Are you one of those people like me that have to wear basball caps, or big floppy hats to keep cool in the middle of Summer because you will end up over-heating....yes even in the UK I can overheat I seem to be allergic to Summer!
This year the UK has experienced a heat wave; its hottest EVER weather in history so as much as I was excited to have a heatwave I wasnt looking forward to having to spend time indoors.
Until my wonderful other half came home with one of the best ever pressies.
Drumroll......The Beldray Spray fan!
No its not the latest smartphone or tablet. No its not rings or diamonds....its the key to spending the Summer outside...YAY!!
It may not sound much but it meant alot to me.
Click after the jump to read my review or just scroll down and watch my video review.
This 11.75inch high fan hasn't left my side in 3 weeks of this hot weather starting; its been amazing.
Made of transparent ABS plastic you not only have a cooling fan with powerful safe blades; but a cooling and refreshing water spray mist too.
The fan itself is actually quite small using only 2 blades which are a teeny 7cm across. So I didnt expect it to be able to give out much oompff...but it does.
The soft blades are shielded by a hood of plastic built into the main fan itself.
Ive been seeing alot of electric fans built with this design so it was a surprise to finally see a handheld version.
Just below the main fan is the spray hole.
Just below that is larger 1.25 inch long trigger which has grip lines on.
The back has a plastic on/off button at perfect finger height while holding this fan.
Battery compartment taking 2 x AA batteries.
Ergonomic grip around the middle of the bottle making it comfortable to spray yourself.
The base unscrews so you can fill it with cold water or ice. It even has a flat base so you can sit it on a table in front of you so you don't even have to hold it. You can have it on while relaxing on the beach or in the garden without having to keep hold of it; read, eat, drink, be handsfree.
This image just doesn't do this fan justice, its a luxury fine mist will cool you down even faster with the fan.
See my video!
For best results keep the fan in the fridge and add a few drops of lavender or your favorite essential oils to the water. The spray gives you a fine mist across your face and neck and then the strong fan cools the skin so much faster than it would by itself as it has a really good output of air.
When to use this fan?
Keep the kids cool while on the beach or at a picnic.
Stay cool at night.
Perfect for indoors and out.
Ideal for traveling especially in cars and coaches with no air con.
Ideal for activities outside where you need to cool down quickly.
I cannot recommend this spray fan high enough, I realize it maybe big and bulky for some of you; but those of you like me who get over heated quickly this is just the best summer gift you can have. It holds approximately a mug of water and it really lasts ages as the water mist is so fine. I have to say too the fan motor is really strong it really kicks out some air. Perfectly safe for kids too as the plastic blades are soft to touch and for this review I actually stuck my fingers in and I still have 5 fingers on one hand you'll be pleased to know; So yes kiddie fingers will be safe!!! Gadget Girl tested...tick!
Beldray have even got their fans safety tested so I was really impressed.
My other half found these at the local B&M store nearby; similar to a Lidles or Aldies but Ive discovered them on Amazon Uk for you guys too.
As you guys know I adore the great outdoors and anything that makes the outdoors even more enjoyable is OK with me; so when I was contacted by ThorFire and asked if I would like to show you guys some handy gadgets I jumped at the chance.
Today Im showing the very clever ThorFire Camping LED telescopic mini lantern that is also a torch and dynamo charger for your devices.
I've even added a video to show you how good this little gadget is.
Packaging
I kindly received a parcel with a few things to show you guys which are coming soon. My courier was a little over enthusiastic at getting my parcel in the postbox so the packaging is a bit dented; but its all undamaged.
In the box you get your ThorFire lantern, leaflet instructions and 2 cables.
One for charging via mains USB power if you have a power charger or USB straight from your PC. The other Female USB to hand crank charge a USB device.
