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Essential Trailer Accessories For Every Hauler

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Wondering what accessories you need for your trailer? The right equipment makes all the difference between a stressful towing experience and a smooth, worry-free journey. Quality accessories not only enhance safety but also protect your valuable cargo and extend the life of your hauling setup. Equipping your trailer properly can feel overwhelming with so many options available, but this guide will help you identify the must-have items for your specific hauling needs. Let’s explore the essential accessories that will transform your towing experience and give you peace of mind on every trip. Safety And Security Accessories Wheel Locks And Coupler Locks Protecting your trailer from theft requires physical security measures. Wheel locks attach to your trailer’s wheels, making it impossible to move without removal. Look for models made from hardened steel that resist cutting attempts. Coupler locks secure the hitch mechanism itself, preventing anyone from connecting your trailer to their vehicle. The best designs cover the entire coupler assembly and include pick-resistant lock cylinders. For fifth-wheel and semi-trailer owners, the AMPLock king pin trailer lock offers a powerful layer of protection. Designed to fit directly over the trailer’s kingpin, it prevents unauthorized vehicles from coupling with your trailer. When choosing security devices, consider your storage environment and typical threats. For trailers stored in public areas, layering multiple security products creates the strongest deterrent. Remember that visible security measures often discourage potential thieves before they attempt a theft. Using these locks correctly matters just as much as having them. Always engage wheel locks on both sides of the trailer when possible. For coupler locks, make sure they fit snugly without gaps that could allow tampering. Brake Controllers And Safety Chains Keeping your trailer secure during travel requires proper safety equipment. Brake controllers play a crucial role in your towing setup by connecting your vehicle to the trailer’s braking system. This connection allows you to control how quickly your trailer stops, making your journey safer for everyone on the road. When selecting a brake controller, consider your trailer’s weight and your typical driving conditions. Electric controllers offer precise adjustments, while proportional controllers provide more natural braking by matching your vehicle’s deceleration rate. Safety chains serve as your backup plan if the primary connection fails. These chains prevent complete separation between your vehicle and trailer during transit. Always cross the chains under the tongue of the trailer before attaching them to your vehicle. This creates a cradle effect that can catch the tongue if it disconnects. For installation, mount your brake controller within easy reach of the driver’s position. Make sure all connections are tight and protected from the elements. Test your system thoroughly before any long trip to confirm everything works properly. Reflective Tape And LED Trailer Lights Visibility remains a top priority for trailer safety. Reflective tape creates a simple yet effective way to make your trailer noticeable to other drivers, especially in low-light conditions. Apply this tape along the sides and rear of your trailer, focusing on outlining its shape and dimensions. LED lights have transformed trailer lighting with their brightness and reliability. These lights consume less power than traditional bulbs while producing stronger illumination. The result? Your trailer becomes more visible to others on the road, reducing accident risks significantly. For maximum effectiveness, place reflective tape at varying heights around your trailer. Clean the surface thoroughly before application to ensure proper adhesion. With LED lights, check all connections regularly and keep spare bulbs handy for quick replacements. Maintenance of these visibility features takes minimal effort but yields major safety benefits. Wipe down reflective surfaces periodically to remove dirt that might reduce their effectiveness. Test all lights before each trip to catch any issues before hitting the road. Backup Cameras And Smart Monitoring Systems Maneuvering large trailers presents unique challenges, particularly when reversing. Backup cameras eliminate blind spots by giving you a clear view of what’s behind your trailer. Many modern systems display guidelines on screen to help you navigate tight spaces with confidence. Smart monitoring technology takes trailer safety to new levels by tracking critical factors in real time. These systems can alert you to tire pressure changes, excessive temperature in wheel bearings, or battery issues before they cause problems on the road. Installing a backup camera typically involves mounting the camera at the rear of your trailer and connecting it to a display in your vehicle. Wireless options make this process easier than ever. Position the camera high enough to provide a wide viewing angle but protected from road debris. For smart monitoring, sensors placed throughout your trailer communicate with a central hub or directly to your smartphone. This gives you constant awareness of your trailer’s status without needing to stop and check manually. The Importance Of Reliable Towing Equipment Ensuring Safety On The Road Road safety depends heavily on your towing equipment’s reliability. Faulty or inadequate towing gear creates serious hazards for you and other drivers. Consider what happens with a poorly secured trailer it can detach unexpectedly, causing catastrophic accidents on highways or busy streets. Quality hitches, proper wiring for brake lights, and correctly rated safety chains serve as your primary defense against these dangers. Many accidents occur because someone used the wrong ball mount size or failed to connect electrical systems properly. Your safety equipment needs regular inspection too. Worn coupling mechanisms, damaged wiring, or corroded chains compromise the entire towing system. Regular checks before trips help