Scott Bradford: Off on a Tangent

Products, Services, Retail

Links to retailers, manufacturers, products, and services that I use or have had generally good experiences with, including general retail, cars, eyewear, firearms, music, optics, photography, radio, stock media, technology, watches, and more.

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CarsEyewearFirearmsGeneralInternetMiscMusicOpticsPhotoRadioStock MediaTechWatches

Manufacturers and retailers of automobile parts and accessories.

  • Crutchfield
    Retailer with expertise in audio and electronics, especially for automotive use.
  • Hella
    A “renowned brand known for its high-quality automotive lighting products.”
  • KC Hilites
    Family-owned manufacturer of off-road lights and accessories.
  • PIAA
    Company that utilizes the “latest technology to make night and inclement weather driving as safe as possible.”
  • Rain-X
    Provides “drivers with products to help them outsmart the elements.”
  • Rock Auto
    Retailer founded by automotive engineers to “liberate information hidden behind the auto parts store counter.”
  • Smittybilt
    Off-road and 4×4 accessories for Jeeps, trucks, and other off-road vehicles.
  • Summit Racing
    Auto parts retailer with a large selection of aftermarket and OEM parts and accessories.
  • Tuffy Products
    Automotive lock boxes, safes, consoles, and other security products.

Manufacturers and retailers of eyewear, including glasses, sunglasses, and goggles.

  • Knockaround
    San Diego based maker of low-cost, durable sunglasses.
  • Oakley
    California based maker of sport-oriented eyewear (division of Luxottica).
  • Randolph USA
    Expertly crafted sunglasses made in Randolph, Massachusetts, including the official military aviator glasses.
  • Ray-Ban
    Venerable maker of glasses and sunglasses; founded in the U.S. and now based in Italy (division of Luxottica).
  • Revo (Eyewear)
    Innovative sunglasses featuring the NASA Light Management System.
  • Serengeti
    High-quality sunglasses from a brand that originated as a division of Corning.
  • Wiley X
    U.S.-based manufacturer of durable, military-grade sunglasses and protective eyewear.

Manufacturers and retailers of firearms and gun accessories.

  • Kel-Tec
    An “innovative manufacturer of high-performance firearms.”
  • Magpul
    Manufacturer of firearms accessories including magazines, stocks, and grips.
  • Mossberg
    American manufacturer of firearms, including military-grade pump shotguns.
  • Remington
    Pioneering American manufacturer of firearms including the Model 870 shotgun.
  • Ruger
    One of America’s “leading manufacturers of rugged, reliable firearms.”
  • Smith & Wesson
    Venerable American manufacturer of pistols, revolvers, and rifles.
  • Uncle Mike's
    Maker of firearms accessories including holsters, slings, and more.
  • Winchester
    Popular manufacturer of reliable rifles and shotguns.

Manufacturers and retailers of general goods, apparel, and stuff.

  • 5.11 Tactical
    Company making “purpose-built gear for those who demand more of themselves, for the greater good.”
  • Amazon.com
    The world’s leading online retailer; virtually limitless selection.
  • Cabela's
    Retailer of outdoor sports and recreation equipment, including hunting and fishing gear.
  • Carhartt
    Maker of clothing and accessories “to serve and protect hardworking people.”
  • CVS
    Drug store, pharmacy, and healthcare provider.
  • Walmart
    American retail juggernaut that is “dedicated to helping people save money and live better.”
  • Wolverine
    Maker of quality boots and rugged apparel and accessories.

Internet and related technology service providers.

  • DreamHost
    Independent hosting and Internet service provider based in the United States.
  • Infomaniak
    Independent hosting and Internet service provider based in Switzerland.
  • NordVPN
    Popular and reliable provider of VPN and Internet security services.
  • Proton
    Swiss provider of privacy-oriented email and Internet services.

Manufacturers and retailers of miscellaneous stuff I use or like.

  • Cammenga
    Manufacturer of rugged, reliable, military-grade compasses, including models with tritium illumination.
  • Casio (Calculators)
    Japanese manufacturer of affordable, high-quality scientific and graphing calculators.
  • Covert Instruments
    Manufacturer and seller of innovative lock-picking and security tools.
  • Gerber
    Established, U.S.-based maker of knives, multi-tools, cutting tools, and camp gear.
  • Kershaw
    U.S.-based, Japan-owned manufacturer of innovative, high-quality knives and tools.
  • Protolabs Network
    On-demand 3D printing and CNC prototyping and manufacturing service (formerly 3DHubs & Hubs.com).
  • Streamlight
    Manufacturer of high-quality utility and tactical flashlights, weapons lights, headlamps, and more.
  • Zebra Pen
    Japanese maker of pens and writing instruments, including premium all-metal pens (F-701 is my favorite).

Manufacturers and retailers of musical instruments (both physical and software), recording gear, and related software.

