Read about how we tested ClassPass for several months, attending dozens of classes to see if it is worth the monthly membership prices compared to signing up for those studios and gyms directly.

How we tested

For two months, we gathered reviews and data from four team members on their personal experience using ClassPass in Southern and Northern California, including any previous experiences they have with ClassPass dating from 2018. We originally started with free trials and continued with paid memberships. Some of our reviewers upgraded membership tiers to fit their workout preferences. 

We tried a variety of in-person classes and studio locations, in addition to virtual on-demand classes including yoga, pilates, weight training and even a nail salon. This review describes our personal experiences using ClassPass: signing up for sessions on the ClassPass app or desktop site, traveling and using our memberships, comparing class prices with drop-in rates, and if it’s worth the price.

How does ClassPass work?

ClassPass is a subscription-based fitness model that allows you to try different studios and sometimes for a discounted price. If you like pampering yourself, they also feature wellness and beauty companies that offer massages, meditation, spa services, and even haircuts. With studio partners in over 2,500 cities, ClassPass lets you continue working out even when traveling. 

Depending on your membership level, you can pay between $19 to $159 and receive 8-80 monthly credits. You sign up for classes or appointments on a desktop, laptop, or app with the credits. We prefer using the personalized app because it’s easy to sign up for available classes on the go or cancel as long as you have Internet access. 

ClassPass even has 4,000 on-demand virtual classes (audio and video) so you can work out in your home. These videos are available on every membership tier, and you can choose from various workouts to exercise. 

ClassPass membership plans

There are five membership plans. You get a set number of credits each month. The higher the membership tier, the less expensive credit costs. After the trial membership, individuals will start at $49, giving you 23 credits. Depending on the studio, this will provide you with anywhere between 2-4 classes. 

Membership plans and prices

For someone just starting with working out (or ClassPass in general), we recommend starting with the default membership tier and adjusting as you go on. Of course, you can always add more credits until the next billing cycle or opt to upgrade early. 

Additional credits and prices

If you need to buy more credit during the month consistently, upgrading your membership may be a good idea to reduce the amount of money you pay–since it’s typically cheaper to pay for credits upfront. You can also roll over credits if you don’t have the opportunity to use them within the same month. 

Note that there is no pro-rated price, so you will pay the total upgraded tier price no matter when you upgrade. So, for example, if your billing date is the first of every month, but you run out by the 15th and you want to upgrade to the next tier, you will still need to pay for the total price of the next tier. 

Classpass Cost vs. Direct Price comparison

If you’re wondering if paying for ClassPass is cheaper than paying for a drop-in price for a studio, it can get a little complicated to figure out because it depends on the credit price of each class and how much you pay for each credit based on your membership tier. So here’s a breakdown of some popular studios nearby us in Orange County, California. 

During our tests, we noticed that credits change depending on each class’s timing, demand, availability, and popularity. So a CorePower C1 class on Monday at 10:00 AM could be 8 credits one week because it was empty, and the next week, the same class could be 11 credits because more people have signed up. 

Mobile app & class booking experience

Booking a class was the most accessible experience, and we loved using the app. The ClassPass app is available on IOS and Android. The app allows you to book classes, cancel classes, add friends, view on-demand videos, manage your account, and adjust your membership.

Homepage

On the homepage, the app shows you options for similar classes you’ve previously attended, price drops, and new classes you might be interested in. We didn’t run into any issues throughout our time using the app. We especially liked the options to customize the homepage to our liking with buttons under each category that let you “see more of this” or “see less of this” category. 

Finding & booking classes

You can filter by activity, location, availability, and time when searching for a class. The search also gives you a visual map to see nearby studios with open spots. 

Once you click on the studio, you get more information about the company, including reviews, contact information, amenities, parking instructions, and similar businesses. The “view schedule” button is super easy to spot because it’s bright blue at the bottom of the screen. Each class is listed with a date, time, title, teacher, and how many credits it takes to join. 

Once you reserve a spot, the app informs you about fee cancellation deadlines (typically 12-14 hours before the scheduled class). If the class is booked, you can also add a notification if someone drops out and opens a spot.

What’s great about the app is that if you have a workout partner or friend, you can add them on ClassPass and send them information about your upcoming class so they can join. Of course, you can also send them a direct link to the class to sign up. 

On-demand video classes

We do have one caveat, and that is trying to find the on-demand videos on the mobile app; They are located at the VERY bottom of the search page. Using your phone for on-demand videos can also seem annoying with such a small screen. The ClassPass mobile app offers both visual on-demand videos and audio workouts. To use on-demand videos on the desktop site, click on the “Videos” link located on the upper right corner. There is currently no option for on-demand audio class for the desktop site.  

There are many different types of workouts available, and you can use a filter to find the class you want. For example, you can filter by specific activities, workout length, body focus, equipment, or collaborative partners, like Sweat Factor or Daily Burn. What’s great about these on-demand videos is that they don’t require additional credits; you can do as many as you want.

After testing several virtual classes, we thought it was a good option for days when you can’t get to the studio or travel without any ClassPass studios nearby. In addition, each virtual class is already filmed, so you can go at your own pace and pause the video if you need extra time between sets.

On-demand audio classes

Audio classes describe the type of workout, time frame, level of exercise, and calorie burns. The interface of each audio workout is similar to other audio apps with a movable timeline, play/pause button, 30-second skip or back buttons, and volume, and it also includes music genres based on your preference in between the reps. This is great for intermediate to advanced customers familiar with workout moves and can take directions easily. 

ClassPass pros

After trying out ClassPass for two consecutive months at home and during travel, here are our pros and cons about using it as a way to exercise. 

