Tell us about things you've found that are great!

[monkeyboy]

Inspired by the cool purchases thread...

What are some items have you found that are simply great, great value, great quality, that you love!

A few I've found

Keyboard: Dygma Defy, it's a split ergo keyboard that's programmable. Great build quality, great software, just awesome to use

The Best Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard - Dygma Defy

The Dygma Defy is the best wireless ergonomic keyboard for those that are looking for top-tier ergonomics and connectivity. It offers BT, RF and USB connectivity for maximum comfort and productivity on any setup.

dygma.com

Calculator: SwissMicros DM42n running DB50 (variation of DB48x for the DM42n), a throw back to the amazing HP calculators I love (I have a 28c, 48gx, 50g)

SwissMicros Model DM42n RPN Calculator

The DM42n, one of our line-up of flagship RPN calculators, is a true homage to the legendary HP-42S, widely regarded as the best calculator ever made. The DM42n is the most precise calculator on the worldwide market - second to none.

www.swissmicros.com

DB48X

48calc.org

This top rope solo rig for climbing:

Top Rope Solo Neck Lanyard (Universal Fit) | Avant Climbing

Universal-fit neck lanyard for top rope solo systems. Designed to manage device orientation, reduce interference, and integrate cleanly with common TRS devices.

avantclimbing.com

Map software: oamand, great software, you can download the maps for offline use, full of feature, turn-by-turn navigation, hikes, bike routes...

OsmAnd

Offline Mobile Maps & Navigation

osmand.net

DAP: ipod gen 7 with Rockbox, I dropped in a new battery and it's still a fantastic device

Rockbox - Free Music Player Firmware

www.rockbox.org

Shoe: Xeros traditional wide toe box shoes, and Peluva toed shoes, like fivefingers but with a bit of cushion and easier to walk on pavement

Peluva Barefoot Shoes: Minimalist Footwear Reimagined

Peluva Barefoot Shoes, Sneakers, Loafers, and Activewear. Experience the perfect balance of function, comfort, and style with Peluva Athletic Shoes. Build a muscular, healthier body with every step in our selection of Peluva Strand Lightweight Trainers for men & women, minimalist, barefoot...

peluva.com

https://xeroshoes.com/

Espresso Machine: Flair58, great machine super simple, no maintenance (no descaling solutions ect)

Flair 58 | Lever Espresso Machine | Flair Espresso

The Flair 58 is the gold standard in manual espresso from Flair featuring an industry standard 58mm portafilter and preheat controller

flairespresso.com

Striker fired pistol: Walther PDP Pro. Fantastic trigger, great right out of the box, no modifications needed.

https://waltherarms.com/defense/pdp/pro

 

[Sgt. Ear Ache]

Some of my favourite value items…

Single burner butane stove. These things are ubiquitous. They’re about $30 (Canadian btw) and often used by catering companies for heating food at outdoor events. But it’s a camp stove for me. Super simple and cheap.

Hamilton Beach toaster oven. Another cheap kitchen appliance. I’ve had mine for about 7 years and use it almost daily.

Wrangler ATG pants. I discovered these at Walmart earlier this past summer and man, i love them. $36.98 and absolutely the most comfortable pants I’ve ever worn.

Amazon Fire HD8 tablet. Got it about 4 years ago for I think $70 and I’ve gotten a ton of use out of it. It’s perfect for portable media consumption. Of course I scraped most of the amazon stuff off it which I’m not sure can still be done as thoroughly with current models. It's a great E-reader and media player and I also loaded it up with a bunch of classic videogames and emulators.

 

[Doodski]

Some of my favourite value items…

Single burner butane stove. These things are ubiquitous. They’re about $30 (Canadian btw) and often used by catering companies for heating food at outdoor events. But it’s a camp stove for me. Super simple and cheap.

Hamilton Beach toaster oven. Another cheap kitchen appliance. I’ve had mine for about 7 years and use it almost daily.

