Review: Fnova Jumping Rope

Product Link: Fnova Jump Rope
Vendor: Fnova
Price: $21.99

I've not use a jump rope since my jump rope broke a few years ago.  I never even thought about getting a replacement since I would go to the gym instead.  I had a Fnova Flask previously and was really happy with it and seeing this Fnova Jump Rope I figured it was a good time to get back to jumping rope for some exercise.

Pros:

• Long rope that you can adjust to fit different height
• Extra replacement parts / accessories
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Difficult to cut wire

Package Includes:

• Fnova Jump Rope w/ 2.5mm cable
• Extra spare code (5mm thick)
• Replacement parts
• Bag

When this came in the mail, first impression seriously disappointed.  As mentioned I had a Fnova Flask that came in a box and well packaged.  So seeing this Fnova jump rope in a plastic bag was such the opposite.  I won't rate this negatively against the product but just a little disappointed.  Inside the plastic bag is the Fnova black bag where all contents were placed inside.  Everything was individually bagged and not floating around the Fnova bag which insure things wouldn't be missing. 

There's zero instructions inside the bag so you'll have to figure it out yourself or rely on the product images to help guide you to what to do.  I wished Fnova wrote a quick instructions on how to size the jump rope.  i.e. if you are about x height cut off x length. 

One of the great things about this jump rope is the adjustable cable length.  This meant that you can purchase the rope for a young child or for an adult and not have to worry about them not being able to use this.  Now you can adjust the length by not cutting the wire which meant you would be able to adjust for different heights as needed.  But the problem of not cutting the wire is, if the length is really long, as you jump with it you end up whipping yourself.  (This happened to me and it REALLY hurts).  I would suggest you just cut the wire length (especially if you are giving it to a child to use) just so you don't get hurt.

Now moving onto the wire cutting, its VERY difficult to cut the wire.  I guess this is good since it meant this jump rope won't break easily.  I would suggest you first figure out the length you need then cut the rope.  The easiest method is probably adjust the cable to what you think is the right length, roll up the extra length and tie it up.  Do a couple of jumps to see if it works and then cut the cable.  I would suggest leaving a couple of inches just in case.  Once you cut it you can't stick it back together.

The handle of this jump rope is really thin and a good 6in length. There's a bit of foam in the middle where you would hold.  I felt that because the foam is so soft, my hands don't blister holding onto it tightly in extended use.

Overall, I'm really impressed with this jump rope.  It's so lightweight and easy to handle and use.  The cable don't tangle but does hurt if you allow it to hit you.  This jump rope is definitely much better than the one I used to have and will last a long time.

Product Link: Fnova Jump Rope
Vendor: Fnova
Price: $21.99

Disclosure: I received this Fnova Jump Rope for testing purposes.  I'm not obligated to write positive reviews so my opinions are based on actual usage of the product. 

Review: MaxTeck Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Samsung Galaxy S4

Product Link: MaxTeck Tempered Glass Screen Protector 
Vendor: MaxTeck
Price: $7.95

I've always used a screen protector with my devices since the days of a Sony Clie PDA and the brand I've typically used is Boxwave.  Anytime I get a new smartphone, I go directly to their site and purchase an Anti-Glare screen protector.  But for the last 2 years, I've been hearing of a new type of "Glass" screen protector.  I've always bypassed it because I thought it was a gimmick.  These glass screen protectors costs about 1-3 times more than the norm and I figured it was a way to get people to cough up more money.  Well after using this MaxTeck Glass Screen Protector for my Samsung Galaxy S4, I'm going to say I'm soooo wrong!

Pros:

• Low cost for a 3 pack
• Easy installation (if you have used screen protectors before)

Cons:

• Poor installation instructions

Package Includes:

• 3 x Glass Screen Protector
• 3 x Dry & Wet wipes
• 3 x Dust-absorber & Guide Sticker

The product pictures don't show it but MaxTeck did a really good job with their packaging box.  The outer shell is hard cardboard made into a book format.  Inner right hand is hollow to hold your screen protector and additional accessories.  It's sealed with a tough sticker that's difficult to break.  I tried to pull it apart, used a dull edged letter opener and I couldn't break open that sticker.  I had to get a scissor with a sharp edge to slice through it.  

