“Do everything better,” as we state above, is fairly broad. But think of it in the context of gear: The best product is the one that facilitates, helping you accomplish whatever you’re after more easily, efficiently, and to the best of your abilities. Whether you’re building a deck, fixing a meal as part of your new cooking passion, or running a meeting remotely, the stuff here, which we’ve vetted and tested, will aid you in getting it done.
Meet the Experts
Brad Ford // Test Editor
I’ve been swinging hammers, twisting screwdrivers, and turning wrenches since before I was 10, with stints after that working on a farm and in a car shop.
The One Product That Helped Me Most In 2021
My testing of Ryobi’s 54-Inch Zero Turn Electric Riding Mower coincided with the engine failure of my 1986 Cub Cadet this past summer, so it turned into a long-term evaluation. Spending two months regularly cutting three-plus acres of grass with a battery-powered mower was instructive. I could actually mow faster—although I broke it up over two days because of battery run-time. I also saved about $150 not having to buy gas for two months.
Meet the Experts
Hunter Fenollol // Home Tech Editor
Several years reviewing gadgets professionally, and a lifetime of tech and gaming nerd-dom.
The One Product That Helped Me Most In 2021
From the DualSense controller’s built-in haptics that let me feel the on-screen action to gorgeous next-gen titles like Demon’s Souls and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Sony’s PlayStation 5 made gaming feel new again. Even though it’s now again ok to leave the house, I’ve spent more hours playing games in 2021 than in any of my teenage years.
Meet the Experts
Will Egensteiner // Deputy Editor, Testing
A decade of testing gear in the wild, writing about it, and not needing search and rescue to save my butt (yet).
The One Product That Helped Me Most In 2021
As travel slowly made a comeback, I found myself in need of a reliable backpack. The Yeti Crossroads turned out to be just that. Aside from the brand’s well-known durability, this pack’s calling card is organization. While being ushered through the TSA line in the Denver airport, I was able to quickly pull my computer out of the dedicated compartment, and small electronics lived in external pockets for easy access from my plane seat.
Meet the Experts
Matt Crisara // Autos Editor
The biggest notch in my belt was interning at the Circuit of the Americas Formula One track, but I’ve attended major racing events around the world.
The One Product That Helped Me Most In 2021
Whether I was driving GT3 cars flat out in Assetto Corsa Competizione or banging doors flooring it with a spec Miata in iRacing, the Thrustmaster TS-PC Racer proved an exceptional sim-racing wheel. I’ve taken great pride in overtaking other racers (running much more expensive rigs) with the wheelbase securely cranked down onto my desk, my hands on the comfortable suede grips, and the brushless motor providing dynamic force feedback.
Meet the Experts
Roy Berendsohn // Test Editor
A hammer-swinging, mower-pushing, overall tool-testing PopMech guy since 1989.
The One Product That Helped Me Most In 2021
Given how much mechanical work I do in dimly lighted places, the Klein Tools Cap Visor LED Light has pulled my bacon out of the fire more than once. It consists of a body and a head that can pivot up to 60 degrees. And when I need to go hands-free, its clip holds it to the visor of my hat. Power: two AAA batteries (included!). Settings: 125 or 40 lumens. Effect: amazing.
