Today in Gear: May 1, 2017

Good morning. Over the weekend, the Fyre Festival, a lavish, much-hyped music festival in the Bahamas, descended into chaos after attendees, many of whom had paid $12,000 for a single ticket, found that the VIP experience they were promised — luxury yurts, five-star meals, performances from Blink-182, Pusha T, Disclosure and more — was dead on arrival. The “luxury yurts” were, in fact, disaster relief tents, the “five-star meals” were bread and cheese sandwiches served in a styrofoam box and the performers never performed. Lesson learned: don’t go to music festivals created by washed-up rap star Ja Rule.

• Here’s last week’s gear news.

• Want this briefing via email? Subscribe to the Gear Patrol Dispatch.

Today’s Gear

What’s New, Now

SOG Sync 1

All multi-tools are, by design, versatile and durable — some more so than others. Not all multi-tools, however, can be called fast. The Sync 1 can. With a detachable base that clips onto most belts, pack straps or boots, the Sync 1 can be snapped on and off with one just hand, allowing you to access your tools without fishing around in your pockets. And it comes with an impressive array of 11 tools: needle-nose pliers, a stainless steel blade, bolt grip, jewelry driver, flathead screwdriver and more.

Vintage Electric x Rod Emory Outlaw Tracker

With cutting edge mechanicals and old-school styling, it’s hard to beat this e-bike.

Nintendo 2DS XL

These days Nintendo seems to giveth as often as it taketh away. Remember how badly you wanted the NES Classic? Too bad; it’s gone. Now Nintendo’s giving again. The company announced (out of nowhere) the Nintendo 2DS XL, which falls between Nintendo’s 3DS XL and 2DS. It’s basically the same device as the 3DS XL, without the 3D functionality of the upper display. It also costs $50 less. Expect the new 2DS XL to be available in the U.S. in late July. — Tucker Bowe, Associate Staff Writer

At Auction: Bremont F-15 ‘Eagle Driver’ No. 15

For the first time ever, Bremont is auctioning off a watch that had previously only been available to decorated U.S. military pilots. Proceeds go to the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association, a charity that looks after Vietnam veterans and provides scholarships for children of pilots killed in the line of duty.

Volcan De Mi Tierra Tequila

Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, a new ultra-premium tequila is making its way into the world. Named for the volcano in Jalisco, Mexico, it’s launching with two varieties blended from both lowland and highland blue agaves: Blanco ($40) and Cristalino ($60), a colorless Añejo. While both are remarkably smooth, it was the Cristalino that blew me away — when diluted slightly to allow it to open up, the nose shifted from the familiar, herbaceous depth of a cask-finished tequila to warm notes of vanilla and caramel. – Emily Singer, Staff Writer

Mazama Wares Marine Glassware Collection

Mazama Wares Cocktail Glasses are made in the USA from hand-blown soda-lime glass. Every order has its own unique character but never sacrifices on quality and sophistication. This elegant ounce-ounce marine blue cocktail glass is just what’s needed to kick off summer vibes and light enough to carry it on through the night. – Dan Whalen, Editorial Intern

Deals of Note

Great Products, Great Prices

How to save on Teva sandals, Bose noise-cancelling wireless headphones and Scotch & Soda swim trunks.

What’s New from GP

Read Up on Our Latest

• Cozy up with the best slippers for men. (And girlfriends.)
• Looking for some grade-A rye whiskey? No matter your budget, we’ve got you covered.
• Omega does vintage better than anyone else, and these three watches prove it.
• The 27 best boots for every occasion.
• Our tech writers are currently geeking out on these three gadgets.

Note: Stories published on Gear Patrol may contain links to buy products sold in our curated store as well as by third party retail destinations. Items purchased through the GP store help directly support editorial initiatives. In some cases, we may also receive a small commission for the online customers we refer to external retailers. Learn more about our editorial policies related to commerce and affiliate sales here.

Next Page: Happy Hour Talking Points and One Thing to Watch

Happy Hour Briefing

Icebreakers for the First Drink

• How Brooklyn Brewery fought the Mafia to become one the biggest producers of craft beer in the world. [Inc.]
• How to tell if a woman is faking an orgasm, according to GQ. [GQ]
• What’s new in streaming this May. [The Verge]
• The books that influenced some of the world’s greatest adventurers. [Outside Online]
• Apple’s super-secret self-driving car has been spotted in Silicon Valley. [Mashable]
• And one thing to watch:

Related Topics