“Gradually, then suddenly.” Since The Sun Also Rises, Hemingway’s signature quip has been used to describe everything from political upheaval to cultural change — or, for our purposes, industry in flux.
Some of the products that make up the GP100, our end-of-year ranking of the most important releases, represent the slow-burning trends quietly shaping our world. Others showcase the far end of the fuse, the place where innovation becomes not only material but irreversible.
As with any list, this one is sure to ruffle a few feathers, if not for the selections then certainly for their order. Though perhaps it’s for the best. After all, change is not always smooth nor welcome. But it is always on its way, first slowly before arriving all at once.
GP100: Now in its 13th year, the GP100 is Gear Patrol’s annual roundup of the breakout product releases across motoring, tech, style, watches and more. See last year’s winners.
100. A rugged tactical folder, revamped for your EDC rotation
Benchmadegp100 winner
Benchmade Bailout (537BK-06)
Specs
| Blade Length | 3.38 inches |
| Blade Steel | S30V Stainless |
| Handle Material | Grivory |
With its beefy, sometimes serrated tanto blade, anodized aluminum handles and glass breaker, the tough-as-nails Bailout has always come off as the rough-and-tumble Bugout stepbrother you’re secretly kind of hoping doesn’t make it home for the holidays.
But early this year, Benchmade introduced a version that cleans up nice, dropping the price (by a hundo) and weight while swapping tactical features for practical EDC ones that had us reaching for it over the Bugout time and again.
While the 537BK-06 variant retains the Cerakote-finished, 3.38-inch tanto blade, patented Axis Lock mechanism and reversible mini deep carry tip-up pocket clip, much else has changed.
The blade material is now refined CPM-S30V stainless steel, valued for its edge retention and corrosion resistance while shedding some of the cost of the original CPM-4 tool steel.
This Bailout also ditches the tough, pricy aluminum scales for textured, ultralight Grivory, which helps shave the weight from 2.7 ounces by 24 percent, to a positively feathery 2.05 ounces.
To paraphrase a skintight ski suit-wearing stupid sexy Flanders, it feels like you’re carrying nothing at all.
Finally, the back of the handle drops the glass breaker in favor of a full-size slotted aluminum pommel, making it easier to attach an actual lanyard — and maybe even pop a bottle in a pinch.
Consider it the finishing touch of this civilianized vet, impressively decommissioned for steady, satisfying EDC use.
99. The best pair of skivvies in a century
SunspelGP100 Winner
Sunspel Classic Boxer Shorts
Specs
| Fabric | 100% Cotton |
| Sizes | XS-XXL |
| Colors | 16 options |
Boxer Shorts are an American invention, created by the sportswear company Everlast in 1925 for, as you may have guessed, boxers to wear in the ring. However, the elastic-waisted design quickly caught on as a type of underwear, but that’s not the end of the story.
Across the pond, one company is responsible for both introducing the open-legged undergarment to the British market and innovating it to what is, more or less, the same design we wear today: Sunspel.
In 1947, the great-grandson of Sunspel’s founder returned from a trip to America and began working on a more comfortable boxer short, specifically designed to be worn as a base layer. He added a center-back panel, smoothed out the seams and used a softer long-staple cotton.
If boxers are your underwear of choice, you have Sunspel to thank, and the British clothing brand continues to produce what is widely considered the best option available. The Fall/Winter 2025 collection is celebrating this achievement by reissuing three patterns from its archives.
All three patterns feature subtle stripes over a white background, and join the over a dozen color options that Sunspel routinely offers.
98. A more accessible alternative to RTTs
ThuleGP100 Winner
Thule Outset
Specs
| Seasons | All |
| Sleeping Capacity | 3 person |
| Weight | 163 pounds |
Initially released in Europe in mid-2024, the Thule Outset made its debut stateside this year. The hitch-mounted, raised-ground shelter avoids many of the frustrations common to rooftop tents. Instead of mounting on the roof, the Outset attaches to a car’s 2-inch receiver hitch and sits only about a foot off the ground, making access easy for kids, pets, and older adults.
Despite its low height, it offers a roomy sleeping space that comfortably fits up to three people and is rated for all-season camping. At 163 pounds, it’s light enough for one person to install, and when packed, it’s about the size of a rear-mounted bike rack.
The design improves usability with large windows, multiple doors, and solid ventilation and views. Its rear-of-car mounting is more aerodynamic than a roof-mount, helping preserve fuel efficiency while leaving roof space free for additional gear.
A major perk is that once you set up camp, you can detach and lock the tent, allowing you to drive away while leaving your campsite intact.
However, the Outset doesn’t come cheap — it retails for about $4,700. Still, for frequent campers or families, its ease of use, comfort, and convenience may justify the premium compared to a standard rooftop tent.
97. A bold super shoe that breaks both rules and records
AdidasGP100 Winner
Adidas Adizero Prime X Evo
Specs
| Foam | Lightstrike Pro Evo |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 6mm |
| Stack Height | 50mm |
Adidas calls the Adizero Prime X Evo the “fastest long distance shoe” in history. It’s certainly the boldest.
As of this year, it is the only shoe to ever run under six hours across 100 kilometers, when South African ultrarunner Sibusiso Khubeka accomplished the feat at an Adidas-sponsored time trial called Chasing 100.
That said, records aren’t the only thing it breaks.
As noted by Adidas, almost proudly, the massive 50mm stack height sits outside of World Athletics regulations. But that’s probably besides the point.
It’s a concept shoe that puts Adidas on the front lines of innovation within running, simultaneously debuting technology bound to trickle down into more accessible trainers.
These include something the brand calls an Internal Energy Rim, a ring which replaces the EnergyRods found in its plated racers, as well as a dual-compound outsole that, quite literally, disappears underfoot.
It also tests runners’ tolerance for shoes built solely for performance, not scale. Released via lottery, the Adizero Prime X Evo cost $500 at retail, making it one of the sport’s most expensive, and exclusive, shoes … ever.
96. The world’s slimmest EDC knife with a speedy assisted opening
SOGGP100 Winner
SOG SlimJim 2.0
Specs
| Blade Length | 3.18 inches |
| Blade Steel | AUS-8 |
| Handle Material | 420 Stainless Steel |
Genuine innovation is hard to come by in the world of everyday carry knives. Part of the problem is that, with literally hundreds of thousands of options, it starts to seem like everything has been done, sometimes to death.
While there are still frontiers to be crossed — new materials to be developed, new production processes to be embarked upon — some intrepid brands are still toying with and combining existing concepts in novel ways.
SOG, a stalwart of the tactical and EDC industries, is often among both groups, but this year, has its best achievement, the SOG Slim Jim 2.0, in the latter category.
Based on an existing knife, its materials are somewhat par for the course. Its classic drop-point blade is AUS-8 steel and its handle is 420 stainless — both classic, affordable options. But its the execution of its deployment and its overall slenderness that have earned it a spot amongst this year’s best offerings.
You see, the knife measures a mere 0.18 inches at its widest point. As impressive as that is, however, it’s not the best part. Within that ultra-slender handle, SOG has equipped this knife with a spring-loaded assisted opening mechanism, earning the Slim Jim 2.0 the title of the world’s thinnest assisted EDC knife.
For reference, 0.18 inches is about the same thickness as a pack of gumsticks. That’s a jaw-dropping achievement, making a knife that’s sturdy, reliable, crafted from trustworthy materials and still managing to make it so slender. Oh yeah, and it still has a lock, too.
95. A custom-level performance cruiser, straight from the factory
Indian Motorcyclegp100 winner
2025 Indian Sport Chief RT
Specs
| Curb Weight | 714 lbs |
| Horsepower | 74 hp |
| Peak Engine Torque | 105 ft-lbs |
As we’ve learned first-hand, Indian has an incredible knack for building beautiful bikes that feel custom right off the factory floor.
The flex doesn’t get any bigger than with the Sport Chief RT, which elevates an already-awesome cruiser into a masterful blend of form and function.
All it took was curating the ultimate Sport Chief using the finest available accessories from the brand’s own catalog, particularly in the storage and audio departments.
The former manifests in two locking rigid saddlebags, color-matched and weatherproof and packing more than 10 gallons of space for riding gear, extra layers and other essentials.
While they aren’t big enough for full-face helmets, they do fit half helmets, enabling you to take on a pillion at a moment’s notice.
The latter, meanwhile, comes to life via the PowerBand Audio Bluetooth Speaker, neatly wedged between the handlebars and fairing.
Controllable via a round 4-inch touchscreen, this system boasts two 2.5-inch speakers, one 4.5-inch subwoofer and two tweeters.
The brand says it will deliver 90 watts of crystal clear audio, even at highway speeds, and in our own experience testing, they absolutely rock on this front.
Rounding out the West Coast custom vibes are moto-style bars on machined six-inch risers, a 2-up high bolster seat and contrast cut, lightweight cast alloy wheels, 19 inches in front and 16 in back.
Don’t even get us started on the rumble of the Thunderstroke 116 V-twin, an air-cooled 1,890cc power plant that rocket-propels you from city to country and back, leaving a head-turning trail of style and sound in your wake.
94. The car enthusiasts’ dreams are made of
LamborghiniGP100 Winner
2025 Lamborghini Temerario
Specs
| Engine | 4.0-liter gas-electric twin-turbocharged V8 plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | 8-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Output | 907 hp & 590 lb-ft |
No matter where your biases lie as a car enthusiast or appreciator. Nearly everyone indisputably grew up with a Lamborghini poster on their wall, featuring cars like the Temerario.
It’s the follow-up to the Huracán, or Lamborghini’s midrange model, carrying the same lineage established by the Gallardo, Jalpa and Silhouette. But this time around, the Temerario boasts some radical changes.
Like its larger and significantly faster and pricier big sibling, the V12-powered Revuelto, the Temerario is the first of the breed to sport a gas-electric plug-in hybrid powertrain. Yet it isn’t all about efficiency or zero emissions, but technological prowess.
For instance, total system output is 907 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. The twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter flat-plane crank V8 punches out 789 of those horses alone.
The latter alone allowed Lamborghini engineers to achieve an eye-watering 10,000-rpm redline. And its electric-drive system boasts state-of-the-art axial flux motors.
And the results? A 0-60 time of just 2.4 seconds and a top speed well past the 200 mph mark, or 213 to be exact. All the sorts of numbers you’d expect from one of greatest purveyors of supercars in all the land.
But what’s even crazier is that Lamborghini yet to even release any variants. Its saga has only just begun.
Because it’s a completely new model, the Temerario sets the stage for the brand for the next 10 or so years, similar to the Huracán, which had a series production run for about a decade.
And because it’s the sort of car that ends up on the walls of aspiring car enthusiasts as a poster, it’s going to serve as a source of inspiration for several generations of automotive aficionados for years to come.
93. Ski poles that leverage magnets into mountainside miracles
Yardsalegp100 winner
Yardsale P2 Hybrid Poles
Specs
| Shaft Material | 7-Series Aluminum |
| Sizes | 5 (110cm to 130cm) |
| Weight | ~1.4 lbs |
-
$169 (20% off)
While Insane Clown Posse once famously wondered how f**kin’ magnets work, we at GP are more interested in the many wonderful things they can do.
A recent breakthrough here, as the wizards at Yardsale have discovered, is playing a key role in the most innovative ski poles yet.
Powerful magnets tucked inside the handles and baskets help your poles click together in the parking lot or on the chairlift, essentially turning two pieces of unwieldy equipment into a single tidy 7-series aluminum shaft.
While that’s the fundamental game-changing element, they boast a few other smart features too.
The straps are constructed using a 3D-knitting process that, the brand says, helps them stay open, making it easier for you to get your gloved or mittened hands in and out.
The poles are modular, enabling you to mix and match different hues for your shafts, handles, straps and baskets to make them two of a kind.
You can also swap out the stock straps for the quick-release MagStrap system (powered by Fidlock), attach larger Powder Baskets for deeper snow and even mount a GoPro for documenting your own epic yardsales slope stunts.
The latest generation, the P2 Hybrid Poles, add one more feature that makes them incredibly versatile. The handles, made of cushy, grippy bio-based Bloom algae foam, measure a full 12 inches.
While the extra length won’t matter much to resort skiers, it makes a huge difference for backcountry touring types, as it supports the wide variety of hand positions you may use during tricky technical uphilling.
Sounds like a minor miracle to us.
92. A bikepack-ready gravel rig with a one-of-a-kind cockpit
CanyonGP100 Winner
Canyon Grizl CF 7 Escape
Specs
| Gearing | 1 x 12 |
| Frame Weight | 2.45 lbs |
| Tire Clearance | 54mm |
German DTC brand Canyon has never hesitated to experiment with bike geometry and features, even if it means getting a little weird.
The focus never strays from practical use, even when it comes to the truly funky cockpit on its sneaky fast bikepack-ready gravel bike, the Grizl CF 7 Escape.
Dubbed the Fully Mounty, this unit really thinks outside the box, employing a pentagonal shape that offers surprising benefits over the long haul.
The most obvious is cargo storage, as it perfectly houses Canyon’s LOAD CP0050 Cockpit Bag, which offers nearly a liter of space plus a handy mount for your Garmin or Wahoo bike computer.
Alternatively, it can accommodate a more traditional bar bag on the underside and still accept a bike computer and headlight.
A secondary benefit that speaks to long-distance riders is the fact that the Full Mounty’s outer edges feature a bit of textured rubber, giving you an extra spot to place your hands, preventing fatigue on epic journeys.
Proving they thought of everything, the Full Mounty is also compatible with Aero Extensions, helping you split the wind like the gravel jackknife you were always meant to be.
Canyon didn’t exactly mail in the rest of the bike either.
Other highlights include mullet gearing with mountain bike cassettes for lugging major cargo and undertaking steep climbs, beefy Schwalbe G-One Overlander 45mm tires for tackling all kinds of terrain and tons of mounting points for packing extra gear from tip to tail.
91. A reborn ’80s favorite with a touch of today’s tech
TAG HeuerGP100 Winner
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph
Specs
| Case Size | 38mm |
| Movement | TAG Heuer Cal. TH50-00 solar quartz |
| Water Resistance | 200m |
Throughout TAG Heuer’s recent history, the brand has seemed far more interested in reliving the glory days of the latter half of its name than acknowledging the former.
Heuer went on a legendary run in the 1960s, introducing iconic motorsports chronographs like the Carrera, Monaco and Autavia in the decade. So it’s understandable why modern-day TAG Heuer tried to relive these glory days through a series of 21st-century reissues.
But now, TAG Heuer is moving past its Heuer fascination and finally paying tribute to the brand’s accomplishments from the past 40 years, after Heuer was purchased by TAG in 1985.
First up is the original TAG Heuer model, the Formula 1. The original 1985 watch was plasticky, colorful, quartz-powered and affordable — all things that made it a blockbuster in the decade when Swatch was the biggest success story of Swiss watchmaking.
For a time, the Formula 1 became a symbol of how TAG Heuer had led Heuer astray, cheapening this once-great mechanical watchmaker. But time has been kind to TAG’s quirky ’80s watch, and public sentiment has come back around to the point where the watch is now considered a beloved classic.
The new Formula One captures the essence of the original with a cribbed design, brightly colored plastic parts and a quartz movement. But given TAG Heuer’s current status as a luxury brand, some improvements had to be made to match the brand’s place in the market.
This was accomplished by a slight upsizing of the case from 35mm to 38mm to suit modern tastes, a higher build quality with mostly stainless steel components and most impressively, TAG Heuer’s spectacular in-house solar-powered quartz movement, the Solargraph Calibre TH50-00.
Like fashion, watch trends are cyclical, and TAG Heuer has proven that once-maligned 1980s watches are back en vogue.
90. A big, British flip of the bird to electrification
Bentley MotorsGP100 Winner
2027 Bentley Continental GT Super Sports
Specs
| Engine | 4.0-liter gasoline twin-turbocharged V8 |
| Transmission | 8-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Output | 657 hp & 590 lb-ft |
Not too long ago, Bentley announced its plans to march slowly towards an all-electric future. It began by revealing its latest plug-in hybrid, the Flying Spur Speed.
However, Bentley isn’t just about fastidious opulence, but also performance. And while electric propulsion technology has proven to be worthy of some serious power, it’s still not quite the same as good ‘ol fashioned pure internal combustion.
Especially since electric propulsion gear weighs a ton and still seriously compromises performance on nearly all accounts.
Which is why Bentley flipped the bird to the movement and built the Continental GT Supersports as a poke in the eye to tree-hugging zero-emissions and efficiency committees.
Bentley Super Sport models have always been about benchmarking performance and summoning the automaker’s rich motorsports heritage. And the latest Conti GT Supersports does exactly that.
Like previous versions, Bentley takes its popular grand tourer coupe, puts it on a strong Weight Watchers plan, beefs up the suspension, chassis, brakes, engine and bodywork, caps production, all to make one of the rarest and fastest Flying Bs in all the land.
The numbers speak for themselves. Its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 punches out 657 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, allowing 0-60 mph to happen in just over three seconds.
That might be significantly less power than the plug-in hybrid powertrains in the standard Conti GT Speed and Mulliner. And it also might be slower in a straight line.
But the Supersports’ aggressive diet also means it’s a whopping 1,000 pounds lighter. That means better handling, braking and overall driving sensations from behind the wheel.
It’s simply the ultimate driver’s Continental GT. Only 500 will be made, all for the estimated cool price of around $486,000.
And because it ticks all the boxes for such performance, luxury, exclusivity and the way it says “bugger off” to buck industry trends, all those attributes make the Continental GT Supersports one of the auto world’s current greatest pinnacles.
89. The world’s fastest shoe, with receipts
PumaGP100 Winner
Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3
Specs
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 8mm |
| Stack Height | 40mm/32mm |
| Weight | 6 ounces |
Based on recent history, one might expect the world’s fastest shoe to be adorned with a certain Swoosh, but Puma is asking runners to think twice before making that assumption.
Ahead of this year’s Boston Marathon, the brand boldly claimed that its aptly named Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 is the fastest model in the world, and teamed up with the University of Massachusetts Amherst to back up its lofty claim.
In lab tests, Puma’s super shoe was found to improve running efficiency by roughly 3.15 to 3.62 percent, compared with top-tier super-shoes from other brands.
While any one of the Fast-R Nitro Elite 3’s notable attributes (including its weight drop of 3.5 ounces, addition of NitroFoam Elite and optimized carbon plate and midsole geometry) could be the basis for its gains, the study’s lead researcher, Dr. Wouter Hoogkamer, says the enhanced performance is more likely due to the way Puma “mixed the ingredients.”
To boot, the Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 isn’t just faster — it fits more feet.