As previously mentioned I've used screen protectors before so have a good inkling of how to install.  It was simple enough, remove any previous screen protector.  Wipe the screen clean with first the wet wipes then follow up with the dry wipes.  Now I didn't know what to do with the guide sticker & dust absorber that was included.  MaxTeck did a very poor job with explaining it on the printed instruction.  Essentially, you don't remove the plastic sticker on the screen protector yet. (normal screen protector would have you doing this step first)  Instead, you need to first align the screen protector on your screen.  Make sure you pay attention to the home button.  The cutout for home button was pretty much an exact fit.  After you align it, place the guide sticker on the top and bottom of one side (either right or left is fine).  Flip the protector back to one side and remove the plastic sticker.  Then flip the protector back against the screen again.  It should be an exact fit. 


So this is my first "Glass" screen protector and I'm really sold on this.  The glass is very noticeable, it is a bit thicker than the normal film type so you can really feel it.  I was a bit afraid that the touchscreen wouldn't be as responsive, but I was very wrong.  There was no latency or un-responsiveness to my S4 after using the screen protector.  I did take a scissor and lightly scrap it across the screen and it didn't leave any marks.  But, I didn't go all out and try to break it.  This was also marketed it as anti-fingerprint but I'm afraid mine does attract fingerprint.  Although it just needed a good wipe down to clean it out.

Overall, I love this product from MaxTeck The workmanship was perfect.  The cutouts for the home button and the top microphone section was 100% head on.  But because of its exact fit for the cutouts, that means when you are applying the screen protector you need to align it correctly.  I also really lack that they included enough wipes for each screen protector.  Lastly, I think MaxTeck should consider re-writing the instructions.

Product Link: MaxTeck Tempered Glass Screen Protector
Vendor: MaxTeck
Price: $7.95

Disclosure: I received this MaxTeck Glass Screen Protector for testing purposes.  I'm not obligated to write positive reviews so my opinions are based on actual usage of the product. 

Review: Kemier Collapsible Water Bottle

Product Link: Kemier 750ml Collapsible Water Bottle
Vendor: Kemier
Price: $12.99
Color Available: Black, Blue, Pink

I actually own a number of these collapsible water bottle in different colors and from different brands.  I love them because they are easy to carry.  I get different colors so everyone in my family can always identify their bottles easily.

Pros:

• Extremely light weight and almost unbreakable
• No water leakage
• Wide opening for ease of cleaning
• Same color top and bottle

Cons:

• Top might break if hit against a hard object (i.e. dropped on the floor)

Package Includes:

• Pink Kemier collapsible Water Bottle

The Pink Kemier collapsible water bottle came packaged inside a small square box.  The front of the box has a see-through window with plastic covering.  I can easily see the color of my bottle but at the same time I won't have dust drifting into the box.  One side of the box lists features and the other side lists caution points.  

Opening up the box, the bottle was inside a thin plastic bag.  I like the amount of protection for the bottle.  I did notice that there was no chemical smell when I took the bottle out which is always a good sign. 

But this still doesn't prevent a deep cleaning prior to the first use.  In addition, there is a caution point listed on the box to disinfect the bottle with boiling water too so its always good to follow the instructions provided.  I washed it with soap and hot water and then soak the top and bottom in hot water with lemon slices overnight.  This helps to thoroughly disinfect and clear out any potential smells that may be on the bottle. 

So for initial use I filled the bottle with ice cubes and due to the wide opening, my large ice cubes was able to go into the bottle easily.  Then I filled the rest of the bottle with cold water and drank from the bottle.  There were no chemical smell or taste. 

The top of the bottle was very well built.  There's heavy plastic protecting drinking spout.  In addition there's a dual locking mechanism.  You basically press the white button and the top will spring open.  But to help prevent accidental presses, there's a metal d-ring that goes over the white button.  The spout was also good to drink from.  I did notice that I have to be careful when squeezing the bottle as too much water might come out.  So light squeezes should suffice for drinking.

The main selling function for this bottle is its collapsible which works out really well.  You basically open up the top and roll up the bottle then you use the silicone string to tie the bottle into place.  My only fear with this the silicone string might break some day.  The last great feature to the top is a hook.  You can carry the bottle easily by holding onto the hook or attaching the hook to your bag. 

