Today in Gear: In-the-Know on New Releases

Is Tesla undergoing a recall? Well… not quite. As called out in the AP yesterday, Tesla will be installing an “over-the-internet” update to tackle an issue with its “full self-driving” software, which has cars rolling through four-way stop signs without coming to a complete, well, stop. Now, as is the case with all things Tesla, supporters (and even Elon Musk himself) swung in to disavow the reporting and call out notes that — while the car didn’t technically come to a complete halt — it slowed to around 2 mph if it came to a four-way stop sign and had a, “clear view with no cars or pedestrians.” While Tesla intentionally incorporated this “rolling stop” feature for passenger comfort, that feature technically does fly in the face of traffic law, which requires cars come to a full and complete stop at a stop sign. While this likely comes across as pure semantics more than anything to most (Tesla) drivers, as the NHTSA report on the recall put it succinctly, “failing to stop for a sign can increase the risk of a crash.” This update will apply to select 2016-2022 Model S and Model X units, 2017-2022 Model 3 units and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. Musk’s antics aside, this morning, we’re diving in on Seiko’s sub-$300 field watch, Benchmade and Work Sharp’s first collaboration blade and State Bicycle’s new SRAM eTap integration. This is Today in Gear.

A classic Seiko style and solid (sub-$300) price? Sign us up.

Seiko

In case you missed it — we gave the Seiko 5 Sports SRPG series a detailed run-through, praising (rightfully so) the field watch for incorporating both classic and modern touches into its recent release. What we didn’t catch on that first pass was the revival of this unique dial — which features both a 60 minute layout on the outer ring and a 12 hour sub-circle centered on the interior of the face. Beyond this (admittedly cool) face design, the watch is virtually the same as reported, from its 100m water resistance and 39.4mm case diameter to its Seiko 4R36 automatic movement.

State Bicycles adds SRAM eTap to its All-Road lineup.

State Bicycle Co.

Arizona-based State Bicycle has pumped up its All-Road lineup by incorporating SRAM eTap into its 4130 and 6061 bicycles. The electronic shifting setup should make a variety of conditions easier for longer, rougher rides across a myriad of terrain; it’s a high-quality feature that’s traditionally isolated to really pricey bikes, so it’s a welcome addition to the State roster. The bikes also utilize SRAM Rival hydraulic braking system, for all-conditions accuracy and versatile control. Shop the 4130 down below.

A look at Benchmade and Work Sharp’s first limited-edition collaboration blade.

Courtesy

We’re big fans of both Benchmade and Work Sharp here at Gear Patrol, that’s no secret. Bring the two together, and we see a certified hit. A limited-edition version of the popular Bugout model, the knife features a unique, bright yellow Grivory handle and a black Cerakoted blade in CPM-20CV steel. The pair also beefed up the carry clip on the OG Bugout, swapping in a butterfly-style deep carry clip.

Bodega links with Helinox on a packable collection that celebrates the “camo” of the city.

Courtesy

Spending time outdoors doesn’t necessarily mean time spent in the deep woods. For most of us living in major urban areas, time outside means equal parts concrete, fallen leaves and metal. Celebrating the concept of an “urban camo,” Boston’s Bodega teamed with Helinox on a suite of furniture celebrating what the “outdoors” mean in a city environment. The collection consists of three packable pieces all bearing the collab’s unique camo: a Natural Habitat Chair One, Table One Hardtop and the Cot One Convertible.

Buffy’s new neck pillow goes big (really big).

Buffy

To be clear: This isn’t your airport gift shop neck pillow. Coming from Buffy, this giant croissant-shaped neck pillow is meant for on-the-go comfort — whether that means traveling on a plane of moving from your desk to your couch. Featuring a sherpa-like fuzzy exterior made from GRS-certified, recycled polyester, the pillow is designed to be squishy but never lose its shape (no matter how often you might nap relax).

Related Topics