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Week in Review–May 20th, 2018

The Week in Review is a collection of both all the goodness I’ve written during the past week around the internet, as well as a small pile of links I found interesting – generally endurance sports related. I’ve often wondered what to do with all of the coolness that people write, and while I share a lot of it on Twitter and Facebook, this is a better forum for sending it on to y’all. Most times these different streams don’t overlap, so be on the lookout at all these places for good stuff!

So with that, let’s get into the action!

DCRAINMAKER.com Posts in the Past Week:

Here’s all the goodness that ended up on the main page of DCRainmaker.com this past week:

Sunday: Week in Review–May 13th, 2018
Monday: 5 Random Things I Did This Weekend
Monday: Huge Spring Sale: 20% of all trainers, many power meters, and plenty more
Monday: Hands-on with Road Grand Tours and their new update: Is it a viable Zwift competitor?
Wednesday: What’s Baseline on a Smart Trainer in 2018?

Sports Tech Deals This Week:

While the biggest news of the week is the current 20% off sale going on here, where the biggest savings are, especially for trainers and power meters.  That’s all going on till Wednesday, so don’t miss out on that.

Still, on this past Friday another swath of items went out for sale.  The main points include:

  • $100 off all Fenix 5s – 5/18-6/16
  • $50 off Edge 25 units (base and bundle) – 5/18-5/28
  • 20% off on Saris and CycleOps – 5/18-5/30
  • $50 off Edge 520 5/18-5/28

Here’s the full listing with links that support the site though:

