Sporty’s has announced its 2025 Gear of the Year award winners, recognizing the standout aviation products that pilots selected most and liked best this year. Among hundreds of new products introduced in 2025, the winners reflect a combination of customer feedback and evaluations by Sporty’s staff of experienced pilots and instructors.
“These are the products pilots didn’t just buy—they used, talked about, and came back for,” said Sporty’s Vice President, Doug Ranly. “They’re practical upgrades that make flying smoother, simpler, and more reliable.”
2025 Sporty’s Gear of the Year Award Winners:
Most Popular ADS-B Receiver: ForeFlight Sentry
The Sentry ADS-B Receiver continues to set the standard for portable situational awareness, combining WAAS GPS, dual-band ADS-B weather and traffic, built-in AHRS, a carbon monoxide detector, and long battery life in a compact design.
Best Portable Radio: PJ2+ Handheld Radio
The PJ2+ stands out with built-in PJ headset jacks, allowing pilots to plug in directly without adapters. A large display, oversized keypad, and USB-C charging make it a practical cockpit backup.
Best Watch: Garmin D2 Air X15
Garmin’s D2 Air X15 blends everyday smartwatch functionality with aviation-specific tools. Its color touchscreen, integrated notifications, fitness features, and built-in flashlight make it useful both in and out of the cockpit.
Best Backup Battery: Flight Gear Smart Battery Pack MAX (27,600 mAh)
Designed for serious cockpit power needs, this high-capacity battery pack features multiple USB-C and USB-A ports and a color display that shows real-time power status.
Best New Online Course Feature: ChatCFI
ChatCFI brings on-demand instructor-style assistance directly into Sporty’s online courses, allowing pilots to ask questions and receive instant answers without interrupting their training flow.
Best Hidden Gem: Flight Gear Magnetic Charging Cable
With integrated magnets that keep cables neatly coiled, this simple accessory helps pilots stay organized in the cockpit and while traveling.
Best Flashlight: Flight Gear Rechargeable Smart Flashlight
Featuring a built-in battery display, red and white lighting options, a bottom floodlight, and a versatile clip, this flashlight is designed to live permanently in a pilot’s flight bag.
Best Flight Bag: Flight Gear Stealth Bag
The all-black Stealth Bag offers durable construction, hideaway shoulder straps, and efficient storage for headsets, tablets, and laptops—ideal for busy flying days.
Top Aviation Gift Product: Solar Powered Runway Lights (Blue), Set of 6
These solar-powered runway and taxiway lights have become a favorite for pilot offices, hangars, and home displays, offering eye-catching color options and day-or-night appeal.
Best Headset: Lightspeed Zulu 4
The Zulu 4 headset delivers long-flight comfort with FrameFit™ ear seals, dual Bluetooth connectivity, and an AI-enhanced microphone for clearer communications.
For more information about the 2025 Gear of the Year awards, or to purchase one of these items, visit Sportys.com.
