Dankung "The Cougar" Slingshot/Catapult by Jorg Sprave

Dankung "The Cougar" Review

I came across Jorg Sprave by his youtube channel. On there i found out that he had released a slingshot that was designed by him - "The Cougar"

I went to the Dankung website and ordered one of these to test/review. My first impressions are that it is really well built, but the bands looked the total opposite. They looked weak and flimsy.

After firing a couple of shots throught the Slingshot, I encountered my first problem - either the bands are to thin or the slots in the frame are too wide. Personally I find that the slots are a bit wide for Dankung bands. An easy way to bypass this problem, is to use flatbands such as Theraband.

I also think that the frame is a bit oversized. I don't have small hands but I did find the frame to be a bit on the large side to be comfortable.

With flatbands or wider Dankung tubes, the slingshot shoots really well.

Conclusion

The Slingshot is really well built and shoots really well with flatbands or larger tubes, but i suggest you buy this Slingshot if you have larger hands, and that you don't mind using flatbands with it. Also I find that the slingshot is quite heavy, so if you don't mind carrying the extra weight you'll be happy with your purchase.

Fenix LD22 S2 Review

Fenix LD22 S2 Review



The LD22 is the newer version of the extreamly popular LD20. The new LD22 S2 is the same as the original LD22, but features a Cree XP-G S2 LED.

Its powered by 2 AA batteries (I prefer Eneloops). One of the main differences between this flashlight and the LD20 is that the LD22 S2 features a switch near the head to change modes. It also features an intelligent memory function that remembers the last mode used.

On maximum brightness it gives out 200 OTF lumens with a runtime of 2h 26m. It also has a high mode which gives out 95 OTF lumens, with a runtime of 6h. Then comes the medium brightness mode which gives out 46 OTF lumens with a runtime of 15h. The lowest mode is 3 OTF lumens withn an increadible runtime of 110h. Personally, I can see that these figures are quite realistic to the actual brightness the flashlight gives out. It also features a 200 lumen strobe, and a SOS. It has a digitally regulated output so it maintains a constant brightness.

Its body is made out of finely crafted Type-III Hard Anodized Aluminium, with an anti-abrasive finish. It has a toughened ultra-clear glass lens with an anti-reflective coating. The body clip (included) can be mounted in two ways - in the front (pointing backwards), and at the rear (pointing forwards). It has an anti-roll, slip-resistant body.



Specifications

Length - 156mm

Diameter - 21.5mm

Weight - 60g (excluding batteries and body clip)

Conclusion

I think that the LD22 S2 from Fenix is possibly the best 2xAA flashlight on the market today. It is very well designed/built, and gives out a blindning amount of light. For the price i think that this flashlight is extremely good value for money.

Where to Buy?

http://www.flashaholics.co.uk/fenix/fenix-ld22.html

4Sevens Preon 2 Flashlight Review

4Sevens Preon 2 Review



4Sevens flashlights are one of the best flashlight brands on the planet. They have a range of flashlights from small penlights (like the Preon 2) to flashlights that require they're own holsters.

As stated above the 4Sevens Preon 2 is a penlight. These lights are designed like pens - a thin body that's quite long. The Preon 2 gets it's power off of 2xAAA batteries. The Preon 2 is the first flashlight to run on a Cree XP-G LED that runs on 2xAAA batteries (Sanyo Eneloops are the best).

It delivers a magnificently bright 160 lumens on max setting, with a runtime of 0.8 hours. It also gives out 22 lumens on medium with a runtime of 6 hours, and 23 hours on the lowest setting which gives out 2.2 lumens. It also features a strobe, SOS, Beacon(Hi), and Beacon (Lo).

Measurements

Length: 5.05 inches

Diameter: 0.55 inches

Weight: 0.8 ounces.

The body is made out of Hard-anodized aluminum that comes in 2 colours:- Black and Blue. There is also a Titanium model available. The flashlight os waterproof to IPX-8 standards (2m).

Conclusion

This torch was designed to rival the Streamlight Stylus Pro which was the king of all penlights before this stepped on the block. Although this flashlight does cost a bit more (about £40), it is worth the extra money.

Where to Buy?