ProductSale PriceAmazonOther siteSale Notes
Adobe Creative Cloud Pro (12 Months) - $389 off (50% off!)$389As a side note, you can cancel and take advantage of this. Which, is precisely what I did when I realized my existing plan was gonna be stupid expensive. In any case, I use the Adobe Creative Cloud Pro suite for a lot of what I do.
AmazFit T-Rex 3 - $75 off$226We did see lower just back in July, at $199. So I'd probably hold out a bit more here. Assuming that happens, you can't beat this watch at this price point (heck,not even at $226 either).
Amazfit Active 2 - $20 off$79There's absolutely nothing on the market that comes close to the features of the Active 2 at a mere $79.
Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro - $20 off$379Perhaps this deal will get better, but right now at $20 off...nah. Given the price of the Garmin Epix Pro has flirted into the $429 range a bit over the past few days (and is a vastly better watch), this needs to drop down closer to $299 to be worth picking up during Black Friday pricing.
Amazon Echo Dot Kids - 47% off$31Despite being a tech-focused dude, our kids don't actually get much tech in their lives. However, we got these two years ago for them in their rooms, to play music. They do lots of other things, but our kids mostly just use it to play music (from Spotify and Apple Music too), and occasionally they ask it questions. It has all the parental controls I want, so it locks it down from bedtime/etc...For $31? Solid deal (The coolest 'nice touch' feature is that if you whisper to it, it'll whisper back...in the owl kids voice it has.)
Apple 11" iPad - (Wi-Fi, 128GB) - $75 off!$274⚡ This is an awesome deal. I use my iPad primarily for TrainerRoad as well as Zwift when not with a larger display. I also occasionally use it for other apps, namely Indievelo, Kinomap, Rouvy, and Peloton. But I pretty much test every smart trainer app on it. For all these cycling apps, the graphics capabilities is really pretty irrelevant, so having the absolute top-end/latest model won't make any difference. I prefer the budget options.
Apple 2025 14" MacBook Air Laptop with M4 - $250 off$1,149See my other note about the MacBook Pro. While I'd love the MacBook Air instead, the singular reason I use the MacBook Pro is the added USB-C port (2 vs 3 on MacBook Pro). Otherwise, this spec-wise woudl do the trick.
Apple 2025 14" MacBook Pro Laptop with M5 - $250 off$1,349This is the updated/newer model of the MacBook M1 Pro that I use for all my video editing. In my case, I still use a 2021 14" MBP, with relatively modest specs (32GB RAM). And I've been super happy with it, even while editing complex drone/action cam videos with 4 concurrently 4K streams in a multicam configuration, it has zero issues rendering or anything else.
Apple AirPod Pro 3 - $30 off!$219These are the just-released AirPod Pro 3, with optical heart rate sensors in them. These are my daily-driver headphones these days, and even more notably, the heart rate accuracy is incredibly good in these.
Apple AirPods 4 - $70 off!$69This is a very soild deal on these, by far the lowest to date.
Apple Watch SE 3 - $50 off!
$249/$299 (cellular)
$199This is the first major sale for the Apple Watch SE 3, which came out just 2 months ago. It's essentially Apple's 'budget' offering, yet it still has all the same software features as a higher-end Apple Watch Series 11, as long as the hardware permits.
Apple Watch Series 11 - $70 off!$329This is the the just released Apple Watch Series 11, which also includes WatchOS26.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 - $100 off!$699This is the first time we've seen the Apple Watch Ultra 3 on sale, and given it's $100 off, that tends to be the typical sale price for the holidays/Black Friday for the current/just-released version.
Balega Comfort Running Socks - 27% off
$15
$12This is the singular piece of apparel that's lasted the longest in my collection - some 15-16 years of buying the same socks. Heck, some of them are probably half that old. EIther way, this be the ones I use. Love them (well, except for hiking and trail running, then I use other stuff that goes higher). I'm wearring them as I wrote this post too.
CORE 2 Body Temperature Sensor - 20% off€251This is the newer pod that came out this past spring.
COROS Pace 3 - $30 reduction$199This is a great price for this watch. Note though that technically speaking, this is a price reduction (took effect Nov 14th following the launch of the Pace 4). Most companies would first call it a sale, then make that sale price the new price as a price reduction. But COROS often beats to a different drum. Kudos on being upfront about the reduction though!
COROS Pace Pro - $50 price drop
$349
$299This is a great price for this watch. Note though that technically speaking, this is a price reduction (took effect Nov 14th following the launch of the Pace 4). Most companies would first call it a sale, then make that sale price the new price as a price reduction. But COROS often beats to a different drum. Kudos on being upfront about the reduction though!
DJI Action 4 - $100 off$199While technically two years old, it's an incredibly strong contender at this price point.
DJI Action 5 Pro - $70 off$259This is last year's model. And sure, the Action 6 came out 48 hours ago, but honestly, the initial rection hasn't been kind there. I just started testing it, so more to come very shortly.
DJI Avata 2 Bundle - $110 off!$619DJI Avata 2 Fly Smart Combo (Single Battery) with Goggles N3 and RC Motion 3
DJI Flip - $90 off$349Look, don't buy this drone. This is the drone that never should have left the napkin at the lunch table at DJI's HQ. The unit breaks easily (as I, and many others found out), and doesn't really do anything super well. Literally, buy any other DJI drone except htis one...you're welcome.
DJI Mini 4K Drone - $60 off$239If you're looking to get into flying with a DJI drone, this is a solid place to start.
DJI NEO - $40 off!$159⚡ This is a great little drone as your first drone, especially for sports usage, where it'll do an astonishing job following you (running, cycling, etc...). And, you can crash it a gazillion times without any problem.
DJI OSMO 360 - $190 off$357NOTE: This is not sold by DJI directly via Amazon. DJI itself is NOT selling the OSMO 360 in the US, and WILL NOT support/repair it in the US. That said, it's a solid deal if you're ok with those risks.
DJI OSMO Pocket 3 - $280 off$529This is the unit I use to film virtually all of my videos these days. I absolutely love it.
Elite Direto XR Smart trainer with Zwift Cog/Click - $120 off!
