Give a Longines Timeless Timepiece to the Adventurer in Your Life
The Longines Spirit Collection is built for explorers and innovators.
Longines
Presented ByLongines
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For nearly 200 years, Longines has been making innovative, reliable and precise timepieces. Its watches have been carefully designed to go far beyond familiar horizons — and they’ve done just that — on the wrists of pioneering aviators and big-mountain athletes. The Longines Spirit collection packs extremely precise COSC-certified movements into a diverse lineup of stunning packages suitable for every adventurer. Its next destination? Wherever adventure takes you.
The Longines Spirit Zulu Time name comes from Longines’ first dual-zone model, originally manufactured nearly a century ago in 1925. That history shines through in its subtle vintage look: With an 18-karat yellow gold bi-directional rotating bezel and crown, a luxurious chocolate brown ceramic insert and beige numerals coated with Super-LumiNova® old radium, this timepiece is, well, timeless.
The Longines Spirit Flyback is designed for the adventurous at heart. Its chronometer-certified movement is extremely precise, and the caliber — a Longines exclusive — is resistant to magnetism and beautifully displayed by the transparent caseback. The eye-catching sunray blue dial is set in a stainless steel 42mm case and equipped with a matching interchangeable blue wrist strap.
For the trailblazer in your life, consider the Longines Spirit Zulu Time in a 42mm case. This watch combines rich heritage and modern innovation – the same characteristics that have put Longines watches on the wrists of great pioneers throughout the ages. This certified chronometer has a power reserve of 72 hours and displays multiple time zones. It’s a looker, too, with a green ceramic bezel and complementary anthracite dial that has a date window at the six o’clock position.The five stars on the dial are a nod to Longines guarantee of a top-quality movement.
The 37mm size of this timepiece lends it an attitude and elegance suitable for all wrists. Its L888 caliber and self-winding, COSC-certified movement come with a 72-hour power reserve. The tones of the Longines Spirit’s stainless steel are made to evoke the zinc of early airplanes, and the warm, champagne sunburst dial beckons like a new horizon, just waiting to be explored.
The black matte dial of this COSC-certified chronograph is set within a stainless steel 42mm case and features silvered sandblasted hands and Super-LumiNova®-coated arabic numerals for easy reading no matter where you are. The self-winding mechanical movement beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour, and the monocrystalline silicon balance-spring lends a power reserve of up to 66 hours. A rich brown leather strap lends it a luxurious, yet rugged feel.
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There are a lot of options available in the local cigar shop’s walk-in humidor. Over the past decade, boutique cigar houses have been rolling out sticks that stand toe-to-toe with the legacy brands at a notable rate, crowding already stuffed shelves even further. It seems almost impossible to distinguish a tasty puro from an ashy dog rocket if you don’t know what you want.
For a tobacconist like myself, our expert Eric Zimmermann (owner of Bad Ash Cigar Lounge in SoCal), and the two decades of experience between us, that isn’t a problem. But for a newcomer? FOBS, or fear of a bad stick, is real. So, the two of us built this simple guide to understanding the complex tobacco flavors. Then, we assembled a list of solid brand names you can count on for location ubiquity and quality consistency.
To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.
“Phenomenal stick. Definitely a great smoking experience. If you like Dominican, it’s kind of hard to beat.” — Eric Zimmermann
Popular Labels: Anejo, Hemingway, and Fuente OpusX
The Arturo Fuente family has been making cigars for over a century. The chaos caused by the United States embargo on Cuban goods turned the cigar world on its head. But Arturo Fuente, then based in Florida, saw it as an opportunity to step forward and lead the industry in a bold new direction.
Putting down new roots in the Dominican Republic in the 1980s, Fuente affirmed itself as one of the leading brands in this new stand-in for Cuba. Today, the name Arturo Fuente is synonymous with craftsmanship, taste, and Cigar of the Year awards. They are an undeniable juggernaut in the industry and still owned by the Fuente family.
“An amazing stick. I used to smoke the Ashton VSG Torpedo twice a day. I don’t suggest this for a newcomer. But if you like strong cigars, it is amazingly well constructed and amazingly flavorful.” — Eric Zimmermann
Popular Labels: Ashton, Ashton VSG, Ashton Estate Sungrown
Ashton is another family establishment you can bank on. Founded in 1985 by Pennsylvania native Robert Levin, heir of the famed retailer Holt’s Cigar Company. Making the move from cigar trader to cigar maker isn’t easy. Many boutiques and “house blends” fail every year. But Levin’s knowledge of fine tobacco impressed the figureheads in the dynastic Arturo Fuente Cigar Co, and the two began a partnership.
Ashton Cigars are responsible for some of the industry’s highest-rated smokes. They are hand-rolled at the Fuente factory in the Dominican Republic, using mostly Dominican-grown tobacco. Boasting a premium reputation, Ashton is known for only using the finest aged tobaccos, with a multiyear fermentation process followed by a separate aging process that can take as long as 18 years. The result is a uniquely complex smoke.
“The Oliva Melanio is some of the best Nicaraguan out there. Great sticks if you want to take a jump from the lighter Connecticut leaf wrap to something a little darker — phenomenal.” — Eric Zimmermann
Popular Labels: Melanio, Serie V, and Oliva Master Blends 3
Melanio Oliva first began rolling cigars in Cuba way back in 1886. A Post-communist revolution forced Melanio’s grandson, Gilberto Oliva, to flee and look to grow their crop elsewhere. They traveled throughout the Americas and around the world until finding what they were looking for in Nicaragua. All while keeping a low profile in the industry as a dependable mid-level manufacturer. But that changed in the early 2000s with the release of the Oliva Master Blends 3, earning Oliva a spot at the top shelf.
Today, Gilberto’s company remains one of the most significant forces in Nicaraguan cigar manufacturing, with a massive crop of Nicaraguan-grown tobacco that has put Oliva at the forefront of the Nicaraguan cigar boom of the past two decades.
“When it comes to construction — and I will not say this about a lot of cigars — I have never had a bad Padrón. They take their stuff seriously, and they live it. A little pricey, but you pay for what you get.” — Eric Zimmermann
Popular Labels: Padron Series, Padron 1926, Padron 1964
A repeat champion of Cigar Aficionado‘s annual top 25 cigars list, Padrón is a serious cigar brand for serious cigar smokers. Founded by Cuban refugee Jose Orlando Padrón in 1964, the family had its share of ups and downs over the decades. Famines. Fires. Family betrayals?! But if all of the trials and tribulations they’ve overcome say anything, it’s that this is a craft of passion for Jose Orlando.
The brand’s process is entirely vertically integrated, from the planting to the distribution, giving Padrón complete control over all aspects of their cigars. This attention to every detail of the process translates to a fantastic smoke every time you reach for a Padrón. You are guaranteed to find these at any self-respecting cigar shop near you.
Considering Drew Estate’s cigars showed up on our list of great smokes several times, Zimmermann and I felt like including them in this list is essential. They make fantastic cigars for any level of aficionado.
Popular Labels: Tabak Especial, ACID, and Liga Pravada
Jonathan Drew, owner and figurehead of Drew Estate Cigars, is one of the youngest and most bombastic personalities in the industry. Having only set up shop in the 1990s, Drew Estate does not share the same wealth of heritage and family history as the other brands on this list. But what it loses in inheritance, it makes up for in reputation and innovation.
Through sweat, perseverance, bold risk, and genuine love for cigars, Drew has repeatedly shown that he knows luxury cigars like the best of them. And the people agree. Walking into a local humidor and not seeing several boxes of Drew Estate stogies at eye level is a rarity. “They sell,” says Zimmermann.
“People sleep on Rocky Patel and quite frankly, I don’t agree with that assessment. Because they have a stick, The White Label… My gosh! What a stick. When I introduce people to The White Label, they are like, ‘Woah… I didn’t even know this existed, and now it’s my favorite.’ Rocky Patel is always going to be a great stick.” — Eric Zimmermann
Popular Labels: Rocky Patel Java, Rocky Patel The Edge, Rocky Patel Vintage 1990
Florida-based Rocky Patel Premium Cigars also started in the mid-1990s when Hollywood lawyer Rakesh “Rocky” Patel decided to try his hand at cigar-making. Spoiler: he ended up being pretty good at it. By manufacturing cigars in the largely untapped Central American nation of Honduras, Rocky Patel has become synonymous with the country, which is now a major cigar-producing region alongside the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua.
Rocky Patel has since opened a second base of operations in Nicaragua, though most of its brands remain Honduran-produced, including its highly acclaimed (rated 95 by Cigar Aficionado) Decade brand. First launched in 2007 to commemorate ten years in business, the Decade is a full-bodied, box-pressed, Sumatra-wrapped stogie with a top-secret filler.
“I used to smoke Ashtons every single day. I’ve moved to Tatuaje. It is currently my favorite brand. I smoke the Tatuaje Skinny Monster because it is delicious and the other stuff is too bougie for me.” — Eric Zimmermann
Popular Labels: Rocky Patel Java, Rocky Patel The Edge, Rocky Patel Vintage 1990
When considering the top brands in the cigar industry, choosing a company still in its “boutique” phase might not seem wise. Unless we are talking about Tatuaje. Brand owner Pete Johnson’s partnership with the legendary My Father’s Cigar company has allowed him access to arguably the highest caliber fine-aged tobacco stock available. Under the supervision of master blender Jose Garcia, Johnson’s taste mixes would introduce original and unique smokes the world did not see coming.
Since its founding, Tatuaje has consistently wowed the nay-sayers and earned top marks with critics around the world. Doing so has guaranteed them a spot on most humidor shelves around the U.S. These cigars are known for their wild and complex flavors, and a matching label can be found for any level of cigar smoker.
