Nike has produced some of trail running’s most stylish shoes over the years. But while the silhouettes have been aesthetically pleasing, there hasn’t been much to write home about in the performance department. Yes, Nike trail runners can handle light off-roading and road-to-trail pathways, but muddy or more technical terrain has historically left athletes clamoring for more underfoot.

That all appears to have changed with the new Ultrafly. As the first Nike trail running shoe to utilize the always-popular Vibram Megagrip outsole, this race-oriented shoe looks to be a step in the right direction for the brand. Additionally, this sneaker is Nike’s first plated trail runner, boasting a full-length carbon Flyplate sandwiched between the brand’s coveted ZoomX midsole foam.

The Nike Ultrafly Trail Shoes: What We Think

Brian Galdamez

These Ultraflys are frontrunners for my favorite Nikes of the year. The carbon Flyplate blends well to the ZoomX midsole for a ride that’s snappy yet still comfortable enough for extended wear. Of course, it’s hard to ignore that trusty Vibram outsole that’s plenty grippy for wet and muddy conditions alike.

Despite the boost in traction, I still feel these sneakers are best for less technical terrain. The roomier fit limits lockdown, and I’d prefer a deeper lug pattern for more aggressive pathways. All told, though, I’d say Nike Trail is moving in the right direction with these impressive kicks.

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.

The ZoomX midsole tech translates well from road to trail

Brian Galdamez

The ZoomX midsole is the foundation of many popular Nike road running shoes, and I’m happy to see it translate to the trail with the Ultraflys. There’s enough cushioning to keep your strides comfortable, and the energy return pairs well with the embedded carbon Flyplate.

I also appreciate how this full-length plate technology adds spring to your step when needed, yet isn’t too aggressive when worn for longer periods. There’s less rigidity than with Nike’s other plated silhouettes like the Alphafly and Vaporfly, which is well suited to the uneven terrain of trail running.

Lighter lugs and lack of a toe bumper limit how technical your terrain can get

Brian Galdamez

As tacky as the Vibram outsole is, there’s simply not enough lug depth to support aggressive trail running. These sneakers can be overwhelmed by technical crags and loose hillsides, and the roomier last limits how well you can lock down the upper for more intense terrain. Plus, there’s essentially no toe bumper, which limits your protection when navigating over jutting roots, boulders and other obstacles. I’d recommend saving these Ultraflys for more approachable fire trails and the like.

The white upper is tough against the elements, but tougher to keep clean

At unboxing, I recommend taking a good, hard look at the impeccable style across the Nike Ultraflys, because that clean white aesthetic won’t last long. Sure, the Vaporweave mesh upper is plenty durable against the trials and tribulations of trail running, but the Cordura-wrapped midsole easily turns brown when exposed to dust or dirt. Some athletes, like myself, may wear this dirt as a badge of honor across their sneakers … but you almost feel guilty tarnishing the style of this Nike silhouette.

The Vibram Megagrip outsole has the traction Nike Trail needs

Brian Galdamez

Nike typically pairs its trail running sneakers with in-house rubber technologies, which haven’t been the best for trekking through mud and loose gravel. The Ultraflys take full advantage of the full-length Vibram Megagrip outsole to create a grippy, capable underfoot. As much as I winced at taking these sneakers on mud-packed trails (you’ll want to preserve that pristine white profile for as long as possible), I was pleased with the traction I found in my strides.

Nike

Nike Ultrafly Trail Running Shoes

• $260.00 at Nike

Gear Patrol

A version of this story first appeared in Gear Patrol Magazine. Learn More.

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This is where we tell you not to throw an investment-level jacket on a pile of clothes — or worse, the floor — after you wear it. Your new jacket deserves proper care, and luckily that’s pretty easy to deliver. We asked David Mesquita, co-owner and vice president of Leather Spa, how to give your jacket its best life possible.

Give it a layer of protection

“Leather is just like our skin, we put moisturizer on in the winter because our skin gets dry. It’s the same with the leather jackets. As you’re wearing it, rubbing up against stuff, the natural oils in the skin are gonna wear out,” Mesquita says.

Before you wear a new leather jacket the first time, spray your jacket with water and stain protector, especially if it’s made of suede. Then at least once a season, you’ll want to condition your jacket to keep the leather from drying out. “If it’s something you wear often, you might have to do a conditioning in the middle of the season versus waiting till the end,” he added. “A good rule of thumb is you can always look at the jacket and you start to see some fading. That could be a sign of it drying out and you should apply some moisturizer.”

But fair warning: it may darken the color of your jacket. If you’re not sure how much to use or nervous about application, ask a professional.

Amazon

Leather Honey Leather Conditioner

• $19.99 at Amazon
  $27.99 (29% off)

Amazon

Apple Brand Garde Rain & Stain Water Repellent

• $16.99 at Amazon

Make sure it can breathe in your closet

There’s nothing wrong with storing your jacket in the back of your closet during the offseason. But you want to make sure it has room to breathe and hang naturally. Don’t cram it into an overcrowded closet or store it folded under heavy coats and sweaters. Marks from creases and folds can’t be ironed out of leather the way they can with other fabrics. So you want to avoid any undue pressure for long periods of time. To keep your jacket next-level fresh, consider keeping a box of baking soda or a sachet of cedar chips in your closet.

Amazon

Wahdawn 10 Cedar Wood Shaving Sachets

• $14.99 at Amazon

Amazon

Arm & Hammer Baking Soda

• $1.19 at Amazon

Use wooden hangers, not metal wire

Never hang your leather jacket on wire or thin hangers. Instead, spend some money on wooden hangers with adequate shoulder support.

“I wouldn’t let it sit on one of those thin hangers for too long because it stretches the shoulders out and leaves that imprint,” Mesquita said. “The best way to store leather items is in the fabric garment bag you get when you purchase the jacket because they’re breathable. God forbid you have your jacket in a storage unit and there’s some type of humidity or moisture that gets trapped in there.”

Amazon

Utopia Home 10 Pack Premium Wooden Hangers

• $15.99 at Amazon

Spot clean it quickly

Spilled beer, motorcycle grease and other kinds of dirt are going to happen. But don’t let stains sit for more than an hour or two, or they’ll require professional cleaning.

“If you get a stain on it or a mark, you want to treat it right away before it penetrates into the pores of the skin and becomes permanent like a tattoo,” Mesquita says. “The best time for any type of care is when you get home just before putting it away in your closet. Look it over, and if you see a little spot or a blemish just rub it right off before it becomes permanent. Or use a little bit of a spot cleaner and then just rub it right off.”

Amazon

Leather Honey Leather Cleaner Spray with UV Protectant

• $24.99 at Amazon
  $29.99 (17% off)

Know when to call a professional

For anything more intense than a spilled beer or a spot of dirt go straight to a pro. Trying to fix something without the proper training could just lead you down a path to more trouble. Put simply, “If its a jacket that you spent a lot of money on, you’re better off taking it to a professional,” Mesquita says.

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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.

What do you get the person who seems to have everything? Well, it’s hard to go wrong when you give the gift of health and wellness.

With the CirC+ compact massage chair you can help that special someone feel better and recover faster any time they want. With three different upholstery colors to choose from, the chair will complement anyone’s home decor tastes.

Johnson Fitness & Wellness

The Backstory

Johnson Health Tech: The Home of Fitness

Johnson Health Tech owns a suite of brands that are all dedicated to providing people with the equipment they need to lead their healthiest lives. The brand offers products at every price point and for every use case, from tiny home gyms to state-of-the-art fitness centers.

Johnson Fitness & Wellness is one of the company’s top brands, and remains the world’s largest fitness and wellness retailer. The brand’s goal is to offer personalized wellness for people of all ages and ability levels so they can be the fittest version of themselves — whatever that means to them.

The Gist

Why Is the CirC+ Worth Talking About?

An at-home massage chair is the ultimate luxury. The compact design of the CirC+ means it can fit seamlessly into any room in the house. The chair features a zero-gravity cradle that offers balanced support for the whole body. The position was originally developed by NASA to reduce pressure on the low back and protect restriction points on blood vessels. Binge-watching a show while getting a massage in an ergonomic position designed by experts? Sign us up!

With eight different auto programs — including three full-body and five targeted to specific regions — you can give the gift of personalized relief. The 2D roller systems can go up, down and side to side. The CirC+ is designed to conform to your spine’s natural curve and offer a comprehensive massage experience that can cover the neck, upper and lower back, glutes and upper thighs.

Our POV

The CirC+ Is the Perfect Gift

Did we mention that the CirC+ also has lumbar heat therapy? This feature provides a gentle application of heat to the lower back during the massage in order to help alleviate muscle tension, improve circulation and reduce pain. The chair is a great way to recover after a hard workout or holiday 5k, and it can help reduce stress and improve blood flow.

A compact, aesthetically pleasing massage chair might just be the best gift you ever give. Plus, the added benefits of heat therapy ensure extra relaxation and warmth during the coldest months of the year.

Price: $1,699.99 $2,299.99

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Volvo has made clear that it will convert to an all-electric vehicle manufacturer by 2030. And the brand just unveiled a pivotal vehicle for that transition, the all-new 2025 Volvo EX90. The EX90, which seats up to 7 passengers, is not the first electric car in the Volvo lineup. But it should be a popular one, serving as an electric counterpart to Volvo’s popular three-row flagship, the XC90.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 Volvo EX90.

How much does the Volvo EX90 cost?

Volvo

Volvo unveiled the pricing for the 2024 EX90 at the end of November. The starting MSRP is $76,695, which is below the threshold to qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit. The EX90 is cheaper than the Rivian R1S and BMW iX.

The base EX90 Twin Motor starts at $76,695 for the Plus 7-Seater and tops out at $81,545 for the Ultra 6-Seater. The EX90 Twin Motor Performance begins at $81,695 for the Plus 7-Seater and goes up to $86,645 for the Ultra 6-Seater.

When will the Volvo EX90 arrive?

Volvo

Volvo says the EX90 will begin production at its South Carolina plant in the first half of 2024. Deliveries will begin soon after. The EX90 will be a 2025 model-year vehicle. Customers can pre-order an EX90 on Volvo’s website.

