Reviews
iRoad X10 4K UHD Dashcam Review
The iRoad X10 is a high-end Korean-made dash-cam that’s made a name for itself globally. In parts of the world where temperatures are extreme, car owners struggle to find a suitable dash-cam that can withstand the heat and still perform reliably. iRoad’s latest addition, the X10, is the successor of the X9, which preciously garnered much success. Does the X10 deliver on all of its promises and more? And is it worth the $400+ price point given its competition Blackvue and Thinkware have similar offerings?
What’s In The Box?
First, let’s take a look at what’s inside the box. iRoad packaged the X10 in eco-friendly and consciously compact packaging, which is greatly appreciated. Inside the box, there’s the front camera, rear camera, various cables, instruction manual, and a 32GB MicroSD card. The OBD sensor is an accessory that can be purchased separately and does not come with the iRoad X10 by default. However, it’s well worth the investment, given the onboard telemetry data it provides.
The Design
The X10 has a simple tried and true design that’s been tested and proven on the road. There’s no onboard LCD screen. Almost everything can be accessed via the iOS and Android app to download and connect with the unit. Side buttons and ports are easily accessible. The 3M sticker pad is generously large, making installation simple.
Build quality
When picking up the X10 for the first time, you’ll notice that it’s ridiculously light, as if it’s hollow inside. It’s much lighter than its Blackvue counterpart, which also sports a similar design. Being lighter doesn’t mean it lacks in any department.
Build quality feels solid. It’s made from somewhat sturdy ABS plastic and doesn’t look or feel cheap. I’m a fan of the dual-tone piano black and matte finish.
Ports & Cables
On the rear (facing you) side of the unit, you have a micro USB port, DC in, OBD, and GPS port. You can find the MicroSD card slot underneath the protective cover on the other side.
All of the cables you’ll need are provided in the box and are plenty long. You shouldn’t have any issues with cable length when installing.
Front Camera
The X10 has one of the widest viewing angles out of any dash-cam on the market today. All your bases will be covered with the 165 degrees viewing angle. Onboard the front-facing camera unit is an 8 megapixel 4K UHD (ultra high definition) camera.
The camera is also equipped with iRoad’s proprietary X-vision technology that automatically adjusts the camera depending on the brightness outside. This helps avoid useless washed-out recordings. Other manufactures also have a similar tech to enhance video quality; however, in my opinion, iRoad’s X-vision adaptation offers the highest resolution, especially on glaringly bright days.
The front camera module also features a nice security feature. There’s an LED strip that flashes back and forth when your car is parked. The flashing lights can help thwart away potential theft since they’ll likely notice the vehicle has some onboard security device.
Rear Camera
The rear camera uses Sony Exmor IMX323 Sensor. It’s a good lens for a rear camera. Although the resolution isn’t nearly as clear as the front camera, you’d only need the rear camera if someone rear-ends you. In that situation, you won’t have any issues identifying the plate’s number.
Camera Performance
[Dashcam footage coming soon]
We’ll mostly be discussing the front camera. The ultrawide 165-degree camera angle gives plenty of visibility on the road. Additionally, the 8-megapixel camera gives high resolution and clear picture quality during the daytime. This isn’t a surprise given the price of this dashcam. However, when compared to Blackvue and other competing dashcams, the X10’s resolution under-performs noticeably.
Another issue is the locked fps. The unit is locked at 30fps for both the front and rear cameras. This may or may not matter to you, but most other dashcams on the market in this premium price range offers 60fps recording. So it was disappointing to see this feature missing.
The good news is that you’ll hardly notice these issues during everyday use. We recognized it because we review products and make side-by-side comparisons. For most situations, the footage quality is adequate, and you can make out license plates and street names up to 20 – 25 feet.
Both the front and back cameras are also durable and resistant to temperature extremes. This is one of the features that iRoad is known for. Both cameras can withstand a range from -20 Celsius to 70 Celsius.
Night Time Performance
[Dashcam footage coming soon]
Other dashcam models seem to suffer when I’m on a dark highway, and then I hit a sudden area with light. The lens often has a difficult time adjusting to the light and dark areas quickly, and as a result, there’s a loss in picture quality.
