Off Duty, Technology - Marine Corps Times

A gearhead gift list

Buying gifts for a gearhead is easy — if you’re a gearhead. But what if you have no clue what to buy for your four-wheel-minded (or two-wheel-minded) significant other? No worries. We’ve done the research for you.

Here’s a list of 12 gifts ranging in price from less than $20 to about $150. Happy hunting.

Corvette/’57 Chevy wall shelves

These fit more easily in your den than a real ’69 Corvette Stingray or ’57 Bel Air (and cost a lot less, too). You can use them as bookshelves — or as the perfect display for your models. Each shelf is designed to replicate the front end of a classic, with authentic grilles, headlights and a flat, glass surface on the “hood” for your items to sit on. About 20 inches wide, 8 inches high and 6½ inches deep. $69.95 from http://www.whatonearthcatalog.com, item number AX3312 (Corvette), AW3512 (Bel Air) and AW3502 (Mustang).

Motorcycle/ATV jack

Change a tire or oil a chain easily and safely. The jack has a 1,500-pound rated capacity with five-position automatic side safety brakes to prevent unwanted movement while working. It raises a bike up to 16 inches off the ground and includes an all-purpose adapter, tie-down straps and chrome-plated hardware. $159 from http://garage-toys.com, item number MAL-2c.

The Headgator

Don’t let cold weather keep you off your cycle. The Headgator six-in-one headgear’s expandable, breathable, high-insulation Promax IV material covers you from the bottom of your neckline to the top of your head, protecting you from wind and cold. Fits comfortably under any helmet and folds down to handkerchief size when not being used. $17.50 from http://www.maxit-inc.com/products/headgator.html; available in black, navy, gray, royal, white, purple, forest and brown.

CyclePocket

No mere cover, this puppy completely encloses your bike in a sealed, controlled-environment cocoon that keeps out dust and pests and protects against condensation — ideal for long-term indoor storage. May also be used for ATVs, tractors and furniture. $99 from http://www.skymall.com, item number 81032.

AlcoHawk Pro digital breath alcohol detector.

If you’ve had only a glass or two of wine or beer with dinner, you may not think you’re impaired, but with lawful blood alcohol levels getting lower each year, it’s better to be sure before you get behind the wheel. This pocket-sized device could save you a trip to jail, or much worse. It gives an accurate digital readout of your blood alcohol content in seconds. Meets National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standards. $139 from http://www.thesharperimage.com, item number Q1502.

Night-vision glasses

If you are bothered by the glare of oncoming headlights at night, try these. The amber lenses filter out glare while preserving the natural balance of colors — ideal for older drivers who have difficulty driving at night. Side lenses enhance peripheral vision, too. $19.95 from http://www.gadgetuniverse.com, item number TH533.

Drag racing alarm clock

Wake up to the sound of 800 horsepower staging for the green! Alarm features temperature and humidity gauges — and the tire-shredding sound of a drag racer lining up for a quarter-mile run. $29.99 from http://www.calcarcover.com, item number DRC15.

AutoArt brake disc memo pad

This magnetic case is shaped like a cross-drilled/vented high-performance disc brake rotor, with a red powder-coated “caliper” clamping on the paper pad. It can be attached to any metal surface. $20.61 from http://www.grandprixlegends.com, item number AA40341.

Magnetic Finger

Just the ticket for retrieving a wayward bolt or other small part you can’t quite reach with a tool. Form-fitting stretchy glove slips on to your index finger and turns it into a professional tool. A powerful magnet sewn into the tip allows you to hold and retrieve any small metal object with precise control. $9.95 from http://www.bustedknucklegarage.com, item number BKG-129.

4-in-1 Extreme Power Pack

This portable multi- function cordless power pack keeps you rolling, no matter the situation. Includes 400-amp jump starter with No. 4 welding gauge cables, 275-pounds per square inch air compressor with 1.5-foot air hose, AC/DC charging adapters and a detachable 150-watt power inverter that can run TVs, laptops and iPods. $99.95 from the Discovery Channel Store at http://shopping.discovery.com; see item number 797027.

Route 66 premium gas pump CD cabinet

It looks just like an old-timey 100-octane leaded premium gas pump but is actually a CD storage cabinet. The cabinet is 38 inches high and available in several colors and styles, with authentic Texaco and Route 66 logos; a lighted desktop/lamp version is also available. $95-$139 from http://www.earlstation.com; see items ES-202MS933, ES-205MS3029, ES-205MS3236 and ES-201KP4099.

Helmet Fresh odor remover

You can wash your gym socks, but what about your helmet? After a season’s sweat, it can get pretty stinky. That’s where Helmet Fresh comes in. It kills odor-causing bacteria and helps prevent mildew from forming in the padding. Leaves your helmet smelling fresh. Comes in a 4-ounce plastic spray bottle. $5.95 per bottle from http://www.thebellstore.com/Accessor/hlmtfrsh.html.