• Variety – There are various types of workouts and studios available and even beauty and wellness appointments like haircuts or acupuncture. 
• Try new gyms without commitment – You can try a new studio or gym without initiation fees or fear of signing up for additional trial memberships.
• Travel – If you travel & want to continue working out, ClassPass has 2,500 studio locations all over the world. This is an excellent option for popular studios with multiple locations to continue working out when traveling.
• Price – Depending on the studio, some ClassPass classes are cheaper than drop-in rates directly from the studios. Some gyms also offer a half-off discount on your first class, so it’s even more affordable! Some classes drop their prices if there are still spots to fill – even by 30-50% off. 
• Achievements badge – If you’re motivated by earning badges, ClassPass also offers achievement goals to make exercising feel more like a game and less like a chore. 

ClassPass cons

• “Free” but lacking trial – Some things like massages or beauty services are not available on the free trial. You must upgrade to a paid membership to view the prices and sign up. 
• No pro-rated prices for upgrades – If you want to upgrade to a higher membership tier mid-month, you must pay for a full-price membership. So it might be worth it not to upgrade until it’s closer to your billing date. 
• Sold-out classes – Many classes are already waitlisted or sold out even a week in advance. In addition, some studios only open a certain amount every week, or spots open specifically for ClassPass. 
• Class variety on ClassPass – Not all classes from the studio are available to ClassPass students (like Pure Barre only opens up Classic barre classes but not their Empower, Foundations, Align, or Reform classes). 
• Credits change based on the individual – We’ve tested this with multiple users and noticed that sometimes credits would differ from person to person even though they sign up for the same class simultaneously.

Tips to make the most of a ClassPass membership

• If you want to sign up for a sold-out class, check the app about 13 hours before the class begins because some people may drop the class before the fee cancellation deadline. 
• We have also noticed that the cost of a class will decrease closer to the date because there is availability, and the studio wants to fill the class. We sometimes canceled and re-signed up for the same class the day before to use fewer credits. However, this is also a risk because your spot might get quickly taken up. 

If you have health insurance plans with Kaiser, you may be eligible for discounts on memberships.

Is ClassPass worth it?

We believe ClassPass is worth the price if you are interested in taking a variety of exercises, are just beginning your workout journey, or want to work out while you are traveling. Paying on membership for ClassPass to exercise in 3-4 different studios per month will be cheaper than signing up for 3-4 individual memberships at every location. However, if you prefer working at a specific gym or have a dedicated workout plan with a committed gym, you might be wasting your money. 

After using ClassPass solely for working out for several months, we tried almost a dozen studios and locations throughout California. We have thoroughly enjoyed signing up for different exercises, and working out feels less like a chore and more like a game. 

While there are cons with any workout membership, like some popular classes selling out when they’re released, we could still find workouts nearby. There are many pros, especially if you need motivation to exercise. Read below to see our experience. 

Conclusion: who benefits from ClassPass?

If you are ONLY interested in pilates, have found your favorite studio, and want to take multiple classes a week, you might consider the studio’s monthly unlimited membership if you have a dedicated workout at a gym and don’t want variety. 

If you love variety in exercising or are just getting into working out, we think ClassPass is a good option because you spend less money and don’t need to commit to just one studio. ClassPass allows you to try different workouts and teachers to see which fits your body best. Even just visiting two studios within a month seems worth it for a membership class because drop-in rates are so high. 

Comparing drop-in class prices versus ClassPass credits, you are saving money. Where typical pilates drop-in class prices are about $30, a single ClassPass session can be half the price. The highest membership price from ClassPass is $159 for about 7-16 classes per month, which is still a lower price than popular studios’ monthly unlimited memberships.

The post How Does ClassPass Work & Is It Worth It? appeared first on Your Best Digs.

For context, my group went to Universal Studios, Hollywood, on a Wednesday in late July 2023. Super Nintendo Land has been open for five months and is still insanely crowded. I also opted for the early entrance add-on for Super Nintendo Land due to the Mario Kart restriction on Express Passes. 

How much is the Universal Studios Express Pass?

The Universal Studios Hollywood website states that the Universal Express Pass costs $199 and up, depending on the day you visit. During the off-season, like September or January, you can find the lowest-priced Express Pass tickets at $199 in the middle of the week. And during peak season months of July and August, prices can range between $209-$319. Guests ages two years or younger are free and don’t need tickets. 

For a Wednesday in July 2023, one-day general admission cost $149, and the Universal Express Pass was $295 per ticket–a $146 upgrade. So it’s typically double the price of a regular one-day ticket. 

How does the Universal Express Pass work?

The Express Pass is an upgraded ticket with special line privileges. It’s still the same sized physical piece of paper as a regular ticket that you need to carry with you throughout the day. Ride operators scan a barcode on your ticket at the entrance to every ride with an Express Pass lane, helping you skip long lines. But let’s see if the pass is worth it for you.

Benefits of the Express Pass

The Express pass lets you bypass a typically large crowd in the standard standby line and save yourself from hours of standing in line. Only a limited number of Express Passes are sold daily, so they can sell out beforehand. 

The Express Pass allows you to bypass 10 of the park’s 11 rides and attractions ONCE each ride that day by scanning the barcode on your ticket upon ride entry. However, if you want to ride an attraction again, you must line up in the regular standby line. Note, even though you bypass a majority of the standby line, some wait time is included, but it stays within 10-15 minutes. 

These are the attractions that have an Express Pass line:

• 10 Rides:
  • Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
  • Flight of the Hippogriff
  • Harry Potter & the Forbidden Journey
  • Jurassic World – The Ride
  • Kung Fu Panda Adventure
  • Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride
  • Studio Tour
  • The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash
  • The Simpsons Ride
  • Transformers: The Ride-3D
• WaterWorld show with priority seating
• Access to Super Nintendo Land without a reservation when the park has reached capacity for the day and a reservation is required to enter Super Nintendo Land. This can happen during peak season months like July and August. 