While it remains to be seen whether’s Puma’s sneaker really is the speediest super shoe on the planet, one thing is clear: thanks to its advanced composition and superb fit, this is a race-day weapon for the masses.
88. A dive watch icon, perfected
PaneraiGP100 Winner
Panerai Luminor Marina 2025
Specs
| Case Size | 44mm |
| Movement | Panerai Cal. P.980 automatic |
| Water Resistance | 500m |
Panerai’s Luminor Marina, the most emblematic example of the Italian brand’s bold and unique design language, is a dive watch icon. If Panerai had left the Luminor Marina as is, the watch likely would’ve continued to be a best-seller for the brand for as long as it remained in production.
But for 2025, Panerai not only updated the Luminor Marina. It perfected it.
The latest generation of Panerai’s most recognizable tool watch received significant updates in almost every area, culminating in a vastly improved watch.
The water resistance was bumped up from an already sufficient 300m to a category-leading 500m. A sapphire display caseback was also added, offering a view of the movement. These two moves always translate to a thicker watch, but through some deal with the dive watch devil, the new Luminor Marina is somehow 12 percent thinner than before, and 15 percent lighter.
This is largely thanks to a new movement, the in-house P.980 automatic, which is not only thinner than the outgoing calibre but also adds a hacking seconds function that had been missing from the collection since 2020.
Panerai made strap swaps decidedly easier by adding the PAM Click quick-release system to the included straps, and references fitted with a bracelet also received a brand-new on-the-fly micro-adjustment system called Quick Length Adjustment that offers 2mm of travel on each side.
Even the lume, one of Panerai’s signature features, was improved, with the 2025 Luminor Marina being one of the first watches in the world to feature Super-LumiNova’s new X2 formula, which is 10 percent brighter than before.
Panerai didn’t need to update the Luminor Marina. But the myriad improvements made to the watch show that even icons can use a tune-up now and then.
87. One of Auburn Hills’ greatest and most anticipated comebacks
JeepGP100 Winner
2026 Jeep Cherokee
Specs
| Engine | 1.6-liter gas-electric turbo-four hybrid/2.0-liter gas turbo-four ('27MY) |
| Transmission | eCVT/8-speed automatic (2.0L) |
| Output | 210 hp & 230 lb-ft (total, 1.6L hybrid)/TBD (2.0L) |
It’s been a couple of years since Jeep gave us one of its most iconic and elemental models: the compact Cherokee. After discontinuing the previous fifth-generation model following a long and dated nine-year production run, fans were ready for another.
At first, uncertainty loomed around the Cherokee’s future following several significant management changes with Jeep’s parent company. Additionally, as the previous model had been around since 2014, fans were left underwhelmed and ready for a new one.
Especially since the curvy and rounded exterior design of the fifth-gen model didn’t quite align with the visual ethos and rugged appearances of its predecessors. But after a rocky road, the Auburn Hills-based purveyor of patriotic four-wheelers pulled the sheets off its all-new sixth-gen Cherokee in New York City.
Revealed in August, the Cherokee arrived to eager fans and appreciators, continuing a legacy that helped define Jeep’s reputation for nearly the past half-century. Although the new sixth-gen “KM” Cherokee continues to make use of a car-based unibody chassis, it gets a completely new one.
Specifically, it utilizes Stellantis’ latest STLA Large platform, which is the same one underpinning the new Wagoneer S and Recon EVs. But because of is complete ground-up overhaul, it benefits from all the improvements that come from a total redesign.
The new Cherokee also boasts a major first. It’s the first of the breed to get a gas-electric hybrid powertrain.
Its new design represents a return to form, with a boxier and more rugged appearance. Its visual features paint a preview of what we can potentially expect to see with future Jeep models.
But most of all, we haven’t even gotten around to seeing what other variants Jeep may have up its sleeve. How about a Trail-Rated all-terrain variant? All things considered, the new Cherokee’s chapter is only just getting started.
86. A “pocket axe” that deploys more stunningly than any knife
CRKTGP100 Winner
CRKT Provoke X
Specs
| Blade Length | 1.84 inches |
| Blade Material | Titanium Nitride-Coated SUJ2 Steel |
| Handle Material | Stainless Steel with Glass-Reinforced Overlays |
“If at first you don’t succeed…” is half of a cliché knife designer Joe Caswell must be painfully familiar with, as the man seemingly spent most of last year living the “try, try again” part.
After all, the production version of CRKT’s mind-blowing kinematic axe, the Provoke X, is the 94th iteration of Caswell’s design.
He might have given up long before, if not for the faith that presumably comes from having designed CRKT’s original Provoke morphing karambit for first responders six years ago.
That revolutionary mechanism spawned a whole Provoke family, plus EDC versions with more traditional blades.
However, as essentially a folding pocket axe, the Provoke X is on a whole other level.
The nitty gritty of deployment and re-sheathing is a classic “video is worth a thousand words” situation, so here is one…
What’s incredible, at the end of the day, is that the Provoke X really does deploy with a flick of a wrist.
It’s just satisfying as hell to brandish, no matter how you plan to actually use the thing.
With a weight of 13.2 ounces and an overall length of 8.69 inches, it’s not exactly small but can fit a bigger pocket, with a reversible clip keeping it in place.
That strikes me as a nice size and heft for tackling a backcountry job that is definitely more difficult with a bushcraft knife: chopping firewood.
Or, you know, your local bar’s next axe throwing contest.
85. A Japanese audio icon’s “finest turntable yet”
Audio-TechnicaGP100 Winner
Audio-Technica AT-LPA2
Specs
| Built-in Preamp? | No |
| Cartridge | Audio-Technica AT-OC9XEN moving coil cartridge |
| Turntable | Fully manual, belt drive |
This year, Audio-Technica introduced the Hotaru, a $10,000 turntable with an absolutely incredible floating design (thanks to well-placed magnets) that also glows in the dark.
But, believe it or not, that’s not what the famed Japanese hi-fi maker is calling its “finest turntable yet.” That goes to its AT-LPA2.
It’s a fully manual, belt-drive turntable with an avant-garde, transparent design; both the plinth and platter are acrylic, so when you’re playing a record, it gives the illusion of the record floating in midair.
Audio-Technica is best known for its relatively affordable turntables, ranging between $200 and $500, but the AT-LPA2 bucks the trend and targets a more serious audiophile crowd.
It’s a high-end turntable with premium components. It’s decked out with a carbon fiber tonearm and Audio-Technica’s AT-OC9XEN moving-coil cartridge, which sells for $400 on its own.
The AT-LPA2’s design aims to prevent vibrations. The power and control units are located in a separate box away from the turntable. Even the acrylic body, which is a highly dense material with anti-resonance properties, aims to ensure the audio signal is as pure as possible.
84. An ADV that checks plenty of boxes, even if you never leave the street
Harley-DavidsonGP100 Winner
2025 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 ST
Specs
| Curb Weight | 542 lbs |
| Horsepower | 150 hp |
| Peak Engine Torque | 94 ft-lbs |
More often than not, products designed for one environment blow up in another. Think Showa fishing gloves taking off in the climbing community or, more mainstream, The North Face’s Nupste jacket getting immortalized on city streets.
What these products have in common is unforeseen utility. One step ahead is the Pan America 1250 ST (short for “sport touring”), which recognizes that many compelling qualities of adventure bikes carry over to more refined climes.
Rolling out four years after Harley’s ground-breaking, GP100-worthy inaugural ADV, the original Pan America, the ST sands off the edges for those who dream of off-road glory but mainly stick to the tarmac.
Toward that end, it retains a lot of the OG’s most compelling features, including the Revolution Max 1250 engine Harley developed specifically for adventure bikes.
Integrated into the ST’s chassis as a load-bearing, weight-shaving, responsiveness-boosting element, it packs all the power and torque you need to break free from gridlock and zip out to twisties and trails where you can breathe.
Complementing that feature is the accessibility of a seat with adaptive ride height that can drop as low as 31.7 inches, an almost unreal figure for an ADV.
That’s especially true considering it still has 6.75 inches of suspension travel and 6.7 inches of ground clearance for navigating off-road terrain.
Last but not least, while many ADVs scream “built for rugged adventure!” in a manner that blends into urban settings about as well as a ghillie suit might, the ST decidedly does not.
No beak, no garish graphics, no goofy accessories — just one cool (and customizable) customer that can pretty much do it all without making a big fuss. Hallelujah.
83. A serious example of the year’s wackiest watch trend
CasioGP100 Winner
G-Shock Nano DWN-5600
Specs
| Case Size | 23.4mm |
| Water Resistance | 200m |
| Weight | 6 grams |
This G-Shock has all the hallmarks that have made it’s maker one of the most beloved names in all of watches.
There’s that rugged, near-indestructible construction; 200 meters of water resistance; and a square case based off the original design from the 1980s.
Just one thing to clarify: it doesn’t actually go around your wrist.
The Nano DWN-5600 looks and largely performs like your classic everyday G-Shock watch, only at one-tenth the size.
That’s because this tiny timepiece, available in three colors (black, yellow and red), is actually designed to fit around one’s finger.
The watch is part of a growing trend set forth by the Casio CRW-001-1JR, Timex x MM6 Maison Margiela and Fossil’s collaboration with Nick Jonas.
That said, the G-Shock name, along with everything that comes with it, easily makes the Nano DWN-5600 the most capable watch in its class.
It also has something none of those previous examples can top — a fully adjustable band — suggesting that ring watches might be more movement than meme.
82. A breakthrough, standard-setting outdoor fabric
Big AgnesGP100 Winner
Big Agnes HyperBead Fabric
Specs
| Materials | 15D nylon with 20D solution dyed ripstop, and 15D polyester mesh |
| Waterproof? | Yes |
| Water Repellant Coating? | No |
In recent years, greater attention has been given to PFAS – a class of “forever chemicals” used in outdoor gear that, while useful for waterproofing and overall durability, have been linked to devastating effects on human health and the environment.
While some brands have begun to move away from PFAS, Big Agnes’ new HyperBead fabric was perhaps the biggest step forward in moving away from forever chemicals … forever.
HyperBead is a new, proprietary waterproofing technology that, according to Big Agnes, is 25 percent more waterproof, 50-100 percent stronger and six percent lighter than traditional tent fabrics.
It also features “improved dimensional stability” which is a fancy way of saying HyperBead prevents sagging or fabric distortion, even under a heavy load.
HyperBead is special because it achieves all of this innovation without the use of intentionally added PFAS, or any DWR coatings at all. Because it doesn’t rely on a coating to waterproof its material, HyperBead never needs to be re-waterproofed to continue effectively warding off moisture over the long haul.
As of now, HyperBead has appeared in a collection of camping tents — but if it proves to be as effective as Big Agnes claims, we could be seeing it everywhere from sleeping bags to ski shells in the future.
81. The ultimate one-car solution finally comes Stateside
Chris ChinGP100 Winner
2025 BMW M5 Touring
Specs
| Engine | 4.4-liter gas-electric twin-turbocharged V8 plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Output | 717 hp & 738 lb-ft |
Once upon a time, the BMW M5 Touring was off limits to North American buyers. Quite simply, the automaker didn’t think Americans wanted it.
That’s because wagons were often perceived as uncool soccer parent-mobiles. They were the antithesis to all things fast and fun, clashing with the hearts and desires of high-paying enthusiasts and clientele.
But ever since Mercedes-Benz teamed up with AMG during its aftermarket years to make hot wagons in the 1980s, the niche grew into one of the biggest and most desirable automotive guilty pleasures among enthusiasts.
BMW jumped in on the action with the third-generation E34 M5 in the early 1990s and the E60 M5 Touring two generations later in the mid-to-late 2000s. However, neither made it to North America.
Once Audi (RS6 Avant) and Mercedes-AMG (E55/E63 AMG Estate) proved that Americans love hot long roofs after the new millennium — and are willing to pay for them — BMW M hopped on the bandwagon.
Now, to many enthusiasts rejoicing, the M5 Touring is no longer forbidden fruit. For the first time in BMW’s and the M5’s history in America, the Munich-based automaker is officially selling it Stateside.
And it’s as good as you can imagine it to be.
It isn’t without its criticisms, of course. For one, it weighs as much as a Chevy Tahoe from being saddled by all its extra gas-electric plug-in-hybrid running gear.
But with over 700 horsepower (717 to be exact) and enough torque go move the moon (738 pound-feet), it’ll still keep up with Italy’s finest Prancing Horses. It’ll sprint to 60 MPH in almost three seconds and onto a limited top speed of 155.
Yet, it does it all while being able to haul your entire family and things in the same sort of comfort a normal 5 Series wagon would. What more could you ask for?
80. A flawless return to form for a legendary dress watch
Patek PhilippeGP100 Winner
Patek Philippe Calatrava 6196P
Specs
| Case Size | 38mm |
| Movement | Patek Philippe Cal. 30‑255 PS manual-wind |
| Water Resistance | 30m |
Look at any list of the most iconic watches ever made, and the Patek Philippe Calatrava will be on there.
Introduced in 1932, the Calatrava arguably set the template for the modern round dress watch with its clean and elegant design and lack of complications. But it’s been a while since the Calatrava really got Patek fans excited, with the brand’s sports watches and Grand Complications dominating the conversation for over a decade.
But in 2025, Patek put the Calatrava back on the map in a big way by launching a back-to-basics version of the icon that can best be described as, well, perfect.
A classic Calatrava case in platinum measuring 38mm across and 9.33mm thick.
A gorgeous opaline salmon dial with the most attractive Calatrava dial layout — dauphine hands, “obus”-shaped applied hour markers and a properly centered small-seconds display, all in charcoal gray-toned white gold.
The manually wound Calibre 30-255 PS movement, visible behind a sapphire caseback, properly filling out the case.
Patek stripped down the Calatrava to its essence and created its most beautiful watch in years. It’s not complicated, and that’s the point. Sometimes with an iconic product, it’s best not to overthink things.
79. The most iconic sneaker of all time gets its finest glow-up in a century
ConverseGP100 Winner
Converse Chuck Taylor First String
Specs
| Insole | Ortholite |
| Outsole | Vibram |
| Upper | Leather, canvas or knit |
Unless you’ve been living in a bunker for the last century, you’ve almost definitely got some measure of familiarity with Converse’s Chuck Taylor. It’s arguably the most iconic piece of footwear of all time.
Over the course of its lifespan — going on 109 years, 103 with the Chuck Taylor moniker — it has seen many, many iterations. That’s important, as the Converse Chuck Taylor First String might be the finest of all of them.
This isn’t just a simple redux or a material swap, either. It’s a ground-up reimagining for the modern era. It initially launched in three distinct editions: one with a premium leather upper, another in heavyweight canvas and a third in a Japanese knit fabric. But more have since been released, including a furry leopard pony, vintage canvas and a brown premium leather.
Alongside those uppers, all three have seen their outsoles swapped for trusty, grippy, high-end Vibram — a major upgrade from the brand’s traditional “fuzzy” outsole. And they all get an Ortholite insole for additional sink-in comfort and cushioning.
But it doesn’t stop there. The sneakers also have had all their other, smaller details pored over. The linings are now made from fine leather; the foxing tapes are more refined; even the iconic toe cap has been reimagined — shorter and wider for a more contemporary fit.
There are a couple of drawbacks, however. They’re among the most expensive Chucks, as well, starting at $225. Worse, they’re damn near impossible to get your hands on because, well, sneakerheads.
78. The world’s first “super” training shoe
ReebokReebok Nano Pro Training Shoe
News of super shoes have dominated running since Nike commanded the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro with its prototype Vaporfly 4% shoes — but gym shoes were left out of the conversation for almost a decade.
That is, until Reebok took the tech that transformed race day shoes and applied it to its best-selling gym shoe. The result is the Nano Pro Training Shoe, which integrates Reebok’s carbon-fiber Graphlite Plate into the midsole, resulting in increased stiffness and energy return, giving athletes more propulsion during short runs, box jumps, HIIT sessions, and explosive lifts.
Reebok paired the plate with its Lift and Chassis system to keep the shoe stable under heavy loads while still feeling responsive, and decoupled the outsole, which separates the forefoot and heel to allow more natural foot movement and smoother transitions during dynamic workouts.
At $225, the Nano Pro is significantly more expensive than the standard Nano line … but for athletes who want one shoe that can handle lifting, HIIT, and short cardio sessions, the added versatility may justify the cost.
77. Reimagining one of Lexus’s greatest hits of all time
LexusGP100 Winner
2025 Lexus LFA Concept
Many thought Lexus’s previous supercar, the insane and incredible V10-powered LFA, was just going to be an exotic one-hit wonder. But after rumors about a successor began brewing a few years back and the recent revealing of the latest LFA Concept, that obviously was not the case.
In December, Lexus unveiled its next-generation LFA next to its parent company’s first-ever standalone exotic: the Toyota GR GT.
Originally previewed at The Quail during Monterey Car Week in August as the Lexus Sports Coupe Concept, the model had a second chance to take the spotlight recently in Tokyo. Which is when Lexus confirmed it as the LFA Concept.
In addition to a completely ground-up redesign, the new LFA Concept will take a radical departure from the old model. Gone is the sonorous and iconic V10 in favor of a high-output all-electric powertrain.
It’s also longer, wider, but not necessarily taller. Rather, the changes in dimensions are meant to improve the car’s handling and performance.
For instance, the greater length and width allow Lexus engineers to place the wheels further at each corner. The result is a wider axle track, resulting in a lower center of gravity and better handling.
It also allows chassis engineers to better manage the production LFA’s heavy electric drive components.
Originally, speculation suggested Toyota’s new twin-turbocharged V8 would power the new LFA. But that’s reserved for the GR GT and the new LFA will be fully electric.
Neither Lexus nor parent company Toyota divulged any additional specifics. But needless to say, enthusiasts have another unique and unconventional supercar to look forward to in the near future.
76. The James Brand resurrects an overlooked EDC category
The James BrandGP100 Winner
The James Brand The Lowe
Specs
| Capacity | Up to 6 cards and cash |
| Material | Aluminum and silicone |
| Weight | 2.5 ounces |
A few years ago, you couldn’t say the phrase “everyday carry” without someone bringing up minimalist front pocket wallets (or cardholders, as they’re sometimes called). However, likely due to oversaturation in the market and too many overtly similar options, the category cooled off arguably faster than it heated up.
Since then, there’s been virtually no innovation in the category— just the same old same old. Then, one of the most significant names in EDC gear finally decided to take a swing, giving us The James Brand The Lowe.
Admittedly, The Lowe is a very late-in-the-game entry. That said, it has managed to elevate the category by bringing something new to the table where so, so many others failed.
