The Rolex house was founded in 1905 in London, although the main brains behind the operation – Hans Wilsdorf – was Swiss-born, bred, and trained. The company moved to Geneva only 14 years after its founding, but Wilsdorf aimed to represent the quintessential Swiss qualities of precision and innovation from the very start.

All the components and pieces on each Rolex watch are still made from scratch at one of their facilities in Switzerland. This includes the diminutive gears of the movement mechanism as well as all the gold, platinum, and steel. They have their own foundry. New advances in nanotechnology have permitted the brand to use computer-based calibrations when designing each new model, or when testing their final product. Most of the assembly, however, is still performed by hand by watchmakers trained in-house.

Despite the vast variety of models offered, there are certain characteristics that we can always expect from a genuine Rolex watch. All Rolex watches now have perpetual movement. They have a self-winding mechanism that uses wrist movement to power the watch. Because of the exacting precision of their hand-assembled mechanisms, the dials on a Rolex watch move smoothly and steadily, without any ticking.

In addition, their steel models all use 904L steel, which is the highest grade of steel used when constructing such small pieces. Most brands use 316L steel, which is softer and easier to handle, but also less exact. Their quality control procedures can only be described as obsessive, and include individual daily testing for at least two weeks across five positions.

All Rolex watches are certified Swiss chronometers, which only 3% of all Swiss luxury watches are. They were also the first to market a waterproof case – the Oyster.

Researching and understanding the brand’s history and achievements is key to appreciating what makes a Rolex special. It will also protect you from accidentally purchasing a convincing forgery.

Many cheap imitations are easily spotted, either because of garish colors, misprints on the box, or blatant imperfections in the casing or logos. However, expert forgers often use genuine Rolex parts to build their fakes, making them harder to spot. These may pass for the real deal at first, but give it a few years, and the eternal movement will prove short-lived, the apparent precision will fade away, and the scam will be obvious.

It is important to consider that Rolex watches are luxury, ageless pieces. Unlike some (not all) high-end cars, which will begin losing its value as soon as it leaves the dealership, the value of a Rolex often keeps or increases over the years. Many pre-owned Rolex watches are family heirlooms, so be wary of any “good prices” justified because the watch is used.

In addition, Rolex watches all have a unique serial number. You can check online if the serial number of the watch you are being offered matches the model and the metal. The way this number is engraved must be nothing less than perfect, so take a magnifying glass with you.

A true Rolex must be completely silent. And if the dial is marked as “Oyster,” it means you are looking at a waterproof model. Dunk it in water for a few seconds and check that nothing leaks inside the watch and that no new sounds are now audible.

Casual or sports Rolex models are often sold as entry-level models. They can cost as little as $5,000, which makes them a favorite among first-time buyers. Many of these, such as the Submariner line, are built to withstand deep sea diving.

Their construction tends to be a bit sturdier and the numbers on the dial are often larger. They are still Swiss luxury watches, but they will not look out of place during a casual evening out or at informal events. You can wear such a watch with a pair of jeans without fear of showing off.

If you are looking for the kind of investment watch that you wear frequently, then these are the ideal companions for you. If you do not need the high-tech resistance offered by the Submariner, try the slim silhouette and modern typography offered by the Explorer line, or bring the colors up a notch with a GMT Master.

The next step on the Rolex ladder falls into the business wear range. These models are halfway between the everyday-friendly and the white tie worthy models. Depending on the dress code required in your industry, this may be the watch you wear every day to work or the special one that you dust off to impress important clients.

These watches tend to skip the sports features and opt for calendars. Polished gold replaces sleek steel, and traditional typography or Roman numerals add an extra layer of class to the overall design. Some of the key models in this range include the Air King, the Daytona line, and the Datejust, which doubles as one of the most instantly recognizable silver Rolex models.

These tend to be sober watches, so combining them with your existing wardrobe should be easier than with sports or casual models. Nevertheless, if you want to maximize their versatility, take a good look at your tie clips, twins, and tie colors – or just buy new ones altogether. A brand-new Rolex is worth it.

High-end luxury models are rarely a watch lover’s first purchase. Not only can they cost over $15,000, but they tend to be made exclusively from precious metals (such as platinum, gold, or eternal rose gold) or gemstones. If you are looking for a family heirloom for your new empire, or want to ensure that your purchase becomes an investment that will increase in value, then these are the watches that you should aim for.

Most luxury Rolex models are produced in very small batches or as part of limited editions. We cannot mention high-end Rolex models without paying special homage to the President model, one of the highest prizes in the world of horology. The model’s official name is actually the Perpetual Day-Date, but they have been seen so often on the wrists of royalty, dignitaries, and American presidents to be inextricably linked with the allure of power, confidence, and elegance.

A President watch can cost over $30,000 easily. Certified pre-owned models can double this price, especially if they have belonged to a power broker or celebrity, or if the watch itself was worn during a famous or historical event. While this may seem an exaggeration, collectors are keenly aware that the Rolex Day-Date is a frequent guest at royal weddings and diplomatic summits. Naturally, these are watches worn on special occasions only.

