Road Angel Pure Sync

£59.99

When heading out on summer holidays across the UK, many of us will be taking to the roads to get to our destinations. However, this often means you're driving unfamiliar routes, which can add unwanted stress not only for the directions but also for knowing what the speed limit is – especially when on long country roads where it isn’t immediately clear. However, instead of facing a surprise fine for being caught out by a speed camera, Road Angel has developed the Pure Sync, which provides comprehensive road monitoring. This monitoring is designed to keep you updated on speed limits, speed cameras and zones, red light cameras and upcoming hazard warnings for a more informed and stress-free driving experience.

The Pure Sync is a super compact little device that sits on your dashboard and provides live updates showing the speed on the road you are currently on and how fast you are actually going. Then, on the left-hand side of the screen, it provides alerts based on things upcoming on the road, including fixed and mobile speed cameras (including AI Speed Cams), specific traffic enforcement (such as reduced speed limits) and safety/caution zones, as well as other live hazards which you would need to slow down for. Whilst driving, the Pure Sync connects with one of the most comprehensive road alert libraries in the UK, which spans every road from rural B-roads to the tricky road systems in city centres. This map is constantly being updated, and so through the Pure Sync, which connects via your phone, it can provide the most up-to-date speed and hazard information possible to keep you safe on the road.

The Pure Sync offers three alert options: full alerts, intelligent alerts and alerts off. With full alerts, the device will give you full-volume auditory alerts and warnings for all upcoming camera and speed zones, no matter if you’re over the speed limit or not.  However, the intelligent alerts mode only alerts you if you’re driving above the speed limit or entering a designated zone where there are cameras or hazards. In the alerts off mode, the device only shows you alerts visibly, so all audible cues are turned off. Personally, I found the intelligent mode was the best for me, as it helps keep you accountable and aware of your surroundings, without being bombarded with constant alerts.

I like that the screen features a clear and easy-to-read display, so you don’t have to look away from the road for more than a second to see what the alert is. In fact, I especially love that the whole screen goes red if you’re over the speed limit, so you can quickly respond by slowing down without needing to read the screen for added safety on the road. The screen is great for driving both during the day and at night, as its LED display cuts through any glare or low lighting so you can easily spot alerts and monitor speed limits no matter the mode at all times of the day.

In terms of power, the Pure Sync can be plugged straight into your car’s cigarette lighter socket using the included 12V USB power adapter. I was glad to see this was included to make getting set up with the Pure Sync super easy. You just plug in the power adapter to your car's power source and then connect it to the Pure Sync using the included cable. The Pure Sync connects to your dashboard using the included Pure Mount. This magnetises the Pure Sync to your dashboard so you can connect and disconnect it with ease – super handy, should you want to change it between cars easily. However, you can also hardwire the Pure Sync directly into your car, but you might need an auto-electrician to help you with this.

Overall, the Pure Sync is a great option to help you stay safe on the road, keep you accountable, and provide a wealth of live updates to save you from sudden fines or hazards up ahead. I will note that to use the Pure Sync, you do need to pay for a subscription, currently this stands at £9.99 a month, or just £99.99 a year with Road Angel’s current sale. Without a subscription, the Pure Sync won’t be able to give you the live updates that make it so useful or be able to maintain its up-to-date knowledge of road speeds to keep you safe. This obviously does add an additional cost to the Pure Sync, but it’s a worthwhile purchase if you want to drive in a more informed way.

Pros:

• Small and compact size, but clear and easy-to-view screen for easy updates without distractions
• Three different alert options to best suit your driving needs
• Maintains an up-to-date record of road speeds and live alert updates on the go

Cons:

• Does require a subscription to continue to use the Pure Sync, which does add an ongoing cost to the price of the unit