What the Express Pass does not include

Almost all of the rides and attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood have Express Pass, there is one ride restriction currently, and it’s the most popular ride, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. So if you’re thinking about getting the pass for Mario Kart, it won’t work, and you’ll have to wait in the general admission line. 

If your main reason for visiting Universal Studios Hollywood is for Super Nintendo Land, I recommend buying the Super Nintendo World Early Access Ticket and the Express Pass ticket. This lets you enter the park and Super Nintendo Land ONE HOUR before the general public.

With this early entrance, we could ride Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge in under 40 minutes instead of the two to three-hour wait it became once the park opened. The early entrance ticket starts at $20 daily and rises during peak season. 

Is the Universal Studios Express Pass worth it?

The Express Pass is not cheap, so it takes some consideration to weigh out the cost. Overall we saved over SEVEN HOURS of waiting in line this day, letting us ride just about every major ride we wanted to. Without this, we would have to spend more time in line and less relaxing, eating, or enjoying the park.

The pass let us ride nine out of 11 rides and attractions in the entire park long before closing. Note, the only reason we didn’t do all the rides was by personal preference (some people weren’t up for huge roller coaster drops). 

Here’s a breakdown of our day WITH the Express Pass:

• Time spent in line: 10 minutes per ride, 1 hour 30 minutes total  
• Time spent relaxing/eating/wandering/exploring the park: 13 hours 30 minutes

WITHOUT the Express Passes, it would be more like:

• Time spent in line: 1 hour per ride (minimum), 9 hours total
• Time spent relaxing/eating/wandering/exploring the park: 6 hours 

The Express Pass is a must-have if:

• You’re visiting from out of town or out of state and only have one day to visit the park
• You don’t have time to spend the whole day at the park but want to see multiple rides
• You have kids that you know could not handle 60+ minutes wait in line

Consider skipping the Express Pass if:

• You’re buying an annual pass and will return to the park multiple times anyway
• You don’t plan to go on at least three rides with Express Pass lanes
• You’re visiting during a time of the year you know it isn’t crowded
• You’re on a tight budget and just want to enjoy the shops, games, and walking around the park most of the day

It’s worth paying for an Express Pass if you have the option because you spend less time in line and have more opportunities to do other activities, like playing games, relaxing in air-conditioned stores, and staying away from the heat. 

Tips for using the Express Pass

• Park tickets require you to choose which day you’ll attend the theme park, so make sure your schedule for that day stays clear. Universal Studios Hollywood states that all tickets are non-transferable, non-refundable, and non-exchangeable.
• Make sure everyone in your group purchases an Express Pass; otherwise, your trip might exclude some members who can’t bypass the general standby line. Or you might end up choosing to wait in the standby line with non-Express Pass holders, which negates the use of the pass altogether. 
• Purchase your Express Pass tickets at least one month ahead because a limited number are available daily.
• The Express Pass includes one-day admission, so you only need this ticket to enter the theme park.
• When you first scan your online tickets at the front gate, make sure you receive a physical ticket from the workers. Each ticket includes your name and a bar code you must scan at each Express Pass ride entrance. 
• Download the Universal Studios Hollywood app to keep an updated notification of wait times and if rides and attractions accept Express Pass tickets.

How to buy the Express Pass

Since Express Passes are limited in quantity per day, I recommend purchasing them on the Universal Studios Hollywood website. You can also buy Express Passes at the front gate, but they can sell out which would change your entire day’s itinerary, so I recommend buying them online as soon as you can confirm a day you want to attend the park. 

To purchase tickets online, click the “tickets” button on the Universal Studios Hollywood website. Then, click on the “Universal Express” option and continue to choose your specific date. Each price differs by date. Finally, add the number of guests. Guests two years or younger don’t need a pass and are free to attend. 

How much is it to upgrade to the Express Pass?

The minimum cost to upgrade is $90, but it can be up to $170 extra. The price of a regular ticket ranges from $109 to $149, and the price of an Express Pass ticket ranges from $199 to $319. So on typical low-season days which aren’t busy you can expect to pay about $90 to upgrade to the Express Pass. During busier seasons, the prices of both tickets go up so you can expect to pay up to $170 to upgrade your ticket to Express Pass.

Suppose you originally purchased a general admission ticket and want to upgrade a regular ticket to an Express Pass. In that case, you can upgrade your ticket by calling Universal Studio Hollywood at 866-258-6546, or you can wait until the day of your trip and upgrade at the front gate. 

However, I recommend upgrading over the phone since Express Passes can sell out early. If you try to upgrade at the gate you may not be able to if they have sold out. Currently, there is no way to upgrade tickets online. 

What hotels include the Universal Express Pass?

The Universal Express Pass for Universal Studios Hollywood does not come with any accommodations. The Express Pass only comes with one-day admission inside the theme park on the specified date you choose from online or at the front gate. 

The post The Express Pass at Universal Studios: Is It Worth It? appeared first on Your Best Digs.

The 9 small coolers we tested

How we selected

We’ve tested large coolers, and plug in thermoelectric coolers, but we wanted to find something smaller with this post. We began our search by considering how and why we would use a small cooler. For example, if we were hiking, we wanted a backpack cooler that could hold enough drinks and food for two-to-four people and wouldn’t burden us down by being too heavy. For a beach day, we wanted a small cooler — soft, collapsible or hard-side — that had room for drinks, food, and dry goods that would last us eight hours and could keep everything cold and fresh under a hot sun.

