The Best in Uncategorized

Review Year
Best in Class
Overall Rating
Price
Name Overall Rating Ratings The Good The Bad Price
Canon EOS 7D
99
Value 9

All new 19 point autofocus system unique to the 7D.

Beautiful 3 inch 920,000 dot liquid crystal LCD screen.

Max shooting rate of 8 frames/sec.

Great new viewfinder with 100% coverage.

Attractive price.

High ISO capability up to 12,800.

Image quality- Grain evident even at moderate ISO’s.

MSRP
$1,699.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
Fugoo Sport XL
91
Best in Class
2016
Sound Quality 8
Volume 8
Durability 8
Features 8
Power 9

Outstanding sound quality

Outstanding battery life

Cover fabric susceptible to wear

MSRP
$299.99
BEST DEAL
N/A
Drift Ghost-S
90
Video Quality 8
Still Camera Quality 8
Setting Adjustment 9
Durability 8
Ease of Use 9
Value 8

Excellent video and photo quality

Monstrous battery life

Zero learning curve

Simple Menus

Bright 2-inch backlit LCD screen

Pricey

Back panel is a pain to remove

MSRP
$400.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition
90
Video Quality 9
Still Camera Quality 9
Setting Adjustment 8
Durability 8
Ease of Use 8
Value 8

Excellent video clarity

Small profile

Lightweight

Tons of settings available

Pricey

Threaded tripod mount sold separately

4K only available with 15fps

MSRP
$400.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
Smith Pivlock V2 Max
89
Lens Clarity 8
Helmet Compatability 8
Coverage / Wind Resi... 9
Fit / Comfort 7
Overall Performance 8
Value 9

Very lightweight and comfortable.

Solid wraparound design with good coverage and element resistance.

Good optics with an open field of vision.

Easy-to-use lens changing technology.

Excellent price/value relationship with three lens options included.

The white nosepad piece in this sunglass caused some visual disturbance and reflections on the back of the lens.

This sunglass became slightly uncomfortable when worn under the added bulk of a winter hat.

MSRP
$159.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
ECOXGEAR EcoCarbon
89
Sound Quality 8
Volume 7
Durability 9
Features 8
Power 7

Clear sound quality

Very durable

Subtle bass sound

Average battery life

Relatively heavy

MSRP
$129.99
BEST DEAL
N/A
2014 Subaru Forester XT
89
Cargo Capacity 8
Passenger Count 5
Off-Road Capability 8
Power & Handling 9
Value 9

250-hp turbo engine

Efficient CVT transmission

Roomy rear seats

Panoramic windows

Standard rearview camera

Second-rate touchscreen controls

Unsupportive front seats

No stick shift for turbo XT model

So-so fuel economy compared to competition

MSRP
$32,995.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
Eton rukus Xtreme
88
Sound Quality 7
Volume 8
Durability 7
Features 8
Power 8

Great sound

Excellent features

Limited durability

Limited battery life

MSRP
$229.99
BEST DEAL
N/A
Scosche boomBOTTLE+
87
Sound Quality 7
Volume 8
Durability 8
Features 7
Power 7

Powerful volume

Great durability & water resistance

Excellent power/battery life

Bass can impact sound quality

Relatively heavy

MSRP
$179.99
BEST DEAL
N/A
Altra Lone Peak 2.5
86
Comfort 4
Speed 7
Security of Fit 9
Agility 6

Noticeably more responsive than previous versions

Soft comfortable upper

Upper material allows more foot movement than previous versions

The Altra Lone Peak 2.5 is a rugged zero-drop trail shoe with the comfort, protection, and traction necessary to go the distance. This is not, however, a shoe built for running fast, at least not for very long.