The iRoad X10 doesn’t seem to have this problem. The front camera seems to adjust the brightness and contrast on the fly as soon as I exit a dark tunnel, enter a well-lit area at night, or go in and out of shades. Although I haven’t confirmed this with iRoad’s engineers, night-time visibility seems to be influenced by X-vision. Overall, night-time performance is exceptional.
OBD X Scanner
No hard wiring: This is a highly recommended optional purchase. It’ll save you the hassle of figuring out how to wire the iRoad x10 to your console correctly. With the OBD scanner, you need to connect it to the OBD port directly under the driver’s side console, and you’re good to go.
Real-time car data: However, convenience is just one of the benefits of the OBD X Scanner. With this scanner, the Dashcam can display your car’s telemetry in real-time when you export the videos onto your computer. It’ll show you information about your vehicle, the speed that you’re driving, whether or not you had turn signals on, and much other useful information that could prove valuable in the event of an accident. Here are some of the data the scanner can display:
- Speed
- Turn signals
- Park/Drive/Reverse gears selected
- Fuel consumption
- Fuel efficiency
- Coolant temperature
- Transmission oil temperature
- Battery information
- DPF info
Detecting car issues: The OBD scanner also acts like a regular OBD scanner auto shops use to figure out what’s wrong with your car. If your car has any issues, it’ll display the issue code on your phone.
If you’re planning to buy this dashcam, you need to buy the OBD X scanner. It’s an incredible value for just an extra $49.
Viewing Videos
You can view all your videos on your iOS/Android app or on a PC/Mac. If you want to view from a computer, you’ll need to download iRoad Viewer to export and view all the saved clips since the files are recorded in JDR format. For those who are not tech-savvy, this can be a bit confusing. However, follow the instructions on downloading and using the iRoad Viewer on iRoad’s website, and you’ll be fine.
They also recently came out with a Mac version of the viewer, so you’ll be able to see your videos on Windows or Mac.
Compared to other dashcams, I like that there is dedicated software to watch all of the clips. The initial setup was intimidating, but once you start using it, you’ll never want to go back. There’s a level of convenience and polishness to having all of the clips in one place and quickly viewing each one without having to open/close video files.
If you have the OBD X scanner installed, the added telemetry is the real kicker. Seeing every mechanical action, you took while driving adds a layer of security and peace of mind that no other cam gave me. In the event of an accident, I would feel 100% safer and protected because I have the video footage AND the onboard data that I was driving the speed limit, signaling, and taking precautions.
Parking Mode
You’ll either need the OBD scanner or hardwire the device to your car to use this feature. This is a helpful feature if you’re leaving your vehicle in a garage or a sketchy part of down and you want to keep an eye on it. You can activate it on your phone. Once activated, it’ll record a timelapse video at one frame per second. With the included 32GB micro SD card, you can expect up to 16 hours of recording. Not bad.
Motion & Impact Detection
Another neat security feature is motion & impact detection. Once activated, the camera will start recording if anyone gets within 3 meters of it. It’ll record at 10fps, and you’ll get an alert on your phone.
Storage capacity
The dashcam comes with 32GB microSD to get you started. Luckily, it can support up to 1TB microSD. That’s probably far more storage than you’ll need. However, it’s greatly appreciated since comparable models often limit SD card storage capacity to 128GB or 256GB.
iOS/Android App
This is an often-overlooked feature when deciding which dashcam is right for you. All of the features and functionalities are useless if the user interface to access them is clunky. The engineers didn’t overlook the app development, and it shows. It’s a robust, responsive, and intuitive app. There’s no learning curve. Downloading, connecting, and figuring out all your settings takes less than 5 minutes. It’s not the prettiest-looking app, but it’s clean, minimalist, and highly responsive.
When I click on the “Live view” to see the live feed from my car that’s parked 100 meters away from my apartment, I expected it to take a while. But it booted up in less than 5 seconds, which is impressive given connectivity from inside my car isn’t great.
Other useful features
Here is a list of other useful features that come with the iRoad X10 dashcam.
Lane Departure Warning: Alerts you when you’re veering out of the lane at a certain speed. You can adjust the speed and how sensitive you want the sensors to be.
