Category Archives: Product Reviews

Gadget, gear, and technology

Product Reviews, Shooting Sports

Athlon Cronus Rangefinder 10×50 Binoculars

Cronus is Arthlon Optics top tier product line and as such, command top-tier pricing. Their new Cronus 10×50 laser range finder binoculars have a street price around $1000. At that price range, I wouldn’t normally have reason to come across one but thankfully Athlon sent me a pair to test and evaluate.

These binoculars feature ED UHD glass which reduce or eliminate chromatic aberration and deliver bright, sharp, detailed images at 10x. I own a 25x Celestron Skymasters which I was thought was a pretty darn good pair of binoculars. But when compared to the image quality to the Cronus…it’s like being impressed with the image of a 720p 50″ flatscreen TV and then seeing a 80″ 4K TV; it will ruin you for anything less.

The image is bright, detailed, and sharp. At 50y I was able to make it resolution lines down to Element 4 in Group -1. on the USAF 1951 optical resolution chart. Its field of view is 338ft @ 1000y, which is average to middling in high end binoculars. For comparison, my Skymaster only has a field of view of 141ft.

The Cronus has a greenish plastic/rubberized, knurled body for added grip in cold or wet conditions. It features retained front lens caps with the Athlon logo and integrated telescoping eye-cups. The buttery smooth, focus knob is oversized to provide finer adjustments.

Its internal laser rang finder is powered by a CR2 battery housed in the pivot point between the scope tubes. Unfortunately the battery cap is located where I would normally expect to find the tripod adapter threads. Alas, if you want to attach this 2.3lb optic to a stable tripod, you’ll have to use a strap or clamp style mount.

The laser range finder is controlled by two buttons molded onto the top of the each half of the binocular. The digital display is visible through the right binocular eyepiece and appears similar to golf range finders with angle detection and even includes a golf flag mode! But both ocular lenses must be uncapped in order for the laser to beam and detect targets.

Athlon states that the Cronus has a maximum detection range of 2000y on a reflective object and 800y on deer. These numbers are under controlled and ideal testing conditions. In my “real world” testing on a city hillside, the maximum distance I was able to bounce off was a window on a house 1414y away. On a non-reflective rock, I was able to range out to 680y. While short of its maximum, these numbers are sill impressive for everyday use.

While the Crono’s performance is impressive, the reality of its price is still daunting. The typical hunter or even long range shooter would be able to get away with a cheap 1000y golf laser range finder and a 60mm spotting scope and be able to accomplish the same goals. But for those the means and budget to purchase a Cronus, the simpler one piece solution is worth the price.

RETAIL SOURCES

Amazon #commission Athlon Cronus 10×50

SPECS

Magnification:10 x
Objective Lens: 50 mm
Eye Relief: 19.3 mm
Field of View: 338 ft @ 1000 y
Weight: 38oz
Length: 7 in
Close Focus: 6.6 ft
Exit Pupil: 5 mm
Water Proof: IPX-7
Glass: UHD, ED
Coating: Fully Multi-Coated
Range Finder: Laser
Max Range: 2000 y
Range Deer: 800 y
Warranty: Lifetime

Product Reviews

Zenni glasses Fail & Redemption

Zenni eyewear was one of the first online prescription eyeglass companies I purchased from just before the “Pandemic”. I was pleased with their products in the past, so when I had had a terrible experience with Goggles4U, I ordered my next pair from Zenni.

My eyesight is close enough to 20/20 that I’ve passed DMV tests but I do notice difficulty reading names on roadsigns at night. Since my 20’s I’ve worn a pair of prescription sun glasses when driving and since my 50’s I’ve switched to bifocals to read the GPS maps on my dashboard/phone.

I ordered a prescription bi-focal in an aviator style frame for use as night time driving glasses. These were great for the first 6-7 months. I slowly noticed that at night the street lights and oncoming headlamps got progressively more glaring. On a night time drive, I really had problems with this starburst effect wearing my glasses to the point that I had to take them off and squint the rest of the way home.

At first I thought my eyesight may have gotten worse. But when I wore an older pair of prescription sunglasses, the starburst glare wan’t present at night. I compared it with some other older pairs of bifocals I owned with the same result: there was something wrong with my “new” Zenni bifocals.

The glasses were over 6 months old and well past the 30-day money-back-warranty. But my older Zenni glasses didn’t experience such a decay in performance, which made me think there may be something wrong how the lenses were manufactured (China much?) I went to Zenni to find out.

I went to the Zenni.com and asked on their Customer Service, what could be happening to my glasses? Their Customer Service Rep immediately emailed me and recommended I try gently cleaning them with warm water and mild dishwashing detergent. I did that but this is the result; no improvement. I sent them these photos to explain the situation.

