The latest crowdfunding projects that interest me are all tools. Tools for your pocket or keychain, as well as tools for your camera / smartphone and workout bag. Click through to check out five projects from Kickstarter and Indiegogo that I think are worth a look.
SHOTBOX 2.0
What is it?
SHOTBOX 2.0 is a pop-up photography light studio.
Why do I like it?
I’m always interested in photography gear that can make my review images look better and make them easier to shoot. I’ve reviewed the Orangemonkie Foldio portable photography studio a year ago and still find it useful, but the SHOTBOX looks like another alternative with even more features like phone holder attachments and the ability to shoot down on a subject. It also appears to be sturdy and easy to setup and collapse.
Where can I find more info?
With 10 days left in the campaign, The SHOTBOX campaign has already greatly surpassed their funding goal of $15,000. You can pre-order a SHOTBOX starting at $99. After the SHOTBOX campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2016. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
GRIPsher
What is it?
GRIPsher is a multi-tool that can perform 20 functions and has jaws that can hold hex bits.
Why do I like it?
I like small multi-tools because I don’t want to carry a set of full sized tools in my gear bag, but want one tool with me that can handle a variety of small tasks without being bulky or taking up too much space in my bag or pocket. The GRIPsher has an interesting design that looks like it fits that criteria. I especially like the immediately accessible pliers and screwdriver tips because that’s what I typically need with me.
Where can I find more info?
With 47 days left in the campaign, The GRIPsher campaign has already met their funding goal of $10,000. You can pre-order a GRIPsher starting at $35. After the GRIPsher campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
Stowaway Tools
What is it?
Stowaway Tools is a collection of 12 individual tools and selection of carriers for those tools.
Why do I like it?
The main reason why I’m very interested in the Stowaway Tools project is because these tools work with the Keyport’s new Keyport Pivot keyholder and they may come up with a way to make them compatible with the Keyport Slide of which I’m a big fan. The phone cases that the tools can be used with also look interesting.
Where can I find more info?
With 7 days left in the campaign, The Stowaway Tools campaign has already earned more than their funding goal of $16,000. You can pre-order Stowaway Tools starting at $12 for one tool and $48 for six tools. After the Stowaway Tools campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2016. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
U-GYM Mini
What is it?
U-GYM Mini is a ultra portable muscle stimulator.
Why do I like it?
I’ve been on a health kick since April and have lost close to 20 pounds. I work out 3 times a week sometimes have issues with tennis elbow. I’ve been interested in small electronic muscle stimulators like this one with hopes that they might help rehab my tendonitis issues. I also think the U-GYM might save me some money because my better half (Jeanne) gets massages on a regular basis and they are expensive (>$50 for 1hr). I think she could use a gadget like this at home and might get the same benefits. U-GYM sent me their pro version to test out, so I’ll have a full review in the coming weeks.
Where can I find more info?
With a month left in the campaign, The U-GYM Mini campaign is still working towards their funding goal of $100,000. You can pre-order a U-GYM Mini starting at $69. After the U-GYM Mini campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2017. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.
SMOVE: Smartphone Stabilizer & PowerBank in One
What is it?
SMOVE is a smartphone stabilizer for video capture that also doubles as a backup battery.
Why do I like it?
Go watch the video on the project page and let me know if you don’t think “wow” after you see what this little phone holder / video stabilizer can do. It looks like gadget witchcraft to me and I want one. Now!
Where can I find more info?
With 17 days left in the campaign, The SMOVE campaign blew past their funding goal of $20,000. You can pre-order a SMOVE starting at $119. After the SMOVE campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2016. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.
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Julie, thank you very much for the review! I started with reading this one and ended deep in the archive. My Kickstarter product KiQ is through it’s first week with 70% funding. I’d really like to know what I can do to get qualified for your review. Two notable things about KiQ: uses machine learning to bring relevant humor to everyone and helps to keep depression away. I’d be happy to do a quick demo or send materials.
I’ve been sent a SHOTBOX and will be reviewing it soon.