identify potential problems before they lead to dangerous situations. Proper weight distribution represents another critical safety factor. Overloaded trailers or incorrectly balanced loads cause swaying, reduced braking capability, and potential loss of control. Equipment designed specifically for your vehicle and load ensures you maintain safe handling characteristics throughout your journey. Maintaining Control And Stability Control and stability while towing require specialized equipment that works with your vehicle’s capabilities. Weight distribution hitches transfer load evenly across all axles, preventing your vehicle’s rear end from sagging and front wheels from losing traction. Sway control devices minimize side-to-side movement caused by passing trucks, wind gusts, or sudden steering corrections. These range from friction-based systems to more advanced dual-cam mechanisms that progressively increase resistance as trailer movement intensifies. Brake controllers give you precise stopping power by activating trailer brakes in coordination with your vehicle. This prevents pushing sensations during deceleration and shortens stopping distances significantly. Modern proportional controllers adjust braking force based on how quickly you need to stop. Tire pressure monitoring systems for both your vehicle and trailer help maintain optimal handling. Underinflated tires affect stability dramatically, especially with heavy loads. Keeping proper inflation levels ensures your suspension works as designed and prevents dangerous handling situations. Addressing Various Hauling Needs Different hauling situations demand specialized equipment solutions. Boat trailers benefit from guide-ons and winches that simplify loading and unloading at ramps. These accessories prevent damage during the critical transition from water to land. Heavy equipment transport requires specialized hitches with higher weight capacities. Gooseneck and fifth-wheel connections distribute weight more effectively for large loads, providing better stability than conventional bumper hitches can offer. Recreational vehicles often need supplemental braking systems and extended towing mirrors. These additions compensate for the increased size and weight of travel trailers or campers. Proper visibility around your larger load prevents dangerous lane changes or turns. Cargo carriers and utility trailers work best with load-securing equipment like ratchet straps, cargo nets, and properly rated tie-down points. This prevents shifting during transport that could affect handling or damage your valuable items. Protecting Your Investment Quality towing equipment protects both your vehicle and whatever you’re hauling. Transmission coolers prevent overheating during extended pulls, extending the life of your vehicle’s drivetrain components. This small investment prevents costly repairs down the road. Trailer locks and security devices safeguard against theft, protecting valuable cargo and the trailer itself. Anti-theft hitch pins and coupler locks create multiple layers of security when your trailer must be left unattended. Proper electrical connections prevent damage to your vehicle’s wiring system. Dedicated wiring harnesses with circuit protection isolate trailer electrical issues from affecting your vehicle’s systems. This prevents blown fuses or more serious electrical problems. Weather protection accessories like covers and sealed electrical connections extend equipment lifespan significantly. Exposure to elements accelerates corrosion and deterioration of critical components. Keeping connections clean and protected ensures reliable operation year after year. By investing in high-quality towing equipment now, you avoid expensive repairs, dangerous failures, and premature replacement costs. The initial price difference between basic and premium towing gear pays dividends through improved safety, reliability, and equipment longevity. Frequently Asked Questions About Essential Trailer Accessories For Every Hauler What Are The Most Important Safety Features To Have? Safety should always come first when hauling with your trailer. The most critical features include properly functioning brake systems, which prevent accidents during sudden stops; secure hitch connections that maintain stability; and reliable tire pressure monitoring systems to avoid blowouts on the road. Quality safety chains serve as backup protection if your primary connection fails, while proper weight distribution hitches help maintain control during travel. Consider your specific hauling needs when prioritizing these elements-long-distance travelers might value tire monitoring more highly, whereas those carrying heavy loads should focus on superior braking systems and weight distribution. How Do I Choose The Right Trailer Lock System? Selecting an appropriate lock system for your trailer involves balancing security requirements against practical considerations. Look for hardened steel construction that resists cutting attempts, weather-resistant materials that withstand outdoor exposure, and keying options that integrate with your existing security setup. The best systems often combine coupler locks, wheel locks, and hitch pins for comprehensive protection. Your decision should reflect where you store your trailer-high-crime areas demand more robust solutions-and how frequently you need access. Many owners find that visible deterrents complement physical locks by discouraging potential thieves before they attempt a break-in. Is Installing Backup Cameras Worth The Investment? Backup cameras offer substantial benefits that often justify their cost for trailer owners. These devices eliminate dangerous blind spots, making parking and reversing significantly easier, especially with larger trailers. They reduce accident risk by providing clear visibility of obstacles, people, or pets behind your vehicle. Modern wireless systems have become more affordable and simpler to install than earlier models, requiring minimal technical knowledge. The peace of mind gained from improved visibility typically outweighs the initial expense for most haulers.
https://www.theclintoncourier.net/2025/11/26/trailer-accessories-for-every-hauler/

