Plan
on traveling soon? Then check out our travel gear reviews;
they might help you figure out what to buy and bring with
you on your next trip.
Special Feature: Motorcycle Reviews
Fall Special Gear Reviews Feature: For our motorcycle enthusiasts, we are featuring some product reviews to help you look after your bike and yourself, this Fall season. Get the most out of your bike and see what’s on the market.
Scorpion EXO-900 Motorcycle Helmet The EXO-900 Solid motorcycle helmet is a new product from Scorpion and its features give you individual choice and comfort. Scorpion call it the '3 in 1 Transformer Helmet’ because it will convert between a Full Face helmet to a flip front modular to a ¾ helmet. As every biker knows, you have to cope with all weather conditions and a helmet you can wear full face or open face is a terrific feature when you’re on your travels. The EXO-900 comes with a retractable SpeedView Sun Visor and an EverClear No Fog Face Shield. The visor and the shield can be easily removed if you want to clean them or replace them.
Other features of the helmet will make your ride more comfortable. The KwikWick breathable helmet liner and cheek pads and adjustable vents at front and rear maximize the airflow and the cheek pad and neck roll adjust to cut down wind noise. The website shows a size chart, chin strap instructions, and instructions on how to care for your helmet.Colors Available: Black, Manth, or Hypersilve.
Cost: $269.95 - $279.95
www.scorpionusa.com
AXO Motorcycle Boots Comfort, warmth, and flexibility are what you need from your boots. The AXO Q6 Watertech Boots are designed for touring in any weather conditions and over any terrain. Your feet will be nice and dry because of the waterproof protection and the flexible instep makes it easy to move around. The Q6 is strengthened and reinforced, so it’s very durable. The sole is non-slip and the boot closure is a triple system using Velcro. You have the choice of wearing the boots inside or outside your pants. They are an impressive pair of boots, available in black, and the high quality features make it a worthwhile purchase that will see you through your travels.
Cost: $187.99
www.axo.com
E-Z Touring Wanderer Motorcycle Cover The E-Z Touring Wanderer is a high quality, lightweight, and durable motorcycle cover, designed for long term storage. It’s a premium product and with lots of design pluses that give you peace of mind. A full cover which folds up into a convenient size. Security important when you are traveling away from home and the cover avoids drawing attention to your bike from potential thieves. It also shields your bike from the elements, which can cause damage. So, if you’re in a hot sun environment or there is a lot of wind or rain, your machine will be protected. The cover will fit most bikes, including Honda, Suzuki, Indian, BMW, and Harley-Davidson. The snug fit means that it won’t flap around in windy conditions, causing scratches to the paintwork. The cover also comes with a cylinder shaped stuff bag. Also these bags are made in the USA.
Cost: $96
www.eztouring.com
AXO Motorcycle Gloves Different weather conditions demand well-made gloves. Axo has produced the 09 Summit Glove and it ticks all the boxes for you when you’re on the road. The design means that you keep warm but you still have the necessary flexibility for riding. It’s a cold weather glove manufactured with a Charmude (artificial leather) palm with a light padding. The Airprene wrist, side rails, and cuff give you ‘breathability’ and the stretch finger forchettes and tapered finger tips give you comfort. They come in black and they look good too!
Cost: $36.99
www.axo.com
Western Powersports Deluxe Motorcycle Cover Bikers looking for a value for money quality product will appreciate the Western Powersports Deluxe motorcycle cover. It’s easy to fit and it also helps to protect your bike against extreme weather conditions and helps to deter thieves. It also comes with a carrying bag. All these features make it ideal for you when you’re traveling. Reinforced grommets are used to put a cable lock through the front wheel and there are more grommets in the center. The hook and loop design enables you to keep the upper vent open if you want the bike to stay cooler on a hot day. The cover is resistant to rain and there is a ventilation system that stops condensation. You can fit the cover nice and tight without kneeling on the ground. Size: Large – up to 1100cc sport bikes, Extra Large – larger touring models. Colors: Black/Silver or Blue/Silver
Cost: $46.95 - $49.95
www.wps-inc.com
Zilch Motorcycle All Purpose Cleaner The Motorcycle All Purpose Cleaner from Zilch is suitable for all vehicles, including motorcycles. It doesn’t require water, so it’s really convenient for you to use when traveling. The Micro-Polymer base gives that high gloss shine that always makes a bike look good and you won’t leave any smears or fingerprints behind. The solution actually repels dirt but it will remove any bugs, grease, tar, or other types of dirt. Zilch call it the ‘wash, seal, and polish, all in one’ cleaner. It works on all metal surfaces, paint, glass, chrome, vinyl, plastic, and fiberglass. All this in a handy bottle for when you’re moving around.
