The US Open is upon us and most likely you’re hopeful for the Nadal | Federer match up as much as we are.

Those of you who aren’t able to attend the US Open here in New York may want to pick up this awesome toy/souvenir. It’s a giant US Open Tennis ball (you can see the size difference in the photo) that’s bound to look great in your office or home. It’s been an exclusive purchase only sold at the US Open but now it’s available year-round.

The ball is covered in real tennis ball felt, it’s 9″ in diameter but you’ll need to inflate it on your own unless you’re at the Arthur Ashe complex… we know we’ll be.

What this means to you: I mean, it’s a giant tennis ball for pete’s sake. What’s not to like?

Cost: $34 @ US Open Shop

Fall is just around the bend and with fall comes fall attire. Consider yourself ready with a good vest.

This herringbone vest from J.Crew is made of English lambswool sourced from the Abraham Moon mill. They use a ’super-secret’ wash that gives it a softness without detracting from it’s casual feel.

Two piece suits aren’t out of the question with this ensemble either - they’ll be casual enough to not look pretentious and still give off a rugged vibe we’re not ready to start messing with.

What this means to you: It’s not winter yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pull off a little cool weather style.

Cost: $98 @ J.Crew

We talk about shaving a lot here at Gear Patrol. It’s because it’s an essential parts of being a guy and skimping in this area isn’t acceptable. You’re working on your face after all.

Of course, we would be misleading you if we didn’t also tell you we’re semi-obsessed with finding, trying and using the latest shavers.

The Pulsonic system by Braun might be something close to shaving euphoria. It’s meticulously engineered with technology to capture every hair (even those problematic ones) to give you a shave closer than you ever imagined possible. It’s foil system also uses a base that cleans and renews after each use (not once every other week like you do with yours now) and ome of the features listed below:

• Pulsonic Technology: Over 10,000 microvibrations per minute helps to expose and cut more hair with every stroke.
• Gillette Blade Technology: Unique blade technology cuts hair close in a single stroke without pulling or tugging.
• Power-Comb: Patented technology lifts problem hairs that lie flat to the skin to avoid missed hairs in hard to shave areas.
• Smart Foil: Unique foil pattern captures hairs growing from different directions for a closer shave in fewer strokes.
• Clean & Renew System: At the touch of a button, automatically cleans, lubricates, dries and charges the shaver.

What this means to you: Hell hath no fury like razor burn.

Cost: $236 @ Amazon

Explore a new realm of control with you computer. The MX Air Mouse gives you precise laser mouse control just like the other great computer mice but adds another dimension. Once in the air, the Freespace motion sensing capabilities transform your hand gestures and motions into natural responsive cursor controls.

What this means to you: Now you’re in control of your computer without being tethered to a desk.

Cost: $160 @ PC Connection

Coughing up two Benjamins for a pair of jeans might sound like a bit much but if you think about how much and how long you wear a pair of well fitted jeans it makes sense that you’d want something quality, not the $20 pair on the Old Navy sale rack. Not that we’re harshing on Old Navy.

Diesel’s Zathan slim bootcut jeans have a wash and aging that make them look like you’ve owned them for years. There are abrasions on the knee and pockets that give off a light green tint and of course the worn-in feel and look.

Button fly, low rise, five-pockets and leather Diesel logo.

What this means to you: Denim is here for good. Get something quality.

Cost: $200 @ Nordstrom

Some of you have a shaving routine and some of you don’t, but one part that’s essential to keeping your face in top order is a moisture. Post facto.

The MD Daily Facial pads do multiple duties in the shaving realm. They provide all the treatment needed from razor contact in addition to providing you the benefits of a morning facial. Best part is they’re about as easy to use as it gets. Tear open and apply. They’ll treat razor bumps, ingrown hairs, inflammation and simultaneously smooth, firm and tone. Oil free.

What this means to you: If you’re like us and keep a razor and toothbrush at work for those, ahem, long nights then these should be sitting in the same drawer. If you’re a morning gym kinda guy then make sure and keep a box of these in your bag.

Cost: $48 @ Details For Men

This is one of this items we know could never be pawned off as a necessary purchase no matter how you explained it to someone. Of course you wouldn’t need that as almost every person now has a portable USB drive and none of them would have anything as cool as this.

Absolutely exuding with male aesthetics the dog tags are made up of a 2 gigabyte Sony Micro Vault Tiny USB drive encapsulated in a hyper detailed hand-made sterling silver vintage design. There are several other crests to choose from.

What this means to you: It may not be available to Fall 2007, but it’s certainly worth you going ahead and setting aside some ‘pocket change’.

Cost: $349 @ Olinari

Get the DVD, save the world. Get the DVD, save the world.

Ok, maybe you won’t save the world or a cheerleader while you’re at it, but you will have a stellar 1035 minutes of high intensity television to watch. Mohinder, Niki, Claire, Hiro, Nathan, Peter, Matt and Isaac are all ready to light up your screen with well paced action, editing and an enthralling premise.

The 7 disc box set is available in DVD or HD-DVD so make the most of whatever your home theatre capabilities may be. It includes the original 73 minute unaired director’s pilot, 50 deleted scenes, Making Of features, behind-the-scenes looks on the special effects, and many other featurettes.

What this means to you: Light up your home theatre with the cast of heroes and be prepared to lose an entire weekend watching it straight through. This could be the longest movie experience you’ve ever had.

Cost:
DVD - $37 @ Best Buy | Amazon
HD-DVD - $80 @ Best Buy | $70 @ Amazon

We’re dog lovers here at Gear Patrol. It’s doubtful you’ll ever have something more rewarding and loyal than a dog.

Share the fruits of your labor with your best friend with the Dog Sofa. Made in Italy, the Dog Sofa harks to a the Le Corbusier mid-century sofa design with uncluttered looks and gives your buddy an uncluttered resting place. The vinyl or leather covers are made of anti-scratch and antibacterials materials that do not attract odors, pet hairs and are easily wiped down. In addition to that, they’re completely removable for top-to-bottom washing and available in a multitude of patterns and colors.

What this means to you: You don’t make your friends or significant others lounge on the floor so why would you do that to dog?

Cost: Starts at $210 @ DogBar

Bring your mouth a little bit of flavor while keeping them clean with the 5 Senses toothpaste kit. The kit uses five different flavors of toothpaste that contain naturally hydrated silica that safely polish away stains and flouride to, obviously, prevent tooth decay. The pastes are also infused with cranberry extract and uplifting essential oils to give you a one-of-a-kind toothbrushing experience.

The kit includes a travel toothbrush in addition to the following flavors:

• Mango Paradise Smile
• Aloha Tropical Smile
• Lemonade Smile
• Ginger Cookie Smile
• Peppermint Candy Smile

What this means to you: Keeping your pearly whites, pearly white is a challenge in of itself. That doesn’t mean it has to be the same ol’ mint experience every time though.

Cost: $25 @ Sephora