$1,000
$479This is Elite's previous-gen trainer, but it's still a reliable workhorse. This bundle is paired with the Zwift Cog/Click, though, you can also buy it without a cassette for the same price.
FORM Smart Swim 2 Goggles - $80 off$199
FORM Smart Swim Pro 2 Goggles - $30 off$299These is the new model just released this past summer with stronger anti-scratch resistance (I even dragged it down a textured concrete pool desk, lens-down, to show this).
Favero Assioma Duo/Uno Power Meter Pedals - 220EUR off!469EURThis is a good deal for the dual-sided pedals, especially if you don't mind the pod design.
Favero Assioma Pro MX Pedals (Dual) Power Meter Pedals - 100EUR off!$589/589EUR⚡The Favero Assioma Pro MX dual-sided power meter pedals deal is a no brainer. I use them in my testing constantly along with the PRO RS pedals. Note for US folks: Favero does include all taxes and tarrifs in the price.
Favero Assioma Pro RS (SPD-SL) Power Meter Pedals - 100EUR off!$649/599EUR⚡The Favero Assioma Pro RS dual-sided power meter pedals having their first sale yet. This deal is a no brainer. I use them in my testing, and will likely pick up another set in this sale. Note for US folks: Favero does include all taxes and tarrifs in the price.
FeedBack Sports Pro Mechanic Bike Repair Stand - $50 Off$375We use this stand for both any of the work we do on any of our bikes (well, except the cargo bike). Super quick and easy to take out when we need it. Note: Feedback Sports is a DC Rainmaker Partner
FeedBack Sports Pro Mechanic HD Bike Repair Stand - $55 Off$470Note: Feedback Sports is a DC Rainmaker Partner
Feedback Sports Team Edition Tool Kit - $45 Off$330I've got this setup, andit's basically got almost everything I need for regular/daily bike maintenance across virtually all of my bikes. Plus, in theory I can keep things tidy in that carrying case....I mean, if I were to actually put all the tools back in it. Note: Feedback Sports is a DC Rainmaker Partner
Fitbit Ace LTE Kids Activity Smartwatch - $80 off$99⚡ This is (by far) the lowest price we've seen on this watch to date. This is their first full smartwatch focused on kids activity tracking and gamification.
Fitbit Charge 6 - 38% off!
$159
$99⚡ This is the go-to sale price for the Fitbit Charge 6. It happens often, but it still doesn't take away from the fast that it's argueably the best bang for your buck fitness tracker out there.
Fitbit Inspire 3 - $30 off$69If you're looking for a simple and inexpensive activity tracker, you won't go wrong with a Fitbit (or this Inspire 3). It's got literally all the same software features in the Fitbit app as a higher-end Google Pixel Watch or other Fitbit device, except...just tiny.
Garmin Bounce 2 Kids Smartwatch with LTE (all colors) - $50 off!$249⚡ This is Garmin's newest kids-focused and LTE connected smart watch. Our three daughters have been using it for about two months now, after using the original Bounce 1 for years. This is a *massive* upgrade over the Bounce 1, both in features/hardware, but frankly also battery life. My review should be up next week, but if you've got any questions drop them in the comments below.
Garmin Bounce LTE Kids Tracker - $30 off$119This is the activity tracker that both of our oldest daughters have used for years (age 8 & 9), as well as most of their friends now. They/we all like it. Check out my full in-depth review for all my thoughts. That said, the new Bounce 2 came out two months ago, and while my review isn't out yet, it's a far better product. But, quite a bit more too. The TLDR on that review will be that it's the best kids smartwatch/tracker to date (for both parents and kids), but obviously will cost you $100 more.
Garmin Descent G2 (Dive Watch) - $100 off!$599This is Garmin's dive watch based on the Instinct 3 lineup.
Garmin Descent MK3 (Dive Watch) - $250 off!$949This is Garmin's premier line of diving watches, which is based on the Fenix 7 seies, rather than the Fenix 8 series. Still, it's by far one of the most capable dive+everything else watches on the market.
Garmin Descent MK3i (Dive watch with air integration) - $250 off!$1,349This is Garmin's premier line of diving watches, which is based on the Fenix 7 seies, rather than the Fenix 8 series. Still, it's by far one of the most capable dive+everything else watches on the market. The 'i' version (MK3i) means that you can connect it to an air tank monitor transmitter pod.
Garmin Edge 1040 Cycling GPS - $150 off!$399⚡This is a very solid deal, and is still one of the best bike computers Garmin has ever made, especially when you look at the battery side of things (it lasts far longer than the Edge 1050).
Garmin Edge 540 - $100 off$249⚡At $249, it's pretty much impossible to beat this deal in terms of bike computers. There's no competitive option that beats it on features/battery/etc at this price, or frankly anywhere near it. Sure, it doesn't have a touchscreen, but it's not as bad as it used to be (I did a stint on it this winter for a week or so, and was fine).
Garmin Edge 540 Solar - $150 off$249⚡⚡This is the lowest price we've seen on the Garmin Edge 540 Solar to date, which has gained virtually all of the new Garmin Edge 1050 features as well. And notably, lower than the Edge 540 without solar (which is kinda silly, but hey, win for us!).
Garmin Edge 840 - $100 off$349This is Garmin's main mid-range cycling GPS, it's what my wife uses and she's perfectly happy with it.
Garmin Edge 840 Solar - $150 off$399⚡ This is the lowest price we've seen on the Edge 840.
Garmin Enduro 3: $100 off
$899
$749This is the lowest price we've seen on this to date. The Enduro 3 is simply the Fenix 8 with a MIP/Solar display (but without the scuba or voice calling features). It gets all the Fenix 8 features and updates otherwise.
Garmin Epix Pro (42mm) - $300-$400 off!$449⚡⚡⚡ This is a fantastic deal. By far the lowest price we've seen this! The Epix Pro has a flashlight which the regular Epix lacks, plus the newer Garmin Elevate Gen5 optical HR sensor with ECG support.
Garmin Epix Pro (47mm) - $300-$400 off!$499⚡⚡⚡ This is a fantastic deal. By far the lowest price we've seen this! The Epix Pro has a flashlight which the regular Epix lacks, plus the newer Garmin Elevate Gen5 optical HR sensor with ECG support. Note: Availability on this deal fluctuates, just keep checking back, I'm sure it'll pop back again (it always does).
Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar Sapphire (MIP) - 31% off
$799+
$439⚡⚡ If you wanted the battery life of a Fenix MIP series without the cost of a Fenix 8, this is basically your best deal. Plus, unlike the base Fenix 7 series, the Pro series includes the flashlight and Gen5 HR sensor with ECG.