Overall, the bottle is great and probably has the best packaging compared to other similar bottles.  The nice retail box makes it great for gift giving.  And because there are three color options you can make sure that everyone has a different color bottle.

Product Link: Kemier 750ml Collapsible Water Bottle
Vendor: Kemier
Price: $12.99
Color Available: Black, Blue, Pink

Disclosure: I received this Pink Kemier Collapsible Water Bottle for testing purposes.  I'm not obligated to write positive reviews so my opinions are based on actual usage of the product. 

Review: MLVOC Inflatable Travel Pillow Set

Product Link: MLVOC Inflatable Travel Pillow Set
Vendor: XSYL
Price: $11.49

I've own different types of neck pillows from ones that are memory foam (non-inflatable) or the inflatable type with different inflation methods.  The purpose is to find the perfect one for each person in my family.

Pros:

• Soft velvety pillow with extra neck support
• Packs small and comes with it's own carrying bag
• Ear plugs came with its own carrying case

Cons:

• Need to provide a better eye mask
• Need more color options

Package Includes:

• MLVOC Inflatable Travel Pillow
• Eye Mask
• Ear Plugs w/ Carrying Case
• Carrying Bag

So this came in a plastic bag that has a ziplock zipper.  I thought this was the carrying case that was listed as included in the product description.  But it was actually just a bag to hold all the included items together.  I am actually perfectly happy with using this bag to hold everything.
Removing all the contents from the zipper bag, I was very impressed with all the things that were given for this pillow set.  Although some of the things included weren't of the best quality.  For example the carrying bag was actually not as good as the zipper bag where everything came together.  The Eye Mask works well enough as a travel mask since its very thin and easily portable.  But it would not be something I would be using at home.  The ear plugs were the foam type that you throw out after a couple of uses.  I did like that it came with its own carrying case that I can just put in my own ear plugs in the future. 

Moving on to the star of the show the inflatable pillow.  The form factor for this is a little different from normal pillows.  It actually has two protruding area near the back of the pillow which gives extra neck support to prevent your head from rolling to the side.  This is the first time I've seen an inflatable pillow with this extra support and it's an absolutely great design change. 

The inflate valve is on the back of the pillow in the middle.  It only took about three breaths of air to blow it up fully.  The valve was well thought out, no air escape while I was blowing it up.  Once I have the neck pillow nice and firm I started using it and found that the extra neck support is really great.  The pillow is extremely soft and has velvety feel to it.  Pressing your face to the side feels very nice and wasn't tough on the skin.  I like that the cover can be removed to wash since these things do get dirty.

To deflate the pillow again is different from other designs.  You open the valve and press the bump in between the valve and let the air out.  It only took a couple of seconds to get the pillow deflated so you can fold it back into its carrying case. 


Overall, I really like this inflatable travel pillow.  I am having a tough time giving this up to an elderly family member while I keep my current Naturehike neck pillow.  But the extra neck support will be great for the elderly.  I would purchase more of this if other colors options were available.

Product Link: MLVOC Inflatable Travel Pillow Set
Vendor: XSYL
Price: $11.49

Disclosure: I was provided this MLVOC Inflatable Travel Pillow Set for testing purposes.  I'm not obligated to write positive reviews so my opinions are based on actual usage of the product. 

Review: Winthome 2-Pack Microfiber Towels with Bag

Product Link: Winthome 2-Pack Microfiber Towels with Bag
Vendor: lOVEATHOME
Price: $9.99 (Note: pricing changes based on color)
Color Available: Blue, Candy Green, Green, Grey, Orange, Purple, Silver, Beige, Pink, Rose Purple, Light Green, Orange 1

I was first made aware of microfiber towel via social media posting from a friend who brought them.  She was using it for gym towels but I saw a different use for them.  I always bring my own bath towels when I go on business trips.  In my 17" carry-on luggage, full size bath & head towels takes up a lot of space.  This is where these microfiber towel came in handy.