Cost: $19.95
www.zilchwaterless.com
Clean Cycle Products Specific Cleaners If you prefer specific purpose cleaners, Clean Cycle Products has three excellent cleaners, specifically designed for motorcycles, as opposed to an all types of vehicle cleaner. They come in convenient bottles, ideal for when you are on the go. The Spray Shine Cleaner & Polish is an all in one product for cleaning and waxing. Just wipe on and wipe off and it will bring your chrome back to its original glory. It also protects painted surfaces and removes oxidation. The Black Out Engine Restorer is the only Teflon treatment on the market for black wrinkle paint. It restores powder coated motors to their original black luster, prevents heat chipping, and shields black surfaces from fading. Your old enemies of rain, sun, bugs, and salt meet their match with this restorer and it also protects plastic and rubber. The NuView Custom Paint & Plastic Glaze cleans and leaves a protective coating on clear coat paints. It repels water and bugs, and removes the finest of scratches. NuView also protects and cleans acrylic and polycarbonate windshields and removes haze.
Cost: Spray Shine Cleaner & Polish - $8.95, Black Out Engine Restorer - $14.95, NuView Custom Paint & Plastic Glaze - $17.95
www.cleancycle.com
AXO Mistral Jacket and Pant Set AXO America is introducing a new line of Waterproof touring apparel, the AXO Mistral jacket and pant set. The sleek looking Mistral jacket is 100% waterproof and features high tenacity polyamide outer fabric with rip-stop inserts, removable quilting and Watertech™ membrane, reflective inserts and a anti-bacterial/anti-sweat soft inner collar. The Mistral jacket retails for $199.99, available in black, and is offered in sizes Medium - XXXXL. The Mistral pant offers the same technology as the jacket and includes an elastic rip on the waist and knees as well as adjustments on the waist and leg bottoms. The Mistral pant retails for $149.99, available in black, and comes in sizes 30 – 44.
For more information and to see AXO’s full line of products, visit company website.
Website: www.axo.com
FEATURE REVIEWS
Military Works by Minimus.biz When I travel I am always on the lookout for products that will save me time, money, space in my suitcase or all three. Minimus.biz is an online company that specializes in selling over 2,000 sample size products and kits that fill this need and better still, all comply with TSA regulations.
I recently ordered one of their Military Works units and found that even though they are intended for soldiers overseas, it also doubles as a great way to fill my carry-on with things that I might need while traveling. The unit contains individually see-through wrapped kits with handy products such as snacks, beverages (just add water), laundry care, medial, condiments, mini-meals and more. Everything from instant coffee to sunglasses to most towelettes are included and I now will be using many of the kits in the works package as part of my necessary travel items. Each of the military kit items can be ordered separately for as little as $5. Visit Minimus.biz for more details.
QuietComfort® 3 Bose® Acoustic Noise-Cancelling® Headphones Bose has been a leader in the development of noise canceling headphones. These are the latest incarnation and will surround you with blissful silence. Simply slip them on, flip a switch and the sounds of engine noise, crying children or snoring neighbors will be drastically diminished. These are a must-have during long flights and are compatible with CD/DVD and MP3 players. They also come with a free Lexar MP3 player. Available from TravelSmith. (www.TravelSmith.com). Retail cost: $349.00.
Seiko Travel Clock Stay on time with the new Seiko Travel Clock-no matter what country you're in. Turn it on and a radio signal connects to atomic time transmitters in four areas of the world, including the United States, Europe, Japan and the Far East. Its sleek design allows it to be easily placed on any flat surface. Adjusting the alarm is also a breeze. Touch the top of the unit and a snooze light illuminates the digital details for about 4 seconds-just enough time to get another 40 winks. After five minutes, the alarm will sound again. In addition to time, the clock also displays the date and current temperature. In case you can't quite find the hotel room lights, the base of the unit serves as a blue LED flashlight. (Four AAA batteries are included.) Available from Magellan's (www.magellans.com). Retail Cost: $44.85.
Samsung BLACKJACK Advertised
as slim, smart and simple, this
new multi-media device can handle
quite the workload. The phone
features Windows Mobile® 5.0
for Smartphones, a QWERTY keypad
for easy dialing and tyzping,
Bluetooth 2.0, a 1.3 MP integrated
camera, Windows Media Player® 10,
a voice recorder and more. You
can also surf the Internet,
check personal and corporate
email, send and receive instant
messages and download songs
and videos, all at 3G speeds.
Navigating the small size screen
takes some getting used to when
using the Internet, but overall
this little baby will deliver
most of the functions included
in a laptop and cell phone.
Available from Cingular Wireless
(www.cingular.com).
Cost: Varies depending on plan
contract and rebates.
The BlackBerry® Pearl™ 8100™ The newest innovation from Blackberry®, is one of the world's smallest smartphones. It comes packed with all the bells and whistles you would expect including a 1.3 megapixel digital camera, web browsing, speakerphone, text messaging,and organizational functions. Unlike the BLACKJACK (and a function I liked slightly better), the Pearl will forward emails to your phone so you don't have to retrieve them each time. The "Pearl" refers to the trackball, which acts like a scroll wheel, easily allowing you to switch between various tasks. The Pearl also comes with SureType™ keyboard technology in a QWERTY layout, making it easier to compose words when sending messages. Overall, I really liked the functionality of the Pearl and found myself becoming dependent upon the quick email access. Perhaps I should check myself into a rehab somewhere? Available from Cingular Wireless or T-Mobile retailers (www.cingular.com). Cost: Varies depending upon plan contract and rebates.