If you are buying your first Rolex to celebrate your own achievement or that of a loved one (such as a graduation, promotion, or award), used Rolex watches may not be the best idea. In such cases, the watch will probably be linked to someone else’s own success story, so the resulting effect of such a gift may not be as momentous as intended.

That being said, many vintage Rolex watches belong to limited editions and discontinued models, which can, therefore, increase their rarity and their value as an investment. If this is what you are going for, then ensuring you protect your investment is of the utmost importance.

A pre-owned Rolex should never be bought online, especially from an auction site. You want to have the chance to examine it in person and to have a professional watchmaker or valuator accompany you before you write any figures down.

Even an original pre-owned Rolex may have had a part replaced, or it could have been mistreated or poorly repaired in the past. This may not leave any visible signs, but it will undoubtedly affect the watch’s internal mechanisms.

If there is any sort of legend or historical event attached to the watch in question, then it is important to double check all information provided. Many reputable forums online will offer you the opportunity to cross reference the watch’s serial numbers or inquire about the seller’s credentials.

Whether you are celebrating your first major hit, consolidating your empire, or seeking to awe your new acquaintances, purchasing your first Rolex is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You are entering the big leagues, so it is important to treat this purchase with adequate respect. Rather than yielding to impulse, carefully examine the purpose of your new watch, the frequency with which you want to wear it, and your existing wardrobe.

More importantly, enjoy the process. Horology offers a unique combination of finery and engineering, so it deserves to be enjoyed every step of the way.

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• Santos Mountain Bike Path
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Tahoe Rim Trail

McKenzie River Trail

Lost Valley Loop

Having come around during the 19th century, canvas jackets were designed to last even in the harshest of conditions. Intended to protect the wearer from the cold, waxed canvas jackets were constructed specifically for warmth, though they’ve become more of a novelty in the modern age. More-so than many other article of clothing, waxed canvas jackets are timeless and fascinating entries in the long history of fashion.

Ever wonder where your canvas jacket may have originated from? Well, it all started with the deep blue…

Waterproofing History

How did the waxed canvas jacket come about? It all dates back to the early 19th century and started with a keen observation of the flax-based fabric of the clipper and merchant ship seals. On the high seas, the sails would become wet and wind up catching the wind better. The more water they took on, the faster the ship seemed to sail as air could not pass through the saturated fabric. Keeping in mind that the sails needed to be wet to be at their most effective, sailors considered the possibility of waterproofing them while retaining the ability to better catch wind and sail at higher speeds.

To do so, the concept to cure the fabric with Linseed oil came about. Unlike sails saturated with water, those cured with Linseed would remain lightweight, making them just as easy to hoist and release as when the sails were dry. Now, it seems like there’s still a long ways to go until the concept of curing fabric with Linseed oil to waterproof it to go from ship sails to jackets, but sailors were much smarter back then than they get credit for.

Linseed oil calcified fabrics, making them even more difficult to move in than when they were waterlogged. No matter the original color of the fabric, Linseed oil also caused it to yellow overtime, giving garments an unclean and old look. Fisherman were also having issues with flax, the material used to waterproof linen canvas clothing and wound up turning to cotton canvas materials.

The lighter and cheaper cotton remained soft, unlike flax, and was easy to maneuver in regardless of the conditions. Gradually, cotton canvas replaced flax and was constructed in two ply while retaining its softer, malleable qualities. To keep it as such, Linseed oil was set aside for Paraffin wax, which prevented fabric stiffening and yellowing. With that revelation, the waxed canvas jacket was born and has been a popular option well into the modern age. During World War II, the British Armed Forces turned to the waxed canvas jacket, making it the only army to wear waterproof clothing.

Long after the war, waxed canvas has become a staple of fashion, popping up in trends across generations. One crowd that constantly turns to waxed canvas jackets are motorcyclists. It’s a testament to the durability of the jacket to be favoured by people who, at any moment, could find themselves scraping against asphalt.

Should you go the route of a waxed canvas jacket, caring for it can be a little more involved than your typical windbreaker, but the lasting effects are well worth the extra work.

How to Re-Wax Your Canvas Jacket

It may sound like one of those tasks that takes two seconds and you’re done, but re-waxing a canvas jacket is a little bit of a process. First of all, you’re going to need four essential supplies that you should be able to find easily. Then, there’s the actual process, which is a four-step ordeal that requires patience and care.

The Necessary Supplies

Before you even think about waxing your canvas jacket, you’ll need these four items:

     1. Wax

A no-brainer necessity. There are several different brands and kinds of wax you can buy, which we’ll get into a little later on. While the decision is partially based on preference, you may find that people tend to lean toward paraffin wax. If you go with paraffin, you also want to invest in a mask as it’s known to give off pollutants that can be harmful when inhaled.

No matter the type of wax, always re-wax your jacket in a well-ventilated room.

     2. Heat Gun/Hair Dryer

It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, so long as it is a steady and direct heat source.

     3. Bristle Scrub Brush/Lint Roller

            Don’t buy a steel brush or anything with bristles that don’t move against the fabric. If the brush is too stiff, soften it up a bit so it’s softer and easier on your jacket.

Your standard lint roller will work, but avoid one of those fabric shavers.