Garmin Fenix 7S Pro Solar Sapphire (MIP) - 31% off$449⚡ If you wanted the battery life of a Fenix MIP series without the cost of a Fenix 8, this is basically your best deal. Plus, unlike the base Fenix 7 series, the Pro series includes the flashlight and Gen5 HR sensor with ECG.
Garmin Fenix 8 Pro (yes, the new Pro) - $100 off!$1,099⚡⚡ This is very unexpected, and is an Amazon-specific deal, not a Garmin-supported one. Thus, I expect it won't last more than minutes/hours. Grab it while you can! [Update: This keeps fluttering back and forth, just keep checking!]
Garmin Fenix 8 Series - $250 Off!$749⚡ The Fenix 8 keeps getting all the new software features of the Fenix 8 Pro that was launched two months ago. Setting aside that Fenix 8 Pro which gained LTE & Satellite Messaging, this is otherwise the most capable sports watch on the market.
Garmin Fenix 8 Series - $250 Off!
$999-$1,199
$749⚡ The Fenix 8 keeps getting all the new software features of the Fenix 8 Pro that was launched two months ago. Setting aside that Fenix 8 Pro which gained LTE & Satellite Messaging, this is otherwise the most capable sports watch on the market.
Garmin Fenix E - $250 off!$499As a general rule, the Fenix E is the watch that literally nobody is buying, and makes no sense at higher prices. The hardware is simply the Epix Gen 2 with Fenix stamped on it. That watch is going for $400, though I expect we'll see it down to $300 over Black Friday. However, one *KEY* difference with the Fenix E, is that it includes all of the software features of the newer Fenix 8, whereas the Epix Gen 2 doesn't get all the new software features. Otherwise, save your $200.
Garmin Forerunner 165 (Base) - $50 off
$249/$299
$199
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music - $50 off!$249
Garmin Forerunner 255/255S Music - $150 off!
$349/$399
$249
Garmin Forerunner 265 Series - $150 off!
$449
$299⚡ This is (by far) the lowest price on the Forerunner 265, which was recently replaced by the Forerunner 570 (but at nearly twice this price). What's fascinating about this sale price, is it's well beyond the usual sale prices for Garmin for this product. This pricing is 100% an Kansas-themed 'Hello!' to COROS and their just released COROS Pace 4 at $249.
Garmin Forerunner 55 - $50 off
$199
$149The Foreurnner 55 is a great option if you simply don't want to spend a ton, but still want a super-capable runners watch (and general activity/sleep tracking watch). I've heard a lot of you get it for teenagers that run, as a great/inexpensive way to track their runs, and still be a good everyday watch.
Garmin Forerunner 570 - $100 off!
$549
$449⚡ This is Garmin's mid-tier Forerunner watch that came out earlier this year, packed with running features.
Garmin Forerunner 965 - $150 off
$599
$449⚡ This is the lowest price to date on the Forerunner 965, which is logical given the Forerunner 970 came out this past spring (which essentialy adds a flashlight and some other running metrics/features).
Garmin Forerunner 970 - $100 off!
$749
$649⚡ This is a very unexpected sale, just launched, on this very new watch, which is Garmin's top of the line Forerunner watch with virtually all the same software features as the Fenix 8 (but in a plastic case and without the diving features).
Garmin Index BPM ~$40 off!$160The Garmin Inded BPM is Garmin's medically certified blood pressure monitor. It integrates directly into your Garmin Connect account. I use it on occasion as a comparison for wearables, and it works just fine (obviously it's already medically certified by the FDA, so I say 'works' here in the sense of usability/functionality/etc...).
Garmin Index S2 WiFi Scale - $50 off
$149
$149I use this scale, merely for the weight tracking functions (not body fat). It works just fine for that piece, and integrates with the rest of your Garmin data. If you aren't in the Garmin ecosystem, there's plenty of (far) cheaper options.
Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED - $100 off!
$399/$449/$499
$399The Instinct 3 series came out earlier this year, with both an AMOLED and Solar variants. The big upgrade over the previous editions is the inclusion of the flashlight in all sizes, and a massive ugprade of sports features.
Garmin Instinct 3 SOLAR - $100 off$299The Instinct 3 series came out earlier this year, and the Solar edition in particular has 'unlimited' battery life in certain scenarios. The big upgrade over the previous editions is the inclusion of the flashlight in all sizes, and a massive ugprade of sports features.
Garmin Lily 2 - 20% off
$249
$199The leather version is also on sale as well.
Garmin Tactix 8 AMOLED - $250 off!$1,049This gets all the same updates as the Fenix 8 Pro, from a software standpoint.
Garmin Tactix 8 SOLAR - $250 off!$1,149This gets all the same updates as the Fenix 8 Pro, from a software standpoint.
Garmin Varia RCT715 Camera Radar - $50 off$349
Garmin Varia RVR315 Radar - $50 off$99This is Garmin's radar without the light, so it's a bit smaller as a result. Same radar tech though, and compatible with Garmin/COROS/Hammerhead/Wahoo bike computers.
Garmin Varia Radar (RTL515) - $50 off$149This is Garmin's standalone radar+taillight option, and $149 is pretty much the standard sale-price. Even despite all the new radars out there, this remains the most accurate option on the market. Now, only if Garmin would just re-release it with USB-C. C'Mon Garmin...maybe next year?
Garmin Varia Vue Front Light/Camera - $50$499This is the first time this product has been on sale, since launching last spring. I'd argue it could have used a $100 off sale...but hey...they don't consult me.
Garmin Venu 3 - $100 off!
$449
$349The Venu 4 came out in September, though with a massive price jump.
Garmin Venu 4 - $50 off!$499⚡ The Garmin Venu 4 just came out two months ago, and one of the big ticket features is the LED flashlight built-in. However, it's also got a ton of other new features, as Garmin merged the codebase with the Forerunner/Fenix series, resulting in a boatload of added things like Training Readiness, Acute Load, and more.
Garmin Venu X1 - $200 off!$599⚡ This is the lowest price we've seen on the newest product in the entire Garmin Holiday 2025 sale lineup. This is basically a blend of a Forerunner 970, Venu 4, and Fenix 8...but super thin. It's argueably one of the best deals here at $599, though, Garmin is still clearly trying to figure out the right pricing to drive purchases.
Garmin Vivoactive 5 - $100 off!
$299
$199
Garmin Vivoactive 6 - $50 off!