There’s enough here that, at a glance, anyone moderately familiar with minimalist wallets will know what they’re looking at. It has a svelte aluminum construction (albeit a much more sleek and seamless one than its competition) and a signature silicone cash strap.
However, a closer inspection reveals some surprising treats. For instance, the silicone band sits flush against the aluminum body, meaning there’s no unnecessary bulk to get snagged on your pockets. It also has a handy notch at the bottom that allows for easy and quick credit and debit card deployment (it holds up to six, by the way).
But the real treat is on the inside. Flanking the card space is a rail system that gently hugs the cards you slip into The Lowe. That means one card stays as secure as the maximum, but it also means they can be removed without struggle — something even the biggest names in the formerly dominant category could never manage.
It’s a highly elegant reinterpretation of what has since become an overlooked essential piece of gear.
75. The unexpected return of a collector-favorite watch
OmegaGP100 Winner
Omega Seamaster 37mm Milano Cortina 2026
Specs
| Case Size | 37mm |
| Movement | Omega Cal. 8807 automatic |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
Back in the mid-twentieth century, before the Speedmaster and Seamaster became the flagship models for Omega, the Biel/Bienne brand’s best-known watch was the Constellation.
One of the most prestigious watches of the 1950s — Elvis famously wore one — the “Connie,” as it’s come to be known by collectors, was introduced in 1952 as Omega’s flagship and a celebration of the brand’s victories at chronometry competitions throughout the previous two decades.
The Constellation was decidedly a dress watch, as most watches were in those days. While hundreds of references were produced over the decades, those 1950s examples are most prized for their handsome collection of unique design traits, which included convex “pie-pan” dials, dauphine hands, arrow markers, faceted crowns and, most sought-after, “dog-leg” lugs.
While Omega has sometimes revisited those other design traits — the current Constellation Globemaster features a pie-pan dial, for instance — the quirky angled lugs disappeared from the brand’s catalog sometime in the 1970s. Despite collectors’ love for the style, it seemed as if Omega’s dog-leg lugs would forever remain a thing of the past.
That is, until the Seamaster 37mm Milano Cortina 2026 came along.
Seemingly out of the blue, Omega resurrected the dog-leg lug style for the first time in half a century on a 2026 Winter Olympics-themed version of a vintage-inspired Seamaster dress watch. Quite unexpectedly, the watch resurrects one of Omega’s most iconic and beloved design styles that was thought lost to time, and it does so in what can best be described as the best dress watch the brand has made in decades.
With the unexpected return of dog-leg lugs, Omega proves that sometimes, an old dog doesn’t need to learn any new tricks; it just needs to perform its old tricks one more time.
74. A return to minimalism on the trails
NordaGP100 Winner
Norda 005
Specs
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 7mm |
| Midsole Material | Arnitel (TPEE) |
| Stack Height | 28.5mm |
If you need proof of Hoka’s influence in trail running, look no further than the sport’s most prestigious race.
Not only is the Hoka UTMB Mont-Blanc now named after the king of cushion, the brand’s shoes consistently don the feet of its top finishers (including one full-time Hoka employee).
That’s what makes the 005 from Norda so unique.
While brands both big and small have spent the past few seasons chasing Hoka’s shadow, this Canadian upstart makes its own way with a highly technical racer that proves different can still mean capable.
The 005’s secret weapon is a midsole created entirely from Arnitel, the branded name for thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE). What’s more, it measures just 28.5mm at its thickest point — a small sum compared to today’s trail runners that borrow both massive stack heights and carbon-fiber plates from the road.
“The big brands were bringing that technology from the road to the trail but it’s not as stable on uneven ground and can send a wicked spring in the wrong direction,” says Norda founder Nick Martire.
Elsewhere, the utilizes Bio-Dyneema, deployed in a weave pattern for breathability and rapid water drainage, and debuts Vibram’s new topline outsole rubber: Vibram Megagrip Elite, which the manufacturer claims to be its lightest and grippiest yet.
73. Mercedes-Benz unveils its look for the next decade
Mercedes-BenzGP100 Winner
Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic Concept
Concept cars generally serve one or two purposes. They either preview a potential future model, a company’s general strategic direction, new technologies and features, or all of the above. For the Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic Concept, it’s precisely option numbers two and three.
Unveiled earlier this year at the Shanghai auto show, the Three-Point Star pulled off its wraps to provide a glimpse of what to visually expect from its next generation of cars. While the Vision Iconic Concept doesn’t necessarily imply a new model, it’s more of a design study.
Every so often, these concepts sometimes translate into a production model. Some even speculated that it could hint at the return of the S-Class Coupe and Convertible.
But that’s rather unlikely. Instead, the Vision Iconic’s impact on the brand will be far greater. It will essentially dictate Mercedes’ future design language, transcending stand-out visual styling cues and themes in future vehicles.
Because it sets the stage for the company’s newest design language, the automaker clearly made sure to distinguish it from past ones. This time around, Mercedes’ designers took heavy inspiration from the height of the Art Deco period.
That squarish and shiny new grille up front? It will likely end up as the brand’s new corporate-wide signature front design element, as has been the case for all Mercedes-Benzes since the dawn of time.
In fact, it’s already showing up on the next-generation GLC-Class EV. The Vision Iconic’s overall curvaceous, low-slung shape, head- and taillight designs will also likely find their way onto future production models.
The concept also boasts some of the innovative technology that the company is working on.
For instance, the car’s paint features photovoltaic paint, which can convert the sun’s energy to electricity to help recharge its main battery pack. The Vision Iconic also showcases Mercedes’ plant to implement an all-new advanced steer-by-wire system.
Because Vision Iconic lays the groundwork for new Mercedes-Benz models in the near future, its influence will have far-reaching effects for the automaker over the next decade, if not more. Which is something that can’t be said for many other concept cars.
72. Classic camera brand explores a world beyond the limitation of printing
HasselbladGP100 Winner
Hasselblad X2D II 100C
Specs
| Camera Type | Medium format digital |
| Sensor Dimensions | 43.8 × 32.9mm |
| Sensor Type | Back-side illuminated (BSI) CMOS, 100 megapixels |
Traditionally, medium format photography has been the stuff of tripods, studio lighting and studied technique to get the best result. The Hasselblad X2D II 100C is as easy to use as a smartphone.
It still looks the beautiful design study that was the original X1D but, with the input of parent company DJI, it’s gained image stabilization, autofocus performance and a simple interface that make some of the world’s best image quality almost unfeasibly accessible.
The Mark II becomes the first camera to promote an HDR-centric workflow, using its sensor’s vast tonal range and a high dynamic range rear screen to deliver more realistic rendering of the real world, when viewed on modern phones and displays.
The Sigma BF quietly did something similar, but it’s Hasselblad that’s telling the world that there’s more to photography than prints.
71. A Chinese watchmaker’s big swing at the Swiss
Atelier WenGP100 Winner
Atelier Wen Inflection
Specs
| Case Size | 40mm |
| Movement | Girard-Perregaux Cal. 03300 automatic |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
Swiss watch brands have a secret.
Although they all carry a “Swiss Made” label on their dials, that doesn’t mean you’re getting an entirely Swiss product. The label requires only 60 percent of a watch’s manufacturing costs to come from Switzerland, with most brands getting the other 40 percent of parts from China.
Yet, despite the fact that China has long been a key production partner to many Swiss brands, the country has a reputation among the public for putting out cheap watches.
French-Chinese watchmaker Atelier Wen sought to change this perception when it launched in 2018. The brand’s stated goal is to raise the profile of Chinese-made watches, bringing the true craftsmanship of China’s watch industry out of the shadows and putting it on full display in front of collectors.
The brand has been quite successful in its quest, with models like the aptly named Perception sports watch garnering rave reviews. But competing at a $5,000 price point is one thing. That’s considered an entry point for luxury watches, meaning the stakes are still fairly low for seasoned collectors.
But a $30,000 price point? Now that’s ambitious.
In 2025, Atelier Wen launched the Inflection, an evolution of the Perception with a case and bracelet made of tantalum — making it the first serial-production watch in the world to be fully made of the notoriously difficult-to-machine material. The impeccably finished final result is enough to knock the socks off of the most jaded Swiss collectors, making the watch feel like a bargain even at its lofty price point of $28,900, which is nearly the exact SRP of the Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167A.
Thanks to the Atelier Wen Inflection, the secret is out when it comes to the prowess of Chinese luxury watchmaking.
70. Red Wing jumps on the Westernwear bandwagon with a faithful reproduction
Photo by Brad Lanphear for Gear PatrolGP100 Winner
Red Wing Pecos Boot in Hawthorne Muleskinner
Specs
| Material | Oiled roughout leather |
| Sizes | 7-13 |
| Sole | Leather midsole, Chemigum outsole |
Western wear has gradually gained popularity in mainstream fashion over the past few years, but 2025 saw a notable surge in popularity. Maybe it’s because of shows like Yellowstone and Landman, or has something to do with country music or perhaps it’s all Post Malone’s fault.
Regardless, a clear indication of Western wear’s new prominence is that Red Wing Heritage got back into the cowboy boot game. As part of the brand’s three-boot 120th Anniversary Collection, the Minnesota shoemaker introduced the Pecos.
This bar-bones cowboy boot is a “stitch-for-stitch” replica of a model released in 1958. According to the brand, it was designed for Texas oil field workers and ranch hands.
The pragmatic design lacks any decorative stitching, ornate colors or exotic leather. It uses Red Wing’s No. 17 last, shirking pointed cowboy boot toes for a more comfortable almond shape.
Photo by Brad Lanphear for Gear PatrolIt is crafted from the roughout Hawthorne Muleskinner Leather, which is similar to the coveted Hawthorne Abilene Leather used in the Moc Toe, but with a darker color derived from an oiled finish that helps keep the boot clean and water-resistant.
A leather midsole with a steel shank is Goodyear welted to a Red Wing’s high-traction Chemigum outsole, featuring a “roper” heel that is short and broad for strong stability.
The Pecos doesn’t just indicate a high-water mark for Western wear’s permeation into mainstream fashion. Red Wing’s gorgeous new boot is a reminder that, for much of its history, what we now consider Western apparel and vintage American workwear overlapped and were worn by the same generations of blue-collar workers.
69. Cartier’s oldest icon reminds everyone it is still a capable tool watch
CartierGP100 Winner
Cartier Santos de Cartier Titanium
Specs
| Case Size | 39.8mm |
| Movement | Cartier Cal. 1847 MC automatic |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
Louis Cartier created the Santos in 1902 for his friend, the aviation pioneer, Alberto Santos-Dumont, making it the first pilot’s watch and one of the first wristwatches not designated as jewelry.
Fast forward 121 years, and Cartier’s oldest extant design is undeniably iconic, but generally considered a dress watch. Tool watch design has come a very long way over the past century, and so has the Parisian watchmaker and jewelry brand.
The Santos de Cartier is now a symbol of luxury, often constructed from precious metal, and rarely put in harm’s way. But Cartier penned the next chapter in the collection’s story, and it’s a callback to those tool watch roots.
Cartier now offers the Santos, for the first time in its history, in full titanium. More specifically, the case and integrated bracelet are made of Grade 5 Extra Low Interstitial titanium, which the brand claims is 43 percent lighter and 1.5 times stronger than steel.
The debut Santos de Cartier Titanium comes in the brand’s Large size, with a 39.8mm-wide and 9.3mm-tall case. A bead-blasted finish creates a positively badass impression, refocusing on the industrial design elements, such as the exposed screws and the bolt crown.
Cartier’s signature dial is unchanged, a Roman numeral hours track is skewed to frame a railroad minutes track and blued leaf hands, while a small date window replaces the 6:00 marker.
It’s safe to say that the Santos de Cartier is once again fit for aeronautical adventure.
68. A street-photography powerhouse in a pocket-friendly form factor
RicohGp100 Winner
Ricoh GR IV
Ricoh’s GR series hasn’t attracted the same level of Tik-Tok ubiquity as Fujifilm’s X100s, but it has a history that goes back much further, not to mention a passionate following among photographers.
The Ricoh GR IV is the eighth digital camera in a series that evolved from a mid-90s film camera.
The formula has remained essentially unchanged: a bright wide-angle lens in a tiny, magnesium alloy body with all the critical controls at your fingertips, and it’s been the street photographer’s camera of choice for decades.
Ricoh listened carefully to its users to make sure they didn’t mess with the camera’s underlying appeal. But, just as with the X100 series, it’s kept iterating and improving to make sure the latest version is always the best. An instant classic.
67. A mid-century-modern dream brought to life
ZenithGP100 winner
Zenith Defy Chronograph USM
Specs
| Case Size | 37mm |
| Movement | Zenith Cal. El Primero 400 automatic chronograph |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
Stop us if you’ve heard this one before: a century-plus-old watch brand reissues a mid-century watch from its archives. Yawn.
But how about this: a century-plus-old watch brand has created a watch that could have existed in the mid-twentieth century, but never did, and partnered with an iconic mid-century modern designer to bring to life a collab that never was.
Now that is interesting, and it’s exactly what Zenith did when it teamed with famed mid-century furniture maker USM to create one of the coolest 1960s watches ever — even if it arrived about 60 years too late.
Based on Zenith’s original Defy sports watch from 1969, the Defy Chronograph USM features all the hallmarks typical of a 1960s Defy, including a ladder bracelet, a 37mm octagonal case and a 14-sided bezel, all in stainless steel.
1969 was a big year for Zenith. In addition to launching the Defy that year, the brand also debuted its groundbreaking El Primero chronograph movement. But surprisingly, the two ’69 babies never crossed paths, as the original Defy case was never equipped with an El Primero movement.
Zenith has rectified that omission here, combining its two icons for the first time into a very-1960s chronograph made in 2025. But the brand didn’t stop there.
Zenith stretched its idea of “imagined heritage” by teaming with a period-correct partner, USM, to douse the Defy Chronograph in four of USM’s custom bright colors from its signature Haller modular storage units of the ’60s. What’s more, USM produced a custom miniature Haller watch storage box for the chronograph.
Vintage reissue watches can be fun, but they’ve been done to death. Zenith proves there’s more fun to be had when a brand examines its back-catalog by thinking outside the box … or inside the modular storage unit.
66. A love letter to heavy-duty heritage, crafted with care
CarharttCarhartt Crafted Series Sherpa Lined Chore Jacket
After 135 years in business, it’s safe to say Carhartt has identified what makes quality workwear. Throughout the generations, the brand has outfitted the men and women that define craftsmanship – so it would only make sense that the Crafted Series, which combines archival details with purposeful enhancements and skillful construction, would help to continue Carhartt’s legacy by reimagining its coveted archival pieces with premium, heavyweight materials.
The defining release of a collection built upon the foundations of a legacy in craftsmanship is the Chore Jacket, which is a thoughtful combination of two Carhartt icons: the renowned Detroit Jacket, and the respected Chore Coat, both stalwarts of the legendary American brand.
Lined with warm sherpa and available in either timeless denim or iconic 12-ounce duck canvas, the Chore Jacket is built upon the slightly cropped foundation of the Detroit Jacket, and utilizes the patch pockets of the Chore Coat. There’s also an ultradurable #10 zipper to guarantee longevity.
Archival details like Carhartt’s heart button, which is a prize on the collector’s market, appear on the jacket, but this new style is as rooted in modernity as it is legacy — and that’s a direct reflection of the Crafted Series as a whole.
Consider this the defining workwear of our new world, and just remember — when your work is done, the Chore Jacket will pick up with your kids and grandkids, just like the Carhartt workwear before it.
65. A resounding shock to the moto world, courtesy of Italy’s finest
DucatiGP100 Winner
Ducati V21L Solid State Prototype
Specs
| Curb Weight | < 496 lbs |
| Horsepower | > 150 hp |
| Peak Engine Torque | TBD |
Although Ducati has been fielding the V21L in MotoE for a few seasons now, this year’s Solid State prototype shook up the bike — and electric motorcycles as a whole — in a big way.
That’s because, with the addition of QuantumScape solid-state batteries, Ducati has unlocked capabilities from its EV two-wheeler the likes of which the industry has never seen before.
Along with 844 Wh/L energy density, it is capable of just over 12-minute fast charging from 10 percent to 80 percent state of charge, as well as 10C continuous discharge rates.
What’s more, thanks to the data captured from 18 riders on the grid over three years of development, Ducati has managed to refine the V21L such that it shaved 8.2 kilograms (18.04 pounds) from the battery pack alone.
Current electric motorcycles are hampered by slow charge times and frustrating ranges, though forward-thinking bikes like Ducati’s V21L Solid State Prototype are poised to make these issues a thing of the past.
64. Barbour reinterprets an archival jacket you didn’t know you needed
BarbourGP100 Winner
Barbour x Arket Fairgame Waxed Jacket
Specs
| Fabric | Barbour 6oz waxed cotton |
| Pockets | 4 Outer, 2 inner |
| Colors | Sage green |
Barbour’s archive is loaded with fascinating designs, often geared towards outdoor work and leisure activities, that blow away the English farm coat variations carrying the brand today.
Those designs often resurface in the form of collaborations, and one of the most intriguing releases of 2025 is the Fairgame Waxed Jacket. It was part of a collection that the king of British waxed cotton collaborated on with Arket, a mid-tier boutique brand owned by H&M.
The Fairgame is a reinterpretation of the Gamefair, a lightweight jacket released in 1960 for “fishing and shooting wear,” according to an early catalog description. Brand hallmarks like a six-ounce waxed cotton shell, wide wale cord collar lining and bellows pockets are all there.
Updates include the addition of handwarmer pockets, two internal zip pockets set into the placket and a wider storm flap covering the signature Barbour zipper and a baggier fit.
The most notable additions, however, are an adjustable, detachable storm hood and a brand new tartan lining designed specifically for the Arket collection. All together, it creates the perfect balance between new and familiar features to get Barbour fans excited.
63. The foldable smartphone enters a new age
AmazonGP100 Winner
Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold
Specs
| Camera (Rear) | 48MP wide, 10.5MP ultrawide, 10.8MP telephoto |
| Dispalys | 6.4-inch Actua (external), 8-inch Super Actua Flex (internal) |
| Processor | Google Tensor G5, Titan M2 security coprocessor |
-
$1,799 (17% off)
Admittedly, foldable smartphones aren’t as novel as they once were. Samsung brought them into the mainstream in 2019 with the first Galaxy Fold and has been releasing new models each year since. And numerous other Android manufacturers have followed suit … including Google.
But the Pixel 10 Pro Fold still manages to stand out in an increasingly crowded field. Not because of its looks — it’s a book-style foldable that is almost identical to its predecessor, the 2023-released Pixel Fold — but because of its durability.
