Heads up! The massive Sports Tech Deals list is here! Including huge discounts on Apple, DJI, Fitbit, Garmin, Google, GoPro, Peloton, Samsung, Tacx, Wahoo, and tons more! From the Garmin Epix at $449 (insane!) and Forerunner 965 deals, to the slightly newer Garmin Epix Pro & Fenix 7 Pro at $200 off, to the Apple Watch Ultra 2 deal, and the Tacx NEO 2T for $899. There’s huge savings, and constantly updated!
I’m DC RAINMAKER…
I swim, bike and run. Then, I come here and write about my adventures. It’s as simple as that. Most of the time. If you’re new around these parts, here’s the long version of my story.
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Here’s my most recent GPS watch guide here, and cycling GPS computers here. Plus there are smart trainers here, all in these guides cover almost every category of sports gadgets out there. Looking for the equipment I use day-to-day? I also just put together my complete ‘Gear I Use’ equipment list, from swim to bike to run and everything in between (plus a few extra things). And to compliment that, here’s The Girl’s (my wife’s) list. Enjoy, and thanks for stopping by!
Have some fun in the travel section.
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My Photography Gear: The Cameras and Equipment I Use Daily
The most common question I receive outside of the “what’s the best GPS watch for me” variant, are photography-esq based. So in efforts to combat the amount of emails I need to sort through on a daily basis, I’ve complied this “My Photography Gear” post for your curious minds! It’s a nice break from the day to day sports-tech talk, and I hope you get something out of it!
The Swim/Bike/Run Gear I Use List
Many readers stumble into my website in search of information on the latest and greatest sports tech products. But at the end of the day, you might just be wondering “What does Ray use when not testing new products?”. So here is the most up to date list of products I like and fit the bill for me and my training needs best! DC Rainmaker 2023 swim, bike, run, and general gear list. But wait, are you a female and feel like these things might not apply to you? If that’s the case (but certainly not saying my choices aren’t good for women), and you just want to see a different gear junkies “picks”, check out The Girl’s Gear Guide too.
Would you recommend the Edge 1000 at that price given the age of it? I’m still holding out for the Edge 1030 (or whatever) but as the Edge 1000 gets cheaper it seems more of a good deal! The Edge 820 is too small a screen for me so it’s a 1xxx next either way.
It’s a tough one. I agree it’s due for a refresh. At 329EUR it’s a solid deal (especially since it’s a bundle), so in that sense I wouldn’t have any issues. Whereas at list price and non-bundle it’s a non-starter.
I think more important than the age in this case is really the features. It’s more or less at parity with the Edge 820, so it’s not like there’s some major gap there. And with CIQ (and very few limitations on the Edge series), I think you’ll continue to see good development there by 3rd parties for years to come.
And while historically Garmin has made most Edge device announcements at Eurobike, that doesn’t mean those units are available then. In most cases, it’s then months before availability. So basically if you want a unit for this summer/fall, go buy now. If you’re in a good spot, then it may be worthwhile to see what/if anything is announced in 7 weeks (but probably not available for a long time).
Hello. In Amazon Spain, price for the Edge 1000 is lower. Just 269,99 Euros
link to amazon.es
Thanks, that’s pretty much what I was thinking. I have an Edge 810 which works if a little clunky when sat next to the FR935 (which is pretty perfect to me!). I think I’ll see if it drops any cheaper before jumping in, really hope the 1030 adds something special to justify such a wait – all I want is an 820 with large screen and small bezel 🙂
I’m in the exact same position as Dave. Edge 810 and FR935. Unless I need maps, I’ve started just using my 935 with quick release kit until an Edge 1000 replacement comes along. Actually works surprisingly well with CIQ data fields for improved layout. Given how long it’s been since they’ve released a flagship Edge and that competition is increasing, I’ve got high hopes there will be some major improvements. No idea what those are though.
buttons Dave.
you also need buttons.
trust me.
I would like to buy a Garmin and this 235 deal seems to be good.
But I know that the 630 is great as well.
What do you think ? The touchable screen worth it ?
I’d personally choose the FR235 over the FR630 in almost every case. The line has really blurred between what used to be two significantly different products, to what are fairly similar – especially with Connect IQ.
The main things to look at there are whether you want some of the advanced running data and recovery metrics. If you don’t, then honestly I’d save the cash and gain the optical HR sensor. I believe in my review of either the FR630 or FR235 I dive into those thoughts in a bit more detail.
Just to make your FR630 related decision more challenging, it just went on sale for $300 (with a HR strap). Normally $450. Linkage: link to amzn.to
I tried to go for amazon.fr from germany to buy the FR230 for just 129€ (what a deal…)
But the problem is: They do not recognize me as a prime member. On Amanzon.de i am prime member. So i can not order on amazon.fr a primeday offer…. :***-( Any advise on that?
It’s weird, sometimes I see that for me as well – but sometimes not. I’m a US Amazon Prime member, and our Amazon France side sees it fine, as does Amazon UK and Germany/Spain. But every once in a long while I’ll get a similar error message and I’m not sure why.
You could just do the free 30-day trial for Amazon.fr and then cancel it in a few days. Problem solved. Well, I think there’s a 30-day trial for Amazon.fr like the others.
Fwiw – Amazon.it does have it for about 150ish, not as good a deal, but still better.
