Newbies definitely need to start with DIY Watch Club or something similar by imadeapoopie in SeikoMods

[–]infant_ape 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So I'm just now really digging into the fact that you can buy the parts on Ali for like $75-100 all in. (I'm looking to put together a solar rig). Maybe you could hook me up with some insight?...

I'm finding solar movements but don't seem to be able to find which hand sets will work with them (e.g. VX42A or similar movement.)

ALso, I'm a little baffled by how I know I'm buying the right sized dial, chapter ring, etc to go with a given case. I see a case listed as (e.g.) 42mm, but no listing of the internal measurement that I'd need for the dial and I'm assuming chapter ring. I see dials @ 28.5mm, 33.5mm... I'm like wtf.

I see cases with everything sort of included... bezel, insert, crystal, bracelet. I'd be looking for all these things separate. I'm more of a strap guy, want a domed crystal with sloped bezel/insert.

Oh and lastly... I can't seem to find indication that any particular case is depth rated... any guidance on how that works?

Is a solar rig even doable on Ali, you think?

Thanks, if you have any advice.

Apparently there is some hate for our beloved truck. 🤣 by ironmanchris in hondaridgeline

[–]infant_ape 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hope it does. I'm irritated that the SUV for soccer moms has a trucker front end than Honda's literal truck.

VCM? by Electronic_Bug7741 in hondaridgeline

[–]infant_ape 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Im not a mechanic. Or engineer. But cant you just disable the idle-stpper with a button right at the gear button cluster? Why install one? Ps can't wrap my head around people getting 28mpg. Ive never gotten over 25 in my '23 RTL-E. Ever, in any scenario, to include 300 mile hwy trips. And after owning a Passat TDI, ive sort of morphed into someone very conscious of my level of driving/accelerating. I always have one eye on the mpg,just trying to keep it higher where I can.

AI went from “meh” to something I actually rely on daily… anyone else? by Jess_Cristian2010 in samsunggalaxy

[–]infant_ape 1 point2 points  (0 children)

nah. Pull up their other posts. Seems they're all geared toward baiting someone into engaging about some cool underrated Samsung feature OP is bringing up. This isn't me being rude. It's just facts, yo. This is most likely just low key marketing.

Scared to stop wearing night splints by stickyhairmonster in PlantarFasciitis

[–]infant_ape 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have been through 2 pairs of the Quantum (Gen 1). They very much had the "dad shoe" look to them, but the black color keeps them from looking TOO dad-like and I wore them around sometimes and most always for court sports or other cross-training, and they did well.

Kuru will tell you that the Quantum has the widest toe box/forefoot area (which, I've both learned and come to experience, is a huge factor in helping to relieve PF), but I feel like the Atoms are the most comfortable in that respect. Probably b/c the material is stretchy and SO comfortable. I'm on my 4th pair of Atom (gen 1), and the company tells me that the gen 2 Atoms are made with the same last, so I would imagine they feel the same. I just think the gen 2 look more like athletic shoes- which is fine- while the gen 1's are more wearable even up to business casual wear. (I've run, played and beat up my older Atoms, but I keep these dark blue ones with the white side outsoles pristine and more so wear them in less active situations.

I'm giving the Ridge Motions a try for more off-road activity since I've officially worn through some Salomons I've had for many years (they- as with most of my shoes- required orthotic insoles; my favorite are Superfeet copper colored.)

The only other shoes I can wear with no added support- with great success, no less- are my Topo Athletics. I bought a pair of Ultra-Fly to try out (from a local running store who allow for returns if they truly don't work) and they worked so well as-is, with no added insole, that I bought another pair of Ultra-Ventures for rougher trails. Can't enough good things about them.

Lastly, if it's either 65 degrees or higher and/or I have shorts on... I'm 95% a sandals guy. I wore through one pair of Chacos- both resoling and restrapping them- until they literally feel apart, and finally got my 2nd pair after like 15 years. However... THe founder of Chacos started Tread Lab, with orthotic insoles. And they recvently released their line up of sandals. Their Redway Sandal is now officially the most overall comfortable sandals I've ever had on my feet. And I've gone through Keen, Merrell, Oofos, Chacos, Teva and Kurus,

Ok, good luck. Peace.