ThorFire lantern closed
Description
The ThorFire telescopic lantern is made of several types of ABS plastic, making it extremely light and portable at only 5.9oz. I love the colorful orange which is synonymous with outdoor products, so it makes it easier to find in your bag or rucksack. It fits comfortably in the palm of your hand closed at only 8.4cm in diameter and 4.4cm in depth. Open it measures12.2cm high. This amazing little gadget has a bundle of uses,
Torch.
Lantern.
USB Charger.
Conversation curiosity starter.
The Science Bit The high level light on both torch and lantern is 65 lumens. The low level is 15 lumens but you can see how bright 15 lumens is on the video; its plenty to see what your doing. NOTE;the manual states 65 and 15 lumens but Amazon states its 160 and 30 lumens. I feel Amazon maybe correct as its very bright compared to the 65/15 lumens; I will try to find out for you all.
Lighting Times Approx It takes 4 hours to charge via USB. High level will last approx 40 minutes Low level 4.5 hours. 1 minute of cranking gives 4 minutes of high level light. 1 minute of cranking gives 11 minutes on low. Are you still with me....
The Working principle The ThorFire adopts the principle of cranking for power by 3 phase brushless alternator for power generation. The power is then stored in the built in 300mAh/3.7V lithium battery. This is then used totally for the LED light.
The top part of the lantern shows the torch with a magnifying circle to amplify the light to its best.
The side has the rubberized charging port and on/off button.
The underneath has 3 rubber feet and the dynamo cranking handle and the carry handle. A brilliant design they've thought of everything to cram into such a small space.
Opened up it extends out to give you a comfortable cranking circle.
A clever addition is the cranking handle grip which spins as you turn saving tired wrists and pinky blisters...I love companies who think of the little things.
The handle opens up to be used as a carry handle or hanger for inside a tent or on a tree or bush as seen in my video.
The most clever thing is that this compact portable torch opens out to a usable lantern that gives off the perfect amount of light for camping. See my video.
Simply but gently pull the halves apart to reveal a great size lantern. You can see the clips that hold the 2 ends together when not in use or used as a torch.
Charging
Next plug in the 3.5mm charging cable (supplied) and charge, mine arrived half charged and was ready in a few hours. It has a protector flap which protects from dust and damp so you really don't have to worry about this tough little lamp.
Charging a USB device or phone
So you find yourself in the middle of nowhere and yes you guessed it, your phone dies and you need an emergency phone call.
But you have your Thorfire lamp and emergency charger yay!
So get out the female USB cable and your own phone charger cable and connect them together.
It should look like this. Now start to crank the dynamo. Now the instructions say 3 circles a second...er...well...this maybe a bit difficult more like 1-2 circles a second unless your Britain's strongest man or woman of course or they happen to be tagging along with you, in which case they could carry you to safety.
Now you need to keep cranking for at least a few minutes until you see your phone with at least 2% to get your call.You will also see the red LED light up on the ThorFire to say its charging.This is best seen in my video.
Now in all honesty this would kill my arm to keep this up so hopefully when or if I need an emergency phone charge, that I have my other half with me. But it does the job and afterall it could save a life.
Note: It also has a smart protection chip incase of over charging...clever little lamp! Interesting NOTE; it charges your device both backwards and forwards for all you lefties out there or if you just want to go backwards.
Lantern and Torch I have to say WOW as the light is really bright on both the torch and the lantern. You will see in my main video that I actually thought I had the torch and lantern on High yet it was still on low so my surprise is absolutely genuine. I didn't realize that every time I turn off the ThorFire it resets back to low each time. But you have to think of how long you need to use your light as this lantern doesn't hold its charge as long on high.
Here you can see the difference between Hi and low torch settings, I had placed the torch facing a bush over 14 feet away and you can see how the high beam lights up all the surrounding area.
Lighting Tests
I just have to add my own lighting tests to this review for you guys.
The instructions say 40 mins on high after being charged via USB.
BUT on our test its managed...wait for it...drumroll...45 minutes on high where it dropped to low and lasted another 3 hours15 minutes...amazing huh!
More tests to come......