MSRP
N/A
BEST DEAL
N/A
2013 Ford Escape, EcoBoost 4WD
86
Cargo Capacity 7
Passenger Count 5
Off-Road Capability 7
Power & Handling 9
Value 8

240-hp turbo EcoBoost engine

6-speed transmission

Parallel parking system (optional)

Taut handling

Leg-activated rear liftgate

Touchscreen controls

So-so fuel economy

Firm ride

Rear visibility

Options quickly jack up price

MSRP
$34,305.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
Teva De La Vina Wool Boots
85
Support & Stability 9
Quality & Construction 8
Comfort 6
Weight 8
Protection 4

Waterproof

Comfortable for long wear

Stylish details

Scuffs easily

Not very warm

MSRP
$144.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
Turcom AcoustoShock
85
Sound Quality 8
Volume 7
Durability 7
Features 7
Power 6

Excellent sound quality

Outstanding volume

Limited battery life for size

Susceptible retractable handle

MSRP
$129.99
BEST DEAL
N/A
iBattz BattStation Optimus 20400
85
Best in Class
2016
Battery Life 9
Power/Size 8
Durability 5
Features 6
Value 7

Outstanding battery life

Outstanding power per size

Average durability

Relatively slow discharge rate

Pricy

MSRP
$129.95
BEST DEAL
N/A
2012 Mazda CX-5
85
Cargo Capacity 9
Passenger Count 8
Off-Road Capability 4
Power & Handling 4
Value 10

Fun 5-speed manual transmission.

EPA-rated 35 mpg hwy.

Killer value.

Small 2-liter engine.

Budget interior.

No AWD option at the price.

MSRP
$21,490.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
Braven BRV-X
84
Sound Quality 6
Volume 5
Durability 9
Features 7
Power 7

Durable

Great battery life

Average sound quality

Poor volume

MSRP
$199.99
BEST DEAL
N/A
Goal Zero Venture 30
84
Battery Life 6
Power/Size 6
Durability 8
Features 8

Highly durable & water resistant

Integrated charging cables

Charges devices quickly

Low overall battery life

High cost per minute of power

MSRP
$99.99
BEST DEAL
N/A
OutdoorTech Kodiak Plus 10000
83
Best in Class
2016
Battery Life 7
Power/Size 6
Durability 8
Features 5

Excellent battery life

Excellent durability & water resistance

Expensive

MSRP
$99.99
BEST DEAL
N/A
Zilu SafePower S5 smart battery pack
83
Battery Life 7
Power/Size 7
Durability 5
Features 6

Good battery life

Excellent power-per-ounce

Average durability

MSRP
$29.99
BEST DEAL
N/A
2012 Volvo XC70 T6 AWD
83
Cargo Capacity 9
Passenger Count 6
Off-Road Capability 6
Power & Handling 8
Value 4

Crazy fast acceleration.

AWD.

Spacious cargo area.

Tight leg room in rear seats.

Steep sticker price.

Engine overmatches suspension.

MSRP
$49,070.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
Anker PowerCore+ 13400
82
Battery Life 7
Power/Size 7
Durability 5
Features 5
Value 8

Outstanding battery life

Outstanding power-per-dollar

Attractive design

Heavy for its size

Average durability

MSRP
$37.99
BEST DEAL
N/A
Incipio offGRID 8000
82
Battery Life 7
Power/Size 8
Durability 5
Features 5
Value 7

Outstanding battery life

Best-in-class power per cubic inch/ounce

Average durability

MSRP
$49.99
BEST DEAL
N/A
GoalZero Switch 10
82
Best in Class
2016
Battery Life 5
Power/Size 7
Durability 8
Features 7
Value 5

Excellent durability

Excellent battery life

Outstanding power per cubic inch and ounce

Relatively high cost per minute of power

Questionable water resistance

MSRP
$39.99
BEST DEAL
Brunton Revolt 9000
82
Battery Life 7
Power/Size 7
Durability 7
Features 5
Value 6

Durable

Water resistant

Good overall battery life

Charges devices quickly

Large compared to similar devices

Low power:size and power:weight ratios

MSRP
$99.99
BEST DEAL
N/A
Kmashi 20,000
82
Battery Life 8
Power/Size 7
Durability 4
Features 5
Value 8

Outstanding battery life

Outstanding power per inch/ounce

Best-in-class value (power-per-dollar)