  • Applied Acoustics Systems (AAS)
    Canada-based maker of software instruments utilizing physical modeling techniques.
  • Arturia
    Maker of synthesizers, MIDI controllers, and high-quality piano and keyboard software instruments.
  • Audio Technica
    Japanese manufacturer of microphones, headphones, and audio recording tools.
  • Casio (Instruments)
    Japanese manufacturer of digital pianos and synthesizers; great value for the dollar.
  • Celemony
    German maker of innovative pitch correction, modification, and restoration software tools.
  • Elixir Strings
    American maker of high-quality acoustic and electric guitar strings (division of W. L. Gore & Associates).
  • Fender
    The “world’s leading guitar manufacturer” most well known for the Stratocaster electric guitar.
  • JBL Professional
    American maker of professional speakers, studio monitors, and public address systems.
  • M-Audio
    Maker of digital MIDI controllers and interfaces, microphones, and other audio equipment.
  • Myriad Software
    French maker of music software including Harmony Assistant and Virtual Singer.
  • Novation
    U.K.-based maker of MIDI controllers, synthesizers, and other music creation tools.
  • PG Music
    Canada-based maker of songwriting and production tools including Band-in-a-Box and RealBand.
  • PreSonus
    Maker of the Studio One digital audio workstation (DAW) and digital music interfaces and equipment.
  • Saramonic
    Chinese manufacturer of lavalier, studio, shotgun, and wireless microphones.
  • Sennheiser
    German manufacturer of headphones, microphones, monitor systems, and other audio equipment.
  • Sweetwater
    American retailer of musical instruments and pro-audio equipment; strong emphasis on customer service.
  • XLN Audio
    Swedish maker of high-quality software instruments including Addictive Drums and Addictive Keys.
  • Zoom
    Japanese manufacturer of handheld and field digital audio recorders, microphones, and audio equipment.

Manufacturers and retailers of optical gear including telescopes and sports optics.

  • Astronomics
    Supplier of gear for “amateur astronomers, schools, businesses, and government agencies” since 1979.
  • Bushnell
    American manufacturer of sports optics and outdoor equipment (division of Revelyst).
  • Celestron
    Manufacturer of telescopes, microscopes, sport optics, and related accessories.
  • Nikon Sport Optics
    Japanese manufacturer of binoculars, rangefinders, field scopes, and other optics gear.
  • Optics Planet
    Online retailer specializing in optical products, outdoor equipment, and sporting gear.
  • Svbony
    Chinese manufacturer of telescopes, sport optics, astronomy equipment, and related accessories.

Manufacturers and retailers of photography and videography tools including cameras, lenses, and accessories.

  • Adorama
    The “world’s only full-service destination for photo, video[,] and electronics.”
  • B&H Photo
    Retailer “passionate about . . . photography, film, music and audio” with amazing customer service.
  • Fotodiox
    Maker of “professional and affordable photography and videography accessories” including lens adapters.
  • Godox
    Chinese maker of third-party lighting solutions for photo and video, including flashes, lights, and accessories.
  • GoPro
    Maker of durable, innovative, compact sports and action cameras and related accessories.
  • LK Samyang
    Korean manufacturer of affordable, high-quality third-party lenses for most major lens mount standards.
  • Manfrotto
    Italian manufacturer of camera gear including tripods, carry bags, lights, and other accessories.
  • MIOPS
    Maker of innovative camera products, including the Smart+ multi-purpose trigger system.
  • Revo (Photo)
    Manufacturer of third-party camera remote controls, rigs, poles and grips, and other accessories (division of Gradus Group).
  • Schneider Kreuznach
    German maker of optical equipment including camera filters, industrial lenses, cinema lenses and adapters.
  • Sigma
    Japanese manufacturer of high-quality third-party lenses for most major lens mount standards.
  • SmallRig
    Maker of innovative camera gear including rigs, handles, tripods, cages, and other accessories.
  • Sony Imaging
    Japanese manufacturer of professional mirrorless cameras, lenses, and accessories (E-mount system).
  • Tamron
    Japanese manufacturer of high-quality third-party lenses for most major lens mount standards.
  • Thingyfy
    Maker of unique, high-quality pinhole lenses for creative photos on most major lens mount standards.
  • Tiffen
    American maker of camera lens filters, including neutral density, polarized, creative, protective, and more.
  • Tokina
    Japanese manufacturer of unique third-party lenses for most major lens mount standards.

Manufacturers and retailers of amateur radio, scanning, and other radio gear.