$299
$249⚡ This is the first time we've seen the Vivoactive 6 on sale, which is essentially a Venu 4, but without the voice/calling/ECG features (and a few other tidbits). It's probably one of the best deals in Garmin's lineup (sale or otherwise).
Garmin inReach 2 Mini Satellite Communicator (2-way) - $150 off$249⚡ This is the lowest price we've ever seen for this. This is my defacto satellite communicator when out of coverage area, and I've used it on a number of major treks over the past two years when well outside of cellular service, both in a 24x7 tracking mode for friends and family, but also there in case of emergency. Would strongly recommend for anyone doing anything in the wilderness.
Garmin inReach Messenger Plus - $100 off!$349This came out last fall, and is the second time this has been discounted, but now to the lowest price to date. The key difference with the new Plus model is that it adds the ability to send photos and voice messenges via satellite. I've used it a bit, and it's pretty cool because it makes it a lot faster to just say something rather than type it out, but the $499 price seemed excessive. $399 makes it slightly more palatable.
GoPro Hero 13 Black - $100 OFF!$309This is the lowest price we've seen in a year.
GoPro Hero 4K - $20 off$179This is GoPro's budget option, which includes a full color touchscreen on the back as well. The main benefit is it's super small, but note it's not quite in the same quality ballpark as their higher-end cameras. If you want size and GoPro ecosystem on a budget, this is an option. But with the DJI Action 4 just $20 more than $199, that offers notably better quality.
GoPro LIT Hero 4K - $40 off$229
GoPro Max 2 - $50 off!$399This is now the lowest price we've seen for the Max 2, which just came out in September.
Google Nest Cam Indoors - 25% off$74We have more Nest cam's than I can count. No really, we have half a dozen at the DCR Cave alone, plus more at home. We love them. Nest Cam's really only go on sale about 1-2x per year.
Google Nest WiFi Pro - 6E (3xPack) - $110 off!$279I've been using the Google Nest WiFi packs for years. And then I converted over to this newer version last fall. Super happy with this three pod pack.
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) - $100 OFF$200+The newer Pixel Watch 4 came out back in October. I see the Pixel Watch 4 as a pretty substantial hardware upgrade over the Pixel Watch 3, notably due to satellite SOS, as well as a user-replaceable battery.
HJC Sports - IBEX 2.0 - €125 off€124.50Note: HJC Sports is a DC Rainmaker Partner
HJC Sports FURION 2.0 - 100€ Off€99.50Note: HJC Sports is a DC Rainmaker Partner
Hammerhead Karoo 3 - $55 off!
$474
$420I really like this unit, and think they've easily surpassed Wahoo these days in terms of features, display-quality, stability, etc...
HoverAir X1 Drone Combo - $50 off!$237This has become one of my favorite drones, given it's tiny size (fits in my running shorts pockets) and ease of use. Plus, you can crash the crap out of it (hundreds of times for me and my wife) without any issues. This combo includes an extra battery and fast charger.
HoverAir X1 Pro Drone Combo Kit - $300 off$607⚡ This is a solid deal on a solid drone, and one of the two main ones I use when taking videos of myself hiking or running. This includes the two extra batteries as well as the fast charger (so 3 batteries total).
HoverAir X1 ProMax Bundle - $250 off!$719This includes three batteries, the drone, the vast charger, and some extra accessories.
HoverAir X1 ProMax Cycling Bundle - $352 off!$929This includes three batteries, the drone, the vast charger, and some extra accessories, plus the Beacon (handelbar remote)
Hydrow Rowing Machine - $400 off$1,695This is one of the other more popular display-laden rowing machines. I haven't tried this, but my sports-tech reviewing buddy DesFit has (linked at side) and liked it.
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 - $65 off!$334This is one of my two main daily action cams (along with the GoPro Hero 13 Black).
Insta360 GO 3S Tiny 4K Action Camera - $70 off!$279
Insta360 Go Ultra Tiny 4K Action Cam - $70 off!$379⚡ This just came out this past August, and is a great little unit. The pod isn't quite as tiny as the Go 3S, but the features and quality are a huge step up (especially the removable MicroSD card).
Insta360 X5 360* Action Cam - $85 off!$464This is one of the best 360 action cams on the market, alongside the GoPro Max 2 (both have their pros and cons, check out my full comparison guide linked).
Lasko High Velocity Pro-Performance Fan - 15% off$54This is one of the most popular indoor trainer fan companies out there, which rivals the Wahoo Headwind fan but cost a fraction of the price. Of course, it lacks ANT+/Bluetooth integration, but realistically if you really want that you can add a smart outlet for $10 to toggle it on/off from your phone if need be. It's one of the ones in my rotation.
Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi Delux Kit - 35% off!$142⚡ Let's be honest: This place runs on Nespresso (or, well, the knock-off pods we buy). But, the machine is Nespresso. Without it, reviews most definitely would not get done (and certainly not on time). This is a pretty sweet deal if you ask me!
Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven - $120 off$279I use the Fyra 12 (with wood pellets), and love it. The Karu 12 is essentialyl the newer version of that, and there's both a gas-only version, and a multi-fuel option (gas or wood). Love it!
Oura Ring 4 - $100 off!$249⚡ This is by far the best deal we've seen on the Oura ring (really, since ever, let alone the current version).
Peloton Cross Training Bike is $300 off$1,395This is Peloton's mid-range model, the Bike Cross training, which also came-out this past summer.
Peloton Cross Training Bike+ - $700 off!$1,995This is Peloton's highest end bike model that came out this past summer.
Peloton Cross Training Tread is $500 off$2,795
Philips Hue Smart Lighting - 28% offI use Philips Hue stuff all over the DCR Cave/Studio for lighting, both obviously colorful stuff in the background of shots, but also just for automation of the lights. Same goes at home. Love it (mainly when it's on sale like now). Starter packs are a good place to begin, and then I love the light strips (such as pictured).
Pixel Watch 4 - $50 off!$299All base variants of the PIxel Watch are $50 off, however the LTE variants are $100 off, and those include satellite SOSconnectivity!
