With 2014 mere hours away from passing into history, it’s time to look back over the entire year and perform a simple, yet momentous task — picking the absolute coolest, most appealing, most useful items that crossed my lifestyle writing path this year.
Now, during any given December, you’ll find endless Best of 2014 lists across lifestyle categories. The spectrum of print and online publications can get specific or keep it very general, but you’ll find the best of something somewhere eventually. I figured it was time to get away from the “something” concept and transition to the “everything” concept.
Forget the categories. Ignore the genres. Disregard specific areas of expertise. The following list is just the favorite bits from the flowing steam of lifestyle concepts that came my way this past year. I consider it as much a personal salute to a good year as a set of recommendations on what items you might want to bring with you into 2015.
Related: The Best Cars of 2014
2014 Best of Everything
There are plenty of "best of 2014" lists in countless publications, but this no rules, no holds barred, no common sense collection features the coolest things of the year — no category required.
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EcoReco e-Scooter
For less than $1,000, the folks at EcoReco can offer you portable, electric, reusable transportation that can shave minutes off your commute and dollars off your gas bill.
The EcoReco e-Scooter can travel up to 20 miles on a single charge, after taking about two hours to charge north of 80% battery capacity. And, it folks up into a package no longer than an umbrella for easy transport onto trains or busses.
I've never been a big fan of electric travel gimmicks, but this e-Scooter is effective and useful.
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2015 Big Bertha Alpha 815
I already had a bespoke driver in my bag, so I wasn't dying to try out another big club. Suffice to say, this new Big Bertha is so well made and so reassuringly well balanced in my grip, I eventually had to introduce it to my bag and retire the other driver made to my specifications.
For $499.99, the driver uses a wide club face and groove pattern to limit spin and offer increased slice or hook forgiveness.
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Gramovox Bluetooth Gramophone
Simple is beautiful when it comes to the $400 Gramovox Bluetooth Gramophone. This retro device connects with any Bluetooth equipped musical source — warming the sound with the analog touch of a Gramophone.
And, its designer deserve extra points for selecting clean elegance for the device's base design. They could've gone "steampunk" with it and ruined the overall effect. Anyone would be proud putting this on their coffee table.
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Ducati Diavel Carbon
In this rider's opinion, the Ducati Diavel is the finest motorcycle in mass production. You might find custom or boutique designed rides that will outperform it, but this is the best showroom motorcycle going.
The Carbon edition adds stylistic flares for a superbike feel, while keeping the power, deft handling and reassuring balance of the Diavel.
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DUBS Acoustic Filters
While they're designed for personal, reusable, ear potection at concerts and other noisy venues, DUBS are a savior for this writer because they protect him from crying babies and chatty airplane passengers. I slept between the U.S., Europe and Mexico this year just because of DUBS.
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Urban Xplorer RT Halfpack
This classic briefcase / laptop bag / backpack has a great retro look and draws constant compliments from fellow travelers when I'm on the road.
The Urban Xplorer RT Halfback heads your way for $199 and packs pockets for every tech and travel need.
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Lexus RC F
You know a car is special when you like it despite the fact that it replaced a vehicle you already loved. The Lexus IS F faded away in 2014 and was replaced by the RC F as the affordable performance car in the line (a notch far below the $400,000 LFA). And, it outdoes the IS F in quickness, comfort, sophistication and performance.
The RC F manages to provide elite performance while remaining easy to drive — making it a perfect choice as a sports car for everyday use.
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Mizuno JPX-EZ Irons
I was chasing a tryout on these irons for almost a year. It wasn't that Mizuno didn't like me, but there aren't always ample samples (rhymes) where golf clubs are concerned. But, the wait was worth it when I finally got the latest and greatest from Japan.
The Mizuno JPX-EZ Irons ($699) represent the most advanced materials and newest design standards for the manufacturer. The resulting clubs feel refined, tight and surgically accurate whether at the range or on any course.
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Icon 1000 Quartermaster Cardigan
You know motorcycle gear is aesthetically well designed when you're comfortable wearing it anywhere under any circumstances.
For $125, the Icon 1000 Quartermaster Cardigan is well made and a stylish autumn or spring jacket whether you're a rider or not.
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Dodge Charger Hellcat
Technically, this maybe belongs on the 2015 "Best Of" lists as it's part of the 2015 model year. Still, I got to track test it in autumn of 2014 – so here it sits.
The Dodge Charger Hellcat is a supercar for the Everyman – a 200 mph muscle car with enough handling sophistication to elevate it beyond straight-line power. It's an instant classic.
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Allen Edmonds Neomuk WIngtips
These Neomuk Wingtips don't cheap, but nothing from Allen Edmonds do because they're built to last — as in timeless.
Once you break in these shoes — which takes a little while because of their high quality materials — the Neomuks (and related Allen Edmonds styles) will cause you to walk with a little extra pride and confidence in your step.
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Swims Classic Black Galoshes
Have I gone mad? I'm including rubbers in a list of the best and coolest items of the year? Am I doing it just to type the word "rubbers" twice?
No, The Swims Classic Black are here because of their sheer usefulness. Go back a click and get a look at the $300 shoes I wear. Come winter, these Swims protect those Allen Edmonds and such. They deserve respect, too.
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Eggtronic HUB IT
Compatible with more than 10,000 potential devices, the $80 HUB IT charges up to seven devices at once with addable connector stations users can configure with plug-in adapters.
More importantly, the HUB IT proves itself to be indispensable because its base technology charges connected gadgets more quickly than standard wall chargers — getting you back on the grid faster.
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Phorce Pro
From the outside, the $549 Phorce Pro looks like an unassuming laptop bag, but inside is seemingly endless power.
Equipped with enough battery power to recharge a dying laptop completely while also juicing a smartphone and a tablet, the Phorce Pro comes equipped with all necessary adapters and cables.
This is simply an essential tool during my on the road coverage.
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BF Goodrich KO2 Tire
I had a chance to drive more than 300 miles on these new KO2 all-terrain tires from BF Goodrich through hurricane-swept Baja. That's a long haul over dirt, rock, water, mud and sand — and my specially Baja racer never needed new rubber. I think they'll stand up to anything you can throw at them.