Pros:

• Large towels that don't take a lot of space
• Very absorbent and dries faster than regular cotton towels
• Includes a mesh carrying bag

Cons:

• Strong chemical smell from the free mesh bag

Package Includes:

• 20"x40" Towel
• 30"x60" Towel
• Mesh Carrying Bag

The microfiber towels arrives inside a thin plastic bag.   The two towels were already packed into the mesh bag.  While the towels all fit tightly inside the bag, there was probably still a tiny amount of space for another thin towel.  When I removed the plastic from the mesh bag I did notice a strong whiff of chemical smell which I thought came from the towels.  This wasn't a big deal since I had originally planned to wash the towels before use anyway.  The big towel had the Winthome name printed on a corner whereas the smaller towel didn't have anything.

Prior to initial use I decided to hand wash the towels.  I was afraid that the towels would bleed and unfortunately I was correct.  The first wash had the water with a slight purplish tint (I purchased the rose purple towels).  I went through three washes before I noticed that the towel wasn't bleeding.  I air dry the towels outdoor and it no longer had the chemical smell.

In the midst of this, I realized that the chemical smell didn't originate from the towels.  Instead it was coming from the mesh carrying bag that was made with a combination of PVC plastic.  After five washes the smell has lessen.  Now the mesh carrying bag is pretty strong, but I think they could have used better material to insure no chemical smell exists.

So the main test is will these microfiber towels replace my cotton bath towels that I take on the road?  And the short answer is yes with some caveat.  These microfiber towels are slightly larger than my cotton towels by a couple of inches.  But they pack much smaller so it doesn't take up too much space. Having never used microfiber towels prior to getting this set, I was a bit unused to it in the beginning.  With regular cotton towels you drag the towels around you to get the water out.  With these microfiber towels you have to sort of do a combo pat / drag to get the water off you.  The towels did pick up water pretty fast when I pat myself down.

Overall, this is a great towel set for travel purposes.  It packs really small and doesn't take up much space in your luggage and really does get the job done.  But I definitely still prefer the consistency of the regular cotton towels at home.  There are some improvements that I would make to this.  One of which is including a mesh bag that doesn't have the chemical smell.  Another thing I really would want is for this set to include a face towel.  This would handle all the towels I would need for my trips.

Product Link: Winthome 2-Pack Microfiber Towels with Bag
Vendor: lOVEATHOME
Price: $9.99 (Note: pricing changes based on color)
Color Available: Blue, Candy Green, Green, Grey, Orange, Purple, Silver, Beige, Pink, Rose Purple, Light Green, Orange 1

Review: Samtech 4-in-1 Travel Pillow Set

Product Link: Samtech 4-in-1 Travel Pillow Set
Vendor: Samnovo Store
Price: $6.97
Color Available: Pink, Sky Blue, Blue, Light Grey, Rose Red, Wine Red

I travel a few times a year domestically and internationally.  Some trips are about 2hrs whereas others can go up to 16hrs.  In the past I use the memory foam pillow which was great to sleep on.  Unfortunately they take up space when not in use.  The Samtech inflatable pillow would help resolve this. 

Pros:

• Extremely portable and doesn'take up much space
• Feels nice to touch

Cons:

• Takes a bit more effort to inflate
• Leaks air after a while

Package Includes:

• Inflatable Travel Pillow
• Inflator
• Eye Mask
• Ear plug

This Samtech products comes in a soft light blue zipper bag.  Inside the bag is a small inflator and also another box.  When you remove everything from both the bag and box you get all your 4-in-1 items.  Upon taking out the products I tossed the blue zipper bag into the garbage.  It arrived extremely dirty and I just wasn't comfortable with using it.

The travel pillow had a distinct smell.  I can't point my finger at it but I did wash the pillow first and left it in sun to dry.  I used the inflator to pump up the pillow.  It took about 100 tries (switching between right and left hands).  The total time was about 2 minute.  The beginning was a little slow.  I think I squeeze that inflator about 20 times before it seemed like it was gaining air.  But then it sped up a little about half-way through.  The good thing about inflatables, it leaves the firmness of the pillow up to you to decide.  

I also washed the eye mask before using it.  It's nothing special just any cheap eye mask you can find anywhere.  The ear plugs I didn't test because they looked about the same as any other pair of ear plugs.  I'll use this when I go on my next flight.