Region of Growth = Flavor of Stick
Cigar makers have shown that outstanding fine tobacco can come from all over the globe. All you need — besides an intimate familiarity with the sacred plant — is heat and humidity. The time-honored tradition of fine hand-rolled cigars is to grow the crop in Central America and the Caribbean. But some of the most celebrated wraps in the industry are grown in the Connecticut River Valley in the U.S., and blends of great cigar fillers can come as far as Indonesia. After all that, the place where the cigars are finally assembled could be in a different country altogether, and then they are aged.
All of this matters because the region of growth greatly influences the taste of the final product crafted. Every little nuance of the environment can be equated with another subtlety of the taste and experience of the smoke. Here is how we broke down the general flavor profiles of the regions most often associated with fine cigars:
Cuba
Though it is not possible to get a genuine Cuban rolled cigar in U.S. shops, it is still important to acknowledge the region’s influences on the plant no matter where it is grown. Cuban seed Sumatra and Connecticut Habano wraps are synonymous with luxury maduro labels and fine examples of this tiny island nation’s continued impact. “Cuban seed plants will have a buttery, salty taste to the smoke,” says Zimmermann.
Nicaragua and Honduras
“The high concentrations of volcanic ash in the soil of Central America contributes to the spice and black pepper flavor of some of the most popular medium body cigars,” explains Zimmermann. Cigars grown and rolled in this region are praised for their bold flavor and rich, distinguished aromas that remind people of fresh soil on a chili farm. Leather, earth, and charred peppers. The flavors on these cigars explode out at you and saturate the tastebuds. These cigars tend to be the most popular in the U.S. — we like spicy.
Dominican Republic
Pinning down an exact flavor profile for tobacco grown and/or rolled in The Dominican Republic was the most difficult. The island nation’s wild climate and naturally forming irrigation canals produce vast variances in taste and fragrance. The nutrient-rich clay in Dominican soil grows a plant lightly kissed with sea salt.
So when this plant goes to be aged and fermented, the salt cures the tobacco leaf, bringing out flavorful tobacco oils. “The way to describe Dominican cigars is earthy and smooth,” says Zimmermann. But you can also count on notes of graham cracker, licorice, almonds, and smoked firewood.
Connecticut Valley, U.S.A.
Tobacco has been cultivated in the U.S. since before the first European settlers set foot on New World soil. Sometime after the Civil War, cigar smoking became more popular than pipe smoking, and the unique climate and topsoil of the Connecticut River Valley began to produce a highly sought-after crop.
Today, Connecticut Shade Grown tobacco is some of the most prized wrap leaves on the market. When grabbing one of these sticks, you can expect a beautiful, seamless leaf with a light, sweet flavor like a roasted nut. It’s also described as having a silky texture to the lips.
The Anatomy of a Good Cigar
Understanding the parts of a stogie is key to pinning down your preferences. If you want to get better at picking out the “perfect cigar,” know where your spicey Nicaraguan mixes with your nutty Dominican. “You will never know what you like until you go out there and try as many cigars as you can,” Zimmermann says. Here are the most basic parts of a luxury cigar and how they factor into the smoking experience.
Filler
This is where the bulk of a cigar’s tobacco ends up, and the master blender gets to play chef. The filler is almost always a blend of different tobaccos from different regions. But some of the most celebrated sticks on the market, like the Arturo Fuente Opus X, are seeded, grown, harvested, aged, and rolled, all within the same family farm. The best cigars are filled with longleaf tobacco, which burns much more slowly and offers a more savory smoking experience.
Binder
A Binder is made up of the strongest leaves on the tobacco plant. The binder tobacco is most commonly associated with the cigar’s construction and shape. However, you can guarantee that the region of growth and treatment of the leaf will influence the taste, especially on the initial light and first third of the cigar’s smoke.
Wrapper
Arguably the most important piece of a cigar’s construction, the wrapper is where the bulk of a cigar’s flavor comes from. When done right, the wrap is a single leaf wrapped around the binder with minimal seams, veins, or color blemishes. Focusing on the wrap first is the best place for new smokers to find their favorite and build their preferences.
The Cut
“I’m going to say a very controversial opinion in the cigar community,” Zimmermann whispers over the smoke of a Tatuaje Skinny Monster (a fantastic cigar). “There is no ‘correct way’ to smoke a cigar — but there is a wrong way. The reason I say that is the cut.” And I could not agree with him more. We both blame Hollywood for popularizing the straight cut, much to a new cigar smoker’s disadvantage.
Pulling off the perfectly accentuated chop of a stogie’s cap right as you say your Die Hard tagline and kicking the villain off the ledge is every ’90s kid’s dream. But save your taste buds and enhance the experience with this basic breakdown of each cut and how it contributes to the smoke:
V-Cuts
Available in small and large.
Limits the flow of smoke from a draw of wider gauge cigars like Robustos and Coronas.
Less smoke pulled on the draw prolongs the smoke. It’s very useful for a cigar you want to savor.
Great for box pressed cigars.
Straight Cuts
Available in small and wide.
Also known as the guillotine cut.
Paired with the right cigar, this allows for bold, robust flavors.
A larger funnel for smoke out speeds up the length of the cigar. Great for social smoking.
Best for hand-rolled cigars, but only if your cutter is sharp.
A Punch
A small circle cut from a cap.
Simple, clean, and efficient.
Most cigar lighters come with a punch attachment.
The slowest, most controlled cut for your cigar.
Sit back and relax. This stogie is going to last a long time.
A Note On The Legacy Cuban Brands
Every legitimate cigar shop will have these three brands on prominent display: Cohiba, Romeo y Julieta, and Montecristo. These iconic names in puro production have dramatic sagas and heritages as long and epic as the history of cigars themselves. And all three of these companies make inarguably top-notch cigars. You can always find them on lists of the highest-rated smokes and the top shelves of walk-in humidors.
The only reason you don’t find them on the top of our list, according to our expert, is because these brands have a specific clientele they aim to serve- and it is not new smokers. The flavors that Cohiba, Romeo y Julieta, and Montecristo are most known for strive to recreate the flavor profile of Cuban-grown tobacco for U.S.-based tobacconists. These are bold, robust, and distinguished flavors that are, quite frankly, a little overwhelming for beginners. So, we focused on the following brands because they offer the widest range of sticks that will appeal to the pallet of someone just starting out.
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Well, it looks like the folks behind HBO Max’s The Last of Us finally broke the long-standing video game adaptation curse. It’s probably due to the fact that they actually turned to the video game’s creators and the team at Naughty Dog (the studio behind the award-winning franchise itself) to make sure they got everything right in the show. That led to The Last of Us living up to the hype and becoming one of the most critically- and fan-acclaimed shows in recent years (with a combined 92.5 percent on Rotten Tomatoes as of the time of writing).
Products in the Guide
Flint and Tinder Flannel-lined Waxed Trucker Jacket
Having won nearly 40 awards since its release in 2013 — including multiple for its narrative, music and a few crowning it the Game of the Year — the source material certainly laid the groundwork for the filmmakers behind the series. But success in translation from one medium to another is a measure not just of copying, but of interpreting — this is especially true for video game adaptations, as the minutiae of games sometimes don’t actually exist in real life. That’s why things like set design and, in this case, costuming are so important.
Played by none other than Pedro Pascal (of The Mandalorian and Game of Thrones fame), the primary character of The Last of Us is Joel Miller, a former carpenter turned hunter and a rough-and-tumble survivor, living out his days in a brutal post-apocalyptic world. And his wardrobe reflects that lifestyle: dirty boots, worn-in jeans, a leather-accented rucksack on his back and, perhaps most notably, a waxed trucker jacket. Perhaps, like us, the latter article caught your eye, either because it seemed eerily familiar or because — to put it bluntly — it’s a damn good-looking jacket.
As it turns out, that jacket is actually a long-time staple of online retailer Huckberry, and one of the brand’s best-sellers, to boot. And yes, you can actually buy it for yourself. Called the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket, the garment is USA-made from extremely durable waxed Martexin 7-ounce sailcloth (which can be re-waxed as often as necessary to help it retain its durability and weatherproofing) sourced from New Jersey, lined with blanket-soft flannel and available in eight different colorways, including the Forest colorway as worn by Pascal. Better still, it’s actually discounted by 15 percent for today (November 15) and tomorrow (November 16) — the jacket’s only discount of the year.
Unfortunately, for anyone looking to grab this jacket, it’s a pretty popular garment. That means it has a tendency to sell out. In fact, it’s currently sold out in one colorway (all-black) and stock is running low for sizing in several other colorways. So, if you’re hoping to pick one up, you’re going to want to get one while you can — lest you’d rather be caught without it.
This is a garment that, should a zombie apocalypse actually befall us, could actually survive such a harsh world. And the one used in the show goes a long way toward illustrating the care that the studio (or at least the wardrobe department) has put into this production. We’re hoping that care and attention extend into the confirmed second season. However, it looks like we’re going to have to wait a while to find out, as the SAG-AFTRA strike has only just ended, and it will take a while for production to resume in earnest. While it could be a very long wait, we’re eagerly awaiting the next installment of this incredible show. The Last of Us is streaming now on HBO Max.
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Welcome to Product Support, a column devoted to helping you get the most out of the gadgets and software you already use.
In the past, it wasn’t easy to designate two HomePods or two HomePod minis as the default computer speakers for your Mac. Thankfully, Apple rolled out a macOS update (Big Sur 11.3) in 2021 that changed that. It’s not perfect — and we’ll explain why below — but it’s easier and better than ever to turn Apple’s smart speakers into computer speakers.
You can use one HomePod or HomePod mini as a speaker for your Mac, but it’s obviously better if you have a stereo pair. (Reminder: to create a stereo pair you have to have two of the same model HomePod; you can’t stereo pair a first- and second-generation HomePod, or a HomePod with a HomePod mini.)