Limited durability

Very heavy

MSRP
$29.99
BEST DEAL
N/A
Ion Air Pro 3
81
Video Quality 7
Still Camera Quality 7
Setting Adjustment 4
Durability 8
Ease of Use 7
Value 8

Bright video colors

Tough waterproof exterior w/o an external case

Dead simple to use

Streamlined shape

No integrated LCD screen

No way to change settings without an external device

MSRP
$350.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
Bogs Sydney Lace Plaid
81
Support & Stability 4
Quality & Construction 8
Comfort 5
Weight 8
Protection 6

High gusset

Snug, soft & comfortable

Look like rain boots

MSRP
$120.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
Pearl Izumi EM Road M2
81
Comfort 8
Stability 6
Speed 6
Responsiveness 8
Durability 7
Value 6

Mid-foot stability

Price

Short laces

Average feel

MSRP
N/A
BEST DEAL
N/A
Ventev PowerCell 3015c
81
Best in Class
2016
Battery Life 7
Power/Size 5
Durability 7
Features 6

Great battery life

Integrated cables

Excellent value

Durable

Larger and heavier than competitors

MSRP
$49.99
BEST DEAL
N/A
Kmashi MP806
81
Battery Life 7
Power/Size 4
Durability 6
Features 6
Value 8

Outstanding battery life

Integrated LED flashlight

Good durability

Outstanding value

Relatively large and heavy

Relatively low power:size ratios

Slow discharge rates

MSRP
$15.98
BEST DEAL
N/A
Sony Cyber-shot Digital Camera TX20
80
Photo Quality 8
Hardware 6
Usability 6
Versatility 6
Video Quality 6
Value 8

Simple to use without manual

Sleek enough to fit in front pocket

Best price of the three cameras tested

The touch screen works with gloved hands

Lets you take still photos while recording video

Touchscreen scratches easily

Lens position makes it easy to stick finger in the frame

Dust and mud can clog up the sliding cover

LCD display hard to see in bright sunlight

Non-locking access ports

MSRP
$200.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
Garmin Virb
80
Video Quality 7
Still Camera Quality 8
Setting Adjustment 7
Durability 6
Ease of Use 7
Value 5

Crisp clear images and bright colors in the video

Tough rubberized exterior

3-hour recording time

Heavy

Not waterproof (IPX7 water-resistant)

Loss of definition during action shots

MSRP
$300.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
Brunton Resync 6000
80
Battery Life 5
Power/Size 5
Durability 6
Features 8
Value 6

Light weight

.75 watt integrated solar panel

IPX5 rated (debris and waterproofing)

Low overall battery life

Low power per inch/ounce

Relatively expensive

MSRP
$79.99
BEST DEAL
N/A
ChoeTech 3-in-1 Emergency Flashlight
80
Battery Life 4
Power/Size 4
Durability 8
Features 7

Outstanding durability

Temperature and water resistance

Powerful LED flashlight

Average battery life

Low power for size

MSRP
$23.99
BEST DEAL
N/A
Scosche goBat 6000
80
Battery Life 5
Power/Size 5
Durability 9
Features 5

Outstanding durability

Outstanding waterproofness

Relatively lightweight

Low overall battery life

Relatively expensive

MSRP
$69.99
BEST DEAL
N/A
Incipio offGRID 4000
80
Battery Life 7
Power/Size 5
Durability 5
Features 5

Excellent battery life

Excellent value

Cable management

Largest & heaviest in category

Average durability

MSRP
$29.99
BEST DEAL
N/A
myCharge RazorPlus 3000
80
Battery Life 5
Power/Size 7
Durability 7
Features 6

Rugged durability

Best power per ounce

Best power per size

High cost per minute of power

Low overall battery life

MSRP
$49.99
BEST DEAL
N/A
Contour Roam
79
Video Quality 7
Still Camera Quality 4
Setting Adjustment 3
Durability 8
Ease of Use 9
Value 8

Dead simple to use

Waterproof to 1-meter

Laser sight alignment makes leveling the frame easy

Glove-friendly record button

Very good value

Low-res still camera

No on-camera menu adjustment

MSRP
$200.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
myCharge HubPlus
79
Battery Life 6
Power/Size 6
Durability 4
Features 8
Value 5