It’s the first foldable smartphone to have an IP68 rating, meaning it’s just as dust- and waterproof as basically every other flagship smartphone out there. And that’s a big deal, especially considering how many durability issues early foldables had. (Samsung, cough cough.)
Its secret is a completely reengineered hinge that is both smaller and gearless. This ensures there aren’t gaps for debris to sneak in. Plus, it just feels smoother when you open and close the smartphone.
Of course, Google improves the Pixel 10 Pro Fold in myriad other ways — most notably, giving it brighter displays and Pixel Snap, a built-in magnet that makes it compatible with any MagSafe accessory — but those are, well, more expected.
62. The prototypical all-road wagon, but boxier and more SUV-like than ever
SubaruGP100 Winner
2026 Subaru Outback
Specs
| Engine | 2.5-liter boxer inline-four, 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer inline-four |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Output | 180–260 hp & 178–277 lb-ft |
After introducing the Outback as an option on the Legacy in the 1990s, Subaru eventually spun the nameplate off into its own distinct model. In doing so, the Japanese automaker created what has been one of the most successful and enduring station wagons on the American market.
Oddly enough, for the Outback’s 30th anniversary, Subaru finally succumbed to the crossover epidemic and made the model look more like a midsize SUV than ever before. Completely redesigned inside and out, it’s no longer a high-riding station wagon on account of its split headlights, taller roofline and boxier shape.
As such, even though Subaru made only minor changes to the Outback’s flat-four powertrain, the vehicle does bring some significant upgrades when it comes to the user experience.
In addition to helpful creature comforts like Nalgene-compatible cup holders, gear organizers and cable keepers, it also brings overhauled tech in the form of a fresh infotainment system and — refreshingly — a return to buttons and knobs.
Progress is inevitable and even though Subaru’s Outback wagon sold in significant quantities, it was only a matter of time before it bulked up around the outside.
As large as it looks, the appearance is deceiving as the physical dimensions are actually comparable, apart from a few inches of extra height. Nevertheless, it amounts to a significant design change for a vehicle that outlasted its donor: the Subaru Legacy.
61. WiiM ups the amps on its ultimate streamer
WiiMGP100 Winner
WiiM Amp Ultra
Specs
| DAC | ESS 9039Q2M (up to 24-bit/192kHz) |
| Power | 100 watts (into 8 ohms) or 200 watts (into 4 ohms) |
| Streaming | Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Roon Ready, WiiM Home |
-
$529 (20% off)
WiiM has played the role of disruptor well in recent years, introducing Sonos-like music streamers and streaming amplifiers that work similarly to Sonos’s own Port and Amp, but are significantly less expensive.
Now, with the Amp Ultra, its most capable and beautiful streaming amplifier to date, the California-based audio manufacturer has all but cemented its place as a premium leader in entry-level hi-fi.
Like its Amp and Amp Pro before it, the Amp Ultra is a “just add speaker” hi-fi component that can turn most pairs of passive bookshelf or floorstanding speakers into a new-age stereo system that supports high-resolution streaming.
Not only that, but thanks to a wealth of wired connections, including HDMI ARC, the Amp Ultra can efficiently function as the central hub of a traditional hi-fi system (with external audio sources, such as a turntable or CD player) or even home theater.
Throw in the fact that WiiM gave the Amp Ultra a gorgeous touchscreen for displaying album artwork (or even VU meters, should you like), along with a tactile volume dial, and it’s a hi-fi component that draws you in — a far cry from the little black boxes that dominate the amplifier landscape.
At $529, there’s nothing really like it in that price range … other than WiiM’s other streaming amplifiers, which aren’t as powerful or pretty.
60. The glorious transformation of an iconic dress watch
Jaeger-LeCoultreGP100 Winner
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds on Milanese
Specs
| Case Size | 45.6mm x 27.4mm |
| Movement | Jaeger-LeCoultre Cal. 822 manual-wind |
| Water Resistance | 30m |
Debuting in 1931, the Reverso is one of the most recognizable designs in the history of watchmaking thanks to its Art Deco-inspired rectangular silhouette and signature rotating case.
Over the years, Jaeger-LeCoultre has produced countless variations of the Reverso with multiple faces, in various sizes and colors, and with myriad complications. But arguably, none have given the watch as successful a reinvention as this 2025 model in monotone pink gold on a Milanese bracelet.
A Reverso on a bracelet is rare enough as it is, but never before have we seen a version of this iconic watch where the bracelet was so intrinsic to the overall design. The bracelet here feels as crucial to the overall design as it does on the Vacheron 222. To put this Reverso on a leather strap would just feel wrong.
The bracelet consists of 16 meters of 18K pink gold threads and integrates seamlessly with the 18K pink gold case, both of which are mirror-polished. The visual cohesion extends to the dial, with matching pink gold dauphine hands and trapezoidal indices sitting on a color-matched grained dial.
The overall look is a mix of the Reverso’s classic Art Deco origins with a heavy dose of 1970s glam that JLC has nicknamed “Or Deco,” with “or” being the French word for gold.
The watch is both obviously a Reverso and completely unlike any Reverso we’ve ever seen before. It’s one of the most transformative takes on an iconic watch design ever, but is so breathtakingly beautiful and so flawlessly executed that it arrived with zero controversy.
Giving such a thorough visual overhaul to a design icon is risky business, but one that JLC pulled off brilliantly. This isn’t just a different version of the Reverso. It might be the best version of the Reverso.
59. An indispensable multi-tool, refined via a fan-requested upgrade
LeathermanGP100 Winner
Leatherman Wave Alpha
Specs
| Blade Length/Material | 2.88 inches/MagnaCut Stainless Steel |
| Functions | 16 |
| Weight | 8.26 ounces |
Two years ago, Leatherman dropped a shoe-in for the GP100 with the ARC, a totally loaded (and spendy) multi-tool featuring 20 functions, next-gen FREE technology and a MagnaCut steel blade.
As fantastic as that product continues to be, it’s a bit, well, much for the everyday user, a big reason why alternatives like the Wave continue to be bestsellers for the brand.
Boasting an impressive set of 16 essential tools, the Wave is arguably the best all-around multi-tool, and that case is only buttressed by the premium upgrade it received just a few months ago.
Released in October, the Wave Alpha boasts Leatherman’s biggest-ever multi-tool scissors and a 2.89-inch reverse tanto blade made of MagnaCut, which remains unrivaled for its blend of edge retention, toughness and corrosion resistance.
But what takes the Wave Alpha over the top into GP100 territory is the fact that Leatherman responded to fan feedback and added to the blade a small but significant element previously only available on the ARC: a thumb stud.
Because as handy as a thumb slot is, a stud is the superior option for one-handed deployment.
That’s especially true in certain all-too-common scenarios, such as when you are tired, in an awkward position or wearing gloves.
This particular stud is made of stainless steel with a protective Cerakote finish, ensuring it sticks around for the long haul.
Assuming Leatherman continues to do the little things for its fans, the brand seems very likely to do so as well.
58. A $225 daily trainer that might actually be worth it
AsicsGP100 Winner
Asics Megablast
Specs
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 8mm |
| Stack Height | 46mm |
| Weight | 8.1 ounces |
Last year, Asics left big shoes to fill with the Superblast 2, a pricey but versatile trainer with no shortage of descriptors. It was smooth, stable, versatile and quick, a robust combination that made it the shoe to beat industry-wide.
The Megablast does.
If the Superblast 2 felt a bit stiff out of the box, the Megablast arrives ready to rip from mile one.
The secret sauce is a new foam called FF Turbo Squared fashioned from A-TPU, the same compound found in Asics’s topline racer, the Metaspeed Ray.
That gives the shoe a near-addictive amount of bounce, while reducing the overall weight. The Megablast clocks in at 8.1 ounces (men’s size nine), which becomes even more impressive when you consider the 46mm stack height.
“If there was such a metric as stack-to-weight ratio, I feel like we’re taking the trophy on that one,” says Paul Lang, a senior product manager at Asics who helped oversee the creation of the Megablast.
The upgrade in foam isn’t without a hard cost, however. Pairs of the shoe retail for $225, putting it at the very top end of the market.
That said, the inclusion of a supetthin tongue, ultrabreathable upper and race-inspired serrated laces make it a complete package with no obvious flaws.
If ever a trainer was worthy of a $225 price tag, it’s this one.
57. Nomos reinvents the woldtimer watch by making it more fun
NomosGP100 Winner
Nomos Club Sport Neomatik Worldtimer
Specs
| Case Size | 40mm |
| Movement | Nomos Cal. DUW 3202 automatic worldtimer |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
In a sea of watches aiming to dazzle and impress at Watches and Wonders 2025, Nomos reminded everyone how much fun mechanical timekeeping can be.
The lighthearted German watchmaker introduced the Club Sport Neomatik Worldtimer, a sporty travel watch with an ingenious new complication.
The unassuming dial features a 24-hour sub-dial, a world time track on the outer rim, central hour and minutes hands and a small seconds. But the trick lies in how these elements work in unison.
When the lone pusher at 2:00 is pressed, the central hour hand advances one hour, while the world time dial advances one time zone. It blends a “traveler” GMT with a traditional worldtimer complication in an entertaining analog dance.
Travelers begin by setting the world time track to their home time zone, as indicated by a combination of abbreviations and airport codes. Then, they set the 24-hour sub-dial and central hands to their home time zone using the crown.
When their destination is reached, a few taps of the pusher set the watch to the local time. Better still, the pusher has a satisfying click and provides an engaging tactile experience from watching two elements of the dial adjust in unison.
The Club Sport Neomatik Worldtimer and its brilliant, novel caliber DUW 3202 automatic movement are part of Nomos’ permanent collection. It could represent the start of a new chapter in the story of mechanical travel watches.
56. Patagonia’s iconic bag gets the ideal compact carry-on treatment
PatagoniaGP100 Winner
Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC Backpack
Specs
| Capacity | 22L |
| Material(s) | TPU-laminated 8.7oz 300-denier polyester ripstop |
| Weight | 1.9375 lbs |
For decades, Patagonia’s Black Hole lineup has been the bar by which so many other bags, especially duffels and travel packs, are measured. However, as the industry has shifted, so too has the brand’s fan-favorite collection.
Among its most recent iterations is the brand’s MLC sub-lineup. For those not in the know, MLC stands for “Maximum Legal Carry-On” — the connecting tether being that all the bags with this moniker fit the majority of airlines’ carry-on size restrictions.
Unfortunately, that has become a moving target, so even the MLC bags have had to adjust over time. That’s where the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC Backpack comes into play.
To meet (and beat) the TSA’s ever-shifting standards, Patagonia has launched this, its most compact carry-on bag ever — one designed not for the overhead bin, but for the tight space below the seat. Yet, despite its svelte 22-liter capacity, this bag still bears all the same construction and stylistic hallmarks expected of a bag with the Black Hole name.
The purpose is twofold: to counteract the increasingly crowded and overstuffed overhead bins (it’s small enough to count as a “personal item”) while still offering room and organization for a weekend’s worth of gear.
And it manages this while still boasting an ultra-tough, weatherproof TPU-coated exterior, a padded laptop pouch, zippered mesh pockets (and other pouches), external tethers and more.
Perhaps best of all, the Micro MLC Backpack is also one of the most affordable bags in the whole Black Hole catalog.
55. This sheep’s wool blows away your cashmere and makes a killer suit
ZegnaGP100 Winner
Zegna Vellus Aureum Collection
Specs
| Fabric | Wool |
| Styles | Suiting, outerwear and shirts |
| Availability | In-store only |
Vellus Aureum is Latin for “Golden Fleece,” a reference to a mythical flying ram with golden wool featured in multiple ancient Greek legends. For Zegna’s Creative Director Alessandro Sartori, it is an homage to the fabric at the heart of the clothing industry for generations.
Zegna’s Vellus Aureum Collection celebrates wool by sourcing the finest pure wool available and transforming it into timeless menswear. As Sartori explains, “The man I have in mind has raided a wardrobe in which pieces have been collected over the decades, for their emotional and material value.”
It contains tried-and-true pieces, such as bomber jackets, field jackets, and long-sleeve polos, all executed in the finest wool to the highest standard.
And of course, the suiting is second to none. The Italian label offers a tight range of ready-to-wear formal wear, available exclusively in the brand’s boutiques. But the centerpiece of the collection is the bespoke tailoring.
Call it “quiet luxury” if you will — it is certainly priced that way — but we see the Vellus Aureum Collection as a brand at the pinnacle of its craft, fighting to preserve the natural textile it depends upon against the rising tide of synthetics.
54. The best noise-canceling headphones, now better
SonyAll-Time Low Price
Sony WH-1000XM6
Specs
| Drivers | 30mm dynamic drivers |
| Frequency Response | 4 Hz – 40,000 Hz |
| Weight | 8.9 ounces |
-
$450 (16% off)
It’s just a fact: Sony has been making some of the best noise-canceling headphones for most of the past decade. Its flagship 1000X series has long struck the right balance of industry-leading sound and active noise cancellation, while remaining lightweight and super comfortable.
And that continues with its latest models, the Sony WH-1000XM6.
Naturally, both their sound quality and active noise-cancellation have been improved. That’s largely thanks to a new-gen processor, which Sony claims is seven times faster than the previous one and uses twelve microphones (versus the previous eight).
Plus, Sony redesigned the drivers and gave them more advanced upscaling and immersive sound technologies.
But maybe more importantly, Sony updated a lot of little practical things with the WH-1000XM6 that make them functional.
It updated the design so the headphones fold inward, making them more compact and travel-friendly. It gave them a large circular power button that’s easier to recognize with the headphones on. And for the first time, you can charge and listen to headphones simultaneously. I know, amazing.
With Sony’s latest flagship cans, it’s very much the case that the best just got even better, in both expected and unexpected ways.
53. Your favorite hiker’s favorite hiker leveled up
SalomonSalomon X Ultra 5
Specs
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 11mm |
| Upper | PU coated leather/Textile |
| Weight | 16 ounces |
The successor to our pick for the best overall hiking boot, 2025’s X Ultra 5 improves on its predecessor in some key ways, while retaining its best qualities. Salomon’s X Ultra 4 already had excellent traction, waterproofing and agility — but the boot also had some blind spots, which have been rectified with Salomon’s update.
That starts with its new Matryx woven upper, a Kevlar-like material that strengthens the boot where it’s most needed: the toecap and sidewalls, which in previous versions were prone to blowouts.
The X Ultra 5 also has deeper outsole lugs, resulting in even better grip on uneven terrain — and a longer-lasting outsole, which also needed some improvement. Sewing patterns and lace positioning were also improved.
Where an already outstanding hiking boot is concerned, small changes can be incredibly impactful— and with the X Ultra 5, it seems Salomon’s presence on the trail is even more powerful.
52. The definitive “mall brand,” reinvigorated by an accomplished designer
GapGP100 Winner
GapStudio Icon Corduroy Jacket
Specs
| Fabric | 98% Cotton, 2% spandex |
| Sizes | XXS-XL |
| Color | Navy blue |
-
$158 (10% off)
In 2024, Gap hired the accomplished designer Zac Posen as Creative Director. His mission is to help revive the iconic American “mall brand,” for lack of a better term, that has been steadily fading into the background of the popular fashion landscape.
While Posen’s influence reaches across the entire Gap Inc. portfolio, including Old Navy, Banana Republic and Athleta, it is his personal imprint, GapStudio, that promises to bring the most attention to the brand.
The debut GapStudio menswear collection was released in November 2025, blending vintage Gap staples from the 1990s with chic modern tailoring.
There are trucker jackets, long sleeve t-shirts and lots of denim, mixed with double-breasted jackets, fitted dress shirts and champagne-colored satin. The entire collection is best summed up by the Icon Corduroy Jacket, a trucker jacket with a luxury-inspired fit, made from velvety-smooth corduroy.
Everything is cut to emulate some of the most coveted luxury menswear labels. Pants are fitted, but not tight, with flared legs, and jackets are loose but not baggy, creating sharp lines.
Posen’s new aesthetic for the crestfallen menswear line lands halfway between the red-hot Parisian luxury brand Husbands and, well, Gap. It broadcasts a look that has been at the cutting edge of menswear for years now to a larger audience at an approachable price.
51. Crocs morphed its ultra-comfy clogs into the ultimate campground kicks
CrocsGP100 Winner
Crocs Echo RO Clogs
Specs
| Jibbitz Charm-Compatible | Yes |
| Outsole | Rubber |
| Upper | Croslite foam |
This year may go down as one of Crocs’ most prolific, ever. And that’s saying a lot, as the brand has had a pretty impressive ascendance over its 23-year history.
One of the reasons this year has been so significant for the brand is its expansion into new spaces, particularly the outdoors. Perhaps the best example of this endeavor is the Crocs Echo Ro Clog.
While this bold new design shares some crucial elements in common with the brand’s traditional clogs, it’s also a major departure in others.
As to the former, it retains an upper crafted from the brand’s proprietary Croslite foam and maintains the signature perforations (which support the brand’s Jibbitz charms and act as ventilation and drainage holes). They also retain a soft, cushy LiteRide footbed.
However, the outsole is unlike those of other Crocs. Instead of a single piece of Croslite for the upper and outsole, this one has a full-length, wraparound, treaded rubber outsole. That grants these clogs a better grip on uneven terrain, even in inclement weather, making them a lot more adept for outdoor usage, like camping and (light) hiking.
They’ve also been given a more sporty, secure nylon back strap. Toe to heel, these are much more athletic, adventurous shoes than the brand has previously offered.
50. An added third wheel to make adventure touring accessible
Can-AmGP100 Winner
2025 Can-Am Canyon
Specs
| Curb Weight | 1,036 lbs |
| Horsepower | 115 hp |
| Peak Engine Torque | 96 lb-ft |
While the concept of a three-wheeler in itself is nothing new, Can-Am pioneered an entire category with the Canyon. Equipped with plush adaptive suspension, underbody protection and rugged hard-sided luggage, it’s a highly adventurous vehicle in spirit.
As such, even though it’s technically suited more for gravel and dirt trail use rather than true off-road exploration (it’s rear-wheel drive), the vehicle is nevertheless a highly disruptive release.
By removing the need to balance, Can-Am has created a capable mile-munching adventure tourer — not unlike a heavy BMW GS — accessible to a much wider range of riders.
What’s more, Can-Am pairs a Rotax 1330 ACE inline-three engine with a six-speed semi-automatic transmission, so it offers plenty of grunt while providing beginner-friendly clutch-less operation.
Available in three different trim levels — base, XT and Redrock — and engineered with an abundance of Lynq points for everything from additional storage to action camera mounts, the Canyon is a vehicle that puts personalization first.
It’s an uncharacteristic take on the traditional adventure tourer, but it allows even beginners to get out there, explore parts unknown and return home safely.