Overall, this is a good product that you are receiving.  I think Samtech can improve on the packaging a little more and see if there is anyway to make the inflator a little smaller.  Currently I inflate the pillow by breathing air into it.  Carrying a decent sized inflator that takes about 100 tries to pump the pillow up just doesn't make sense when I'm trying to minimize carry-on space.  Lastly, it would also be nice for them to include a small pouch that would hold everything folded up.

Product Link: Samtech 4-in-1 Travel Pillow Set
Vendor: Samnovo Store
Price: $6.97
Color Available: Pink, Sky Blue, Blue, Light Grey, Rose Red, Wine Red

Disclosure: I received this Samtech 4-in-1 Travel Pillow Set for testing purposes.

Review: Vibrant Living Insulated Travel Mug

Product Link: Vibrant Living Insulated Travel Mug
Vendor: Yoon Enterprise
Price: $19.25

When we think about vacuum insulated bottles, most people are more familiar with Zojirushi.  You see it in Asian supermarkets, or you find it highly recommended it.  Now comes Vibrant Living Insulated Travel mug that looks very similar to a Zojirushi but slightly cheaper in cost.

Pros:

• Works for both hot and cold beverage
• Built-in holding ring
• Drink directly from bottle without opening top

Cons:

• Lack of color options

Package Includes:

• Vibrant Living Insulated Bottle
• Thank you / Warning

The bottle arrives in a white corrugated box.  On the outside of the bottle lists the name Vibrant Living and the color of the bottle on one side.  Opening the box, I found the bottle inside a thin plastic bag.  When you removed the bag you'll find a very nice sleek looking bottle with the Vibrant Living name printed near the bottom of the bottle.  The bottle is approximately 9.5" tall with circumference at 8.5".  It looks like Vibrant Living chose to design a bottle that's taller rather than wider hence the height.  This design while tall makes it easier to hold in the middle.

Now I didn't realize that this has a locking mechanism on the bottle.  I kept pressing the red button and expected the top to flip open.  Unfortunately after 3 hard presses it wouldn't open and I fear the worst.  I thought I received a defective bottle!  UGH!  I finally realized that the area around the red push button is actually a plastic lock.  From above the button, pull back the black plastic.  Then follow up by pushing the red button and flip top will open to reveal the sippy area.  Sippy area is white and made of plastic and almost 1.5" deep.  The hole opening for the liquid to pass through wasn't too big, I would say about the same as a straw.  I think this is a good design for hot beverages since it helps to prevent too much liquid from coming out when you tilt the bottle to drink.

On the top of the bottle is a folded holding hook.  Flip it up and you can now hold it by the hook or hang it against your backpack.  I have to admit you don't see much of this design anywhere so it was nice to have.  I do think they could make some improvements and make the hook a little thicker.  It's a bit thin and I worry about breaking it after a while.

Before using the bottle, I followed the Thank you / Warning note.  I washed the bottle and also soaked it in hot lemon water overnight before using.  One thing to note with washing the bottle, you need to have a long brush that can fit into the 1.5" opening otherwise it's very tough to clean.

I'm using this bottle for water only.  I don't like to mix different beverages with the bottles I use as I think no matter how well you are cleaning bottles, the taste of different beverages still resides in the bottle.  Anyway, on a cold day I filled it with hot water and take it on my commute.  I was sipping the hot water throughout the day since my office is typically freezing.  I did finish my bottle of water after about 6hrs.  While it wasn't piping hot by the time I finished my water, it was still warm.  I'm ok with this since I really don't want the water to stay scalding hot when I use it.

Now on a hot day I filled the bottle with cold water and ice cube.  I actually filled the ice cube to the top and then fill the leftover space with cold water I keep in the fridge.  Again I drank the water or ate ice cubes throughout the day.  I'm typically done with the bottle within 6-7hrs.  My water was cold throughout the time.  Again, even though the bottle is advertised as keeping cold for 24hrs, I don't really need it to last that long. 

Overall, I'm really happy with the water bottle and felt that it lived up to the description.  I do wish they had more color options though!  I would like to get different colors for family members.

