All of these attributes make titanium an ideal metal for constructing durable pocket tools. However, note that many products labeled “titanium” are just titanium colored, or they only contain a thin coating of titanium. The tools listed here are made with solid titanium or an alloy containing more than 90% titanium.

Leatherman Charge TTi Titanium Multi-Tool

Weight: 8.2 ounces (232 grams)
Titanium Type: Alloyed Titanium Handles, S30V Stainless Steel Blades

The Charge TTi Titanium Multi-Tool by Leatherman is one of the few multi-tools that incorporates titanium into its construction. This tool has titanium handles and a titanium outer coating for extra strength, and a little bit less weight.

You can get the Charge TTi Titanium Multi-Tool on Amazon for about $150.

Schrade Titanium Keychain Pry Tool

Weight: 0.5 ounces (14 grams)
Titanium Type: 6AL-4V Titanium Alloy

This Titanium Key Chain Pry Tool by Schrade is made with solid 6AL-4V titanium — an alloy that is stronger than pure titanium (the exact chemical composition is: 6% aluminium, 4% vanadium, 0.25% iron, 0.2% oxygen, and the remainder titanium).

This is 6-in-One tool, it’s: a seal belt cutter, a bottle opener, a flat head screw driver, a wrench driver, a scraper, and a pry tool. It weighs just 0.5 ounces, and it’s 3.25″ long (8.2 cm).

Titanium Split Pea Lighter

Weight: 0.5 ounces (14.3 Grams)
Titanium Type: 6AL4V Series Titanium Grade 5 Alloy

The Titanium Split Pea Lighter can be used as an candle in an emergency and carried on your keychain. A removable lighter insert allows it to be used as a waterproof titanium pill vial. It sells for $30 from County Comm.

Titanium Split Ring

Titanium split ring can be used as the ultralight base of a keychain. You can find titanium split rings at the County Comm Store (3 for $6) or Berkeley Point ($5 – $6 each).

Titanium Money Clip

Weight: 1 ounce (28 grams)
Titanium Type: Pure Titanium

Weighing one ounce, this Titanium Money Clip is a lightweight version of the usual stainless steel money clip. It’s available on Amazon for about $50.

Arc AAA Titanium Keychain Flashlight

Weight: 0.95 ounces (including battery)
Titanium Type: 6Al-4V (Ti-64) Titanium Alloy

Designed for keychains, Arc-AAA flashlights are barely larger than the AAA batteries they contain. The exact dimension are: 2.5 inches in length, 0.5 inches in diameter, and 0.95 ounces in weight (including battery). The Arc-AAA is made in Phoenix, Arizona by Arc Flashlights. The company only makes keychain-sized flashlights, and put a lot of attention into the design of their lights (see the FAQ page for all the technical details).

The three titanium models range in price from $125 to $140.

The post 10 Titanium Pocket Tools appeared first on Reactual.

The Titanium Inka Pen is designed to be attached to a keychain. Weighing just 0.45 ounces, the pen’s case is constructed with aerospace-grade titanium, the and pen components are built from carbon fiber composite. It has a pressurized ink cartridge, which means the pen will write wet or dry at any angle, any temperature, and any altitude. If you’re going to be writing for some time, you can unscrew the stainless steel fob and reconfigure your pen into Full-Size mode.

The pen is made by Inka, a company based in Colorado, and created by Greg Adelman, a former marine engineer who worked for the Scripps Institute of Oceanography.

Refills for this pen are available for about $4. Here’s the Inka warranty information:

All Inka products are guaranteed against mechanical failure, regardless of age. If there is a problem, send the product to us and we will repair or replace the product at no charge. If the product is no longer in production and cannot be repaired we will replace it with a comparable Inka product

The Titanium Inka Pen is available from Amazon for about $32. You can get a stainless steel version for about $20.

Check out our other “Buy It For Life” keychain tools in this post.

The post Buy It For Life: Inka Titanium Keychain Pen appeared first on Reactual.

The Fenix LD01 is barely large than the AAA battery it uses (we recommend using a low-discharge rechargeable NiHm AAA battery). It is very bright — it produces 80 lumens on its highest setting, which is brighter than most full-size flashlights.

The Fenix LD01 is solidly built — it uses a Cree Q5 LED as its light source, and the lens is made of toughened, anti-reflective glass. It weighs 1.6 ounces, and it is “IPX-8 water proof”, meaning it is suitable for continuous submersion. The flashlight is also RoHS compliant — it does not contain non-toxic heavy metals or flame retardants.

You can the Fenix LD01 from Amazon for about $40.