FVDW: Stands for Front Vehicle Departure Warning System. A fancy way of saying it’ll alert you when the car in front of you starts to move in traffic.
FCWS: Forward Collision Warning System. The dashcam will alert you when you’re going too fast and could be on course for collision.
Parking mode: Enabled recording at 1fps while parked. You can also adjust the sensitivity.
Motion detection: Will record when it detects motion.
Security LED: Turn on/off the light security strip on the dashcam’s front while the car is parked.
High temperature shutdown: Automatically shuts the unit down when it exceeds 75 degrees Celsius while parked.
Final Verdict
The X10 does have some issues. The front camera resolution could improve and enable 60fps recording, and the Android app could use a major update.
Although there are problems, the X10 excelled in an area that mattered most – reliability. I’ve not had one feature crash throughout the last three months of use or failed to work on me. All sensors, parking/security modes, and safety functions work 100% of the time. This gives me peace of mind knowing that mechanically this dashcam will never let me down.
The X10 is the most complete dashcam you can buy right now. If you’re looking for an easy-to-use dashcam with all the safety and security features that’s also easy to set up, look no further. If you’re not afraid of wires and want the latest tech and connectivity, the X10 will deliver. At $419 USD, it’s an expensive investment. If reliability and peace of mind is your top priority, then the IRoad X10 is well worth it.
Air guns are used for pest control, small game hunting, recreational shooting or plinking, and competitive sports. There are several air rifles, but a bullpup weapon stands out. The overall length of the air gun can be significantly decreased without reducing the barrel length. This enables a bullpup weapon to be more easily maneuvered and concealed in tight spaces than a traditional weapon with a similar barrel length. Whether you are an avid air gun enthusiast or a newcomer looking for a versatile air rifle, the Ataman M2R Bullpup can be the best option. In this article, we will explore the unique features of the Ataman M2R Bullpup.
Ataman is a Russian brand known for manufacturing air guns. The company is famous for developing high-precision weapons for various shooting purposes, including target shooting and hunting. This includes the Ataman M2R Bullpup air rifle, Type 2 Walnut model.
Overview
With the legendary expertise of Russian gunsmiths, these guys bring distinct details out in this model. It features a Lothar Walther barrel and an ergonomic walnut stock. In addition, the adjustable trigger provides a personalized setup. Overall, the Ataman M2R Bullpup is an ultra-lightweight and versatile air rifle. Learn more about its specifications in the next section.
The M2R air rifles are a leading product of the Ataman factory. In producing M2R rifles, the company uses barrel blanks from the German brand Lothar Walther. In addition, the energy source of this PCP pneumatics rifle is a high-pressure tank with a volume of 250 cubic meters and a working pressure of 300. The design of the M2R air rifles allows for adjustments in stroke, force, and length.
Ataman M2R Bullpup Technical Specifications
The Ataman M2R Bullpup has advanced features, making it a popular choice for better performance and maneuverability. When Ataman designed this air rifle, they focused on creating a compact, maneuverable option for tight spaces. It’s noticeably smaller compared to other rifles we’ve checked out. The clockwork trigger is a standout feature for its easy customization, providing a match-grade experience, and the built-in pressure regulator ensures your shots stay consistently accurate.
Below are the technical specifications of Ataman M2R Bullpup:
Caliber: .22, .25, .357
Velocity: Up to 980 FPS
Barrel Style: Rifled
Barrel Length: 520 mm
Energy: Up to 55 foot-pounds
Safety: Manual
Loudness: 4-Medium-High
Shots Per Fill: 4
Weight: 3.8 kg.
Pros:
- Ambidextrous walnut stock
- Lothar Walther’s free-floating barrel
- Self-indexing magazine
- Integrated Picatinny rail
- Built-in air pressure gauge
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
Cons:
- Heavier than other brands
- Rather loud
What are the Other Leading Brands of Air Guns?
Here are some favorite options to help you choose the best air gun for your next hunting adventure.
1. AirForce Texan LSS Hunter Combo
One great feature of Airforce Texan LSS is its variety of options. Customers can choose among the .45, .357, and .30 caliber barrels depending on their preference and purpose. You also get a scope, air tank, bipod, and other goodies in the combo kit. Plus, it offers a lifetime limited warranty.
