XIKAR Xi3 Exotic Cutters

Xicar Xi cigar cutters

A sad notion is the thought of well versed man pulling a fantastic $30+ cigar out of their humidor and slicing right into it with a $2 cutter or worse, the nearest sharp implement they can get their grubby mitts on.

Xi3 CocoboloThe 440 stainless steel double bladed Xi3 cigar cutter won’t leave any trailing pieces of tobacco on the lip and it’ll accommodate the larger sizes we prefer here in the states.

Get it engraved and you’ve got one helluva good gift.

What this means to you:
We’re into preservation just like the next fellow, but we made an exception to get ourselves the Cocobolo Xi3; made of gorgeous Cocobolo rosewood.

Cost: $99 @ XIKAR


Gear Girl - Ariadne Artiles

Ariadne Artiles

Date of birth: January 18, 1982

Place of Birth: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Factoid: She was an aspiring psychologist, but that little problem of “you’re ridiculously gorgeous” arose and swept her into the world of modeling, starting with Abercrombie & Fitch. Not a bad problem in our opinion.

More photos of Ariadne after the jump.

Read the rest of this entry »


The West Wing: The Complete Series Collection

West Wing: The Complete Series

This comprehensive 45 disc collection of arguably the greatest television drama of it’s time, the 26 time Emmy Award winning West Wing might also be the greatest gift you could give your dad this Father’s Day. With 154 episodes, a pilot script, 20 commentary tracks, 20 behind-the-scenes featurettes, gag reels, and plenty of unaired footage the lucky recipient (even if it’s yourself) of this DVD set will have no shortage of good programming to watch on your plasma during the summer doldrums.

What this means to you: Give the gift of good TV. They’ll (read: you’ll) love you for it.

Cost: $179.99 @ Best Buy


TaylorMade Daytona Rossa CGB Putter

TaylorMade DaytonaThe new putter from TaylorMade basically breaks down putting to this… it’s all about the launch. Their new anti-skid groove system insert (AGSI) is desined to reduce backspin and increase forward roll. That’s where you need to stop reading because it gets way too technical after that. Just know that striking the ball with this 2007 Golf Digest Hot List pick will make impact butter smooth.

What this means to you: Incredible distance and directional accuracy, but it still isn’t going to take 10 strokes off if your aim is crap.

Cost: $139 @ Golfsmith


New Balance Men’s 902LW

New Balance Men's 902LW Orange/Silver

Lightweight (9.5 ounces) and designed for the runner looking for a mid-level of stability control, the 902LW is an ace choice for training and running. It features New Balance’s ACTEVA premium ultra light weight midsole and the TS2 transitional support system for optimal transition from heel strike to toe-off. N-LOCK integrated lacing and webbing will ensure your feet are in optimum comfort.

What this means to you: Take a classic, make it orange and you’ve got a winning formula.

Cost: $100 @ East Bay


L.L. Bean Canvas Messenger Bag

L.L. Bean Canvas Messenger Bag

It’s inevitable, a man needs a bag. Between his mobile gear and product there’s little chance he’s going to fit it all in his pockets - not that we’d suggesting carrying around a lot of items there. First, it’s unsightly and second, it can be, ahem, misconstrued when walking. This sunwashed canvas bag from L.L. Bean is perfect for that, casual enough for travel or around town and rugged enough to keep up with your daily life.

What this means to you: Your search for that perfect well-priced bag for your stuff should end here.

Cost: $49 @ L.L. Bean


Yamaha RX-V1700 7.1 Digital Home Theater Receiver

Yamaha RX-V1700 7.1 Digital Home Theater Receiver

This Yamaha receiver will keep your next movie night, party or music juiced with 7.1 channels of 130 watts per channel sound. It’s myriad of surround sound options are supplemented by it’s high definition technologies. Oh, and it’ll hook right up with your iPod too.

What this means to you:
So many audiophiles have fallen in love with Yamaha’s unparalleled sound. This latest iteration from Yamaha mates that with enough technology to get you through at least your next two flat screen upgrades.

$769 @ BestBuyPlasma


Running the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Running the Inca Trail

How do you know when your vacation’s going to be interesting? Well, a good start is when they say it takes the first two days to become acclimated to the height of, oh, 13,000 feet above sea level. Then when you’re on to four days and three nights exploring the 28 mile Inca Trail running/hiking (or walking if you so feel inclined) to your final destination of Machu Picchu. The best part of all this is that you’re only tasked with carring your drinking water and a snack. The rest is handled by the provisioners. We might suggest wearing a pair of these Salomon XA Pro running shoes if you are. Broken in of course.

We won’t waste your time with details, check out their site for the full details.

What this means to you: Stop sitting around letting life pass you buy. Use your next vacation and do something guaranteed no one else in the room will ever trump. Ever.

Cost: $495 (all inclusive) + Airfare to Lima, Peru @ Run The Inca Trail

More crazy photos of the trail itself after the jump.

Read the rest of this entry »


Waring Pro Wine Chiller

Waring Pro Wine ChillerScenario: It’s a hot summer evening and after your day out you get back home and realize there’s no wine in the fridge cooling. Damn. Not to fear, you’ve got the Waring Pro Wine Chiller at the ready. It will get that bottle down to a delicious temperature (via it’s thirty-three preset temperatures) in just a few minutes and keep it there. No fade - all smiles.

We recommend you try it with a bottle of Shaw & Smith 2005 Sauvignon Blanc from Wine.com, a zippy and refreshing Austrailian wine perfect for summer.

What this means to you: As if you needed more reasons to drink wine…

Cost: $99.95 @ Sur La Table


Casio EXILIM Digital Camera - Black

Casio EXILIM 7.2 Megapixel Digital Camera Black

This digital camera features the Casio EXILIM Engine 2.0, making it easy to capture focused shots of moving subjects. Dual image stabilization provides smooth stills and video, even at high zoom settings. Oh, and the black is exclusive to Best Buy.

Features:

  • 7.2-megapixel CCD captures high-resolution images up to 3072 x 2304 pixels
  • 7x optical/4x digital/28x total zoom
  • 2.5″ TFT-LCD monitor with 960 x 240 pixels and adjustable brightness

What this means to you: 7.2 megapixels and a 7x optical zoom for under 4 hundred isn’t going to make you Ansel Adams, but the it will give you superior photos.

Cost: $350 @ Best Buy