Z EDGE Z3 Upgraded Version Dash Cam Review

Z EDGE Z3 Upgraded Version Dash Cam Review

 

Z EDGE Z3 Upgraded Version Dash Cam ReviewToday I would like to introduce the Z EDGE Z3 Dash Cam.  This $124.00 dash cam is a good quality yet still inexpensive dash camera.  It has a lot of good features that make it very useful in today’s connected and litigious society.

I have done dash camera videos before.  I used to use a contour action camera as a dash cam until the security guards at my former job complained.  Apparently, they did not like the fact that people could record them sleeping.  Especially people stuck at the gate trying to come to work.

Dash cameras are becoming increasingly needed as protestors are blocking roads and becoming more and more violent.

This particular camera is nice because if it is connected to the accessory socket in your car it will automatically start when you crank the car.

It can be set to function in parking mode with a very sensitive motion sensor, or to take short looped clips as a dash camera.  Alternatively it can take longer clips to capture memories during road trips.

The audio is also selective.  In the default setting, it easily picks up in car conversation and radio broadcasts.

Types of Lockpicks

Types of Lockpicks: 4 Basic Essential Types

 

Types of Lockpicks: 4 Basic Essential TypesIn this post my locksport subject matter expert talks about the different types of kockpicks and the 4 basic essential picks and how they are used.  We were using the picks found in a basic beginner lockpick kit.

In order of use Julian suggests:

  • Skyline pick
  • Snake
  • Diamond
  • Feeler pick

I tend to not use a skyline pick, mostly I just use a snake and a feeler.

A skyline pick is named because the wavy top edge looks similar to a city skyline.  It’s suggested method of use is to see-saw it up and down to move the pins up and down.

If that fails to open the lock, then a snake (aka worm) is used to wiggle around in the lock.  Now, in my lesser degree of skill, I normally just push the snake pick in and out of the lock until a cheap master-lock gives way.  This does not tend to work well on higher quality locks.

Next, a diamond shaped pick is used to zip all the pins.  It is pressed all the way into the lock and then ripped streight out of the lock lifting all the pins quickly one at a time.

Lastly, a feeler pick is used to  individually manipulate each pin.  For those with the touch and enough practice, this one is probably the most useful.  However, I don’t practice enough to use this one all that often.

 

 

Lockpickworld Beginners Box

Lockpickworld Beginners Box Review

 

beginner lockpick kit
Buy at Amazon

I have bought several beginner lockpick kit sets before, but I did not get half the stuff for the price of this Lockpickworld Beginners Box.  What I did get typically, was not as high quality either.

I questioned the “spy card” and it seemed a little “tacti-cool” and gimmicky, but in reality, the picks in that kit tend to be my go to set. It is small, light, and easy to carry.

The practice lock alone runs half the cost of this kit. I can’t speak enough about how pleased I am with it.

More surprising was that my subject matter expert friend, who has kits costing hundred more than than mine was similarly impressed.

I use this kit in several other articles, like the one on how lockpicks work.  The practice lock is a really great addition to the kit.  It really helps visualize what is going on.

It also keeps the 6 year old’s attention when I try to show him how to do it.

This kit comes with:

  • A full 15 piece Lock Pick Set with lock picks, tension tools and extractor
  • A Secret Agent / Spy Concealed Credit Card Pick Set
  • A fully-working, easy practice padlock with a see-through mechanism with keys
  • A double-sided, see-through practice training lock with keys
  • Our 43-page eBook with colour photos for Single Pin Picking

 

Brockhage Lockpick Gun Review

Brockhage Lockpick Gun Review

 

I had always wanted a lockpick gun, but figured they were a gimmick from TV cop shows.   However, when I finally got around to getting one I was surprised just how useful a tool this is.

If you have the tension on the wrench just right, I have been able to open a padlock with one squeeze. More often it takes 3 or for quick pops of the handle, but this is pretty easy.

This gun is high quality and very sturdily built. I think it is well worth the cost.

I got mine from lockpickworld, it was $44.99 and you can follow the link.

It takes some practice, but in under 30 minutes of playing Julian and I were able to both consistently open practice padlocks.  That was with sharing the same gun.

How Long Does it Take to Learn Lockpicking

How Long Does it Take to Learn Lockpicking

 

How Long Does it Take to Learn Lockpicking?  Well, it depends.  I learned with a very cheap set of picks.  A small brochure called “easy pickings” came with them.  I did not have any practice locks other than an old padlock.

It took me a few hours to get the lock open.  It also took a few days to be able to do it consistently.  I never bothered to really perfect my skill, so I can’t get higher quality locks open.

My friend Julian was taught by a person and not just a book, he practices more than I do, and had higher quality tools.  He is able to open harder locks, and can open all locks faster and more consistently than I do.

If you take the time to watch a few youtube videos, get a good basic set of tools from a reputable supplier like lockpickworld and devote some time to practice, you should be able to get a basic master-lock open in under an hour.

You don’t need a huge kit.   I normally only use the four basic picks Julian describes in my post on the basics of lock picks.

The main thing I learned from him that helped me was the amount of pressure to use on the tension wrench.  I had been using too much pressure and binding my pins up.