We looked for coolers that had exterior pockets for carrying other items like wine bottles, cutlery, napkins, plates, etc., pretty much anything you might want for the beach or picnicking. We also wanted the coolers we tested to be made of strong, waterproof materials, sturdy, and comfortable to tote, whether by the handle or a shoulder strap.

Small coolers are available in a range of capacity. Hard-side coolers are measured in quarts, while soft coolers and backpacks are measured in how many cans it can hold. We chose a selection of hard-side, soft collapsible, and backpack coolers that had approximately the same capacity.

How we tested

We packed each cooler with ice and canned and bottled beverages, sealed them, and put them off into a closed room, approximately 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit in temperature. We checked each cooler at two hour intervals and recorded the percentage of ice that had melted. We also checked to see if the coolers had leaked. We resealed each cooler and checked at four hours and again at eight hours to determine if there had been any significant change.

Mostly, the coolers kept the beverages cold, but except for three, the ice had completely melted, and the cans were submerged in a puddle of cold water. Almost all the coolers with zippered enclosures did not prevent the ice from melting, and if the coolers were tipped on their side, water streamed through the zippers.

Important features to consider

During testing, several features stood out that you should look for when buying a small cooler. Small coolers have many advantages over large coolers. First and foremost is portability; a small cooler can literally be taken anywhere and are a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts. A small cooler is also space-saving since it can easily fit in a car trunk with camping or beach equipment. A collapsible soft cooler is also incredibly convenient, because it can be stored under a car seat, under the bed, or in a closet. Finally, a small cooler is versatile since it can be used picnics, beach days, or camping.

Type

Generally there are three types of small coolers: hard-side, soft collapsible, and backpack. They each address a different need.

Hard-side coolers are smaller versions of a large hard-side cooler, like, for example, the ubiquitous Coleman cooler. The small hard-sides are often called “personal” coolers because it allows you to carry several canned or bottled beverages along with sandwiches and fruit. These are most often used as lunchboxes.

Soft, collapsible coolers can also be used as lunchboxes, and they have the additional benefit of folding completely flat for storage and transport. The soft coolers come in various sizes, and most of the ones we tested could hold 20 or 30 cans and also have room for food and dry goods, like paper plates.

Backpack coolers are ideal for beach days or hiking. Backpack coolers often have several exterior pockets, and because of their design, they can expand as your loading it up with beverages and food. Of course, the more you pack the backpack, the heavier it will be and isn’t conducive to long hikes.

Capacity

Most of the small coolers we tested are marketed with photographs of their overflowing with a mountain of ice and an abundance of cans, bottles, and food. Nothing could be further from the truth. The coolers we tested had a capacity of anywhere between nine and 30 cans. It was possible to cram the cooler with cans, but overall the coolers did not meet the stated capacity. If you consider that you would need to add ice or ice packs, the capacity decreases. A few of the coolers do have larger sizes, but in our opinion, they’re no longer as portable and are only practical for tail-gating.

But if you’re looking for toting along a cooler for a beach day or hike, smaller is definitely better since when packed they’ll be easier to carry by yourself. Look for a small cooler that can accommodate both drinks and food, like the uniquely shaped Igloo Playmate, the collapsible TOURIT cooler bag, or the FORICH backpack, both of which have pockets specifically designed for dry goods, including plates, plastic forks/knives, and napkins.

Tight seal

The last thing you want is your food and beverages sloshing around in melted ice. Finding a small cooler with a tight seal can be tricky. Of the hard-side coolers, only the Igloo Playmate prevented ice from melting. Most of the backpack coolers we tested had good insulation, but because they all were zipper-closed, they could not be tightly sealed, resulting in a puddle of water in the bottom of the backpack.

Another caution to be aware of is that backpack coolers must stay upright at all times, because the melted ice streams through the zippers when the backpack is tilted on its side. The soft collapsible coolers were also sealed with zippers, but these had very thick insulation that kept ice from melting and seeping through the zippers.

Padded shoulder straps

If you’re looking for a collapsible soft cooler or a backpack cooler, definitely check out the padding on the shoulder straps. Collapsible coolers can be carried by its handle, but all come with an adjustable shoulder strap. Many soft cooler bags we tested had thin padding, which puts severe strain on the shoulder when you’re carrying a full cooler for any distance. The Coleman soft cooler bag had the best padding of the soft coolers we tested, and the FORICH backpack cooler also had excellent padding with added bonus of a breathable mesh material on the straps and back of the backpack.

The post The 9 Best Small Coolers appeared first on Your Best Digs.

Our tester has thick and wavy 2A hair that measures over 2 feet long. They also have over 25 years of experience styling hair with curling irons, straighteners, and other accessories like hair clips. Stylists consider thick hair as anyone with single strands that are thicker than sewing thread. Our tester also has dense hair that measures more than four inches in diameter when gathered together. 

The 10 curling irons we tested

Important features to consider

Barrel material

The barrel material is important to consider when buying a curling iron. Different plate materials offer features like ceramic that heats evenly and prevents heat damage or titanium that heats up quickly and styles thick hair easily. 

Design (spring, wand)

There are several types of curling devices in the market, and we tested four designs. There is the traditional curling iron made with a barrel and springed clamp, the wand you wrap the hair around with a glove, an automatic spinner, and the Dyson Airwrap Styler that uses the Coanda effect. Wands will tend to give you wavy, beachy curls, and clamp-designed curling irons will give you more structured and tight curls. 

Size & length

Curling irons come in many width sizes, and each size creates different types of curling designs. The smaller the curling width, the tighter the curl, and vice versa. However, styling your hair can often take a long time if you’ve got thick hair. To combat this, a longer barrel helps accommodate more hair and makes styling time faster. For this review, we tested most curling irons with 1 ¼ inch width barrels (except for the Chi, which only came in one size). 