Orchard Lake council seat election hinged on a coin toss

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Sean O’Bryan was unlucky in his first political campaign for Orchard Lake city council. Tied with one of two opponents for the seat, his bid ended with an historic tie-breaking coin toss.. “I had this overwhelming feeling of joy for the whole process,” he said. “Although I didn’t win, I’m extremely grateful.” O’Bryan, 38, campaigned for one of two council seats, along with incumbent Kevin Kroger and former councilwoman DuAnne Sonneville. Unofficial election results after the polls closed on Nov. 4 showed Kroger received 314 votes and Sonneville finished second with 238 votes, ahead of O’Bryan’s 235. When the county’s bipartisan board of canvassers met on Nov. 5 to certify results votes from the single precinct, votes from mailed-in ballots and validated write-in votes, both Sonneville and O’Bryan were tied with 239 votes each. “This was the only known election tie in the history of Orchard Lake,” said Sonneville, 77, who served two three-year terms on the council before she was term-limited and had to wait for another run at a non-partisan council seat. She is also a volunteer for the Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society. County election officials rarely see tie votes. In 1955, the state standardized how tied elections are decided: • A coin toss determines which candidate is the first to draw a folded piece of paper from a closed cardboard box. • Candidates wait for the county clerk’s permission to open their papers simultaneously to see if the message inside says “elected” or “not elected.” According to the 2010 Census, Orchard Lake Village has an estimated 2, 375 residents in 802 households. Sonneville, O’Bryan and Kroger stood together on election day greeting voters at the city hall voting precinct. One voter asked the three candidates who won the 2020 presidential election, Sonneville said. “If you have any doubts about elections, do the poll worker training,” she replied. “I worked elections for years. Michigan has backups on its backups.” O’Bryan called the experience “very refreshing, politically speaking. We all got along great. We greeted the voters as a unit rather than shouldering each other out of the way,” After the polls closed, the three sat together inside city hall to await results. Sonneville said she wasn’t worried about who won because each candidate wanted to help the city. “I spent all day with Sean and found him to be a very good candidate,” she said. “I thought if I didn’t win it was fine, because at least we’ll be sure that someone got elected who cares about the city.” They appeared at the tiebreaking event at the county clerk’s Pontiac office with family in tow. County election officials and some city officials were also there. County Clerk Lisa Brown read the 1955 state statute aloud to those assembled and said it was too late for either candidate to withdraw or concede. “They showed us a quarter and randomly assigned me ‘tails’ and Sean ‘heads,’” Sonneville said, adding that Brown folded the papers in an identical shape and put them in the box held by Joe Rozell, the county’s director of elections. After the candidates selected and unfolded their papers, onlookers clapped and O’Bryan shook Sonneville’s hand. “Constituents know we’ve been elected to serve them,” Sonneville said. “We’ve been lucky to get good candidates who have always stepped up.” After posing for photos and accepting an election certificate from Brown, Sonneville asked O’Bryan if he would join her in donating their unfolded papers to the Orchard Lake Museum. He agreed. “I wish we’d asked the county for the quarter,” he told The Oakland Press. Sonneville is glad the election is getting some attention. “It’s a good lesson that every vote counts,” she said. O’Bryan said the election was handled by City Clerk/Treasurer Nancy Morogi and staff “with absolute transparency and professionalism” and Brown and Rozell handled the tiebreaking procedure “in a very fair, transparent and efficient way.” O’Bryan plans to run for office again and appreciated the community’s support at the polls. But for the next few months, he’ll concentrate on opening his law office in Waterford Township. Sonneville said she would attend council meetings even if she hadn’t won the election, because it’s a way to give back to the community. “It doesn’t matter which side of the desk I’m on, this is my community,” she said. “I’ve never turned into my subdivision without thinking how lucky I am to live here.”.
https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2025/11/24/orchard-lake-council-seat-election-hinged-on-a-coin-toss/