Schrade Titanium Keychain Pry Tool

Weight: 0.5 ounces (14 grams)
Titanium Type: 6AL-4V Titanium Alloy

This Titanium Key Chain Pry Tool by Schrade is made with solid 6AL-4V titanium — an alloy that is stronger than pure titanium (the exact chemical composition is: 6% aluminium, 4% vanadium, 0.25% iron, 0.2% oxygen, and the remainder titanium).

This is 6-in-One tool, it’s: a seal belt cutter, a bottle opener, a flat head screw driver, a wrench driver, a scraper, and a pry tool. It weighs just 0.5 ounces, and it’s 3.25″ long (8.2 cm).

Titanium Split Pea Lighter

Weight: 0.5 ounces (14.3 Grams)
Titanium Type: 6AL4V Series Titanium Grade 5 Alloy

The Titanium Split Pea Lighter can be used as an candle in an emergency and carried on your keychain. A removable lighter insert allows it to be used as a waterproof titanium pill vial. It sells for $30 from County Comm.

Leatherman Charge TTi Titanium Multi-Tool

Weight: 8.2 ounces (232 grams)
Titanium Type: Alloyed Titanium Handles, S30V Stainless Steel Blades

The Charge TTi Titanium Multi-Tool by Leatherman is one of the few multi-tools that incorporates titanium into its construction. This tool has titanium handles and a titanium outer coating for extra strength, and a little bit less weight.

You can get the Charge TTi Titanium Multi-Tool on Amazon for about $100.

Leatherman Micra Tool

Leatherman Micra is a keychain-sized multi-tool that contains a total of ten tools, including a pair of scissors. The Micra weighs 1.6 ounces, and it’s 2.5 inches long when closed. Leatherman tools are guaranteed for 25 years (10 years for their lights). Specifically, the company says “we will gladly repair or replace it, at our discretion, with one of equal or greater value”. Over 120 buyers on Amazon, rated it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars. The Leatherman Micra is available on Amazon for around $20.

Another good keychain-sized multi-tool is the Gerber Shortcut Mini-Scissor Tool.

Arc-AAA LED Flashlight

Designed for keychains, Arc-AAA flashlights are barely larger than the AAA batteries they contain. The exact dimension are: 2.5 inches in length, 0.5 inches in diameter, and 0.75 ounces in weight. The Arc-AAA is made in Phoenix, Arizona by Arc Flashlights. The company only makes keychain-sized flashlights, and put a lot of attention into the design of their lights (see the FAQ page of all the technical details).

The Arc-AAA is warrantied for life against manufacturing defects. It features a Nichia white LED light, and is waterproof to 100 feet. I’ve used this flashlight for about five years, and I’ve never had any issues with it. It has fewer scratches on it than my other keychain lights, perhaps due to its “Type III Hard Anodized 6061 Aluminum” casing.

The price is $29.95 for the standard model, and $44.95 for the premium model Arc AAA. It’s available directly from the manufacturer Arc Flashlights. There’s also three titanium models available that range in price from $125 to $140.

We like this flashlight because it’s made in the U.S. with a lot of attention to design detail. It’s also slightly smaller than the Fenix LD01 (below). However, the Fenix LD01 (see above) is much brighter than the Arc AAA, producing 80 lumens, which is quite bright for a keychain-sized flashlight. 

The post Buy It For Life: Keychain and Pocket Tools appeared first on Reactual.

Pros:

• Great display and user interface
• Floats on water
• Portable

Cons:

• Small screen not the best for permanent installations

Top Review Sources:

• GPS Tracklog: “Highly recommended; probably the best marine handheld series currently made by Garmin”
• Marine Electronics Reviews: “One of the most sophisticated marine handheld GPS units on the market today”
• Amazon: 4.5/5.0 (5+ reviews)

The Garmin GPSMAP 78sc is a handheld GPS built for use in boating and watersports. The 78sc measures 6.0” H x 2.6” W x 1.2” D and weighs less than eight ounces with two AA batteries installed. The display itself measures 2.6” diagonally and has a resolution of 160 x 240. It is possible to hold and operate this unit with one hand—rubber sides enhance grip security. Above the screen, you’ll find eight buttons plus a directional pad, all of which control functions via a responsive and well-organized on-screen menu system. The 65K color TFT display is sharp and detailed, exhibiting no problems with washout in the sunlight. The 1.7 GB internal memory of the 78sc is preloaded with coastal charts, and the microSD slot enables you to add more maps or custom data via an external card. The microSD slot, mini USB port, serial port, and external antenna jack are all protected by a rubber cover on the back of the device. When the cover is in place, the 78sc is waterproof (and floats). If you’d like to permanently mount your 78sc, there is an optional mount and power cord available. Running on batteries, the 78sc will operate for approximately 20 hours. The 78sc is also equipped with an electronic compass and barometric altimeter. This unit comes with a one-year warranty.

