First-class is freaking awesome. So finding fault with it might sound insane. But hear me out.

First-class has a big problem. As far back as 2019, we were talking about how airlines were phasing out first class as high rollers opted for private jets.

That trend has continued (and high rollers now have more options than ever to choose between, from the Mexican president’s private plane to Qatar Airways’ ‘secret’ fleet of private jets).

Not only that, though, but now ‘middle rollers’ – the people rich enough to afford to fly at the pointy end of a plane regularly, but not wealthy enough to charter or own a private jet – have increasingly less reason to book first-class over business class.

Why? Business-class keeps getting better. Business-class is also, on many airlines, becoming more prolific, and so easier to book (despite the fact there are some outlier companies, which are doubling down on premium economy instead). Either way: first class is finding itself less and less prioritised.

Just look at Etihad’s new flagship jet, its ‘Sustainability50’ Airbus A350. The ‘Sustainability50’ A350 has zero first-class suites. Instead, Etihad has sacrificed the pointy end space that could have gone towards building a symbolic monument to luxury like The Residence (which is on its A380s) and dedicated it all to Business Studios.

These Business Studios offer as much comfort as you could need for a long haul flight. No: there’s no shower like in Emirates’ A380 first class, for instance, but in terms of how much extra you pay to be able to say you’ve stood under a drizzle at 40,000ft (or to have a few metres of extra space around your bed, like in Etihad’s The Residence), we’d say, for most pointy end passengers these days (except the super-rich ones, for whom money is literally no object), it’s well and truly worth booking business and using that money you saved (by not booking first class) to pay for something nice when you’re back on the ground.

Why is this? Because, in a sense, we’ve been sold a lie. How so? Many of the first-class features that people fork out thousands of dollars extra for up in the air, would not be considered so luxurious on the ground. Think about it; you’re paying, in the case of The Residence, $27,000 for a small bedroom, a living room, and an ensuite with a shower. For less than a day.

None of that would be considered luxurious back on the ground. In fact, you can get all that from most airport motels. The main differentiator between first class up in the air and the average hotel down on the ground is the amazing hospitality from the staff (and the brands of the aforementioned sofa, bed; shower).

Even first-class’ famed hospitality has issues. As an 1843 article points out, overindulging in the food and alcohol in first class can make you feel sick (and unprepared for your meetings on landing), and the incessant attention of first-class staff (if you accidentally leave your ‘immediate service required’ button switched on) can be annoying.

Finally: the slow death of massive passenger aircraft like the A380 could well quicken first class’ demise. Though some airlines, like Emirates, are still using A380s, broadly speaking, they are on the decline (Airbus stopped making them in 2021).

RELATED: 15 Hours In The Worst Seat In Emirates’ A380 Business Class

The aviation industry’s shift towards smaller passenger jets means there will be fewer and fewer fat headed aircraft like the A380. It’s in this bulbous space that first-class features like Emirates’ showers and Etihad’s apartment suites were able to be easily fit.

Read Next

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• The Biggest Myth People Still Believe About Business Class

The post First Class Passengers Have Been Sold A Big Flat Lie appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Men are spoiled for choice with regards to what to do with their facial hair. At least, those that can grow facial hair in the first place (sorry to anyone unable to sprout anything convincing). Some men choose to let their beard grow out and simply give it a bit of routine maintenance, while others will invest solely in a beard trimmer to keep their beard at a regular length, and then there’s those men who will get rid of any facial hairs as soon as they appear using a safety razor or a disposable razor.The ubiquitous safety razor hasn’t always been commonplace in the bathrooms of men worldwide, as straight razors were, for a long time, the shaving tool of choice. It wasn’t until King Camp Gillette came along in the late 1870s with an evolution of the readily available safety razor design, using a stamped blade made from carbon steel.While the initial purchase of a blade and handle incurred a loss for Gillette, they made their money back with the replacement blades they sold, and that ultimately led to Gillette being consigned to history books forever, and to it becoming one of the most recognised names in shaving today.

