NicNacs, Gadgets and Goodies.

[Mark E. Spliff]

Sorry for digging up an old topic, but I reckon this is a gadget which some of you might find genuinely useful at the festivals next year...

A breathalyzer.

I bought one from Maplins for £35. It's an 'Alcosense Lite.' Since then, I've been on Youtube and looked at a Fifth Gear group test of a few different models - the 'Alcosense Elite' came out as best, having the same accuracy as the ones the police use. My one is just as accurate, but half the price and with less features.

The reason I bought it was that I recently found myself hungover in London after a party. I felt like shite, and had no idea whether I'd be legal to drive home. Having bought the breathalyser and tested myself, it turns out I had absolutely no alcohol left in my system - I just had a headache and was feeling dehydrated. It was nice to know though - sometimes you can feel like shite for days after a festival, especially the big G, so deciding when you're legal to drive is next to impossible.

I see three main benefits to this:

1. I won't ever be caught on a public road with alcohol in my system. I was surprised at how quick my levels dropped down to zero - even after a major night out, I'm back to zero by the time I wake up. Other people might shed the alcohol more slowly, but until you've tested yourself you don't know.

2. I won't be so paranoid on the last night of each festival about the drive home. I'll be able to kick the arse out of a good night, knowing that I'll be able to make sure I'm back to zero before getting in the car the following day.

3. It's good fun to test yourself while you're out drinking. Everyone wants a go. However, my version won't allow you to do any 'see who can get the drunkest' competions - once you're over twice the drink-drive limit it just reads 'Hi' and won't give you a figure. Presumably that's because of the tales you hear of people giving themselves alcohol poisoning trying to beat their personal best.

[ferraristu]

[grumpyhack]

It can get a bit crowded at busy times of the day.

[maninkilt]

It can get a bit crowded at busy times of the day.