     4. Clean Cloth

            Just a soft cloth that will be used to wipe off excess wax. Doesn’t need to be anything fancy.

The Re-Waxing Process

With your wax chosen and supplies purchased, you’re ready to get down to business. Follow these steps carefully and to a “T” and your jacket will come out looking brand new.

Cleaning Your Garment

            Before you do anything, make sure your jacket is clean. That means removing any signs of lint and debris to prevent it from getting caught in the wax. Whatever you do, don’t toss your jacket into a washing machine and don’t use any detergents or soaps while scrubbing it.

Applying the Wax

            Once the jacket is free from all debris, it’s time to go old school and apply the wax. The process is slow and requires care. Your jacket is delicate, so the process of applying the wax should be as well. Using the cloth, rub heated wax onto the jacket, making sure to coat the entirety of the exterior. Since wax keeps your jacket waterproof, you want to hit every inch of the canvas, including at the seams and all nooks. Avoid getting wax on the interior of pockets.

Heating Your Jacket

            When you’re satisfied with your wax application, take the heat gun or hair dryer and turn it to its lowest setting. Evenly run the dryer or gun over the jacket, making sure to heat every inch of it. Once the wax appears to be dry, hang the jacket up and let it sit in a dry, warm area for up to 24 hours.

The Test Run

            It’s time to see if all your hard work paid off. As mentioned previously, if you properly re-waxed your jacket, it should repel liquids. Spray water on it to make sure the droplets roll off the canvas and don’t get soaked in. The canvas should also retain a glossy sheen if the wax dried properly.

The Best Waxes for Your Canvas Jacket

Now that you know what you’re doing, let’s take a look at some of the wax products you should be doing it with.

She Smiles At You

Of course, girls can smile at you and not mean anything by it, but if you notice that your crush is smiling at you everytime she sees you, that is definitely a good sign. A girl will smile when they feel comfortable or want to seem approachable. She knows that smiling at you is a sure, but subtle way to get your attention. Maybe a passing smile means nothing at all, but if nine times out of ten she is smiling your way, then she is probably giving you the green light to approach her and strike up a conversation. After all, if she weren’t interested, chances are she wouldn’t even be looking you’re way that often, much less smiling at you all the time.

She Looks For You Immediately Upon Entering A Room

This only works if you share a class, job, or regular event with her, but you should be able to notice if she looks for you when she knows you will be around. If she walks into a room and she knows you’re going to be there, pay close attention. If she likes you, she is probably going to look for you immediately upon entering a room she expects you to be in. Her eyes will flutter around the room until she sees you. She could act one of two ways once she catches your stare. She could smile and act entirely approachable or happy to see you, or she could lookaway and nonchalantly pretend as if she weren’t looking for you to begin with. If she likes you, though, you can bet that she acts a little different when you are around than when you aren’t. This may only be simple changes, like she could be more conscious of her appearance, checking her hair or makeup frequently. Or she could get incredibly nervous when you’re around. Perhaps she speaks out less in class. Either way, if her eyes search for you every time she walks in the room, it’s because she is interested in you and wants to know when you’re around.

Her Body Language Is Approachable

This one is important. In order to be able to read a girl and her feelings for you, you need to learn how to read body language. Women are notorious for wearing their thoughts and feelings on their sleeve, and if a girl doesn’t want you around, she will often do what she can to seem unapproachable. Sometimes this means staying on her cell phone, turning away from you, avoiding eye contact, or other body language signs that seem to shoo you away. However, if a girl likes you, she will do the exact opposite. For instance, if she turns towards you, sits with her arms open, points her body in your direction, tilts her chin upwards, brushes her hair out of her face, or seems relaxed when you come around, those are usually signs that she is comfortable with you approaching her. Of course, this may not be a sure fire sign that she likes you, but it at least indicates that she is interested in a conversation with you, which can definitely get the ball rolling and give you the opportunity to look for other signs that she may be interested in you, too.

She’s Always Preening When You’re Around

Preening is the act of adjusting oneself to appear more attractive. For a girl, this usually means straightening her posture to make her chest more profound, fixing her hair to frame her face, or otherwise positioning her body to get your attention. This is a natural thing across almost every species, and it’s no different in humans. The acts may be intentional or subconscious, meaning she may straighten her posture when you’re around without even noticing. Other actions that fall into this category could be standing up when you’re in the room, turning to the side to show off different assets, or lifting her chin to look confident. Either way, if she’s preening when you come around, it’s because she wants to get your attention.

She Laughs When You Talk To Her

If she laughs when you talk, especially at your cheesy jokes, then she likes you, no doubt. Blame a lot of it on science, but girls are much more likely to laugh at everything you say when they feel relaxed, comfortable, or infatuated by a guy. Of course, we don’t mean she has to laugh at every single conversation the two of you have. There should always be room for more serious, straightforward conversations, too. But she will laugh often, or make jokes pertaining to what you were talking about to find reasons for the two of you to laugh together. You can always try cracking a couple of cheesy jokes. If she is into you, she will laugh at them, no matter how bad they are.