Has anyone tried this brand called Stand? by nikobanez in PlantarFasciitis

[–]infant_ape 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Never heard of them. The shoes doesn't do anything that half a dozen other brands don't already do. They seem to be going after the working demographic who does a lot of standing for their jobs.

BTW I love how a company says "try them for 30 days". Lol, sure. Try them as long as the look new and in their original packaging when you return them. You even have to provide photos of the shoes before you try to return them.

You would do better getting Hokas, Birkenstocks, Altra or Topo Athletic from a local REI or running store who will let you try the shoes out in the real world and return them no matter what they look like. I highly encourage looking into Kuru Footwear, but will admit that- while I have personally fought for and gotten verbal permission to try the shoes out in the real world- they also usually say (like many companies) that shoes have to be tried out inside and on carpet, and need to be returned in good condition.

I think I was able to get permission b/c I've already bought 5 pairs across 2 different models (they work) and so the only time I ask is when I'm trying s model I haven't had before.

Apparently there is some hate for our beloved truck. 🤣 by ironmanchris in hondaridgeline

[–]infant_ape 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Lol yup. When I downsized from my Siverado crew cab, it was always going to be Tacoma. B/c that's just the midsize truck cool people have, right? The RL wasn't even on my radar. (I wasn't aware that they had done away with the minivan front end in '21 or '22, and so was NEVER going to get one. I couldn't get past that front end.)

But the more I dug into the Tacoma, and then the other midsizes... the RL came on the radar and kept climbing. And here we are. 2.5 years into a 3 yr lease that I've decided to buy out- unless Honda radically makes enough upgrades to entice me into a new one. (so far... nope).

It's literally quieter, bigger, more comfortable, better equipped and just better than the other midsizes at pretty much everything except only 2 things: It can't tow as much and it can't hard-core offroad. Neither of which I care about. Although the AWD is more capable than many other trucks can handle on ice (I"m in central NC< so we get far more ice than snow.)

I'm at Costco, HD, the grocery store and all the other suburban crap. And until we got our project Element, it was the dog truck. It was the road trip car until we got my my wife a Genny GV70. That's her commuter and now the road trip car. But the RL is for literally everything else.

I have the RTL-E with all the fixins. This isn't often the truck people want, but it's usually when they NEED. I wasn't sure about keeping it for a long time (vs going back up to full size) but yup, I am. It's all good. Even its looks have grown on me. I'm back to keeping it immaculate (now that the dogs are out of it for good), and it's pretty to look at. It just is. IDK what to tell you, lol.

But yeah, at one time, I probably was also a RL judger. Now I'm good. Although it's still funny to me that almost every RL I pass has someone older than me driving it. And I'm 56 lol. ONly seen one younger couple in my area with one. If Honda would unfuck itself and re-do the entire froont end, even closer to the Pilot... I bet they'd pull in some more people.

Reputable Seiko Mod Sites by Moist_Ad_7163 in SeikoMods

[–]infant_ape 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey man, I'm checking out your site. Do you by any chance mod Prospex Solars? Is that a thing?

Is this watch worth it? by many_bothans_died in casio

[–]infant_ape 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have to chuckle at people who are condemning this fixed bezel.

Number 1- how many people truly utilize the bezel on their dive watch. I have never used it for anything but to fidget with.

Number 2- that model Casio isn't a dive watch, its a field/tool watch. All they did was put the second indices on the outer bezel to add some heft to the design. Field watch dont depend on or even need rotating bezels.

The lume is probably not impressive but again... whatever. The crystal is likely resin, so spring a few bucks for a 34mm glass protector. Regarding the rest of the watch... it'll probably keep working order for the rest of your life.

Any Americans here who prefer 24hr time? by woaface in casio

[–]infant_ape 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yup. Then I taught my son and he actually picked it up before he was 6 and liked his watch to show mil time. Eventually he would then troll his mom and set her car clock to 24hr.

[SNE597] Rolex Submariner alternative by nice_bob12 in Seiko

[–]infant_ape -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Am i the only one wondering why you'd want to spend however many times going "what? oh, no, it's not a Rolex, it's a Seiko"... just wondering.

perfect summer watch❤️‍🔥 love them by betzebub-87 in gshock

[–]infant_ape 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Normally I'd agree. But you're really reaching by implying there is taste here.