Checkout my video on using the ThorFire lantern/torch and using it to charge my phone.
Opinion
I have to say Ive fallen in love with this lantern/torch. The fact that during a powercut...of which we get alot of out here. I have guaranteed power for a light is just amazing and it gives us peace of mind. Its an ideal storm lantern to keep nearby when the weather turns. We now make sure its always charged via USB and its kept to hand just incase. But incase we forget I always have hand power...er...or...my strong man power lol! As a torch it really gives great light even on low...essentially you don't need to use high unless your desperate to find something, low is plenty as you can see in my video. The lamp gives fantastic ambient light perfect for tents or reading etc.
I have added the video as well as you need to see this clever lantern in action as me rambling on saying its got great illumination is all very well; but sometimes you need to make up your own mind that its right for you.
Once you open it out, the corrugated plastic is strong and the whole lantern is splash proof and most certainly rain proof with its rubber power closure. The lantern really gives amazing ambient light and the torch great direct light you have a 3 in 1 product; Torch, lantern and charger.
I'm so impressed and I really have a thing for outdoor products too, its rugged, light, portable and once collapsed down its easily thrown in your backpack or bag to take anywhere, you barely know your carrying it. Ive dropped it a few times and its definitely scratch and drop proof. I feel every home NEEDS one of these especially if your die hard campers or hikers its an essential; its a brilliant 3 in 1 affordable gadget.
I have 2 more Eachine Thorfire products for you coming up soon. The ThorFire 540 lumens Cree torch and the Mushroom speaker lamp...isn't this just adorable.
All my thanks goes to Eachine for kindly sending me this lantern for this review. All my views and opinions are my own.
Ive something exciting for your music-o-holics out there today, I know Ive brought you quite a number of mini portable speakers this year; but The Kitsound Hive is one I'm excited about as Ive heard so many good things and seen so many great reviews.
Ive also had the opportunity to review a few of Kitsound's products already and know what great quality they are.
So when Kitsound offered to send me a couple of their best speakers to bring you to review I couldn't wait to try them.
Click on the jump to read my full photo-loaded review and video below
Packaging You know I love great packaging on products as I feel if the company has taken the time and effort on the outside; the inside has to be good. Kitsound always make a huge effort on their packaging and the Hive is no exception. Great colour design of elegant greys and yellow contrasting sides with a good product photo. Inside you pull out an inner box which is...yes you guessed it is bright yellow.
This bright yellow inner box has some cool hive hexagonal shape designs cutouts so you can pop them out and use it as a gift box with your own writing on. Inside this you have yet another...yellow box containing the cables, pouch and user manual. Along side it you have your Hive in a soft plastic bag.
In the box you get your
Hive speaker.
Micro USB charging cable.
Axillary cable.
User manual.
Velvet black pouch storage bag.
Description
The Hive Bluetooth Wireless portable stereo speaker does alot for its cute size; this black rubberized coated speaker is built to withstand a few knocks which I love as in this house we have pets that can be quite curious. I also like to take my portable speakers outside in the garden or to another room and don't want to be worrying about chipping paint etc.
I absolutely adore the Hive design as they've used the bee hive hexagonal styling for the speaker cutouts and added accents all over the speaker. Ive always had a soft spot for bees so I really appreciate the design.
Even the three buttons across the top are hexagonal in shape to add something different to round buttons. You have your Bluetooth, minus and plus buttons which are extremely responsive and have a high quality feel to them.
The side of the speaker has the Auxiliary in port, the transparent on/off button with LEDs, plus the Micro USB charging port.
Each of these are very neatly set into a hexagon accent; everything has been thoroughly thought out.
The back of the Hive also has the added hexagonal accents so it looks good from all sides.
Underneath the hive its hexagonal theme even extends to the four little rubber feet. Here you can see the passive radiator to provide full warm, bass sound.
The Science Bit
Bluetooth; V2.1.
Range: Up to 10 meters.
Playtime: Up to 10 hours.