What to look for in a men’s razor

There are various versions of razors available today, with safety and cartridge being the two most popular – for guys who want a seriously close shave, straight razors are available – and within these categories, you can find options from the incredibly affordable to the slightly more questionable expensive.However, more expensive razors will likely be made from high-end materials such as ivory, ebony, and porcelain (usually of the fake variety). It’s certainly true that a slick shaving set looks superb perched next to the bathroom sink, as opposed to a basic plastic cartridge razor being thrown into the cupboard.To make the best use of a razor, you will need to invest in good shaving cream or gel to provide ample lubrication and to prevent cutting your delicate face. You don’t want to walk around with unsightly scabs all day! While you can simply buy a basic shaving cream that you rub onto your face, more expensive versions will be made from ingredients that are kinder to the skin, and can be applied using a shaving brush to help prepare the hairs for shaving.

Razors For Men FAQs

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We’ve scoured the web for the very best razors for men available to buy right now, catering to all budgets. Rest assured, they will all rid your face of unwanted hairs, revealing the rugged jawline beneath.

The post 17 Best Razors For Men appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

We’ve rounded up the best mini golf in Sydney for some pint-sized club-swinging.

Putt putt golf – or mini golf – is a miniaturised version of golf that scales down 9- or 18-hole courses to something much smaller, placing holes just yards from the tee.

You won’t be playing on real grass either, but rather artificial surfaces, and you’re also less likely to find water or sand hazards. Putt putt golf does, however, introduce other obstacles designed to make gameplay fun, if somewhat challenging. These can include tunnels, ramps, windmills, and even the simple wall that you’re required to navigate.

Sydney knows this, and along with being home to a number of full-sized golf courses you really need to play, also hosts a number of mini golf courses. These putt putt courses in Sydney are both fun and challenging at the same time, and many offer their own unique course structures and we’ve rounded up the very best courses for putt putt in Sydney and surrounding suburbs that you really need to try.

1. Pittwater Golf Centre

1500 Pittwater Road, Warriewood, 2102

Pittwater Golf Centre may be home to a top-notch driving range, but it’s also home to 36 holes of mini golf craziness. Two 18-hole putt putt courses await you and your mates, both of which are pirate-themed (it’s for the kids) and you have the option of playing one or both courses. For a bit of help, Pittwater has videos on its website that show you their mini golf courses, so you can one-up your mates by seeing how the courses will play out.

Pittwater Golf Centre can cater for corporate events too, and it even operates a BYO drinks policy so you can get more and more ‘confident’ as you progress through the holes.

2. Holey Moley Golf Club

82-94 Darlinghurst Road, Potts Point, 2011

Holey Moley is perhaps one of the better-known mini golf experiences in Sydney (and Australia), with locations dotted around the city. Each venue offers a varying number of holes, owing to space, but all offer a fully-stocked bar, kitchen and cleverly themed holes that will keep you amused for hours.

The Darlinghurst venue has 27 holes on offer, set over three putt putt courses. You won’t find classic mini golf obstacles such as windmills and castles here, but instead, themed holes based on pop-culture shows such as The Simpsons and Game of Thrones. They make for great conversation starters and photo opportunities, so are the perfect place to take that special someone.

3. Putt Planet

1/205-213 Port Hacking Road, Miranda,

Head out of Sydney CBD and down to the Sutherland Shire for a visit to Putt Planet. This completely indoor mini golf venue transports you back to Old Mombasa in Kenya for a uniquely-themed putt putt experience, with each hole requiring you to navigate laneways, passing houses and shops as you go.

Customer service is second-to-none and an on-site cafe with licensed bar will happily refuel you after an intense mini golf session.

4. Thornleigh Golf Centre

Brickpit Park, 142-178 Pennant Hills Road, Thornleigh, 2120

Thornleigh Golf Centre, like Pittwater, has two 18-hole mini golf courses named ‘Palms’ and ‘Billabong’. Each offers a similar experience, passing rivers, going across bridges and even coming up against waterfalls, so those water hazards we said you’d be able to avoid, may well be a factor at this minigolf centre.

If you’re keen to hit balls with some power, but don’t fancy the idea of having your mini golf ball flying off and hitting someone, you can always try your hand at the centre’s driving range instead.

5. Mega Mini Golf

1/8 Rose Street, Campbelltown, 2560

Campbelltown’s Mega Mini Golf is an 18-hole course that transports you through three completely different themed areas, including Under The Sea; Pharaoh’s Tomb and the Wild West. The various themed areas will put a range of abilities to the test, making it a perfect course for the competitive type, and better still, the entire putt putt course is indoors, ideal for when the weather turns sour.