  • Ham Radio Outlet
    American retailer of amateur radios, scanners, receivers, and related equipment and accessories.
  • Nagoya Antenna
    Japanese maker of radio antennas, including aftermarket and OEM amateur radio antennas.
  • Sangean
    Taiwanese electronic manufacturer with expertise in radio receivers and related technologies.
  • Scanner Master
    Retailer of radio scanners, antennas, accessories, software, and scanner programming services.
  • Tram Browning
    Manufacturer of radio antennas for amateur radio, scanning, and public and private radio systems.
  • Uniden
    U.S.-based, Japan-owned maker of radio scanners, CB and marine radios, radar detectors, and related accessories.
  • Yaesu
    Japanese manufacturer of radio equipment for amateur radio, aviation, and marine use.

Libraries and providers of stock media, including stock photos, videos, sounds, and more.

  • Flickr Commons
    Collection of freely licensed photos from over one hundred museums and cultural institutions.
  • Gratisography
    Royalty-free collection of “world’s quirkiest . . . high-resolution free stock images.”
  • Pexels
    Royalty-free image service meant to put “human creativity back at the center of storytelling” (division of Canva).
  • Pixabay
    Provider of royalty free “stock photos, illustrations, vector graphics, videos, music[,] and sound effects.”
  • Public Domain Pictures
    U.K. provider of royalty free, public domain stock photos; offered by Bobek Ltd.
  • Unsplash
    Collection of royalty free “high-resolution photos and illustrations” by an “amazing community.”
  • Vlad.Studio
    Digital art pieces and wallpaper images by Vlad Gerasimov; free and pay options available.
  • Wikimedia Commons
    A “collection of . . . freely usable media files to which anyone can contribute.”

Manufacturers and retailers of computers, technology, and devices I like or use.

  • Anker
    Maker of batteries, chargers, and other accessories for phones and other devices.
  • Apple
    American maker of Macintosh computers, MacOS, the iPhone, the iPad, and other computer technologies.
  • Asus
    Taiwanese manufacturer of computers, computer components, displays, and related technologies.
  • Dell
    American manufacturer of computers, monitors, displays, and related technology products.
  • EcoBee
    Canadian manufacturer of smart thermostats, cameras, and other home electronics.
  • Logitech
    Swiss manufacturer of computer peripherals including keyboards, mice, webcams, and related accessories.
  • Microsoft
    American computer software and hardware provider; known for Windows, Office, and Surface.
  • NetGear
    Manufacturer of wireless networking products including mesh WiFi and mobile hotspots.
  • NewEgg.com
    American online retailer of computers, computer parts, computer peripherals, and other electronics.
  • Saily
    Innovative provider of eSIMs for travelers’ international wireless data service.
  • Samsung
    Korean manufacturer of computers, smartphones, televisions, and other electronic devices.
  • Spigen
    A leading provider of “premier mobile accessories” including phone cases.
  • XForcePC
    Provider of “high-performance custom-built computers” and accessories for flight simulation and general use.

Manufacturers and retailers of wristwatches, timepieces, and related accessories.

  • Bertucci
    Rugged, affordable quartz field watches cased in polycarbonate, steel, aluminum, or titanium.
  • Bulova
    U.S.-based, Japanese-owned maker of quartz and automatic watches (owned by Citizen).
  • Casio (Watches)
    Japanese manufacturer of affordable quartz watches, including the rugged G-Shock line.
  • Citizen
    Manufacturer of reliable automatic and quartz watches, including Eco-Drive (solar) watches.
  • Hamilton
    U.S.-founded Swiss watch company offering high-quality manual, automatic, and quartz watches (owned by Swatch).
  • Jomashop
    Online “gray market” retailer for affordable watches, sunglasses, and other goods and accessories.
  • Long Island Watch
    Family-owned retailer of “novel and interesting watches,” and manufacturer of Islander Watches.
  • Marathon
    Canadian manufacturer of high-quality, rugged, military-grade mechanical, automatic, and quartz watches.
  • Omega
    Swiss watchmaker known for the iconic Speedmaster, Seamaster, and other high-quality timepieces (owned by Swatch).
  • Orient
    Japanese manufacturer of quality, affordable timepieces using in-house mechanical movements.
  • Pebble
    American smartwatch line from Core Devices LLC, founded by Eric Migicovsky.
  • Seiko
    Venerable Japanese watch manufacturer with quartz, solar, automatic, and spring drive offerings.
  • Swatch
    Swiss watchmaker known for affordable timepieces with a lot of personality.
  • Timex
    American manufacturer of reliable, affordable timepieces, including quartz and automatic offerings.
  • Tissot
    Swiss watchmaker that “embodies the perfect balance between heritage and innovation” (owned by Swatch).
  • Vaer
    American watchmaker blending “tasteful design with extreme outdoor functionality;” U.S. assembly of some models.

Scott Bradford is a writer and technologist who has been putting his opinions online since 1995. He believes in three inviolable human rights: life, liberty, and property. He is a Catholic Christian who worships the trinitarian God described in the Nicene Creed. Scott is a husband, nerd, pet lover, and AMC/Jeep enthusiast with a B.S. degree in public administration from George Mason University.