Then Zenni did something I didn’t expect them to. They apologized for the inconvenience and offered to send me the exact same glasses to replace these ones. The contrast between Zenni and Goggles4U’s customer service attitude was dumbfounding.

I agreed and waited for the glasses. I set up a pinpoint light source to mimic a night time headlamp and tested the new glasses against my old. And the new ones were crystal clear.

I asked the Zenni Rep what could have caused the smearing of light (chromatic bberration) and she said that based on the photos I sent, their technicians believe the glasses were undergoing “Crazing”. This is a degradation of the lens coatings due to excessive heat or chemical reaction.

I don’t know what could be causing the crazing. I live in San Francisco where a “heat wave” is anything above 75ºF so I doubt excessive heat. Moreover, I’ve always kept my driving glasses in my car, but my older prescription glasses never experienced crazing? Perhaps it was the new “carbon microfiber” cleaning tools I’m using now? So far I’ve not found any blogs or posts relating to damage caused by these cleaning tools.

In the end I’m glad this video ended well. I got a brand new pair of glasses from a company I liked before the experience, and absolutely gush about afterwards. I’m not sponsored by Zenni but I sure wish I was.

Product Reviews, Shooting Sports

Monstrum Banshee 1-10×24

Earlier this year I was shown Monstrum’s newest LPVO scope, the Banshee. This new line would be slightly lower priced than their new Spectre. And more importantly, would feature a 1-10x model but due to manufacturing delays, Monstrum was unable to bring a 1-10x prototype to Shot Show. Months later, I was excited to receive a sample of the new Banshee 1-10×24 LPVO from Monstrum.

The Banshee shares broad physical similarities to the Spectre. Both have 30mm tubes and the same X1 reticle. Unlike the Spectre, the Banshee has capped turrets and the highest magnification of Monstrum’s LPVOs of 10x. As a minor note, on the Banshee the Monstrum logo is engraved into the eyepiece section of the scope, possibly a new standard in Monstrum’s industrial design.

At the range, I was able to quickly able to identify and engage targets at 50 yrds and 100 yrds. However, the illumination of my particular sample scope was a bit weak. Testing in the noon day sun, I could barely see a red tint at its highest level 5 setting. Green was slightly better. But to be fair, in bright daylight the X1 reticle is thick enough to line up my target without the need for illumination and in low light or CQB, the illumination levels would be adequate.

Overall I found the glass to be as good as the Spectre. I couldn’t quite compare apples to apples because of the higher 10x magnification of the Banshee. With both, I was pleasantly surprised at its sharpness and brightness for a price tier of under $250.

ONLINE RETAIL SOURCES

Amazon Affiliate: https://amzn.to/3P2wKZp

Monstrum: https://monstrumtactical.com/banshee-1-10×24-lpvo-rifle-scope/

RESOLUTION (50yrds)

Group: -1
Element: 2

Product Reviews, Social

Feyachi FL-46 Flashlight

Feyachi sent me their new right angle rechargeable flashlight, the FL-46. Right angle flashlights are not new. The design was boy scout and military standard since before WWII. Right angle flashlights can be attached to the wearer’s chest, backpack straps, or pocket to illuminate while allowing wearer both hands free.

The box that the FL-46 comes in is a little fancier than Feyachi’s normal packaging, with a pull drawer. The flashlight comes with a nylon holster, USB-C charging cable, and user manual. The charging port is located under a plastic sliding panel at the base. The FL-46 can be stood on its tail and attached to your pocket or strap with a metal double-direction clip.

The controls are basic, with a silicone clicky button at the right angle bend. Pressing turns turns it on and each tap cycles through its modes: On>High>Strobe>Off. Pressing it for over 1 sec. will also turn the flashlight off. The FL-46 lacks mode memory or momentary on.

In my testing, the “Regular” on mode output more than its stated 300 lumens by over 50%. It’s “High” mode was just above to its stated 500 lumens. Fully charged, the unit had a run time in excess of 400 minutes. It dimmed considerably after the first hour but stayed in a candlelight dim output well past the 300 minute mark when I had to cut the test due nightfall and the lack of light for the camera to read my timer.

If this light has just too many flaws for me to recommend it. It lacks mode memory and a means to lock out the strobe mode. Furthermore the plastic dust cover for the charging port leaves the light at only IPX4 water resistance; a glaring oversight for a “tactical-style” flashlight for it not to be rain-proof. This light might be better suited for workshops, repairmen, or mechanics.

Available on Amazon through my Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3s79VKJ

Product Reviews, Shooting Sports

Monstrum Raider X2

I recently reviewed the Monstrum Raider X1 weapon light. I got an early look at a prototype at Shot Show 2023. Back then, they didn’t even have a name for it but I was struck by their claim that it could output 2000 lumens. I was eager to test this claim, and thankfully Monstrum came forward and sent me both an X1 and an X2 to evaluate.