You’re able to hire out the venue for private functions too if you have 50 or more friends or colleagues, which gives you two whole hours of unlimited golfing fun.

6. Dural Putt Putt

Corner of Cranstons & Old Northern Roads, Middle Dural, 2158

A good 45-minute drive Northwest out of Sydney CBD will bring you to Dural Putt Putt. It will be well worth it, however, as it’s rated as one of the very best minigolf centres in the entire Sydney region. Hosting two 18-hole minigolf courses, Dural’s courses wind their way through landscaped gardens, surrounded by trees, bushes and hedges. It’s an outdoor venue for sure, so you’ll want to make sure you take sun lotion during the summer months.

As with the other courses on this list, Dural Putt Putt will happily cater for corporate functions and private events, including weddings, should you and your partner wish to smash a few balls after tieing the knot.

7. Unreal Minigolf

Unit 10/69 York Road, South Penrith, 2750

Way out West in Penrith is where you’ll find Unreal Minigolf, which promises to offer an unreal golfing experience. You’re presented with just the one mini golf course (which is indoors) but each hole is individually themed, taking you from the jungle to a scientist’s lab, to Ancient Egypt.

It’s certainly a modern-day mini golf course too, with paper scorecards a thing of the past. Instead, you can download the Unreal app to keep a log of scores on your phone, which you can save so that you can aim to beat it on your next visit.

8. City Golf Gordon

817 Pacific Hwy, Gordon, 2072

With 18 mini golf holes set up to a European design, both adults and children alike are able to tackle each and every one of them in a number of different ways. Floodlights mean you can continue playing when the sun goes down and, naturally, you’re able to hire out the course for functions, parties and the like.

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The post 8 Best Mini-Golf Courses Sydney 2022 appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Your golf bag is the perfect companion for every visit to the green and finding one that is lightweight and comfortable is essential for every golfer. The best lightweight golf bags work for you and have the job of keeping your clubs organised, your possessions safe, as well as making the trek between holes one that won’t tire you out.

Golf brands such as Callaway and TaylorMade have used technologies to make some of the best lightweight golf bags with straps that feel weightless while carrying them, and other brands like MacKenzie and Link Soul have used premium materials for that classic look, but not without the function of a modern golf bag.

Features to look for in a lightweight golf bag

The best lightweight golf bags need to, at their very core, be lightweight. This is achieved through the use of innovative materials that help save weight wherever possible. After this, you want to look out for extra features such as pockets for personal items or other essential golf accessories such as your golf glove or even a golf towel.

Choosing the right lightweight golf bag for you

There are many types of golf bags but some are heavier than others and come with unique features such as the cart bag. However, if you’re looking to lighten the load, you can’t look past the carry and stand options of a lightweight golf bag.

Some more helpful DMARGE stories about golf

• Best Golf Clothing Apparel Brands
• Best Golf Gifts For Men
• Best Online Golf Stores
• Best Golf Shoes For Men

The post Best Lightweight Golf Bags 2022 appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

The famous (and fictional) British Secret Service agent, James Bond first appeared in 1953 in the novel Casino Royale by Ian Fleming and has since gone on to appear in twelve novels and two short stories by Fleming as well as numerous television, radio, comic strip, video game and film adaptations.

Most would be familiar with the film adaptations of James Bond, which kicked off in 1962 with Dr No and starred Sean Connery as the 007 spy. Flash forward to today and there have been a total of twenty-seven Bond films, which naturally begs the question: what is the best James Bond film?

Of course, everyone will have a different opinion but here at DMARGE, we think Casino Royale, the 2006 film that introduced Daniel Craig to the series, is the best Bond film. From getting a supervillain to scratch his jock itch to coming up with witty remarks such as “that last round, nearly killed me,” Daniel Craig as James Bond in Casino Royale is really unbeatable. The ultimate 007 movie, if you will.

Well, Casino Royale completely rebooted the James Bond franchise and not only did it provide us with the first blonde Bond – something that was controversial in 2005 when Craig was first announced as the new 007 – it provided us with a Bond who was refreshingly realistic, hands-on and, at times, vulnerable.

It also had a witty x-factor some of the later Daniel Craig Bond films lacked, including the latest instalment (and Daniel Craig’s last) No Time To Die.

As one Reddit user puts it (speaking about the “Oh I’m sorry, that last hand nearly killed me” line): “It was this kind of playful energy that is missing from Sam Mendes’ films, especially Spectre.”