Other (budget, dual voltage, heat temperature)

Other features to consider are heat temperature settings, dual voltage options, weight, and budget. Having thicker (and coarse hair) can be a little difficult to curl and are best styled with higher heat to set the hair. Stylists suggest curling irons to heat between 350-450 ℉. 

If you are an avid traveler, finding a curling iron with dual or universal voltage options is important. This means you can use the styler in different countries. Weight should also be a feature to consider if you need a travel-friendly curling iron. The average weight of the curling irons we tested was 15 ounces. 

Lastly, think about your budget. There are affordable options for thick-haired people who want to curl their hair quickly and easily. The curling irons we tested were between $45-$599.   

How we selected & tested:

Features

We compared the features that made styling fast and easy for thick hair like heat-up time, heat settings, ionization, cord length, and auto-shutoff. Each feature was scored out of 10, and the better features it offered, the higher the score. We recorded the actual timing for heat-up and auto-shutoff timing instead of going along with the advertised timing. The best-curling irons heated up within 30 seconds of turning on and turned off within 30 minutes of use. 

If a curling iron had at least four heat settings, it scored a seven or higher. If the iron featured ionization to smooth out frizzy, thick hair, we rated it a 10. Lastly, the longer the cord length, the easier to handle and score higher.

Build quality

Curling irons with sturdy and well-made designs will last longer and also keep your hair healthier. We analyzed the plate material best suited for thick hair when comparing build quality. For example, we rated tourmaline, titanium, and gold-plated barrel materials the highest out of 10 because they hold high heat very well and quickly for thick, unruly hair. We also tested the spring strength and clamp grip. If the spring was sturdy and the clamp gripped onto the hair well, it scored highest out of 10. For curling irons designed as wands or clampless, we didn’t score these for springs or clamps. 

Ease of Use

While using the curling irons we reviewed characteristics that affected the ease of use, like swivel cord, ergonomics, weight, hair grip, hair section thickness, and how long it took to curl a whole head of hair. Each characteristic scored from one to ten, and the easier and quicker it was to style the hair, the higher the score. Specifically for ergonomics, we kept track of bulkiness and if the tip was meant to hold for easier grip and keep cool to the touch. If curling hair was painless and fast, it scored the highest in this category, like the Bio Ionic. 

Hair results

At the end of styling, we checked to see how the hair felt in the curls, if they were damaged, dry, and frizz-free. The smoother and healthy the hair looked, the higher it scored out of 10. We also measured how long the curls lasted from 1-12 hours, and the longer lasting, the higher the score. 

Travel

For those who like to travel with their styling tools, we wanted to see which curling iron was best to bring to a trip. We considered the weight, cord organization like velcro ties, and dual or universal voltage features. The lighter-weight irons with built-in velcro ties for cords and multi-voltage components scored highest out of 10, like the Bio Ionic or the Kristin Ess wand. 

The post The 10 Best Curling Irons for Thick Hair appeared first on Your Best Digs.

The eight dog shedding brushes we tested

Important features to consider

The two most important factors to consider when buying any type of dog brush is your dog’s hair (or fur if s(he) has a double-coat) and the dog’s size. For example, a dog brush that’s designed for long, fine, or wavy hair — like a golden retriever or collie — wouldn’t be the best choice for a dog with short, curly or wiry hair, like a poodle or a terrier.

Dog brushes are available in various types. Many brushes are intended solely for keeping your dog’s coat clean and shiny by stimulating your dog’s natural oils to rise to the coat’s surface. Shedding brushes are designed to reach down into your dog’s undercoat and lift up loose hair and dirt that gathers on your dog’s skin.

Some deshedding brushes can also be used to detangle matted hair, particularly around the dog’s withers. When shopping for a shedding brush, consider the following features that the best shedding brush should have.

No bristles

Since a brush is basically made up of bristles, it may seem counterintuitive to look for a deshedding brush that doesn’t have bristles. Of the eight brushes we tested, the most effective in removing hair had a stainless steel component. Our top pick, the Hertzko – Slicker Brush, is composed of many rows of stainless-steel pins that reach deep into a dog’s coat and draw up loose hair. Our favorite for long-hair breeds, the FURminator – Grooming Rake, has stainless-steel prongs, and our pick for short-hair breeds, SleekEZ – Shedding Tool, has a stainless-steel serrated blade.

Size

The size of your dog will determine the appropriate shedding brush to buy. We wouldn’t buy the same brush for a Great Dane as we would for a Pomeranian, but many — if not most — deshedding brushes are “one size fits all.” We recommend searching out a shedding brush that’s available in different sizes, like the SleekEZ. FURminator also has various sizes to choose from.

Ergonomic handle

You want to take your time in shedding your beloved canine pal so to avoid painfully pulling and tugging his/her hair and causing your dog distress. Since you’ll be holding the brush for a while, it makes sense that the brush should fit comfortably in your hand. We found the SleekEZ’s curved wood oval the best ergonomically as it’s designed to fit into the palm. The GoPets – Dematting Comb has a unique handle encased in silicone gel, which molded into the hand.

Ease of cleaning

As you’re deshedding your dog, hair will gather in the brush head and should be easy to remove after several strokes of your dog’s coat. The rake-style shedding brush is the easiest to clean because there’s enough space between the rake’s prongs; hair gathers together and comes off in a clump. Generally, slicker brushes are the most difficult to clean because the pins are densely packed. The Hertzko brush, however, has a very handy button that, when pressed, retracts the pins into the brush head, and hair can be peeled off the flat surface.

Durability

You certainly want a dog deshedding brush to hold up for many grooming sessions. Avoid brushes that are made of plastic or rubber, which can bend and get deformed with continued use. In addition, because of their flexibility, the plastic or rubber brushes that we tested removed only a small amount of hair or none at all.