Pixel Watch 4 LTE editions - $100 off!$349⚡The Pixel Watch 4 LTE includes satellite SOS connectivity, even if you don't activate a cellular plan on it. I'd strongly recommend getting the LTE version for $50 more, to future-proof you a bit there (or, to save your bacon in the woods).
Polar H10 Chest Strap (Dual ANT+/Bluetooth Smart) - $20 off
$89
$84This is a great dual ANT+/Bluetooth Smart (with two Bluetooth Smart connections) chest strap that you'll often find me using as a reference strap in heart rate sensor testing. We only tend to see deals on it around Black Friday, always topping out around 20%.
Polar H9 Chest Strap - $10 off$59If you're looking for a good solid high-quality strap, that does both ANT+ & Bluetooth Smart, for a reasonable price...look no further than the Polar H9
Polar Ignite 3 - $60 off!
$329
$339
Polar Pacer - $65 off$234
Polar Vantage M3 Multisport GPS Watch - $35 off!
$399
$463
Polar Verity Sense - 15% off
$99
$89I use this as one of my reference devices for heart rate accuracy testing.
Precision Fuel & Hydration 30g Caffine Gels - 15 Pack - 15% OFF$52These are the caffine version of the main gels I use when I don't need the bigger 90g ones. Note: Precision Fuel & Hydration is a DC Rainmaker partner
Precision Fuel & Hydration 30g Energy Gels - 15 Pack - 15% OFF$39These are the main gels I use when I don't need the bigger 90g ones. So for example doing something a bit shorter where I don't want to carry the bigger 90g packs (mainly running). Note: Precision Fuel & Hydration is a DC Rainmaker partner
Precision Fuel & Hydration PF90 Energy Gels 10pkg - 15% OFF$50I primarily use these 90g packs on all my adventures, roughly doing 90g/hour for cycling/trail running/hiking/etc... Note: Precision Fuel & Hydration is a DC Rainmaker partner
Precision Fuel PF 30g Energy Chews - 15% off$36I like to mix it up a bit, and include the chews on some of my longer adventures. Note: Precision Fuel & Hydration is a DC Rainmaker Partner
Precision Fuel PF 60 Carb & Electrolyte Drink Mix -15% Off$27This is the main drink mix that both myself and my wife use. Note: Precision Fuel & Hydration is a DC Rainmaker partner
SHOKZ OpenFit - Open-Ear Headphones - $20 off$159
SHOKZ OpenRun Headphones - 31% off$89
SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 - 31% off!$124
SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 Mini - 31% off!$124
SONOS Roam 2 - 22% off$139We have a few SONOS speakers around the house and DCR Cave (the Ikea variants at DCR Cave), but by far our favorite is the Roam, which we take outdoors into the garden during the summer, beach vacations, AirBNB's, etc... It has a battery in it, and also connects to both WiFi and Bluetooth. Love, love, love. I think the main reason I love it, is that we heavily use it in summer, so...kinda reminds me of summer.
Samsung Galaxy Ring - $120 off$279
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) - $100 off!$549
Samsung Galaxy Watch8 - $70 off$279This is the lowest price to date on this recently released watch.
SanDisk 1-4TB Extreme PRO Portable External SSD - 30% off$129⚡This is one of the two the high speed drives types I use to store the footage I'm actively video editing. I typically buy the 2TB and 4TB ones, and then eventually offload the footage onto a NAS array when I'm done.
Sony Alpha 7 IV Full-frame Mirrorless Camera w/ 28-70mm Zoom - $700 off$2,198Sony Alpha 7 IV Full-frame Mirrorless Camera w/ 28-70mm Zoom - $400 offThis is the main camera I use for still photography and video b-roll. I semi-recently wrote about all the photography gear I use, linked at side here.
Suunto Aqua Swimming Open-Ear Bluetooth Headphones - 22% off!$139
Suunto Ocean (Dive Watch) - $180 off!$719
Suunto Race - $50 off!
$449/$549
$296
Suunto Race S - $70 off!
$349
$279
Suunto Run - $50 off!
$249
$199This is a very solid deal. It's got virtually all the software features of Suunto's higher-end watches (minus the app store), and just came out this past May.
Suunto Vertical (Solar edition) - $320 off$519
Suunto Vertical - $150 off!$339While the new Suunto Vertical 2 just came out a month ago, if you wanted to stock-up on MIP-based display watches before they disappear, here's your chance. This is also the lowest price we've ever seen on the Vertical 1, which is otherwise still a very soild watch.
Suunto Wing headphones - $30 off$119
Synology 2-Bay DiskStation DS223j NAS - $35 off!$165I have bigger Synology NAS units at the DCR Studio/Office, but I also have a smaller unit (this one) that I use to keep various piles of data here too. I like the Synology stuff, as it's generally quite dependable.
Tacx NEO 2T Smart Trainer - $200-$300 off
$1,399
$899This is the go-to sales price for the NEO 2T, though has become more frequent over the past year. It's still an incredible trainer, and is the top-end non-moving trainer from Garmin/Tacx.
Tacx NEO 3M - 25% off!
$1,999
$1,499⚡ This is the lowest price we've seen to date on the Tacx NEO 3M, and finally takes it down to a semi-logical price (compared to it's competitors). This is a good buy, and obviously, given it's only a year old, I definitely don't expectany sort of new version of this anytime soon (the last NEO series unit was about 5 years between versions).
Therabody Theragun Prime - $120 off!$199My wife uses the Theragun, and absolutely loves it, in the most hatefun kind of way.
Vacmaster AM201R Fan + Remote/holder (15% off)$67This is another very popular fan that people use for indoor training/cycling, especially due to inclusion of the remote and remote holder to clasp on your handlebars.
Wahoo ACE Cycling GPS - $125 off
$624
$499
Wahoo CLIMB Accessory - $190 off!
$599
$569This simulates the up and down motion on Wahoo KICKR trainers moving your bike up and down. Also, there's virtually no product except SNAP, that Wahoo likes to put on sale more. Wouldn't be a sale around here unless this thing was discounted.
Wahoo KICKR BIKE SHIFT - $580 off!
$2,999
$1,912⚡ This is a very solid deal for this bike, and the lowest price to date. I actually like the KICKR BIKE SHIFT more than the higher-end KICKR BIKE V2/Pro, mainly because it's both quiter, and seems to be more resillient to issues (less complex design).
Wahoo KICKR Desk - $17 off$183
Wahoo KICKR V6 - $262 off!
$1,299
$734⚡This is actually the lowest price we've ever seen on the KICKR V6. Wahoo says we won't see a new top-end KICKR this fall, with them instead focusing on the new KICKR Bike Pro, KICKR CORE 2, and all their new bike computers/radar/etc...
Wahoo ROAM V3 - $70 off!$426
Wahoo TRACKR Heart Rate Sensor - $15 off
$89
$84
Whoop 5.0 - Peak (12-Month Subscription) - $40 off!$199
Whoop 5.0/MG - Life (12-Month Subscription) - $60 off!$299

