Gallery: The Gadgets and Gear We Couldn't Get Enough of This Month
Ariel Zambelich/WIRED01Photo: Ariel Zambelich/WIRED
I've been waiting for a non-plastic, non-lame ("look at me, I'm tracking my steps!") way to wear a fitness tracker for years. So props to Tory Burch for [partnering with Fitbit](http://www.toryburch.com/accessories/tory-burch-for-fitbit/) on a gold bangle that looks like nothing else on the market. The bracelet isn't real gold, of course, but it's shiny and substantial, with a cool geometric pattern, and the hinged design is comfortable.*—Caitlin Roper*
Ariel Zambelich/WIRED02Photo: Ariel Zambelich/WIRED
Back in the early '90s, the best car audio amps were made in the US of A. Even now, it’s tough to beat the sound quality of an old-school jewel like the Linear Power 952i. Bone stock it put out 47.5 watts per channel, but a few mods pushed it to 65. The result is clean and dynamic sound. It’s like having Mick and Keef riding shotgun, strumming “Wild Horses” as I tear up my favorite back road.*—Chuck Squatriglia*
Ariel Zambelich/WIRED03Photo: Ariel Zambelich/WIRED
If the Swiss made toasters, they’d make them like this art deco beauty. My 1934 Toastmaster's bakelite handle depresses with a reassuring ratcheting sound, and a clock movement cheerfully tick-tick-ticks away inside. When the toast is done—medium, please—the spring releases with a friendly “pop” that always brings a smile. I’ve owned equally capable toasters, but none as beautiful as this one.*—Chuck Squatriglia*
Ariel Zambelich/WIRED04Photo: Ariel Zambelich/WIRED
I don’t always want to dress like a Power Ranger, but I always wear protective gear when I ride my motorcycle. So I’m stoked on the [Revit Windsor](http://www.revitusa.com/en-us/products/FJT178/). Made of heavy cotton, it’s a thoughtful piece of armored motorcycle kit. It even looks like a cool, military-style jacket you’d wear to the bar. But don’t—because if you get on your bike after closing your tab, you’ll probably have to test its protective abilities.*—Joe Brown*
Ariel Zambelich/WIRED05Photo: Ariel Zambelich/WIRED
I took one of [The North Face's Base Camp Duffels](http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/equipment-luggage_duffels-filter-category-carry/base-camp-duffel-small.html?variationId=S5C&variationName=ETHER%20GREY%20/%20GEM%20PINK) along on a recent trip to Brazil for the World Cup. The size was perfect. My "small" fit an extensive travel wardrobe while retaining unimpeachable carry-on status. Cushy straps made it comfy to tote around. An even better testimonial? My three travel companions wouldn't shut up about how badly they wanted one.*—Kyle VanHemert*
Ariel Zambelich/WIRED06Photo: Ariel Zambelich/WIRED
Damn kids won't stay off the lawn? Give 'em a squirt of cold water from [Nerf's Super Soaker Tidal Tube Blaster](http://www.hasbro.com/nerf/en_US/shop/details.cfm?R=93E8EB28-5056-9047-F596 -8AE112EC5853:en_US). It uses a simple pump-action plunger—much like a giant, 10-ounce syringe—to shoot a stream of the wet stuff about 20 feet. Keep a bucket nearby for refills; just dip the tip and pull to refresh. Pick up a 2-pack for $12 and have yourself a backyard duel.*—Michael Calore*
Ariel Zambelich/WIRED07Photo: Ariel Zambelich/WIRED
Just when I thought hardware synths had been rendered obsolete by iPads, along comes [Teenage Engineering's OP-1](http://www.teenageengineering.com/products/op-1). This portable music machine is improbably capable—it squeezes synth sounds, drum sounds, oscillators, modulation tools, a 4-track recorder, and a mixer into a tiny, super-clean white box. Building tracks is a joy; you get the perfect mix of Swedish sophistication and funky, old-school charm.*—Michael Calore*
Ariel Zambelich/WIRED08Photo: Ariel Zambelich/WIRED
If corporate-controlled cloud services rub your privacy bone the wrong way, become your own sovereign data-storage nation with a [Transporter Sync](http://www.filetransporter.com/products/transporter-sync/). Plug the $100 device into your home network, hook up any USB drive, and access your stored data from any internet-connected computer. Setup is a breeze, and folder management is smoother than competing products. Down with data barons! Up with People!*—Michael Calore*
Ariel Zambelich/WIRED09Photo: Ariel Zambelich/WIRED
I love massive, head-hugging cans as much as the next headphone nerd. But they're not the most practical audio accessories. That's why I'm digging [Beyerdynamic's new T51i](http://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/shop/hah/headphones-and-headsets/mobile-portable/t-51-i.html). These German-made beauties come with all the rich, immersive sound of an over-the-ear headphone, but in a much more travel-friendly package. Superb isolation means you won't even need to crank your Krautrock.*—Bryan Gardiner*
