I’m not very strong. It doesn’t really bother me all that much because I’m usually around someone who can help me out when I need to lift something heavy or can’t get the lid off a pickle jar. There are times when I’d like to at least pretend I’m an adult and that I have the ability to function on my own. Specifically, when I can’t get the cap off a beer bottle, it almost seems like I shouldn’t even be allowed to drink it.
I could go to the gym and try to build up my muscles, but that sounds like a lot of work. Instead, I’d rather trick people into thinking that I’m stronger by using the EZ Botop Bottle Opener (Drinkstuff, £7.99). Not only does this baby allow you to easily open beer, soda, anything with a bottle cap, but you can do it one-handed! Along with its innovative design, this opener creates a fulcrum that allows you to open a bottle with little to no effort. The top part is also magnetic, so the cap sticks to it after you’ve opened the bottle. I’m a fan of this feature because I am well known for attempting to uncap a beverage, only to have either the cap or bottle go flying because of my underdeveloped biceps.
Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s been a long week and I need to conduct some further testing on this bottle opener.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 40mm x 170mm x 45mm
-One handed bottle opener
-Remove cap and pour contents in one fluid motion
-Magnet retains bottle top
-Not available for delivery in Canada
Calling all beer pong enthusiasts: are you ready to win that next tournament? Sure, you might think you’ve got what it takes to play in the big leagues, but chances are you’ve still got a lot of training to do. For one thing, I bet the table down at your local watering hole isn’t even regulation sized. How are you going to compete amongst champions when you haven’t even practiced on a full-length table? And I hope you haven’t been bragging too much about your triumphs in six cup pong because there’s a lot more beer on a regulation table. Maybe you should work on your game a little bit.
If you’re looking to be the best pong player out there, then you need to be ready to play at a moment’s notice. With the Portable Beer Pong Table (KegWorks, $89.95) and a bit of practice, you’ll be an unstoppable beer pong force! Official tournament size (8 feet long), you might think you have no room for such a monstrosity, but you’d be oh so wrong. See, this terrifically awesome table folds into the size of a briefcase when not in use so you don’t have to worry about it taking up too much space in your living room. Not only does its size make for ease of portability, but when folded up, the case also features ergonomic carrying handles. With an aluminum frame and waterproof surface, this table is built to endure many a beer pong game without showing signs of wear. And in case you’re a bit new to the game (or are prone to technical disagreements), there are outlines on each side of the table indicating proper cup placement.
Now, I like beer pong as much as the next college-nostalgic adult, but this table is not for inexperienced. Take a look at those cups – you’re not seeing things, there are 15 on each side of that table. You’d better be really on your game or you’ll be drunkity drunk drunk drunk.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 96″ x 27.5″ x 24″ unfolded
24″ x 24″ x 5.5″ folded
-Weight: 21 lbs
-Official tournament size
-Folds easily into a briefcase
-Ergonomic carrying handles
-High strength aluminum frame
-Waterproof
-Cups not included
While I like to think of myself as a person with fairly sophisticated tastes, usually it’s the simplest things that make me happy. I’m not saying that I’m gonna go out and trade my PS3 for a pet rock, but every once in awhile, it’s nice to just sit back and enjoy a break from a technologically dependent existence. This is not one of those times.
A lot of everyday items are just better with a little scientific nudge from gadget community, regardless if there’s anything wrong with their current state or if an upgrade is even necessary. Take a look at these Neon Coasters (Drinkstuff, £14.99), for example. Does a coaster really need a light-up base? No, most definitely not. Is it all the more awesome for having one? Uh, yeah! Add in the fact that the base is pressure sensitive and phases through three different colors, and you’ve got one kick ass coaster. Just imagine the look on your friend’s face as he sets his drink down on a seemingly innocuous coaster, only to have it emit a crazy colorful glow.
I’ll be the first to admit that this seems a little excessive, since coasters are basically only necessary to protect the integrity of your table. Seriously though, how could you not want a set for your next party? Sure, you might have to hire a little extra security to make sure that none of your friends walk off with your new toy, but that’s a small price to pay for greatness.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 90mm x 90mm x 5mm
-Weight: 56g
-Set of 4 coasters
-Color phasing coaster
-Pressure sensitive
-Requires 2 CR2032 batteries (included)
-Not available for delivery in Canada
Oh man, today is just a scorcher! I was outside for about five minutes and my face almost melted off my skull. True story. It’s getting to be that time of year where you either have to buy a pool or make friends with somebody who has one. Because pools are expensive and not many people have the outdoor space for one, I recommend the latter. It’s probably easier to use the pool of a friend you already have, but if none of your current friends have aquatic means, then you’re gonna have to go make some new ones who do. You might think that it’s in poor form to befriend someone just because they have a pool, but you’d be wrong.
Once you set eyes on the Floating Cooler and Couch (Hammacher Schlemmer, $79.95), you’ll know what I mean about a pool being the coolest (!) summer accessory. On first glance, it looks like your average inflatable pool lounger, but it’s a little more awesome than that. See, this lounger has a concealed cargo hold built-in under the footrest that houses a cooler. That’s right, you can enjoy your favorite beverages without leaving the pool, or even your seat! The cooler fits 15 cans on ice and has a built-in drain to eliminate excess liquid. With a full height backrest and a cup holder in each armrest, you rest assured that you’ll be lounging in luxury this summer.
I don’t have a pool because a) there’s no room for one, and b) I lack adequate funds to purchase one. Unfortunately, I also don’t know anyone who was one (or access to one) so I’d better fine tune my networking skills because I need to make some new friends, and fast!
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 65″ x 39″ x 33.5″
-Weight: 18lbs
-Inflatable lounger with built in cooler
-0.5′ cu cargo hold concealed under footrest
-Cooler holds 15 cans on ice
-Cooler has built in drain for excess liquid
-Cup holder in each armrest
-Full height backrest
-Lounger made of heavy gauge vinyl
-Inflates with pump (sold separately)
“You don’t have to drink to have fun.” That’s what boring people say. No, seriously, I know this is true, but it seems like having an adult beverage or two lightens the mood and amps up the party just a bit. It’s not like I’m advocating drinking just to get drunk – I prefer to keep the mood festive by playing a game or two with my brewski of choice. There are plenty out there to choose from, so you can decide whether you want to get completely schnockered or if you’d prefer a slow descent into the beer goggle phenomenon.
Depending on your level of skill, the Shot Pong Game Set (KegWorks, $15.95) will be a fast or slow ticket to Drunktown. On the plus side, since you’re using two ounce shot glasses instead of regular sized cups, you’ll be able to practice your throwing skills all night long. And while one of those most common problems with setting up a game of beer pong is the space needed, it’s not an issue with this set because you’ll only need about half as much space as a regular game. The included triangle racks also help minimize the mess because they’ll keep your shot glasses in perfect alignment on the table (no more hardcore throws knocking full cups onto the floor). Both myself and the manufacturer do not recommend or condone the use of liquor with this set (and if you have to ask why, then you’re just stupid).
This would actually be a great way to determine the ultimate beer pong champion. Sure, anyone can make a couple of lucky shots into a big plastic red cup, but what about tiny shot glasses? This is where we separate the men from the boys!
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Capacity: 2oz shot cups
-Includes 12 reusable plastic shot cups, 2 triangle racks, 2 shot pong balls, rules sheet, and suggested playing tips
-Similar concept as beer pong
-Requires smaller playing surface than beer pong
-Liquor not encouraged or recommended for use with this product