House expected to vote on bill forcing release of Jeffrey Epstein files

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WASHINGTON (AP) The House is expected to vote Tuesday on legislation to force the Justice Department to publicly release its files on the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, the culmination of a monthslong effort that has overcome opposition from President Donald Trump and Republican leadership. When a small bipartisan group of House lawmakers introduced a petition in July to maneuver around House Speaker Mike Johnson’s control of which bills see the House floor, it appeared a longshot effort, especially as Trump urged his supporters to dismiss the matter as a “hoax.” But both Trump and Johnson failed in their efforts to prevent the vote. Now the president has bowed to the growing momentum behind the bill and even said Republicans should vote for it. His blessing all but ensures that the House will pass the bill with an overwhelming margin, putting further pressure on the Senate to take it up. Trump on Monday said he would sign the bill if it passes both chambers of Congress, adding, “Let the Senate look at it.” Tuesday’s vote also provides a further boost to the demands that the Justice Department release its case files on Epstein, a well-connected financier who killed himself in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial in 2019 on charges he sexually abused and trafficked underage girls. A separate investigation conducted by the House Oversight Committee has released thousands of pages of emails and other documents from Epstein’s estate, showing his connections to global leaders, Wall Street powerbrokers, influential political figures and Trump himself. Trump’s reversal on the Epstein files Trump has said he cut ties with Epstein years ago, but tried for months to move past the demands for disclosure. On Monday, he told reporters that Epstein was connected to more Democrats and that he didn’t want the Epstein files to “detract from the great success of the Republican Party.” Still, many in the Republican base have continued to demand the release of the files. Adding to that pressure, several survivors of Epstein’s abuse will appear on Capitol Hill Tuesday morning to push for release of the files. They also met with Johnson and rallied outside the Capitol in September, but have had to wait two months for the vote. That’s because Johnson kept the House closed for legislative business for nearly two months and also refused to swear-in Democratic Rep. Adelita Grijalva of Arizona during the government shutdown. After winning a special election on Sept. 23, Grijalva had pledged to provide the crucial 218th vote to the petition for the Epstein files bill. But only after she was sworn into office last week could she sign her name to the discharge petition to give it majority support in the 435-member House. It quickly became apparent the bill would pass, and both Johnson and Trump began to fold. Trump on Sunday said Republicans should vote for the bill. Rep. Thomas Massie, the Kentucky Republican who sponsored the bill alongside Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna, said Trump “got tired of me winning. He wanted to join.” How Johnson is handling the bill Rather than waiting until next week for the discharge position to officially take effect, Johnson is moving to hold the vote this week. He indicated the legislation will be brought to the House floor under a procedure that requires a two-thirds majority. “I think it’s going to be an important vote to continue to show the transparency that we’ve delivered,” House Republican leader Steve Scalise, R-La., said Monday night. House Democrats celebrated the vote as a rare win for the minority. “It’s a complete and total surrender, because as Democrats we made clear from the very beginning, the survivors and the American people deserve full and complete transparency as it relates to the lives that were ruined by Jeffrey Epstein,” said House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries. What will the Senate do? Still, it’s not clear how the Senate will handle the bill. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S. D., has previously been circumspect when asked about the legislation and instead said he trusted the Justice Department to release information on the Epstein investigation. But what the Justice Department has released so far under Trump was mostly already public. The bill would go further, forcing the release within 30 days of all files and communications related to Epstein, as well as any information about the investigation into his death in federal prison. Information about Epstein’s victims or continuing federal investigations would be allowed to be redacted, but not information due to “embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity, including to any government official, public figure, or foreign dignitary.” Johnson also suggested that he would like to see the Senate amend the bill to protect the information of “victims and whistleblowers.” But Massie said the Senate should take into account the public clamor that forced both Trump and Johnson to back down. “If it’s anything but a genuine effort to make it better and stronger, it’ll backfire on the senators if they muck it up,” Massie said. ___ Associated Press writers Kevin Freking and Matt Brown contributed to this report.
https://ktar.com/national-news/house-expected-to-vote-on-bill-forcing-release-of-jeffrey-epstein-files/5778254/

