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BACtrack Select S80 Breathalyzer

OUTDATED: There’s a newer model, that I now recommend. The BACtrack C8 available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CKXQ5L5

It’s the holiday season and for some of us that means drinking. There are no jokes here people, this is serious and it’s lecture time. If you’re going to drink you shouldn’t be driving. Officially, you should have a designated driver, and I agree with that wholeheartedly. Unfortunately, there are going to be times where you’ve maybe had one or two drinks and you’re the one driving. Don’t ever wonder if you’re okay to drive. Get a Breathalyzer. A good one. I’ve known people who get crappy ones and they suck. Get a decent one, keep it in your car, keep the batteries fresh. It could save a life, or an embarrassing mistake that you pay for for a long time.

I know some of you look at this and think it’s too expensive. If you’re drinking and you’re not riding home in a cab or with someone who hasn’t been drinking every time you do, get this. Get it for your mom, your dad, your kid, your spouse, anyone who you love that drinks.

Amazon.com_ BACtrack Select S80 Breathalyzer Professional Edition_ Health & Pers_2013-12-18_22-12-52

This company also makes a really cool Bluetooth version of this with a companion Smart Phone app, but it hasn’t been as well reviewed in terms of its accuracy. This is the professional version, the real deal. Please don’t buy a cheap one, you’ll regret it. They are wildly inaccurate. Also, you will need to get it recalibrated from time to time. You can send it back to the manufacturer and they will re-calibrate it for you for a nominal fee.

Amazon.com $150

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Product

Black Rock Hat

UPDATE: Black Rock Gear has, sadly, closed their doors.

OK, one more tonight, and this is one for the Christmas list, except that you’ll have to have this on your Christmas list for next year because these hats are so friggin’ awesome that they sell out every year. Actually, don’t wait a whole year. Order now and you’ll still get it in time to enjoy it.

As you can probably tell, I’m a total gear nerd. I think the only reason I have hobbies is because I like to shop for and buy the gear. I was looking for a great winter hat that would keep my head warm, but not too warm and not weigh a lot. Handmade in the US, these goose-down beanies fit the bill.

og_black_side_600

They actually make a few different models: the HadronS, the Original, and the Nobul with temperature ratings of 10-45, 20-50 and 30-55 respectively. You can’t go wrong with the original. It weighs just under 22 grams. Side Note: I Googled 22 grams to give you an idea of how little that is and apparently only these hats and marijuana weigh 22 grams.

I love supporting small boutique manufacturers who are doing cool stuff. Check out Black Rock Gear and their amazing hats.

Black Rock Gear $65

Categories
Product

FourSevens Quark Pro QPL Flashlight

OUTDATED: While this flashlight served me well, I have a better recommendation, from Olight, coming soon.

I’m definitely a flashlight nerd. A number of years ago I bought a decent flashlight and decided to try carrying it every day. I’ve been continually amazed by how handy having a light on you can be. Dropped something? Can’t see behind the desk, or your computer? Talking the dogs on a walk or out at night?

My favorite manufacturer is a great company called Four Sevens. They make a great little light called the Quark Pro. They have different versions that use different batteries, but my favorite uses a CR123 battery, which is a lithium battery. The upside to a CR123 battery is they have a 10 year shelf life. The flashlight has about a 1 hour runtime on high or about 360 hours on the lowest setting, which they call moonlight and is great in a dark restaurant when you’re looking for something in your purse or can’t read the menu. It’s also great when you’re sneaking in late at night and don’t want to disturb your spouse, parents or tentmates. On high, you get 200 lumens, which is bright.

pic_quarkpro-qpl-lg

http://www.foursevens.com/products/QPL-AE

My preferred batteries are made by Surefire.
Surefire 12 Pack Boxed 123A Lithium Batteries
Amazon.com $22.50