The Garmin GPSMAP 78sc ($487) is for sale on Amazon. Also available is the GPSMAP 78 ($297), which is not preloaded with maps and does not have an electronic compass and barometric altimeter, and the GPSMAP 78s ($386), which also lacks the maps but has an electronic compass and barometric altimeter.

Humminbird 788ci HD Combo ($606)

Pros:

• High-resolution screen
• Very accurate GPS
• Excellent sonar

Cons:

• Some image details are very small

Top Review Sources:

• Cabela’s: 4.5/5.0 (10+ reviews)
• Bass Pro Shops: 4.4/5.0 (10+ reviews)
• Marine Electronics Reviews: “A desirable chartplotter fishfinder combo for any boater looking to upgrade their marine electronics gear”

The Humminbird 788ci HD Combo unites GPS capability with state-of-the-art sonar in a highly-regarded navigation/fishfinding device. The 788ci HD Combo has a 640 x 640, 256-color TFT screen that measures five inches diagonally. Its high resolution permits a high level of detail, though very small details can be hard to read. Viewing angles are wide, reflectivity and glare are low, and the display remains legible in direct sunlight. The unit itself has dimensions of 6.9” W x 7.5” H x 4.5” D and can be mounted either in-dash or on its included quick-disconnect stand. Its internal GPS receives praise for its impressive accuracy and tight integration with its sonar functions. Its sounding capability is similarly impressive, with 500 watts of power, multimode results display, and dual beams. The supplied transducer can be transom-mounted or mounted inside the hull. You can supplement the 788ci HD Combo’s internal memory via its two external memory card slots. This unit carries a one-year warranty.

Purchase the Humminbird 788ci HD Combo ($606) on Amazon. You’ll also find the 788ci HD DI Combo ($740), which has down imaging capability.

Lowrance HDS-7 ($999)

Pros:

• Large, sharp screen
• Very precise GPS
• Easy-to-navigate interface

Cons:

• Included maps may not meet all needs

Top Review Sources:

• Marine Electronics Reviews: “Excellent for daylight viewability”
• Bass Pro Shops: 3.8/5.0 (15+ reviews)
• Cabela’s: 4.0/5.0 (2 reviews)

The Lowrance HDS-7 is a chartplotter/fishfinder combo unit with a 6.4-inch, 480 x 640 display. Images are sharp and bright even in sunny conditions, and viewing angles are excellent. On-screen functions are controlled by means of the HDS-7’s eight pushbuttons and arrow pad. Processing is speedy and the response time of menus is above average. As with the other nautical GPS units reviewed here, the HDS-7 can save thousands of waypoints and hundreds of routes. Memory capacity is expandable via the external SD card slot. The HDS-7’s 16-channel internal GPS antenna is a strong performer, locking on to signals quickly and exhibiting outstanding accuracy. The HDS-7 will also accept an external GPS antenna if you have a closed cabin. There are a variety of mapping cards available to supplement the included Expanded U.S. or Insight USA internal maps. The fishfinder works well with the included transom-mount, skimmer transducer and is able to sound 5,000 feet. The HDS-7 measures 8.8” W x 6.4” H x 3.5” D, comes with mounting hardware, and carries a two-year warranty.

The Lowrance HDS-7 with Expanded U.S. BaseMap and transducer ($999) is for sale on Amazon. You can also purchase the HDS-7 without the transducer ($949).

The post The Top Rated Nautical GPS Units appeared first on Reactual.

We have taken a close look at all the major brands in order to find the highest levels of quality, performance, and value. Our search took us to websites such as Bass Pro Shops, Amazon, Cabela’s, All Inflatable Boats & Kayaks, and Meijer for expert and customer reviews. Here are our picks:

Sevylor Fish Hunter 6 Person Boat ($193)

• Bass Pro Shops: 4.4/5.0 (25+ reviews)
• Meijer: 4.5/5.0 (10+ reviews)
• Amazon: 3.5/5.0 (15+ reviews)

The Sevylor Fish Hunter 6 Person Boat is the largest in the company’s Fish Hunter inflatable boat series. 3 Person ($97) and 4 Person ($135) Fish Hunters are also available. The Fish Hunter 6 Person gets high marks for its stability and its light weight. Reviewers have had success installing electric or small gas motors. The biggest complaint in reviews concerns the six-person advertised capacity; most who comment claim the Fish Hunter 6 Person Boat will comfortably hold only three or four adults. The 32-gauge PVC skin does a good job of resisting punctures and tears. This inflatable can accommodate up to a three-horsepower motor; it includes bow and stern fittings as well as a battery pouch. Fishing-specific extras include two inflatable seats, two rod holders, a gear bag, and chafing pads. Additional features: two tunnel chambers, four swiveling oarlocks, four drain plugs, and two carry handles. This boat comes with a 90-day warranty. Its weight capacity is 1,200 pounds.