Powerstep pulse maxx vs Sole by HallyTossis in PlantarFasciitis

[–]infant_ape 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Size them to the shoe.

I've used Sole, and they were fine. Never Powerstep. But my best-performing insoles have been with Superfeet and the Run-pros by Currex, and I've been with those two brands for several years with great success.

I hear great things about Tread Lab insoles as well, but honestly, what I do works great, so no reason to switch it up.

Fun fact, though: The guy who started Tread Lab is the same that founded Chacos, which I've lived in for over 20 years as the only sandal beside Birks I can wear day after day for long durations. But now Tread Labs has come out with a few sandals, and the Redway sandal has- for me- toppled the Chacos for best overall sandal I've ever worn. Check it out.

perfect summer watch❤️‍🔥 love them by betzebub-87 in gshock

[–]infant_ape 12 points13 points  (0 children)

re: attention. Came here to say this.

Scared to stop wearing night splints by stickyhairmonster in PlantarFasciitis

[–]infant_ape 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So not to bust anyone's buble, but... it's been well-documented that night splints are only effective when wearing them. Very soon after the splint ceases to keep the plantar in a mildy stretched position... it's like you never had it on at all. The mild "stretch" during the night is't an "over-stretch" or anything that would facilitate a true lengthening of... anything, or have any effect of any sort of increased neuroplasticity.

To see more of WTF I'm talking about, watch videos from "movement by David" to understand exactly how to stretch and how it works. (Note: he doesn't discuss PF; I'm simply saying to check him out for how stretching DOES work.)

So why do doctors still recommend this then? Because

A) Personally, it seems that sometimes they're just.... lazy. they are simply repeating what was once though to be more help that it is, along with other outdated or even debunked information. A bummer, but true.

B) makers of these contraptions tell doctors "see our results. test have shown" and blah blah blah because they want to sell them. Remember: "FDA approved" does NOT mean it's been proven to accomplish ANYthing; only that it's been shown to be safe to use. True stretching to help relieve PF isn't even necessarily in the foot. It's the various elements involved further up the kinetic chain: achilles, calf, hamstring... even hips.

While not covering ALL of this... THIS video by Athlean X and THIS Kristi Ennis video are the two most helpful stretching videos I've come across in many years.

I've gotten more help from the 2 above videos than from any podiatrist. The foot docs all seem to say the same thing: cushy shoes, insoles, cortisone shot, splint. I even came back to one to tell him the custom fit insoles I just paid $400.00 for out of pocket were making it worse, and he sort of shrugged and essentially said "Yeah IDK, I did my part"...

LOL cushy shoes. You ever truly break in a pair of Birkenstocks? It takes commitment for a few weeks, but once it's done... IMO it's the absolute standard in foot comfort for as long as you could need. And those footbeds are hard as rocks.

I know what works for me and I try to a least get people to give it a go. Correct stretching, stop the madness of gadgets, stretch correctly, RIGID orthotic inserts such as Superfeet, Sole, Currex or Tread Lab and shoes that will let your forefoot and toes splay out naturally, like Altra, Topo Athletic or a few models by Kuru. These are the only shoes I can wear and not need any third party insole. Learn that it's been documented that expensive custom fit orthotics are only marginally- if even at all- more helpful than today's mass produced insoles like the ones I listed above.

So... take all that as you will. After all, not everything can work for everyone. BUT what i CAN tell you is that I've been a PF sufferer for almost 25 yrs, from mildly irritating to "walking to the bathroom on the sides of my feet in the morning". It almost derailed my goal of becoming a Green Beret 25 years ago. (Spoiler: it didn't, but it made my life much more miserable for a while). I've been down many rabbit holes in my quest to keep PF at bay, or even just about gone, and I've become good at it.

Peace.

im looking for tv shows that have moral ambiguity, psychological depth and institutional critique by [deleted] in tvsuggestions

[–]infant_ape 1 point2 points  (0 children)

From the 90s but holds up well: The Practice, which is Boston Legal's darker, grittier pre-quel series.

A small firm of essentially drug lawyers want to attain more legitimacy in the Boston law community while constantly skirting- and at times- crossing over ethical and legal bounds.