Features:
Caliber: .30, .357, .45
Velocity: Up to 1100 FPS
Barrel Style: Lothar Walther
Energy: Up to 600 foot-pounds
Safety: Automatic on cocking
Pros:
- Pressure relief device
- Adjustable power
- Two-stage, adjustable trigger
- Relatively quiet firing
- Low-effort, side-lever cocking
- Lifetime Limited Warranty
Cons:
- Expensive
2. Seneca Wing Shot MKII Shotgun
This air rifle is customizable to suit the preferences of upland or bushy-tail hunters. Thanks to the weapon’s removable choke, which will reduce the inner barrel down to .486 feet from .494 feet. This feature will enable a consistent shot stream and a 12-foot spread at 20 yards out.
Features:
Caliber: .50
Velocity: Up to 1130 FPS
Barrel Style: Smooth Bore
Energy: 245 foot-pounds
Safety: Manual
Loudness: 5-High
Shots Per Fill: 5
Pros:
- Removable choke.
- Pre-charged pneumatic (PCP)
- Single air reservoir (244cc)
- Built-in manometer
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
Cons:
- This air rifle is very loud.
3. Hatsan Blitz
The Hatsan Blitz is a fully-automatic air gun with a pre-charged pneumatic tank. It is among the top choices for full-automatic PCP air rifles. This automatic feature makes it a thrilling experience at the range, providing a Rambo-esque feel. Likewise, it can be effective for hunting coyotes and other small vermin.
Features:
Caliber: .22, .25, .30
Velocity: Up to 1050 FPS
Barrel Style: Rifled
Energy: Up to 53 foot-pounds
Safety: Manual
Loudness: 3-Medium
Shots Per Fill: 130
Pros:
- Full or semi-automatic mode
- 1,000 rounds/minute cyclic rate
- Detachable SwingLoad Magazine
- Combo 11mm dovetail and 22mm Weaver optics rail
- Three Picatinny forearm accessory rails
- Built-in manometer
- Available in 1-Year Limited Warranty
Cons:
- Full auto mode consumes many pellets.
4. Benjamin Bulldog .357 Bullpup
If you are looking for the best big-bore air gun for hunting, consider this Benjamin Bulldog Bullpup air gun. It is a fine hunting weapon. However, the Ataman M2R Bullpup still stands out in accuracy and versatility.
Features:
Caliber: .357
Velocity: Up to 910 FPS
Barrel Style: Rifled
Energy: 200 foot-pounds
Safety: Manual
Loudness: 4-Medium-High
Pros:
- Rubber recoil pad
- 2-stage non-adjustable trigger
- Picatinny optics and accessory rails
- Ambidextrous synthetic camp stock
- 5-Year Limited Warranty
Cons:
- Loud
5. Umarex Hammer
Umarex Hammer is a .50 caliber big bore air rifle that fires pellets at 700 foot-pounds of energy. Airgun Depot considers it the most potent PCP big-bore air gun.
Features:
Caliber: .50
Velocity: Up to 1000 FPS
Barrel Style: Rifled
Energy: 700 foot-pounds
Safety: Manual
Loudness: 5-High
Shots Per Fill: 4
Pros:
- 2-round chamber magazine
- Built-in manometer
- Weaver/Picatinny optics rail
- AR Magpul-style grip
- Accept M-LOK®attachments
- 5-Year Limited Warranty
Cons:
- Requires 550-grain lead pellets for optimal power
99Designs is one of the go-to graphic design services online. It’s a platform full of professional designers that will make branding easier for you. Here’s an honest 99Designs review of the service from a non-designer.
99Designs: Overview
99Designs is a graphic design service that helps clients connect with various web and graphic designers worldwide. The platform offers the following design services:
- Logos
- Websites
- Stationary
- Business Cards
- Postcards
- Posters
- Clothing
- Brochures
How Does it Work
#1 Brief Your Requirements
First, you need to create a simple design brief to help graphic designers visualize your requirements.
#2 Connect with a Designer
Second, you need to choose how you’ll connect with a designer. In99Designs, you have two options:
- Work Directly
You can choose to work with a graphic designer directly.99Designs will help you find the designer that matches your preferred design style. This option allows you to review the portfolio and request the designer’s quotes.