How much range does the Volvo EX90 have?

Volvo

Volvo says the EX90 delivers up to 300 miles of range from its 111 kWh battery pack. It can fast charge from 10% to 80% — a full charge — in 30 minutes.

Like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Volvo EX90 will come hardware-ready for bidirectional charging, allowing the EX90 to send power back out of the vehicle from its battery.

How much power does the Volvo EX90 have?

Volvo

All Volvo EX90s (at least at launch) have a dual-motor electric powertrain. The Twin Motor model has 408 horsepower. The Twin Motor Performance setup pushes out up to 496 hp and 671 lb-ft of torque.

What sort of infotainment tech does the Volvo EX90 have?

Volvo

The EX90 uses a 14.5-inch center touchscreen. It comes with Google Built-In, Apple Carplay compatibility and 5G connectivity. Owners will be able to use their smartphones as a key. Buyers can add a Bowers & Wilkins audio system with Dolby Atmos and headrest integrated speakers.

The EX90 may get self-driving capability…eventually

Volvo

Volvo says the EX90 comes “hardware ready” with state-of-the-art lidar sensors for “unsupervised driving.” But they make no claims about the software — the tricky part — or when it will arrive.

Volvo is trying to make EX90 production more sustainable

Volvo

The EX-90 makes ample use of sustainable materials. Volvo says 25% of the aluminum and 15% of the steel used in the vehicle’s construction are recycled. The EX90 also contains more than 105 pounds of recycled plastics — about 15% of the plastic used in the vehicle.

More Future Electric Cars We’re Excited About…

Volkswagen

• 2024 Porsche Macan EV
• 2025 Toyota Electric Truck
• 2026 Scout Motors Truck/SUV
• 2027 Volkswagen ID. GTI
• 2028 Jeep Wrangler EV

Related Topics

Columbia’s Star Wars collab is officially live. The company’s new Skywalker Pilot Collection features a wide range of gear in astronaut-orange, white and burnt umber. Fans can find limited-edition T-shirts, crossbody bags and jackets; but the standout piece is probably the funky Skywalker Pilot Ski Suit. Originally inspired by Luke Skywalker’s flight suit, the new piece is made with a waterproof Omni-Tech material and lined with reflective Omni-Heat infinity for added warmth. Plus, as an added bonus, the ski suit features fan-favorite details like T-65 X-wing Starfighter and R2-D2 blueprint graphics.

Today we’re taking a look at a cowboy wok, TJB’s 2023 Throwflake and Ressence’s new TYPE 1° Round. 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].

Check Out This Camp-Ready Cowboy Wok

Barebones

The Cowboy Wok ($140) is a 15-inch carbon steel wok that can be used to cook over a fire or gas cooktop. It’s made with a low-carbon rolled steel to ensure even heat distribution and is designed to heat up quickly and stay hot. Over time, it will develop its own natural, non-stick coating, and the careful hand-blued finish can resist rust (and turn black) over time.

Thom Browne Teamed Up with Baccarat

Thom Browne

Thom Browne joined the Baccarat team to create a small collection of crystal glasses, coupes and tumblers. Sold in sets of two, the pieces retail for $330 – $890. To create them, Browne took a handful of Baccarat’s signature pieces — including the ‘Yacht Glass’ first released in 1952 — and edited them, up or down, to reflect his own signature style.

A Tiny Gift to Keep On-Hand

Bespoke Post

Take all the stress out of last-minute holiday parties, secret Santa plans or interactions with your neighbors by keeping this compact little gift on-hand for whenever the moment strikes. The Cast Iron Garlic Roaster ($25) is a certified crowd-pleaser, allowing the user to quickly transform a normal head of garlic into a buttery, spreadable treat. To use, simply slice the crown off the bulb, drizzle it with oil, pop it in the pan and roast; it’s that easy.

The Coolest Ornament Money Can Buy

The James Brand

The James Brand’s 2023 Throwflake ($39) is one part ornament, one part shuriken (AKA ninja star). It’s made with one ounce of powder-coated white steel and hung on a Santa Claus red paracord. This year’s release is the brand’s fifth version of the iconic ornament, so make sure to snag it while you can.

Ressence Released the TYPE 1° Round

Monochrome

Now available in three colorways, the TYPE 1° Round ($19,177) has managed to further cement Ressence’s effort to create smooth, rounded timepieces that feature revolving discs instead of hands. Now, its newest colorway includes three discs in green, yellow and red (plus the minute track in blue) across the watch’s white dial. Powered by 40 jewels, 27 gears and the ETA 2892 base caliber; this is an interesting watch for savvy collectors.

Related Topics

I was reared on the Mercedes-Benz R107. My parents had an old 1988 560SL through most of my adolescence, and it was the object I revered. Its classic looks and gravitas shaped my expectations of what a sports/luxury car should be. I swoon when I see one now, and I still smart over my parents selling theirs for a now paltry sum instead of letting me take it … even if the maintenance costs would have ended me.

SLs haven’t been quite the same since that R107 — one of the reasons it still resonates nearly 40 years later. But the new generation is Mercedes’s attempt to revive (or at least revive interest in) the SL lineup. The SL is an AMG-only effort now, and it’s more explicitly trying to blend the sportiness in with the luxury and take on the Porsche 911.

I drove the 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL 43 version around town in Michigan for a few days. The SL 43 is the base model, and carries a marginally less imposing starting MSRP of $109,900 compared to the SL 55 starting above $140,000. But it does require you to sacrifice the V8 for a four-cylinder engine.

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL 43: What We Think

Tyler Duffy

I found the SL 43 to present a bit of a conundrum. On the one hand, it delivers the joie de vivre you’d expect from an SL; I enjoyed driving it. It looks spectacular. It’s pleasant enough to drive in normal conditions — with all the power you can realistically use on public roads. If you just want a cool convertible to cruise around town in on weekends, the SL 43 is just about perfect.

The trouble is, even after cutting more than $30,000 off the SL 55’s price tag, the SL 43 is still really expensive. It starts at $109,900; my tester came in just under $120,000. And I can’t really come up with any particular quality beyond looks — at a price point where you can buy a Porsche 911 — that would make the SL 43 be your choice.

The SL 43 looks fantastic, especially by modern Mercedes standards

Tyler Duffy

Mercedes EVs resemble aerodynamic potatoes, but Mercedes’s last-call combustion cars have been comparatively on point, style-wise. And the new SL may be the best-looking of the bunch. My wife called the SL 43 “classy,” a tough designation to achieve in Hyper Blue Metallic paint. But the SL 43 nails the balance few sports cars manage, projecting style and power without looking like an ostentatious try-hard. It’s a return to aesthetic form for an SL line that lost its way after the R107.

But the SL 43 doesn’t have that rumbling 4.0-liter V8

Tyler Duffy

The SL is an AMG-only affair, and the SL 43 is Diet AMG. The other SLs employ different tunings of the handcrafted 4.0-liter V8. The SL 43 downsizes to a handcrafted 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four — with Mercedes touting its F1-derived tech that reduces turbo lag.

On the plus side, the power dip (about 20 percent less than the 55) isn’t too dramatic considering you’re losing half the displacement. And you can’t really use much more than the 375 horsepower it has on real roads. Many buyers won’t feel the difference. But you don’t get that rich, visceral soundtrack a Mercedes V8 provides — and that’s a notable absence.

And the SL 43 is not particularly sporty

Tyler Duffy

The SL 43 will be a thoroughly pleasant drive for most buyers. Cruising around in it made late summer in Southeast Michigan feel like the PCH — a bit. And it is decently quick, shooting from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds. But the base spec car doesn’t really bring the sporty edge the retractable spoiler and optional AMG Track Pace option would suggest.

Despite dispensing with all-wheel-drive, the SL 43 is still a big boy, checking in at nearly two tons. You don’t have the AMG V8 to thrust that weight around. And helpful tech like the four-wheel steering, torque vectoring and active suspension body control is stripped off the SL 43. The experience is less “purist model” and more “doesn’t have the features that makes the other cars better.”

The engine also delivers its peak torque at around 3,250 rpm, which is hard to hit unless you are absolutely on it, or using the paddles to keep you in a lower gear. Even in Sport and Sport+ modes, the SL 43’s nine-speed automatic tries not to get anywhere near that.

The SL 43 interior is standard Mercedes fare … with rear seats

Mercedes-Benz AG – Communications & Marketing

The SL 43 interior reminded me of several other Mercedes cars I’ve driven — a bit too much, perhaps, since it’s a dramatic increase in price from most of those cars. It feels like a luxury car. But after a few days, the center console was catching my fingerprints, and the door sill was doing the same for any speck of dirt on my shoes. The clean look of the center console requires cramming the charging pad/ports and the cupholders in one section — making it troublesome to use both at the same time.

This is the first SL generation with factory-installed rear seats. They aren’t particularly useful, sitting alarmingly upright and not fit for full-size adult duty. But I was able to shoehorn my kids’ car seats back there — permitting me to use the car much more than I would have otherwise.

What are some Mercedes-AMG SL 43 Roadster alternatives?

Tyler Duffy

If you’re planning to spend $120,000 or so on a two-door sports car, you’ve got options. Mercedes positioned the SL 43 as a competitor for the base Porsche 911 Carrera ($114,400). Those looking for a more precise sports car could save more than $10,000 and opt for a maxed-out 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 ($97,300). You can also shave more than a second off the 0-60 mph time with a BMW M4 Convertible ($93,300).

I’d also throw in the Lexus LC500 convertible ($106,500) as a credible alternative if you’re just looking for luxury. It’s markedly more dated than the SL 43. But you get nearly 100 more horsepower from a delicious-sounding naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8.