How we tested

We tested all the shedding brushes on two different breeds with different hair types. One dog was a border collie with a varied mix of undercoat, fine hair, wavy hair, and coarse hair. Our other dog was a terrier mix with short wavy hair. Both dogs are accustomed to grooming. Over a two-week period, we brushed each dog for an hour with the same shedding brush and noted how well (or not) it removed loose hair and detangled mats.

The border collie tends to have matted hair on his long, thick withers and around his ears and neck ruff, and so we took special care in these sensitive areas to avoid the brush pulling or tugging. The terrier mix’s coat is more even, but he sheds short hairs constantly, and we focused on his undercoat. With these two very different hair types, we were able to determine which brush was best for long- and short-hair breeds and which brush made the grooming process enjoyable and stress-free.

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We’re avid travelers, and we like nothing more than wearing bags that seamlessly bring utility and aesthetics together without breaking the bank. We’ve tested and used a variety of bags through the years in scenarios like snowboarding, walking tours, running, shopping, and on everyday errands alone or with children. We tested many other travel items like travel purses, travel accessories, packing cubes, travel jewelry cases. No matter where you’re traveling, we’ve pinpointed some features of fanny packs and belt bags that are useful to remember when picking a new bag.

The 11 fanny packs we tested

Important features to consider

Design / organization

This category takes into account a variety of features on the bag. One important aspect is aesthetics, which is very specific to each person. There are sporty, minimalist, or colorful fanny packs available, too.

Pocket count and placement are crucial too. We like belt bags that offer outside and inside pockets for more organization. Inner pockets also give you extra security when carrying your valuables.

Lastly, each fanny pack features a closure of some type, like clasps or buckles, and the location of the closure also affects usability. Some people prefer front clasps for easier removal.

Material

Specific materials might actually be preferred for specific activities, as there’s not just one “best” material for all scenarios. Some offer features like waterproofing or ripstopping. If you’re going to a festival or a concert, you may need belt bags made of clear plastic for security reasons. There are also fanny packs made of leather or vegan leather that are great for going out to a nice dinner or club without making you look like a tourist.

Size & strap length

The size of the fanny pack affects how much you can carry at a time. Be wary of how big the fanny pack is because it might be difficult to wear and disproportionate to the size of the straps; for example, larger bags with thin straps would strain the shoulders. Strap length is also important to remember depending on your body type.

How we selected

We selected some of the most popular fanny packs on the market and bought popular dupes to see how they compared, in addition to testing other popular affordable and generic belt bags. All of these fanny packs we tested were under $50 at the time of purchase.

How we tested

Build quality

We tested the build quality of each fanny pack by analyzing the durability and design of the fabric, zipper, clasps, straps, and waterproof status. Each category is rated out of 10, and the highest they ranked, the better quality of the fanny pack. Our most durable fanny packs often had ripstop, water-repellent fabric and zippers like the Wandrd bags and easily accessible clasps and smooth, comfortable straps like the Lululemon belt bag.

Fit test

We tested each bag for over three months rigorously on different body types and took them on week-long vacations, daily errands, and events. During these fit tests, we reviewed the comfort of the straps, removing the clasps, ease of accessibility and pocket organization, overall capacity, and versatility. Each category ranked out of 10, and the more comfortable and easier-to-wear belt bags scored closer to 10.

Travel

Lastly, we tested the fanny packs based on usefulness during travel. We analyzed each bag based on its ability to fold easily into luggage or carry-on bags, safety features, comfort in wearing it for long periods, and ability to use it for other specific purposes like diapers or toiletry. Bags that were easy to use for traveling ranked closer to 10.

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We’ve been cat owners for several years and are always around cats and cat parents. Just like products for humans, we consistently buy and test new variations of cat accessories to find the best-designed and most durable items for our favorite family members.

While we understand each cat is different, we have access to test items on several cats of different breeds, sizes, and demeanors so we can find the best accessories, like cat scratchers. In the past, we’ve tested automatic litter boxes (like the Litter-Robot 4), cat toys, cat trees, nail clippers, litter mats, and even cat food. When it comes to our pets, we go above and beyond with our testing requirements to make sure we pick the best items.

The 8 Cat Scratchers we tested

Important features to consider

Type

Most cats have textural preferences for their scratching surfaces. Scratchers are often made of corrugated cardboard, sisal rope, woven sisal, jute, or polyester carpet. Sisal rope or woven sisal are often the most popular because the rough texture allows the cat’s claws to grip the material during scratching and helps with grooming. Sisal is also extremely durable and long-lasting.

Carpet (often polyester carpet) is the softest material, but the woven texture still allows cats to grip the fabric and scratch. This material doesn’t last as long as sisal. Corrugated cardboard can also mimic a softer, bark-like texture for cats who prefer a different material. It’s also important to mention that cardboard (whether cheap or reinforced corrugated cardboard) disintegrates into smaller pieces and is often messier than other fabrics.

Build quality and durability

While corrugated cardboard falls apart quicker than sisal or carpet, remember that all scratchers are meant to be used and will break down eventually. However, buying from reputable brands known for their build quality is still important. Scratchers with reinforced corrugated cardboard, like from the brand Coching, won’t disintegrate as quickly as cheaper cardboard designs.

We love the height for vertical scratching posts because it gives cats room to scratch and stretch on instinct. But you must also have sturdy and heavy bases to prevent cats from toppling the scratcher. We also prefer posts to be glued and stapled securely to prevent cats from hurting themselves.

Shape & size

Cat scratchers come in many varieties, like vertical posts or horizontal scratchers. We suggest choosing a scratcher that allows your cat to scratch and stretch in their natural preference. For example, if your cat tends to scratch a couch while standing on their hind legs, we suggest buying a vertical scratching post.