Wrangler ATG pants. I discovered these at Walmart earlier this past summer and man, i love them. $36.98 and absolutely the most comfortable pants I’ve ever worn.

Amazon Fire HD8 tablet. Got it about 4 years ago for I think $70 and I’ve gotten a ton of use out of it. It’s perfect for portable media consumption. Of course I scraped most of the amazon stuff off it which I’m not sure can still be done as thoroughly with current models.

I have been wearing Wrangler ATG pants and the shorts for several years. Wash in hot water with Tide on heavy duty cycle and hang to dry and they last year after year. They make jeans look like garbage. They used to be $27 and then the price went up and up.

 

[Sgt. Ear Ache]

I have been wearing Wrangler ATG pants and the shorts for several years. Wash in hot water with Tide on heavy duty cycle and hang to dry and they last year after year. They make jeans look like garbage. They used to be $27 and then the price went up and up.

That was $36.98 Canadian…pretty much $27 US benjamins. Lol

Yeah, i hang them to dry too and they dry in no time! Fantastic hiking pants.

 

[LTig]

Google Pixel 8 pro. Great cam, especially at low light. Builtin mics sound better (fuller) than with my Rode video stereomic.

 

[Doodski]

That was $36.98 Canadian…pretty much $27 US benjamins. Lol

Yeah, i hang them to dry too and they dry in no time! Fantastic hiking pants.

I have 10 Wrangler ATG pants. All the colors in 3 different sizes. They also use different snaps or fasteners at the waist front and some are much more comfortable than the bigger ones that become a nasty bulge under a belt. SO I try to order the ones that have the better smaller snap at the front

 

[kemmler3D]

I'm a pretty big fan of darn tough socks. They have a lifetime warranty but you'll rarely have a reason to use it. Very comfortable, good for hiking and everyday use.

 

[GD Fan]

I'm a pretty big fan of darn tough socks. They have a lifetime warranty but you'll rarely have a reason to use it. Very comfortable, good for hiking and everyday use.

My lifelong problem of painfully cold feet (literally, and sort of figuratively) led me to Swiftwick socks. My feet haven't endured a painfully cold winter since.

 

[xanalog]

I'm a pretty big fan of darn tough socks. They have a lifetime warranty but you'll rarely have a reason to use it. Very comfortable, good for hiking and everyday use.

Did you forget to share the brand w/the rest of us?
I have never met anyone else familiar with the Thorlo brand of socks.
They have become quite pricey (@~$15 USD) but I don't mind spoiling my feet and haven't worn any other kind for decades.

I have been wearing Wrangler ATG pants and the shorts for several years.

I am a Levi's 501 (31x34, 5-button fly) wearer, except in winter months.
Have you tried the Wrangler RIGGS Workwear, 5-pocket, Thinsulate lined, jeans, for winter outdoor activities?

 

[Doodski]

I am a Levi's 501 (31x34, 5-button fly) wearer, except in winter months.
Have you tried the Wrangler RIGGS Workwear, 5-pocket, Thinsulate lined, jeans, for winter outdoor activities?

I wore Levis 501 for many years and they where OK. Just OK. I liked that I could walk up to the toilet and rip my pants open in a fraction of a second. But the cotton is terrible for pants and wears out too rapidly. Then after this stuff happened... I inline skated for some years+ everyday and in total I estimate at 11km per lap of the park after the years to total about 55,000 km of inline skating. During this time I also cross trained 4 disciplines every week for some years and was fit as can be. Those inner thigh workout ductor machines you see at the gym that everybody thinks are for women... They are not for women but that's what guys say...LoL. The ones that work out the inner part of the thighs? I used that machine and it's matching machine at the maximum weight setting which pretty much every male on the planet even the big ones can't even budge on the high setting for inner and upper inner thigh workouts 3 times per week for years plus I was doing the inline skating everyday at between 33km/day and up to 77km in a day. Even after not inline skating for some time I now have muscle in between my thighs that causes cotton pants/jeans to last about 6 weeks at best and then they rub/wear/get holes in between the thighs. Jeans to me now are just useless cotton fabric pants. I never liked cotton clothing except the best linens shirts for work when I was in sales and that sort of stuff because most cotton clothing just does not hold up.