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL 43 Roadster

Mercedes-Benz AG – Communications & Marketing

• Powertrain: Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four; 9-speed automatic; RWD
• Horsepower: 375
• Torque: 354 lb-ft
• EPA Fuel Economy: 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway
• Seats: 4

Future Cars We’re Excited About

Toyota

• 2025 Toyota 4Runner
• 2025 Mercedes EQG
• 2025 Porsche 718 Electric Sports Car
• 2025 Toyota Electric Truck
• 2026 Scout Motors Pickup/SUV
• 2027 Volkswagen ID. GTI
• 2027 Jeep Wrangler EV

Related Topics

Tesla officially launched the Cybertruck back in 2019. It has not hit full production yet. But when it does — around four years after its debut — it should be the most striking vehicle on the road.

Piecing together reports, rumors and Elon Musk tweets — the closest thing Tesla has to an official PR department — it’s clear the production Cybertruck will be markedly different from the initial release. Here’s what we know about it as of this writing.

What we know after Tesla’s Cybertruck Delivery Event

Tesla

Tesla held a Cybertruck delivery event at its GigaFactory in Texas, delivering the first Cybetrucks to owners. Musk did reveal some specs for the new truck.

• Top Range: 340 miles
• Tow Rating: 11,000 pounds (same as the Rivian R1T, less than the 14,000-plus pounds estimated)
• Payload: 2,500 pounds (815 pounds less than the max rating for a Ford F-150)
• 0-60 Time: 2.6 seconds (faster than the 2.9 estimated)
• Curb Weight: 6,850 pounds (about 300 pounds less than Rivian R1T)
• Lockable Storage: 67 cubic feet (Tesla had claimed 100 cubic feet)
• Tires: 35-inch all-terrain
• Ground Clearance: 17 inches
• Drag coefficient: 0.335

So the Cybertruck is officially in production?

Tesla

That’s not entirely clear. Tesla tweeted that it built its first Cybertruck at its Giga Texas facility. The brand did purportedly deliver trucks to real customers at the event. However, Elon Musk said that the Cybertruck will not hit “full volume” production until 2024.

Musk clarified during Tesla’s Q3 2023 earnings call that “we dug our own grave with the Cybertruck,” acknowledging that there will be difficulties ramping up to full production and it may take 18 months before the Cybertruck is cash flow positive.

How much will the Cybertruck cost?

Tesla

Tesla unveiled Cybertruck pricing in the configurator on its website. The All-Wheel-Drive trim starts at $79,990. The Cyberbeast trim starts at $99,990. Both trucks will be available in 2024. The base Rear-Wheel-Drive trim will start at $60,990 and be available in 2025.

The Cybertruck does not appear to have exterior door handles

Tesla

The production Cybertruck made a nod to convention with door mirrors. But it does not appear to have exterior door handles (or at least easily accessible ones). Elon Musk was letting passengers into their trucks by reaching inside a rolled-down window — offering a preview of how that may work in practice.

What will the Tesla Cybertruck look like?

SUZANNE CORDEIRO

Prototypes have been out testing (and being towed) in the wild. The Cybertruck looks broadly similar to the truck Elon Musk initially revealed with an angular, Blader Runner-inspired silhouette and an unpainted stainless steel “exoskeleton.” The ginormous windshield wiper blade will be making it to production.

Tesla has started offering pricey wrap options on other vehicles. So we may see that with the Cybertruck too at some point.

The Tesla Cybertruck will have an adaptive air suspension

ROBYN BECK

Tesla says the Cybertruck will have an adaptive air suspension, which it says allows for up to 12 inches of travel. The truck will be able to raise or lower four inches in either direction. It will also offer a self-leveling function.

The Tesla Cybertruck will borrow a cool feature from the Hummer EV SUT

FREDERIC J. BROWN

Elon Musk said the Cybertruck will offer four-wheel steering. This feature will allow the Cybertruck to Crab Walk diagonally like the Hummer EV SUT.

More importantly, the rear wheels will be able to turn the opposite direction from the front wheels, allowing the Cybertruck to make tighter turns and, like the Hummer be more maneuverable than it should be in tight spaces given its size.

Elon Musk said the Cybertruck can function “briefly” as a boat

Michael Gonzalez

Elon Musk tweeted that the Cybertruck will be “waterproof enough to serve briefly as a boat.” Musk noted the truck should be able to cross “rivers, lakes and even seas that aren’t too choppy.” Musk wants the truck to be able to cross the channel from the SpaceX Starbase to South Padre island (theoretically cutting down on employee commutes).

It’s not entirely clear what that means yet. EVs and EV trucks in particular have excellent waterproofing; allowing water and salt into the battery compartment would be catastrophic and costly to fix. And the high-riding Cybertruck should have a formidable wading depth.

A reminder that — as the Washington State Dept. of Natural Resources noted — anything that claims to “serve briefly as a boat” is not a boat.

Does the Tesla Cybertruck come with a yoke?

Tesla

Sort of of. Tesla’s chief designer confirmed the brand was looking at a yoke for Cybertruck steering. And production models appear to have an apparatus similar to the yoke but with an enclosed top.

Can you buy the Tesla Cyberquad?

SUZANNE CORDEIRO

Not in America. For the initial Cybertruck launch, Tesla built the Cyberquad, a quad-bike ATV that could fit in the Cybertruck’s bed. Tesla was selling a scaled-down Cyberquad for Kids that could accommodate riders older than eight and less than 150 pounds with a 15-mile range and a top speed of 10 mph.

Tesla had to pull the product from the U.S. market as it did not meet ATV safety regulations. But as Bloomberg spotted, Tesla is selling them in China.

More Future Vehicles We’re Excited About…

Toyota

• 2025 Toyota 4Runner
• 2025 Jeep Recon
• 2025 Toyota Electric Truck
• 2026 Scout Motors Pickup/SUV
• 2027 Jeep Wrangler EV

Related Topics

In the era of direct-to-consumer disruption, any brand can claim its product is different.

Away, for example, launched a suitcase it said would revolutionize travel. In the end, it was stilla suitcase, albeit a sleek option with portable battery stowed inside beneath its handle. When UntuckIt launched its line of dress shirts designed to be worn, well, untucked, the brand presented a shirt that solved a problem few people actually needed solving. It didn’t change menswear, but it did convince consumers the shirts they already owned weren’t up to snuff.

Which brings us to True Classic Tees, an online-only brand that sells t-shirts and polos, which it markets on the premise that the other t-shirts you’ve been wearing your whole life don’t quite fit right. In its popular (albeit polarizing) made-for-televised-sports adverts, shredded actors point out that their dad-bod friend isn’t fat per se, he’s just betrayed by his clothing.

So how do the brand’s t-shirts really stack up? Do they really make every guy look better? I tried them to find out.

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.

Are True Classic Tees Worth It?

True Classic

True Classic Tees Crew Neck (6-pack)

• $79.99 at trueclassictees.com
  $149.94 (47% off)

Well, it depends on who you ask. For me, True Classic Tees offer excellent value, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a better basic t-shirt for the same price.

Are they perfect? No. Are there better t-shirts out there? Of course there are. But those alternatives cost a lot more than those sold by True Classic Tees, and not everyone wants or needs a boutique t-shirt as part of their everyday uniform.

If you’re looking for a slim-fitting t-shirt that wears comfortably, washes well and won’t cost you an arm or a leg, buy them with confidence. If you want a few other recommendations, our favorite basic, everyday t-shirts can be found here.

How Are True Classic Tees Different?

Let’s be real. True Classic Tees are just t-shirts. They’re sold as singles or in packs of four or six, and you save more when you buy more. Six sold individually, for example, would run you back about $150. A 6-pack, on the other hand, costs $80 — or $13 per tee.

You can create your own bundle, picking any number of T-shirts in any of the five available colors, plus adding polos, V-necks, long-sleeves and activewear if you so wish. Once done, the brand will calculate a final cost, shipping included.

Courtesy

How Do True Classic Tees Fit?

The Crew Neck T-shirt — the most popular product — is made from 4.3 ounces of 60 percent combed ring-spun cotton and 40 percent polyester jersey. They run slim — what the brand calls an “athletic” fit — and True Classic Tees suggests sizing up if you’re in-between sizes.

Consistency can be an issue. One of my shirts says it was made in Egypt, while the other in China. This isn’t necessarily bad — most big brands manufacture overseas — but it can lead to variations sizing. The neck on my China-made tee is considerably tighter, while the bottom and sleeve hems are far superior to those on the Egypt-made tee. There’s nothing you can really do about this, but it’s an important note to consider.

Evan Malachosky

As far as construction goes, these fit fairly classically. Back in the day, armholes were tight and high, creating a streamlined silhouette that could fit under another shirt. T-shirts, at least at first, were only meant to be worn beneath another layer. If the T-shirts were too loose, they’d bunch up, making the combination quite uncomfortable. Rather than modern manufacturing ingenuity, True Classic uses classic tricks to make your shoulders look broader and more defined: shrinking the arm holes and elongating and tightening the sleeves.

Evan Malachosky

Shrinking the armhole prevents excess fabric from pooling in your armpits, which can make you look wider than you really are. Elongating the sleeves helps them wrap flush around your arms. Most sleeves, if you look at them laying flat, have a considerably shorter bottom line than they do top line. On True Classic tees, these lines are nearly equal, creating a longer shaft for your arm to hang in and thus less out of an outward point for the fabric.

All around, the alterations are smart, albeit overstated. Comfortability is clearly important, though: the tees are super soft, and the tag inside is screen-printed onto the fabric rather than applied to a hang tag.

Evan Malachosky

How Do True Classic Tees Wash?

Because they’re made from a mix of cotton and polyester, True Classic Tees t-shirts hold up better than most shirts. However, they do shrink — five percent on a low-heat setting, but more if you forget and blast ’em on high heat. That’s arguably inevitable for a T-shirt this cheap, but annoying nonetheless.

After more than a few washes, none of mine have pilled, but the black one is particularly bad about attracting fuzz from other garments. It needs a serious lint roll before being worn, no matter what I do.

A Word of Advice

I don’t want to speak as though I’m enlightened or someone who’s overcome concerns about their physique. I still try to eat right and workout, you know. But I’m not as worried with how bulky a shirt makes my biceps look or how chiseled a cotton shirt can make my chest look.

True Classic Tees has built its brand targeting men who wish they looked a certain way, promising them an improved appearance if they buy their product. That’s a lofty guarantee, and it ignores where these insecurities derive from: this sort of advertising.

