Gadgets: Water gun is a blast

It’s hard to say what is my favorite product review of all time, but if I had a top 10 list, the Spyra water blaster (or water gun, as I still call it) would be at or near the top.

Spyra, known for its innovative and impressive water blasters, has launched its latest model: the SpyraFour. Spyra touts it as their most advanced and innovative water blaster, featuring a large, top-mounted digital display. When you select the blast mode you want from the five choices, it’s displayed on top, along with your ammunition level (water) and power level. An on/off switch is on the bottom, along with a USB-C charging port under a rubber cover. It’s important to cover the port when it's not in use, to keep it dry.

The five blast modes include open mode, which shoots powerful mid-range single shots, and burst mode, which shoots triple mid-range bursts for what they call instant domination. The storm mode, which is my go-to, shoots relentless, rapid-fire water bursts. The power mode is for heavy, long-range precision strikes up to 50 feet, and the rage mode ramps up speed.

A fully charged battery lasts for up to 2,500 water blasts. A fully loaded SpyraFour will fire up to 28 blasts. What’s really amazing is reloading the tank, which takes 12 seconds. Spyra has an optional water bladder, the foldable SpyraBase. Place the SpyraFour on its top side in the water, set it to reload, and a few seconds later, you're ready for your next burst.

During a backyard get-together, no matter who I handed the SypraFour to, they came away stunned by how powerful, accurate, and how much fun it is. Knocking down empty beverage cans at a distance was no challenge for the SypraFour. The more serious players can use the three game modes.

Caution should always be used; do not point it at another person. Spyra rates the water blasters for ages 14 and up.

https://spyra.com/products/spyrafour $169.95

The Gyroor C1Plus 1000-watt electric scooter checks a lot of boxes when it comes to practicality. Not only does it eliminate the need for gas, but after several months of use, I can confidently say it's simply a lot of fun to ride.

Its usefulness goes well beyond transportation. The electric scooter offers plenty of room to carry your stuff, whether that's a loaded backpack, groceries, or even a pet or two. The dual baskets are designed for both cargo and pets, making the C1Plus a versatile option for running errands, commuting or trolling your neighborhood.

One question I’ve had myself, and I’ve been asked frequently, is whether you need a helmet while riding the Gyroor C1Plus. My answer is absolutely yes. I always wear a bicycle helmet when riding. Whether a helmet is legally required depends on your local regulations, so it’s worth checking your city or state requirements. Regardless of the law, wearing a helmet is a simple way to add an extra layer of safety every time you ride.

It’s delivered in a large box and pre-assembled, except for a few simple parts that took no time to add. This included attaching and securing the handlebars, the 3-inch-thick padded seat, both baskets, and a padded pet cushion. Tools were included.

It has a 650-watt brushless motor, which peaks at 1000 watts. The included AC adapter runs the scooter with a 48-volt 10.4AH high-capacity battery. It’s rated to run about 30 miles per charge, though that can vary depending on your speed. It has a peak speed of 18.6 mph. The front and rear disc brakes worked perfectly, and the superior shock absorbers, along with the 14-inch wheels, delivered a smooth and comfortable ride.

A headlight and a taillight are both preinstalled and shine brightly at night. Gyroor lists it with a climbing capacity of 15 degrees and a maximum load of 300 pounds. This includes the driver (age 12 and up) and cargo. The Gyroor C1Plus has an IPX4 rating, which makes it water-resistant, not waterproof. So if it's raining, I’d find a different form of transportation.

The front basket, which sits at the bottom of the frame between the seat column and the steering column, measures 20 by 12 by 10 inches and features a quick-release side door for easy in-and-out access for your pet. My 35-pound dog wanted no part of it, but my 9-pound dog didn’t want the rides to stop.

The handlebars are adjustable from 40 to 44 inches for riders 5-foot-1 to 6-foot-5. When you want the scooter in the back of your SUV, it folds up easily. There are many accessories available to purchase, and I’d highly recommend the round folding side mirrors ($29.99).

https://gyroorboard.com/products/gyroor-c1plus-electric-scooter-650w-with-big-seat-carry-basket-ul2272?variant=51643973271845$799.99

Satechi’s new 3-in-1 Foldable Wireless Charging Stand is a premium travel-ready charger with Qi2 25-watt charging.

Its design allows it to fold up for travel. Or just drop it in your backpack when moving from work to home or vice versa. Wherever you use it, the desktop charging stand simultaneously charges an iPhone with MagSafe, an Apple Watch and your AirPods.

The 3.5-by-3.5-by-6.2-inch charging stand will supply an iPhone with up to 25 watts of safe Qi2 charging power, 5 watts to AirPods, and 5 watts to an Apple Watch. Compatibility is not restricted to Apple devices; other smartphones with MagSafe/Qi features, and true wireless earbuds with charging cases will also charge. Charging is safe for a wide range of Qi and Qi2-compatible devices.

MagSafe smartphones on the charger can be placed in landscape or portrait orientation with an adjustable 160-degree viewing angle. It’s built with soft silicone covers to protect the charging items, Zinc alloy hinges for stability, and bottom-side rubber grips to keep it slip-free.

A 45W USB-C power adapter with US, EU, and UK plug options is included.

https://satechi.com/products/3-in-1-foldable-wireless-charging-stand-with-qi2-25w $129.99