Every month, the Cool Material team tests, tries, and lives with all sorts of new (or new-to-us) goods. Black Book is where we showcase the ones we most recommend right now.
After spending a few months testing out the long-awaited Sonos Ace, we’ve been impressed with the immersive audio experience. Plus, we found our new favorite pour-over coffee maker, some premium tennis shorts, key smart-home upgrades, the best smart collar for pets, and more. We’re highlighting our staff-favorite duffel bag, too, and some treats for true long-weekend relaxation.
NikeCourt Heritage 6" Tennis Shorts
[PARTNER] While I’m disappointed that summer is drawing to a close, it does mean that tennis season is finally here. For casual tennis players like myself, this summer proved far too hot and muggy to comfortably get in a few matches in the afternoon. But, with the US Open kicking off this week, the days are finally starting to cool off just enough to hit the court. And as every tennis player knows, the most important part about getting into tennis is the gear. So, for this season I had to scoop up these stylish and practical tennis shorts from Nike. The fit is ideal, thanks to the comfortable elastic waistband and soft jersey fabric. Plus, the pockets are sized just right for holding a few tennis balls. —John
Buy: $70
Sonos Ace Headphones
I am a staunch AirPods devotee. As far as casual, on-the-go earbuds go, Apple has it in the bag. But, I’ve been testing out the much anticipated Sonos Ace headphones for a couple months now and I can confidently say that they are among the best headphones I’ve ever owned. In fact, I now only use the Sonos Ace headphones when I’m at home. While AirPods are the ideal portable listening device, they aren’t exactly super immersive. But the Sonos Ace has astounding noise-canceling technology. So for meetings or long writing sessions I can pop on the Sonos headphones and lock in. They also switch seamlessly between devices, which means I can go from a meeting on my desktop in my office to watching YouTube videos on my laptop on the couch. I’m not ready to give up my AirPods, but the Sonos Ace headphones are by far the most immersive headphones on the market. —John
Buy: $399
Finisterre Nautilus Pocket Pack Bag
It takes a certain je nais se quois to be able to pull off a fanny pack. Some guys look impeccably styled and casual while others look like they’re a clueless tourist. That’s where the Finisterre Nautilus Pocket bag comes in. It’s the perfect size for holding a few essentials without distracting your whole ensemble. It’s a subtle touch to your outfit that also doubles as some extra storage. For longer trips I’ll usually stash my laptop, water bottle, and notebook in a tote bag and hit the road. But, for quick errands I always grab the Nautilus pocket bag. It fits my keys, wallet, sunglasses, and aforementioned AirPods with a little room to spare—without looking too bulky. Plus it’s durable enough to handle a rainstorm without getting your essentials soaked. —John
Buy: $55
Ratio Six Coffee Machine
While I’ve always loved my little Origami Pour-Over Dripper, if I ever had guests over or wanted to make more than one cup of coffee at a time, I needed a more efficient coffee maker. So I was thrilled to be able to test out the Ratio Six. This gorgeously designed coffee machine delivers up to eight cups of perfect pour-over coffee with the push of a button. No more finicky gooseneck kettles or precise timers. Best of all, it’s easy to use. So if your mother-in-law is in town and doesn’t want to learn how to brew on a Chemex, this is a no-brainer. —John
Buy: $339
Reigning Champ Midweight Jersey Standard Pocket T-Shirt
I’m always on the hunt for the next great plain T-shirt. I’ve been especially drawn to heavier materials for that extra premium feel. Reigning Champ has been among my favorite menswear brands lately—the editors have also endorsed their sweatshirts and fleece—so I decided to give the Midweight Jersey tee a try. This plain-white pocket T-shirt is an excellent addition to just about any wardrobe. It’s a classic, versatile garment that works in a variety of outfits. The fit is ever-so-slightly relaxed, which is great—the shirt doesn’t feel constraining at all, nor does it look awkwardly boxy. Reigning Champ absolutely nailed this pocket tee. —John
Buy: $55
Fi Series 3 Dog Collar
I love my 6-month-old mini-goldendoodle puppy to death, and I’m pretty sure he loves me, but he will try to sprint out of my sight when he sees another dog a block away. I splurged on a smart collar for peace of mind: If Howie ever escapes my grasp, he’ll be trackable with a geographic precision that AirTags can’t muster. I didn’t expect that the data-filled Fi app experience would be legitimately fun. I can view Howie’s walk maps, step counts, and sleep patterns, so I always have a grasp on his activity level (and how much he needs a nap), even when he’s staying with a friend. Not to brag or anything, but I also know that he’s ranked No. 54 for total steps in the miniature poodle puppy category. I always knew this guy was destined for greatness. —Coop
Buy: $189
Toto Washlet C2
The tech world loves to throw out terms like “life-changing” or “groundbreaking” when pitching products like a $700 smart juicer. But here’s an item that surpasses all possible hype: a Japanese-made bidet seat. I won’t risk oversharing. I’ll just note that I’ve renovated two bathrooms and this is, by far, my favorite feature I’ve added. When the seat warmer turns on in midwinter, it’s a feeling of luxury beyond any Calacatta marble. —Coop
Buy: $331
TP Link Smart Home Gear
Try not to cry as you hear my tale of woe, friends: an apartment unable to get a decent Wi-Fi signal in the only possible office space. TP Link’s upgraded routers did the trick, and I also bought a bunch of their tiny smart plugs to connect my lighting to Apple Home and sync with my Lutron system. Now I can tell Siri “good night” and my home powers down. (There’s a TP Link sale at Best Buy through early September—see below.) —Coop
Buy: $
P448 Sneakers
It piqued our interest when Mark Wahlberg invested in the parent company of this Italian sneaker brand in 2022. It may be an on-the-rise European label with high-quality leather and unique colorways—strong selling points—but we’re also just a sucker for green sneakers, like the P448 Soho in Army/White.
Buy: $325
Cycling Frog Mango-Pineapple Gummies
The best-tasting edibles I’ve ever tried, and the perfect low-THC dose for this lightweight. The Black Currant THC Seltzer, too, is fantastic: all relaxation, no hangover. —Coop
Buy: $40
Rains Hilo Weekend Bag
August means road trips, long family weekends, and beachy overnights. I need a bag that’s totally anything-proof while also staying streamlined and stylish, and this Rains piece delivers. I pack it virtually every weekend and it always has room to spare. It’s also priced so well that I’m not afraid of beating it up or spilling dog food inside it. No wonder it’s a Cool Material staff favorite. —Coop
Buy: $110