She Glances At You Often

If you notice that she looks your way, even for short periods of time, it’s usually because she is interested. She could be trying to learn more about you, or she could be curious if you ever look in her direction. Typically, if she likes you, she will naturally want to know if you like her too, so she will be looking your way often. These glances are usually pretty short stares, and she may smile or appear to be looking right past you if you catch her. Either way, if she is looking your way more often than not, it’s because she is interested in what you’re doing, and probably interested in how you feel, too.

She Looks Away When You Make Eye Contact

Now, she may look at you often, but when you look back at her she will most likely dart her eyes away from you. This is a simple case of nervousness. She feels shy (because she likes you) and she doesn’t want you to know she was looking at you. If she avoids prolonged eye contact, especially if she was looking at you first, then that is a pretty good sign that she is interested in you. Try making eye contact with her and see how she reacts. Once you catch her eyes, if she doesn’t look away, she will probably smile in your direction.

She Fidgets A Lot

Girls fidget anyways, that is true, but fidgeting could indicate that she is nervous around you, which in turn could indicate that she likes you. Look for little things that she might do when you’re around, especially when you talk to her. She might play with her hair while she talks to you. Or she could fidget with her phone or her keys or her jewelry. Either way, nervous fidgeting is usually a sign of attraction, and it might indicate that she’s waiting for you to make your move.

She Touches You Often

Often, if she likes you, she will find reasons to touch you. This could be simple, like brushing against you as she passes by or reaching out to touch you arm to comment on a scar or tattoo. Or it could be more openly affectionate, like a hug when she first sees you or when she leave. Either way, girls are pretty conscious or their body and the things they touch, so if she touches you frequently, you can assume that it’s probably intentional. If she is deliberately touching you, it means she likes you.

She Adds You On Social Media

Social media is a great way to get to know more about someone, especially if you are too nervous or shy to talk to them in real life. If she adds you online, there is definitely some sort of interest there. She may be trying to look at your relationship status, your interests, or maybe she just wants to see your status updates to learn more about you. Sometimes, a girl may add you on social media because she wants to open up every opportunity for you to talk to her. If she likes your photos, comments on your statuses, or interacts with you otherwise on the internet, she may just be inviting you to interact with her in real life.

She Blushes When You Are Around

Here is another one you can thank science for. When a girl likes you, she is likely to blush around you pretty often. Blushing is a reaction that is subconsciously controlled by your nervous system, and when you feel extreme emotions, like anger, joy, or physical attraction, that nervous system tends to overload and cause the muscles in your face to fill with blood. Therefore, if a woman blushes around you often, she is likely physically attracted to you. Since this is an automatica reaction, and not something she can control, its one of the more doubt free ways to determine that she likes you.

She Seems Jealous When You Talk To Other Girls

Girls are notoriously jealous, and jealousy is a pretty significant sign of attraction. If she seems jealous when you talk to other girls, it’s probably because she likes you quite a bit. She may not outright tell yo she is jealous, but she may ask alot of questions about that girl, like how you know her or how long you’ve known her. She might make jokes about this girl being your crush or girlfriend, which is just an attempt to get you to tell her if you like the girl or not. Of course, there is a point where jealousy may be a red flag, especially if she acts controlling. But a little playful jealousy over you talking to other girls is just her showing you how she truly feels, that is, that she wants you all to herself.

She Talks To Her Friends About You

Of course, if you don’t know her friends, or if her friends are really great at keeping secrets, this tip won’t help you out much. But let’s face it, girls gossip, and if she has said anything about you to her friends, you have probably heard it through the grapevine. If you overhear that she was whispering to her friends about you, then it’s pretty obvious that she is interested. Her friends are less likely to tell you about good things she says than the bad, so if they are trying to keep it a secret then it’s likely that she was totally crushing on you to her friends. Regardless of what was said, though, the fact that she even brings you up to her friends means you are relevant to her in some way, and it may just be because she likes you quite a bit.

She Hints That She Is Single

This is a pretty big deal, actually, and one of the easiest ways to tell that a girl is into you. If she leads on or hints that she is single, it’s because she wants you to ask her out. She has no other reason to divulge to you her relationship status, besides to let you know that she is available and looking to date. She might not come right out and say “Hey, I’m single and want to date you,” but rather suggest the idea. She could mention things about her previous relationship or her exes to imply that she isn’t dating someone now. Either way, if she is hinting to you that she is available, then she probably wants you to ask her out.

She Leaves Her Friends To Talk To You

Girls travel in groups, love to gossip, and usually stick pretty closely to their clique of friends. If she exits a conversation with her friends to speak to you, even just to catch up and say hi, she might just be interested in being more than friends with you. This means that she notices you, or that she finds you interesting enough to leave her friends for the chance at a conversation with you. If she walks away from her friends to talk to you instead, you better believe she likes you, and you better believe she’s going to tell her friends all about it later, too.

She Texts You Back Quickly

Rest assured, she almost always has her phone. If you text her and she rarely replies, then it might be time to let it go, but if she replies instantly and keeps the conversation going, she definitely likes you. You can also judge the content of her text messages. If she is into you, she won’t just let a conversation die out. Instead, she may ask questions about you or tell you about herself. If she likes you, you definitely won’t be getting a lot of “K”s and “Yeah”s to your inbox. If she is sending you texts out of the blue or starting conversations with you, she’s probably ready for you to ask her on a date. Of course, she probably has a life, so don’t assume that just because she doesn’t always reply that she doesn’t like you. Just try again later and see how it goes.