Product Link: Vibrant Living Insulated Travel Mug
Vendor: Yoon Enterprise
Price: $19.25

Disclosure: I was provided this Vibrant Living Insulated Travel Mug for testing purposes.  I'm not obligated to write positive reviews so my opinions are based on actual usage of the product. 

Review: Fnova 35oz Insulated Vacuum Flask

Product Link: Fnova 35oz Insulated Vacuum Flask
Vendor: Fnova
Price: $21.99

So when people think of buying a vacuum insulated flask, one of the more well-known brands that we've heard of is Hydro Flask.  But the cost of the hydro flask is about double the price of this Fnova 35oz flask.  So is the Fnova a good substitute against the Hydro?

Pros:

• Cheap cost
• Multi top options

Cons: 

• Difficult to clean due to narrow mouth opening
• Weak carabineer

Package Includes:

• Fnova 35Oz Insulated Vacuum Flask
• Sports Cap
• Bamboo Cap
• Carabineer cap

The Fnova flask arrived in a big brown box.  Only the top of the box has the item name printed on it.  Since they sell the flask in two sizes (21oz and 35oz), it's interesting they didn't write that info on the box.  When you flip the top of the box open, you'll notice the inside front side cover had a quick Thank You and request for review on it.  Although, Fnova never said if you are suppose to post a review or just simply email them if you have problems / improvement suggestions.

Usually when water bottles gets larger than 30oz, it starts becoming wider instead of taller.  So I was a bit surprised that Fnova chose a tall rather than a fat design.  I'm liking it though because it allows me to hold it a bit more easily with my hands and will insure it fits in most cup holders in the car.  The flask has a narrow mouth opening which is pretty normal for these style of bottle.  But, I wished they had follow in Hydro Flask's footsteps and used a wide mouth opening.  This makes it much easier to clean (you're not limited to the type of cleaning brushes you can use) and also allows you to fit bigger pieces of ice.  Now the Fnova has a bit of a heft to it without the ice/water placed inside it.  I guess this is the result of the material they used to make it a double wall vacuum insulated flask.

The biggest plus of Fnova Flask is the three top options they included.  This beats out the Hydro flask since Hydro charges around $10 if you want to purchase different tops.  But even though this was a plus, I had my doubts.  I had done my research prior to the arrival of this flask and noticed that there were negative complaints about damaged tops on arrival or a very bad straw lid.  I've also seen a video review where the metal band on the bamboo cap fell off.  Well I'm happy to report that I did not see any of these issues.  I think Fnova had paid attention to all the negative complaints from previous users and took the initiative to resolve these issues.  The sports cap no longer needs a straw (I hate them because cleaning the straws is difficult).  The metal band on the bamboo cap was pretty sturdy.  I tugged on it and couldn't separate the band from the cap.  Now the only thing I have to complain about is the carabineer cap.  Having a carabineer with it is great! (I wished they made all the tops be compatible with a carabineer)  BUT why did Fnova provide such a weak and flimsy carabineer.  I strongly doubt that it'll hold up to the weight of the flask filled with ice & water.  I'm not even going to humor testing it!  I straight out switched to a stronger carabineer.

But aside from having a nice form factor and including all the tops, does this flask work as advertised?  And I'll say it does.  After the usual cleaning before initial use of any bottles, I filled mine with ice and water and carried it with me to work.  I left the house around 7:30AM and throughout the day I took occasional drinks from the bottle.  By the time I left work around 5:30PM, the water was still cold.  I did notice there were still some ice in there but it was partially melted. 

So I do like this Fnova Hydro flask a lot.  I'm permanently leaving it at work with a goal of finishing at least an entire bottle of water every day.  Trying to carry it with me from my commute to and from would just be too heavy for me.  I'm also using the sports cap rather than all the other options.  It just makes more sense since twisting open/close the other two tops would be a waste of time versus flipping the top off the sports cap.  Aside from my negative points, I think its important that Fnova packages the tops separately for sale.  Just in case us users do break them by accident.

Product Link: Fnova 35oz Insulated Vacuum Flask
Vendor: Fnova
Price: $21.99

Disclosure: I received this Fnova 35oz Vacuum Insulated Flask for testing purposes.  I'm not obligated to write positive reviews so my opinions are based on actual usage of the product.