Budget

Scratchers come in many affordable prices, but sometimes these prices can dictate the material used or the design of each scratcher. We found cheaper scratchers tend to be made of cardboard or have less durable builds than more expensive scratchers. Modern designs like the scratchers from Fukumaru were often more expensive.

Other features

Other features you should consider are extra toys that help entice cats to use the scratchers more than your expensive furniture. Some scratchers are made for multiple cat households because they offer more posts or different scratching areas. If your cat loves being in high places, it’s also useful to have scratchers with platforms or different levels to sit on top of to entice them to use the scratchers.

How we selected

We picked a variety of materials like woven sisal, sisal rope, jute, cardboard, and carpet in horizontal and vertical scratcher designs all under $50. Many of these scratchers are from popular brands, and we also received recommendations from other cat parents. In total, we tested eight different types of scratchers to see how they would fare against our five resident cats.

How we tested

In the span of three months, we analyzed each scratcher in three categories: ease of assembly, durability, and design. We tested these scratchers with the help of six cat testers:

• Gob: Ginger cats are known to be playful and aloof, and Gob is no different. This five-year-old kitty loves to snuggle as much as he likes to get his wiggles out by chasing or scratching vertical posts. He’s currently 12 pounds and measures 19 inches.
• Kit Kat: Our 11-year-old senior cat is also our biggest kitty at 18 pounds and measures __ inches. He loves to give the biggest stretches on vertical posts and is always on the hunt for scratchers tall and sturdy enough for his stature.
• Jelly Bean: Our tiniest cat, Jelly Bean dwarfs her brother Kit Kat at eight pounds and __ inches in length. She’s five years old and prefers cardboard scratchers for her delicate little paws.
• Marshmellow: As an ex-street cat, Marshmellow now spends the day looking forward to her next meal, kicking scratching posts, and sleeping on cat trees. She’s five years old and 15 inches long.
• Mizuki: This six-year-old grey calico is 12 pounds and measures about 20 inches long. She loves a good treat and typically loves scratching on vertical posts or cardboard scratchers.
• Mikasa: Two-year-old Mikasa is also a grey calico like her older sister Mizuki and is 10 pounds and 18 inches long. She’s a little bit more reserved but also loves cardboard scratchers.

Ease of assembly

During assembly, we paid attention to how detailed the instructions were to follow if the scratchers came with any tools to make assembly easier, and how fast it took to put them together. The smoother the assembly process, the closer they ranked out of 10 per category.

Durability

We ranked all the scratchers out of 10 in three categories: material choice, stability, and if it can be repaired. Materials like sisal and jute scored higher than corrugated cardboard because they are stronger materials and have less tendency to disintegrate within a couple of months of testing. We ranked its score lower during testing if a scratcher moved or tilted over. We noted if repairing scratchers were easy or possible. Some materials like cardboard couldn’t be repaired because they disintegrated, but sisal rope or jute can be replaced easily, and they ranked higher.

Design

Scratchers are necessary for many cats, but that doesn’t mean they have to be ugly. We ranked the design of each scratcher on three specifics: aesthetics, size of the scratching area, and extra features like toys or platforms. Aesthetics include offering different colors, sizes, and overall design. The more of these characteristics each scratcher has, the higher they scored out of 10. Scratchers also scored higher if they had a larger-sized scratching area because it allowed cats to scratch from more areas and lasted longer. Extra features like toys that enticed cats to scratch more or platforms were scored higher out of 10.

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The 7 mops for laminate floors we tested

Important features to consider

Laminate floors require a different cleaning process than hardwood, vinyl, or tile floors. Laminate flooring is made of wood composite layered with an image of a variety of wood grains and a transparent protective layer. Although laminate is water-resistant, most often it’s not waterproof, meaning that water can seep through and cause the laminate to buckle. The protective layer is very durable and is designed to be easily cleaned without floor cleaners or detergents.

Not all the mops we tested on hardwood floors are suitable for laminate. Laminate floors should only be cleaned with a microfiber mop head and a few spritzes of water. Microfiber absorbs dirt and dust and leaves floors virtually germ-free. There are many mops for laminate floors available, but when buying one, consider the following features.

Mop head size

You’ll want a mop head to be large enough to clean a laminate floor with just a few strokes. But the mop head shouldn’t be too large because it will hinder you in cleaning tight corners, right angles, and along baseboards. Several brands call their product “professional” because the mop head measures 18″ in length, which we found to be too long. Our top pick, O-Cedar ProMist MAX, is 15″ long, and was ideal for maneuverability.

Pole length

The length of the mop’s pole is dependent on your height. To reduce strain on your back from bending over as you mop, it’s recommended that the pole reaches just beneath your chin. Many mops we tested had poles that were 43″ (3’5″) long, which for our tester was too short and resulted in back and shoulder stress. Another top pick, Turbo Mop, has a pole that can be adjusted from 35″ to 60″ and can be used by most people of any height. Microfiber Wholesale is another mop with a pole that can be adjusted 45″ to 70″, the longest of the mops we tested.

Spray angle

Some mops for laminate floors have a built-in spray, water or cleaning solution cannister, and trigger mechanism in the mop’s handle. During testing we found a wide variance in the angle of the sprays. Often, the spray was angled too high so bottoms of kitchen cabinets got soaked. Swiffer mops are well-known, and the Swiffer WetJet we tested had a perfectly angled spray that hit only the floor.

Maneuverability

Since you want mopping to be a less-burdensome chore, choose a mop with a rotating and/or tilting head, which enables you to mop along baseboards at different angles without lifting and turning the mop. Both of our top choices were the easiest to maneuver, with the O-Cedar taking the lead with its mop head that can completely flip over with a flick of the wrist.