She Puts Her Phone Away When You’re Around

Like we said, girls always have their phone. So if she doesn’t use it much when you’re around, there is probably a reason why. If you notice that she puts her phone away when you talk to her, that she puts off phone calls or text messages until you leave, or she tries to make calls and texts quick, it’s probably because she is more interested in what you have to say than what’s going on in her phone. Sometimes, calls or texts might be urgent and unavoidable, but as long as she isn’t ignoring you to constantly text her friends, then there’s a good sign she is listening to what you have to say.

She Does Any Of These Things More Than Once

This is probably the most important thing on the list. It is incredibly juvenile to assume that because a girl does one of these things once or twice that she is automatically in love with you. In fact, some of these things, like smiling at you, can really just mean that she is being polite and well mannered. What you should look for is whether the behaviors repeat, or whether she exhibits several behaviors from this list frequently. Look for more than one clue before jumping to conclusions that a girl likes you. But if she is smiling in your direction, blushing when you talk to her, and always laughing at your jokes, there’s a good chance she is into you. Of course, the only way to really know is to ask, so work up the courage to ask that girl on a date, and you just might be surprised at how well it goes.

Best Wi-Fi Extenders To Buy

Below you’ll find our list of the best Wi-Fi extenders to buy. Remember that if you own a 802.11n or 802.11ac router, it’s better to buy an extender that’s the same to get the most out of it. While not necessary, it’s also a good idea to try and own a router and extender that are both made by the same manufacturer.

NETGEAR AC1200 Desktop WiFi Range Extender (EX6200)

You’d be hardpressed to find a Wi-Fi extender as good as this one that’s also very affordable. Netgear’s AC12000 offers dual band Wi-Fi up to 12000 MBps and 700mW for incredible range and signal strength. A dual-core processor offers the best Wi-Fi performance while Beamforming technology makes sure your router’s signal remains stable.

Other features include 5 GB ethernet ports to give your wired devices the fastest speeds possible.With an excellent review rating left by more than 7,000 customers, you know you’re getting a high-quality product with this purchase.

Purchase

TP-Link AC1900 Dual Band Wi-Fi Range Extender

Boasting a 1 GHz dual-core processor along with dual band speeds of up to 1900 Mbps, this is the best Wi-Fi extender to own. It was designed with enough power to handle everything from the latest online games to 4K HD streaming. You can even plug in your go-to devices into the 5 GB ethernet ports for the best internet speeds possible.

The AC1900 comes with a Smart Signal Indicator to help you find the best location for it in your home. Did we mention the three external dual band antennas that each deliver 700mW of signal boost? Universal compatibility plus a 2-year warranty with unlimited 24/7 technical support only sweeten this amazing deal.

Purchase

Linksys AC1200 MAX Wi-Fi Gigabit Range Extender / Repeater (RE6500)

This dual band extender allows your 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies to reach up to a 10,000 square feet radius, covering your entire home and eliminating dead spots. Wireless-AC technology means all a/b/g/n routers are compatible and 4 GB ethernet ports let you plug in your favorite internet devices to get the best speeds.

Innovative crossband technology that allows one band to transmit data to the other, reducing the amount of dropped information and thus improving your signal. Support for 128-bit encryption (WEP, WPA, and WPA2) also means your connection will have cutting-edge protection from Wi-Fi thieves.

Purchase

NETGEAR N300 Wi-Fi Range Extender, Essentials Edition (EX2700)

This Amazon bestseller is the perfect choice if you’re strapped for cash but still want a device that can extend your Wi-Fi across your place. It’s ability to extend Wi-Fi up to 300 Mbps makes it perfect for all your mobile devices used to connect online.

The Netgear N300 is compatible with all standard routers and features an ethernet port to connect wired devices. Before you let the cheap price convince you that this router is no good, consider the amazing Amazon rating left by nearly 18,000 customers. It’s not the most powerful router out there but still worth considering if you’re mainly looking to extend your router’s range for smaller devices.

Purchase

NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 Desktop WiFi Range Extender (EX7000-100NAS)

Powerful 5dBi dual band antennas and 700 MW amplifiers deliver up to a whopping 1.9 Gbps of speed. Combine it with a 1GHz processor and you’ve got yourself one of the most advanced wireless extenders on the market today. Despite all the technology this fantastic NETGEAR product won’t leave a huge dent in your wallet.

The Nighthawk also comes with 5 GB ethernet ports along with FastLane Technology that lets you combine both Wi-Fi bands to create an enhanced high-speed connection. Wi-Fi Analytics App support means you can also optimize your network by discovering dead zones, identifying crowded Wi-Fi channels, and more.

Purchase

Buying A New Wi-Fi Router

Maybe you’ve tried some of the tips we provided above but your wireless internet is still subpar. You even went out and purchased one of the Wi-Fi extenders we recommended but you still aren’t seeing the signal strength and range you want. If this is the case then perhaps it’s time to upgrade that router of yours entirely.