Enjoy (and thanks for helping support the site, even if it’s just buying toilet paper using the Amazon link on the sidebar).

YouTube Videos I Made This Week:

Here’s what hit the tubes over on the You of Tube, definitely don’t forget to subscribe there to get notified of videos the second they hit!

YouTube video

Stuff that I found interesting around the interwebs:

Here’s a not-so-small smattering of all the random things that I stumbled on while doing my civic duty to find the end of the Internet.

1) Next time you assault someone, don’t upload to Strava: While the underlying storyline here leaves some space for thinking about bike safety, what’s clear is that you shouldn’t upload rides to Strava when you commit a felony on a ride.

2) Clever Training acquired by JackRabbit Sports: While technically an acquisition, this is really more of a merger in terms of the ultimate goals. JackRabbit has some 60 stores, Clever Training a large online presence. From talking to CT, they don’t anticipate any immediate changes, CT will continue to operate as-is.  The biggest near-term impact you’ll see though is CT starting to get access to the massive inventory of shoes/apparel that Jackrabbit has.  Otherwise, business as normal. Ultimately, for you (and me and even employees) I think this will be a good thing.  The two entities have virtually no overlap, so it’s really more about synergies.

3) I need a new TV. NYC shot via aerial system at 12K! Now YouTube only supports 8K, so that’s the highest you can watch it in. But even within that, the level of detail if you watch at 4K is still incredible. You’ll notice it on the really long shot that slowly advanced towards times square. Just look at details like cars and such.  Of course, given I lack even 1 RED camera, I don’t think my reviews will start shooting with three of them anytime soon.  Though…I did take RED camera training…so…ya never know! (via Jonathan M.)

YouTube video

4) Go for a spacewalk, forget GoPro MicroSD card: I hate it when that happens!

5) Refactor bike computer with camera on Kickstarter: Here’s the thing, I actually rather like the overall specs of this device. I do think getting cameras on head units is the eventual goal (but like the Xplova unit I reviewed, camera quality will suck for a while).  But here’s the more important thing: There’s not a chance in hell I’d invest in a Kickstarter project that’s currently not slated to deliver till March 2019. That’s an eternity in the bike computer world, especially these next 12 months. And of course, even more an eternity when almost no sports tech Kickstarter projects meet their timelines. This launched too soon unfortunately.

6) Speaking of Kickstarter: I hate…no, I despise and hate, the new Kickstarter Hardware Studio badge levels recently announced. While Kickstarter says these are to make it easier for y’all to figure out where a product stands, they’re rather purposefully designed/named to make it look like all products are great. For all its faults, they should have gone with a simple color and level coded system like DHS has/had for attacks (Low to High, but was always high, making it meaningless), with these levels mapping into chance of success. A ‘Hardware Ready 1’ level might map to ‘Low to medium’ in the real world.  Not ‘Oh, it’s great, invest’. Again, hate, hate, hate. Purely designed to trick you into spending money. Did I mention I hate it?

7) How Shoddy Statistics Found A Home In Sports Research: Yup, just lots and lots of yup. If you’re familiar with 538’s work, you’ll definitely enjoy this. (Via Aaron C.)

8) The Commodore 64 Running Efficiency Pod: Wow, I never even knew such craziness existed! Thanks to UM for the tip!

Sports Technology Software/Firmware Updates This Week:

Each week I quickly highlight some of the new firmware, app, software and website service updates that I see go out. If you’re a sports technology company and release an update – shoot me a quick note (just one-liners are perfect, or Tweet it at me is even better) and I’ll make mention of it here. If I don’t know about it, I won’t be able to post about it. Sound good?  Oh – and if you want to get a head start on things, this page is a great resource for watching Garmin firmware updates.

Hammerhead Karoo Firmware Update: This update brings some minor tweaks and a few bug fixes. It does though now support hotel style WiFi hotspots that require a login.

Garmin Vector 3/3S Firmware Update: Bug fixes and performance improvements

Garmin VIRB 360 Firmware Update: Power draw reduction, bug fixes

GoPro Fusion Firmware Update: Performance and usability improvements (this was technically last week, but I missed it)

With that – have a great weekend!

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42 Comments

  1. Chris Benten

    I remember the Puma! But I had no plans to the Commodore so no go…not that I actually ever saw the shoes for sale.

  2. Mickie

    Ray, why are you saying that “especially this 12 months” would ve an eternity for bike computers. Do you expect major updates/launches this upcoming year? I know you cannot/shouldn’t spoil any product launches, so it is more of a rethorical question – nonetheless any hints appreciated! :)

    • I’m moreso focused on new entrants to the market than existing major players. So companies akin to Hammerhead. The vast majority of them will be based on Android. Some will fail (though not immediately), and some will likely rise up to challenge Garmin/Wahoo/etc…

      Should be exciting!

  3. Dr. D

    Garmin 935 and Fenix 5 also got some new beta firmware.

  4. Timothy Follis

    With the 20 percent off the PowerTap P1 pedals are 635. That’s pretty amazing, think that is half what I paid 2 years ago.

  5. Claus Jacobsen

    Just had an update to my 735xt to version 9.30 – not registered anywhere yet though except on the forums. However it does state “phased rollout: 100%” in the forum post – so it appears no more new functionality/updates will be delivered to that platform?

    • Phased rollout simply means that specific firmware version is now fully available to all users. Phased rollouts happen over usually a few days or so, primarily designed to minimize issues should there be something uncaught in testing. Most companies, including Apple, do the same.

      That said, at reaching over 2 years since introduction, it would be common to not see it get new features (just bug fixes, as the nearly 4 year old FR920XT continues to get). But sometimes things randomly show up. I don’t know either way what the plans are for the FR735XT (and likely, they wouldn’t say anyway).

  6. alibi

    speaking of kickstarte, how about link to kickstarter.com ?

    • alibi

      ah, sorry, there is already post about that. initially try search for iq² and didn’t get result.

    • No worries. For others looking for it, here ya go: link to dcrainmaker.com

    • Mike Richie

      Closing in on the end of the campaign, and almost a million dollars raised, with still no real data to suggest that this isn’t vaporware. The real possibility, though, that you can buy a fairly inexpensive “gadget” that you just clip on your bike and get power with 1% accuracy is pretty alluring. (I’m a backer ;)

    • Phil A

      With a comment they made back on April 27 it makes me really question it. Provided the comment they made below.

      “We think it is not fair to give data of our prototype and show the world we can build a prototype that works, instead of showing the world we can mass-produce a power meter that is accurate in every condition and affordable for every cyclist.
      When the first mass production power meters are produced, we certainly give accuracy data to our backers. We hope you have just as much trust in our new approach as we have!
      In addition, we cannot thank you enough for your support, without your support we were not able to give every cyclist the opportunity to ride with a power meter.”

  7. Nicolas

    Ray, big update for the suunto spartan too.. Any news on a spartan 2?