4Sevens Preon 2 Gen 2 - 20% more lumens, but same runtime.  http://www.flashaholics.co.uk/4sevens/preon-2.html

Sanyo Eneloops = http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sanyo-Eneloop-AAA-Pack-Batteries/dp/B000IDWDKO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361294091&sr=8-1

Fenix E05 R2 Flashlight Review

Fenix E05 R2 Flashlight Review

Fenix is most probably the best value for money flashlight brand around. They offer a wide range of flashlights from small keychain flashlights, to blindning searchlights.

The E05 R2 is a keychain flashlight that outshines the 2AA Mini-Maglite by far. It's 64.5mm in length and 14.4mm in diameter. It's a single-mode flashlight that gives out 27 lumens. This is a high amount of light for a flashlight of this size. When running on 27 lumens it runs for 2 hours and 50 minutes from a single AAA battery. This flashlight is digitally regulated so it maintains a constant brightness for most of its runtime. The flashlight gives out a nearly perfect beam, with nearly no artifacts. It gives out a decent spill for its size, and it can light up stuff at around 30m comfortably.The Cree XP-E LED in the E05 gives out a very neutral coloured beam.



The torch operates On/Off by turning the head. It is a smooth turn and easy to make one-handed. It has a lanyard hole at the rear and it can easily tailstand to serve as a candle. This flashlight is available in 3 colours:- black, blue, and purple. This flashlight can easily handle the knocks of every-day life, with its aluminium body. Its also water resistant.



Personally I think that the E05 R2 Flashlight is possibly one of the best AAA flashlights to have on your keychain. Surely it isn't as bright as the lithium CR123 torches, but they're in a different class. I can't think of anything negative to say about this flashlight.

You can buy it from Amazon at http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?t=trissrevi-21&o=2&p=8&l=as1&asins=B004D2A02O&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr

Joby Gorillapod SLR Review

Joby Gorillapod SLR Review



When I saw the Joby Gorillapod after becoming a keen photographer, I thought that i had to have one. I also liked the fact that its so compact and can be used nearly everywhere, the total opposite of a classic tripod. The original Gorillapod stated that it was capable of holding my superzoom compact Nikon S9100, but the tripod mount on the camera was at the edge so i guessed it would probably topple over. When i saw that there was a Gorillapod for bigger Cameras, the Gorillapod SLR, i suddenly had a quick look online and bought one. I knew the increased size and weight load could easily handle the weight of my S9100.

The Gorillapod SLR states that it can hold a camera weighing up to 1.75 pounds. If this Gorillapod is too small for your camera, there is also the Gorillapod SLR Zoom which can handle a weight of up to 6.6 pounds.

Design and Features



All of the Gorillapod line-up are basically the same just the whole design gets enlarged a bit each time. The Gorillapod SLR has the same features as its younger brother, the Original Gorillapod, just everything's increased in size. With the legs straightened and folded together the Gorillapod SLR measures a height of just under 10 inches. This is very compact and it can easily fit into a camera bag. It is not only very compact, it's also very lightweight weighing in at only 5.8 ounces.

The Gorillapod is basically made up of 9 ball and socket joints on each leg, and a further 2 ball and socket joints near the head. This means the legs can be bent into a variety of different shapes and can hold a camera in basically anywhere. The tips of the legs are mostly covered in rubber, so you can get grip on a variety of surfaces. All of the ball and socket joints have a line of rubber to grip whatever they're holding onto.

At the tripod head there is a removable attachment that gets screwed onto the tripod mount of the camera. Because its so small you can leave this attachment always onto your camera. When you need to use the tripod you can just clip it in, set the legs up, and snap away. When this attachment is mounted on the tripod its locked int o place, until you press a button and remove it. For extra protection there is a rotating lock which can prevent the button from moving.

Performance



At the moment, the Gorillapod SLR works perfectly at what its designed to do. The legs have a high range of movement so you'll always end up with a steady position. It can also easily hold the weight of my camera (7.5oz).

I can only think of one downside, and i will only find out about it in the future. This downside is that,the legs will end up getting weaker over time and will not be able to hold a camera steady.