When It’s Time For An Upgrade

You’re probably due for a new router if it’s more than five years old. Remember that routers are mechanical and usually on 24/7, which means that over time they lose performance due to heat and constant use. If your router only supports 802.11g or even 802.11n you’re missing out on the speed and range a superior 802.11ac model offers, especially today when we use so many online devices.

Picking up a dual-band router can also make a significant difference if you’re still rocking an old one that only supports one frequency. Dual-band means you have a stronger signal and more bandwidth for all your your consoles, computers, smartphones, and more to share.

If you’re convinced that you need a shiny new router, check out our list of the best ones to pick up this year:

Best Wi-Fi Routers To Buy

Linksys WRT3200ACM Smart Wi-Fi Router

As the first company to sell more than 100 million routers, it’s no surprise that Linksys consistently provides incredible home routers. This one is no exception thanks to its powerful dual-core 1.8 GHz processor and state-of-the-art dual-band technology. A combination of MU-MIMO technology and Tri-Stream 160 guarantees the fastest Wi-Fi speeds possible even when several devices are in use.

The WRT32000ACM offers ports for just about anything you can think of, including USB, network printers, eSATA, and flash drives. Open source firmware also allows more technical users to customize their router with DD-WRT and OpenWrt. All in all, this is arguably one of the best Wi-Fi routers to buy in 2017 if you want performance and reliability.

Purchase

ASUS RT-AC88U Wireless-AC3100 Dual Band Gigabit Router

This incredible Asus router is loaded with enough features to satisfy even the most advanced internet users. You’re getting 8 GB LAN ports that let you connect up to eight devices at the same time. 1024-WAM technology also offers an incredible 21000 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 1000 Mbps on the 2.4GHz.

The router itself runs on an advanced 1.4 GHz dual-core processor, allowing download/upload speeds to reach up to 1.8 Gps. A few of the many other perks include ASUS AiProtection powered by Trend MicroTM, a built-in game accelerator, 4T4R antenna design for unmatched Wi-Fi range, and advanced MU-MIMO compatibility.

Purchase

TP-Link AC1900 Wireless Wi-Fi Router (Archer C9)

If there’s one router on this list that performs so well it should cost double of what it does, it’s this one. The Archer C9 offers excellent internet speeds, incredible range, and even a few handy features you’ll only find on much more expensive routers.

802.11ac support on this dual-band router offers speeds of up to 600 Mbps (2.4GHz) and 1300 Mbps (5 GHz), making it perfect for gaming online and streaming 4K Ultra HD video without delays. It sports 3 detachable antennas, beamforming technology, an advanced 1 GHz dual-core processor, USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports, and even a two-year warranty. If you’re on the hunt for a new router and want the most bang for your buck, TP-Link has got you covered.

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NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 Dual Band Wi-Fi Gigabit Router (R7000)

With NETGEAR’s Nighthawk AC1900 you’re getting an advanced dual-core 1GHz processor capable of delivering speeds of up to 1900 Mbps. The combined force of Beamforming+, high-powered amplifiers, and three external antennas do their part to make sure you can enjoy those high speeds from anywhere in your house.

The Nighthawk AC1900 is also perfect for gamers and online video streamers thanks to QoS support that helps optimize your signal for lag-free Wi-Fi. Other features include access to the OpenVPN Connect App and ReadySHARE Vault so your data is backed up automatically. Worth mentioning is the near perfect Amazon review rating left by more than 13,000 customers.

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Linksys AC5400 Tri Band Wireless Router, Works with Amazon Alexa (Max Stream EA9500)

This is easily one of the best Wi-Fi routers if you want the best signal range and strength possible. The Linksys AC54000 boasts three powerful Wi-Fi bands that work together to deliver speeds of up to 5.3 Gbps. While one band covers older wireless-N and -G devices with its 2.4 GHz (1000 Mbps), the other two deliver blazing-fast Wi-Fi speeds via 5 GHz frequencies.

This excellent router also boats 8 GB ethernet ports, two USB 3.0 ports, eight adjustable external antennas, and an advanced 1.4 GHz dual-core processor. This may be the priciest router on our list but that’s because it offers everything you need to enjoy 4K streaming, online gaming, and any other Wi-Fi task without ever suffering from lag or connection drops.

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250 Best Questions To Ask The Girl You Like