In order to designate a pair of HomePods as Mac speakers, the first thing you need to do is plug both in, go through the normal setup process, and then make sure that they are in the same “room.”
Once your HomePods are in the same room, you can configure them in a stereo pair via the Home app on your iPhone or iPad.Tucker BoweYou can then test to make sure the left and right HomePods are configured as the proper left- and right-channels. You can tell which is which by tapping on the HomePod icons. Tucker Bowe
Once your HomePods are properly setup and configured in the same “room” in the Home app, you can configure them in a stereo pair. Here’s how.
Open the Home app on your iPhone or iPad.
Select the “room” that both HomePods are configured in.
Tap and hold one of the HomePod icons.
Scroll down and tap the gear icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen.
Tap “Create Stereo Pair.”
From here, you can select which HomePod you want to be your left- or right channel. If you don’t see the option for the “Create Stereo Pair”, it likely means that your HomePods are not properly updated or they aren’t in the same “room.”
How to Use Two HomePods As Mac Speakers
Option 1: You can set your stereo paired HomePods as your default Mac speakers by clicking the sound icon in your Mac’s menu bar, and then selecting your HomePods.Tucker BoweOption 2: The other way to select your HomePods as your default Mac speakers is by going through System Preferences and, under Output, selecting your stereo paired HomePods.Tucker Bowe
After your two HomePods (or two HomePod minis) are stereo paired, it’s pretty easy to set them up so that they are your default Mac speakers. There are two ways of doing this:
Option #1:
Select the sound icon located in your Mac’s menu bar.
Scroll down and select your stereo paired HomePods.
Option #2:
Open System Preferences on your Mac.
Select “Sound” on the side panel.
Under “Output & Input”, make sure that you have Output selected.
Select your stereo paired HomePods.
Why You May Not Want to Use HomePods As Mac Speakers
Pictured: If you’re on a budget, it’s more affordable to use two HomePods minis as Mac speakers. Each speaker costs $99.Pictured: For the best possible sound experience, you’re going to want to get two of Apple’s second-gen HomePods. Each costs $299. Tucker Bowe
Apple has made it a lot easier to use two HomePods as Mac speakers than in past years — before the macOS Big Sur 11.3 update, it was impossible to set them up in a stereo pair with your Mac — but it’s still not perfect. The biggest issue with using HomePods as Mac speakers is that they can frequently become disconnected with your Mac.
The HomePods connect to your Mac via AirPlay, but this connection can be easily disrupted if your Mac falls asleep or gets turned off, if you don’t play any audio for a period of time (your HomePods will fall asleep), or if you request a song or playlist on your HomePods via Siri.
Fixing this problem is super easy — you just select the HomePods via the sound icon on your Mac’s menu bar — but it can be annoying if you think your HomePods are going to play, but instead the audio comes out muffled from your MacBook instead.
These classic watches are the gift on everyone’s list this year
Presented ByBurdeen's Jewelers
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The International Watch Company — commonly referred to as IWC — was created over a century ago in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. The brand has gone on to establish itself as a giant in the world of watchmaking, with a collection that exemplifies Swiss craftsmanship. This holiday season the gift of a premium watch that will never go out of style just might be the best present you ever give. We’ve rounded up some of the best pieces from IWC’s top collections. From the brand’s iconic pilot’s watches with chronograph movement to the Portugieser collection, if you’re selecting a gift for the discerning tastemaker in your life you can’t go wrong. Shop the watches at Burdeen’s Jewelry, an authorized dealer of IWC. If you want to see the collection in person, check out the new Burdeen’s x IWC flagship boutique opening in Chicago in early December.
iwc
IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Lake Tahoe Watch (IW389105)
This watch is for someone who collects experiences alongside timepieces, with its white 44mm ceramic case paired with a white rubber band and black dial. The TOP GUN Edition ‘Lake Tahoe’ gets its inspiration from the white uniforms worn by the US Navy — and by the winter beauty around Lake Tahoe. The titanium case back bears the TOP GUN logo, and the pushers and crown are made of stainless steel. On the inside is the IWC 69380 caliber, which is an automatic column-wheel chronograph movement.
IWC Big Pilot’S Watch Perpetual Calendar Watch (IW503605)
Part of the Big Pilot’s collection, the IW503605 features a perpetual calendar on a large blue dial. The wearer can quickly see the month, day and year. Plus, it automatically accounts for the lengths of each month and leap years. This means it doesn’t need manual adjustment until 2100.
This stylish pilot’s watch is a sight for sore eyes: a bronze case, crown and pushers with beige printing pop against the 41mm blue dial and band. As a bonus, it will only get better-looking with time as the bronze develops a natural patina. This must-have timepiece is the newest addition to the 41mm Pilot’s Chronograph collection.
This stunning perpetual calendar watch brilliantly displays the moon phase — and it only needs a one day adjustment once every 577.5 years. The silver-plated dial displays the moon phase, date, month, day, power reserve and the small seconds. This elegant watch has an 18-carat 5N gold case and gold rotor that pairs beautifully with the dark brown leather alligator strap. The watch is powered by an IWC-manufactured movement in the 52000-caliber family.
The Portugieser Chronograph is one of the most iconic timepieces at IWC Schaffhausen and this styling offers a modern take on an old classic. The bright white dial is the perfect home for contemporary deep blue accents, hands and hour markers to pop. The chronograph minutes counter is visible right at 12 o’clock and the seconds are at 6 o’clock. You can see the IWC-manufactured 69355 caliber through the sapphire glass case back.
If you were going to reach for the same watch every day you couldn’t go wrong with this elevated classic.. The Portugieser Automatic 40 has a compact 40mm case diameter, a stainless steel case, Salmon dial and silver-plated hands. The black alligator leather strap provides that timeless look that renders it an obviously modern take on an established design.
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Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Check out some of our other gift guides here.
We’ve all heard it said a million times before that it’s the thought that counts. But what about those times where you have a bunch of extra spending money and you really want to splurge on something a bit more… extravagant? Well, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, either. If you want to papmper her with a truly grand gesture, it might be worth seeking out some high-end luxury gifts.
But don’t fret if you don’t know where to start. We’ve gone to the trouble of wrangling together a collection of some of the best luxury gifts you can get her for the next big birthday, holiday or whatever other reason you might have. It is the thought that counts, but it doesn’t hurt to splurge every once in a while.
Perhaps the most classic, iconic perfume of all time, you can never really go wrong with gifting that special lady in your life Chanel N°5. And she’ll surely notice your interest in helping her find that signature scent.
Aesop is one of the first brands that come to mind when we think of luxury. And this is a bundle that everyone can use, including hand balm, hand wash and body wash.
If you want to help her get the full spa experience from the comfort of home, you’re going to want to have a look at this Infrared Sauna Blanket, which can help her sweat out the toxins, anxiety, stress and whatever else she’s dealing with. And she’ll come out of it with waves of relaxation and euphoria.
Nothing says luxury like a spa day and Therabody’s facial massager brings that extravagance to her nightly skincare routine. It includes a variety of percussion attachments and an LED light therapy ring.
With a name coined by tennis superstar Chris Evert back in the late ’80s, this 14k gold bracelet is delicate, beautiful, and boasts a retro style that’s recently come back en vogue. If she loves jewelry but you don’t want to go with an obvious necklace or earrings, this is a superb diamond-clad (literally) option.
You don’t have to spend $100 on a robe, but if you’re going to then Parachute’s are some of the best. And this gauzy Turkish cotton one is a available in 6 beautiful colors all the way up to size 3X.
When you’re talking luxury, diamonds have to be included in the conversation. And this beautiful, delicate necklace from Mejuri can easily be worn everyday and dressed up for special occasions.
With numerous upscale versions of the category-leading smartwatch from everyone’s favorite Cupertino brand, this is the perfect blend of stylishness and tech that will have her heart racing — which you can, of course, check in on courtesy of the device’s built-in ECG.
Think of this wool and silk scarf like a cozy blanket she can bring with her anywhere without anyone batting an eye about it. It’s ultra-soft, beautifully crafted and oversized for a little extra oomph of comfort.
This isn’t the most expensive espresso machine out there, but luxury is more about quality than it is cost. And this Breville machine will give her a great cup every time.
Believe it or not, the wine glass from which you drink can affect the experience, both visually but also in regards to flavor. These glasses, which are mouth-blown from lead-free glass, are perfect for accentuating reds, yet they’re still dishwasher safe.
Help her organize that tangled mess of cords in her bag with this monogrammed leather tech organizer. It’s a little thing that will make her life easier and look good doing it.
If you’re going the luxury route, you’ll want to opt for Mejuri’s Diamond Croissant Dome Hoops over the regular ones. (And extra points if you get the matching ring.)
Red light therapy is all the rage right now, and its benefits are even more impressive. Omnilux’s mask is likely another item she has waiting in her cart, so just jump on the chance before she does.
Today in Gear: Add These Products to Your Wishlist
Today in Gear is our daily roundup of all the latest product announcements, drops and news from Gear Patrol Studios
Ariat
Presented ByAriat
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What will you be doing in 2030? Hopefully buying a Polestar 0. The new car is set to drop as a ‘truly climate-neutral’ vehicle, and is expected to arrive in 2030. The company is now two years into researching and developing the new model, which it hopes to release as a commercial option — not just as a concept. It’s yet to be decided whether the vehicle will release as an SUV, convertible or standard ‘city car,’ but the team has high hopes for the model.
Today we’re taking a look at a new red light alarm clock, hemp tees and Ciele’s winter headwear. This is Today in Gear.
Today in Gear is our daily roundup of all the latest product announcements, drops and news from Gear Patrol Studios. Send your most pressing product questions to [email protected].