Output: 5W RMS (2.5W@4ohm x2).
S/N Ratio: 78dB.
Frequency response: 50Hz - 20kHz.
Aux: 3.5mm.
Measurements 16.5cm long x 4.9cm depth x 6.1cm high. Weight is 400g.
Charging Its easy to charge the Hive, simply plug in the micro USB to your USB on PC or wall and leave for at least 4 hours especially the first time.
When charging the on/off button glows red and once charged it glows green. Once green you then have 6-10 hours play time; depending on volume levels.
Pairing
This couldn't be easier.
Turn on the Hive via side on/off button.
Press and hold the Bluetooth button on the top for 5 seconds and you will get a lovely electronic bleep and the indicator light on the front bottom right hand side will flash red and blue alternatively.
Turn on Bluetooth on the device you wish to use and my phone scanned and found it within a few seconds; saying Hive on my Bluetooth list.
The light on the front will remain a stationary blue once its found the connection.
Your ready to rock!
My own Sound Comparison between my Samsung S4 and the gorgeous Hive.
Sound
I was expecting alot from this little guy and I wasn't disappointed, the Hive really does deliver gorgeous controlled mid ranges and trebles as well as warm bass. I still personally wanted a bit more bass but its certainly gave some rumble when turned up to around 3/4. Anymore and I got distortion on my bass so you may have to juggle with your devices equalizer to get it just right.
I'm so happy the sound is gorgeous all round and definitely one of the best speakers I have in sound, design and the fact its Bluetooth with brilliant range. It states 10m, but I left it upstairs went to the bottom of the stairs and it still worked, turned to another room and it faltered a bit. We live in a cottage with foot thick bricks; outside it managed at least 15m with nothing in between so its quite impressive.
Portability I love companies that offer pouches and cases to use with their products and again we get a lovely black velvet pouch to store the Hive in.
Its portable to a limit but its actually a bit too big for most of my handbags, it would fit easily into a tote size bag or large handbag or even a rucksack; but its a bit weighty to carry around all day especially if hiking etc; if your based at a camp site its perfect.
Weight wise, I would say its equivalent to a tin of baked beans and a tin opener, or a small first aid kit; so incase of a zombie apocalypse what would you rather have a tin of baked beans or your music.
This adorable Hive is ideal as a home speaker to move from room to room or take outside for a barbeque or while your gardening or to take away in a caravan its ideal as its rectangular design is very stable and wont roll around.
But its not mobile enough to carry around while hiking its a little too heavy for me.
It almost comes in as an in between size speaker for me.
If you need really portable I would recommend the Kitsound Cadet I reviewed earlier this year as its quite a bit smaller and rounder it fits easier into a handbag. Or the cute Kitsound Buddy bee speaker.
Opinion
This gorgeous Hive fills a room with your favorite vibes, it looks elegant and stylish especially with the choice of colours available and it can take a knock or two with its tough rubberized coat; although this coat also shows up finger prints and dust. It has good bass and with a bit of juggling with your equalizers you can turn it up high with no distortion. The radiator underneath really does make a difference for such a small speaker. I even turned it on its end so the bass side faces me and it gives you more bassey sound. But I personally still wanted a bit more, but that's just me as Im a complete bass-aholic.
Its one of the best bass speakers I own and its really getting some use here on my desk infront of me as I type.
The fact its stereo 5 Watt speakers (2.5W x 2) too makes the sound really good. It looks yummy on my desk and it gets alot of admiring glances from friends and family.
The fact it comes with a lovely velvet pouch means I can pop it in a bag and take it with me and the rubberized coat will protect it from any bangs and small falls.
Pro's
Powerful amplifier.
Passive radiator for warm bass.
Sturdy design.
Bluetooth connectivity.
Rechargeable.
10 hours of playtime approx.
Black velvet pouch to keep it in.
Con's
No SD card slot, but Kitsound offer many other alternatives if you want an SD card slot.