1. What type of guys do you feel attracted to?
2. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 to 10 years?
3. What is your definition of emotional intimacy?
4. What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life?
5. Which type of people you don’t like?
6. Do you believe in true love?
7. What characteristics do you desire in your guy?
8. Have you ever had to make a decision that has greatly impacted your life?
9. Where do you consider good places for couples to be romantic?
10. Would you be okay if I accept that I still have feelings for my Ex?
11. Are there people that don’t like you?
12. What are your hobbies?
13. Tell me your 3 weaknesses.
14. If today was your last day, how would you spend it?
15. What is the most romantic experience you have ever had?
16. Would you be willing to break the law to save your family member?
17. What excites you about (enter the name of the city where you are on the date)?
18. What would you rather be; extremely attractive and poor or extremely rich and less attractive?
19. What would you rather have; win a lottery or have true love?
20. How would you like to spend $10 million?
21. If you boyfriend cheats on you, what would you rather do; cheat on him or slap him?
22. Who was your first crush?
23. If I was an ice cream, how would you eat me?
24. Describe your best holiday experience, especially the features that make it the best for you.
25. What is your idea of true love?
26. Have you had any fears in your childhood?
27. What are your favorite movies from your childhood?
28. Are you close to your family?
29. How many siblings do you have? Do you like them?
30. What makes you smile?
31. If you are given the opportunity to visit any country in the world, which one would you visit?
32. Tell me about the weirdest relationship you have had.
33. Tell me about the most romantic experience you have had.
34. What is your favorite color?
35. Who is your favorite Hollywood actor/actress?
36. What is the best gift you have ever received?
37. What is the most thoughtful gift you have ever given?
38. What are you nicknames?
39. Are you a morning person or a night owl?
40. What combinations of fixing makes your perfect burrito?
41. At what age did you start enjoying coffee?
42. What are two of your bucket list items?
43. While growing up, were you closer to your dad or your mom?
44. Do you like adventures?
45. Do you get bored easy?
46. In daily life, do you prefer routine or spontaneity?
47. Do you believe in love at first sight?
48. Can you describe your first kiss?
49. What is the habit you are most proud of breaking?
50. If you are made the ruler of the world, what would you change?
51. Tell me 3 physical features you are complemented a lot on.
52. What is the funniest moment of your life?
53. Do you have any favorite quotes from successful people?
54. Which genre of books do you like the most?
55. Do you have any favorite writers?
56. Which TV series do you like watching?
57. Are there any causes you strongly believe in?
58. Name any 5 things you hate and tell me why.
59. What is the worst injury you have ever had?
60. What is your favorite activity for the New Year’s Eve?
61. What questions would you like me to answer?
62. To you, what do a perfect life consists of?
63. Is there an age where you think being a virgin would be awkward?
64. What is your biggest goal in life?
65. Do you think you can have emotional intimacy without physical intimacy?
66. Do you have feelings for your Ex?
67. Have you ever kept a New Year’s resolution?
68. Do you have any favorite catchphrases?
69. Where is your happy space?
70. What is in your fridge right now?
71. Have you ever been out of the country?
72. Describe your ideal vacation.
73. How long did you most intimate relationship last?
74. Do you regret any of those intimate experiences with that person?
75. What are your point of view of the world? Liberal/conservative, atheist/spiritual
76. What are your thoughts about having relationship with the same gender?
77. Do you follow your mind or heart?
78. Do you have any opinion on politics?
79. Do you like playing any sports?
80. Do you like watching any sports?
81. Do you think past matters in a relationship?
82. Have you ever had a one night stand?
83. Do you believe in love at first sight?
84. Do you believe in soul mates?
85. Do you like pets?
86. Do you have any pets?
87. What is the weirdest thing about you to most people?
88. What do you like the most about yourself?
89. Do you like to dance?
90. Which is your favorite song?
91. Who is your favorite fictional character and why?
92. If you could meet a famous dead person, who would you meet?
93. How do you think your friends would describe you in three words?
94. If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
95. What is the best advice you have ever received?
96. Are you sexually open minded?
97. Have you ever experimented with drugs?
98. Have you ever kissed a girl?
99. What is your biggest goal in life?
100. What impact do you want to leave on the world?
101. What is your star sign?
102. Where would you most like to travel to?
103. What’s your favorite childhood memory?
104. What’s your favorite food?
105. What’s your favorite season?
106. Do you have any brother or sisters?
107. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
108. If you had to go to into space for six months, which three items would you take with you?
109. Which celebrity is your style inspiration?
110. What’s your idea of an ultimate romantic evening?
111. If you could spend a day as any celebrity, which one would it be?
112. Who’s your favorite fashion designer?
113. If someone were going to cook a meal for you, what would you like him or her to cook?
114. What was the last thing you binge watched on Netflix?
115. If you could see any band live right now, who would it be?
116. What’s your favorite season?
117. What’s your least favorite food?
118. Are there any books you want to read?
119. What’s your favorite book of all time?
120. Could Rose have moved over on the board in Titanic to let Jack on?
121. If you could live in any other time period, which one would it be?
122. What’s your favorite sport?
123. What’s your least favorite sport?
124. If there was only one day left on Earth, how would you spend it?
125. When you have a day off work, how do you spend it?
126. If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be?
127. Which female celebrity is your biggest role model?
128. What really annoys you?
129. What makes you dislike a person?
130. When you first meet a person, what do you tend to notice about them?
131. What are the top three items on your bucket list?