I am now into polyester and nylon clothing for many reasons that are all good reasons. I have not used a clothes dryer in so many years that I can't even remember when I used one. I use Tide with the heavy duty cycle with the extra rinse and extra wash cycle with hottest water and then hang my polyester and nylon clothes to dry and they all dry very fast. It's short hours. Cotton can't even be in the same conversation because cotton is not even in the same ballpark as synthetic fabrics for longevity, economy, life expectancy, quicky drying and not feeling sweaty and oil when wearing them.

I want insulated pants in a big way. I have some synthetic long-johns underwear that I wear under my pants and they work for keeping warm. But I want those pants with fleece inside. I live in a very sunny all day near everyday sunny but cold place with 3 month short summers. What a fleece lined pant can do for me is of major benefit. But as mentioned I need specific fitting pants that can fit my legs. I can't just order from Amazon and I tried that and except the excellent Wrangler AGT pants all pants where failures and most stores do not even carry stuff that fits me. So... The search continues.

 

[xanalog]

Wash in hot water with Tide on heavy duty cycle and hang to dry and they last year after year.

If you take a look at the washing instructions (in the inside tag), no jeans (any cotton clothing) will recommend washing in hot water.
Even If the jeans have been 'pre-shrunk', they will continue to shrink in successive hot water washings… which also cause color-fading.

Whirlpool basic instructions for washing jeans:

• Use Delicate or Gentle Cycle
• Wash inside-out and by themselves
• Zip the fly
• Air dry or use a no-heat setting
• Never use bleach or fabric softeners

Cheers,

 

[Subob]

Inspired by the cool purchases thread...

What are some items have you found that are simply great, great value, great quality, that you love!

A few I've found

Keyboard: Dygma Defy, it's a split ergo keyboard that's programmable. Great build quality, great software, just awesome to use

The Best Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard - Dygma Defy

The Dygma Defy is the best wireless ergonomic keyboard for those that are looking for top-tier ergonomics and connectivity. It offers BT, RF and USB connectivity for maximum comfort and productivity on any setup.

dygma.com

Calculator: SwissMicros DM42n running DB50 (variation of DB48x for the DM42n), a throw back to the amazing HP calculators I love (I have a 28c, 48gx, 50g)

SwissMicros Model DM42n RPN Calculator

The DM42n, one of our line-up of flagship RPN calculators, is a true homage to the legendary HP-42S, widely regarded as the best calculator ever made. The DM42n is the most precise calculator on the worldwide market - second to none.

www.swissmicros.com

DB48X

48calc.org

This top rope solo rig for climbing:

Top Rope Solo Neck Lanyard (Universal Fit) | Avant Climbing

Universal-fit neck lanyard for top rope solo systems. Designed to manage device orientation, reduce interference, and integrate cleanly with common TRS devices.

avantclimbing.com

Map software: oamand, great software, you can download the maps for offline use, full of feature, turn-by-turn navigation, hikes, bike routes...

OsmAnd

Offline Mobile Maps & Navigation

osmand.net

DAP: ipod gen 7 with Rockbox, I dropped in a new battery and it's still a fantastic device

Rockbox - Free Music Player Firmware

www.rockbox.org

Shoe: Xeros traditional wide toe box shoes, and Peluva toed shoes, like fivefingers but with a bit of cushion and easier to walk on pavement

Peluva Barefoot Shoes: Minimalist Footwear Reimagined

Peluva Barefoot Shoes, Sneakers, Loafers, and Activewear. Experience the perfect balance of function, comfort, and style with Peluva Athletic Shoes. Build a muscular, healthier body with every step in our selection of Peluva Strand Lightweight Trainers for men & women, minimalist, barefoot...

