GikPal’s “Army Green” 350lb Paracord Bracelet w/ Firestarter and Whistle

 

A while back I got to try out a paracord bracelet from another manufacturer, and while I was mostly happy with it, I thought when a new one came up it would be a chance to see if they’re still as nifty and handy as I remember. The answer is a qualified “yes!”.

In fact, this one had some features I liked a lot more, and a couple I liked less. To start, it’s significantly smaller around than the last one I tired, which means it’s probably better suited as a keychain for hubby, but still too large for my wrist, and it can’t be adjusted. The magnesium fire stick is completely enclosed in the clasp and is much easier to strike than the last one I tried, and getting a spark took very little effort. The included “scraper” is small, but being completely enclosed in the end of the clasp makes getting a sure grip easy. In a pinch it can also be used to cut small things (like paracord!) but it’s really far to small to be useful for much else. This GikPal paracord bracelet includes an emergency whistle in the clasp that does tend to poke a bit if worn for a while, but is loud and should be able to heard over quite a long distance. This bracelet used 350lb paracord versus the usual 550lb, but unless you find yourself in and extreme survival situation (and I hope you never do!), then you should be find. It still splits apart like the other types of paracord, so it should be just as useful, just keep in mind the differences in weight tolerance.

Over all, it’s a decent value for $7.99 and I’d recommend it if for nothing else than to throw in the glove box of your car and pray you never, ever actually need it. But if you do, it’s there and could maybe one day save your life. And if not, you have a neat looking bracelet you can wear, with a whistle to annoy your significant other or friends in the car!

Connect with GikPal:

• On Amazon
• Buy yours right here!

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from GikPal. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

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AirBundle Silicone Ice Ball Tray Review #IceBallTray

Back when I was in high school and college, an early morning stop before classes was Winchell’s. For my readers a touch younger, that was one of the only places in the San Gabriel Valley to get early morning coffee and doughnuts. Hubby, not being the biggest fan of coffee, used to get a drink concoction with little balled ice cubes that he enjoyed almost until lunch. So when AirBundle via Cost Brothers offered to send an ice ball tray to test and review, hubby was excited.

This 4 cup silicone mold is a little larger than the balled ice of hubby’s halcyon days, but it’s pretty cool none the less. 4 large spheres of ice, large enough for one per glass and substantial enough to cool the drink sufficiently. I did have a little trouble getting the ice ball cubes to achieve ball shape, as the little bit of water that will (always, really) overflow on the sides and to made for some jagged edges and a little nibbley bit on the tops. Some careful cracking took care of the edges but the nibbley bit on top is another matter. Best to let it be then crack the whole thing, or worse. Airbundle says ice in this shape is supposed to last longer than cubes, and I can report that it lasted the duration of dinner and desert. Whether our normal cubes would last that long, I doubt it.

My only compliant would be that the silicone, though stated to be dishwasher safe, had a slight film left behind by the dishwasher that had to be scrubbed out with a brush. It also needs a perfectly flat surface to freeze on, and with a French door fridge with bottom shelf freezer like I have, that can be a little trickier at times than one would think. I also have glasses that taper towards the top, which means one of these very substantial spheres almost entirely blocks the opening of the glass, so do be mindful of the size of your glasses.

All in all these are fun, neat little treats that would definitely be remarkable at a party, gathering or family dinner. You can freeze them, 4 at a time, and drop them in you ice tray and have plenty to share and go around. I think they’re a neat little conversation piece that will be around our kitchen for some time. As of the time of this writing, They are available on Amazon.com (Prime eligible!) for just $6.99, which is one the lowest prices I’ve seen on Amazon for this type of product, with Prime shipping to boot!

 

Connect with AirBundle & Cost Brothers:

• On their website
• On Facebook
• On Amazon
• On Twitter

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Airbundle & Cost Brothers.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.