Fast 3.4 amp charging

Integrated charging cables

Integrated wall outlet plug

Above-average power to size/weight ratios

Low overall battery life

Average durability

Average power per dollar spent

MSRP
$99.99
BEST DEAL
N/A
myCharge AllTerrain 3000
79
Battery Life 5
Power/Size 6
Durability 8
Features 5
Value 5

Lightweight

Excellent water resistance

Excellent battery life

Large in size & volume compared to competitors

MSRP
$39.99
BEST DEAL
N/A
iHome PowerClip 5200
78
Battery Life 5
Power/Size 7
Durability 3
Features 6

Relatively light weight

Good battery life per ounce

Integrated loop, carabiner, and LED lights

Poor durability

Poor overall battery life

Only one 1-amp USB port

MSRP
$39.99
BEST DEAL
N/A
Kmashi Victor K1
78
Battery Life 6
Power/Size 6
Durability 4
Features 5

Excellent battery life

Low cost for its size

Outstanding value

Relatively large and heavy

Limited durability

MSRP
$10.99
BEST DEAL
N/A
Outdoor Tech Kodiak Mini
78
Battery Life 4
Power/Size 7
Durability 7
Features 5

Lightweight

Good battery life

Good impact resistance

Excellent water resistance

Limited durability

Slow discharge rates

MSRP
$24.95
BEST DEAL
N/A
2012 Mazda5 Grand Touring
78
Cargo Capacity 7
Passenger Count 7
Off-Road Capability 1
Power & Handling 6
Value 7

Smart storage ideas.

Comfy second row seats.

Solid city driver.

Third-row seats are for kids only.

Front-wheel drive has traction issues on ice.

Cargo capacity limited by second-row seats.

MSRP
$24,720.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport
78
Cargo Capacity 7
Passenger Count 6
Fuel Economy 5
Off-Road Capability 6
Power & Handling 4
Value 10

34+ mpg hwy.

AWD heritage/reliability.

Benchmark value.

Anemic acceleration.

Finicky clutch.

Basic interior.

MSRP
$21,414.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
GoPro HD Hero2
77
Best in Class
2017
Video Quality 9
Still Camera Quality 6
Setting Adjustment 7
Durability 5
Ease of Use 6
Value 4

Crystal clear images

120 frames per second option

11-megapixel camera

Many mounting options

No stock viewfinding options

Heavier than other cameras

Memory not included

MSRP
$300.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
Kmashi Arma 3-in-1 battery flashlight charger
77
Battery Life 4
Power/Size 4
Durability 6
Features 8
Value 5

Outstanding impact resistance

Integrated LED flashlight

Integrated bluetooth speakers

Low overall battery life

Low power to size ratio

Quality/reliability issues

MSRP
$36.99
BEST DEAL
N/A
LinearFlux LithiumCard Pro
77
Battery Life 6
Power/Size 4
Durability 5
Features 7

Excellent battery life

Integrated charging cables

Excellent value

Limited durability

MSRP
$59.99
BEST DEAL
N/A
Brunton Torpedo 2600
77
Battery Life 4
Power/Size 4
Durability 8
Features 7

Best-in-class durability

Integrated car charger

Poor overall battery life

Low power per cubic inch

Low power per ounce

High cost per minute of power

MSRP
$39.99
BEST DEAL
N/A
EcoXGear EcoCharge
77
Battery Life 4
Power/Size 4
Durability 8
Features 5
Value 6

Outstanding durability

Outstanding water resistance (IP67)

Good value

Relatively low overall battery life

Relatively low power/size ratios

MSRP
$19.99
BEST DEAL
N/A
High Sierra Sportour 30
76
Durability 5
Weight 6
Maneuverability 4
Features 5
Organization 6

Balanced

Safety straps

Unique access

Poorly designed wheel wells

Easily shows wear & tear

Retracting handle can pinch user

MSRP
$320.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
76
Cargo Capacity 8
Passenger Count 5
Off-Road Capability 2
Power & Handling 3
Value 8

