Showing posts with label Fnova. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fnova. Show all posts

Saturday, October 29, 2016

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. 

Monday, October 10, 2016

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.