Electronics

Recent Electronic Reviews

Garmin Forerunner 645

A modest looking GPS, heart rate monitor, and smart watch that delivers reams of training information. Pairs with a mobile phone to deliver loads of other features and is fully customizable. A good choice for athletes engaged in systematic training, it also works well for more casual users that can put the smart watch features to use. I (almost) never would have bought this watch for myself. I’m not that serious or systematic about training. I just go out and run by feel, and these days that usually… Full review

Headspin The Lighting Kit

Overall I am very impressed with the HeadSpin Light System. I have the feeling that I am just starting to discover all of the functions, features, and uses. I was immediately impressed with the HeadSpin Light System when it arrived in the mail. When I unboxed the product I discovered that it was contained within a sturdy semi-hard case. There were five easily identifiable pieces within the kit—the light head, a handle, a headband, a bicycle mount, and a wall charging plug. There was also an instruction… Full review

NiteCore NU20

From a brief experience it appears to be as advertised—super light, rugged, and of good quality. It functions effectively. INITIAL IMPRESSION NITECORE NU 20 ULTRALIGHT HEADLAMP This is a brief initial impression of the Nitecore NU 20, as the light arrived just as I was heading out for a night hike. I found the bracket “tab” that covers the switch to be pretty ingenious. The joint between the light and bracket is firm and will maintain the angle set. It's not going to change accidentally. The… Full review

SureFire Minimus

OK headlamp. OK headlamp. Purchased mine in 2011. Two failures over the years. Both had problem with the switch turning on by self. Burnt hole in side of backpack in one instance. Great headlamp for trailwalking, and close work, but not for finding something in distance. Will not buy another, but as long as Surefire continues to warranty, will not throw away. Two RMAs later, cost of ownership is bit steep. In 2019, there are far better choices in headlamps to be had. Full review

HitCase TrueLUX Lens Kit

The Hitcase PRO is a bombproof and waterproof protective phone case for active photographers and videographers. Combined with Hitcase's thread-on TrueLUX lenses it provides a secure way to use add-on cellphone lenses. I am using my iPhone for more and more of my photography and video work. Much of that work takes place around water, in hazardous places, or crowded environments. Over the last couple of years, I have lost several clip-on lenses while working in heavy brush or in crowds of people and… Full review

HitCase PRO

The Hitcase PRO is a bombproof and waterproof protective phone case for active photographers and videographers. Combined with Hitcase's thread-on TrueLUX lenses it provides a secure way to use add-on cellphone lenses. I am using my iPhone for more and more of my photography and video work. Much of that work takes place around water, in hazardous places, or crowded environments. Over the last couple of years, I have lost several clip-on lenses while working in heavy brush or in crowds of people and… Full review

BioLite Headlamp 330

Light, comfortable, and bright rechargeable headlamp. I bought a Biolite headlamp after passing on the Kickstarter. I’m a supporter of Biolite and use their products. I’ve been very happy with the lamp and I plan on buying the rest of the family they own. I had some concern over the recharge-only option, but so far it has not been an issue. The light maintains adequate usage time for general camp use and reading in bed. The three lighting options—beam, LO, and red—give a good range of uses. Full review

Fox Outfitters Firefly

Amazingly bright, low weight, long battery life—these are just some of the highlights of this light. I received my Firefly headlamp today to test and review. Starting with the shipping, it was surprisingly fast. I had recently moved and even with the company shipping to the old address, I had product in hand in under a week. The packaging was very well done and the unit made it here with no issues whatsoever. The product's packaging is appealing to the eye, clean box, specs and information can… Full review

Coast HL40

This is a rugged, basic headlight. It has a battery pack on the back that if you wear a warm hat over will keep the batteries warm and functioning much longer than typical hiking/backpacking headlights. WORKS IN THE COLD! I was leading some night hikes last winter and both my Petzl and Black Diamond headlights were fading out after about 45 minutes in the cold (~20 degrees F). I switched over to lithium batteries from alkaline because lithiums are supposed to be less affected by cold. Didn't do… Full review