49. A soundbar that combines new-age tech with 60 years of hi-fi expertise
KEFGP100 Winner
KEF XIO Soundbar
Specs
| Drivers | 12 |
| Power Output | 820 watts |
| Soundbar | 5.12-channel Dolby Atmos soundbar |
The wireless soundbar category has become the next frontier to conquer for traditional hi-fi companies, it seems, with the likes of Bowers & Wilkins, Bang & Olufsen and Sennheiser all vying to make the next great rival to Sonos’s Arc Ultra.
But KEF’s first wireless soundbar, the XIO, is the one to stand out the most. It has a beautiful, almost frameless design that combines dual-tone fabric weave with a sandblasted aluminum top panel. More importantly, it features 12 individually amplified drivers that deliver 820 watts of immersive Dolby Atmos sound.
Six of these drivers are what the famed British hi-fi manufacturer are Uni-Q MX drivers, which the brand describes as miniature versions of the Uni-Q drivers featured in its larger loudspeakers. Three are front-firing, three are up-firing.
One of the cool things with the XIO is that it’s integrated with numerous advanced technologies — KEF is a leader in wireless active loudspeaker systems, after all — one of them allowing it to detect its orientation and alternate these front-firing and up-firing drivers accordingly.
That’s right, the XIO is positioned differently, with the front facing a different direction depending on whether it’s wall-mounted or resting on a media console. Not many soundbars can do that and still, according to KEF, deliver a “transcendent cinematic sound experience.”
48. A 250-year-old watch brand’s bold vision of the future
BreguetGP100 Winner
Breguet Classique Souscription 2025
Specs
| Case Size | 40mm |
| Movement | Breguet Cal. VS00 manual-wind |
| Water Resistance | 30m |
No watch brand had a bigger year than Breguet.
While many brands celebrated anniversaries in 2025 — Vacheron Constantin turned 270, Audemars Piguet, 150 — it was Breguet that made the most of its birthday.
The Swiss watchmaker, which typically only releases around five new watches per year, put out a dozen in 2025, all of them decidedly impressive.
We got Breguet’s first water-resistant minute repeater, its first flying tourbillon and the incredible Experimentale 1, which introduced a crazy-precise new magnetic escapement and 10Hz tourbillon.
But the most impactful of the brand’s 2025 releases was also perhaps the simplest. The Classique Souscription 2025, with its unique one-handed enamel dial, got its design inspiration from founder Abraham-Louis Breguet’s Souscription pocket watches in the 18th century.
But while it may seem like this 200-plus-year-old design is looking backward, the Classique Souscription 2025 is actually the watch most representative of Breguet’s future.
The watch introduced a new proprietary precious metal alloy, Breguet Gold, which was subsequently featured in other 2025 250th-anniversary releases. More notably, it also debuted an exciting new case shape for the brand.
Featuring more contemporary curves, more ergonomic lugs and cleaner brushed sides instead of the brand’s traditional fluted case sides, this is a decidedly more modern case than we’re used to seeing from Breguet. It showed a willingness from the brand, which at times has been traditional to a fault, to experiment in unexpected and refreshing ways.
In the past, Breguet’s long and illustrious history has at times been a burden for the brand. But with the Classique Souscription, Breguet proves it’s possible to tastefully honor its heritage while also modernizing areas of its product that have grown stale.
And if this watch is any indication, Breguet’s next 250 years will be even better than the first.
47. Levi’s embraces Japanese excellence in the world of denim
Levi’sGP100 Winner
Levi’s Blue Tab Made in Japan 1980s 501 Jeans
Specs
| Fabric | 100% Cotton |
| Fly | Button |
| Fit | Straight with slight taper |
Levi’s Blue Tab is one of the most intriguing moves made by the king of American denim in a long time. While the brand is no stranger to working with Japanese denim, the new collection offers the first permanent, readily available assortment of Japanese fabrics and Japanese manufacturing.
Debuting in April of 2025, Blue Tab consists of small seasonal collections built around Japanese reinterpretations of twentieth-century American workwear. Notably, only a small portion of each collection is actually manufactured in Japan.
The foundation of the collection, of course, is the jeans. Blue Tab offers several of Levi’s most popular cuts, manufactured in Japan using denim from Kaihara, one of the oldest and most respected mills in the country.
Kaihara worked with the Blue Tab design team to create a new denim exclusively for the collection, aiming to replicate it as closely as possible to surviving mid-century examples.
The standout example of the Blue Tab Fall/Winter 2025 collection is the Made in Japan 1980 501s. It combines the fit and feel of highly coveted vintage jeans with the Japanese craftsmanship that has long been the gold standard of denim production.
46. An iconic EDC multi-tool, now more modern and handy than ever
VictorinoxGP100 Winner
Victorinox Synergy Alox
Specs
| Blade Length/Material | 2.44 inches/Stainless Steel |
| Functions | 8 |
| Weight | 2.7 ounces |
“Evolve or die” is a mantra that echoes from sports to the arts to business and beyond.
But rarely do we see it so nakedly brought to life as with a unique Swiss Army Knife quietly released by Victorinox earlier this year.
Dubbed the Synergy Alox, it catches the eye with its aluminum oxide (aka Alox) handle scales, complete with a partially brushed finish, skeletonized cutouts and grip-improving griddle texture.
This style-forward aesthetic — along with a stripped-down tool set that includes a large blade, box opener, 3 mm screwdriver, 7 mm screwdriver, nail file, nail cleaner, wire stripper and bottle opener — addresses one aspect of brand evolution.
While so many SAKs point toward specific outdoor use cases, the sleek and sexy Alox is very much making a play for urban EDC kits.
Strengthening its case are a couple of elements that, it may shock you to learn, are pretty dang unlikely for SAKs.
The first is a locking leaf for the main blade, which simply makes every cut smoother and safer.
The second, even scarcer feature, believe it or not, is a pocket clip.
Both of these traits are so uncommon, SAKs featuring them almost invariably have “Lockblade” or “Clip” incorporated into their names.
That makes finding both in the same item — at a price tag of just $78 — feel like a very rare find indeed.
Guess Victorinox isn’t planning on dying anytime soon.
45. An electric duo lowering the barrier to off-road bliss
Zero MotorcyclesGP100 Winner
Zero X Line (XE and XB)
Specs
| Curb Weight | 139 lbs (XB); 223 lbs (XE) |
| Horsepower | 10 hp (XB); 20.1 hp (XE) |
| Peak Rear Wheel Torque | 275 lb-ft (XB); 468 lb-ft (XE) |
The OG electric motorcycle brand, Zero has been at this game for nearly two decades now.
While they’ve garnered praise for their innovative street, supermoto and adventure bikes, price and range barriers have often stopped them short of perfection.
Turns out the ideal venue for all their hard-won R&D is something that probably wasn’t even on the radar a few years back: lightweight dirt bikes.
It’s true. We’ve enjoyed motos from the brand’s S, DS and FX Lines, but the two X Line offerings, the XB and XE, blew us away with how they welcome new riders to the off-road space (and grizzled vets to the electric space) by connecting on a bunch of levels.
The two sizes reduce intimidation for beginners while slaking the big bike thirst of experienced folks. (The former is especially true thanks to the XB’s 139-pound curb weight and 32.7-inch seat height.)
The shifting of all controls to the handlebars (throttle and front brake on the right, rear brake and, yes, reverse on the left) lets noobs step up to off-roading without the additional stress of shifting and braking with their feet while standing and sitting.
The unbelievable torque — several times greater than gas options — amps the adrenaline to 11 while the silent engines let you chat with friends mid-ride.
The range (65 miles for the XE, 40 miles for the XB) is more than enough for a day in the backcountry, especially when you can swap in fresh batteries in seconds.
It all adds up to a level of fun that far outweighs the fear, and that’s without even mentioning one of the biggest barrier-lowering factors: a starting price (for the XB) under $4,400.
44. A new horizon for pizza ovens
GozneyGP100 Winner
Gozney Tread
Specs
| Fuel | Propane |
| Maximum Pizza Size | 12" |
| Weight | 29.7 lbs |
-
$499 (20% off)
Unless you’re grabbing a single slice on the streets of New York, pizza isn’t a particularly travel-friendly food — especially not if you’re making it from scratch. However, Gozney’s Tread pizza oven could change that, so long as you’re a relatively intrepid sort of person.
Whereas the vast majority of home pizza ovens have a set-it-up-and-leave-it format, this one is explicitly designed to accompany you from place to place, making it ideal for campers, glampers, overlanders and RV enthusiasts. That alone makes it unique in its class, granting it the self-proclaimed title of “world’s most portable pizza oven.”
At nearly 30 pounds, it’s hefty, yet manageable. And that size comes with some profound benefits, such as a genuine stone cooking surface for perfectly baked pies of up to 12 inches in diameter (it can also fit cast iron pans in its generous opening for other campground meals) and a ruggedized aluminum and steel construction that can bear the risks of travel.
Since it runs on propane, finding fuel anywhere within spitting distance of civilization is an easy prospect. And, for those worried about that fuel affecting its cooking abilities, worry not; the oven’s revolutionary lateral gas burners recreate the same cooking conditions as wood fire.
The brand even went so far as to craft a bevy of accessories, including a telescoping stand, a modular shelf, a mantel, peels and more. Let’s be honest: who doesn’t want pizza everywhere and all the time?
43. The new standard for handheld gaming PCs
XboxGP100 Winner
Asus ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X
Specs
| Dispaly | 7-inch FHD (1080p) IPS with a 120Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z2 A (Ally); AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme (Ally X) |
| Storage | 512GB (Ally); 1TB (Ally X) |
2025 was actually a banner year for handheld gaming consoles. Sure, the Switch 2 grabbed most of the headlines (and the sales numbers), but the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X might be better representations of where the future of gaming, portable or not, is headed.
The two consoles — which are mostly identical (aside from color), with the “X” being the upgraded version — are a joint collaboration between Microsoft and Asus. In fact, they’re like last year’s ROG Ally X, but made to feel like an Xbox controller and play Xbox games.
A portable Xbox console? Sort of. They’re the first Xbox-brand handheld consoles and thus allow users to play most (though not all) Xbox games through Xbox Play Anywhere, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Xbox Remote Play. And that’s a big deal as it separates these consoles from their biggest rival, the Steam Deck.
Yet, they’re still technically PC handhelds that run Windows. Sure, this means there are times when it can feel like you’re navigating files on a desktop. But it also gives you access to other third-party stores, like Stream (which comes preinstalled), and access to way more games than your current Xbox.
Additionally, the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are the first PC handhelds to support the Xbox full screen experience, which automatically boots you into the familiar Xbox app, so you can jump right into gaming and skip most of the Windows-related rigamarole after the initial setup process.
Note: As of late November 2025, Microsoft has started rolling out the Xbox full screen experience to other Windows 11 handhelds.
42. The best chronograph in the $5,000 range, and it’s not even close
LonginesGP100 Winner
Longines Spirit Pilot Flyback
Specs
| Case Size | 39.5mm |
| Movement | Longines Cal. L792.4 manual-wind flyback chronograph |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
Longines unlocked the full potential of its competitively priced flyback chronograph. The Swiss watchmaker didn’t just revamp the dial and add Pilot to the name, it gave the impressive but flawed design a complete overhaul, making it exponentially more wearable and nicer to look at.
Photo by Johnny Brayson for Gear PatrolThe Spirit Pilot Flyback has a slimmed-down case, now measuring 39.5mm across, 47.4mm lug-to-lug and, best of all, just 13.4mm thick. The new dimensions transformed the formerly unwieldy watch into something you will never want to take off your wrist.
The other half of the glow-up is the simplified dial. Longines’ divisive five-star flourish is gone, with only the brand logo — including the flying hourglass icon — situated at twelve o’clock, and three discrete lines of text at six o’clock.
Photo by Johnny Brayson for Gear PatrolBlack and gilt is arguably the most universally appealing color scheme for a watch, and you would be hard-pressed to find a better example than this pilot-themed, bi-compax dial. Adding to the allure is a fully lumed bezel track, which caps off the overall exceptional legibility.
Photo by Johnny Brayson for Gear PatrolOf course, the heart of the watch, and the reason it was able to slim down so much, is the new caliber L792.4 hand-wound movement, built exclusively for Longines by its sister company, ETA. It has a silicone balance spring, a 68-hour power reserve, a column wheel and, as the name suggests, a flyback function.
Despite the downsizing, this is about as much watch as you can get for just over $5,000.
41. A V8 about-face that echoes the industry’s changing EV initiatives
StellantisGP100 Winner
2026 Ram 1500 Hemi
Specs
| Engine | 5.7-liter V8 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Output | 395 hp & 410 lb-ft of torque |
The Ram 1500 secured a spot on this year’s roundup not because of anything new that it brought to the table. Rather, we felt it worthy of inclusion due to the fact that the truck made a return to Hemi V8 power, as it’s a change that speaks to the state of the automotive world at large.
Last year, Ram discontinued the 5.7-liter option in favor of its more powerful and more efficient Hurricane Straight Six Turbo as part of a larger Stellantis mixed-energy strategy.
However, following continued consumer outcry and a significant change in leadership personnel, the brand reversed its decision and reintroduced the engine to the 1500 series for 2026.
As if that wasn’t enough, Ram has since reframed the whole ordeal as a marketing opportunity, announcing its commitment to internal combustion through a new “Symbol of Protest” badge and cancelling the development of its all-electric Ramcharger pickup.
In any case, the initial discontinuation and subsequent reintroduction of a V8 as iconic as the 5.7-liter Hemi (and from a truck like the Ram 1500 no less) is much more than a mere administrative error. It’s a moment that epitomizes an ongoing and industry-wide about-face regarding automotive electrification.
After all, on a Federal level, the United States’s hesitancy to embrace EVs has resulted in not only the discontinuation of tax credits but also the nullification of emissions standards.
40. The granddaddy of dad shoes
New BalanceGP100 Winner
Made in UK Allerdale “Hazelnut”
Specs
| Cushioning | FuelCell |
| Insole | Ortholite |
| Upper | Vegetable tanned nubuck |
Comfort is king. But must every shoe look so technical?
Not if you’re New Balance.
Named after the region where the brand crafts its “Made in UK” roster, the Allerdale is a modern-day walking shoe with geriatric charm. We mean that affectionately.
The first variants featured dark-brown uppers in tumbled leather and suede, while a one-off collab Drake’s turned heads with its multimaterial makeup.
Taking stock, the ortho look is divisive and certainly risky. But it’s also something else: a refreshing reminder that sometimes the best way to outrun the trends is to go your own pace.
39. A new bar for portable coffee gear
AeroPressGp100 winner
AeroPress Manual Coffee Grinder
Specs
| Burrs Material | Titanium-coated steel |
| Catch Capacity | 25 grams |
| Grind Settings | 60+ |
The original AeroPress was a revelation. Simple, affordable and surprisingly consistent, the plastic coffee has earned no shortage of fans since its 2005 debut.
Two decades later, those same fans finally got a missing piece of the AeroPress ecosystem: a dedicated grinder.
It’s far from a mere concession prize. The AeroPress Manual Coffee Grinder showcases the same obsessive, practical design philosophy that made its plastic brewer iconic all those years ago.
First it features a lightweight aluminum body, fitted with titanium-coated stainless-steel burrs. There are also 60 grind settings, covering everything from espresso-fine particles to the coarse profiles needed for cold brew.
As for portability, a magnetic handle snaps neatly onto the grinder’s body for travel, eliminating loose parts and rattling. Meanwhile, the slim form factor nests directly inside an AeroPress chamber, turning the entire setup into a single, packable unit.
If fans are divided on anything, it’s the price. The AeroPress Manual Coffee Grinder costs $200, a stark departure from the budget-friendly reputation of the classic brewer.
Still, if its performance proves as capable as its engineering, the grinder may well become the go-to companion for anyone building the ultimate portable AeroPress kit.
38. Garmin’s elite outdoor smartwatch lets you leave your phone at home
GarminGP100 Winner
Garmin Fenix 8 Pro
Specs
| Battery life | Up to 27 days (OLED); up to 10 days (MicroLED) |
| Connectivity | LTE, Satellite, Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi |
| Sizes | 47mm or 51mm |
Even with the introduction of the Apple Watch Ultra several years ago, Garmin’s smartwatches have been favored by true outdoor adventurers. Reasons? Vastly superior battery life, ruggedness, trailing features, better physical buttons, Android compatibility … and that’s to name a few.
But with this year’s Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple introduced a key feature for those same people: satellite messaging. This allows wearers to send texts or an emergency SOS message even when off the grid and without cellular coverage. It’s a game-changer.
Fortunately, Garmin’s new “best of the best” smartwatch wasn’t too far behind. The Fenix 8 Pro supports both cellular and satellite connectivity, meaning — for an $8/month fee — you can leave your smartphone and still have a way to reach out to the outside world (or have a lifeline if your smartphone dies).
But that’s not the only upgrade Garmin has made to its premium, multi-sport smartwatches.
Most notably, in addition to the models with an OLED display, Garmin also introduced a more elite version of the Fenix 8 Pro with a MicroLED display and a maximum brightness of 4,500 nits — according to Garmin, it’s the brightest smartwatch ever.
Of course, these new elite smartwatches come at a premium. Although you can’t really put a price on potentially life-saving tech and an excellent display, can you? (Well, maybe you can put a price on the latter.)
37. A revival of an icon and a preview of future sports car possibilities
HondaGP100 Winner
2026 Honda Prelude
Specs
| Engine | 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder & two electric motors |
| Transmission | eCVT |
| Output | 200 hp & 232 lb-ft |
25 years after the discontinuation of the Prelude, Honda has revived the model for a new sixth-generation version based on the Civic hybrid. However, as notable as it is that the badge has made a return, it’s really the car’s implications that earned it a spot on this list.
For one, the Prelude — true to its heritage — is packed full of innovation, as its Honda S+ Shift drive mode brings simulated gear shifts to a hybrid-electric powertrain.
By precisely managing engine RPM and integrating paddle shifters, Honda has made it so that the car can mimic downshift blips, rev matching, gear holding and enhanced engine sounds, even though it’s a pair of electric motors that actually drive the wheels.
What’s more, the Prelude makes for the first hybrid-electric model to incorporate the chassis components from the legendary Civic Type R.
Along with the dual-axis strut front suspension, it also brings the hot hatch’s wider front and rear tracks, as well as its oversized front brakes.
In addition to previewing the potential loss of a manual for the Civic Type R, the Prelude has also proven that Honda’s parts bin can bear fruit.
Initial orders in Japan were eight times that of the monthly projections.