peluva.com

https://xeroshoes.com/

Espresso Machine: Flair58, great machine super simple, no maintenance (no descaling solutions ect)

Flair 58 | Lever Espresso Machine | Flair Espresso

The Flair 58 is the gold standard in manual espresso from Flair featuring an industry standard 58mm portafilter and preheat controller

flairespresso.com

Striker fired pistol: Walther PDP Pro. Fantastic trigger, great right out of the box, no modifications needed.

https://waltherarms.com/defense/pdp/pro

I raise your map app with Organic Maps.

Fantastic offline, especially for hiking. No ads and totally free.

 

[Doodski]

If you take a look at the washing instructions (in the inside tag), no jeans (any cotton clothing) will recommend washing in hot water.
Even If the jeans have been 'pre-shrunk', they will continue to shrink in successive hot water washings… which also cause color-fading.

Cheers,

I commented and stated that I am washing polyester and nylon clothing not cotton. Cotton barely handles cold water never mind hot water.

 

[xanalog]

I commented and stated that I am washing polyester and nylon clothing not cotton. Cotton barely handles cold water never mind hot water.

Misses tells me she washes nothing in hot water.
Who am I to argue? She is in charge of software (CSO)... I take care of hardware (CHO).

 

[Doodski]

Misses tells me she washes nothing in hot water.
Who am I to argue? She is in charge of software (CSO)... I take care of hardware (CHO).

With synthetic fabrics hot or cold makes no difference other than if the detergent prefers cold etc but the hot water deodorizes and gets the stains out really good.

 

[Laika2]

Puffco Peak Pro.

 

[JeffS7444]

Taiwanese pot scrubber from my local Asian market:
https://rocktone.en.taiwantrade.com/product/safe-title-2749139.htm
Similar items seem to be available cheaply from a variety of sources and brand names. A sort of coarse, stainless-steel wool, it scratches a lot less than Scotchbrite or regular steel wool, and seems to last forever.

Bar Keeper's Friend cleanser: Unlike most other household cleansers, it's acidic, not alkaline, so try it where other cleansers have failed. Works great on rust and mineral stains, discolored bathtub porcelain, and cooking grease which has hardened into varnish.

Diamond knife-sharpener of the sort recommended by Outdoor55 on YT. Lighter, cheaper, and less messy than multiple water- or oil stones, and while my technique isn't yet as good as his, I'm getting some of my best-ever results.

Microfiber terry cloth: They're the best for general household cleaning, and they last a really long time, so try to buy in smaller quantities if possible.

Steam Deck, Batocera Linux: I don't spend a lot of time playing games, but what amazing toys these are! The former is a wonderful alternative to Windows PC gaming, which has gotten crazy-expensive: Booting it into Batocera turns it into a vintage gaming monster too. The price that I paid for my refurbished Steam Deck would barely pay for some budget-priced GPUs.

 

[xanalog]

Microfiber terry cloth: They're the best for general household cleaning, and they last a really long time, so try to buy in smaller quantities if possible.

+1 but you could never have enough of them. From small microfiber eyeglass cleaning, to large car washing versions, to everything in between.
------------------------------------
\/\/

"Wipies" anyone?

 

[Grotti]

Fairphone 5. Nearly everything can be serviced (exchanged actually) by the owner. A few weeks ago it slipped out of my breast pocket while I was leaning over my balcony railing, it landed two stories below on concrete. The battery no longer fit, and the USB-C port came loose. The frame and screen survived: unbelievable. I ordered the replacement parts from the Netherlands and installed them. Less than 72 hours and less than 70 euros later, I had a working phone again. In fact, I wrote this post with it. I really appreciate, that I can exchange nearly all important parts of this phone by myself at fair prices. And I intend to use it at least 5-7 years from now ;o)...

 

[Multicore]

and hang to dry

Best way to dry everything. It's what we do.