Conclusion

This is possibly the best value for money tripod around. It gives you a wide reange of versatility, while keeping the price at a minimum. I will only find out if the downside is true or not in the future, so I can't be certain for now. I suggest that all you camera lovers out there, that you go out and buy one of the gorillapod's that suit your needs.

Leatherman Skeletool Review

Leatherman Skeletool Review: by Tristan Jones

The Leatherman Skeletool is classed as a pocket-size multi-tool on the Leatherman website (www.leatherman.com). As with all of the products from Leatherman, the Skeletool's build quality is second to none. All the moving parts move smoothly and the body is finely crafted. The body is made out of stainless steel.



Specifications

Length: 4in/10cmClosed                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Weight: 5oz/142g

Tools (as stated on Leatherman's website)

Needlenose pliers                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Regular pliers                                                                                                                            Wire cutters                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Hard-wire cutters                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    420HC Combo Knife                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Carabiner/Bottle opener                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Large Bit Driver

Pliers



The Main tool on the Skeletool is the pliers. The rest of the Multi-tool is built around the pliers. The tool opens up with the familiar butterfly-opening style which reveals the pliers. The tool locks into place with a very satisfying click. Because of the way the Skeletool was designed there is only one possible way to hold the tool when open. The pliers on the Skeletool are very similar to the pliers on the Juice line of multi-tools from Leatherman. The pliers are blunt-nosed, and have a set of wire cutters at the bottom. There is also a set of hard wire cutters below the standard ones. I find these pliers very strong and reliable.

Blade



The blade is 2.6in/6.60cm long and is made out of 420HC steel. 420HC steel is easy to sharpen and retains a good edge. The Skeletool CX (Skeletool's big brother has a 154CM blade which is harder and preferred by many. I personally prefer 420HC because it's softer and easier to sharpen and holds a decent edge. The blade has a thumb cut out, which means the blade can be deployed one-handed. I personally find the size of the cut out, and its placement perfect for one hand opening. When the blade is open it locks securely into place with the liner lock. I find this kind of lock easy to function, and it does a good job of keeping the blade locked. There are also little cut-outs in the blade which helps to keep the weight down to a minimum. I think that the shape of the blade is really good. When the blade is open, there is a notch in the frame for the index finger to sit in. I find this position a very comfortable way of holding the tool with the blade deployed.

Large Bit Driver/Bits

The bit driver is situated at the end of the right handle (same side as blade), while the spare bit is situated inside the left handle. The driver has a nice locking mechanism to hold the bit in, and its easy to operate. The bit driver is designed to be used with one of the handles opened right out. Personally, I find it very comfortable to use the bit driver in this position. It can also be used with one of the handles opened to a 90 degree angle. This position gives you a lot more leaverage if you need it, but i find this position a little less comfortable and user friendly. The spare bit is held in a notch in the frame of the left handle. It is held in entirely by friction. I find it to be fairly secure but it is possible for the bit to fall out when in vigorous testing. If you want extra bits for the bit driver, Leatherman sell a bit kit for use with any of the large bit drivers. If you want to use hex bits with the Skeletool, you can buy the Leatherman bit extender. A downside of using the bit extender in this tool is the fact it doesn't lock into place.

Carabiner/Bottle Opener

The carabiner can be clipped onto almost anything, from belt loops to D-rings. When using the carabiner on some D-rings i found out that the carabiner is a bit big to be versatile. The carabiner also doubles as a bottle opener. It function very well as a bottle opener, and the only downside i can see with it as a bottle opener is that, when applying pressure to open the bottle the top edge of the blade digs into your hand.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a multi-tool, and you're thinking that you are not going to use half the stuff on the multi-tools like the Leatherman Wave, then the Skeletool is possibly the perfect tool for you. It only has a few tools but these tools are the most important in day to day life. The Skeletool looks fantastic while still having the versatility of other multi-tools with much more tools.                                                                                                                                                        Personally, I rate the Leatherman Skeletool a 9 out of 10. It lost a mark because of the few design flaws (e.g. knife digging into hand while opening bottle, and that the spare bit isn't fully secured into the frame). I am very happy with my purchase of the Skeletool, and i'm sure you'll be too.

You can buy it from Amazon at http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?t=trissrevi-21&o=2&p=8&l=as1&asins=B000XU9NXW&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr