Louder Than Hell
If you don't like to listen to your music loud, then this book isn't for you. Crank the Slayer up to 11 and pick up a copy of Louder Than Hell: The Definitive Oral History of Metal ($21). This book covers the spectrum of metal's loudest and wildest with interviews of over 250 bands ranging from Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden to Metallica and Megadeth. Also hear from family, industry execs, and journalists — and from the people who knew them best (groupies, drug dealers). Nearly 50 pages of full-color photography bring to life the world of Nu Metal, Industrial Metal, Thrash Metal, Death Metal, Metalcore, and more. Warn the neighbors, because it's gonna get loud.
Nite Ize Reflective Rope
Anyone who's ever had the (dis)pleasure of tripping over the guy lines of their tent knows how important actually being able to see those ropes can be. Nite Ize Reflective Rope ($12) is here to help. Each pack includes 50 feet of green reflective cord that's great for setting up tents, hanging traps, tying up prisoners tarps or shelters, or just marking the trail between the camp and the designated outdoor restroom area. Just remember: it only works when light shines on it, so if your flashlight goes dead, you're still screwed.
Mr. Ghost iPhone EMF Detector
Looking to start your own ghost-busting business? You're going to want a Mr. Ghost iPhone EMF Detector ($20). This nifty gadget plugs into the headphone port of your iPhone or iPod touch, and lets you check for potentially spooky electromagnetic radiation via a companion app. When you're not looking for stray souls, you can use it to check the levels of electromagnetic radiation sources in your home or office — things like your TV, clock, gaming system, or small child who just ate one of his "smart" toys.
Xbox One
We've been waiting for this generation's offering of consoles, and Microsoft's Xbox One ($TBA) doesn't disappoint. The first gaming system to sit between your cable or satellite box and your TV, the new Xbox makes watching sports as easy as saying "Turn on ESPN." With TV integration, voice-control, multitasking, a rebuilt UI, Skype, fantasy trackers and more, you can do it all while you watch or play. Boasting eight times the graphic performance of its predecessor, it has an eight-core x86 processor that makes lag times and loading a distant memory. New features include a redesigned liquid black shell with clean, horizontal lines, a 1080p kinect, and a totally-rebuilt controller — no more bulky battery packs and clumsy directional pads. Couple that with a host of new games including Call of Duty: Ghosts, Fifa 14 and Madden NFL 25, and all you need is a couch.
Socks by Mack Weldon
So comfortable customers routinely claim they’re “walking on clouds” thanks to the cushioned footbed. The No Shows ($14.50/2 pack) have a “no slip grip” that stays put in low cut summer shoes, while the crew length styles actually stay up if you want them to. Get one or get them all - the Sock Drawer ($135) includes 16 pairs. But do get them soon, because like all things Mack Weldon makes, these are in high demand (and insanely comfortable).
Everlane Reverse Denim Collection
While new to the game, the folks at Everlane know a thing or two about making great bags. Now they're taking a totally new approach to classic carryalls with the Everlane Reverse Denim Collection ($30-$95). They've combined two fabrics normally relegated to pants into one sturdy, stylish material. By turning denim inside out and fusing it with khaki twill, they created great-looking, waterproof weekenders, backpacks, totes and dopp kits that won't blow your travel budget. Stitched leather accents and straps finish out these rugged accessories that you won't want to leave home without.
S'more to Love
It's not summer without a few s'mores, and there's no better — or easier — way to cook up a bunch than with the S'more to Love S'more Maker ($15). This metal kitchen/campfire/grilling tool lets you make six treats at a time by locking them into place in individual holders. With metal legs, it's possible to use it not just over a fire, but in the oven, in a toaster oven, or even on the grill.
The Audacity of Hops
Most of us at this point have tried several craft beers, and many of us liked them enough to switch almost exclusively away from the Bud Lights of the world. But few know the real history behind their rise to prominence. The Audacity of Hops ($14) chronicles that story from the 1960s through to today, based on interviews with the most influential folks in craft brewing, tons of research, and, we'll go ahead and assume, a healthy amount of beer drinking. Filled with amusing anecdotes and sometimes surprising facts, it's a must-read for any beer lover.
Hsu Research Hybrid 3 Speakers
Every once in a while you come across a product that isn't just a good deal, but offers quality so far above and beyond what you'd expect for the price that you find yourself recommending it whenever you get the chance. That's the case with these Hsu Research Hybrid 3 Speakers ($920-$1,920). Available in 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, or 7.1 configurations, these packages pair the powerful 350W, double ported, 12-inch VTF-3 MK4 subwoofer with HB-1 MK2 horn bookshelf speakers and, in the larger packages, a HC-1 MK2 horn center speaker. We've been using the 7.1 setup in one of our test theaters for months now, and the only thing that's been more amazing than the sound is the looks on people's faces when we tell them what it costs. And while we've been testing out the handsome satin black set — they are in a theater, after all — if you're thinking about filling a more traditional living area with sound, you might also want to check out the rosenut option.
ABT Audi R8 V10
As if it needed any help, the good folks at ABT have taken the R8 and made it even faster. The result is the ABT Audi R8 V10 ($TBA). By tuning the 5.2L FSI engine, they've increased the horsepower from 525 to 600, good for a 0-62 time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed just short of 200 mph. The upgrades don't end there, though: the upgraded R8 also features a new aero kit, new 19-inch wheels, a new exhaust system, and new suspension springs that lower the car slightly, providing even better handling.
Garb: Blue & Blue
Things are looking up with this sky-like wardrobe.
Rogue Territory The Willard Field Jacket ($253). Native Youth Indigo Crew ($90). SLVDR Lyndale Shirt ($78). Epokhe Ostra Sunglasses ($119). Need Supply Co. Human Being Journal Issue 2 ($10). Wings + Horns Westpoint Twill Chino Pant ($198). Quoddy Toasted Coconut Fringe Loafer ($300). Miansai Silver Anchor Bracelet ($60). Miansai Silver Anchor Bracelet ($60). JLK White Knotted Shackle ($30). Daniel Wellington Classic Glasgow Watch ($195). Baxter of California Deodorant ($18). Industry of All Nations Ioan Faja S. Belt ($19). Herschel Supply Co. Heavy Canvas Novel Bag ($120).
This edition of Garb is sponsored by our friends at Need Supply Co.
Oddka Vodka
Catchy names will only get you so far. So it's a good thing that Oddka Vodka ($TBA) is more than just a clever moniker and cheeky line drawing label. This unusual brand is known for its equally unique flavors, including electricity, caramel popcorn, fresh cut grass, wasabi, and apple pie. While they're certainly fine by themselves, the majority of them all but beg for a clever mixologist to use them in drinks, giving you the ability to add a dash of Wasabi heat to your Bloody Mary, a fresh, summery bite to your Moscow Mule, or, well, we're not sure what you're supposed to do with electricity-flavored vodka — but we're positive someone will figure it out.
Hennessey VelociRaptor SUV
If you've been wishing for Ford to turn the Raptor SVT into a more competent people carrier, your wish has been granted — just not by Ford. The Hennessey VelociRaptor SUV ($TBA) takes the four-door version of the off-road truck and turns it into a beastly SUV, with optional upgrades like third-row seating, a supercharger, Brembo brakes, upgraded tires and wheels, and security and armoring systems. As you might imagine, they're not making many of these things, so if your interest is piqued, you'd best get ahold of the company ASAP.