Sure, its commercials are smart about telling bigger customers they aren’t fat, but the joking tone tends to feel like mockery. The on-site messaging is much milder, but the ads are how I — and probably millions more — first met the brand, and it can sour the experience for those on the fence about the tees.

True Classic

True Classic Tees Crew Neck (6-pack)

• $79.99 at trueclassictees.com
  $149.94 (47% off)

Other Great T-Shirts to Consider

Outerknown Groovy Pocket Tee

Outerknown

Outerknown Groovy Pocket Tee

• $58.00 at Outerknown

Made from organic cotton, this shirt is loosely knit for an airy feel which goes well with its relaxed silhouette. The garment-dye process also gives the tee more character.

Buck Mason Slub Vintage Pocket Tee

Buck Mason

Buck Mason Slub Vintage Pocket Tee

• $42.00 at Buck Mason

Buck Mason’s made a killing with its line of quality tees. Though the curved hem tee is a huge boon for the brand, we prefer the straight-hemmed Slub Classic Pocket Tee. It has a great hand and tons of slubby texture to distance itself from the undershirt fare. It’s made in LA and comes in the requisite black and white options, but be sure to look out for its seasonal colorways, too.

Gildan Heavy Cotton T-Shirt

Walmart

Gildan Heavy Cotton T-Shirt

• $7.00 at Walmart

Again, the Gildan Heavy T-shirt isn’t going to be the most amazingly well-manufactured option. But it’ll do its job, and you can get 10 for the cost of one really, really nice tee. Plus, Gildan makes its heavy tee in over 70 colors.

Related Topics

Going on 20 years, Patagonia’s Black Hole line of bags has been a bright, reliable spot in the ever-changing landscape of outdoor gear. They represent the pinnacle of gear-hauling, offering a brilliant balance of capabilities, capacities, style and more. Granted, the bags themselves have seen a lot of changes over that span, as well.

Today marks another set of changes as, in a surprise move, the brand has released its Spring 2024 Black Hole collection early — moving the beloved duffels in a more sustainable direction than ever before.

The Next Step in Black Hole Sustainability? Recycled TPU Coatings

In a NYT essay last week, Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard wrote, “People ask me how [Patagonia] has managed to stick around so long … I tell them it’s been our unrelenting focus on quality, which includes making things that last and that cause the least amount of harm to our planet.” The Black Hole line has been a shining example of this ethos, and this latest iteration of the collection is certainly no exception.

The largest change to the new lineup of bags? Along with 100 percent recycled body fabric, lining and webbing (a holdover from previous models), these new bags now feature a 100 percent recycled thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) coating — as opposed to the virgin TPU used in older versions. This is the same laminate that gives the bags their exceptional weatherproofing and durability. And while this shift makes them a lot more eco-friendly, it does so without sacrificing their capabilities — and that’s excellent news for fans of what the Black Hole line has always stood for.

Patagonia

The New Bags Are Made to Be Repaired, Extending Their Lifespan

Along with the shift to 100 percent recycled TPU coatings, Patagonia wanted to make sure the new lineup of Black Hole bags could stand up to years and years of punishment. As such, they were designed with greater repairability in mind, so you can have them fixed on an as-needed basis (kind of like a cobbler fixes shoes).

Now, Patagonia’s Reno repair center is stocked up with replacement parts. This means that rather than simply patching over damage on the fly, repair techs can instead swap the damaged panels entirely (which may or may not be color-matched — that’s part of the fun), resulting in a stronger overall repair and, thus, extending the life of the bag even longer.

The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag Lineup

The new bags still cover four capacity options — 40L, 55L, 70L and 100L — and an even wider selection of colorways. So, you still get your pick of the litter and can customize your selection to your individual needs, desires and style. Find them all below.

Patagonia

Patagonia Black Hole Matte Duffel 40L

• $159.00 at Patagonia

Patagonia

Patagonia Black Hole Matte Duffel 55L

• $169.00 at Patagonia

Patagonia

Patagonia Black Hole Matte Duffel 70L

• $199.00 at Patagonia

Patagonia

Patagonia Black Hole Matte Duffel 100L

• $219.00 at Patagonia

Related Topics

Have you ever tried to ski or snowboard without goggles? Generally speaking, it’s a horrendous idea. Snowflakes bombard eyeballs like X-wings did the Death Star. Wind withers peepers into useless prunes. Skewer-sharp branches threaten at every turn. And blinding UV rays, reflecting off obliging snow, scorch retinas to the kind of crisp a steakhouse maître d’ might describe as “well done.”

Without goggles, even the most proficient of skiers and snowboarders are as blind and helpless as newborn puppies. That’s why we’ve wrangled specs from the top brands and put them to the test.

How We Tested

Stephen Krcmar

We tested our cadre of snow goggles on Mammoth Mountain and in the Mammoth, CA backcountry, braving unexpected storms and flurries and enjoying pristine bluebird days to pick the best of the bunch. While testing, we focused on clarity, ease (or complexity) of lens swapping, comfort and price. After testing a wide selection of brands and styles, we landed on the following picks.

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.

The Best Snow Goggles for Winter 2023/2024

Best Overall: Anon M4 Toric + MFI Face Mask

Ski & Snowboard Goggle Bundle

Anon M4 Goggles (Toric) + Bonus Lens

• $319.95 at anonoptics.com

• Bonus Lens? Yes
• Anti Fog Treatment: Integral Clarity Technology anti-fog
• Color + Lens combinations: 8

Innovative PERCEIVE toric lenses help these Anons lead the pack. However, the magnetic lens-swapping system pushes the M4 a step ahead. While more and more brands are hopping on the magnetic bandwagon, Anon’s been a forceful pioneer: the M4 is the fittingly named fourth installment of their magnetic lineup. Launched in 2012, the M1 had six contact points. Since then, they’ve been our go-to goggles. But they required a slight learning curve: grabbing the goggle frame instead of the lens to remove the goggles. Otherwise, you’d remove the lens, and the goggles would stay put.

Now, the M4 has nine contact points, and the connection has never been more secure.

And that facemask? It also has some magnetic fun, clicking into place on the bottom section of the goggle. It’s a great system, especially when you’re out there on a storm day with 50+ mph winds, and any bit of exposed skin means a free (and painful) exfoliation.

Expansive peripheral vision, plush triple-layer foam, and an included low-light lens bolster the M4’s campaign. Lastly, on a neat but unnecessary note, the M4 is the first goggle compatible with both cylindrical and toric lenses. We recommend sticking with the optically superior toric lenses — they’re tough to beat.

Stephen Krcmar

Most Head-Turning Goggle: Dragon PXV

Courtesy

Dragon PXV

• $220.00 at dragonalliance.com

• Bonus Lens? No
• Anti Fog Treatment: Fogshield double lens patented technology
• Color + Lens combinations: 1

From afar, the PXV looks like an oversized cylindrical lens, but that’s merely a mirage: it’s actually a toric lens. The Panotech lenses possess a slight curve in the vertical axis in order to capture the optical benefits of spherical lenses. Science aside, the stylish PXV offers a sweeping field of view, and LumaLenses (plural — the PXV comes with a spare) supply clarity and depth perception that’s only a shade below top-tier goggles that cost an additional $50 to $100. All told, this is a smart choice for the mid-range crowd.

Best Upgrade: Smith 4D MAG + ChromaPop

Courtesy

Best Snow Goggles

Smith 4D MAG + ChromaPop

• $340.00 at smithoptics.com

• Bonus Lens? Yes
• Anti Fog Treatment: 5X anti-fog inner lens
• Color + Lens combinations: 8

Thanks to creased lenses — what Smith calls BirdsEye Vision technology — the 4D Mag is arguably the most innovative goggle on the market. Compared to the popular I/O Mag, the exaggerated curvature of the 4D Mag boosts the field of view by 25 percent. That’s handy not just when you’re scoping the slopes but when you’re looking for your CamelBak hose or reaching into your chest pocket for a walkie-talkie or Snickers Bar. As amazing as the lenses are — they’re the reason this goggle is our Step-Up pick — we also love Smith’s lens-swapping system. It’s not as simple as Anon’s, but it’s easy enough to do on the chairlift, and by relying on both locking levers and magnets, Smith’s adopted a belt-and-suspenders approach that hardcore skiers and snowboarders will respect.

Steve Mazzucchi

Best for Bluebird Days: Pit Viper The Synthesizer

Pit Viper

Pit Viper The Mangrove Synthesizer

• $129.69 at pitviper.com

• Bonus lens? Yes
• Anti Fog Treatment: Pit Viper proprietary anti-fog treatment (presumably)
• Color + Lens combinations: 5

Simultaneously irreverent and packing mountain cred (thanks to its Salt Lake City HQ), Pit Viper is always up to something. This fall, the main mischief was launching a new piece of eyewear that’s half sunglasses, half snow goggles. Weighing just 1.8 ounces, The Synthesizer is essentially an oversized sunnies frame (in PV’s classic wraparound style) with a number of slopes-ready upgrades: swappable lenses with an anti-fog coating, a Croakies-like retainer strap and, most notably, removable foam inserts.

The specs just launched a few weeks ago, and we’ve yet to take them shredding, but they fit well with a helmet once the earpads are removed, auguring an ideal use case when the sun’s out and the snow’s slushy, rather than during a mid-season blizzard. Come the bluebird days of spring, when you’re debating whether to reach for goggs or sunnies (or lugging both), The Synthesizer might be your new best friend.

Steve Mazzucchi

Best Cylindrical Goggle: Oakley Fall Line L Snow Goggles

Oakley

Oakley Fall Line L Snow Goggles

• $216.00 at Oakley

• Bonus Lens? No
• UV Protection? Yes
• Color + Lens combinations: 27

The sleek, frameless Fall Line L offers futuristic, oversized styling and a solid lens-swapping system (though not so easy that you’d want to whip out your low-light lens on the chairlift). Prizm lenses earned two thumbs up from our test crew due to consummate pop and contrast. One snowboarder, who happens to sling goggles at a ski town optics shop, commented, “Prizm is like looking at an HDTV.” Cylindrical lens lovers will fall head over heels for the Fall Line L, and those who aren’t on the hunt for an L fit will be satisfied with the medium-sized Fall Line.

