord catches might not allow extra thick cables to snap in place as is the case with a Choetech cable TYPE-C charging cable that I use with a Samsung adapter.

Final thoughts

The Cord Commander is more convenient to use than a twist tie or a rubber band because everything you need is right there without any separate parts.

If you have been looking for an easy way to keep your Apple or Samsung adapters and cables more organized, the Cord Commander is a good solution. It’s easy to use and requires no modification to the adapter or existing cable.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by Cord Commander. Please visit their site for more info and order through eBay.

 

Product Information

Price: $7.99
Manufacturer: Cord Commander
Retailer: eBay
Pros:
  • Easy to use
  • Keeps adapters and cords neat and together
Cons:
  • Some cables are too thick to snap into the cord catches

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: ,

Cord Commander cord and charger organizer review originally appeared on on June 18, 2017 at 5:42 pm.

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SCOTTeVest (SeV) Enforcer Jacket review


Since 2000, the SCOTTeVEST (SeV) designers have been producing their patented TEC (Technology Enabled Clothing) for those tech-heads who want to inconspicuously transport their EDC gear without the need for a bag, backpack, or briefcase. For this review, SeV has sent me their new 30-pocketed Enforcer jacket designed specifically with law enforcement, military, and gun enthusiasts in mind. While I am none of those things (at least anymore), I do like the sleek, stealthy look of the jacket…it’s all blacked-out style is definitely me. It will be interesting to see how well it fairs against a wet and damp spring here in the Pacific Northwest. 

Note: Click the images to see a larger view.

According to their website, the SeV Enforcer jacket is a new, improved version of the popular Alpha jacket. As I mentioned above, it is designed with law enforcement, military, and gun enthusiasts in mind. That said, the Enforcer still has all of the functional engineering of other SCOTTeVEST garments, including a wide assortment of pockets of all different shapes and sizes to securely store/transport all your gear. 

Features:

  • 30 Pockets are perfect for transporting your EDC gear
  • Insulation quilted to the lining
  • Removable sleeves
  • Water-resistant and breathable material
  • 100% polyester shell and lining
  • Patented Personal Area Network (PAN) for wire management
  • Ergonomic zippers
  • Includes the Travel Smart System™, Weight Management System™, NoBulge™, clear touch pockets, etc.
  • Can hold iPad/small laptop/firearm
  • Machine Washable

The SeV Enforcer jacket is very well made with high-quality materials, excellent construction/workmanship, and capacity to carry a ton of stuff.  The zippers, seams, and stitching are all precise and nicely done. The 100% polyester exterior is finely woven and looks like a stylish softshell jacket on the outside. Functionally, the shell does a good job of beading off water though I have not had the opportunity to use it in the dumping Seattle rain yet. Even though it’s black, the shell does not pick up/show dirt much at all. The jacket is machine washable.

Many of the 30 pockets are sized and engineered for a specific type of function like a sidearm, holding keys, sunglasses, tablet, pens or even small laptop (as shown below).

There are also other niceties hidden within the jacket like bungee clip for keys, soft cleaning cloth for cleaning your sunglasses, and RFID blocking pocket (red zippered pocket, inner lining shown above) to protect your electronic footprint from snoopers. As I have mentioned in other SeV reviews, the most challenging part of owning a TEC garment is remembering/finding where you stashed a particular item.

Though SeV helps you keep track of everything by embroidering icons that tell you what each of the pockets has been designed to hold.

The two front-positioned “Rapid Access panels”  are huge and contain built-in sub-pockets for extra magazine clips or anything really. The main front pockets are so big they easily accommodate my 12″ MacBook or full sized tablet. When fully loaded down with all my gear the jacket does get relatively heavy. I doubt in a real-world scenario I would carry my laptop in the jacket…maybe an iPad but that is about as heavy/bulky as I’d go.

Since I got the iPhone 7+, I use wireless earbuds 99% of the time. But thought it worth mentioning that the Enforcer has SCOTTeVEST’s patented Personal Area Network (PAN) for wire management. Here you can see my pair of JHAudio JH|5 Pro earphones I reviewed years ago installed in the Revolution Plus jacket (for illustration). As I mentioned in that review: “It took me just a few minutes to figure out the system and string the wires throughout the interior of the jacket. I would suggest to those who have a spare pair of earbuds laying around, to dedicate a pair to the jacket so you do not have to take the time installing and removing them”. The SeV wire management system is excellent for keeping your earbuds in order and always dialed in.

I’m 6’1″ and 180 lbs — the large Enforcer SCOTTeVEST sent me fits well and even when fully loaded the jacket rides nicely on my shoulders/frame.