36. This EDC pack didn’t need fixing. Aer improved it, anyhow
AerGP100 Winner
Aer City Pack Pro 2
Specs
| Capacity | 24L |
| Material(s) | 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon |
| Weight | 2.86 lbs |
-
$209 (20% off)
Originally founded in 2014 through crowdfunding, Aer now has more than a decade backing up its exceptional catalog. One of the brand’s constant strengths over that period has, undoubtedly, been its ability to remain ahead of the curve — managed by consistently improving its offerings.
And therein lies the San Francisco-based outfit’s true greatness: it has never once waited for a product to become outdated before giving it a redux. Such is the case with the Aer City Pack Pro 2.
Arguably the brand’s best urban commuting EDC bag, the original City Pack was an exceptional, svelte bag, boasting 24 liters of storage, a rugged ballistic nylon exterior, a stunning minimalist design and superb interior organization. But it wasn’t perfect.
Taking into account fan feedback, the brand “focused on making [its] bags even more versatile, comfortable and durable,” per Aer’s head of operations Andy Choi. To that end, the brand refined the bag’s fit, aesthetics and even overall comfort.
While that may have been enough for lesser brands, Aer didn’t stop there. It also revamped every single pocket and compartment, tweaking and refining them to offer better utility and an improved overall user experience. It even added some crucial quality-of-life upgrades, like a luggage pass-through.
Now, a bag that was already among the best around is even better, all because the brand heeded the call of its customers, and that has made all the difference.
35. Jaguar’s most pivotal moment since the E-Type
JaguarGP100 Winner
Jaguar Type 00 Concept
Specs
| Engine | TBD |
| Transmission | Single-speed drive |
| Output | 956 hp (est.) |
It’s been over a half a century since Jaguar caused as much of a stir as the Type 00 Concept. The last time the Coventry-based automaker generated such a buzz was when it debuted the E-Type in 1961.
But when the company revealed the Type 00 Concept, it was met with both major criticism and praise. Those whose feathers were ruffled criticized it as being far too forward and avant-garde, with its unapologetically bold and polarizing design.
Many also questioned what it meant for the brand, a purveyor of sophisticated, fast and luxurious sports cars, sedans and even SUVs. On the other side, those praising the Type 00 Concept saw it as a way to depart from its antiquated past and rid the brand of its image of catering to the well-off AARP crowd.
Regardless of what side of the aisle you’re on, the Type 00 Concept’s impact on the auto industry is undeniably momentous.
It’s not just a concept either. The Type 00 previews a future production and exclusive luxury four-door grand tourer EV, one that intends to take on the likes of Rolls-Royce and Bentley.
It also reveals the company’s major rebranding and theme, “copy nothing,” complete with a new logo and insignia.
The Type 00 Concept also debuts Jaguar-Land Rover’s latest and completely new JEA or Jaguar Electric Architecture modular platform, which will spawn a complete range of all-electric models.
But most importantly, it paints a picture of what the world can expect future Jaguar Cars to look like when they pull up to the local dinner spot.
The production model will also debut the company’s in-house all-electric propulsion system. Specifications are limited, but one of the key parameters of the design is that it has to provide between 450 and 500 miles on a single charge while also delivering 956 horsepower.
Although not yet confirmed, rumors suggest the production model will be ready for primetime sometime later in 2026 and early 2027.
34. America gets its own version of a famous Japanese sub-label
The North FaceGP100 Winner
The North Face Red Box Half-Zip Fleece
Specs
| Features | Center front half zip; secure-zip kangaroo hand pocket; elastic cuffs and hem |
| Material | 200D 350 g/m² 100% recycled polyester |
| Sizes | XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL |
There’s no denying The North Face expertly straddles the line between fashion and function — and for a brand prized as much for its performance as its aesthetic, the sky is the limit.
Taking that unbounded potential to heart, the Gorpcore darling released a new collection this year that focuses on everyday basics meant to be worn off-mountain. The Red Box collection takes influence from archival styles, and gives them a modern twist: this takes the form of oversized fits and premium-focused materials.
The Half-Zip Fleece demonstrates the collection’s everyday appeal, whilst remaining true to TNF’s rugged roots. The center-front half zip, complemented by a generous kangaroo front pocket with zippers, is made from 100 percent recycled fleece and uses an oversized fit for all-day comfort.
The series also includes accessories, a down jacket and heritage-inspired city bags … so even if you choose to spend the day relaxing over adventuring, you can still rep your favorite outdoor brand.
33. The year’s most surprising premium whiskey, from a dive bar icon
Jack Daniel’sGP100 Winner
Jack Daniel’s 14-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey Batch #1
Specs
| Whiskey Type | Tennesse whiskey |
| Mashbill | 80% corn, 12% malted barley, 8% rye |
| Proof | 126.3 |
| Age Statement | 14 years |
Jack Daniel’s spent more than a century proving that consistency could be a virtue. Same mash bill. Same charcoal mellowing. Same square bottle. For most of its history, that was the whole point: Old No. 7 didn’t need to flex age statements or limited editions because it was already one of the best-selling American whiskeys on the planet. Stability was the brand.
Eventually, the market changed. Drinkers wanted proof — not just literal barrel proof, but evidence of craft, patience, specificity. Age statements became currency. Premium line extensions were no longer prestige vanity projects; they were how legacy distillers showed they could still move with a world that now sorts whiskey by provenance, rickhouse, and year.
Jack Daniel’s responded with a decade-aged release. Then a 12-year. And now, for the first time in over a century, this: Jack Daniel’s 14 Years Old, a bottle that signals the brand isn’t just participating in the premium race — it’s out-executing rivals who’ve been running it for years.
The whiskey itself is straightforward in concept but far from predictable in execution. Fourteen years is a long time for Tennessee whiskey in new American oak, especially with Jack’s famously warm warehouses accelerating extraction.
Reviewers expected lumber; they got balance. Drinkers describe a profile that leans into deep caramel, toasted pecan, clove and singed orange peel, all riding on a structure that somehow keeps the oak’s sharper edges in check, especially with a splash of water.
At barrel proof — often landing north of 130 — it should read as punishing. Instead it settles into that narrow band where richness meets restraint, closer in character to a luxed-up Single Barrel than anything meant to chase stunt-proof hype.
That’s why this release made the GP100. Not because it’s Jack Daniel’s oldest statement to date, and not because the whiskey community responded with the predictable frenzy that greets any double-digit age declaration. It’s here because of what it reveals about the brand’s new approach.
After decades of being typecast as the monolithic Tennessee institution, Jack has now unquestionably mastered the rules of the modern premium market in a way that should terrify distillers who never imagined they’d have to compete with one of the world’s most famous whiskey brands.
This bottle isn’t a victory lap. It’s a recalibration point that suggests Jack Daniel’s has zero interest in letting other heritage brands define the high end of the category for them anymore.
In the strange, delightful churn of American whiskey’s evolution, one truth emerges: even giants can learn to dance again. This 14-year release is Jack Daniel’s proving it still knows the rhythm — and can lead.
32. The ultimate all-in-one burger and fries backyard cooker
BlackstoneGP100 Winner
Blackstone Iron Forged Griddle Airfryer Combo
Specs
| Cooking Surface Area | 36” Omnivore Griddle Plate |
| Fuel Type | Propane |
| Ignition | Electronic |
Blackstone is the name to beat when it comes to griddles, be they formatted for the backyard, campsite or otherwise. However, the brand’s best innovation of the year isn’t due to a flat top.
Yes, the Blackstone Iron Forged Griddle Airfryer Combo is an exceptional griddle, offering four independent heat zones across its spacious 36-inch flat-top surface. Plus, it has expandable side shelves with tool hooks for ingredient prep and storage.
But what really sets it apart is beneath all of that, literally. Between its griddle top and storage cabinet bottom, this backyard cooker has a three-part secret weapon in the form of two 4.0-quart air fryers and a 4.0-quart warming drawer.
That makes this an all-in-one burgers and fries machine — you can literally smash burgers on the flat top while making those julienne potatoes (or chicken wings, veggies and so on) ultra-crispy in the drawers below.
While the griddle top runs on propane gas, the air fryers and warmer tray utilize electricity — more specifically, a 120v plug. Thankfully, you’ll already need access to electricity to operate the griddle’s electronic ignition, so you won’t need anything more than it already requires to operate.
31. The stackable, modular system that reinvents car camping packing
DometicGP100 Winner
Dometic Recon
Specs
| Hard Cooler Sizes | 16, 41, 69 liters |
| Soft Cooler Sizes | 12, 17, 21 liters |
| Accessories | Faucet, Ice Block, Drink Holder, Divider, Drop-In Basket, Tote |
Dometic may be known and prized in the overlanding community for its electric coolers, which are reliable and driven by quality, but its most exciting release of 2025 was deceptively simple: a new range of passive coolers, called the Recon collection.
While traditional coolers may seem basic, the Recon collection is anything but. Dometic completely redesigned the cooler from the outside in, including a selection of carefully selected details that elevate this release.
Rather than prioritize interior measurements, Dometic focused on exterior dimensions first; this reversal resulted in a system where both hard and soft coolers of various sizes are designed to nestle neatly in a garage or vehicle. For anyone who’s packed for a camping trip, this is a much-appreciated update.
The fun doesn’t stop there: the lids are multi-directional and completely removable, increasing their accessibility and utility. A full suite of accompanying accessories also launched alongside the Recon collection, including dividers, baskets and a spigot that connects to the drain cap, converting the small hardside cooler into a 16-liter water jug.
After all, these days, is a cooler ever just a cooler?
30. Non-slip sunnies, stunting on the competition
OakleyOakley Stunt Wing
Specs
| Frame | O-Matter injection molded thermoplastic frame |
| Lenses | Prizm Ruby |
| Weight | 41 grams |
Non-slip sunglasses that actually stay in place during intense activity are no longer a pipe dream, thanks to Oakley’s innovation in frame technology. This year, the brand released HyperGrip Technology in its new Stunt Collection, headlined by the Stunt Wing.
Secondly, Hypergrip swaps out conventional acetate construction for an injection molded thermoplastic frame, which increases strength and flexibility.
The Stunt Wing, designed to withstand intense movement, uses this to great effect. The sunnies feature a violin bow-inspired frame and silicone straps that hug your head without creating discomfort, allowing you to focus on the task at hand.
29. The ultimate affordable watch company establishes an imprint for connoisseurs
TimexGP100 Winner
Timex Atelier Marine M1a
Specs
| Case Size | 41mm |
| Movement | Catena Cal. SA100 automatic |
| Water Resistance | 200m |
Timex is known and loved for its bargain watches, which often come in at well below $500. While mining its archives and duplicating established favorites at an affordable price has gained the Waterbury watchmaker great success over the past decade, it clearly has higher aspirations.
Beginning in 2022, Giorgio Galli, Timex’s Creative Director, released a self-titled series of automatic watches with specs and price tags well above the brand’s typical offerings.
As it turns out, Galli was merely testing the waters before launching Timex Atelier, a sub-brand dedicated to creating sophisticated watches aimed at the mid-tier market. It is a bold venture, but if the debut reference is any indication, it is one of the most exciting new brands in the industry.
Galli kicked off Timex’s new venture with the Marine M1a, a dive watch that blends familiar looks with inventive design. It has a unidirectional dive bezel, classic triangle-dot-dash hour markers and a lollipop seconds hand.
But the bezel is fully lumed, including a fun horizontal stripe pattern on the pip. It features a skeletonized case frame and lug design, which reduces weight. And it runs on an obscure but impressive Swiss-made automatic movement, which beats at 4Hz and has a 36-hour power reserve.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Marine M1a is its price. Despite being far and away the best dive watch Timex has ever produced, boasting a 200m water resistance, automatic movement and a ton of lume, it only costs $950 on a rubber strap and $1,050 on a steel three-link bracelet.
If Timex can consistently offer equivalent bargains in the $1,000 range to those we’ve been spoiled by at the $250 range, then the watch industry is on notice in 2026.
28. The “best of Ikea” but better than ever
IkeaIkea Stockholm Sofa
Specs
| Cushions | Coir, natural latex and latex foam |
| Dimensions | 26 3/4 x 91 3/4 x 40 1/2 inches |
| Frame | Solid wood, particleboard, fiberboard, plywood |
In 1985, Ikea’s founder Ingvar Kamprad referred to the Stockholm collection as “the best of Ikea.” The collection of elevated classics — which defies any assumptions regarding quality you may have about the brand — has been reissued just seven times since it first released 40 years ago. That rarity, combined with its timeless charm and high quality manufacturing, only adds to its appeal.
This year’s edition of the Stockholm collection included 96 instant classics, from rugs to sofas to even a chandelier. The generously proportioned Stockholm Sofa exemplifies the refined viewpoint of the collection; the natural wood frame, generous proportions and classic styling defy trends while remaining fresh.
The 2025 Stockholm collection doesn’t simply symbolize a dedication to quality; novelty is prized as well, as evidence by the inclusion of the retailer’s fist-ever foam-free sofa, as well as thoughtful details like the wood and glass table with no visible fittings to the oak veneer cabinet with a little brass key.
The Stockholm collection represents more than just new furniture: these pieces are an invitation to create a home.
27. The rare sequel that’s better than the original
Christopher WardGP100 Winner
Christopher Ward C12 Loco
Specs
| Case Size | 41mm |
| Movement | Christopher Ward Cal. CW-03 manual-wind |
| Water Resistance | 30m |
In late 2022, Christopher Ward launched the watch that would forever change the direction of the company.
The C1 Bel Canto utilized a clever in-house jumping module to create a chiming watch at a price far lower than anyone had ever thought possible.
The Bel Canto quickly became the de facto flagship of CW, a brand previously known for its affordable, homage-ish dive watches. What’s more, the watch significantly raised the profile of the brand, putting Christopher Ward on the radar of collectors who previously had little to no interest in the brand.
But the watch industry moves at a breakneck pace, and before long, the conversation surrounding Christopher Ward shifted to wondering how the brand could possibly follow up a watch as groundbreaking as the Bel Canto. After all, sequels are never as good as the original.
Except, apparently, in the case of the C12 Loco.
Rather than resting on its laurels, Christopher Ward doubled down on its efforts to democratize haute horlogerie by launching a watch even more impressive than the Bel Canto in 2025.
While perhaps less novel than the Bel Canto’s chiming mechanism, the Loco is a decidedly more accomplished piece of watchmaking.
Rather than relying on a module mated to an off-the-shelf Sellita movement, the Loco runs on a brand-new, fully in-house movement boasting a whopping six-day power reserve and the kind of floating, dial-side escapement and free-sprung balance most often seen in six-figure watches from brands like MB&F.
The balance wheel is custom-made, the movement has chronometer-level accuracy and the bridges — both on the dial and on the movement’s stunning reverse side — are hand-finished.
This is legitimate high watchmaking, for a price that’s even less believable than the Bel Canto’s.
Now, just one question remains for Christopher Ward: How about a trilogy?
26. Framework enters the customizable desktop PC market
FrameworkGP100 Winner
Framework Desktop
Specs
| Operating System | Linux or Windows (costs extra) |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen AI Max processors |
| Rear Ports | HDMI (1x), DisplayPort (2x), USB-C (2x), USB-A (2x), 3.5 headphone, Ethernet |
Unfamiliar with Framework? The American tech company has been selling modular laptops that are highly customizable, upgradable and repairable for the last several years, catering to the DIY crowd.
And now it has brought that same ethos to desktop PCs for the first time with Framework Desktop.
You can think of it as sort of like a modular Mac Mini. When ordered, the compact 4.5-liter tower comes preinstalled with the mainboard, CPU heatsink and power supply, but, depending on the kit you buy, you have to assemble the storage drive, CPU fan, side panels and various other elements.
Worried about a tedious build? Don’t. There’s no soldering or thermal paste involved. It just requires a screwdriver (included) and connecting the various components together. The entire build process should take less than thirty minutes.
But that’s not where the fun ends. As expected, the Framework Desktop is modular, customizable and upgradable. You can order extras such as expansion card ports or additional storage, a transparent side panel or an RGB-lit fan.
The real star is the front panel, which features a customizable 21-tile grid, allowing you to snap in individual tiles—some with colors, some with designs—and give the desktop PC its own style. (Thanks to an open API, you can 3D print your own custom tiles, too.)
As a desktop PC, the Framework Desktop is a little beast. It runs on AMD’s most powerful APU and offers up to 128GB of unified memory, making it a serious PC for productivity, media editing or gaming.
Of course, it’s not going to be anywhere near the most powerful or most customizable desktop PC on the market. Framework knows this. But for anyone interested in a first-time PC build, the Framework Desktop is a perfect entry point into that rabbit hole.
25. The quintessential Ivy brand is forever
J. PressGP100 Winner
J. Press Made-in-USA Navy Pure Cashmere Sport Coat
Specs
| Fabric | 100% Cashmere |
| Sizes | 38-46 R/L |
| Buttons | 3 |
J.Press’s reputation is set in stone.
Founded over a century ago at Yale University, the heritage clothing brand basically invented what we call “Ivy Style,” blending tweed, corduroy, seersucker, madras, Scottish knits and, of course, the classic blue blazer into one cohesive look.
Now under the stewardship of a new creative director, Jack Carlson of Rowing Blazers fame, J.Press will look to reach a new generation of guys who care what they wear, all without losing a grip on its historic roots.
Carlson’s touch is already evident from his debut collection, the obvious highlight being the Made-in-USA Navy Pure Cashmere Sport Coat. It has a rope shoulder, patch pockets, three buttons and a center vent.
Too often, menswear is an act of musical chairs, with established designers jumping from one luxury label to another as conglomerates struggle to stay relevant.
Meanwhile, Carlson and J.Press getting together is like watching soulmates connect, hopefully for the long haul.
24. A cutting-edge groundbreaker in all-electric high-performance luxury
Mercedes-BenzGP100 Winner
Mercedes-Benz Concept AMG GT XX Coupe
Specs
| Engine | Dual axial-flux electric motors |
| Transmission | Single-speed drive |
| Output | 1,390 hp |
Few automakers are looked upon for a glimpse into the future like Mercedes-Benz. There’s always been a saying: if you ever want a taste of the sort of innovative tech that will eventually trickle down to mainstream cars, you can always look to the Three-Point Star as the one leading the charge.
Which is exactly the case with Mercedes-Benz’s Concept AMG GT XX. It’s the company’s latest vision at an all-new, all-electric high-performance four-door sports car. If that formula sounds familiar, it’s basically what the current AMG GT Four-Door Coupe is today.
Mercedes-AMGThe AMG GT XX essentially teases what’s to come with the next-gen model. But furthermore, it also showcases Mercedes-AMG’s ambitions for an all-electric future and the innovative technology involved.