Best Low-Profile Goggle: Giro Method

Giro

Giro Method

• $150.00 at giro.com

• Bonus Lens? Yes
• Anti Fog Treatment: Anti Fog Coating
• Color + Lens combinations: 22

Introduced in 2020, the Method fittingly serves up 20/20 vision. At $140, these goggles are one of your most affordable avenues to sample Carl Zeiss’s lens expertise. In fact, the Method comes with two of Giro’s VIVID lenses, and the Slash Seal interchangeable system isn’t too tricky, although it definitely isn’t the best lens-swapping system out there for on-mountain adjustments. The Method’s cylindrical lenses and suave, minimalist frame are stylish enough for even the most nit-picky of park riders, and Giro’s Adapt Straps allow you to get creative and customize your kit.

Best Budget Goggle: Spy Marauder

Spy Optic

Spy Marauder

• $210.00 at spyoptic.com
  $220.00 (5% off)

• Bonus Lens? Yes
• UV Protection? Yes
• Color + Lens combinations: 14

It’s almost impossible to argue with the ease of magnets for changing goggles lenses. But some folks get nervous about the tenacity of the bond. Right or wrong (they’re the latter, btw), the Marauder is a perfect compromise: magnets plus two intuitive and easy-to-use latches. Just push the “Deadbolts” up, pull the lens off, grab the other lens, and magnets guide it into place before you lock it back down. Voila, your lens is beyond safe from any upcoming crashes/yard sales. Note: Want Spy’s proprietary HappyBoost lenses that the company claims “enhances color 15 percent more than its closest competitors?” They’re $240. We’re not sure about that specific percentage, but we’ve been using the HappyBoost on and off the snow and love how it cranks up the hues.

Stephen Krcmar

Best Custom Goggle: Smith I/O MAG Imprint 3D

Courtesy

Smith I/O MAG Imprint 3D

• $450.00 at smithoptics.com

• Bonus Lens? Yes
• Anti Fog Treatment: 5X anti-fog inner lens
• Color + Lens combinations: 8

Many goggles are available in different sizes and Asian Fit or Low Bridge options, which feature an extra layer of foam lining to sit on the face more securely and comfortably. But for folks with atypical face shapes, whether that’s a bit of asymmetry or, like this tester, a very strong nose, going custom is a goggle Goldilocks moment: “ahh, they fit just right.” We’ve tested countless goggles in the last decade-plus, and sliding these on was an experience like no other.

The process is quick and easy. Just download the app (iOS or Android), scan your face, and choose the initials you want them to add to the frame, strap color, and lens types. A week or two later, the goggles arrive. Equipped with Smith’s sophisticated ChromaPop lenses and a low light lens, they’ll set you back $450, roughly $150 more than off-the-shelf I/O Mag goggles. You can read our full review of Smith’s 3D Mag + Chroma Pop here.

Stephen Krcmar

Best Backcountry Goggle: DynafitTLT Pro Goggle

Courtesy

Dynafit TLT Pro Goggle

• $199.95 at dynafit.com

• Bonus Lens? No
• Anti Fog Treatment: Fogshield double lens patented technology
• Color + Lens combinations: 1

When it comes to backcountry riding and skiing, you must climb the mountain before sliding down. Every once counts, and you heat up in a hurry as you ascend. Billed as the “lightest ski goggle in the world,” they probably are, tipping the scales at just 59 grams. On your face, the frameless goggles feel more like a large pair of sunglasses. Italian-made photochromatic lenses adjust the tint on the fly. The goggle case also includes a carabiner, so you can easily stash them during cloudy ascents. They’re the yin to the yang of our other fave backcountry eye protection for days we just want a pair of sunnies, the POC Devour Glacial.

Stephen Krcmar

Most Durable Goggle: Sweet Protection Interstellar RIG Reflect

Courtesy

Sweet Protection Interstellar RIG Reflect Goggles

• $250.00 at sweetprotection.com

• Bonus Lens? Yes
• Anti Fog Treatment: Special acetate antifog inner lens
• Color + Lens combinations: 4

Straight out of Østerdalen, Norway, this goggle boasts a ton of great features, including high style, easy-to-swap toric lenses and a wide, distortion-free field of view. But it earns the durability nod on the strength of a couple key ingredients. First off, the double lens boasts a GORE protective vent that equalizes pressure and helps the lens maintain its shape in varying atmospheric pressure. Second, the co-molded frame is reinforced with carbon fiber, providing plenty of support and stability over the long haul.

Best Flat Light Killer: Shred Simplify+

Moose Jaw

Shred Simplify+ Snow Goggle

• $4.20 at Moose Jaw
  $209.95 (98% off)

• Bonus Lens? Yes
• Anti Fog Treatment: Super Anti-Fog
• Color + Lens combinations: 2

While Smith and Zeal offer pretty nifty visibility solutions at widely different price points, two-time Olympic gold medalist Ted Ligety’s brand hits a price point right between the two while delivering its own optical breakthrough. Developed with the MIT Sports Lab, the Simplify+’s Contrast Boosting Lens brightens the picture when it’s cloudy out, so you can see clearly and schuss safely. Like many of the goggles on this list, it also comes with a spare lens that’s easy to swap when conditions change.

Best Goggle for Going Fast: POC Nexal Clarity

Courtesy

POC Nexal Clarity

• $115.00 at pocsports.com
  $230.00 (50% off)

• Bonus Lens? No
• Anti Fog Treatment: POC proprietary anti-fog treatment
• Color + Lens combinations: 8

Like its Swedish corporate brethren, Volvo, POC gear looks safe, even when it also looks fast. Thanks to outriggers on the frame and a protective cover just underneath the eyes, the Nexal Clarity Comp doubles down. Arguably the coolest-looking goggle on the market, they’re built for going full tilt. There’s a switch on the top to reduce airflow for high speeds, which aren’t specified, but we’re guessing for 60+ MPH. This is also good for folk who ride in Artic/Lake Placid-like conditions. Even if you don’t use the lever, it’s a fun flex: “Sure, I’ll take a run with you, lemme adjust my air intake to accommodate the slower speeds…”

Editor’s Note: If you crave an extra low-light lens, step up to the Nexal Clarity Comp + ($300).

Stephen Krcmar

Most Comfortable Goggle: 100% Norg

100 Percent

100% Norg

• $250.00 at 100percent.com

• Bonus Lens? Yes
• Anti Fog Treatment: Dual Pane Anti-Fog Lens
• Color + Lens combinations: 7

The brand 100% is old news to the throttle-twisting set—they started building goggles in the early 80s. Since then, they expanded to non-motorized two-wheel fun of mountain biking and road cycling as well as running and even baseball. The SoCal-based company is swinging for the snow fences with a full line of winter goggles. The Nog is their futuristic flagship model with lenses that connect via eight magnets and include a low-light lens. Both are scratch and impact resistant. Bonus points for a sleeve that completely covers the spare lens, in addition to the traditional bag. Looking for something more budget-friendly? Check out their entry-level Okan ($110.)

Stephen Krcmar

How to Pick the Right Snow Goggles

Fit and comfort

Picking the right pair of goggles is largely a matter of fit. Sure, you can buy the best goggles in the world, but if they don’t fit your face, wearing them will be a drag. The best way to ensure that your prospective goggles fit your face is to try them on in person. Head to your local ski shop or buy a few contenders online and return those that don’t work.

Helmet compatibility

If you wear a helmet — and you definitely should — purchase your goggles and helmet simultaneously to make sure the goggles fit well inside the helmet and there aren’t any annoying gaps or pesky hot spots. Or, if you already have a helmet you like, make sure you try on your goggles with that specific helmet. Borderline obvious advice: you’ll likely get the best helmet/goggle match with two products from the same brand.

Budget

Anon’s M4 — our top-rated goggles — cost $319.95. Yes, it comes with a magnetic face mask that snaps to the goggle frame, as well as a spare lens, but still, it’s prohibitively expensive. There are definitely cheaper goggles that work well — like the mid-range POC Fovea and Giro Method or the budget Zeal Beacon — but as with most things, you get what you pay for. If you’re spending under $100, you likely won’t get an extra lens, an easy interchangeable lens system or premium optics.

In this buying guide, you’ll find the best goggles available for the 2022-’23 season, including top budget picks for your consideration. We have skiers and snowboarders still in the midst of testing these pairs and more (come on, snow!) and will have an update later in the season with testing feedback and insights.

Related Topics

I’m 36 years old, and I’ve been exercising in some form or another for about 25 years now — the bulk of which has been spent going to traditional gyms. While I’m not a fitness professional, I’d like to think I know a thing or two, especially about what regimens and habits work for me. And the biggest thing that keeps me motivated is listening to music. As such, a pair of headphones or earbuds are an absolutely essential piece of my gym gear kit.

I’ve tried all sorts: the old wired ones that used to come with aux-port iPhones, bulky over-ear ones, the kind that hangs around your neck (with a pseudo-AI “virtual trainer” onboard, no less), Apple’s lauded AirPods and more. So when I say that Jaybird’s Vista 2s are the best fitness headphones I’ve ever used, I want you to know that’s not a flighty claim. But I don’t want you to just take my word for it, so I’m sharing my experience with them here.

Jaybird Vista 2: What We Think

Sean Tirman

I was actually skeptical of how much I’d like these headphones and how well they’d work with my iPhone 14 Pro. That was over six months ago, and today, I can’t go to the gym without bringing these earbuds with me. They’re not perfect — I do have rare connectivity issues (that are easily remedied), and the fit isn’t exactly custom — but they’re the best gym ‘phones I’ve ever used, and I’ve been going to the gym in some form or another for nearly 25 years.

Their noise-canceling tech helps drown out the grunts of other gym-goers, as well as the crashing of plates on the ground. There’s a bevy of onboard sound shapes and you can program custom ones for yourself. And the battery life is outstanding — I spend probably around 5-8 hours in the gym a week, and I’ve only had to charge the case a few times in six months. Pair that with sweatproofing and a reasonable price point and you can see why I’m so enamored with these gym earbuds. And yes, I like them better than AirPods Pro for working out.