- Start a Contest
For this option, you’ll open your design brief to the99Designs community. After that, designers will submit ideas to you, providing you multiple styles to choose from.
#3 Collaborate
Lastly, after choosing your preferred design process, you’ll collaborate with your graphic designer. Once satisfied with the output, you can release the payment securely to the designer. Take note that all copyright and ownership entirely belongs to you.
99Designs Review: The Pros and Cons
Pros of99Designs
- Built-in design process
It guides the non-designers to organize their design requirements. The platform provides questions that help clients define their requirements to help designers visualize what is needed. So if you also have a hard time translating the creative path you want your designer to take,99Designs’ platform will help.
- 100% Money-back warranty
99Designs offers a 100% guarantee within 60 days of payment. The warranty is available for all types of contests. However, it does not apply to contests with a guaranteed prize. When we say “guaranteed prize,” it means that the contest already proceeded to the final round.
- Estimated quantity of submissions
As you pick a package for your design requirement,99Designs will provide an estimated quantity based on the budget. Each bid will have a fixed amount of price. So, it’s safe to say there are no hidden fees.
- Large Marketplace
99Designs is one of the best graphic design services on the internet. Its popularity is evident by the number of bids a client receives on a single project. Although it’s a disadvantage for the designers, as the client, you have more gains.
Cons of99Designs
- Limited Options
As you scroll through several design proposals for your contest, you can’t research more about the designers. It’s impossible to dig deeper about the designer’s portfolio, resume or feedback from previous customers.
- Misleading Pricing
According to99Designs, “you can set your price.” However, there are minimum prices for each design category. Although the minimum fee is reasonable, the claim of setting your rate as a client is somewhat misleading.
- Newbie Designers
There are a handful of people who believe newbie designers often join design contests. For some, this claim is valid, but seniority is not an issue as long as they produce quality works.
- Unpaid Efforts
This is the advantage for designers when joining contests. Of course, designers are aware of this downside. However, they often take it as a learning experience.
99Designs Review: Monthly Plans
The following are the fixed pricing for contest packages. Using the contest option in99Designs, you’ll receive creative concepts from multiple designers around the world.
Logo Design
- Bronze, 30 designs at $299
- Silver, 60 designs at $499
- Gold, 90 designs at $899
- Platinum, 60 designs at $1,299 (Top-level designer entry requirement)
Web Page Design
- Bronze, 15 designs at $599
- Silver, 25 designs at $899
- Gold, 35 designs at $1,599
- Platinum, 25 designs at $2,499 (Top-level designer entry requirement)
Other Pricing Includes:
- 3D
- Album cover
- App design
- Banner ad
- Book cover
- Business card
- Car, truck, or van wrap
- Character or mascot
- Landing page design
- Merchandise design
- Graphic illustrations
- Other Branding assets
Maximizing Your Experience with 99Designs
Here are several expert tips to help you utilize 99Designs effectively:
- Define Your Vision Clearly: Begin with a comprehensive and clear design brief. The more details you provide about your vision, the better designers can align with your expectations.
- Choose the Right Engagement Model: Decide whether direct collaboration with a designer or launching a contest fits your project better. Each has its benefits, with direct hires offering personalized engagement and contests providing diverse creative options.
- Engage Actively with Designers: Whether you opt for a direct hire or a contest, actively engaging with the designers is crucial. Provide feedback promptly to refine designs closer to your vision.
Final Note
In the end, this99Designs review proved that the platform is one of the best graphic design services on the internet. If you’re still contemplating if you need their service, you can explore the99Designs website. However, if you’re searching for a design service that’s perfect for non-design,99Designs is worth considering.
Due to the increased demand for affordable graphic design, various unlimited graphic design services has been popping up online. The graphic design industry expanded, offering more options to clients.
We can say that the scene is more competitive now than ever. However, let’s focus on Graphics Zoo for this article. We weigh in on if their services can keep up with the fierce competition in the “unlimited” section of the industry.
What is Graphics Zoo?
Graphics Zoo is an unlimited graphic design service that allows users to request designs on a monthly subscription. All clients have to do is create a submission with full specifications of their design requirements.