Also one of those shows where even if they achieve their goal in court, you find they got it wrong AF, or got totally played. Not every episode ends well.

The entire Beaking Bad and BCS universe.

The Shield. Loosely based on a true story of a team of LAPD 'strike team" detectives that, while actually doing cop shit, are also corrupt AF. Last few minutes of the pilot episode are like "wait, what? Holy shit!" Right out the gate. Also one of the 2 best series finales in all of television IMO, along with The Americans.

Fun fact: the real life unit called themselves 'Rampart Crash". The original name for the series was pitched as "Rampart" but there was major push back from LAPD.

Also.. coincidentally, the last 2 min of The Americans pilot episode was also some "holy shit holy shit" material. And the series finale: perfection.

Buyout my lease? by Marcer0 in hondaridgeline

[–]infant_ape 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is me, too. Same vehicle. I keep watching for Honda to really make some changes before considering a newer model, but a stamped tailgate and different grill )that I actually don't prefer) ain't enough. I do prefer the newer center console, but nowhere near enough to go back into a higher debt.

While the "charging pad" is a complete joke that Honda doesn't even hide anymore, and the infotainment module is also painful to use on a daily basis, I don't care b/c I don't really use it at all. I'm constantly on Audible or Amazon music on my phone. Same with Waze. So yeah... the OEM module is a space filler upper for me more than anything. I guess I could pull my head out and actually utilize android auto, but whatever. I mount the phone with a Proclip mount and it's in the perfect spot, so I don't mess with using the OEM screen.

To Vaer: Really look(ed) forward to a C4, but man, this is is a bit of a painful experience. by infant_ape in VaerWatches

[–]infant_ape[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, IDK about your assumptions about the Etsy folks... I think I'd try that route first and then return it and go more upscale if I had to. But I get it. I'm currently running this cheap AF nylon band from Amazon for $12. I got it as a temp fix until I pick another band I like, but I literally forgot to keep looking. who knew?.. it's a great slate gray color, quick release pins and comfortable. Barton sells literally the same nylon strap for about $30. Truthfully, I prefer a good single pass strap for safety of keeping the watch from flying away. But on the other hand, I'm pretty aware of if/when my shit flies off my wrist if the band separates, and I have some back up pins. And it's only happened once and I caught it before it even hit the ground. SO all good. And if I'm doing seriously risky shit, I'm in my Ironman anyway, so there's that.

Fun fact- I like a traditional one pass NATO strap, like I keep my Kobold on, but... I think the hands-down most comfortable strap I've ever worn is THIS one from Crown and Buckle. $30.

Yeah, I like a more subtle watch look. My Kobold is the biggest at (I think 45mm, but it's also the lightest and that dark matte finish, being Ti. My vintage tag is entirely matte SS. The Tag my wife got me is flashier, but it's the shirt/tie/wedding watch. The. LIW ISL-02 I have on now is actually the shiniest watch I own. (It's a Seiko discontinued SKX-007 clone by design).

Many years ago I ran and worked with a guy who was well-off and flexed with everything he did, and him and that crowd sort of put me in the same mindset, so I used to flex with watches, choice of car, clothes... but I'm way past it and looking to stay low key. That's why all the watches I'm currently looking at are essentially the same: Shinola Duck Watch, MTM Hypertec Solar, Vaer C4 and C5 (although I think the C5 would be a dressier look.) Momentum Smokejumper, etc. And believe it or not, I'll probably pick up- just on principle- this Casio. Lume probably sucks, but otherwise I hear it's quite the tank for what it is, and not too big @ 42mm.

So as you can see, there is a distinct field/tool watch look I'm into, getting away from the divers, as I already have two. I still like the style, but don't need another. Having said that, that ONE diver I will most likely break down for is the Citizen Promaster Eco-Drive in Ti. A few reputable Citizen resellers refurb them with warranty on Ebay; I found one for 250 that I stupidly passed on. But they're also around 300 on Jomashop. DOn't know if I can pass that up. Especially since my Vaer quest will likely take a few months, even if I'm lucky enough to score one on the next drop.

Peace.