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.

Amazon

Jaybird Vista 2 Earbuds

• $142.69 at Amazon
  $149.99 (5% off)

Compared to AirPods Pro, the Vista 2s Are Top-Notch

Apple’s AirPods Pro have pretty much set the standard for earbud tech, but their $249 MSRP is asking quite a lot. By comparison, the Jaybird Vista 2s will cost you just $149.99 — nearly $100 less than their Apple competition. And while they maybe don’t look as good — Apple has always got product design locked down tight — they deliver where it counts.

For instance, the battery life of the earbuds (sans case) is eight hours. If you’re using them for the gym, as I do, that rounds out to about 4-6 uses per charge. Add in the charging case and you get an additional 16 hours (that’s 24 hours in total). AirPods Pro, by comparison, have a longer overall charge (30 hours total) but only six hours in just the ‘buds themselves. In practice, these are comparable numbers, so the price difference is a big win for the Vista 2s.

Furthermore, the Vista 2s have a waterproof (sweatproof, in my case) rating of IP68 compared to the AirPods’ IP54, giving the Vistas another edge. And while I’m certainly no audiophile, the ANC tech in the Vistas also seems comparable in normal usage to that found in the AirPods Pro. If I’m basing my buying choice on these numbers alone, I’m going with the Jaybirds, even with the Apple name taken into consideration.

Sean Tirman

Some Connectivity Issues (That Resolved)

As Jaybird is a subsidiary of Logitech, I was a little worried about how well these headphones would connect to my iPhone. After all, that was the biggest hurdle for me — I know from experience that Apple products work well within their own ecosystem. Still, I took the leap and picked up the Vista 2s over another set of AirPods Pro because of their price and sweatproofing.

Unfortunately, I did experience a strange connectivity issue a couple of weeks into using my Vista 2s. While in the middle of a workout, the right earbud kept disconnecting from my iPhone. I could still hear music playing out of the left one, but the right went silent. I would have to pop it back in the charging case, take it back out, and manually reconnect it to my phone to get around this problem.

After a few more times of this happening, I started to get frustrated. Then, one day, it just stopped happening. I’m not sure exactly why it went away, but I am thankful that it did (perhaps a software update?). I have not had a connectivity issue since. Still, it needs to be said that this did, in fact, happen because it may not be an isolated issue for me alone.

A Great Plug-and-Play Design with Imperfect Touch Controls

I am the type of gym-goer who likes to set a playlist and get to work. Not fussing with my music makes it far easier to focus on my workouts. In this case, the Vista 2s are great — they’re easy to set and forget. However, I have found a bit of a struggle with the touch controls.

It’s not that they don’t work — the custom controls are easy enough: push on the earbuds once for play/pause; tap them twice to skip or start a song over; hold a long press for volume control; etc. — it’s just that essentially shoving the earbuds into your ears over and over again is a bit uncomfortable. And sometimes, I don’t push quickly enough, and then they do something I wasn’t intending, like pausing instead of skipping.

Thankfully, the app that pairs with these headphones and, more importantly, their connectivity to my iPhone help circumvent this issue. It’s a simple prospect just to grab my phone and hit the skip or volume button. And it’s really not any more frustrating than any other headphones I’ve ever used at the gym.

They Stay Very Secure (Most of the Time)

Sean Tirman

My Jaybird Vista 2s came with a trio of ear tips, but I’ve only ever used the smallest ones (I have narrow ear canals). For the most part, they fit great. They stay secure, create enough of a seal that the ANC tech is clearly working and they don’t hurt after wearing them for a long time. For someone who has had difficulty in the past with other earbud shapes, this is a major win.

They’re not perfect, however. During workouts in which I’m pushing myself particularly hard, they do come loose from time to time. And, when toweling off my face or doing some aggressive overhead moves, I’ve jostled one of the earbuds out of my ear entirely. This can be frustrating, especially in the middle of the set. Thankfully, these occurrences — like my connectivity issue — are few and far between. And they’re definitely not any worse than any other earbuds I’ve used at the gym, Apple options included.

Jaybird Vista 2: Alternatives

As mentioned, the biggest competitor to the Vista 2s (for me, at least) is Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 ($249). And if you’re using your earbuds for more than just the gym — perhaps for work calls or to listen to podcasts while you putter around during the day — they may be a better option. If you want something that really tells people, “Don’t bother me, I’m working out,” Sony’s flagship WH-1000XM5s ($400) are the best over-ear noise-canceling headphones you can buy (although they lack an IP rating). And if you really want to save some money, you can count on our budget gym earbuds pick, the Anker Soundcore Life P3s ($80).

Amazon

Jaybird Vista 2 Earbuds

• $142.69 at Amazon
  $149.99 (5% off)

Related Topics

NHL star Matt Duchene has been making headlines with his custom Carhartt suit. The professional hockey player has been photographed sporting the two-piece suit to games, causing many fans to search for a way to bring home their own version — but the brand has yet to release one. In fact, Duchene requested the suit from his own Montreal-based tailor Domenico Vacca. Vacca then crafted the suit from scratch, cut a Carhartt logo off of one of his son’s shirts and stitched it to the suit. So while his genius paid off, we’ll have to wait to see if the brand releases its own version of Vacca’s creation.

Today we’re taking a look at Amazon’s new smart glasses, the Nike Alphafly 3 and a strange nap pillow. 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].

Hard-Wearing and Ultra Capable: This is Citizen

CITIZEN

Billed as ‘the right tool for the toughest terrain,’ you won’t want to head out without this watch. The new Promaster Altichron features a 47mm Super Titanium case with luminous hands and markers on its dial for optimal legibility. Thanks to the brand’s proprietary Eco-Drive technology, the Promaster Altichron is also sustainably powered by any light source. So if you’re looking for a powerful new field watch, consider Citizen’s Promaster Altichron.

Amazon’s Echo Frames & Carrera Smart Glasses

Amazon

You can now pre-order these devices, and shipping will begin on December 7. The Echo Frames ($270) allow users to bring Alexa on the go, while the Carrera Smart Glasses ($390) pack the same capabilities into an even chicer package. Fans can use the devices to make calls, stream music or even control their smart home.

Meet the Nike Alphafly 3

Nike

Billed as the brand’s most innovative shoe to date, the Nike Alphafly 3 is the company’s lightest (and most tested) Alphafly yet. Many fans first learned about the new shoe after Kevin Kiptum wore it and set the new world record marathon time. Now, it’s set to drop for the public on January 4, 2024, and fans can read more about all of the shoe’s key features at the link below.

A New Morning Pick-Me-Up

Slam Jam

There’s nothing like getting dressed and reaching for a funky pair of socks, but wearing them into the office can mean having to discuss your decision all day. So why not opt for a covert pair like Kapital’s Happy Heel Socks ($42)? These socks are knit in Japan and designed to hide a silly smiley face that will bring a grin to even the grumpiest morning-goer. For bonus points, pair them with Kapital’s patchwork Wool Tugihagi Cap ($126) for a simpler, streamlined morning.

Submerge Yourself in Total Darkness

Ostrichpillow

Sure, you have a neck pillow for flying; but Ostrichpillow’s Light Versatile Pillow ($45) is here to bring a whole new meaning to the words ‘shut eye.’ The padded travel pillow doubles as a light-blocking eye mask and is filled with a coated microbead filling for added comfort. Want to take things even further? The company’s Original Napping Pillow ($99) is a cocoon-like pillow that will truly terrify any onlookers.

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Back in 1984, the world’s first-ever sports watch was introduced. That watch was a Timex Ironman. And ever since, the sub-brand has been synonymous with elite athletic endeavors. In fact, athletes of all walks still flock to Timex Ironman watches to this day, to the point that some even wear them alongside more modern GPS smartwatches. Unfortunately, not all of the Ironman watch models — even the most iconic ones — have survived to this day. But one just got recently resurrected courtesy of a limited-edition retro collaboration with one of our favorite retailers, resulting in the Huckberry x Timex Ironman Flix Reissue — which just got its final restock (and won’t come back once it’s gone).

A Faithful Recreation of the Original

This isn’t just some pedestrian modern reimagining of a throwback timepiece from ’99 made to lure you into a nostalgia trap; it’s a legitimate exact replica — Timex even went so far as to dig up and use the original mold to craft this redux. And that means all of its beloved original features remain, including dual time zone tracking, hands-free night mode, 100-lap-tracking memory, a bevy of alarms and even a memo pad function.

It also boasts its iconic resin case with its respectable 100m water resistance, that iconic Indiglo light (with hands-free Night-Mode) and a durable rubber strap that’ll keep it safely secured and survive just about anything you might throw at it.

Huckberry

The Antithesis of a Smartwatch

Along with being favored by athletes, this watch was also a go-to for the likes of military personnel, first responders, pilots and more. Why? Because of its utter dependability, incredible simplicity and — the cherry on top of the cake — remarkable affordability. This watch isn’t bogged down by tech, focusing instead on a selection of useful digital complications that, while inexpensive, could help you with some of the toughest endeavors in which you might partake — like training (and competing) in triathlons, backpacking trips and even just as a sturdy, reliable gym timepiece.

And it manages all of that while still falling just under $110. Sure, that’s something that we’ve come to expect from a Timex watch (affordable dependability), but even among its peers, this watch stands out as being remarkably inexpensive for what it has to offer. Plus, it’s right in line with the ever-enduring GORPcore trend.

One Last Hurrah

Since its release earlier this year, this watch climbed to the top of Huckberry’s best-sellers (with good reason). However, it is a limited edition, and they’re not going to be making any more after it sells out. So once it’s gone, it’s gone for good. That means you’re going to want to buy it while you can, lest you’d rather miss out on this incredible second-chance release. And here’s the kicker: this is the last restock the brands are doing on this offering.