The same for me. My German Prime Membership was not recognised on amazon.FR.
However, the 230 deal is simply too good, signed up for the 30-day trial and will cancel it in a few days (once the watch has been shipped).
Thank you for you answer. Unfortunately that is not a solution.
I signed the prime membership at amazon.fr
I put the FR230 in my basket
I go further and the price switches to 179€ when arrived at the window where i can choose my adress. :**(
i have checked both France and Germany and DJI Mavic Drone Combo Pack is 1449E:(
Here’s the direct link to it: link to dcra.in
In looking more carefully, it’s actually a slightly tweaked combo pack. Instead of 3 batteries like the normal combo it has two, and it appears to lack the car charger (but does have the charging hub). I’ll tweak description above. Still a solid 200EUR savings though for those parts.
thanks- i could not find it through normal search option on amazon page.
Ray, would you go with the Fenix3 HR at this price point? I’m coming from a 910XT, so it’ll be a massive upgrade, but should I instead go with 735 or 935? Frankly, I use it mostly 1) as my running watch and 2) during races. I have a dedicated Edge 520 for cycling.
From a FR910XT, that’s a good upgrade path.
At the same time, for your description, I might consider the FR735. It’s set to be at $399 from this weekend (upcoming) forward and it has better long-term Connect IQ support. Sure, I love the FR935 more than the FR735, but I’m not sure for most people if that jump in price makes sense (it does if you run in the mountains though).
Hope this helps!
Ray, have you looked at all at the new Approach S60? Looks like it’s a golf watch based on the Fenix5/935 platform and appears to offer many of the features including the running/biking/swimming modes, although maybe not multi sport mode. And It’s priced at $399. If I didn’t already have a 935, I consider it as I really liked the touch screen on my 630. Looks like it doesn’t have the 20+ hour battery, but for running, could be a good deal.
Ray probably has looked at that, but his one says Forerunner 245/645 on it rather than Approach S60 and he won’t be able to say anything until later this year 😉
Interesting, I actually hadn’t looked at the S60 at all. Funny.
I have the go pro session in my cart. I was hoping to get go pro 5. You didn’t find it available in US? What is difference in session & 5? I want to use it mtn biking, road cycling, kayaking, & paddleboarding.
Thks.
Nothing I’ve seen. There’s quite a few differences between the Hero Session and the Hero 5- things like voice control, and especially quality/resolution. Massive difference.
Any chance you have a super-old GoPro sitting around? Or know someone that does? If so you can actually trade it in (even if not working) with GoPro right now (US only) for $199. A solid deal.
Ray,
Do you have a link to that? Last I checked the trade up program was not available.
You should be able to get to it from here: link to gopro.com
(I can’t, because it keeps on redirecting me to the Europe site after that point, and it’s not available here. But it was definitely available in the US a few weeks ago.)
link to shop.gopro.com
Yeah, it looks like they discontinued it. Bummer.
Bummer, that sucks. Was a great deal. 🙁
I’m always torn, buy the TickR or the TickrX. FOMO is the only reason I would buy the TickrX, I am not sure I would use it without a device (Edge 820, Apple Watch, iPhone, etc…). Is there any reason the TickrX is a MUST buy?
No reason in my opinion. I use the regular TICKR and TICKR X interchangeably. I never use it without a device. Today I used the regular TICKR on my bike ride, but last week it was the X.
Garmin Fenix 3 HR – amazon.it – 284eur
No Canadian representation?
Not a lot of great deals there. Though, the Garmin Fenix 3/Fenix 3HR deals are solid.
30% off the Fenix 3: link to amzn.to
40% off the Fenix 3 HR: link to amzn.to
And…that’s about it. 🙁
Thanks
Yeah, Prime Day has generally sucked all around in Canada…
at $319, Fenix 3 v Fenix 5 more compelling or is the delta in battery life, smaller face make the latter still a better choice for 24 hour races and weekend long hikes?
24hr races will be hard with the Fenix 5 to be honest (you’ll likely end up just barely short) whereas the Fenix 3 you can at least using the charging thingy on your wrist (you can still charge the Fenix 5 mid-use, just not on your wrist).
Personally I like a smaller watch – but that’s just a me thing.
I have a very old Forerunner 610 and want to upgrade. The 235 looks a good price in the UK at £175. Any news on when a 245 and can they really add much more? I like the 735 but can really justify double the price as a mere runner
Garmin typically does about a 2-year cycle for the Forerunner series, putting it on pace for this fall. But ya never know.
As a runner coming from the FR610, unless there are some very specific advanced recovery/etc features of the FR630 that you want, I generally believe the FR235 is a better option.
128GB SanDisk SDSQUNC-128G-GZFMA
Price in Amzon Germany is €31,99
You can now freely announce that within the next week the ultimate bicycle computer will be released. It will have all of the best features of garmin and wahoo together in on perfectly sized for factor. It will do everything but pedal.
I know this to be factual because yesterday I purchased a wahoo element to replace my garmin 810. I think it was the day i ordered my 810 the 520 came out and the following week or two after I received my 810 they launched the 820.
there is no doubt that i will now once again have missed the boat.
Haha…no, nothing I’m aware of for a while.
I somehow scored a DJI Phantom 3 Standard for $161 USD with shipping. Not too bad.
WTF FTW!