Benfica vs Casa Pia Prediction and Betting Tips | November 9th 2025

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Benfica will face Casa Pia at Estádio da Luz on Sunday in another round of the 2025-26 Primeira Liga campaign. The home side have performed brightly in the league this season and currently sit third in the table, just four points behind rivals Porto at the top.

In their last league outing, Benfica secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over 10-man Vitória. Three different players found the net in the second half, including 20-year-old João Rêgo, who scored his maiden Primeira Liga goal. Despite their strong domestic form, Jose Mourinho’s men continue to struggle on the continental stage, having suffered a 1-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen during the week. This loss marked their fourth consecutive defeat in the UEFA Champions League this season.

Casa Pia, on the other hand, have had a difficult league campaign so far and will need significant improvements to secure a fifth consecutive season in Portugal’s top flight. The visitors were beaten 5-3 at home by Estrela Amadora last weekend, leaving them 16th in the league table and only four points above the winless AVS at the bottom.

### Benfica vs Casa Pia: Head-to-Head and Key Numbers

There have been 11 meetings between Benfica and Casa Pia, with Benfica winning nine and drawing one. Casa Pia managed an impressive 3-1 win in their last encounter earlier this year, ending a 10-game winless streak against Benfica that stretched back to 1939.

This season, Benfica boasts the third-best offense and second-best defense in the Primeira Liga, having scored 21 goals and conceded only four. Conversely, Casa Pia have conceded 22 goals, with only bottom-placed AVS (24) and Arouca (26) shipping more.

### Match Prediction

Benfica come into the game on the back of four consecutive domestic wins, with an aggregate scoreline of 13-0. They remain undefeated at home in the league this season and are clear favorites heading into Sunday’s fixture.

Casa Pia are currently winless in their last five league matches and have suffered back-to-back defeats. Given the clear gulf in class and form between the two sides, the visitors are likely to struggle. Expect Benfica to dominate and secure a comfortable win.