Style and Substance: Meet the Ariat Wexford Waterproof
Ariat
Ariat is known for making timeless, long-lasting pieces, and the Wexford Waterproof Chelsea Boot is no exception. This elevated take on a classic offers a versatile boot that can easily go from the office to town to everywhere in between. The waterproof upper and durable non-marking sole will stand up to season after season of use, no matter what the weather throws your way. So shop the Wexford Waterproof Chelsea today and reap the benefits for years to come.
Loftie’s traditional alarm clock gives fans a gentle way to fall asleep or wake up, and can be paired with the company’s smart lamps to provide a gentler wake up call. Now, the new Red Shell Loftie Alarm Clock ($149) uses red light to help boost your natural melatonin production and reduce sleep disruptions. Research has also shown that red light exposure can help improve cognitive function and even reduce your usual stress levels, so if you need a little extra R&R consider Loftie.
Jungmaven creates the kinds of shirts you’ll want to wear all day, everyday. The company’s Original Tee ($55) is a great starting point, but for those that really want to see where this brand excels; you’ll need to try one of their 100 percent Hemp Tees ($98). These shirts drape more heavily and boast a texture similar to silk — and if that’s not enough, consider pairing one with one of Jungmaven’s Hemp Wool Scarves ($58).
Ciele, the brand you know and love for all things running, just dropped a cozy collection of great winter-ready hats. Each piece is machine washable and built to provide proper UPF sun protection, as well as lined with built-in reflective details for night run visibility. They’re also constructed to keep you warm and many are finished with recycled polar fleece or protective ear flaps to ensure that you can hit the road in any weather.
This New Smart Scale Can Detect More Than Your Weight
Withings
Or so it claims… The new Body Pro 2 is billed as the world’s first (and only) cellular scale that has been designed to use a modular approach to manage — and anticipate — chronic conditions like diabetes. In effect, it means that the scale can potentially detect early signs of diabetes. The scale also uses ‘Health Nudges’ to deliver reminders, and motivational messages, after each weigh-in. Pricing is yet to be announced but fans can learn more about the scale at the link below.
Give the gift of preparedness with one of these tools from Leatherman
Presented ByLeatherman
Published
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When in doubt, get your loved ones something useful as a gift. Bonus points if it’s also sleek, cool and probably on their wishlist already. Multi-tools are like a portable toolbox that fits right in your pocket. They’re at the ready for anything you could possibly need, with implements that run the gamut from scissors and screwdrivers to bottle openers, pliers and knives. Leatherman is known for producing high-quality products, so you can’t go wrong gifting one of these sweet multi-tools.
Leatherman
ARC®
The easy-to-use Arc® has magnets so that you can deploy tools smoothly with one hand — and without using your fingernails. A satisfying click lets you know they’re locked into place. Constructed with MagnaCut® steel, it offers edge retention, blade strength and corrosion resistance. It comes with large and small bit drivers, a diamond-coated file, steel blade and DLC coating for added durability.
The Wave+ is one of Leatherman’s best-selling multi-tools, and it’s $15 off for the rest of the year. There’s a total of 18 different tools that can all be swiftly opened and locked away, and many of the tools can be accessed and used when the Wave+ is folded and closed.
With 19 different tools, the 4.5-inch Signal is the ideal tool to bring along with you on any adventure. It has a ferro rod for fire starting, a 420HC combo blade, emergency whistle, bit driver and built-in hammer. This one can be found in coyote tan, aqua, crimson, grey and cobalt, and comes with a protective nylon sheath.
The Skeletal is an ultra-light tool, and at just five ounces it’s a total no-brainer to bring along with you no matter where you’re headed. It has a stainless steel blade, pliers, bit driver, removable pocket clip and a carabiner/bottle opener.
This mini-tool is popular with anglers who covet the spring-action scissors for their pocket or tackle box. The teeny tiny Micra also has a ruler, tweezers, nail file, screwdrivers, bottle opener, knife and nail cleaner.
The Raptor Rescue was developed with input from special-ops medics, EMTs and fire professionals, and is the ideal companion for first responders heading into an emergency situation. It has foldable stainless steel shears, an oxygen tank wrench, strap and ring cutters and a carbide glass breaker.
The Ariat Wexford Waterproof Chelsea is Your All-Weather Go-To Boot
This classic boot is up for all conditions and occasions.
Ariat
Presented ByAriat
Published
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Ariat is known for making timeless, long-lasting pieces, and the Wexford Waterproof Chelsea Boot is no exception. This elevated take on a classic offers a versatile boot that can easily go from the office to town to everywhere in between.
The waterproof upper and durable non-marking sole will stand up to season after season of use, no matter what the weather throws your way. The Wexford comes in a range of breathable leather and suede materials, which mold to your foot and form a patina as you wear them, meaning they’ll only get better with time. A sturdy bootstrap loop in back makes slipping them on even easier, and contrast stitch detailing and a plaid-lined interior are thoughtful touches. Plus, it comes in both men’s and women’s sizing, so you can bring home a pair for every boot lover.
Shop the Wexford Waterproof Chelsea today and reap the benefits for years to come.
What makes Wrangler’s ATG Shirt Jacket worth talking about — by Gear Patrol Studios.
Wrangler
Presented ByWrangler
Published
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Welcome to Talking Points, a series that looks at what makes certain products worth talking about, brought to you by Gear Patrol Studios.
While winter weather often calls for puffers, anoraks and other burly gear — some days, you just want something a bit more streamlined.
So for the chilly mornings when the thought of shrugging on a heaping coat makes you want to crawl back in bed, reach for Wrangler’s simple ATG by Wrangler™ Sherpa-Lined Canvas Jacket .
Wrangler
The Backstory
Wrangler: Outdoor Gear You’ll Spend Every Day In
When most people think of Wrangler, they envision a long line of premium jeans and hard-wearing denim. Well, with nearly 75 years in the industry, it’s true that the American manufacturer knows a thing or two about creating the best denim styles on the market; but it’s also producing plenty of great workwear with other durable materials.
The ATG line, which stands for All Terrain Gear, is a great example. There, fans can find a full collection of men’s pants, shirts and more made with quick-drying, water-repellent fabrics and sun protective textiles.
The Gist
What Makes This ATG by Wrangler™ Sherpa-Lined Canvas Jacket So Great?
The ATG by Wrangler™ Sherpa-Lined Canvas Jacket is made with a heavyweight stretch canvas that can block out wind and snow. It’s lined with a plush sherpa material and finished with utility pockets, elastic cuffs and a front zipper closure to ensure optimal coziness.
The piece will layer flat, and comfortably, over other ATG tees, flannel shirts or pullovers; it’s easy to use the canvas jacket to build a wide range of great hardwearing outfits. Plus, thanks to two button-flap chest pockets, you can securely store your phone, keys or wallet with ease.
Our POV
The ATG by Wrangler™ Sherpa-Lined Canvas Jacket Is the Perfect Gift for Every Outdoorsman
Whether you’re gearing up for a full day of chores, or preparing to hit the trail for a little winter exploration, this versatile piece will have you covered. Fans can shop the jacket in three colors and a wide range of sizes (small to 3XT) at the link below, and pair the piece with other great All Terrain Gear shown here.
Every month, we’re tasting a huge amount of beer, whiskey and other beverages. In some cases, we’re taste-testing the industry’s best new products, and in others, we’re coming across hidden gems in the wild. Our favorites from the last four weeks are gathered here, in the best things we drank this month.
To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.
Goose Island Bourbon County Stout 2023
John Zientek
Goose Island’s annual release of its Bourbon County Stout offerings is something to get excited about. The brand bottled the first bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout in 1992 and has refined and explored the category in each passing decade. The 2023 release — available on Black Friday — is the most exciting to date. I had the chance to sip through the six offerings earlier this month and was impressed by the nuance and range offered.
This year’s Original Stout set the stage: After spending 14 – 16 months in bourbon barrels, it was bottled between 14.1 and 14.6% ABV and had notes of cherry, blackberry, almond and chocolate. From there, I tried the Eagle Rare 2-Year Reserve Stout — a complex bottling with notes of cocoa, coconut, caramel, fig, cherry and salt. The time spent in Eagle Rare’s 10-year barrels made a sizable shift in the final product. But the most interesting offering was the Angel’s Envy 2-Year Cask Finish Stout. This 15.5% ABV sipper was aged for a year in Angel’s Envy casks, then 60 percent of it was aged for another year in ruby port casks from Portugal. This gave the resulting beer a tannic structure with big dried fruit notes accompanied by baking spices and cocoa.
For those looking to explore the sweeter end of the spectrum, there’s the Backyard Stout, which is blended with mulberries, boysenberries and marionberries; the Banana’s Foster Stout, which is infused with bananas, almond and cassia bark; and the Proprietor’s Stout, an homage to rice pudding with cassia bark, brown sugar, raisins and toasted rice. — John Zientek, Managing Editor
Perhaps the hottest trend in whisky/ey over the past couple of years is Mizunara oak aging, which requires distilleries to acquire very rare and expensive Mizunara oak casks from Japan. The oak has some unique properties, namely the distinct aromas and flavors it imparts into whiskey and its heightened porousness that creates a more flavorful dram. The latest big name to hop aboard the Mizunara train is Highland Scotch distillery Glenmorangie, with its A Tale of Tokyo bottle.