It’s also best to attach references to help designers take the creative path towards the client’s preferences. The great thing about an online graphic design service is its flat monthly rate, with no added fees for revisions.
Graphics Zoo Business Model
Unlimited graphic design is a type of business model which allows clients to submit numerous requests per account. After presenting the design preference, expect a 24-hour turnaround or more before you can receive your output. If you receive a design output that’s far from expectations, you can point out the changes you want to make for the revision. Graphics Zoo has a flat monthly rate with no contracts involved. It means you can cancel your subscription anytime without having any legal worries.
You might also like: Design Pickle VS Penji Review
Graphics Zoo’s Market
The design service is excellent for startups, bloggers, and entrepreneurs. As long as the business needs a continuous supply of custom graphic design, Graphics Zoo is worth a shot. Here are a few examples of companies that worked with Graphics Zoo:
- Enicode
- Bread of Life Inc.
- Western Rockies Federal Credit Union
- Perfect Imprints
- Green Guard
According to their website, Graphics Zoo has more than 750 satisfied customers with at least 50,000 approved projects. It’s also highly rated by their customers, earning whopping 4.9-star reviews.
Pros and Cons of Graphics Zoo
Graphics Zoo Pros
- PROOF management system
Graphics Zoo offers a robust system that provides a collaborative space for designers and clients. It streamlines the whole submission and revision process. Using the tool, the clients can click on any submitted designs to pinpoint areas that need revision. It also allows users to leave a comment to provide more instructions to the designer.
- Graphics Zoo offers a stellar project management system that allows efficient communication between both parties.
- Brand profile features add accuracy and efficiency per design project. It quickly provides the design’s purpose to designers.
- Graphics Zoo offers a comprehensive design selection across various graphic design categories.
- The ability to share one account among multiple users is helpful for most businesses.
- Excellent customer support and design project management system
- A team of versatile designers that can provide designs for any business types
Graphics Zoo Cons
- It’s possible to encounter ill-paired designers that are not fit for other project requirements. It might consume time because of countless revisions.
- You can only have one ongoing project per day. So if you’re a business with a high design output demand, you should opt for a plan with more designers.
- Graphics Zoo’s system only allows you to chat with the designers. If you’re more inclined to video calls, it might be a problem for you.
Graphics Zoo’s Pricing Plan
Graphics Zoo offers three monthly plans with robust features:
Business Plan
- $349 per month
- All basic features
- One dedicated designer
- Additional $349 for additional designer
- Five brand profiles
- Three users
- 14-day guarantee
Business Unlimited Plan
- $449 per month
- Everything included in the business plan
- Unlimited brand profiles
- Unlimited users
- White-label platforms
- Customized web design service
- 14-day guarantee
Agency Plan
- $849 per month
- Everything included in previous plans
- Two dedicated designer
- 30-day guarantee
- When starting a project with GraphicsZoo, making the most of their streamlined and user-friendly platform is crucial. Here are some key strategies for a successful collaboration:
- Use Slack for direct communication with your designer. This allows for instant feedback and praise, ensuring clear and efficient revisions or approvals.
- Prioritize clear and detailed communication. Never assume your designer has implicit understanding of your needs. Be explicit in your project briefs, and don’t hesitate to share comprehensive information about your brand and objectives.
- Remember, effective communication is as vital with your design team as it is in any other part of your business. The clarity and detail of your interactions can significantly influence whether the final design meets your expectations or falls short.
- By following these guidelines, you can foster a more productive and satisfying partnership with GraphicsZoo, leading to designs that perfectly embody your vision.
Tips for GraphicsZoo Users
When starting a project with GraphicsZoo, making the most of their streamlined and user-friendly platform is crucial. Here are some key strategies for a successful collaboration:
- Use Slack for direct communication with your designer. This allows for instant feedback, ensuring clear and efficient revisions.
- Prioritize clear and detailed communication. Never assume your designer has implicit understanding of your needs. Be explicit in your project briefs, and don’t hesitate to share comprehensive information about your brand and objectives.
Other Unlimited Graphic Design Companies
If you’re looking for more options with a similar business model as Graphics Zoo, we did the work for you. Here is our full list of unlimited graphic design services.
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