Like many of their other jackets, SeV designers engineer removable, zip-off sleeves to transform the Enforcer into a vest. The Gadgeteer Kid said it reminded him of Marty McFly in Back to the Future.

The SeV Enforcer Jacket is available in 8 sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL, XXL-tall, XXXL-tall. And any color you want as long as that color is black…

I have been wearing the SCOTTeVEST Enforcer jacket for nearly two months. During that time, we have had all types of weather conditions transitioning from late winter to early summer. I really like the jacket both in terms of looks/style and TEC functionality. The Enforcer is a very well made tech-enabled jacket, designed specifically for law enforcement, military, and gun enthusiasts. Like all their garments, SeV has invested much thought and excellent engineering into its design. With 30 pockets of all shapes and sizes, the Enforcer is able to carry your firearm, tech, and misc gear from your smartphone to laptop, potentially eliminating the near to bring an EDC gear bag.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by SCOTTeVEST. Please visit their site for more info and you can find them on Amazon too.

 

Product Information

Price: $200
Manufacturer: SCOTTeVest
Retailer: Amazon
Pros:
  • Well made
  • Quality materials
  • Stylish
  • Comfortable
  • 30 pockets to carry your gear
  • Excellent design
  • PAN system works well
  • Conceal carry
Cons:
  • No removable hood option

Filed in categories: Reviews

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SCOTTeVest (SeV) Enforcer Jacket review originally appeared on on June 18, 2017 at 10:00 am.

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Archeer 2 in 1 Apple Watch Stand and iPhone Charging Dock Station review


If you own an iPhone and an Apple Watch, you may find this beautiful aluminum dock station to be something you’re not sure how you’ve lived without.  I used to charge my phone by my bed, then charge my Apple Watch near my computer and I didn’t really have a system as to when I’d connect them. With the Archeer 2, I never have to part with my beloveds and somehow my life feels more organized and complete. There was some simple set up involved, that I detailed with pics.  Let take a look. 

Above is the bottom of the charging station and you can see that there are 4 screws that need to be taken out.  There is a lightning cable already installed in the station which you will see in detail in the pic below.  There is nothing you need to do with that half of the device. It’s ready for you to plug into a USB port or outlet and connect your iPhone, right from the get go. What we will be doing is installing the standard Apple Watch charger (not included) into the charging station.

After the four screws are removed, there are an additional two screws that need to be removed to free the bracket that holds the watch.  In the pic above you can see the lightning cable threaded through the device, and the two screws to the right of those are the ones to take out.

Now that all the screws are removed, slide the long metal piece out of the bracket and pop the round head of the standard Apple Watch charger that came with your watch into the bracket.

Make sure that the cord is tucked nicely inside the groove in the bracket and slide the metal cover back on.

Now all that’s left is to slide the bracket back into the charging station and reaffix it to the base with the two screws that were removed. Then put the back cover on with the four screws that were taken out in the first step and you are ready to charge. Note: a small screw driver came with the device, but I was unable to unscrew two of the screws with it because it was very thin and I could not get a good grip on it, so I just used my own.

I have a case that I normally have on my phone that would not allow me to charge it while it was on, so I need to remove it when charging.  It seems to work for me though because I do it just once a day and it’s right on my desk so when it’s done charging I can put the case back on for the rest of the day.  However, if I had the Utomic Edge case I would have the perfect setup as only the corners of the phone are covered. Ahhh….a girl can dream…

Now all that’s left is to find two USB ports (a dual USB wall plug would work great) or wall adapters to plug the two cords into and you can let the charging begin!

I found a great place in the corner of my desk to use as a new home for the charging station and my two favorite mobile devices.  I can sit and work all day and even use the phone while it’s on the charger. I think the station looks great on my desk and would look good on my night stand too if I decide to move it into my bedroom.

All in all, I think this is a great charging station. It does the job and looks good doing it!  The only downside is that I have to remove the case that I use in order to charge my iPhone, and if this was my only watch charger, I would have to disassemble the unit to remove the charger or take the whole thing with me when I travel.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by Archeer. Visit their site for more information or find them on Amazon.

 

Product Information

Price: $32.99
Manufacturer: Archeer
Retailer: Amazon
Requirements:
  • Minor assembly
  • Apple Watch charger
  • 2 USB ports
Pros:
  • Sleek simple design
  • All aluminum and durable
  • Convenient place to charge devices together
Cons:
  • May need to remove iPhone case (depending on case) to charge
  • If traveling, you'd have to disassemble to remove Watch charger, or take the whole thing with you

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Archeer 2 in 1 Apple Watch Stand and iPhone Charging Dock Station review originally appeared on on June 17, 2017 at 9:00 am.

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