This limited-edition single malt is the brainchild of Dr. Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s head of whisky creation, who created it out of a twin desire to experiment with Mizunara and pay tribute to the city of Tokyo after many pleasant visits. The whisky matured partly in Mizunara oak casks, along with bourbon and sherry casks, resulting in a complex and very tasty Scotch. At first it tastes like your classic Glenmorangie 10, as it’s light, bright and citrusy, but then there’s this mysterious element from the Mizunara that clearly makes itself known, bringing in some incense and soft wood notes and almost tasting how oud wood smells (if that makes sense). It’s a rich and luxurious Scotch that, at $110 SRP, tastes a lot more expensive than it is … especially when you consider that its box and bottle are literal works of art custom designed by Japanese artist Yamaguchi Akira. — Johnny Brayson, Associate Editor
As the leaves turn and fall, one’s beverage priorities shift from light and refreshing to dark and rich – a little soul warming to go along with the thirst quenching. That’s why I’m loving Athletic Brewing’s entry in the non-alcoholic stout realm, the award-winning All Out.
The taste is nutty, chocolatey and coffee-y, with a bit of spice on the tongue, making it quite delightful when the wind is whipping and the temps are dropping. At 90 calories, it’s on the high side for Athletic, but hey, that’s still fewer than, say, Miller Lite, with much more flavor to boot. — Steve Mazzucchi, Managing Editor
American single malt is very much having A Moment right now, as loyal Gear Patrol readers know. And while Lone Star State-based Balcones may call this new whiskey a Texas single malt, there’s no denying it belongs to the up-and-coming all-American category of booze. Cataleja translates to “spyglass,” and the name is meant to reflect the brand looking to the future — one, most likely, filled with new ASM variants.
The 100-percent barley liquid is aged in bourbon barrel casks, followed by a variety of sherry butts, occasionally alternating into neutral barrels and back to sherry containers along the way. The resulting whiskey has a deep, tawny color and a sweet, figgy nose with almost no hint of astringency. On the palate, notes of cherry mix with a hint of chocolate (and, oddly, even a hint of smoked meat), followed by a warm, woody mix of sensations on the finish. It’s smooth and flavorful — enough so that you might not realize this brown stuff rings up at 118 proof until it’s too late. — Will Sabel Courtney, Senior Editor
Once cooler weather sets in, I typically move past IPAs even more than I’m typically inclined to — what with great fall and winter styles like porters, stouts, Märzens and more readily available. But this West Coast IPA mixed pack from Firestone Walker brought the perfect amount of California sunshine in the early throes of cold weather. It includes Mind Haze, Hopnosis (a previous GP100 pick), Union Jack and Cali Cruiser. The first three I’ve had plenty of experience with and regularly enjoy from the West Coast brewery. Cali Cruiser is a new one to me that’s less hazy and more along the lines of a crisp IPA, continuing the blurring of West Coast and North East (i.e. hazy) IPA lines that Firestone Walker so adeptly achieved with Hopnosis. If you need some sunshine this fall and winter, you could do worse than getting this West Coast mixed pack in your fridge. — Ryan Brower, Managing Editor
If you’re new to wearing an Apple Watch and wondering if you should be cautious around water — whether you’re taking a shower, washing the dishes or running in the rain — the short answer is “no.” Your Apple Watch can handle quite a bit of agua.
Most Apple Watches (Series 2 or later) have an ISO water-resistance rating of 22810:2010, meaning they’re safe to be submerged up to 50 meters. If you have an Ultra or Ultra 2, which can be used as a dive watch, they’re even more water-resistant. So if you want to take a dip with your Apple Watch, go for it — there are even several swimming options to choose from in the Workout app.
Note: Apple uses ISO ratings for the Apple Watch, rather than IP ratings, as the former is the standard used by most watch manufacturers.
The one outlier is the first Apple Watch (released back in 2014 and discontinued in mid-2018), which was water resistant but Apple did not recommend submerging it. Thankfully you don’t really need to worry about that anymore because, well, you’re probably not going to buy one of those old models.
Every current Apple Watch has a pretty high water-resistance rating. The Ultra and Ultra 2 have the highest. BangBang Studios
No, not completely.
Apple currently sells three different Apple Watch models and the Series 9 and SE (2nd-generation) both have the same ISO water-resistance rating (22810:2010), meaning they’re safe to go swimming with. The catch is that they’re not meant to handle high-pressure water, so it’s recommended that you don’t dive with them or even do high-speed water sports like waterskiing, jet-skiing or tubing.
Note: All older Apple Watches (Series 2 or later) have the same water-resistance rating as the Series 9 and SE (2nd-generation).
The Apple Watch Ultra 2, which has a Depth Gauge sensor and can work as a bona fide dive computer (thanks to the Oceanic+ app), has twice the water resistance of the other Apple Watch models. In addition to an ISO rating of 22810, it is EN13319-compliant, is water resistant up to 100 meters and meets the standards for recreational scuba diving, snorkeling and high-speed water sports.
Note: The original Ultra has the same water-resistance rating as the above Ultra 2.
To learn more about the water-resistance ratings of your Apple Watch, check out Apple’s support page.
How to eject water out of your Apple Watch
After a shower or water workout, use the water eject feature on your Apple Watch to get rid of water that may have seeped in.Tucker Bowe
If you do go swimming or take a shower while wearing your Apple Watch, it’s a good idea to eject any water that may have seeped into it (likely through its speaker). The good news is that your Apple Watch watch has a built-in feature to do just that. It’s quick and easy.
First, you have to turn on Water Lock. This is a feature that disables your Apple Watch’s touchscreen, thus preventing you from accidentally tapping it while in the water. You can turn Water Lock on from the Control Center, but it also automatically turns on when you are doing a water-based workout like swimming. Once Water Lock is turned on, you can eject water from your Apple Watch by holding down the Digital Crown.
Press the side button to open the Control Center on your Apple Watch.
Scroll down and select the water drop to turn on Water Lock.
Hold the Digital Crown to eject water.
You’ll see a graphic and your Apple Watch will make a beeping noise while water is ejected — it takes roughly three seconds. Once finished, Water Lock will automatically turn off, and you can can go on with your day.
The Camry has long been a mainstay in the Toyota lineup. It’s America’s best-selling non-truck or SUV by a wide margin. Indeed, it’s so popular and common, it can seem ubiquitous — like the vanilla ice cream of cars. But hey, vanilla can be versatile in many different contexts — and offer a surprising depth of flavor.
Well, there’s a new variety of vanilla in town. Just ahead of the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show, Toyota has unveiled the all-new 2025 Camry. We wouldn’t call the ninth-generation model a radical departure from Camrys that have come before. But it does bring some substantial changes. And it’s the first Camry model that won’t be sold in Japan.
Here’s what you need to know about the 2025 Toyota Camry.
There’s only one Camry engine now, and it’s a hybrid
Toyota
Pour one out for the Camry’s 301-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. The 2025 Camry — at least at launch — only offers the 2.5-liter “Toyota Hybrid System” inline-four. It offers 225 horsepower in front-wheel-drive form and 232 horsepower in all-wheel-drive models.
This is the first time the Camry has offered AWD on a hybrid sedan. The rival Honda Accord, which also favors hybrid engines in its most recent version, remains FWD-only.
The Camry is sticking with the TNGA-K platform
Toyota
Technically, the Camry is not an “all-new” model; it’s sticking with the same platform as the previous Camry. However, Toyota did make some significant tweaks to improve the driving experience. The new Camry has a re-engineered suspension and braking system. Toyota also says it tuned the hybrid engine to provide “satisfying acceleration and torque feel.”
The 2025 Camry has a sportier new look
Toyota
Toyota made some aesthetic changes to the Camry to make it feel less like, well, buying a Camry. A new front fascia with standard slim LED headlights brings the Camry into the 2020s. Upper trims aim to look sportier (but not full-on Camry TRD) with features like aerodynamic air ducts, a rear diffuser, a rear lip spoiler and an exposed dual-tip exhaust. You can also get a swanky two-tone paint job with a black roof and black multi-spoke alloy wheels.
And Toyota is leveling up the Camry’s interior
Toyota
Toyota spruced up the Camry’s interior as well. Upper trims now sport Toyota’s 12.3-inch infotainment display. The Camry incorporates an array of soft-touch materials, patterns on the doorsills and colors.
Toyota made the seats more comfortable, lengthening the cushion and altering its shape density. Toyota softened the headrest and repositioned it farther back. Front acoustic laminated glass on the XSE trim can make it feel a bit quieter and Lexus-like.
How much does the 2025 Toyota Camry cost?
Toyota
Toyota hasn’t announced pricing for the 2025 Camry yet. But we don’t expect it to be dramatically different from the current hybrid model, which starts at $28,885. The lineup should top out before the Crown, which starts at $40,050.
When will the new Camry go on sale?
Toyota
Toyota says the Camry will go on sale in spring 2024 as a 2025 model-year vehicle.
On the brink of the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show, Toyota has just unveiled its second American Crown model — or fourth, when you factor in that Corolla and Camry both mean “crown” in other languages — the Crown Signia. Toyota says “Signia” comes from the word insignia, andis “a nod to (the Crown’s) importance” as it transitions into crossover-dom for the first time.
Here’s what you need to know about the all-new 2025 Toyota Crown Signia.
What is the Toyota Crown Signia?
Toyota
The Crown Signia is a brand-new model in the Toyota lineage. It’s a midsize, two-row, unibody crossover that will be built in Japan and imported. It seats five passengers.
Where does the Crown Signia fit in the crowded Toyota SUV lineup?
Toyota
You may have forgotten the Venza; we often do. Toyota revived the nameplate in 2020 as sort of a less funky, more upscale and hybrid-only take on the RAV4. The Crown Signia is Toyota reracking on that idea for 2025.
What engine does the Crown Signia have?
Toyota
The Crown Signia uses the “Toyota Hybrid Electric Vehicle Powertrain.” It’s a 2.5-liter inline-four hybrid with dual electric motors and a CVT. It cranks out a combined 243 horsepower — a similar output to the engine’s tune in the Sienna and Highlander Hybrid.