Huckberry

Huckberry x Timex Ironman Flix Reissue Watch

• $109.00 at Huckberry

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It’s been more than two years since Apple introduced AirTags, its little button-shaped Bluetooth trackers, to the world. Since then, a lot of third-party and Apple-made accessories have been released.

Given the nature of AirTags — they’re designed to be placed on a wide variety of items and gadgets (and even your pet) — you’ll need to buy an accessory to go along with it. There’s no keychain loop or magnetic clip integrated into AirTags, after all.

So we’ve rounded up our favorite AirTag accessories for 2023.

How We Tested

Tucker Bowe

We’ve been writing about AirTags — as well as the various accessories — since they launched in early 2021. We’ve had hands-on experience with a wide variety of AirTag accessories, from key rings to clip-ons, stickers to collars, and the best we have come across are below.

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.

Apple AirTag Leather Key Ring

Amazon

Best Leather Key Ring for AirTag

Apple AirTag Leather Key Ring

• $35.00 at Amazon

Apple’s classic leather key ring is available in three different colors: dark blue, brown or red. Unfortunately, Apple has stopped making leather accessories so you can’t buy this from the company’s website, but you can still snag it from third-party sellers like Amazon.

Belkin AirTag Case with Key Ring

Amazon

Best Affordable Key Ring for AirTag

Belkin AirTag Case with Key Ring

• $12.24 at Amazon
  $12.99 (6% off)

Belkin’s key ring is one of our favorites because of its simplicity and affordability. It’s available in four different colors — white, black, blue or pink — so you have the option to get one that matches your style.

OtterBox Rugged Case

Apple

Best Rugged Case for AirTag

OtterBox Rugged Case

• $19.95 at Apple

OtterBox’s Rugged Case has large buffers to give your AirTag a bit of extra protection. It’s a great option for those who tend to drop their keys or want to attach an AirTag to checked luggage. It’s available in white, black, pink or green. And Apple sells it on its website.

CollarTrek Leather AirTag Dog Collar

CollarTrek

Best Dog Collar with AirTag Holder

CollarTrek Leather AirTag Dog Collar

• $54.99 at collartrek.com

This is one of the few dog collars that’s specifically designed to hold an AirTag. It’s made of real leather and has copper accents, and you can order it in several different sizes (XS, S or M) depending on the size of your dog. (Reminder: AirTag sold separately.)

Pelican Stick-On Protector

Amazon

Best Sticker Accessory for AirTag

Pelican Stick-On Protector

• $19.99 at Amazon

This is a pretty unique AirTag holder because of its rugged two-piece design and the fact that it has an adhesive back — it’s designed to be stuck onto a sturdy surface, like hardshell luggage, a bike or even a computer. It’s also available in multiple different colors.

Spigen ComforTag

Amazon

Best AirTag Attachment for Pet Collar

Spigen ComforTag

• $24.99 at Amazon

The ComforTag is a durable AirTag holder that clips to your pet’s existing collar. Unlike some of the other pet collar attachments, the ComforTag is nice because you don’t have to take apart your existing collar to slip it on — it attaches right over (or on top) the collar. It’s simple and easy. It’s available in either black (shown) or white.

Nomad Card for AirTag

Courtesy

Best AirTag Card Holder for Wallet

Nomad Card for AirTag

• $20.00 at nomadgoods.com

This clever AirTag holder is disguised as a credit card. It slips into your wallet so that you can keep track of it. The only downside is that an AirTag obviously adds bulk and this might not be the best fit for those carrying a minimalist wallet.

Speck Presidio SiliLoop

Amazon

Speck Presidio SiliLoop

• $14.99 at Amazon

The Presidio SiliLoop has an elongated loop-through design, allowing you to attach it to a bag or anything with a strap. It’s made out of soft-touch silicone and is available in several vibrant colors.

Case-Mate AirTag Case for Dog Collar

Amazon

Case-Mate AirTag Case for Dog Collar

• $5.99 at Amazon
  $14.99 (60% off)

This silicone case securely holds the AirTag and attaches to your pet’s collar (not included). It’s available in either black or glow-in-the-dark colors.

Spigen AirTag Case Rugged Armor

Amazon

Spigen AirTag Case Rugged Armor

• $18.99 at Amazon

The Spigen AirTag Case Rugged Armor stands out for two reasons. First, it comes with a pretty nifty carabiner (boasting an integrated bottle opener). And second, it’s made mostly of carbon fiber and adds extra protection to your AirTag. It’s only available in black.

Speck SiliRing for AirTag

Amazon

Speck SiliRing for AirTag

• $14.99 at Amazon

The Presidio SiliRing is Speck’s take on a traditional keychain accessory for your AirTag. It’s made of silicone and comes with a metal keyring. It’s available in several different colors.

Nomad Leather Loop for AirTags

Courtesy

Nomad Leather Loop for AirTags

• $24.99 at shopmoment.com

This slim, low-profile leather keychain is available in either black or brown. The black key ring is included.

Moment Curved Surface Mount for AirTags

moment

Moment Curved Surface Mount for AirTags v2

• $19.99 at shopmoment.com
  $24.99 (20% off)

The silicone capsule has an adhesive back that you can stick to any hard surface, such as a drone, bike, snowboard, kayak or any other piece of gear. (Moment also offers a more rugged version of this surface mount that has an aramid fiber shell.)

Nomad Glasses Strap for AirTags

Courtesy

Nomad Glasses Strap for AirTags

• $16.00 at nomadgoods.com
  $20.00 (20% off)

Nomad’s unique AirTag holder pairs a lightweight TPU capsule and a cord that attaches to your glasses or sunglasses — it’s basically an AirTag Croakie. Not only can it help hold your glasses around your neck when you’re not wearing them, but it can help you locate your glasses if you misplace them.

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Chevy just unveiled the new 2025 model year versions of its iconic full-size SUVs, the Tahoe and Suburban. Now, notice we didn’t say “all-new” —this a mid-cycle refresh, so the changes didn’t meet the generous threshold the industry uses to claim something is worthy of that title. But the new models still include some exciting additions to help the Tahoe and Suburban feel a little more premium and a little less like a step down from their GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade siblings.

Here’s what you need to know about the 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban.

The Tahoe and Suburban pick up a better diesel engine

Chevrolet

The 2025 Tahoe and Suburban can be fitted with a new second-generation 3.0-liter Duramax inline-six turbodiesel. It gets a bump up to 305 horsepower from 277, and to 495 lb-ft of torque from 460. It upgrades to a 10-speed automatic transmission, too. And for the first time, it will be available as an option for all trims, including the Z71 off-road version. The diesel will be available in calendar year 2025, after the initial launch.

Of course, the tried and true 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8 gas engines are also available.

The Tahoe and Suburban score some really big rims

Chevrolet

We’re old enough to remember when “rolling on twenties, with the top back” was the height of automotive decadence. But the Tahoe and Suburban now offer 24-inch rims on the RST and High Country trims. Chevy is also enlivening the exterior with two new colors — Cypress Grey and Lakeshore Blue Metallic — and updated LED lighting.

The Tahoe and Suburban pick up a larger screen, too

Chevrolet

Chevy is elevating the Tahoe and Suburban interiors — not a traditional strength. The full-size SUVs are not going full Escalade IQ. But a 17.7-inch freeform infotainment screen — oriented, but not too oriented, toward the driver — now comes standard with an 11-inch digital information center (a.k.a. instrument panel).

Chevy is also incorporating more soft-touch and warped materials. The High Country trim gets authentic wood decor and wingtip perforated leather.

When do the new Tahoe and Suburban go on sale?

Chevrolet

The new Tahoe and Suburban are 2025 model-year vehicles, and Chevy says they will go on sale in “late 2024.” Pricing will be announced closer to the launch date.

More Future Trucks and SUVs We’re Excited About

Kia Motors

• 2024 Kia EV9
• 2025 Jeep Recon
• 2025 Range Rover EV
• 2025 Toyota 4Runner
• 2025 Toyota Electric Truck

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There are all sorts of names associated with Aston Martin: David Brown, Fernando Alonso and — of course — James Bond. But when it comes to nameplates slapped on the brand’s vehicles, one stands above the rest in terms of prominence: Vantage.

Yet while the name may be timeless, the current Aston Martin Vantage is, well, aged. It was first revealed in November 2017, making it more than six years old at this point. And while Aston has worked to keep it fresh with new variants and special editions, those tweaks can’t cover up the fact that many parts of this sports car are starting to feel outdated compared to competitors like the Porsche 911 and Mercedes-AMG GT.

That seems likely to change soon, however. With the new DB12 successfully out on the streets in 2023, calendar year 2024 is prime time for Aston Martin to prove it’s serious about moving upmarket and increasing its prestige with a second Stroll-era model — and all signs point to that new car being a new Vantage.

Here’s what you need to know.

The new Aston Martin Vantage should still use an AMG V8

Aston Martin

According to Autocar, Aston Martin plans to use the V12 Vantage model’s chassis as a jumping-off point for the 2025 Vantage, with the aim of giving the new model both better performance and superior stability. But don’t expect that car’s V12 to make it over to the new Vantage — or, on the flip side, a six-cylinder powerplant like the one Aston engine partner Mercedes-AMG is allegedly plopping into the next AMG E 63.

Rather, the 2025 Vantage is expected to stick with AMG’s tried-and-true twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 found in the current model. (Aston Martin product and market strategy director Alex Long told Autocar that the Vantage’s distinctive sound is a large part of the current model’s appeal, and ditching the V8 would obviously change that.) Power will likely rise from the current model’s 503 ponies to somewhere between the 577 horsepower of the SL 63 and the 603 horses of the AMG E 63 S … although we’re secretly holding out hope for the 720-hp variant from the AMG GT Black Series.

The 2025 Vantage might use the Formula 1 team’s technology

Although maybe not the way you’re expecting, at least if you’re picturing a Vantage with a DRS system or a custom steering yoke. Chief creative officer Marek Reichman told Autocar that the brand will be making use of the Aston Martin F1 team’s resources, which seems to suggest more something along the lines of wind tunnel testing and other analytics.