**Prediction:** Benfica 3-0 Casa Pia

### Benfica vs Casa Pia: Betting Tips

– **Tip 1 (Result):** Benfica to win
– **Tip 2 (Goals Over/Under 2.5):** Over 2.5 goals (each of Casa Pia’s last five matches have seen more than 2.5 goals)
– **Tip 3 (Both Teams to Score):** No (both teams have scored in only one of Benfica’s last nine matches)

Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting encounter at Estádio da Luz!
https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/benfica-vs-casa-pia-prediction-betting-tips-november-9th-2025

‘We have to be locked in’: North Broward Prep’s girls volleyball team poised to vie for state title

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COCONUT CREEK, FLA. (WSVN) – A South Florida high school volleyball team is on track toward a state title, and their head coach says laserlike focus, drive, and a young star player are key to their success.

The North Broward Preparatory School’s girls volleyball team has been on a mission since day one of the season. The Eagles, boasting a 24-2 record, are ranked number one in Class 4 and 11th overall in the state.

“When I first got hired back in January, we had a quick little roundtable to set our goals for the year,” said head coach Brian Coughenour. “The number one word they came up with was ‘competitive.’ We want to be competitive and go out the gate strong, and they bought in right away.”

While the team was loaded with seniors when Coughenour arrived, it’s the youngest player who has emerged as one of the Eagles’ standout stars. Emma Luehrs, who plays the center position, is crucial in feeding the ball to her teammates for powerful slams at the net.

At just 14 years old and an eighth grader, Luehrs is playing beyond her years. “Confidence is the biggest thing for me,” she said. “If you go in not feeling ready or like you don’t belong, it holds you back. But I know I’m here for a reason.”

Luehrs started playing volleyball on travel teams at the age of 8 and has already surpassed 1,000 career assists. “It felt very overwhelming at first,” she admitted, “but then I told myself, ‘I just have to be myself and work really hard toward this opportunity.’”

Coach Coughenour praised the seniors for rallying around Luehrs. “She’s really what helps us go,” he said.

North Broward Prep recently earned the regional championship after beating Mather Lakes Academy. Senior defensive captain Destiny Wiggins helped lead the Eagles to victory. Notably, Wiggins is the cousin of former Miami Heat captain Udonis Haslem.

“It’s business,” said Wiggins. “We have to be locked in at all times because every team wants to beat us. We are the team to beat, so yeah, it’s pretty straightforward business.”

Looking ahead, North Broward Prep will face Southwest Florida’s Lemon Bay High School in the state semifinals on Friday. The winner of that match advances to the final round on Saturday.
https://wsvn.com/sports/we-have-to-be-locked-in-north-broward-preps-girls-volleyball-team-poised-to-vie-for-state-title/

I’m just days into wearing the Pixel Watch 4, and things are looking really good

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The Google Pixel Watch 4 arrived this week for our review, and I’ve worn it for the last few days. It follows the Apple Watch Series 11, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, and other smartwatches I’ve worn over the past few months, which means it has a lot to live up to. Here are my early impressions, and at this stage, the good outweighs the bad.

### Wear OS 6’s Design is the Star

Within a few hours of using the Pixel Watch 4, it became very clear that Wear OS’s latest redesign is an absolute winner. What makes Wear OS 6 so good?

Larger icons and buttons make the interface easier to read and use. The software makes use of the entire circular screen so it never feels constrained, and there are various themes to ensure text is always readable. The refreshed cards are great too. Despite showing plenty of information on some, enough thought has gone into the design so they never appear overwhelming.

I particularly like how cards such as the weather include multiple little tiles, each separated by color and shape. It’s all highly readable.

Wear OS desperately needed an overhaul, and not only is the software more enjoyable and easier to use than ever before, but it also has a distinct personality, giving the Pixel Watch 4 a fun and fresh feel.