The Crown Signia comes with all-wheel-drive standard and can tow up to 2,700 pounds.
What kind of fuel economy does the Crown Signia deliver?
Toyota
This “HEV” is Toyota’s more efficient setup for SUVs. We don’t have official EPA numbers for the Crown Signia yet. But Toyota estimates it will get around 36 mpg combined.
How much cargo space does this Toyota have?
Toyota
Toyota has not revealed the cubic footage for the Crown Signia’s cargo bay yet, but it does have a neat trick to make the most of it. The second row seats fold flat, and on top of that, you can fold out a panel to offer a flat 6.5-foot floor for longer items.
How much does the Toyota Crown Signia cost?
Toyota
Toyota has not provided pricing yet for the Crown Signia; that will be revealed closer to the sales launch next year. But we know the 2024 Venza starts at $34,920 for the LE trim and tops out at $43,065 for the Limited model. It’s reasonable to assume the Crown Signia will fall within that general range.
When will the Crown Signia arrive?
Toyota
Toyota says the Crown Signia will hit dealers in the summer of 2024 as a 2025 model-year vehicle.
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Experienced tobacconists (cigar aficionados) have palates refined to distinguish nuances in taste and fragrance for a substance as thin as cigar smoke. That’s a skill, and the dizzying array of products available in a cigar shop’s humidor does little to throw them off a good scent. No matter how many faces (boxes of cigars) lie in the path, a tobacconist can always find the “perfect” puro (cigar).
But what if you are just a beginner? Eric Zimmermann, owner of Bad Ash Cigar Lounge in Woodland Hills, California, doesn’t want that to stop you. To him, every smoker, veteran or newcomer, should feel confident in their pick and enjoy the complex and rich flavors of a well-crafted stogie. Together, we honed in on ten cigars you can find anywhere and count on for a great smoke in three broad categories: light for the newcomers, medium for the next steppers, and dark for the experienced smoker’s palate.
How We Tested
The Leaf by Oscar Connecticut Toro.Danny Martinez
On two separate occasions, we sat down with Bad Ash Cigar Lounge owner Eric Zimmermann to smoke and talk cigars. Zimmermann understands and appreciates cigars in a way that very few, besides the most experienced cigar sommeliers (a real and high-paying job), can replicate. We asked Zimmermann to give us a rundown of the cigar brands and sticks he loves most across a range of prices and a spectrum of the fine brands available. Consider them a good starting place to figure out what you like and don’t like.
To learn more about our testing methodology and howwe evaluate products, head here.
“Here’s the thing: both new and experienced cigar smokers will appreciate this cigar. It is great,” Zimmermann says. “My gosh, if you want the crème de la crème this is it.” And he is not joking. Ashton, a paragon in the cigar industry, impresses us again with this line of tribute cigars commemorating the many years Ashton has knocked the socks off smokers worldwide.
Every part of these cigars is gorgeous; the construction, the scent, and even the box they are shipped in are things to admire. The Estate Sun Grown is one of the most highly celebrated sticks available and a must-have for any legit smoker’s collection. Also, had it not won best overall, The ESG 24 Salute is a top contender for Best Special Occasion Cigar Box and makes for an extravagant gift.
Taste Notes
Overall Flavor: The flavor profile is rich and saturated in the warm tobacco flavors indicative of the Dominican grown crop. Strong influences of honey and syrup mix with an earthy spice that grounds the palate.
Wrap Notes: The wrap is slick and shiny. It takes on the lips’ moisture and returns a spiced, buttery taste.
Smoke and Mouthfeel: A balanced smoke that is very flavorful; exhale slowly and enjoy the many layers that run through to the end of the aftertaste.
Color and Who It’s For
Medium: Inarguably delicious. A must-try for any level of smoker.
“A lot of people sleep on this,” Zimmermann says. “If you are getting into cigars, and you want something cheap — we’re talking under ten bucks [a stick] — but smokes like a $30 cigar? This one here, the Charter Oak Rothschild, I highly recommend.” Constructed in the US and crafted from tobaccos cultivated worldwide, the Foundation Rothschild line is an exceptional cigar for its price point.
The flavors are complex and unique enough to impress experienced tobacconists, which explains its popularity. You can find these cigars at most shops and lounges throughout the U.S.
Taste Notes
Overall Flavor: A blend of common and exotic flavors. In the sweet realm, tastes range from toasted cookies to chocolate and spearmint. On the bold side are hints of roasted peppers and fresh soil.
Wrap Notes: Seamless and firm wrap with a light bite.
Smoke and Mouthfeel: Dense and complex smoke with a strong and long-lasting aftertaste.
Color and Who It’s For
Light: Great for newcomers, but enjoyable for all.
“It is the reason [Bad Ash] lounge exists,” Zimmermann reminisces over his first favorite cigar. The agave touch on a normally bitter Connecticut wrapper kicks this smoke off with a smooth and sweet flavor that is easy to love. The Leaf by Oscar line is easily recognizable by its “rustic” packaging, opting for a tobacco leaf instead of the typical cellophane.
However, this unique twist is more than just a gimmick. It’s another testament to Island Jim (the master blender’s real name) and his supreme understanding of tobacco cultivation. He may be one of the industry’s most eccentric major players, but he knows how to craft a fine cigar. These sticks are popular with everyday smokers and can be found in most shops.
Taste Notes
Overall Flavor: Strong influences of chocolate, coffee bean, and molasses roll over a hint of spice and bitterness. The cigar’s midsection opens to lemon and peppers mixed with a leading smoked oak aroma.
Wrap Notes: Firm and oily with a pleasant spice on the lips.
Smoke and Mouthfeel: A smooth draw of dense, azur smoke. The kind of smoke fit for movies.
Color and Who It’s For
Light: The go-to for newcomers graduating from flavored and infused cigars.
“Here is the perfect springboard,” Zimmermann says. “It’s all about getting your foot in the door and setting yourself up for the long haul.” The flavor and smell of the Robusto Dulce introduce new smokers to finely crafted luxury cigars with easily accessible taste.
It is richer and more nuanced than the run-of-the-mill Swisher but bolder and sweeter than the cigars Drew Estate is known for, like the Liga Pravada. Plus, you can find this cigar almost anywhere — it’s very popular. So, this is a fantastic place to start for those serious about building a palate for the finer cigars on the top shelf.
Taste Notes
Overall Flavor: The caramel infusion and Nicaraguan peat flavor of the tobacco blend into what some describe as a vanilla latte smoke experience.
Wrap Notes: Light, sweet flavor on the wrap. The caramel infusion makes its presence known.
Smoke and Mouthfeel: Even, mellow, and smooth smoke feel.
“Very smooth, very flavorful, barely any bite,” Zimmermann says. The Rose of Sharon, one of the most notable boutique cigars on the market, is another great choice for the smoker ready to step up from the flavored and infused cigars and into more complex tastes.
Some folks were surprised when Southern Draw, a company based out of Texas with a bold reputation matching its home state, opted for the “softer” tones of the dainty labeling draped on this stick. However, don’t let the pink label deter you; this cigar is not a lightweight. An award-winning stick in its own right, The Rose of Sharon is top-notch in craft and taste.
Taste Notes
Overall Flavor: Charred cedar and the subtle hints of a warm campfire, transitioning into a complex blend of cream and nut.
Wrap Notes: Smooth, almost oily wrap. Silky feel.
Smoke and Mouthfeel: Rich and full smoke feel that lingers in the mouth.
“Here’s what I really like about this,” Zimmermann leans in as if telling a secret. “Most Nicaraguan cigars for beginners are like boom — in your face. Like I just downed a black pepper shaker. This doesn’t do that.” The Capa Especial is Tatuaje’s variation on an already popular and award-winning binder and filler blend wrapped in a flavor-packed Sumatra leaf.
With My Father’s legendary tobacco inside, you can expect a master’s dedication to craftsmanship in the fine stogies from Tatuaje’s rollers. Considering the Cohete’s length, this might not be so obvious when you find these “little rockets” in the wild. But this short stick packs a ton of balanced flavor.
Taste Notes
Overall Flavor: Mellow smooth and nutty, with a hint of black pepper. An even distribution of sweets and spices in the aroma is alluring and not overpowering.
Wrap Notes: The color of candied crème brulée that shines with the tobacco oils of the leaf. Firm but not stiff to the touch.
Smoke and Mouthfeel: A heavy smoke that is well balanced and massages the taste buds.
Color and Who It’s For
Medium: This cigar will be the next-stepper’s new favorite.
In the world of finely crafted handmade luxury cigars, Pledge by EP Carrillo is a legendarily delicious smoke. Royal blue and gold labeling emblazon a seamless, chocolate-colored Habano Connecticut leaf. Strong and rich tobacco aromas fill the space when one of these sticks comes out of the box.
The Pledge line, from taste to design, is worthy of every award won over the years. And there are many. “This is an amazing stick,” Zimmermann says. “I recommend the Prequel for its size. This is the capstone thesis for smoking.”
Taste Notes
Overall Flavor: Deep, robust, and rich flavors of truly fine aged tobacco.The strong taste of leather, peat, licorice, and coffee on the draw. The aftertaste blends stone fruit, pepper, and burnt sugar.
Wrap Notes: The unique wrap contributes heavily to the taste and kicks off with a peppery feel to the lips.
Smoke and Mouthfeel: An easy draw for such a boldly flavorful smoke with an equally complex aftertaste.
Filler: Nicaragua, Honduras, and The Dominican Republic
Binder: Brazil
Wrap: Connecticut Habano grown in the U.S.
“Drew Estate struck gold with these,” Zimmermann says. He might be referring to the big risk taken on by Johnathan Drew, president of Drew Estates Cigars when committing to the hard-to-grown and unique wrapper the T52 is known for. But with big risk comes big rewards for Drew Estate and fans of great cigars.
