Black Friday 2011 is almost here, which means it’s time to TREAT YO’ SELF! (or treat yo’ friends & family) For many, Black Friday is also the official transition between fattening up at Thanksgiving and getting into gift-buying-mode for the holiday season. Either way, there’s going to be some great deals coming up this Friday that you should take into consideration. While there are going to be thousands of items on sale, these are the top 5 items that have piqued my interest:
1. 46″ Samsung LED 1080p 240Hz HDTV
This is one hell of a deal. I currently have the older, LCD version of this same TV, and it has been nothing but awesome for years of continual use. Unfortunately, I paid more than twice the price of this deal, and this TV is far superior. 240Hz is great for fast-paced motion, and the LED technology is one of the most up-to-date TV technologies you can buy. If you’re in the market for a new flat screen, this is it. I’m thinking of getting one just because of the price! Available right now for $698 at Sams Club, so you need a membership.
2. Remington 23 Firelined Gun Safe
This one is up for debate. Remington Gun Safes are manufactured by Liberty Safe, which are of very high quality. However, the contention lies within the advertisement itself. Cabelas’ Black Friday ad shows a “Remington 23 Firelined Gun Safe” on sale for $580, but I have not been able to accurately trace which Liberty model this is. Cabelas resident safe expert tells me that it is equivalent to the “Liberty Centurion 23,” but the only Centurion model that exists in a 23 is the Centurion Deluxe 23. If that’s the case (no pun intended), then it would seem it is a Remington Sportsman safe. On the other hand, I can’t find a Remington-branded safe that directly matches the picture and description in the Cabelas ad, as the Sportsman does not have a bolt on the top of the door, and the Sportsman weighs 520 lbs, not 485 lbs.
This safe would require personal inspection before determining how good of a deal it is. If it’s the equivalent of a Centurion Deluxe 23, I recommend purchasing it. If it is some undetermined model, it will be up to you to decide whether it’s worth it.
3. Aimpoint Micro T-1
The Micro T-1 is the epitome of red dot sights. Perfect for smaller carbines and pistols, the Micro T-1 is Aimpoint’s premier red dot sight. Amazing battery life, durability, and reliability, from a company that backs their products up with a 10-year personal use warranty. Sight-in this red dot with your favorite gun, and then forget it. The red dot will remain powered on for 5 years, it is night vision compatible, and you’ll be able to use it in bright daylight because of the 4 MOA. While still expensive, these rarely go on sale and retain their value extremely well after years of use. Get one for $499 on Friday only at Midway USA.
4. Sierra Designs Lightning XT 4
The Sierra Designs Lightning XT 4 is one of their top of the line large tents. Just because you want to save on weight, doesn’t mean you have to compromise on space. The XT 4 is made out of high-quality lightweight materials, allowing it to weigh in at under 7 lbs, while still having 2 large vestibules and 57.5 square feet of interior space. The strong use of no-see-um mesh makes this a perfect tent for the summertime, and with the included rainfly it will keep you warm in the cold without storing moisture. This is my favorite 4 person tent available today, and Campmor is putting it on sale for nearly 50% off. At $250 right now, it’s less than I paid for the XT 4’s heavier cousin, the Zeta 4. If the size is just as important as weight to you, this tent is perfect for you. And at this price, it’s irresistible.
5. Casio Protrek PAW5000-1 ABC Watch
This watch is not only solar-powered, but it has a sensor capable of giving out altimeter, barometric, and compass readings. Perfect for the outdoor enthusiast, but not recommended as a primary means of navigation. The combination of analog hands with a digital LCD screen makes this watch unique and more sophisticated than your average ABC watch. Available on Friday for $299 at Campmor.