Today in Gear: A Blacked-Out BMW, the New Alexa-Enabled Fitbit & More

The best way to catch up on the day’s most important product releases and stories.

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Today in Gear is our daily roundup of all the latest product announcements, drops and deals. Comments or concerns? We’d love to hear from you at [email protected].


New & Noteworthy Releases

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The Toyota Land Cruiser Is Outdated and Overpriced

How does Toyota expect anyone to take a 10-year-old luxury SUV with an $85,000 price tag and a mainstream badge seriously?

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Business Travelers Will Love This Compact Suitcase

An everyday suitcase priced under $250.

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We Finally Know What the New Land Rover Defender Really Looks Like

Behold the new Defender, caught uncovered on the set of the next James Bond film.

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One of Camping’s Most Creative Brands Just Made Its First Backpacks

Kammok, a gear company best known for its camping hammocks, made a new line of bags that includes two backpacks, a duffel, and a hip pack.

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This $4,400 Luxury Fridge Is Secretly for Whiskey Lovers

LG makes a refrigerator with a Craft Ice maker that mass produces spherical ice for a perfectly chilled and undiluted beverage.

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This Blacked Out BMW Is So Dark, You Can Barely See It

For the launch of the all-new X6, BMW painted one in Vantablack—a substance so dark, the human eye cannot perceive it in three dimensions.

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This Is One Hell of a Classy Way to Learn Watch History

A gloriously illustrated new book traces the evolution of watches through the 20th century.

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The New Ford Bronco Might Be Better than the Wrangler in an Important Way

Like the Wrangler, the Bronco might be able to go doorless. But it might have an added way to keep you inside should you crash with the doors off.

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Ask Alexa Anything on Fitbit’s Newest Smartwatch

Finally, you can bring Alexa with you everywhere.

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Time Is Running Out to Score the Ultimate Labor Day Meat Deal

Don’t let your grill cool down for the season without giving Porter Road a visit.


Fresh Deals

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Herman Miller Aeron
Save 51%: By virtually any measure, Herman Miller’s Aeron task chair is one of, if not the, greatest desk chair of all-time. Bill Stumpf and Don Chadwick’s design features supreme adjustability: seat height, arm height, lumbar support, reclining tension and forward and rear tilt locks. It was the first successful integration of airy mesh into task chair design. Shoot, it even earned a spot in the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection. Fair or not, any company that releases a high-end office chair today must bear comparison to the Aeron.

Today, the Aeron is 51 percent off on Ebay. These specific products are open-box models, which means they’re somewhere between new and used — so it’s fair to approach with caution (it may be worth contacting the seller before dropping close to $500). That said, this is about as affordable as an Aeron will go for. — Will Price

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Seiko Prospex Solar “Arnie” PADI Dive Watch
Save 36%: Featuring on action hero Arnold Schwarzenegger’s muscular wrist in multiple 1980s films, the Seiko “Arnie” a technical look as well as solid tech specs including solar charging and Seiko’s famously rugged construction — and this particular version is co-branded with the PADI scuba diving association. Right now, it’s on sale at Macy’s for 36% off its retail price of $525 for a strong value at just $336.
— Zen Love

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Dr. Martens Chelsea Boots
Save 50%: If you’ve been dreaming of a new pair of Chelsea boots, now’s your chance to score a classic pair at a great price. The Dr. Martens Graeme Chelsea boots are now 50 percent off at Nordstrom Rack.

Made in England, this slim silhouette features Portuguese leather, elasticized gussets, Dr. Martens’ air-cushioned sole and Goodyear welt construction. They’re available in four versatile colors and a range of sizes, but if you see a pair you like, act fast — this deal won’t be around long. — John Zientek

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Nike Summer Sneaker Sale
Save $50+: If you’re in the market for a new pair of running shoes or gym sneakers, now’s the time to shop at Nike thanks to an additional 20 percent off the top-performing sneakers.

The best-selling Epic React 2 running shoes are at least $50 off and one of our favorite pairs of training sneakers are down to $80. Use code SAVE20 at checkout to get an additional 20 percent off the already slashed prices. You’ll just have to poke around to find your size and the perfect color.— Meg Lappe

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Remus Exhausts
Save 10%: It’s not enough for your bike to perform well. It should both sound and look cool as well. If going fast means sacrificing the other two qualities, what’s the point? That’s where the Austrian company Remus comes in.

Remus’s custom race-grade aftermarket exhausts are engineered to boost power delivery and torque, provide the right resonant sound and match your bike’s OEM aesthetic, all at the same time. Right now, you can get a great deal on them. RevZilla currently has a 10 percent off sale on all of their Remus brand products, from sound inserts to full HexaCone exhaust systems running into the thousands of dollars.

This offer can net you significant savings, but you have to act fast. While most sales this weekend will let you dawdle through Labor Day, RevZilla‘s Remus discount ends on Sunday. — Tyler Duffy

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Bose SoundSport Free
Save $80: When they were released around two years ago, the Bose SoundSport Free were selling for $250 a pop, but Bose had since lowered the price to $200; this is the current price of the SoundSport Free on Amazon (see here). However, you can currently get a pair of SoundSport Free that have been “factory renewed” on Bose’s website for $120. That’s significantly cheaper than AirPods. It’s true that Bose is selling “factory renewed” models, but every product comes with a 30-day trial period — if you’re not happy with the product you can return it and get a full refund.
— Tucker Bowe

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Todd Snyder Suits
Save up to 32%: If you’ve been waiting for a good summer sale to invest in a new suit, now’s your chance. Right now, you can save up to 32 percent on a range of timeless suits at Todd Snyder.

The New York designer discounted his Sutton suit in a variety of fabrics — charcoal wool, Prince of Wales check, navy plaid — fit for any professional occasion.

The tailored suit features a two-button jacket with a notch lapel, double vent and flap pockets. Its matching pants have a slim silhouette, a tab closure and a flat front. Prices start at just $418 and there are plenty of sizes still available, so if you see something you like, act fast. — John Zientek

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Nintendo NES Classic Edition
Save $30: Nintendo released the NES Classic Edition, a miniature version of the NES console from 1985, in 2016 and at that time it was nearly impossible to find – demand was too high. Fast forward several years and it’s a little easier to buy, although for an uptick charge. Listed as $60 on Nintendo’s website, but in order to buy an NES Classic Edition you have to order from a third-party seller like Amazon, which is currently selling models for $80. For a little bit of a deal, however, check out eBay: it’s selling refurbished (by Nintendo) models for just $50. That’s $30 cheaper than what they’re going for on Amazon. — Tucker Bowe


Today on Gear Patrol

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7 Brewers Name the Beers They’ll Be Drinking This Labor Day

Not sure what beer to drink over Labor Day weekend? Let some of America’s best brewers decide for you.

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The World’s Most Spectacular Dive Isn’t in an Ocean

The Silfra Fissure is the only place in the world where you can dive between two tectonic plates. Here’s what you need to know and what to pack.

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5 Great In-Ear Headphones for Hi-Fi Sound

When nothing but the best sound will do, turn to these magnificent buds.

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The Complete Buying Guide to Patek Philippe

We break down the catalog of one of the finest watch manufacturers in the world, explaining what makes Patek a byword for fine watchmaking.

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Discover the Gear That Inspires Chris Burkard at Stocked 2019

We’re excited to announce that adventure photographer and documentarian Chris Burkard will be headlining day one of Gear Patrol’s upcoming event, Stocked.

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