Reviews Archives - Justin Simoni

Magicshine Monteer 6500S Zeus Unboxing + Initial Impressions

I’ve used incredibly bright lights, but the Monteer 6500S Zeus by Magicshine.us is in a completely different class! Pushing out a max of 6500 lumens, this light not only betters any other bicycle light I’ve ever used, it rivals many car headlights!

I’ll be using and testing this light in the coming weeks and sharing what I’ve learned. Make sure to follow me:

to be notified. This post will be going over what you’ll get in the box, and some commentary of the what and the why of things.

2021 Sun Shirts

My survey of eleven different sun shirts is up at OutdoorGearLab – have a read:

Best Sun Protection Shirts for Men of 2021

TX Guide Leather vs. TX 3 Sizing

I was picking something up at the La Sportiva Factory Retail Store (the new Karakal!) after climbing, and finally had the opportunity to try on the new TX Guide Leather. I’ve been really interested in the new TX Guide since seeing them at OR, but even just holding the display shoe in my hand, I knew right away it was going to be too narrow for my foot. So enter the TX Guide Leather, which has a redesigned upper.

La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX

La Sportiva recently released a new take on their reputable Ultra Raptor trail runner: the Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX. Building upon the battle-tested base of the current Ultra Raptor model, it adds a few new features and flourishes: mid top ankle cuff, Gore-Tex upper, a new black and grey colorway, and it comes in regular as well as wide sizes.

Purchase: La Sportiva NA | REI

Rather than being a conventional low-top trail runner, the Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is a mid-height trail runner/hiker – the line on which I’d categorize it myself is pretty blurred. It features a Gore-Tex upper and – sit down since this is almost a first for Sportiva: it comes in both regular and WIDE sizes! Rejoice!

Scrambling Shoe Methodologies

Scrambling! Joyously moving on easy rock routes. In Boulder, we have a King’s ransom of big rocks to fumble about on and there’s a lifetime of routes to tick. The Flatirons are one of Boulder’s most iconic natural wonders. It’s somewhat impossible to roll into to town and not take a moment to look out west and imagine wandering in/out/around the various crags. Such a playground we have.

Below is a video I put together describing some of the shoes in my collection I use when running and scrambling:

Read on for even more trail running/approach shoe/scrambling talk:

Initial Impressions: Fenix BC30R 1800 Lumen Bicycle Light

A few weeks ago, I returned to my bike from a grocery store to see that someone had stolen my beloved Magicshine Monteer 1400. A great light – and a great run for the light. Usually such accessories don’t last so long with me due to harsh use, rather than theft.

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Spotlight: Nite Ize Dry Bags

Note: these products were provided to me by Nite Ize to demo without caveat. I would like to thank them for their generosity. All opinions are mine. Interested in me checking out your gear?

I’m checking out some gear from NiteIze! See my spotlight on some of the lights they put out for more of an introduction. In this post, I look at two bags I’ve found useful for cycling trips:

Spotlight: Nite Ize Lights

Note: these products were provided to me by Nite Ize to demo without caveat. I would like to thank them for their generosity. All opinions are mine. Interested in me checking out your gear?

Ultimate Direction Product Picks: My Favorite Gear To Use

I’m proud to be an ambassador for Ultimate Direction, especially since my outdoor adventures tend to defy easy categorization. I initially met Buzz Burrell, then Brand Manager of UD in 2014 on Longs Peak while completing the Longs Peak Radical Slam (which I’ve now done a few more times). Turned out, he was doing the same thing! Unfortunately for me, I couldn’t keep up with his pace on that day.

Luckily, Buzz found my Tour 14er trip I completed a few months later inspiring enough to invite me to become an ambassador for UD. Ultimate Direction is a local company to me, based only a few miles from my house – close enough that I’m always happy to stop by, say hello, give my feedback on products, and pet all the office dogs. Here’s a list of the UD gear that I love the most:

Review: Nite Ize SpokeLit – Disc-O Select Rechargeable Light

Note: this product was bought by me at retail. All opinions are mine. Interested in me reviewing your product?

Pros: inexpensive, compact, fun, eye catching light used in an angle not always thought of as a blind spot to other road users. Rechargeable via a micro USB port.
Cons: Probably too fun and colorful for your local bicycle curmudgeon, but buy one for them, anyways.
Weight: 1.2 ounces/35 grams
Run Time: ~ 6 hours; Charge Time: 1.5 hours
Price: $20
More information: NiteIze Website
Purchase Options: REI | Amazon