Plus, Craig’s Bond in Casino Royale had the strongest romantic plot of all the films. While Casino Royale’s ‘Bond girl’, Vesper Lynd, played by Eva Green, did have a typical ‘damsel in distress’ role, she was a complex and deep character. In fact, we’d argue Bond and Vesper’s romance was the strongest Bond relationship ever portrayed on-screen in the entire Bond franchise (and also explained a lot of his later actions in follow up films).

Casino Royale also had a powerful, strong and simple (and we mean that as a compliment here) plot. It wasn’t contrived, didn’t have cartoonishly strong henchmen, and didn’t rely too heavily on action scenes to carry the film. It was also a stimulating departure from Pierce Brosnan’s previous gadget-heavy Bond films. And everyone – especially Craig and Mads Mikkelsen – gave almost flawless performances.

The film also gave us some truly iconic moments. For instance, the scene where Bond emerges from the water wearing nothing but light blue ‘brief’ style swimmers – a viral moment if there ever was one. Or when Bond is getting tortured by Mikkelsen’s Le Chiffre, he quips, “Now the whole world will know that you died scratching my balls,” – a classic one-liner.

Of course, as we mentioned earlier not everyone will agree with our Bond assessment. Dr Bruce Issacs, an Associate Professor of Film Studies and Director of the Film Studies Program at the University of Sydney does admit Casino Royale is a fantastic film.

“Casino Royale has wonderful sequences and just a stunning performance from Craig in his very first attempt at Bond, [it] still bewilders me how he just fit the role so perfectly the moment he appeared in that prologue.”

But ultimately, Dr Isaacs deems that Skyfall should probably be considered the best Bond film.

“I would say that Skyfall is the best Bond film of the Craig era, and maybe the greatest Bond film of all time. In my opinion, for its experimentation with story and action, it’s the Bond film that truly elevated the franchise to film art, and sadly, they never got near it again!”

We confess that both Casino Royale and Skyfall are phenomenal Bond films, so excuse us while we fix ourselves martinis – shaken, not stirred, of course – and rewatch both Bond films immediately…

• Who Will Be The Next James Bond Actor?
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The post Why Casino Royale Is Still The Best Bond Film Ever appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

The art of Japanese whisky is complex but simple in its delivery. Consistently challenging the long-reigning Scottish kings of single malt with whiskies of immense nuance and meticulous precision.

At a time where Japanese-aged whisky is all but dried up thanks to international demand, we’ve decided to take a look at the other end of the spectrum of relatively available whisky (for now) as opposed to the stuff you’ll never be able to find.

But before we get into the current list of the best Japanese whisky you need to try, a quick history lesson is in order.

Suntory & Nikka: A Tale Of Two Whisky Houses

For a nation of such committed whisky makers and drinkers – Japan is the world’s third-largest producer behind Scotland and the US – only around ten distilleries currently operate in the country. The industry itself is less than a century old and owes its existence to two men: Masataka Taketsuru and his original employer, Shinjiro Torii.

Torii, who started Suntory and founded Japan’s first distillery in 1923 in Yamazaki, is best described as the man who sought to give whisky its own identity.

Suntory’s staple and most well-known whisky, the Hibiki 12-Year-Old, is an exquisitely smooth blend of a number of Suntory’s malts and a grain whisky to meld everything together. A perfectly balanced whisky built for the Japanese palate (and a favourite cocktail base of bartenders).

The Rise Of Nikka Whisky

Torii’s apprentice Masataka Taketsuru, who would found the other giant of Japanese distilling Nikka, sought to embody in his whiskies the austerity and traditions of Scotland, a land which gave him both his education (he was the first Japanese person to study whisky scientifically) and his wife.

On their return to Japan, the newly married Mr and Mrs Taketsuru established a still on Hokkaido island, in Japan’s far-north, seeking to replicate the conditions and traditions of the finest Scotch.

Nikka’s Yoichi 15-year-old single malt is an embodiment of this vision. An austere and rigorous drop, with a flinty peat characteristic that arrives seemingly from nowhere and evolves into a long, salty, spicy finish. Such is the pursuit of purity in its production, the Yoichi stills are still coal-fired; a technique barely practised in even the oldest of the Scottish stills.