“It’s like smooth, flavorful peat. It’s very hard to find,” Zimmermann says. “I mean, you have to spend [a lot of money] with Drew Estate to even get a box… It generally takes me one-to-three months to get a box because it is so sought after. This is a solid one that is very rare to find.” So, if you see a box at the local shop, we recommend scooping up as many as you can afford. If not for the notoriety, then for the award-winning taste of this brilliantly blended cigar by Drew Estate.
Taste Notes
Overall Flavor: Dense and complex mixture of charred pepper spice, sun-dried hay, mocha, and peat followed by the faint hint of an after hours bakery.
Wrap Notes: The dark, chocolatey wrap makes it look and feel like a fancy candy bar. This cigar is flawlessly constructed.
Smoke and Mouthfeel: Dense and rich flavor bouquet that fills the mouth like an herbal tea. The spice in the Nicaraguan filler is the focus of the aftertaste but doesn’t linger.
My personal favorite, the Perdomo Reserve Champagne 10 had to be on this list. The barrel aging of the wrap provides the soft, boozy taste from which this cigar gets its name. The Cuban seed Nicaraguan-grown tobacco in the filler and binder brings in the mix of sweet caramel and strong black pepper that makes it interesting. Together, they exemplify the decade Perdomo has expressed their skill in growth and knowledge of aging to consistently turn out cigars the people love.
The Perdomo Reserve Champagne 10 is a great way to take your new home humidor to the next level. It’s a cigar you can be proud to own and enjoy daily. “I probably sell two-to-three boxes of these a month,” Zimmermann says. “People like them because they are just so smooth.” Considering this and its ubiquity in stores, this cigar was a top contender for best overall.
Taste Notes
Overall Flavor: Underlying notes of white wine, complementing a complex smoke that transitions from sweet to mildly spicy throughout.
Wrap Notes: Barrel-aged spice on Soft, almost spongey wrap
Smoke and Mouthfeel: Complex but smooth smoke feel, easy from start to finish.
Color and Who It’s For
Light: Ideal for smokers between “newcomer” and “next-stepper.”
“Now this is going to be a little bit pricey, but it’s not going to break the bank,” Zimmermann says. “But if you love Padron… and you are ready to jump out into some dangerous territory [Family Reserve No. 45] is a great stick.” The Padron family has made itself a household name by rolling fantastic cigars that celebrate the heritage and culture of the craft. Reserve No. 45 does not disappoint, winning Cigar Aficionado’s Cigar of the Year upon its release and staying one of the most sought-after boxes on the market today.
We honor the hard work and dedication of the Padron family and all families involved in making each stick every time we light up. This notion makes having these cigars in your humidor a right of passage and an amazing gift for someone special on a special day.
Taste Notes
Overall Flavor: Power in simplicity, the very foundations of a fine cigar smoke blended to perfection. A bold, spiced creaminess persists throughout, but the cigar transitions from fresh earth and roasted nut accents to barnyard and sweet fruit.
Wrap Notes: Smooth, oily wrap with the feel of a ripe peach on the lips. After the cut, but before you light it, take a pull for a very tasty cold draw.
Smoke and Mouthfeel: Spicy smoke that lingers and flows smoothly around the palate. A very long aftertaste, pair with seltzer water to clear the palate.
Color and Who It’s For
Medium: Enjoyed most by next-steppers and experienced smokers.
Welcome to Brand Breakdown, a series of comprehensive yet easy-to-digest guides to your favorite companies, with insights and information you won’t find on the average About page.
A History of Land Rover
Land Rover is a British automaker that produces luxury four-wheel-drive vehicles. The brand technically began in 1948 when the Rover Company launched the Land Rover Series of off-road vehicles. British Leyland took the brand upmarket with the Range Rover in 1970 and branched off Land Rover into a distinct brand from now-defunct Rover in 1978. Land Rover was later owned by BMW and Ford. Current owner Tata Motors bought Land Rover from Ford in 2008, merging it with Jaguar to form Jaguar Land Rover.
Land Rover has gone full-on luxury these days, but the brand maintains its reputation for off-road capability. Land Rover does not give its vehicles “Trail Rated” badges like Jeep; it’s presumed — since they carry the name Land Rover — that they are able to do that (yes, even the Evoque). The flipside is Land Rover’s not especially stellar reputation for reliability.
In 2021, Jaguar Land Rover embarked on a new product strategy called “Reimagine.” The Land Rover lineup will shift dramatically toward electrification. Land Rover plans to launch its first EV in 2024 and six within the next five years. By 2030, Land Rover expects every model to have an EV option and EVs to make up 60 percent of Land Rover sales.
Wait, Isn’t Land Rover a “House of Brands” Now?
Sort of. Jaguar Land Rover recently rebranded itself as “JLR,” and as part of that change, the company announced a new “House of Brands” strategy that will see it become four brands (Range Rover, Defender, Discovery, Jaguar) instead of the traditional pairing of Jaguar and Land Rover.
What does this mean for Land Rover? Not a lot, really.
Buyers won’t notice anything different. Range Rover, Defender and Discovery vehicles will still carry Land Rover badging, and you will still visit a Land Rover dealer to buy them. Effectively, what this does is diminish Jaguar — set to become a more low-volume, high-end EV brand — within the portfolio in favor of the more popular Land Rover wing.
Land Rover Terms You Should Know
HSE: Stands for “High Specification Equipment.” This is a higher-than-standard trim level offered on most Land Rover models.SVOandSVR: SVO stands for “Special Vehicles Operations,” the brand’s high-performance wing. The highest-performance vehicles under the SVO wing replace the O with an R, which stands for “racing.” SVO and SVR trims aren’t available across the board, but vehicles that sport the trim level are, in scientific terms, “fun as hell.”Autobiography: This is a Range Rover trim offered on the Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport and the Evoque. This trim is fancy. It will have luxury finishes, an array of standard features and come at a significantly higher price point. Dynamic: This is a term affixed to Range Rover trims. These cars are more aggressive and dynamic than non-dynamic trims. That can mean styling. It can also mean a more powerful engine. Range Rover: Land Rover has equity in “Range Rover” as a luxury brand. Thus, four of the seven vehicles are “Range Rovers.” These cars tend to be referred to as just “Range Rovers” because “Land Rover Range Rover X” is a mouthful.Sport: Smaller version. The Range Rover Sport is smaller than the Range Rover. The Discovery Sport is smaller than the Discovery.
The Land Rover Buying Guide
Range Rover
Land Rover
The Range Rover is Land Rover’s flagship, full-size luxury SUV. The first model was one of the most influential cars ever built. The current fifth-generation model is all-new for 2022. And with the new House of Brands strategy you can, officially, just call it a Range Rover and avoid the Land Rover Range Rover mouthful.
The Range Rover comes in standard wheelbase (SWB) or long wheelbase (LWB) versions with the option for a third row of seats. Currently, you can order a Range Rover with either inline-six or V8 powertrains. A six-cylinder PHEV version entered the lineup for the 2023 model year. Four-wheel steering is now standard across the lineup. The price tag now starts above $100,000.
The Range Rover Sport is a midsize SUV. It’s smaller, cheaper and — as the name suggests — can be optioned out to be a bit sportier than its flagship sibling. The third-generation is all-new for the 2023 model year. There are currently four engines available: two turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six variants, a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six PHEV and a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8.
The Range Rover Velar is Land Rover’s more premium luxury compact crossover. Land Rover calls it “the Avant-Garde Range Rover.” It debuted as an all-new model in 2017. The Range Rover Velar is more road-going and style-oriented than other Land Rover vehicles with sleek lines and recessed door handles. It can be fitted with either a four or six-cylinder gas engine.
The Range Rover Evoque is a subcompact luxury crossover. It’s Land Rover’s smallest and cheapest model that still carries Range Rover branding, with a price tag still technically under $50,000. The current second-generation model debuted in 2018. R-Dynamic versions offer a bolder, sportier style. All versions use a 246 hp 2.0-liter inline-four engine.
The Land Rover Discovery is Land Rover’s less premium (but still quite premium) midsize SUV. It is less luxurious and more family-oriented than the Range Rover Sport. The current third generation (or fifth iteration) Discovery debuted for 2017. The Disco is one of the best SUVs for towing, with a pickup truck-like 8,201-pound rating. A seven-seat, three-row interior setup is standard, and a two-row version is optional.
The Land Rover Discovery Sport is a compact SUV. It is the entry-level Land Rover with a base price starting at $44,600. The current generation debuted in 2014 as a replacement for Land Rover’s smaller LR2. The Discovery Sport can (somehow) be fitted with a small third row of seating.
The Land Rover Defender is Land Rover’s original overland vehicle, the British equivalent of the Jeep Wrangler. Before 1983, it was just known as the “Land Rover.” Land Rover produced a brief run of “NAS” Defenders sold in North America from 1993 to 1997. JLR discontinued the body-on-frame Defender’s continuous production run in 2016. Land Rover revived the Defender nameplate in 2020 with a new unibody SUV. It won the World Car Design of the Year award for 2021.
The Defender now comes in three body styles: a two-door Defender 90, a four-door Defender 110 and a three-row Defender 130. The numerical designations no longer track precisely with the Defender wheelbase. It comes with inline-four, inline-six or now a supercharged V8 powertrain.
Today’s Best Deals: The Ultimate Nutrition Bible, Monos Luggage & More
Welcome to Deals of Note, where Gear Patrol captures the five best deals of the day.
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Welcome to Deals of Note, where Gear Patrol highlights the five very best deals of the day. You can also visit GearPatrol.com/Deals for all the deals we cover and constant updates on the latest deals discovered by our team.