Despite the rocky road to EV adaptation, Mercedes-Benz and its in-house performance division remain committed to the transition. So much, that it’s investing billions into state-of-the-art axial flux motors and groundbreaking battery tech.
Mercedes-AMGNot only are the new flux motors far more power-dense than the current radial flux motors used in most EVs. They also weigh significantly less, are smaller in size and far more energy efficient.
The AMG GT XX also demonstrates the company’s first-ever AMG.EA EV architecture. And it features a revolutionary cooling system apparatus that helps manage one of the biggest problems with electric motors and batterys: thermal management.
Mercedes-BenzThus, with all this tech and engineering, the results are staggering. AMG claims a total output of around 1,000 kilowatts, or about 1,360 horsepower.
Top speed? About 224 mph. And on top of all that, a driving range estimated at around 248.5 miles, thanks to an insanely low drag coefficient of 0.198 Cd.
But that’s not the only impressive statistic. With its standard 800-volt architecture along with AMG’s Formula 1-derived advanced battery pack, it can recharge up to 200 miles in just 15 minutes on a Tesla Supercharger.
These aren’t just empty statistics either. During one of its most rigorous endurance tests, engineers test drove the AMG GT XX at full over 40,000 miles in under eight days, with is the total circumference of the planet. And they’re not stopping there.
Mercedes-BenzMercedes-AMG didn’t specify when the production variant will arrive. But when it does, it’ll be one of the few cars helping to lead the industry more into an electric future.
23. The surprise reprise of a cult classic
SonyGP100 Winner
Sony DSC-RX1R III
The RX1 series always looked like Sony’s way of signaling that it understood photography: a large sensor and an excellent lens combined in as small a package as possible. It gives the kind of everyday, everywhere capability that film photographers love but can rarely find in digital form.
In some respects, Sony didn’t need to refresh the RX1. And for a while there, it looked like it might not.
But the RX1R III, which arrives a decade after its predecessor, brings new AF tricks, a modern sensor and larger battery to a cult favorite.
The camera is undeniably expensive, and it looks all the more so because Sony offers so many of its components in other, much cheaper, models.
However, this is one of those occasions where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Nothing else out there offers the same combination of image quality and size.
The RX1R III is the answer to the question, “What if I love the Fujifilm X100 but want to make a big step up in image quality?”
If 2025 saw a wave of niche cameras, the RX1R III led the charge.
22. The lightest mechanical dive watch in history
Ulysse NardinGP100 Winner
Ulysse Nardin Diver Air
Specs
| Case Size | 44mm |
| Movement | Ulysse Nardin Cal. UN-374 automatic |
| Water Resistance | 200m |
Dive watches are likely the most popular traditional watch style today, and although few people ever take dive watches diving, brands are constantly looking at ways to innovate within the genre.
This innovation has led to dive watches that can dive deeper, glow brighter and, in the case of the Ulysse Nardin Diver Air, weigh so little you’d swear they could float.
The Diver Air is the lightest mechanical dive watch ever made. The watch head weighs 46 grams, and the strap adds just six more for a grand total of 52 grams — about as much as an egg.
Despite its extremely low weight, the beefy 44mm watch is still as robust and capable as any of the leading divers on the market. It has a fully lumed bezel with loud, crisp action. Its crown and caseback both screw down, ensuring 200m of water resistance. Its movement is self-winding, has a 90-hour power reserve and is capable of withstanding shocks up to 5,000 Gs.
This is all possible because Ulysse Nardin cut weight, not corners, when creating the Diver Air.
The case is made from a mix of lightweight materials: titanium, carbon fiber and Nylo-Foil — a nylon-carbon composite. The strap is an airy, elastic strip of fabric with a clever, minimalist Velcro closure and is exceedingly comfortable.
The new Calibre UN-374 is a completely reworked version of the brand’s existing Cal. UN-372 movement, with all unnecessary weight eliminated and the remaining bridges being remade in titanium and reconfigured to optimize strength. The hyper-skeletonized movement takes up just 20 percent of the space inside the watch — the other 80 percent is air.
Looking at the design as a whole, the Diver Air feels impossible. Thankfully, Ulysse Nardin specializes in making the impossible possible.
21. A land-centered American whiskey that could change craft distilling forever
Maker’s MarkGP100 Winner
Star HIll Farm Whisky 2025 Wheat Whisky
Specs
| Whiskey Type | Wheat |
| Proof | 114.7 |
| Mashbill 1 | 70% soft red winter wheat, 30% malted barley |
| Mashbill 2 | 100% malted soft red winter wheat |
| Age Statement | N/A |
When a famed bourbon brand like Maker’s Mark, which famously hasn’t touched its core recipe since the 1950s, finally decides to release a completely new whiskey built on an entirely new mash bill, it’s going to grab headlines.
It turns out, though, that Star Hill Farm Whisky – named for the 1,100-acre farm that’s home to the Maker’s Mark distillery – isn’t especially transcendent from a flavor perspective, at least not yet.
The new label’s inaugural batch is a fully wheat-forward American whisky made from a blend of two mash bills: one made of 70 percent soft red winter wheat and 30 percent malted barley, and another made entirely of malted wheat.
Tasters tend to praise its potent notes of wood and dark fruits, as well as its lingering complexities, but waffle on whether its dry, oak-forward flavors overwhelm the palate. In short, it’s exciting and promising — just not an instant classic.
But its place on our list of the 100 most innovative products of 2025 has little to do with flavor and everything to do with its potential future impact.
The truth is that American whiskey has leaned on the language of agriculture for years — grain varietals, soil, sustainability, terroir — without any formal way to verify how much of that romance reaches the bottle.
That’s where the Estate Whiskey Alliance comes in. Formed in 2023 by distillers, industry partners and University of Kentucky agricultural scientists, the group created a new Estate Whiskey Certification program.
To qualify, a distillery must grow at least two-thirds of its grain on estate-owned or controlled land and handle milling, cooking, fermenting, distilling, barreling, aging and bottling entirely on-site.
As the first officially certified Estate Whiskey, Star Hill Farm reflects Maker’s Mark’s longstanding interest in terroir and environmental responsibility — from grain-variety research to sustainable and regenerative farming practices.
But it’d be naive to presume that any distiller’s interest in Estate Certification wasn’t also grounded partially in business interests.
After all, should consumer recognition for the term grow, having an Estate Whiskey Certified seal on the bottle becomes a powerful market distinction, akin to what organic stickers were to produce (at least in the early days), creating for producers like Maker’s Mark, with its acreage and resources, a new premium perch above the commodity-sourced spirits.
That tension is exactly what makes this moment compelling. Estate whiskey could drive meaningful progress toward more sustainable, place-driven production… or become another dividing line between well-resourced distillers and everyone else. Most likely, it will do a bit of both.
Whether Star Hill Farm Whisky ultimately becomes a watershed in American whiskey production is impossible to know. But as a signal — that American distillers are finally reorganizing around land, not lore— it offers reason for optimism.
American whiskey isn’t just talking about provenance anymore; it’s beginning to build around it, setting the table for a future where American whiskey is more diverse and distinctive than ever before.
20. A snowboarding essential that came for the king and didn’t miss
ThirtyTwoGP100 Winner
FASE Snowboard Binding
Specs
| Boot and Board Compatibility | Unlimited |
| Key Elements | 3 (AutoBack, FastStrap, Locked-in Toe Strap) |
| Years of Research and Development | 7 |
For years now, Burton’s revolutionary Step On has been the dominant easy-access binding, with nothing else really coming close.
Still, it has at least a couple hang-ups: 1. Many boarders simply prefer the classic two-strap set-up. 2. It requires a Burton (or Burton-licensed) Step On boot, at a starting price of $380.
Addressing both issues at once? FASE, short for Fast Entry System, breakthrough binding tech that has been adopted by highly respected brands including Jones Snowboards and ThirtyTwo.
One key ingredient is the AutoBack, which angles the highback outward to make it easy to slip your boot in, complete with a small tab you trigger with your heel as it descends, closing the gate behind you.
A long top binding strap, the FastStrap, does not completely detach from the buckle but simply requires tightening and loosening when your boot goes in and out, while you never even touch the “set it and forget it” Locked-In Toe Strap.
It all adds up to a system that meaningfully democratizes easy-access bindings for riders of all levels.
It’s compatible with any boot and board and feels like a traditional binding yet works so much faster once you get the hang, even while in motion or sitting on a lift.
Starting from scratch, the biggest impact might be on your wallet: ThirtyTwo’s Shifty Boots ($220) plus a pair of entry-level FASE bindings ($330) costs $550, $150 less than the cheapest Step On combo.
19. The fragrance of the century enters a new era
HermèsGP100 Winner
Terre d’Hermès Eau de Parfum Intense
Specs
| Available Sizes | 1.69 and 3.38 ounces |
| Notes | Coffee, black pepper, bitter orange |
Created in 2006, Terre d’Hermès was named GQ‘s fragrance “launch of the decade.” Today that’d be selling it short.
Its uplighting combination of cedar, grapefruit and vetiver notes is widely considered among the 21st century’s very best, inspiring countless dupes and even in-house flankers from Hermès itself.
The latest, created by Christine Nagel, retains the backbone of the original but boldly reinterprets its progenitor for modern sensibilities.
True to its name, Terre d’Hermès Eau de Parfum Intense is intensely spicy on the open, evoking the smell of freshly ground coffee before it dries down into masterful balance of black pepper and bitter orange.
The sillage is exceptional, if a bit sweet. But many will wonder if it has the cultural staying power of the original.
For now, though, perhaps it’s best to appreciate it for what it is: a bold refresh of a modern classic, with plenty of personality to stand up on its own.
18. A carry-on that deftly combines the best of both hard- and soft-sided luggage
Peak DesignGP100 Winner
Peak Design Roller Pro Carry-On
Specs
| Capacity | 34L |
| Material(s) | Polycarbonate, Versa Shell, carbon fiber, aluminum |
| Weight | 8.6 lbs |
-
$600 (5% off)
-
$600 (5% off)
-
$600 (5% off)
Peak Design is no stranger to innovation, particularly in the bag space. However, the brand has, for most of its tenure, focused on the kinds of packs you haul on your back or over your shoulder.
It turns out that the brand’s flair for pushing boundaries translates magnificently to a different bag category — one particularly crucial to jet-setters everywhere: carry-on luggage.
The Peak Design Roller Pro Carry-On is the brand’s first at-bat with wheeled luggage, and boy did the brand swing for the fences. While not the first to do it, this bag combines the toughness of hard-sided bags with the versatility and expandability of soft packs in some novel, innovative ways.
That starts with its exterior, a lightweight, ultra-tough polycarbonate wrapped in the brand’s weatherproof, scratch- and abrasion-resistant Versa Shell fabric. That outer is mated to a quartet of easy-gliding, omnidirectional wheels and, one of its best innovations, a remarkably thin (only 7 millimeters) carbon fiber telescoping handle that’s far more slender and stronger than traditional ones.
Due to its slim handle, the bag offers more internal space than other carry-ons (there’s no awkward rail housing to contend with) — up to 34 liters, to be precise. The bag can also expand an extra two inches in depth from its base size to suit a variety of packing needs.
It also features a convenient and clever internal scheme that enables smarter, more organized packing. And it manages all of this while adhering to international carry-on size standards.
17. A leakproof travel mug built for anything
YetiGP100 Winner
Yeti Travel Straw Mug
Specs
| Cup Holder Compatible | Yes |
| Leakproof | Yes |
| Sizes | 20, 30 and 40 ounces |
According to Yeti’s latest earning reports, drinkware under the Rambler series now makes up the majority of the brand’s sales.
That’s quite a statement when it comes to the brand redefining what a “premium” outdoor experience means, and it explains the significance of Travel Straw Mug, which could go down as the most important Yeti release of the year.
Although unassuming upon first glance, the Travel Straw Mug is a totally new design for Yeti.
The handle has been overhauled for increased comfort and a better gripping experience, and it’s designed to fit securely into your vehicle’s cupholder.
Most importantly, Yeti’s new release is notable as the brand’s first-ever 100-percent leakproof straw in a Travel Mug format, thanks to its lid, which was designed to allow the straw to be folded away when not in use, ensuring no precious sips escape.
In other words, Yeti hydration is more accessible than ever — and when it comes down to it, being able to trust your drinkware can keep up with travel, commuting and daily use is pretty damn premium.
16. The definitive version of the definitive sports watch
Audemars PiguetGP100 Winner
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph RD#5 150th Anniversary
Specs
| Case Size | 39mm |
| Movement | Audemars Piguet Cal. 8001 automatic flyback chronograph tourbillon |
| Water Resistance | 20m |
Virtually every major watch brand today offers an integrated luxury sports watch in its catalog, and they can all trace their lineage back to one watch: the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
Gérald Genta’s masterpiece popularized the idea of a steel luxury sports watch when it debuted in 1972, and in the decades since, AP has produced countless takes on the octagonal icon.
But none have impressed more than the RD#5 created to celebrate Audemars Piguet’s 150th anniversary in 2025.
The prototypical version of the Royal Oak is the “Jumbo” Extra-Thin, specifically in steel with its tapisserie dial in the model’s signature Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50 shade. And it’s this model that the RD#5 used as a jumping-off point in its journey to becoming the ultimate Royal Oak.
The case of the RD#5 has the same Goldilocks dimensions as the Jumbo, measuring 39mm across and just 8.1mm thick. That’s very thin for a simple automatic time-and-date watch like the “Jumbo” Extra-Thin. It’s mind-bogglingly thin for the RD#5.
That’s because the automatic RD#5 packs both a flyback chronograph and a flying tourbillon — two of the most complex mechanical watch complications — into its 8.1mm-thick vessel, a seemingly magical feat only made possible by several patented innovations in the new movement AP created for the RD#5, Calibre 8001, including haptic-inspired chronograph pushers and a button on the crown to cycle between setting and winding modes.
The RD#5 features a Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50 tapisserie dial, but it swaps out the Jumbo’s steel case and bracelet for a mix of brushed titanium and mirror-polished, palladium-based Bulk Metal Glass. The result is a more comfortable design with increased strength and greater visual pop.
If the original Royal Oak is an icon, then the RD#5 is nothing short of a legend.
15. A quintessential entry bike benefits from game-changing beginner tech
HondaGP100 Winner
2026 Honda Rebel 300 E-Clutch
Specs
| Curb Weight | 379 lbs |
| Horsepower | 27 hp |
| Peak Engine Torque | 18 lb-ft |
The Rebel is ubiquitous in the motorcycle world on account of its beginner-friendly approachability, unwavering Honda reliability and affordable price point. With the introduction of the updated CMX300 in 2017, the Big Red only improved on the formula through an updated 286cc engine and optional ABS.
As part of the latest update to the Rebel platform, Honda treated the diminutive bobber to its trick E-Clutch automation technology. In practice, this means that, while shifting is required, the clutch is an optional affair, allowing riders to focus instead on balance, signaling and other necessary bike operations.
However, because of the E-Clutch’s unobtrusive design, the Rebel 300 also gives riders the option of operating the clutch like on a traditional bike. It’s a unique system in that it relies on a series of small motors and a dedicated control unit to prevent stalling, no matter the gear.
While Honda has implemented its E-Clutch technology on other motorcycles before, its addition on the Rebel 300 stands to be one of the most impactful. By making riding accessible while still facilitating the development of proper fundamentals, it’s a bike that can grow with one’s two-wheeled confidence.
14. The Swoosh’s max-cushioned Hoka challenger
NikeGP100 Winner
Nike Vomero Plus
Specs
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 10mm |
| Midsole | Full-length ZoomX foam |
| Weight | 10.3 ounces |
Sometimes, more is more. Or at least that’s the logic behind Nike’s max cushioned Vomero Plus, the sophomore release in a three-shoe collection that positions a longstanding franchise against competitors like Hoka.
In fact, if it weren’t for the iconic logo, at a quick glance one might even mistake this shoe for the Bondi 9, also released in 2025. But there are some key differences beneath the hood.
The Vomero Plus features a midsole made entirely of ZoomX foam — a PEBA-based compound so responsive, it blows the Bondi’s EVA out of the water. Then there’s the outsole, a modern interpretation of Nike’s signature waffle pattern that blends high traction with minimal weight.
The blend of ultra-plush, luxurious cushioning with versatility and responsiveness featured in the Vomero Plus would qualify any shoe as a high-end daily trainer.
But for Nike, it symbolizes something more: the revival of a tired, old franchise and foot back in the game.
13. A tiny EV truck that shows what people really want from pickups
SlateGP100 Winner
Slate The Blank Slate
Specs
| Engine | 150 kW rear-mounted electric motor |
| Transmission | N/A |
| Output | 201 hp & 195 lb-ft |
Although the Slate EV has yet to go on sale, the budget-friendly battery-powered truck has already proven to have an enormous impact. After all, even in the absence of standard paint, speakers and power windows, the vehicle managed to accrue more than 100,000 reservations in just two weeks.
Of course, as a concept, Slate’s offering is truly novel in its minimalism and unlike anything on the market in its modularity. However, it’s not just a case of cutting corners to facilitate an affordable price point — the truck is designed to give consumers more control over what they drive.
As such, in keeping with the company’s name, it’s intended to be a true blank slate, allowing for customization of everything from the color of the wrap to the very body style of the vehicle itself. With accessories and upgrades available upon purchase or separately down the line, it provides a flexible buying experience unrivaled by even the cheapest of subcompacts.
From its retro design and compact footprint to its simple interior and excessive customization options, the Slate EV bucks the status quo in more ways than one. Nevertheless, its immense virality proves that it’s exactly the kind of vehicle that carbuyers have been craving.
Whether Slate will be able to deliver at its proposed price point given the ending of Federal tax incentives remains to be seen, but there’s no denying that it’s exciting to see a pickup of these proportions at a time when trucks continue to trend larger.
12. A fresh look at how a camera should look
SigmaGP100 Winner
Sigma BF
One glance at the Sigma BF tells you how much thought has gone into its design: its one-piece aluminum body looks more like a Mac Mini than a traditional camera.
But its appeal is more than skin deep, with Sigma seemingly taking a blank-page approach to every aspect of its interface and operation.
Richard ButlerThe manufacturer says it wanted to build a desirable object for creative people who don’t necessarily think of themselves as photographers, resulting in a camera that questions convention more than anything since the earliest days of digital photography.
Richard ButlerWhether it’s the buttons, which give haptic feedback, or the fact that it’s the first camera to capture Ultra HDR JPEGs, the BF is fizzing with ideas.
It may be built around familiar (or perhaps even dated) components, but the sum of the parts is nothing short of radical.