The new Vantage should look a bit more … cute

From day one, the outgoing Vantage was noted for its extremely aggressive face. (Indeed, some buyers may have found it too aggressive; the carmaker quickly added a second, more traditional grille as an alternative to its massive dark maw.) Based on spy photos of lightly disguised versions, the 2025 model looks a bit more bug-eyed and friendly than its hyper-aggro predecessor, with a smaller grille and larger headlights.

A return of the manual gearbox seems unlikely

Aston Martin

As much as we’d love to see a new production Aston with a manual — well, maybe not the awkward dog-leg seven-speed of the Vantage AMR, but perhaps another stick shift — it seems increasingly unlikely. With take rates for manuals being generally low across the board and automatic gearboxes being so much more efficient and quick than their stick shift counterparts these days, the odds that cash-conscious Aston Martin will spend the money wedging, testing and certifying a second transmission into its new Vantage seem slim at best.

The 2025 Vantage should take after the new DB12 inside

Aston Martin

The DB12’s interior is one of its biggest upgrades over its DB11 predecessor, featuring higher-quality materials and a new in-house-developed touchscreen infotainment system. Considering the outgoing Vantage still uses the DB11-style setup, a thorough update to a more modern layout seems all but guaranteed.

The next Aston Martin Vantage should prioritize fun

Perhaps one of the most exciting tidbits Reichman shared with Autocar is that the next-gen Vantage will be, and we quote, a “complete hooligan” of an automobile. Credit, in a way, the DBX 707 and the DB12 for the decision to prioritize engagement for the new Vantage; with the super-SUV and new GT proving capable of matching the current Vantage’s pace under many conditions, Aston Martin needs to distinguish its entry-level sports car — hence, the focus not just on raw speed, but also on engagement.

Will Sabel Courtney

The 2025 Aston Martin Vantage should start around $200,000

This one we know because it came straight from Lawrence Stroll’s mouth. “With the new generation sports cars, [the price] will go up, Stroll told Gear Patrol during an interview last summer. “I would never see an Aston Martin opening for anything less than something that begins with a two — meaning, $200,000.”

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The electric transition is happening. Combustion icons are converting to battery power. One that should transition in the not-too-distant future is the BMW M3. BMW development head Frank Weber confirmed to Autocar the next-generation M3 “will be all-electric.”

Here’s everything you need to know.

Alex Rank

The first electric BMW M car will likely be called the iM3

If there’s one car that represents the soul of BMW’s M division, it’s the M3. (Or rather, the M3 / M4, as the sedan and coupe/convertible versions now use different names.) So it makes a lot of sense for the brand to capitalize on that beloved name for its first pure-electric M car.

According to European Union Intellectual Property Office and German Patent and Trade Office trademark applications unearthed by CarBuzz, BMW has filed to lock down the name “iM3” for a future model. Given that the 4 Series begat the i4, the X3 begat the iX3 and so forth, it seems pretty much a given that this name would be for the electric equivalent of the M3.

The iM3 should use the Neue Klasse platform

BMW has been building EVs like the i4 sedan and iX crossover on its hybrid CLAR architecture that supports both EV and combustion powertrains. But BMW is building a Neue Klasse dedicated EV platform. The first models to debut are expected to be a 3 Series equivalent sedan and an X3-like crossover. The iM3 will presumably be a hotter take on that sedan.

The iM3 will have a “Heart of Joy”

The electric M3 should receive BMW’s new in-house developed “Heart of Joy” operating system. Essentially, it’s one system controlling all of the vehicle’s functions, in contrast to what most EVs have: several third-party-developed systems operating in concert.

Weber described the potential functionality of the system to Autocar as “crazy.” It could reduce latency by a factor of 10 and allow BMW more control to tailor the driving experience. Current EVs can feel pretty ubiquitous, but BMW believes that the system will allow it to provide a unique BMW M car experience.

Alex Rank

The iM3 could pack a stupendous amount of power

Autocar says the new M3 may get a new quad-motor EV setup that the M division has been testing with prototypes. That system could direct power to individual wheels and accommodate outputs of more than 1,300 horsepower. However, we don’t expect the eventual electric M3 to wield nearly three times the oomph of the current combustion version.

When will the iM3 arrive?

The Neue Klasse cars are expected to arrive for the 2026 model year, which could be as soon as the 2025 calendar year. Autocar pegs the electric iM3 as arriving in 2027.

Alex Rank

So, is that the end of the internal combustion M3 then?

No. Weber told Autocar there will be a period of “coexistence” between the electric M3 and the combustion model. And unlike rivals Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Lexus, BMW has not set a hard date for eliminating combustion models. BMW has only pledged to sell 50 percent EVs by 2030 (though the brand may exceed that by a wide margin).

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If you spend most days at your computer listening to music, why not listen to better quality audio? Many of today’s music streaming services (except for Spotify) offer lossless quality tracks that are significantly higher-resolution than the compressed audio you’d get over Bluetooth. All you need is a good pair of wired headphones (which don’t have to be that expensive) and a desktop DAC/amp to drive them.

What Does a Desktop Amp/DAC Actually Do?

Photo by Tucker Bowe for Gear Patrol

A desktop DAC/amp is a simple and (sometimes) affordable component that connects to your desktop computer or laptop and effectively helps your audio sound more like hi-fi. The headphones you’re using continue to be the most important piece of the hi-fi puzzle, but a good headphone amp comes in a close second.

Without a headphone amp, the sound coming from your computer or smartphone’s audio jack simply isn’t very good. It’s flat and grainy and doesn’t deliver the expansive soundstage that higher-resolution music files promise. A good headphone amp with a built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC) can change that. Also, because the audio is more accurate and less harsh on your ears, you can listen to music longer. It’s a win-win.

Looking online, you’ll find some great and expensive DACs, but there are also good options for $200 or less. These are the ones that we recommend.

How We Tested

Tucker Bower

We’ve tested most of the desktop DAC/amps that are in this guide and paired them with a variety of wired headphones and listened to high-resolution tracks from Apple Music, Amazon Music Unlimited and Tidal. The below are our favorites.

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.

iFi Audio Uno

Amazon

iFi Uno

• $79.00 at Amazon

• Inputs: USB-C
• Outputs: headphone (3.5mm), RCA
• Max audio resolution: up to 32-bit/384kHz

iFi Audio’s Uno is a great DAC/amp because of its small size and reasonable price, as well as the fact that it supports most popular high-res audio files (PCM, DSD and MQA). It has a single 3.5mm headphone jack and a tactile volume knob that makes a wonderful “click” sound when you power it on/off. There’s an EQ button for switching between three preset EQ modes (music, videos and gaming). There’s also a power match button that, when clicked, matches the power needed to drive your headphones.

iFi Audio Zen Air

Amazon

iFi Zen Air

• $99.00 at Amazon

• Inputs: USB-B
• Outputs: headphone (6.35mm), RCA
• Max audio resolution: up to 32-bit/384kHz

Released in 2022, the Zen Air is a DAC/amplifier that’s more than twice the size of the company’s Uno (above); it takes the same form factor as iFi Audio’s Zen DAC V2, but is more affordable thanks to its mostly plastic design. It’s a fairly simple component to use as it just has a large volume knob, a button for power matching and an XBass+ button for increasing the bass. The one caveat is that it only has a 6.35mm headphone jack, meaning you’ll need to have a 6.35mm adapter (but most quality wired headphones come with those).

Schiit Fulla E

Schiit Audio

Schiit Fulla E

• $109.00 at schiit.com
• $136 at Amazon

• Inputs: USB-C, optical, microphone
• Outputs: headphone (3.5mm)
• Max audio resolution: up to 24-bit/192kHz

Schiit Audio is small California audio company that makes a variety of high-performing DACs and amplifiers, and it sells them direct to customers which helps make all their stuff really affordable. The Fulla E, for example, is a simple-yet beautiful headphone DAC/amp that costs just over $100. It has a wonderful large and tactile volume knob and a mic jack for gaming. The Fulla E plugs directly into your laptop or desktop and you can use it as a DAC/amp with wired headphones or as a DAC/preamp for a nice pair of powered monitors.

FiiO K5 Pro

FiiO

FiiO K5 Pro

• $149.99 at Amazon

• Inputs: USB-C, optical
• Outputs: headphone (6.35mm), RCA
• Max audio resolution: up to 32-bit/768kHz

The FiiO K5 Pro is a powerful desktop headphone amp/DAC combo (featuring AKM’s AK4493EQ DAC chips) designed for higher-end headphones. It has multiple gain switches, depending on how much power your headphones crave, and it supports high-resolution up to 32-bit/768kHz as well native DSD. It has a neat volume dial that actually glows different colors (RGB) depending on the sampling rate you’re listening to: blue (48kHz and below), yellow (above 48kHz) and green (DSD). The one caveat is that it does require a separate power supply.

Audioengine D1 (2nd-Generation)

Audioengine

Audioengine D1

• $169.00 at Amazon

• Inputs: USB-C, optical
• Outputs: headphone (3.5mm), RCA
• Max audio resolution: up to 24-bit/96Hz (192kHz with optical)

Audioengine introduced its original D1 desktop DAC/amp back in 2012. This second-generation model — released in 2023 — looks identical, but comes with an improved DAC (ESS ES9018) and headphone amplifier and it’s significantly more versatile thanks to its newer USB-C connection. It works as a plug-and-play desktop DAC/amp just like before, but this new model can also work as portable headphone amp for your smartphone or tablet. Its USB-C connection allows it to draw power from your smartphone or tablet without needing a separate power source.

Schiit Audio Hel Plus

Schiit Audio

Schiit Audio Hel 2

• $199.00 at schiit.com

• Inputs: USB-C, optical, microphone
• Outputs: headphone (3.5mm)
• Max audio resolution: up to 32-bit/384kHz

The Hel Plus (or Hel+) is essentially a higher-end and more expensive version of the company’s Fulla E. It is four times more powerful than the Fulla E with gain controls, making it perfect for more demanding headphones. It also supports high-end mics and has a convenient microphone volume wheel, making it ideal for more serious gamers. Like the Fulla E, the Hel Plus is a plug-and-play amp/DAC that’s super easy to use.

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