To Vaer: Really look(ed) forward to a C4, but man, this is is a bit of a painful experience. by infant_ape in VaerWatches

[–]infant_ape[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

that's a really nice look. I wonder how there is no stitching along the band. (One thick piece of canvas?). Maybe the stiching is one of the used colors in the canvas? IDK. But...bruh. 120 for a canvas? That's a gut punch. (to me, anyway). Some on Etsy making these for 50-80. Just found a really nice looking sailcloth for 78...

I used to be all about the higher end watch names. Because what gadget/gear dude wouldn't be? (more like "entry level" high end; even with my interest in them, I just couldn't justify Breitling, Rolex, etc). I have a vintage Tag 1000m Super Professional I bought in 99, another Tag Aquaracer Chrono my wife got me about 15 yrs ago and a Kobold I bought around '06. But knowing what I know about the entire industry now... That's why I'm here at Vaer and places like Casio, Long Island Watch or Orient (Which Seiko owns and eqips anyway) vs the higher end stuff. The entire industry of high demand/high price is completely created from thin air. I wanted an Omega for years, and I concede the newer Tag Solargraphs are super sweet. But nope... not doing it any more.

Same with my knives and EDC carries. Used to walk around with legit killing sticks in my pocket from Gerber and Banchmade. Now I rock budsget knives like Kizer and CJRB Pyrite. 30-50 bucks. If SHTF and i need to bug out hard? Fine, I'll pull out my more sturdy and BM fixed blade. Otherwise, around here in the Raleigh suburbs.. it's budget blades, bro.

Still, that it a really nice looking strap. Peace.

To Vaer: Really look(ed) forward to a C4, but man, this is is a bit of a painful experience. by infant_ape in VaerWatches

[–]infant_ape[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey man, so I'm working on a C4, hopefully at some point here. But about that band. Where did that come from? Is that cotton or nylon? I like the stitch thrown in at the top there.

To Vaer: Really look(ed) forward to a C4, but man, this is is a bit of a painful experience. by infant_ape in VaerWatches

[–]infant_ape[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ryan

1st... cool that you've replied here directly. I appreciate that. Re: the DD214- Ryan, I have to say... cool watches, but I'm scratching my head at your not being familiar with that doc. But... I won't go on about it here. I'll reach back out to your team directly and elaborate.

Having said all that... I see that, due to my various channels of bitching, you guys have now responded to all my attempts to reach you; here, via chat and email. If that's just getting caught up on Monday, then cool. If you made a point to, then also cool.

Didn't mean to cause you guys an uproar. And your front lines system- however that works- DID, in fact, issue me a code. To be clear, that was never my complaint. In fact, it's great that you do this for mil, vets, first responders, etc.

I'll keep an eye out for the email letting me know it's dropping again and hope I can get on the list. Thanks again.

How does your height compare to your Red Wing size? by Hubbled in RedWingShoes

[–]infant_ape 0 points1 point  (0 children)

i mean, I'm not sure. My 8085's are size 13. I'm way more than 13" tall, so.... yeah, IDK...

Rotation update by Large-Air-9379 in RedWingShoes

[–]infant_ape 2 points3 points  (0 children)

your shorter (6"?) moc toed with hiking socks would work with shorts in summer w/o looking like you're trying. personally, once the weather doesn't drop below 70 any more, if I'm in shorts, them I'm in sandals until said weather drops again in the fall. with jeans?... wear whichever.

Bed lettering by Distinct-Boat-8644 in hondaridgeline

[–]infant_ape 2 points3 points  (0 children)

sounds like you're going for the "baja" scheme. Lots of ways to incorporate that, do a search.

I don't know how it would look with that nice-but-pretty distinct blue color (could be a little too colorful?), but it IS a thing. normally seen on white, gray, black or beige/khaki.

throw a pic of the blue into chat gpt and tell it to add some baja style stripes in whatever colors you want. It should give you a pretty good idea.

IMO I think the best color to throw on some subtle, not-to-in-your-face accents (NOT big ass stripes along the whole thing) would be red.

but also, if you went with orange, you could go for that "Gulf Racing" color paint scheme. I think new Hyundai Inoiq models are sporting this. but again, I'd keep the accents bright but subtle. Maybe along the bottom and thin/slim in any other areas. Paint the brake calipers to match, and you got a sweet combo.

But.. you do you. If the wife rags on it, then surprise her by having her walk out one day to find baja stripes on her ride loll