11. A sport-touring staple levels up with an eye-catching two-wheeled first
YamahaGP100 Winner
2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+
Specs
| Curb Weight | 512 lbs |
| Horsepower | 119 hp |
| Peak Engine Torque | 68.6 lb-ft |
Between its compelling CP3 triple and its comfortable riding position, the Tracer has long been a staple of the sport touring segment, but the 2025 GT+ update moved the goalposts for the industry as a whole.
That’s because it became the first production motorcycle to make use of an adaptive LED Matrix headlight. While the technology has been increasingly prevalent in the automotive world for some time, it has yet to see application among two-wheelers — in that respect, Yamaha is leading the charge.
In practice, the technology works by combining a matrix of multiple low and high beam LEDs linked to a camera integrated into the upper part of the headlight assembly. By detecting surrounding traffic, natural light sources and weather conditions, it can thereby distribute the light in such a way that it fills in dark spots while not dazzling other road users.
What’s more, as found on the Tracer 9 GT+, the Matrix LED headlight array works with the onboard six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to dynamically adjust the beam when cornering — especially in cases when the bike’s lean angle exceeds seven degrees.
Given that rider safety starts with seeing (and being seen), something as impactful as the addition of a Matrix LED headlight amounts to much more than a marketing gimmick.
10. Small beer, big splash
Michelob UltraGP100 Winner
Michelob Ultra Zero
Specs
| Calories | 27 |
| Carbs | 6.5 |
| ABV | 0.0% |
In many respects, Michelob Ultra is the little beer that could. Turns out, little beers may be the only thing Americans want to drink anymore.
Last year marked the first time in two decades that brewery closures outpaced openings, a trend that only continued into 2025.
Sales, meanwhile, are a soarin’ at Michelob Ultra, now the country’s top beer brand (recently taking down Modelo Especial).
Moderate drinking has struck such a chord that even NAs are popping off; in fact, it’s one of the industry’s few growth areas, with AB InBev projecting a $2 billion market in the next five years.
Enter Michelob Ultra Zero, the fuel on the fire.
A can has just 29 calories and 6.5 carbs, half of what you might find in readily available alternatives. But more more important than its nutrition facts, or even the taste, is what it represents.
Michelob Ultra Zero is a statement of intent from the single most important brand in the country.
NA beers aren’t a trend. They’re a lifeline.
9. The next watershed moment in how we use the internet
PerplexityGP100 Winner
Perplexity Comet Browser
Specs
| Platforms | Mac, Windows, Android |
| Cost | Free |
Artificial intelligence has been the drumbeat of the decade. It’s lifted markets, bent political debates, and reshaped the tech industry’s self-image into something halfway between inevitability and mania.
For all the hype, though, AI has rarely appeared in the form of a clear, everyday product that anyone but the most forward-thinking adopters would find valuable to use.
Most people interact with it abstractly — a chatbot here, an autocomplete flourish there — not in the shape of something as tangible as the browser they open fifty times a day.
Comet, the new AI-native browser from Perplexity, launched this summer, is the rare exception. And its arrival makes for one of the more complicated GP100 decisions we’ve ever had to make.
Perplexity hasn’t exactly had a quiet year. The company has faced lawsuits from major publishers alleging mass scraping and outright theft, investigations into how it harvested Reddit user data, and, like most early AI technologies, a long list of examples where its models hallucinated or spread false information.
PerplexityThe Comet browser itself, and in fairness, other AI-equipped competitors that have subsequently followed, has also drawn scrutiny from cybersecurity researchers who warn that autonomous agents inside the browser stack expose fresh attack surfaces and can trigger very real, very expensive mistakes.
Gartner, the influential technology research and advisory company, even took the step of publishing a report on December 1st stating, “Cybersecurity Myst Block AI Browsers for Now,” due to the risks involved.
Comet is all of that. But it’s also something else: the clearest, most concrete demonstration yet of what happens when large-scale language models stop being an add-on to the internet and start becoming the thing that drives your interaction with it.
Instead of search-as-a-box, Comet builds the “agent” into the browsing flow itself. Agent is just AI-speak for a tool that can take actions on a user’s behalf, such as navigating pages, sending emails, summarizing clusters of tabs, building research briefs, filling out forms, booking tickets, and — if you let it — making purchases.
This means that tasks that usually consume minutes or even hours of your day can, to varying degrees, now be handled by someone or, rather, something other than you. That pitch alone is intoxicating, especially for anyone drowning in logistics and digital clutter.
PerplexityYet each glimpse of power comes with its shadow. A misinterpreted command can cascade into havoc. A convincing hallucination looks a whole lot like truth. And handing over that level of agency to a tool whose inner workings remain largely opaque feels, at times, less like convenience and more like a wager.
Make no mistake: Comet is unfinished, often brittle and still inherently very risky to use at this stage of the game. But it’s also sometimes shockingly capable and exceptionally helpful.
It’s the first browser to compellingly graft AI onto an old paradigm, creating a new paradigm in the process. It asks, what if browsing weren’t a solo activity at all, but a collaboration with a system that could act on your behalf?
PerplexityThe timing matters, too. Consumer browser choice has been all but stagnant for years. Chrome, shaped by its own long antitrust saga, has dominated the market to an extent that’s all too familiar in the world of technology.
The fact is that real, industry-shifting innovation in this category hasn’t come from scrappy outsiders in a generation. Comet breaks that drought.
Whatever its faults — and there are plenty — it’s jolted the incumbents. Google raced to fold similar agentic tools into Chrome and OpenAI – arguably the AI company with the biggest head start – soon scrambled to introduce its own Atlas browser just last month. These rapid reactions from such massive tech players say more about Comet’s potential than any marketing campaign ever could.
PerplexityIn a year when AI’s economic impact has flirted with bubble logic and rhetoric often outpaced reality, this browser also stands out for a simpler reason: it’s real.
It’s a working, shipped-to-consumers preview of how interacting with the web is likely to evolve over the next decade — a window into the power, peril and unpredictability that come with machine intelligence becoming a layer between us and the internet. It imagines a future where the web isn’t merely navigated but actively negotiated, with a digital counterpart shaping the experience.
Comet may ultimately be remembered as a transitional artifact — the MySpace before Facebook, the Ask Jeeves before Google, the Napster before Spotify, the BlackBerry before the iPhone. Maybe it flames out; maybe the AI bubble deflates and the world moves on.
But shifts in how people use the internet at this scale don’t show up often, and something always has to go first.
Comet earns its place in the story because it stepped out ahead of the inevitability — a working proof that this next phase of the web isn’t theoretical anymore. It’s already under way.
8. A look at BMW for the next 25 years
BMWGP100 Winner
2027 BMW iX3
Specs
| Engine | Dual synchronous electric motors |
| Transmission | Single-speed drive |
| Output | 463 hp & 475 lb-ft (50 xDrive) |
BMW is in the midst of its most pivotal transition period in nearly its entire history. The last time the Bavarian automaker overhauled its whole product range to such a degree was back in 2002, when it launched the controversial “Bangle-era” E65 7 Series.
Nearly a quarter of a century later, BMW is at it again. But this time, with the prospect of electrification. The result is its Neue Klasse generation of automobiles, which sets the theme for how its entire product range will look, drive and feel for the next 25 years.
Helping the brand charge forward into its next era is its latest all-electric compact SUV, the iX3. It’s the first production model to launch as part of the Neue Klasse strategy, featuring BMW’s latest “Heart of Joy” ideology.
More importantly, it’s the carmaker’s first mass-production electric vehicle. Originally introduced in concept form as the Vision Neue Klasse X in 2024, the iX3 is essentially the version ready for primetime.
When it hits US dealers next year, it’ll arrive in 40 xDrive form with an upgradable 50 xDrive spec. Although BMW remains tight-lipped about performance data, the carmaker did say the range-topper will churn out a total system output of 463 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque, translating to 0-60 mpg in just 4.9 seconds.
But BMW didn’t forget the most important aspect about EVs: range charging. With a state-of-the-art 800-volt architecture, engineers say the iX3 can travel up to 400 miles on a single charge and recouping 217 miles only takes 21 minutes on the appropriate Level 2 fast-charger.
It might basically be an all-electric version of the next-generation X3 compact crossover SUV. Being about roughly the same size, it’ll cost around the same too, around less than $60,000.
But because the iX3 is the first car from the Neue Klasse strategy to reach production, the iX3 is essentially the beginning of a new chapter for the brand. And that’s a huge deal.
7. The world’s most enigmatic and revered watch movement gets a sequel
Grand SeikoGP100 Winner
Grand Seiko SLGB003
Specs
| Case Size | 37mm |
| Movement | Grand Seiko Cal. 9RB2 Spring Drive UFA automatic |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
They say true beauty is found within.
Grand Seiko’s SLGB003 is a beautiful watch, but nothing about its appearance stands out from the rest of the brand’s Evolution 9 collection.
Look inside the case, however, and you’ll find one of the most remarkable mechanical watch movements ever devised: the caliber 9RB2 Spring Drive Ultra Fine Accuracy.
Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive movement achieved a nearly mythical status among watch enthusiasts for blurring the line between mechanical and quartz timekeeping. While it is technically an automatic movement with no battery involved, it utilizes quartz crystals to regulate time with an astonishing accuracy of +/-15 seconds per month.
In 2025, Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive UFA made a quantum leap in horological engineering by shattering the previous accuracy with a measurement of +/-20 seconds per year. Most battery-powered quartz movements don’t even come close to that mark.
According to Grand Seiko, this astonishing improvement in mechanical movement regulation was accomplished by refining the growth and processing of the three-month-aged quartz oscillator at the heart of the design.
Additionally, the integrated circuit — another aspect borrowed from quartz movement design — has been improved, and the entire regulation system is vacuum-sealed to prevent interference.
Barring any last-minute surprise releases, 2025 will mark the release of the first three Spring Drive UFA-powered watches, all of which are 37mm members of the Evolution 9 Collection.
The movement debuted in April with the titanium SLGB003, alongside the limited-edition SLGB001, which featured a platinum case and alligator leather strap. Then the SLGB005, sporting a deep violet Kirigamine dial, was released in September.
6. AirPods with the potential to replace your Apple Watch
AppleGP100 Winner
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Specs
| Chip | Apple H2 |
| Sensors | accelerometer, heart rate |
| Water Resistance | IP57 |
-
$249 (12% off)
By now, you know the schtick: AirPods just work with Apple devices, which is why they’re the best-selling wireless earbuds of all time.
Naturally, the company calls the latest version the “best AirPods that Apple has ever made.” The AirPods Pro 3 have superior sound and active noise cancellation, surpassesing that of any previous model.
Plus, they offer advanced features that no other wireless earbuds do. This includes the ability to translate languages with Live Translation and even function as (OTC) hearing aids, thanks to their FDA certification.
But the AirPods Pro 3 are also distinct from other AirPods, as they are the first to include a built-in heart rate sensor.
That’s a big deal, with the potential to replace the Apple Watch for many wearer’s workouts.
Of course, if you’re somebody who likes wearing an Apple Watch for all the other things, there are still countless reasons to get the AirPods Pro 3.
Most notably? They sound great.
5. An EDC knife with blade steel once thought impossible
Blade HQGP100 Winner
Magpul Breslau
Specs
| Blade Length | 2.94 inches |
| Blade Steel | MVNS35 |
| Handle Material | Polymer |
-
$200 (5% off)
Even without knowing its significance, the Magpul Breslau EDC knife has a lot to offer. It measures 7.375 inches in total — right in the everyday carry sweet spot — and has a 2.94-inch blade, which is short enough to adhere to some of the most stringent blade length laws.
It also has a lightweight, incredibly tough polymer handle, a speedy flipper deployment and a strong, durable, reliable lug locking mechanism (similar in function and execution to a crossbar lock).
None of that matters in the grand scheme of things. What does is that the Breslau features a blade steel technology once thought impossible: Metal Injection Molding (or MIM, for short).
While not entirely novel, Magpul has improved the process in several crucial ways.
The concept is pretty simple: powdered metal is mixed with a binder and then shaped and solidified by feeding the mixture into a mold. It works similarly to plastic injection molding — a process Magpul, specifically, has pioneered for decades.
The resulting steel, MVNS35, is functionally equivalent to S35VN, one of the most highly regarded steels available. The difference? MVNS35 is both cheaper and faster to make, and that makes all the difference.
4. The new shoe to beat, at an unbeatable price
AdidasGP100 Winner
Adidas Adizero Evo SL
Specs
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 6mm |
| Stack Height | 39mm |
| Weight | 7.9 ounces (men's US 9) |
Released in limited numbers late last year, the Adizero Evo SL is the breakout shoe of 2025. Nothing else in the running comes even remotely close.
The shoe’s headline feature is its midsole manufactured entirely of Lightstrike Pro, a so-called “superfoam” found in several of Adidas’s racing shoes upmarket.
While that alone is not particularly notable — premium materials have been trickling into daily trainers for years — the Adizero Evo SL undercuts the rest of the category with a price that’s damn near impossible to beat.
For just $150, the Adizero Evo SL delivers a fun, nimble ride that swiftly handles whatever pace you want to throw at it, resulting in a versatile trainer that punches well above its weight class.
It also just looks damn good doing so, thanks to a strong arsenal of colorways (including a pair from musician-turned-fashion-designer Pharrell Williams.)
Diehard fans will hope Adidas addresses some of the shoe’s shortcomings on future updates. Frankly, it could be a bit more stable for everyday running and a gusseted tongue wouldn’t hurt, either.
But more than any shoe in 2025, the Adizero Evo SL set a new pace within the industry. And at that price, everyone’s invited to join in.
3. Rolex’s most important watch in a generation
RolexGP100 Winner
Rolex Land-Dweller
Specs
| Case Size | 36mm, 40mm |
| Movement | Rolex Cal. 7135 automatic |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
Rolex isn’t exactly known for taking big swings.
The world’s most famous and successful watch company is renowned for its careful approach. The brand develops and refines its products slowly, making incremental changes that can take over a generation before they’re even perceptible.
That’s what makes the Land-Dweller such a massive deal. This watch wasn’t just a big swing from Rolex. It was a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the ninth in game seven of the World Series.
First, there’s the obvious: The Land-Dweller is Rolex’s first foray into the competitive world of integrated-bracelet watches since the 1980s-holdover Oysterquartz was discontinued in the early 2000s.
The new watch is exquisitely finished, especially its “Flat Jubilee” bracelet, which is as comfortable as it is gorgeous.
Rolex re-entering the white-hot integrated bracelet genre wasn’t exactly unexpected. But what was unexpected was the revolutionary movement powering the Land-Dweller.
Before the Land-Dweller, every single mechanical movement ever produced by Rolex has used a Swiss lever escapement. The Land-Dweller does not. While still an automatic mechanical movement, the Calibre 7135 runs on a brand-new escapement called Dynapulse.
In place of an escape wheel, it uses two distribution wheels. Side by side, they’re driven in unison by a transmission wheel that’s connected to the mainspring barrel, and in turn, they interact with the balance wheel via a rocker in place of a pallet fork. There’s very little friction involved in their machinations, which translates to greater precision, better efficiency and (likely) longer service intervals.
The three wheels and rocker are all made of silicon, making the escapement amagnetic, and the Dnyapulse escapement oscillates at 5Hz, making this Rolex’s first-ever high-beat movement.
It’s the brand’s biggest movement innovation since the first Perpetual winding system in 1931.
Maybe Rolex should take big swings more often.
2. An all-star SUV that raises its own lofty bar
KiaGP100 Winner
2027 Kia Telluride
Specs
| Engine | 2.5-liter gas turbo-four/gas-electric turbo-four hybrid |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic (2.5L)/6-speed automatic (2.5L hybrid) |
| Output | 274 hp & 311 lb-ft (2.5L)/329 hp & 339 lb-ft (2.5L hybrid) |
Kia revealed what is arguably its most important car of the decade at the Los Angeles Auto Show: the 2027 Telluride.
As one of the midsize segment’s best-selling and award-winning models, the latest second-gen version cranks up the style and pizzazz with million-dollar looks both inside and out.
When the Telluride first launched in 2019, it became a smash hit and remains a perpetual favorite here at GP. Not only did it set a new bar on how much value one can get in the mainstream market.
It absolutely excels at nearly everything it’s designed and engineered to do. While it may not be groundbreaking from a performance or technological standpoint, the Telluride is one of the very few prime examples where a car company got everything so damn right.
There are a lot of good cars and hardly any glaringly bad cars out there. However, the Telluride is genuinely and almost nearly impossible to fault.
It’s also one of the few prime examples where a car company got everything so damn right.
This time around, the second-gen model brings some very notable changes, such as more powertrain options. It drops its silky-smooth naturally-aspirated V6 for a base 2.5-liter gasoline turbo-four.
And for the first time, that four-cylinder can be paired with an electric motor as the upgradable option. That makes it the world’s first Telluride hybrid.
But because it’s a Kia, it’ll be loaded up the wazoo with tons of standard equipment and features, without costing an arm and a leg. Add in the new Range Rover-like styling both inside and out, it look far more expensive than it will most likely be.
Which means, when all is said and done, like the original, the Kia Telluride will remain as one of the greatest automotive bargains of the century.
1. The most important console of the last decade, perfected
NintendoNintendo Switch 2
Specs
| Battery Life | Between 2 and 6.5 hours |
| Dispaly | 7.9-inch wide color gamut LCD screen |
| Processor | Custom processor made by Nvidia |
Upon launch, the original Switch did the unthinkable: it established sky-high expectations, then it surpassed them.
Novel yet familiar, it felt like the love child between a Game Boy and Wii. Even more important, however, were the games.
From Super Mario Odyssey to Animal Crossing: New Horizons, some of the hottest titles in recent years have been Switch exclusives.
And let’s not forget The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom), the only Switch game to win the prestigious “Game of the Year” award.
How’s that for expectations?
Eight years on, the world finally got its hands on a true successor.
The Switch 2 has the same hybrid detachable design as the original, but it’s been refined, enhanced, and, in just about every way, perfected.
For starters, the second-generation console has a much bigger display, significantly faster processor and a lot of hardware improvements, headlined by larger Joy-Con controllers that magnetically clip into place.
As for games, the Switch 2 launched alongside some absolute gems that can only be played on the new console, such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza.
Sure, the Switch 2 is a bit pricer than the original — eight years of inflation and tariffs will do that. And the current catalog leans heavily on remastered versions of previously released classics.
But neither has slowed down demand one bit.
Already, over 10 million units of the console have been sold. That makes the Switch 2 the fastest-selling Nintendo console in history. And it’s only heating up.
New chapters in Nintendo’s best-selling game franchises (Mario, Zelda, Animal Crossing and Pokémon) are inevitable. So, too, is this console’s dominance in the decade to come.