Taketsuru also found the pure air and high humidity of the Scottish highlands on the eastern coast on the main island of Honshu, where he established his Miyagikyo still. The Miyagikyo 12-Year-Old Single Malt uses steam to heat the stills instead of coal and is finished in Bourbon barrels, giving it a lighter, more floral nose, with dried fruits and a nutty Sherry finish. Hard to find but worth seeking out.

Why Is Japanese Whisky Expensive?

We asked Jason Ang of Sydney’s Tokyo Bird to explain the basic economics of whisky.

“The better the whisky the more expensive it is because it’s simply harder to find,” he says.

“It’s purely supply and demand. So the way I would justify it [price] is to look at the whole package. If you’re going out for whisky, ask if you’re getting the service that the whisky deserves. Is the environment and atmosphere there to enjoy the whisky as it’s supposed to be?”

He also says to pay attention to bottle designs. “There’s some other expressions of whiskies that have elaborate bottles – some are good, but there are elaborate bottles that are also bad.”

What Whisky Experts Say

These days countless Japanese whiskies have reached collector’s status, fetching well over $300,000 for a single bottle in some extreme cases. We’re all for coveted expressions but we’re also glad to know that not every whisky lover out there has a quarter of a million to drop on liquid gold. That’s why we went straight to the experts in whisky to find out what the best ones are to buy and try right now.

The general perception amongst whisky pundits is that there aren’t as many reasonably priced whisky these days due to their current state of hype and low supplies. Those looking for coveted age statement Japanese whiskies will either be disappointed with its astronomical price tag or general availability.

Japanese Whisky FAQ

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The post 10 Best Japanese Whiskies 2022 appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

A boxing glove does two things at the same time, protect your hands while punching. The best boxing gloves are designed to do those things for the whole twelve rounds and withstand the power, speed, and impact that is common in boxing.

Whether you are an amateur getting ready for your next bout or an enthusiast that loves incorporating the high-intensity workouts that boxing can deliver, this guide will help you find boxing gloves for you.

What size and weight gloves should you use?

The common measurement that all boxing gloves use to measure their physical weight is ounces. This is a way to measure the padding and protection for the boxing gloves, and finding the right fit relies on your individual style and what workout you are looking for.

A fighter will use a 10oz glove in professional bouts as they are the standard for all competition. For the average guy, a 14oz glove provides optimal padding for an all-round workout with training on the bag and mitts or a round of light sparring. If you are looking to get into heavy bag work or hard sparring, then a 16oz is the ideal size.

Different types of boxing gloves to look out for

The two main types of gloves you will come across are training and professional gloves. They are different in construction and purpose, but all serve the function of protecting your hands.

Training gloves are more padded and have velcro fastening for accessibility. They are generally only used during bag work but can also be used during sparring sessions. If you are more of an enthusiast and enjoy employing boxing in your workouts, then these are the gloves for you.

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If you need to find the best boxing gloves for your next workout, you’re guaranteed to find them on our curated list below.

The post 17 Best Boxing Gloves In 2022 appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

The turtleneck has quite a cool backstory; it was first conceived in the Middle Ages as a solution to chainmail chafing experienced by knights. Today though, turtlenecks are a fashionable yet comfortable way to keep warm in the cooler months.

Men’s Turtleneck FAQs

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If you’re looking to add a versatile turtleneck to your wardrobe, these are the brands making the absolute best men’s turtlenecks. All are extremely well-made with premium fabrics, no matter what style or colour of men’s turtleneck you’re looking for, you’ll find it on our list below.

The post 16 Best Turtlenecks For Men appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Buying a luxury watch isn’t always as simple as just buying a luxury watch. You need to do your research into the various brands to find one that speaks to you on a personal level. When you’re parting with the amount of cash required for a luxury timepiece, you’re going to want to make sure your investment is one you’re not going to regret down the line. So, while we would always recommend you at least try a watch on in a store before you buy, we are now presented with a solid selection of online watch stores that make it simple to score your ‘holy grail’ watch.

These watch stores give you access to some of the most prestigious brands around, including the likes of Rolex, IWC Schaffhausen, Breitling and A.Lange & Söhne to name a few, they also come with an incredibly high level of aftercare service. After all, your new watch is going to need maintenance to keep it at its ticking best, and these online purveyors of all things luxury time-teller know that all too well.

Online Watch Stores FAQs

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The post 16 Best Online Watch Shops appeared first on DMARGE Australia.