132. If you won the lottery tonight, how would you use the money?
133. Do you drink alcohol?
134. If you do drink alcohol, what’s your favorite cocktail?
135. Are you a morning person or a night owl?
136. What’s the one meal you want to cook?
137. Can you bake at all?
138. What inspired you to choose your job?
139. If you could create the perfect pizza, which toppings would you add to it?
140. What’s the best gift anybody’s ever given to you? Why?
141. Is there a topic you feel really passionate about it?
142. What is your proudest achievement?
143. Do you have a bad or funny dating story you want to share?
144. Is there an experience you’ve always wanted to try?
145. What would make you never want to see a date again?
146. If you could choose between Christmas and Easter, which holiday would you choose?
147. If you could buy one item of designer clothing, what would it be?
148. What’s the one New Year’s resolution you plan to stick to this year?
149. If you could do any job, what would it be?
150. Which job would you never, ever do?
151. Are you a spontaneous person or do you like staying organized?
152. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
153. Which three words would your family use to describe you?
154. Are you into salty or sweet food?
155. What’s the best piece of advice your grandma ever gave to you?
156. If you could go back five years, what would you tell your past self about the future?
157. Is there a family tradition you enjoyed as a kid?
158. If you could go on a road trip tomorrow, which three places would you have to visit?
159. What’s the worst job you’ve ever had and why?
160. When you were younger, what did you think you’d do when you’d grow up?
161. Do you have a secret talent?
162. What’s a talent you’d like to try and adopt?
163. If you could choose an actress to play you in a movie, who would it be?
164. Do you think you look like anybody famous?
165. Are you more like your mom or your dad?
166. What characteristics do you look for when you’re choosing a friend?
167. What are the three qualities you look for most when you’re choosing a partner?
168. If you were stranded on an island, which person would you want to take with you?
169. Are you more of a city girl or a country bumpkin?
170. Do you think you could cope without your cell for a week?
171. If you had to live with just three apps on your phone, which ones would they be?
172. What’s your idea of a perfect day?
173. If you went to college, what was your major?
174. Is there anything you regret career or education wise?
175. Did you enjoy high school?
176. What job do you have?
177. Would you rather watch a movie or watch a TV series?
178. Do you have any cool trips coming up with your friends or family?
179. What’s your favorite book?
180. What’s the most embarrassing nickname you’ve ever had?
181. How many family homes have you had?
182. What drives you most in your career?
183. Do you think you’ll stay in the job you’re currently in?
184. Which U.S. city could you never move to?
185. If you had to choose one city to move to tomorrow, what would it be?
186. Would you rather live alone or have a roomie?
187. What’s the one thing someone could do to stop you pursuing a relationship with them?
188. Have you ever managed to stick to a New Year’s resolution?
189. What’s your morning routine like?
190. How do you like to stay fit?
191. When you’re feeling sad, where do you go to make yourself feel happier?
192. If something’s made you mad, what do you do to calm down?
193. Are you afraid of flying?
194. Would you be more impressed by a grand gesture or a small one?
195. Which country would you least like to visit?
196. Which subject were you really good at at school?
197. What was your worst subject at school?
198. Was there a teacher who inspired you the most at school?
199. What was your favorite toy growing up?
200. If you could return to one period of your life, which one would it be?
201. What do you feel is the luckiest thing that’s happened to you?
202. If you had a superpower what would it be?
203. How would you use your favorite superpower?
204. Is there a movie or book that’s really moved you?
205. What do you think is the most irritating song?
206. Which celebrity irritates you the most?
207. If you could say one thing to Kanye West, what would it be?
208. What do you feel is your greatest strength?
209. Are you the type of girl who cries at a sad movie?
210. What is your favorite vegetable?
211. If you could dress in the style of one decade, what would it be?
212. Do you like to dance?
213. Are there any mistakes you’d never want to be again?
214. Would you rather be twice as rich or twice as happy?
215. Would you rather be twice as smart or twice as attractive?
216. Tell me about a time you felt really nervous?
217. Is there anything weird that really annoys you and you can’t explain why?
218. Which friend do you think knows you the best?
219. Do you know all the dance movies to any cheezy songs?
220. What do you think is the best TV show of all time?
221. Would you rather ask permission to do something or apologize for doing it?
222. Would you rather have unlimited love or money?
223. Which song have you listened to the most?
224. Which celebrity would you like to trade lives with?
225. What embarrassing story do your friends still tease you about?
226. Do you prefer going to parties or spending time with a couple of people?
227. Do you like surprise parties?
228. What’s the worst age you’ve been so far?
229. If you could be any cartoon character, which one would you be?
230. What scares you the most?
231. If you could choose three people to have dinner with, dead or alive, who would it be?
232. Do you like watching the news?
233. Are you a fan of politics?
234. Who did you vote for in the last election?
235. If you were a guy for a day, what would you do?
236. Do you think it’s easier being a guy or a girl?
237. What’s the nicest compliment you’ve ever received?
238. What’s the weirdest thing anybody’s ever said to you?
239. Who’s the strangest person you know?
240. Who’s the quirkiest person in your family?
241. If you could marry a fictional character, who would you choose?
242. Do you listen to your head or your heart?
243. Do you always take your parents’ advice?
244. Have you ever done anything illegal?
245. What do you want to be doing in five years’ time?
246. Do you still talk to the person you had your first kiss with?
247. Do you cry at weddings?
248. Who’s your celebrity crush?
249. Would you choose to have the power to read someone’s mind?
250. Did you ever cheat on an essay or a test?