Clever cargo and gear storage

Spacious interior

570-mile range

Solid value for a hybrid

Full-electric power up to 60 mph

Bland steering

Poor cornering

Heavier than expected

Rough ride

Tech overload on the dash

MSRP
$25,995.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
Olympus Tough TG-1
75
Photo Quality 4
Hardware 7
Usability 4
Versatility 8
Video Quality 8
Value 4

Toughest camera tested

Glare-resistant OLED screen

Rubberized grips make it easy to handle underwater

Supports additional lens attachments

Settings for almost every conceivable situation

Mode dial makes switching settings easy

Slow focus in video mode

No battery level indicator

Slow zoom in camera mode

Photos were dim in snow mode

Coloring seemed a little off

MSRP
$400.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
Drift HD Action Cam
75
Video Quality 6
Still Camera Quality 4
Setting Adjustment 7
Durability 6
Ease of Use 7
Value 5

Wrist remote

LCD screen

ens can be replaced if broken

External mic plug-in

Blowout in bright settings

Underperforming internal microphone

Memory not included

MSRP
$300.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
2012 Mitsubishi Outlander GT S-AWC
74
Cargo Capacity 8
Passenger Count 6
Fuel Economy

EPA: 19 city/25 hwy

Off-Road Capability 6
Power & Handling 7
Value 7

Powerful engine.

Generous cargo capacity.

Competitive value.

Rough transmission.

Soft handling.

Useless 3rd-row seat.

MSRP
$33,605.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
2013 BMW X1 XDrive35i
73
Cargo Capacity 3
Passenger Count 3
Fuel Economy 5
Off-Road Capability 5
Power & Handling 10
Value 7

Nimble handling

All-wheel drive

Head-snapping acceleration

Good traction on snow/ice

High-quality interior

Base model is $40k

Tight rear seats

Not off-road ready

Tight cargo room

Interior is too nice

MSRP
$48,395.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
2013 Nissan Pathfinder
73
Cargo Capacity 6
Passenger Comfort 7
Fuel Economy 5
Off-Road Capability 5
Power & Handling 4
Value 6

Solid road manners

Adult-accessible/friendly 3rd row

Roomy interior

Competitive fuel economy

Bland acceleration

Stock tires’ winter performance

Slow cornering

Limited visibility over corners of hood

MSRP
$28,650.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
Nikon Coolpix AW100
72
Photo Quality 3
Hardware 4
Usability 7
Versatility 7
Video Quality 7
Value 4

Huge buttons easy to use with snowboard gloves

Great underwater images

Totally impervious to mud and submersion in salt water

Separate Video Button lets you record instantly

Simple to use without manual

Touchscreen scratches easily

GPS sucks battery life

Small buttons hard to navigate with gloves on

Flash is too bright for close-ups

Switching settings is a pain

MSRP
$350.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
Motorola WPS-601/P893
72
Battery Life 3
Power/Size 3
Durability 4
Features 6

Low cost

Integrated micro-USB cable

Excellent value

Poor overall battery life

Slow discharge rate

Low power per cubic inch/ounce

Suspect durability

MSRP
$4.95
BEST DEAL
N/A
Sony Action Cam
71
Video Quality 4
Still Camera Quality 5
Setting Adjustment 5
Durability 6
Ease of Use 7
Value 4

Lightweight

Small footprint

Great image stabilization

Washed-out colors

Lack of detail in video

MSRP
$250.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
iHome PowerClip 2600
71
Battery Life 4
Power/Size 4
Durability 3
Features 6
Value 4

Lightweight

Integrated loop & carabiner

LED lights

Poor durability

Low overall battery life

Slow discharge rates

High cost per minute of power

MSRP
$29.99
BEST DEAL
N/A
2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4WD
70
Cargo Capacity 4
Passenger Count 4
Fuel Economy 4
Off-Road Capability 5
Power & Handling 4
Value 9

Amazing warranty.

Tough chassis.

4WD.

Basic, outdated interior.

Slow acceleration.

Swing gate rear opening.

MSRP
N/A
BEST DEAL
N/A