The Sevylor Fish Hunter 6 Person Boat ($192) is available on Amazon, as are the 3 Person ($97) and 4 Person ($135) versions.

Intex Mariner ($350)

Top Review Sources:

• All Inflatable Boats & Kayaks: “We think you’ll find that the Intex Mariner inflatable boat offers awesome durability and comfort, and should live up to your expectations as a leisure craft”
• Cabela’s: 4.6/5.0 (25+ reviews)
• Amazon: 4.5/5.0 (20+ reviews)

The Intex Mariner resides at the top in of the company’s line of inflatable boats. This four-person craft has an inflatable keel, extruded plastic floor, and motormount fittings. Its skin is 26-gauge PVC vinyl with strategically-placed rock guards for extra puncture protection. Complaints about the Mariner, though sparse, center on the unrealistic claim of four-person capacity (three adults seems to be the max) and the poor quality of the included oars. Most feedback is positive; reviewers like the build quality, ease of transport, and quick setup/teardown times. The Mariner has four air chambers, two oarlocks, three seat cushions, two fishing rod holders, two grab handles, a gear bag, and a battery pouch. Customers report no problems installing a small motor. The Mariner’s weight capacity is 704 pounds.

You’ll find the Intex Mariner for sale on Amazon.

Sea Eagle 9 ($329)

Top Review Sources:

• TheCampingLifestyle.com: “A great value for the weekend rafter”
• All Inflatable Boats & Kayaks: “A hull so firm and hard you can pound on it with a hammer without fear of it ripping or tearing”
• Cabela’s: 4.2/5.0 (5+ reviews)

Sea Eagle is widely known for its high-quality inflatable boats and kayaks. The Sea Eagle 9 is an 11-foot boat built with fishermen in mind. Reviewers repeatedly comment on the remarkable low weight/high stability balance this boat provides. The Sea Eagle 9 comes with a set of oars, foot pump, rowing seat, and high seat. Though capacity is listed at four to five persons, two or three is a more realistic (and comfortable) estimate according to customers. Maximum weight is 1,200 pounds. The five-chamber hull weighs only 38 pounds when collapsed. The Sea Eagle 9 will accommodate gas motors of up to 3 horsepower and electric motors with up to 74 pounds of thrust. Additional features include a carry handle and four oarlocks. Like the other boats reviewed here, the Sea Eagle 9 comes with a repair kit. Other compliments the Sea Eagle 9 receives involve its easy inflation/deflation and resilient, 38 mil PVC skin. This boat comes with a three-year warranty.

The Sea Eagle 9 is for sale on Amazon. The Fisherman’s Dream package adds a set of floorboards, motormount, motormount bench seat, and middle bench seat. It is available with the Sea Eagle 9.

The post The Top Rated Inflatable Boats appeared first on Reactual.

Uni-Solar PowerBond PVL-136 ($447)

Pros:

• Simple installation
• Five-year warranty

Cons:

• May need to purchase additional cables

Top Review Sources:

• BestFlexibleSolarPanels.com: 4.5/5.0 “One of the very best inventions in solar as far as we’re concerned”
• Amazon: 5.0/5.0 (1 review)
• Amazon: 3.5/5.0 (3 reviews) (PVL-68)

The Uni-Solar PowerBond PVL-136 is a commercial-grade, peel-and-stick flexible solar panel. As its name implies, each PowerBond PVL-136 panel will produce 136 watts, and multiple PVL-136s can be chained together for increased output. This panel is intended to be installed on building, boat, and RV rooftops, though it will work just about anywhere with a clean, large surface. The PVL-136 stays put because of its adhesive backing and will not slide off even in high winds or high heat. In fact, its high-heat operation distinguishes it from crystalline silicon, which degrades in performance as temperatures rise. The PVL-136 works in temperatures up to 185 °F. It is able to operate in low-light and shadowy conditions because of its amorphous solar cells. Each panel measures 216” L x 15.5” W x 0.2” D and weighs 17 pounds. The PVL-136 comes with a five-year warranty.

Purchase the Uni-Solar PowerBond PVL-136 solar panel on Amazon. You’ll also find the smaller PVL-68 ($234) and larger PVL-144 ($465).