Like the X1, the Raider X2 comes in a compact box containing the light and a M-LOK/Picatinny rail. The weapon light is made of 6061 aircraft grade aluminum which feels quite durable and solid. It recharges via a covered USB-C port at the rear of the wedged shaped body.

Unlike the wedge shaped X1, the X2 has a straight lower profile shape. There is a small cut out in the body that allows the light to function as a hand stop, preventing your hand from moving forward which is useful as a safety feature for bullpup or short barreled rifles and shotguns.

An single activation button is located on the left side of the body. A press turns the unit on in its high output mode. Pressing the button cycles the flashlight from high, to low, to off. Keeping the button pressed for 5-6 seconds activates the strobe mode.

In my testing, I measured approximately 1650 lumens; which not as bright as the 2000 claimed. The shortfall may be because new batteries take a few cycles to reach maximum performance? The X1 I tested had a higher 1850 lumen output despite having the same internal components.

The Raider lacks momentary on or mode memory; two features I consider to be vital for a modern weapon light. This control scheme was standard for weapon lights 15 years ago and for those that are used to this scheme may be a selling point but not for me.

What is a selling point is it’s performance and durability. Monstrum states that it has a 60 minute run time on high mode. Fully recharged, my X2 ran for 70 minutes, with a gradual drop in brightness.

The Raider X1 did fail one of my tests: I found the unit did not meet to IPX6 rating it claims. I hit it with a high pressure water hose at various angles for about 15-20 seconds. A few minutes later, I found that moisture beads appeared behind the lens and lifting the silicone charging port cover, I found water weeping out of the port.

I left the unit outside in the sun for a few days to dry it out. After checking the charging port for moisture, I tried charging it up again and it appears to be working normally. While water getting into the unit is failure, it’s recovery from its wet condition may be a positive.

ONLINE RETAIL SOURCES

Amazon Affiliate: https://amzn.to/3KmOJad

Monstrum: https://alnk.to/ge48PGr

Product Reviews, Social

How easy are returns on Temu?

I recently made my first online order on Temu and mused, “I don’t know what their return policy is like?” Well now I know. Within my first order, a laser disco ball light was defective and even though it was cheap (less than $5), Temu did heavily advertise they offered “Free Returns” and I was eager to find out if this was for real.

In order to process a return I had to upload photos or a short 00:30 video demonstrating the problem. Videos longer than :30 are rejected by their website upload page. In my case, one of the three disco lights I had purchased, didn’t change color when music or sound played.

If approved, they offer a free downloadable return mailing label. You have to box up all the item(s) you wish to return from each order. You can return multiple items from your order but if you’ve already shipped a box and discover another defective item, Temu will not give you a free shipping label but will instead charge you $7.90 for it.

In my product return process, they approved my return and told me that I didn’t have to return the products. Probably because it would cost them more to ship it back than the item was worth. Overall the experience was relatively easy, similar to AliExpress but not quite as easy as Amazon.

Product Reviews, Travel

Daiso Disposable Panties

I saw these while shopping at Daiso, a Japanese discount “dollar” store chain. But I have to wonder who are these for? I can kind of understand that if you are traveling on multiple long flights and can’t wash and dry your clothes. For hygene, you need to change your underwear and if you have an accident, you may want to dispose of soiled clothes.

I understand if you don’t want to feel bad about tossing expensive panties. But Daiso also sells low-quality cotton panties for $1.50 each. They’re thin and low quality, so they are essentially disposable because they probably won’t last more than a few months or weeks.

One would need to be an extreme penny pincher to prefer wearing an uncomfortable pair panties to save $1.20. Who do you think these disposable panties appeals to?

Gadgets, Product Reviews

My first TEMU order

Temu is the fastest grown shopping app on the Apple Store and Android Play. Based in China it blew up on social media in the last two years, offering crazy cheap deals. They gamify your online experience letting you “spin to win” coupons like $10 off or 20% off orders that are time limited (you must order within the hour).

This has driven a viral trend of people posting deals they’ve gotten on Temu. Some customers and influencers have reported short-term Hot deals like Baofang radios for $2 or Nintendo Switches for $80. While there is always a risk of buying counterfeit products, it appears the majority of items sold on Temu are brand-less OEMs or knock offs. On Amazon you’d get the same products but with key mash names like “Hihhy”, “VCELINK” or “Aukey”.

Temu can offer products cheaply because they sell products direct from manufacturers in China, cutting out middle men distributors and retailers. AliExpress and Wish also have a similar business model which often make them cheaper than Amazon. AliExpress has a larger selection of sellers than Temu. Wish.com has lower prices and many items but of also lower quality.