  8. Marcus Fahy

    Fenix 5 would be good at that price if in the US

  9. Kevin

    Wahoo kickr and snap 20% off at REI with code anniv18 until the 28th

  10. Robin

    I’d like to see data on the number of sports science studies that have used MBI analysis. You know you’re in trouble when essentially the whole statistics community rejects your methodology and when your methodology is in direct conflict with methods that have proven to work.

    I wonder if US Representative Mo Brooks used MBI to conclude that boulders falling into the ocean are a significant factor in the rise in sea level?

    • Mike Richie

      The problem for Sports Science is much more nuanced than the title of that paper would suggest. The real problem is not the statistics itself, but the extremely small sample sizes in any of these studies. Getting athletes to participate in often complex, time consuming studies rather than concentrating on their own training is difficult. Most studies are really just a small step up from purely anecdotal evidence, which is basically what you get when you rely on a coach based on his previous results. In an attempt to tease out meaningful data from small sample sizes, MBI produces results but with the potential for more false positives. Unless a study can find a way to increase the number of participants (aggregating data from other studies and publishing more raw data?) there is no silver bullet, which this article points out.

  11. Todd

    I’m the market for an action camera. Is the $250 price point for the hero 5 enough to justify picking it over end hero 6 or is it better to spend a little more now and get better tech in the hero 6?

    • I think in general it is. If I look at all the day to day stuff I use the Hero 6 for, every bit of it can be accomplished with the Hero 5.

      It’s super rare that I shoot in 4K60 (mainly because it’s ‘wide’ only and I mostly prefer a linear view to match DSLR footage, which isn’t available in 4K60).

      I’d say unless you have a very specific Hero6 Black only item in mind, I’d think $150 savings is a solid deal.

  12. Tony

    Hi DC Rainmaker.

    Are you planning to review the new Spot X (just released; possibly competitor to the new Inreach mini)?

    • Maybe.

      I haven’t quite decided yet to be honest. It’s definitely an interesting device, though, the main reason why I reviewed the new inReach was mainly the integration aspects (whereas I haven’t reviewed previous devices).

      Still, it’s a compelling device and it’s been a while since I bought a SPOT device.

  13. Giles E

    Hey Ray. Quick question regarding Garmin IQ apps. Is there any kind of ring-fencing / protection between the core watch and the IQ? I recently had a lot of problems with the watch (735XT) crashing when using the stryd power field, which hasn’t done so after removing the app, thus I’m confused between true watch problems and app problems. It seems strange that Garmin wouldn’t create some kind of fail proof side of the watch where the core functions couldn’t be affected by bugs in non Garmin software, but maybe that is the way?

    • In theory there is, but in reality there are gaps. Turns out some of my recent Edge 520 Plus crashes were actually caused by a CIQ Data Field. There are lots of protections they have in place, but it seems like any app platform, there are always some holes yet to be addressed.

  14. Colin

    I’m calling that Refactor light/camera/GPS “dangerous accessory of the week”.

    Two equally bright, but slightly separated LED lights on a horizontal plane looks, to your average inattentive car driver, like another car in the distance. You know, sufficiently far enough away to allow them to pull out….right into your path.

    Spectacularly bad idea. One can only hope they will never actually deliver anything.

    • Ken

      Not really. From 50′ or 100′ feet up the road there’s just simply not enough separation to see that they are distinct bulbs, kind of like how train track seem to narrow in the distance.
      It’s like the futility of underseat turn signals on a bike; great in concept but poor in execution. Turn signals work on a car because they’re separated by a few feet. Unless a car is right on you; one can’t distinguish the difference between a blinky light under the middle of you left cheek vs. under the middle of your right cheek as they’re both under your body; they just look like a generic blinky under your seat.

  15. Jon

    No way was that shot in 12k. I know the difference between 11.215K and 12K, and that sir, is no 12K ;)

  16. Mike C.

    Hi Ray,

    Just an FYI for sport tech deals.

    Suunto has up to 30% off for their Memorial Day sale. It started on Friday, May 18. :)

  17. Tyler

    I remember the Pumas, from sports and computing magazines I got as a kid, but never saw one in real life.
    I was interested, but only the big shots had a Commodore 64, while us plebes had the lowly Vic 20.

  18. Nathan B

    Hey Ray,

    Wasn’t sure where to post this…

    Just done my first swim with a 935 and HRM-Tri, and the HR doesn’t appear to transfer to Strava.

    The HR data is showing in GC.

    Is this the same as your experience?

    Cheers.

    • Yeah, I can’t remember if Strava has implement ANTfs support for that in the .FIT files. I know it wasn’t for a while, but I vaguely remember them adding it a while back. Or perhaps it was Training Peaks that added it.

      Either way, it’s not rocket science…yet continues to be for some platforms.

  19. JD

    Refactor has the right idea but it is doubtful they can pull it off. There is too much to go wrong.
    If Garmin decides to introduce a 1030+cam+light combo device I’d buy it. They have the required expertise producing all three components.
    The light primarily needs to operate in daytime mode with a wide beam directed forward, plus an emergency mode that directs a narrow beam downward to get you home after dark if needed.

  20. Tosin M. Akinmusuru

    I used to work for JackRabbit when it used to be just 2 stores, and I helped open their third store back in 2009. It went from being a great mom and pop triathlon store, to this behemoth. Along the way, they shed all things triathlon, sold out to mega advertising in their stores, and got rid of the very personal service that they were know for. The one good thing that came out of it is that they now have a decently strong online presence.

    I hope that with all the moving and shaking that JackRabbit has done in the last 6 years, it won’t ruin the overall experience that I have come to get used to with Clever Training.

  21. Lenka

    Hi Ray! If you were a small-wristed woman in the market for a Fenix 5s, would you buy now or hold out for the possibility of a 2018 update?