Ear Generation II iPlugz Sports Monitor And Kryptonite 4 Disc Lock And More

EAR Generation II IPlugz Sports Monitor $295
The Generation II iPlugz are the latest offering from E.A.R. Inc., specialists in custom hearing protectors and music monitors. Each custom-molded plug has two sound drivers that concentrate on midrange and high tones. Molds are made from silicone impressions of your ears (done at your local E.A.R. vendor), and the custom plugs are then assembled with the necessary electronics. The fit is comfortable, precise and snug, exactly what's needed for effective noise reduction and sound fidelity. I always wear earplugs when riding and estimate that the iPlugz provide approximately the same high degree of noise attenuation as foam earplugs with a Noise Reduction Rating of 33 dB (see Street Survival, Oct. '07). In a quiet environment they provide more bass and a fuller high treble range without the usual tinny sound of most earbuds. On the road I can listen to music at a fairly low volume and still hear high notes, even at highway speeds. Windscreen turbulence (or lack thereof) affects the minimum volume required to hear music clearly, but I cannot discern any sound distortion even at head-splitting volume levels.
Two cautionary notes about listening to music with earphones or helmet speakers: The first is to check local laws to ensure it is legal in your state. The second is that even at low volume, piped-in tunes drastically reduce one's ability to hear other traffic and emergency-vehicle sirens.
I give the Gen. II iPlugz top marks. They come at a premium price but provide premium performance. -Evan Kay
5 stars
earinc.com

Kryptonite New York Chain w/ Evolution Series 4 Disc Lock $140 (5'6" version)
We all know bike security shouldn't be taken lightly; it's just that the New York Chain takes that phrase quite literally. Weighing in at just over 10 pounds (for the 5-foot-6-inch version) this massive chain-and-disc-lock combo might seem a bit much to be lugging around-that is, if you don't value your bike. Maybe it's because I live in NYC, but bike security is pretty high on my list.
This thing is beefy. If 10mm, triple-heat-treated, boron manganese chain links and a 14mm disc lock equipped with double-deadbolt locking mechanisms don't sound like enough muscle, consider that Kryptonite also offers Anti-Theft Protection. There is a smaller 3-foot-3-inch version available as well, but having that extra length is great for when you'd rather tie your bike up to something solid. I also feel that such a substantial lock makes for a good visual deterrent.
But what good is a lock if it can't handle the elements? I've been using this one for the past nine months, most of the time outdoors. The Series 4 Disc lock has seen its share of sun, rain and snow and has performed admirably throughout (Kryptonite also says the lock has an antidrill/antipull cylinder). The shackle did get a little notchy come springtime, but I gave the deadbolts a quick spray with Bel-Ray 6-in-1, and that did the trick.
To sum up, the New York Chain and Series 4 Disc Lock ain't just for New Yorkers. Although it's a bit weighty, this extremely well-built security combo will serve you well no matter where you live.-Damian Ercole
4 stars
kryptonite.com

Wolfman Ridgeline Duffel $140
On multiday roadtrips there's not always enough room in a saddlebag for all my gear-a laptop, camera gear and the requisite rain duds eat up more space than I ever plan for. (Besides, three toasted cameras and a disemboweled laptop have taught me to never stash electronics in a bike saddlebag-the inordinate bashing from pavement irregularities and nasty vibrations from the bike are deadly.) Sometimes it's more convenient to simply strap a duffel bag broadside across the back seat; that way I can just unhook it upon arrival and head to the bar. It's like a third saddlebag-and one that's way easier to tote around.
The Ridgeline duffel makes for an ideal such "weekend" bag. I've been using Wolfman gear for years, and the Ridgeline carries on the high standard of quality I've come to expect from the brand. The 18-inch-wide duffel is the perfect size for a back seat, and thanks to included universal bungee cords and hook mounts, it's simple enough to set up securely on virtually any motorcycle. The tough ballistics nylon sack is top-loading, so it's easy to get to your stuff, plus two outside pockets on each end ensure you can access those sunglasses and lip balm even more readily.
I've stuffed this thing to the gills on quite a few trips (thank god it's expandable), and the compression straps do a great job of stabilizing the load while the nonskid base keeps the whole thing in place. The heavy-duty YKK zippers are bulletproof, and an interior mesh pocket has also helped keep track of my wandering socks. It's one great all-round travel bag. Just be sure you get the optional rain cover to make it truly tripworthy. -Andrew Cherney
5 stars
wolfmanluggage.com

CarbMate Carburetor Synchronizing Tool $109.90 4-Channel Adapter $51.90 (for three- and four-cylinder engines)
I'm gonna cut right to the chase and tell you that pound for pound, the CarbMate is the best carburetor-synchronizing tool I've ever used.
What makes it deserving of such accolades? First, rather than rely on analog gauges or columns of mercury (which can be misleading), the CarbMate converts the manifold vacuum signal into an LED display. If carburetors are out of balance an LED will glow red; if they are in balance a central "happy face" glows green. There is no trying to interpret a gauge reading and no futzing around. Green light-good; red light-needs adjustment; and that's it.
Second, because the CarbMate is electronic, it works in any position. You can lay it on the seat, put it on the floor or hang it from the rafters. There's nothing to spill, get pulled into the engine or leak out and make a mess. The CarbMate also features a resolution adjustment so you can dial in carbs to the nth degree, and the face of the instrument has a nifty two-color diagram with instructions printed right on it. If you can read, you should be able to get this puppy up and running in less time than it took to write this sentence. Along that same note I should mention that there's also a built-in low-input voltage warning system just in case your bike has problems besides out-of-synch carbs. That LED display is graduated, too, so you can adjust the carburetors to different values if that's what the manual calls for. The little bugger also seems to be pretty tough; the manufacturer claims that solid-state electronics make it drop-proof (though I didn't put it to the test).
To use the CarbMate you'll need a 12V power source, and it does have to be calibrated for each use, a procedure that takes maybe 30 seconds. After that it's a straight plug-and-play proposition. I've used it several times now and can't find a single thing to carp about; it's easy to set up, easy to use and does an awesome job. Until someone comes up with a gizmo that adjusts the carbs for you, it just doesn't get any better than this. -Mark Zimmerman
5 stars
TecMate North Americatecmate.com