Temu, AliExpress, and Wish all offer “free shipping” on many of their items. Temu offers free shipping on all of their products with a minimum order amount. Temu really blew up a year ago when they started offering “free expedited delivery” via air freight. AliExpress and Wish charge extra for air fright.

My Temu order took 8 days to arrive and some users have reported delivery times of 2-3 days. “Free shipping” from AliExpress and Wish via ship cargo, takes about 30 days. This puts Temu closer to Amazon’s 2-7 day delivery expectation.

Temu can offer “Free Air Express” because they worked out a deal with an Asian air cargo company, who offered them a huge discount on their air freight rates. This deal is temporary (likely 6 months to 1 year at most) but Temu is leveraging this opportunity by pumping huge amounts of money into marketing, including a Super Bowl commercial.

As to my order, the items were mostly clothing and accessories picked out by my wife and daughter from Temu’s Hot Deals. The quality was about the same quality of fashionable budget clothing found at Target or H&M. The electronics I ordered were USB cables and chargers which all worked.

Overall, our experience with Temu has bas been positive. So much so that I’ve been confident enough to begun placing additional small $25-$50 orders in the days since. I do find myself succumbing to the gamified coupons and spending way too much time and effort to search for some additional item that I may or may not really need to get that slightly higher discount.

I did find one disappointing and one defective item amongst my orders thus far. I’ll follow up in a few days with my experience with Temu’s “Free Return” policy. Be sure to check back for that video soon.

Gadgets, Product Reviews, Shooting Sports

Jetbeam Mini-One

My friend Tony works in maintenance for the MTA (New York City’s Subway system), a job where a flashlight is vital to inspect trains, tracks, and just check under seats and dark spaces. He uses the a Mini-One flashlight as a backup at work and swears by it for its small size, affordability, and reliability. He sent me a Jetbeam Mini-One as a gift and while not to seem ungrateful, I still thoroughly tested as I do with any other flashlight.

Keychain flashlights are not a new. I fondly remember owning a AA powered Disneyland keychain light that ran a small incandescent bulb. But today’s rechargeable LED powered flashlights are brighter than some AA powered tactical lights from a dozen years ago.

I’ve been reviewing more compact keychain EDC lights recently, but Mini-One stands out for its stainless steel construction. The Mini-One’s polished metal surface gives the flashlight a higher perceived value than the comparably priced OLIGHT I1R (and with twice as brightness). The unit recharges via USB-C port kept water-tight with a silicone plug cover.

A single tap on the silicone button activates the main CREE illuminator and a double tap activates the body panel lights. This is where I find fault in the design. A single tap could accidentally occur in your pocket when attached to your keychain. On one occasion, I pulled out my keys and found the light was on; who knows for how long. I would have preferred that the main CREE activate with a double tap and the side light with a triple tap to avoid this potential problem.

Another disappointment was in the light output. The packaging claims 500 lumens max. In my testing, my flashlight managed approximately 300 lumens. Jetbeam should have lead with that number, which is twice the output of an OLIGHT I1R but instead seems to have opted for inflating numbers like many budget light brands.

If you can get past the controls and the middling light output and controls, I can say that the light is well built. It survived my IPX-8 water immersion test and had a run time in excess of 1.5hrs. For a light smaller than my pinky, that was laudable.

ONLINE RETAIL SOURCES

Amazon Affiliate: https://amzn.to/3q2v34s
The less expensive polymer version is also available: https://amzn.to/3Y5lwGi

Gadgets, Product Reviews

V5S Swivel Right Angle EDC

This is the first product I can’t recommend due to dangerous construction. This little flashlight sliced open my thumb while testing it. This EDC is unusual in that the head of the tube has a 45º cut which allows the head to swivel into a 90º position. Unfortunately, the edges of that 45º cut were left razor sharp by the factory.

I really wanted to like this budget EDC flashlight. It has is USB-C rechargeable with set of side LED lights for signaling and use as a table top lamp. In addition, it has a magnetic clickey tail allowing it to be wall or overhang mounted as a work light. In my testing it met the 500 lumen output it claimed and had a runtime just over 100 minutes on high mode.

The factory just didn’t take into consideration that the tube cuts need to be ground down. Perhaps they were kept sharp for aesthetic reasons but they are a safety hazard. I contacted the original Amazon seller NGOKPYD. If you’ve been injured by this product let me know. I don’t plan a class-action lawsuit, I’m just curious. This EDC is stil available elswehere online under the brand name BORUIT.

Available on Amazon through my Amazon Store link: https://amzn.to/46xkQgG

Available on AliExpress using my affiliate link: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCCjFTb