There’s only a few more sleep until Valentine’s Day, so if you haven’t already wrapped your mitts around something special, it’s time to get cracking. Thankfully, the Man of Many team has already done their shopping, unearthing a host of sweet kit and new gear to give the road test. Here’s what we’re into this week, in our Staff Favourites.
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Image: Bombay Sapphire
Bombay Sapphire Bombay Bramble
Nick Hall – Editor-in-Chief
I love a good gin and something with a bit of fruitiness always tickles my fancy. Bombay Bramble is exactly that. Arriving from gin lords Bombay Sapphire, the decadent drop is infused with rich blackberries and raspberries, giving it more than just a unique colour. The light flavours give a sophisticated taste that is surprisingly versatile, but at the same time, I’ve found this one works best when paired simply with tonic. It also has no added sugar, so while I may hate myself the next day, I won’t hate myself during.
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Image: RecoveryAir
Therabody RecoveryAir PRO Compression Boots
Scott Purcell – Co-Founder
Full disclosure, I’m wearing the compression boots while writing this review to get the full experience. You know those big blow-up sleeves you see a lot at Inside the World’s First Whisky Distillery to Earn a Michelin Star or athletes use? Well, now you can recover like the pros with this medical-grade compression device in the comfort of your own home (or office). I was a little concerned with the difficulties of setting this thing up, but it was actually insanely intuitive. Simply plug in the Pneumatic Compression Device to power, zip up the boots over your legs, plug in the air tubes and press play.
The RecoveryAir PRO works to accelerate your body’s natural circulation using precise levels of pressure as they inflate. Think of it as someone squeezing your legs tight like a massage which is then slowly released as you feel the blood flow rush back into your limbs. This Intermittent Sequential Pneumatic Compression (or ISPC for short) is supposed to help you recover faster, increase your performance and rebuild your muscles. I have to say, it’s pretty nice and relaxing while sitting back at my desk feeling like I’m getting all the same benefits as a pro athlete.
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Image: Cole Clark Guitars
Cole Clark FL Series Acoustic Guitar
Frank Arthur – Co-Founder
This week I’m naming one of my prized possessions as my staff favourite. I’ve been playing the guitar for many years, but I have no grand aspirations to achieve musical virtuoso status. In fact, I’m a pretty average axeman but I really do enjoy playing. I’ve owned my Cole Clark FL Dreadnaught acoustic guitar for 12 years and after getting it cleaned and restrung, it’s now sounding better than ever.
Cole Clark is an Australian guitar maker the produces high-quality acoustic, electric, bass and lap steel guitars. The high standard of guitar build is punctuated through the use of mostly native and sustainable Australian timbers. With each guitar featuring a hand-selected timber each has its own unique sound, look and feel, and all of this at a slightly lower price point than other guitars of similar quality.
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Image: Youth to the People
Youth to The People Triple Peptide Cactus Oasis Serum
Denise Barnes – Head of Branded Content
If you’re a no fuss guy (or girl), the latest release from LA born skincare company, Youth To The People, is for you. The triple peptide Cactus serum is one potent product that’s suitable for normal, dry, combination and oily skin types. It’s also been tested and safe on sensitive skin and around the delicate eye area. What makes this serum so good is the fact that it targets multiple skin concerns so it’s really a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. Thanks to the 4D Hyaluronic Acid, it provides intense hydration, visibly smooths the skin’s texture and helps to revitalise thirsty skin cells.
Their famous peptide blend is also included in the formulation to support collagen production and to improve your skin’s texture while minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Finally, the innovative addition of Cactus and Rambutan Peel provides moisture-binding properties that help your skin hang on to the hydration for longer. Hydration, plumping and firming in one single step. See what we mean by fuss free? It’s also vegan and cruelty-free. The Triple Peptide Cactus Oasis Serum is currently available to order in the US, and will launch in Australia next week.
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Image: Triple Topping
Welcome to Elk on Nintendo Switch
Ben McKimm – Journalist – Automotive & Tech
Quite frankly, I’ve been trying to find a single-player Nintendo Switch game ever since I retired from the Animal Crossing cult towards the end of last year. Not wanting to destroy any of my distant memories by playing Pokemon or Smash Brothers and more interested in supporting smaller Indie Games when it comes to casual playing, I was excited when this little number came through my inbox. Welcome to Elk is less of a game and more of a biographical adventure, exactly what I was looking for on my daily commute… there’s no need to grind the game in order to progress through challenges, it’s more ‘book’ than a video game. That’s not to say there aren’t a few fun mini-games thrown in for good measure.
Based on real stories, and set on an island like no other, every character you encounter has a story to tell, mostly weird and interesting, but sometimes dark and confronting. This isn’t always for the best either, as some aspects of the storyline are a little too left of field for my liking, but this is a highly awarded narrative experience and we’d never want to take anything away from that. The main protagonist is Frigg (who you play as), and you follow her drinking shenanigans as she progresses as a carpenter undertaking her apprenticeship. Unique in its surreal storytelling elements, the ending is something that we’ve never seen in a game before… the scariest thing is that it’s true. Highly recommend checking it out if you have a switch, link below.
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Image: WITHINGS
ScanWatch By WITHINGS
Clelia Niyikiza – Branded Content Assistant
My first impression of the ScanWatch by WITHING is that the stylish and durable design makes it versatile to wear anywhere, but there’s more to this watch than just good looks. In terms of features, it comes with heart health monitoring, breathing disturbance tracking, sleep analysis and activity tracking, among other useful everyday features. The best part is it recognises your activity and logs it into the health app with no need to press any buttons. The respiratory scan feature also allows tracking episodes of breathing disturbances during sleep, which is pretty nifty.
ScanWatch is the first Hybrid watch to continuously scan vital parameters to detect heart health conditions and help improve overall health. My favourite feature though is the battery life. I’ve been wearing one for seven days now, and it is currently at 77% charge left, and it being water-resistant, I haven’t had to take it off since putting it on. Previously I would get disappointed when my watch would die by the end of the day, which defeated using it for sleep.
‘I’ve also been looking for a design that looked more classy vs digital. Lastly, it’s just a watch. I don’t know about most people but my lifestyle doesn’t include anything that could result in an emergency where I can’t use my phone to call for help. Simple, smart and with a classic chic design. What more can you ask for in a watch? As a bonus, it also comes with a one year warranty included.
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Image: The Daily Routine
The Daily Routine Hand Soap
Sam Mangioni – Journalist – Entertainment & Lifestyle
One of the most pleasing trends I’ve noticed in 2022 is the significant shift towards sustainability across all product categories. While car, tech and fashion brands have all promoted new environmental policies and practices, what’s been super exciting is seeing small businesses emerge, offering eco-friendly alternatives for everyday necessities. One brand making a difference is The Daily Routine, Australia’s first zero-waste luxury hand wash. Inspired by washing machine pods and reusable keeper bottles, this unique innovation allows users to completely eliminate plastic waste. Not only that, the pods are plant-based and biodegradable, making The Daily Routine a better option for both the planet and your skin. With various packages to suit all living conditions, I’d highly recommend jumping online and giving them a go!
Favourite Article of the Week: Netflix Tightens Grip on Hollywood, Announcing 80 Original Films for 2022
Image: Mobvoi
Mobvoi Home Treadmill
Jacob Osborn – Staff Writer
A personal home treadmill is something few of us would refuse…until we remember how much space it tends to take up. But this one from Mobvoi tackles the issue by way of a lightweight and foldable design. Getting started is literally as easy as taking it out of the box, folding out the top half, attaching a magnetic safety cord, plugging into the nearest outlet, and hitting the power button. Like that, you’re ready to roll. Speaking of rolling, did we mention it has built-in wheels?
Is the Mobvoi Home Treadmill as robust and advanced as the kind of fitness equipment you’d use at the gym? Not really. But it is quiet, functional, effortless to use, and a breeze to stow away. Thanks to an attachable smartphone stand and built-in Bluetooth speaker, keeping yourself entertained as you exercise is a non-issue. The treadmill also provides feedback through an LED console, showing time, speed, distance, and calories burned.
Rounding out this product’s many charms is a 5-ply belt structure and a water-resistant surface, which respectively reduce shocks and slips as you run. Put it all together and you get everything you could ask for in your home fitness equipment, and for a terrific price, we might add. Sure, if you have enough room for a personal gym, you’ll probably want something with a few more bells and whistles. For the rest of us, all you need is a little storage space.
Favourite Article of the Week: Hands On with the Remarkable New Blancpain Air Command Watch