PowerFilm R14 ($200)

Pros:

• Rugged construction
• Portable

Cons:

• Adapters for devices not included

Top Review Sources:

• Preparedness Advice Blog: “I was impressed with the one we had the opportunity to test”
• Amazon: 5.0/5.0 (1 review) (R28)

The PowerFilm R14 is a flexible solar charger designed to charge small- and medium-size devices such as netbooks, LED lanterns, and 12-volt batteries. The R14 is built to move, with a rollable, waterproof design and extreme temperature operability. It is useful for camping, hiking, and marine excursions. If it is punctured, it will continue to provide solar power, though its ability to repel water will be compromised. The R14 produces 14 watts and is able to function in cloudy conditions. When unrolled, it measures 14.5” W x 42” L (14.5” W x 4” diameter when rolled) and weighs about a pound. Devices are connected via the included RA-2 female cigarette lighter adapter, so make sure you have the proper cord for the gadget you wish to charge. Reviewers like the durability of the R14 and praise its performance/size balance.

Amazon sells the PowerFilm R14. Amazon also sells other rollable solar panels in the PowerFilm line, including the smaller R7 ($140) as well as the larger R21 ($270) and R28 ($346).

The post The Best Flexible Solar Panels appeared first on Reactual.

Starting batteries and deep-cycle batteries aren’t meant to be substituted for one another; doing so will leave you stranded. Some manufacturers produce dual-purpose batteries, which attempt to combine the functions of starting and deep-cycle batteries into one package.

We’ve explored expert and user reviews of all types of boat batteries in order to bring you a list of the top rated . Our sources include Amazon, Bass Pro Shops, Advance Auto Parts, Sears, and BatteryMart.com.

ODYSSEY Trolling Thunder/Marine Dual Purpose Series ($98 and up)

Pros:

• Above-average lifespan
• Long-lasting charge

Cons:

• Initial cost

Top Review Sources:

• BatteryMart.com: 4.9/5.0 (75+ reviews) (PC625)
• Amazon: 5.0/5.0 (10+ reviews) (PC625)
• Amazon: 5.0/5.0 (3 reviews) (34M-PC1500)

ODYSSEY Trolling Thunder/Marine Dual Purpose batteries use AGM technology to deliver performance that tops lead-acid batteries. Trolling Thunder batteries are built to fill both starting and deep-cycle roles. The manufacturer claims reliable starting energy coupled with up to 400 cycles at 80% depth of discharge. Reviewers confirm these impressive claims, expressing satisfaction with the long charge times and strong cranking power. Though Trolling Thunder series batteries cost more than conventional marine batteries, they last from 3-10 years, fully recharge in four to six hours, can be mounted anywhere due to their no-spill design, have higher impact and vibration tolerance, and are maintenance-free. Here a rundown of the six 12-volt batteries in the line:

• PC625 – MCA@32 °F: 250, RC: 27
• PC925 – MCA@32 °F: 500, RC: 52
• 34M-PC1500 – MCA@32 °F: 1050, RC: 135
• PC1800-FT – MCA@32 °F: 1450, RC: 475
• 31M-PC2150 – MCA@32 °F: 1370, RC: 205
• PC2250 – MCA@32 °F: 1550, RC: 240

Many AGM batteries use lead alloys for their flat plates, but ODYSSEY uses pure lead, which extends battery life. ODYSSEY Trolling Thunder batteries come with three- or four-year warranties.

Amazon has a selection of ODYSSEY Trolling Thunder/Marine Dual Purpose batteries for sale: PC625 ($98), PC925 ($170), 34M-PC1500 ($297), and PC2250 ($486).

DieHard Platinum PM-1 ($280)

Pros:

• Holds charge well while in storage
• Durable

Cons:

• Rare reports of premature failure

Top Review Source:

• Sears: 5.0/5.0 (15+ reviews)

The DieHard Platinum PM-1 features corrosion-resistant, tin-coated terminals, vibration protection, sealed construction, pure lead plates, and a three-year warranty. This AGM marine battery is dual-purpose; it can cover both starting and deep-cycle duties. It will typically last longer than lead-acid-type batteries. The Platinum PM-1 is a 12-volt unit capable of 1150 cold cranking amps at zero degrees Fahrenheit and has a reserve capacity of 205 minutes. It weighs 75 pounds and measures 9.5” H x 13” L x 6.8” W. Customers generally rave about the Platinum PM-1, citing its reliable performance and ability to start up after long periods of storage. Customers also have found the construction to be rugged enough to stand up to high levels of vibration and impact.

Purchase the DieHard Platinum PM-1 at Sears.

The post The Best Rated Boat Batteries appeared first on Reactual.