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The 9 mops for hardwood floors we tested

Important features to consider

Hardwood floors require frequent maintenance to keep them beautiful. Sweeping and vacuuming help prevent buildup of dirt and grime, but you’ll also need to occasionally clean the floors with a mop. A string mop and a bucket of water is definitely not the way to clean a hardwood floor, since a string mop holds too much water, even when wrung, which can damage the wood and cause it to pucker. Mostly, hardwood floors should be regularly cleaned by just using a damp mop with water and a little bit of cleaning solution.

Hardwood floors are a little more forgiving than laminate floors. This means all the mops we tested on laminate floors will work here, but not the other way around. According to Architectural Digest, floor-cleaning experts agree that the best mop for a hardwood floor is a microfiber mop, which uses a fraction of the liquid than a string mop. As we tested nine mops — almost all microfiber — we determined several features that you should consider when purchasing a mop for hardwood floors.

Mop head size

Unless you’re a clean freak, you might not enjoy mopping floors, so it makes sense to get it done efficiently and quickly. The mop head should be wide enough to allow for cleaning a floor in a few strokes, but on the other hand, it shouldn’t be so wide that you can’t get into corners. Our top picks, the Rubbermaid – Reveal Spray Floor Mop and the O-Cedar – ProMist Max, each measure 15″ wide and allowed for maneuverability along baseboards and right angles.

Maneuverability

To make mopping less of a chore, select a mop that has a swivel or rotating head. Most of the mops we tested had this feature, but depending on the design or the mop’s weight, a few required more strength to push around the floor, like the Bona – Hard Surface Mop. The best maneuverability was with the non-spray mops, like the Turbo Mop. The one drawback to this type of mop, however, is you’ll have to use a spray bottle to dampen the floor as you mop.

Pole length

The length of the mop’s pole proved to be as equally important as the mop-head size. To reduce strain on your arms, shoulders, and back, the mop’s pole should be as high as your chin. The mops we tested ranged from 43″ to 55″ with 50″ being the most comfortable for our tester. Two of the mops we tested — Turbo Mop and Microfiber Wholesale — had retractable poles that could extend to 60″ and 70″, respectively.

Spray angle

For the mops that have a built-in trigger spray, there was a noticeable variance in the spray angle. Several mops we tested had a spray angled too high so furniture got wet. Our top picks and the Swiffer WetJet had spray angles aimed directly onto the floor, which is where you want your cleaning solution to be.

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The 7 vacuum storage bags we tested

Important features to consider

Vacuum storage bags are a must-have for storing seasonal use items in a small space. Made of durable, lightweight polypropylene plastic, they come in four or five different sizes and can hold sweaters, blankets, comforters, towels, or any bulky fabrics, which are then sealed inside and compressed flat by removing air with a vacuum cleaner hose or a hand pump.

Most brands claim that their bags decrease volume by 80 percent, which then makes the deflated bags easy to store in a closet, attic, garage, or even under the bed. So you could potentially save a lot more space than only separating your clothes out into large storage containers. Vacuum sealer bags are also ideal for protecting woolens from moths and all fabrics from mold and mildew.

Sizes

Almost all storage bags are available in certain sizes: jumbo or extra large (approximately 30″ x 40″), large (24″ x 32″), medium (20″ x 28″), and small (16″ x 24″). They can be purchased one size per package or a combination of sizes per package. A few brands offer a travel size, which are designed to fit carry-on luggage. The travel size, however, is not a vacuum sealer bag; it’s basically a large Ziploc bag that you need to squeeze out the air as you roll the clothes inside into a cylinder.

Zipper lock

Vacuum storage bags have a large zipper lock, exactly like a food storage bag but twice as strong. It’s sealed by running a plastic clip along the length of the zipper lock. The better-constructed bags, like our top picks, Spacesaver, GONGSHI, and Amazon Basics, can be sealed with one or — at the most — two zips without needing to reinforce the seal with your fingers. In these bags’ cases, the zipper locks and clips were sturdily made and sealed tightly. Other bags we tested had flimsy zipper locks, and we needed to run the clip over the zipper four or five times as well as press the seal together with our fingers.

Hand pump

Most of the vacuum storage bags we tested came with a hand pump that you would use when traveling or when a vacuum isn’t at hand. All are made of plastic — a few had a metal plunger rod — and measure approximately 8″ in length and 2″ in diameter. The pump is screwed into the sealer valve (if you were using a vacuum, the hose is placed over the valve), and with a series of rapid pumps, air is removed from the bag. With the jumbo or extra large bags, the hand pumps were pretty useless and tiring to use, since a lot of elbow grease was required. However, overall, with all other bag sizes, the pumps were easier to use and were mostly effective in sealing the bags in a couple of minutes.

Fabric wrinkling

When the bag is vacuum-sealed, the plastic often shrink wraps tightly around the fabrics. When the bag is opened, the fabric is deeply wrinkled in the areas the plastic touched. You will also notice an impression of the valve on the fabric. Pillows and comforters weren’t affected, but all the clothing we sealed were wrinkled by the bags and needed to be steamed or fluffed in a drier.

How we tested

We tested seven vacuum sealer bags in various sizes by stuffing them with pillows, comforters, towels, sweaters, and bulky clothes and then sealing them either with the brand’s included hand pump or with a vacuum cleaner hose. (Generally, the vacuum cleaner was the fastest, easiest, and most efficient way for sealing the bags airtight.) Once sealed, we checked the bags on a daily basis for a week to see if any showed signs of inflation, i.e., the seal hadn’t held, and air had leaked in. During our testing period, characteristics of vacuum bags came to the forefront.

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