Today in Gear is our daily roundup of all the latest product announcements, drops and news from Gear Patrol Studios
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Abu Dhabi is preparing to welcome the world’s largest man-made wave. Surf Abu Dhabi will be powered by the Kelly Slater Wave Company, and aims to create, “the world’s longest ride, biggest barrel, and largest man-made wave pool.” It will be located on Hudayriat Island, and the team aims to complete it by December 2023. That said, there’s no word on when the wave pool will actually open to the public; but fans can check out the very first aerial footage of the new pool here.
Today we’re taking a look at a gorgeous cutlery set, new festival releases from Snow Peak and a brand new take on a Ken Onion classic. This is Today in Gear.
Today in Gear is our daily roundup of all the latest product announcements, drops and news from Gear Patrol Studios. Send your most pressing product questions to [email protected].
A New Take On Workwear From 686
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The ‘Unwork Collection’ is 686’s progressive take on classic workwear, featuring 686’s most durable fabrications to date while maintaining more mobility, breathability and flexibility to perform outdoors. The Unwork Pant is made from durable nylon mixed with spandex stretch canvas, 500-denier in all the spots that need extra durability, and reinforced seams and belt loops. Plus, there are 11 pockets for storage and a DWR finish. The Unwork Pants come in Slim ($130) and Relaxed-Loose ($130). Add the cool Unwork Jacket ($180) to complete the kit.
The Harmony Set ($199) is the result of a recent Schmidt Bros. x COTE Korean Steakhouse collab. It includes four ‘perfectly balanced’ steak knives crafted from American walnut wood and German stainless steel, each adorned with brass accents and sharpened to perfection. The kit also includes six pairs of chopsticks made from smooth melamine and finished with brass end caps. This is the perfect gift for the home chef who already has it all, and will make a gorgeous gift for any foodie.
For those that are new to Brooklyn Delhi, the company’s cult-favorite Indian condiments and sauces make great weeknight staples and treats, and for those that are new to the brand; the new Best of Brooklyn Delhi Gift Box ($95) makes it easy to try everything at once. The full kit includes two achaars and a sweet mango chutney plus four curry-ready jars that will help you craft the perfect Tikka Masala, Golden Coconut Curry, Coconut Cashew Korma and Cashew Butter Masala.
The new CRKT Stylus ($195) reimagines a classic Ken Onion original. As a result, the low-profile pocket knife was made with upgraded materials (including a titanium handle and powerful CPM S35VN blade steel). Thanks to flipper deployment, the knife opens fast, but a frame lock taps a thick lock bar to hold the blade securely in place. Available for the first time today, fans can find the knife at the link below.
Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more
Smart thermostats can make your home more energy efficient and save you $100 or more per year in heating and cooling costs. They let you control the temperature of your home remotely and can be integrated with your other smart home devices. Some can even automatically learn your habits or work with voice control.
But unlike many smart devices, smart thermostats require a bit of prep to make sure they’ll work with your existing appliances. Before investing in a thermostat, you’ll have to get up to snuff on what HVAC system your home uses. If your home uses separate heating and cooling systems, you may need a separate device for each.
It’s very important for you to buy a smart thermostat that’s compatible with your existing smart home ecosystem — whether that be Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple’s HomeKit — because it’ll just make your life easier. You’ll be able to control it via an app you already use on your smartphone and you might even be able to adjust your temperature using your voice.
Does your HVAC have a C-wire?
Most smart thermostats require a common wire — or C-wire — installation, which it needs to stay constantly connected to a home’s Wi-Fi. The good news is that most new HVAC systems have C-wires, which are fairly easy to install yourself. If you have an older HVAC system you may have to jump through some more hoops to make a smart thermostat work for your home (as Consumer Reports explains).
Smart features
In addition to having a nice touchscreen interface and being compatible with multiple smart home ecosystems, another thing that drives up the price of a smart thermostat is if it can automatically adjust the temperature based on your location. The more advanced smart thermostats use geofencing (for your smartphone’s location) or various motion sensors to detect whether you are home or not.
How big is your home?
Larger homes with multiple floors may have multiple heating and cooling systems to control the different areas of the house all at the same time. In those cases, you’ll likely need to buy multiple smart thermostats, as one is required to control each of the different areas and its individual heating and cooling system.
Who’s installing it?
If you don’t want to install the smart thermostat yourself, or you don’t know the answers to the above questions, you can hire a professional to do it for you. A number of retailers, such as Best Buy, Home Depot and Amazon, let you purchase this installation when you buy a smart thermostat.
We’ve been writing about and reviewing smart home products — including smart cameras, smart locks, smart doorbells and smart DIY systems — for a decade. We also work with major brands and talk to experts within the smart home industry. We’ve had hands-on experience with most of the below smart thermostats. These are our favorites.
To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.
Numerous smart features to better regulate temperature
Works with all major smart home ecosystems
Cons
A touch pricey
Design won't be for everybody
Works with: Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
C-wire: Yes
The Nest Learning Thermostat has been around for a few years and yet it’s still the best-looking smart thermostat you can buy; it has a beautiful LCD touchscreen and a huge and intuitive rotating dial that you can use to adjust your home’s temperature. It’s the no-brainer option for anybody committed to smart home around Google Assistant (Google owns Nest), but it’s also compatible with most other smart home ecosystems. The Nest Learning Thermostat is an excellent smart thermostat for numerous other reasons. It’s fairly easy to install and works with most HVAC systems. It is able to learn your (and your family’s) habits and then automatically adjust the temperature accordingly. And you can buy and set up separate room sensors to more accurately control the temperatures in all areas of your home.
(Note: The Nest Thermostat is a more affordable alternative with very similar features and capabilities.)
Works with all major ecosystems including Apple's HomeKit
Can automatically detect when you arrive or leave home
Cons
On the expensive side
Works with: Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
C-wire: Yes
Honeywell makes a wide variety of smart thermostats, but its T9 is the best all-around option for those looking for one that’s easy to install and use. It’s compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant voice assistants (if you have a separate smart speaker), and it works with Apple’s HomeKit as well. One of the key features of the T9 is that it’s smart enough to tell if you’re home or away; it uses your smartphone’s location (via geofencing) and then adjusts the temperature accordingly. It works with Honeywell’s Smart Room Sensors, which you place in the various rooms in your house to help the T9 gauge and adjust the temperature.
The Amazon Smart Thermostat is a simple and really affordable option for anybody with a smart home built around Alexa. You can control it and adjust the temperature via the app or by using an Alexa voice command if you have a smart device (like an Echo, Echo Dot or Echo Show). You can also adjust the temperature just by going over and using its built-in touchscreen. It’s fairly easy to install (requires a C-wire) and works with most HVAC systems. However, it isn’t compatible with any smart home ecosystem besides Alexa.
Integrated with Alexa and can work as a smart speaker
Large touchscreen is easy to use
Can work with all major smart home ecosystems
Cons
Built-in speaker can't be integrated with Google Assistant or Siri
On the expensive side
Works with: Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
C-wire: Yes
Released in 2022, the Smart Thermostat Premium is Ecobee’s top smart thermostat. It’s an excellent option for anybody with an Alexa smart home becomes it comes integrated with Alexa so you can talk directly to it and change the temperature — no separate smart speaker required. You can also stream audio directly to the thermostat via Bluetooth or Spotify Connect or ask Alexa to play something or answer questions about the weather. The Ecobee SmartThermostat has a large intuitive touchscreen display and comes with a smart sensor that makes it easier to control the temperature of rooms farther away from the thermostat. If you have a larger home, you can buy extra SmartSensors ($79/2-pack) for relatively cheap.
(Note: The Ecobee SmartThermostat Premium is also compatible with Google’s and Apple’s smart ecosystems, but it can’t be integrated with Google Assistant or Siri. If you’re looking for more affordable options, Ecobee also offers the Smart Thermostat Enhanced.)
The Wyze Thermostat is an affordable option for anybody who uses Wyze’s various other smart home devices (such as cameras, doorbells, sensors, lights, etc.) — you can control them all from the same app. It is compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, so if you have a smart speaker or smart display, you can adjust the temperature with your voice. Additionally, Wyze sells room sensors to help better regulate the temperatures in specific rooms of your home.
What makes something the “best?” It’s a question I’ve wrestled with since joining Gear Patrol a decade ago, and it’s one thousands of readers ask us every year.
And yet, our job at Gear Patrol isn’t to tell you which products are the best. It’s to help you discover which ones are right. For you. At the end of the day, the only recommendations that matter are those driven by subjective experience, passion and taste — three attributes that informed the stories, and products, collected here.
Brad Trone
Issue Twenty-One gets underway with a look at an unexpected yet refreshing trend: transparent gadgets, which first rose to popularity in the ’90s and have recaptured consumers’ interests — including our own. They’re not the only products making a comeback. The Guide covers vintage workout gear, a 75-year-old lounge chair, timeless watch designs and premade cocktails. Don’t worry, this isn’t the stuff you drank in college.
Elsewhere, we sit down with prominent designers shaping the product world, including Kaila Cumings, a self-taught knifemaker collaborating with the biggest brands in the business, and Caroline Andrew, who belongs to a new wave of tailors reinvigorating London’s Savile Row.
Brad TroneBrad Trone
Speaking of people, our first feature pays tribute to an unsung hero of waxed canvas outerwear. America’s sole independent reproofer of Barbour and Filson jackets, Alain Gauthier, reflects on two decades of business as he prepares to pass down his trade. We also travel across the country to speak with the distillers putting American single malt on the map — and store shelves. Behind the scenes, the US government will soon rule on whether or not the category deserves an official designation like bourbon.
We close out Issue Twenty-One with a guide to our favorite fitness apparel, footwear and accessories. If you need a little motivation to stay fit throughout the holidays, start here.
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