Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Product News Reviews: Exterior Paint: Reviewed!

Product News Reviews: Exterior Paint: Reviewed!: Sherwin-Williams Duration                               Best exterior paint Pros Excellent long-term durability Lifetime w...

Exterior Paint: Reviewed!

Sherwin-Williams Duration

Sherwin-Williams Duration                              

Best exterior paint

Pros
  • Excellent long-term durability
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Great coverage
  • Low-VOC paint even with colorants
Cons
  • Not mildew- or dirt-resistant                                                                                                  

    Bottom line

    Sherwin-Williams Duration is the most recommended exterior paint we've found, earning praise from experts, professional contractors and amateur painters alike. User reviews say it's easy to apply and coverage is great -- and it looks awesome once it's on the wall. It earns top marks for long-term durability in comprehensive independent tests. While it's pricey, most say it can save you money in the long run, as it typically requires fewer coats than cheaper paints.

    Performance

    Easy on the walls, easy on the eyes. Sherwin-Williams Duration is a top performer, judging from reviews. Professional painters and contractors rave about its coverage, and many say it provides a thick coat that looks great on the outside. It glides on easily, judging from consumer opinions, and dries faster than many paints. Sherwin-Williams claims the paint is self-priming and has the ability to get the job done in just one coat. Professionals who typically recommend applying two coats in any situation for good measure say a second coat was unnecessary. Duration falls below both the federal limits and California's state limits on the levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) allowed in exterior paint -- though it doesn't meet the limits of some regions of California, which require less than 50 grams per liter. It's available in satin, semi-gloss and flat finishes.

    Maintenance/durability

    Long-lasting finish. Sherwin-Williams Duration exterior paint is very durable and retains a quality finish after the equivalent of nine years of simulated weathering in one independent lab test. The same test concludes that it does a good job of resisting cracks and color change, and experienced owners agree. Duration earns high marks from user reviews at Sherwin-Williams.com, where most laud its ability to withstand weathering over the years; many say it still looks great after five- and even nine-year periods. The biggest caveat we spotted is that Duration doesn't resist mildew and dirt as well as some other brands. Its premium price tag is a concern to some, but most experienced painters say it's worth it and that you'll spend twice as much in the long run if using a cheaper paint. Duration includes a lifetime warranty in case of peeling or blistering (not caused by improper application), though this doesn't cover labor costs.Also for Direct Access to Brand Name Products&Services like this Visit our Trusted Partners at  http://ebuys-onlineproducts-services.weebly.com

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Product News Reviews: Two-Way Radios Reviewed!

Product News Reviews: Two-Way Radios Reviewed!: Midland GXT1000VP4                                     Best walkie-talkie Pros Great sound quality Good range Useful featur...

Two-Way Radios Reviewed!

Midland GXT1000VP4

Midland GXT1000VP4                                    

Best walkie-talkie

Pros
  • Great sound quality
  • Good range
  • Useful features
  • Easy to use
  • Sturdy build
Cons
  • Some durability problems                                                                                                     

    Bottom line

    The Midland GXT1000VP4 gets more consistently positive ratings than any other walkie-talkie we've seen. Most reviewers agree that it delivers crystal-clear sound, even in dense forests or among tall city buildings. They also say its build is sturdy and splash-proof, and it combines a wealth of features with reasonably intuitive controls. However, we saw a few complaints about durability problems, mostly focused on the battery pack and charger.

    Range

    Great sound quality. As is typical for two-way radios, the Midland GXT1000VP4 falls far short of its advertised 36-mile maximum range. The reviews at user sites give wildly differing estimates of the actual range; one owner could send across 30 miles of desert, while another couldn't span even one city block. The average estimate appears to be at least a mile in the city or suburbs and several miles in open country. Users say the radio delivers a crystal clear signal when it is in range, even in thick brush or among city buildings. A prolific reviewer at TwoWayRadioForum.com, known as "jwilkers," reports getting a clear signal with "ZERO noise" in a crowded hotel.

    Features

    More than a basic radio. Both professionals and users appreciate the Midland radio's features. Hunters who need to avoid loud noises particularly appreciate the whisper mode, which transmits hushed speech clearly, and the vibrate alert for silent calls. Users of all kinds like the NOAA weather radio and weather alerts, which warn you of severe weather in your area. A few reviewers think that this radio almost has too many features, but most still find it reasonably easy to use -- at least once you've read through the manual. Midland also offers this radio in a camouflage finish, the Midland GXT1050VP4. It comes with five extra alert tones that double as animal calls, but aside from that, the two models are identical. Ignore the claim of 50 channels; this is a standard 22-channel radio with "extra channels" being nothing more than regular channels with a pre-set and non changeable privacy code.

    Durability

    Sturdy, but not always reliable. Most reviewers describe the construction of the Midland GXT1000VP4 as very sturdy. Although it's advertised as waterproof, reviewers say "weatherproof" would be more accurate: It can stand up to light rain or splashing water, but not submersion. The walkie-talkie's weakest point appears to be the rechargeable battery. While most reviewers say the battery life is good (at least eight hours in tests by "jwilkers"), we see quite a few complaints about faulty battery packs that are weak, won't hold a charge or randomly stop working. Midland backs the radio with a three-year warranty, but an Amazon.com reviewer warns that the battery pack and charger are not covered.Also for Direct Access to Brand Name Products&Services like this Visit our Trusted Partners at  http://ebuys-onlineproducts-services.weebly.com