### Battery Life is Good So Far

I’m writing this on the morning of my third day with the Pixel Watch 4 on my wrist, and the display shows there is 38% battery remaining. It has not visited the charger since the morning of the first day.

In the Pixel Watch’s past, I’d have expected to see 38% remaining at the end of a single day’s use. Since I doubt I’ll need to charge the Pixel Watch 4 until the start of day four, it shows Google has made a huge step forward with efficiency.

During this time, I have tracked sleep for two nights, tracked a single 30-minute workout using GPS, kept the always-on screen active, and used the smartwatch for notifications. It has also been going through its “getting to know you” phase, which usually results in higher energy use than normal.

The Pixel Watch 4’s battery life is shaping up to be a major reason to buy.

### You Have to Be Patient with It

The Pixel Watch 4’s software and efficiency can affect performance when you wake up the smartwatch, resulting in some noticeable lag. It’s frustrating to experience, and it takes away some of the polish.

However, when the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chip is running smoothly, the Pixel Watch 4 zips along. You can scroll through cards, open notifications, and start apps with almost no delay. Even power-hungry apps like Google Maps perform really well, with no lag when scrolling or zooming in and out using the crown.

One area that still needs patience is notifications. Like many other Wear OS smartwatches, whether notifications arrive on the Pixel Watch 4 is somewhat hit-or-miss. When a notification does alert you, the screen rarely responds if you raise your wrist too quickly to see it.

How this is still a feature that needs improvement after all these years is beyond me. Be prepared to pull down the notification shade on the Pixel Watch 4 to see most of your notifications or slow down your response to its genuinely improved vibration alert.

### Be Prepared to Pay for Watch Faces

Google’s pre-installed, standard watch faces are a sorry bunch. There’s a handful of decent ones like Pacific, Concentric, and Shapes, but the rest are either too similar or contain too much information.

For all its work on Wear OS, Google has failed to make its watch faces enticing. This means if you want something interesting, you have to head to the Play Store to find it, and in almost all cases, this involves paying for a watch face.

While supporting developers is a good thing, the cost can quickly add up since a single watch face usually costs between $1 and $2.

This is not a problem unique to the Pixel Watch 4—it affects all Wear OS smartwatches. Only Apple makes a genuine effort to provide a wide, interesting, and unique watch face range for free, which elevates the Apple Watch beyond the competition.

### The Success of the Design is Still Up for Debate

Google’s poor selection of watch faces hurts the Pixel Watch 4 because, just like your choice of wheel on a car, the watch face can totally change the look and feel of the watch.

Pick the right one, and it can transform the Pixel Watch 4’s otherwise rather ordinary look.

The design itself couldn’t be more plain, even in the slightly interesting Moonstone color scheme of my review model. The silicone band isn’t bad, but it is quite stiff compared to some competitor bands.

At 65 grams with the band, it’s not heavy, but it isn’t very well balanced either, which means I’ve always been aware of it on my wrist. Not to the point where it’s annoying or prevents me from wearing it to track sleep, but more noticeable than with the Apple Watch Series 11 or Galaxy Watch 8.

The shape of the case back tends to get sweatier than other smartwatches too.

On a more positive note, the band attachment system is slick, and the edge-to-edge screen looks great. Although, the Gorilla Glass 5 is distractingly reflective.

The model in our photos is the 45mm version, which fits my 6.5-inch wrist just about right. I’m glad there’s a 41mm option available as well.

### A Good Start

I’m not ready to give a full review of the Pixel Watch 4 yet, but after just a few days, it’s proving to be a good smartwatch. Its software and battery life are current highlights.

However, it’s not dramatically different from the Pixel Watch 3, and several downsides seen in previous versions—such as unreliable notification support and poor watch face choices—remain.

If the last Pixel Watch wasn’t for you, this one likely won’t be either.

Our full review of the Pixel Watch 4 will come soon, but for now, the smartwatch is available to buy, starting at $350.
https://www.androidpolice.com/google-pixel-watch-4-first-impressions/