Helium Breeze from Delsey® Sporting a graphite frame and Bullet Proof(tm) ballistic nylon, the new Helium Breeze is advertised as 30-40% lighter than the average upright rolling piece of luggage. Having tried it I can say that it does indeed cut down on weight and allowed me to pack more into the case without being charged an extra overweight baggage fee. The unit is also E.x.p.a.n.d.a.b.l.e to an extra 2 1/2 inches for additional items. It comes with a fully lined, removable suiter, two interior pockets and a Recessed locking Trolley(tm), a wetbag (handy for wet bathing suits and that last minute dip in the pool before departing), and a Tote-a-Long Clip™ to piggy back additional bags. Delsey has also done all of us a favor by adding recessed Velocity™ in-line skate wheels that roll smoothly and quiet across airport floors. I have tried lots of rolling luggage and this one gets my highest recommendation. Available from department stores, specialty luggage stores and online retailers. (www.delsey.com) Retail Cost: $200
PRODUCTS FOR SAFE TRAVEL
Hurricanes, terrorism and medical emergencies are just a few concerns in this post 9/11 world. But, as the Boy Scout motto says, "Be Prepared." Here are some products and services that will give business travelers peace of mind:
Plane Sheets Personal Airline Seat Covers Over half a billion people will be flying this year just on domestic flights. What do they all have in common? Everyone will be sit where in a previously occupied seat. The seat upholstery picks up germs, bacteria and who knows what else. If you are like me and have just a touch of germaphobia, make sure you have your own set of sanitary Plane Sheets. Compact and washable, just slip the comfy fabric over the seat and headrest and relax. Don't be surprised if your jealous neighbors ask where you got them. Available from TravelSmith (www.travelsmith.com). Retail cost: $24.99 A disposable and less expensive version of these seat covers is also available from Aero-San Corporation (www.aero-san.com). Retail cost of seat covers: $7.99.
Air Ambulance Card Did you know that 70% of all travelers consider a medical emergency their greatest concern? Did you also know that the average price of an overseas medical evacuation is about $75,000. Accidents and medical emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time, but for $195 per year you can be protected almost anywhere in the world. Many policies have fine print restrictions that will prevent you from being transported back to the U.S. The Air Ambulance Card has no medical necessity requirement, no nearest appropriate facility limitation, no pre-existing condition exclusion and no maximum dollar amount. They just send the nearest plane to pick you up and take you home. Available from: Air Ambulance Card (www.airambulancecard.com). Cost: $195 for individual per year and $295 per family.
RFID Blocking Passport Wallet It seems that as fast as security technology increases so does the ability of thieves. Passports and credit cards are examples of identification that are being embedded with tiny radio frequency (RF) tags that can now be read by security scanners at the airport and where you shop. Hackers, however, have figured out a way to also scan these when they are in the same proximity and can steal information resulting in identify theft. This unique passport wallet acts as a barrier to these signals and protects your identify. It can only be read when you open the wallet at the appropriate venues. It is made of leather and is 51/2 x 4". Available from Magellan's (www.magellans.com). Retail cost: $19.85
Travel Rescue Kit As any business person knows, there are always traveling disadvantages. Crowded airplanes and airports, sneezing and coughing children and adults, questionable food, and unsanitary conditions all carry the potential of making anyone ill. Fortunately, there is Travel Rescue that comes in a handy compact kit. Each of four products is designed to combat a particular ailment. The manufacturer claims that Throat Rescue kills strep A and other harmful pathogens; Cold Rescue and Sinus Rescue comes in a nasal spray that kills viruses and bacteria and Stomach Rescue uses ionic silver and is to provide relief from food poisoning, killing not only staph A, but salmonella and E. Coli. Since a doctor is not always available when traveling, this has become a regular part of my travel gear. Available from Magellan's (www.magellans.com). Retail cost: $19.85
Packsafe® Waist Pack Street crime can happen anywhere. Cut and run thieves are adept at grabbing your waist packs without you even realizing. The Packsafe® Waste Pack has a cable-reinforced adjustable belt that locks around the waist and prevents crooks from cutting it off. You can also lock it around hotel fixtures as a mini-hotel safe. It comes with two zippered compartments and has ample room for passports, cell phones and even a small camera. Size: 10" x 6" x 2 1/2", fits 28" to 44" waists. Available from TravelSmith (www.travelsmith.com). Retail cost: $35.00
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The Mistral jacket retails for $199.99, available in black, and is offered in sizes Medium - XXXXL. The Mistral pant offers the same technology as the jacket and includes an elastic rip on the waist and knees as well as adjustments on the waist and leg bottoms. The Mistral pant retails for $149.99, available in black, and comes in sizes 30 – 44.
