Heads up – Big Garmin sales are out!!! The Garmin Fenix 8 is $250 off, the Forerunner 965 is $150, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 is $249, and a ton of other Garmin gear has substantial discounts! Go check out the full list here!
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!
Sports Tech Deals:
There’s a handful of sports tech deals out there right now, here ya go (the Fenix & Instinct Solar ones are new):
This 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.
⚡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).
This 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.
⚡⚡⚡ 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.
⚡⚡⚡ 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).
⚡ 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.
⚡ 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.
⚡ 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. Note that the Fenix 8 officially got a price hike to $1,099 in the last month or so, thus the $849 price instead of $749 price.
As 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.
⚡ 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.
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).
This 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.
This 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?
This 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.
⚡ 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.
⚡ 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).
⚡ 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.
This 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.
This 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.
⚡ 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).
DCRAINMAKER.COM Posts in the Past Week:
Here’s all the goodness that ended up on the main page this past week
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. Also, there’s a few things this week that were actually from a week or two ago – I’m just catching up on this list:
3) BikeRumor Sold to Lola Digital Media: This is part of the AllGear Media Group, and covers other sports tech sites like GearJunkie. The sports and gear realm is relatively small, with only a few entities in the grand scheme of things. Congrats to Tyler and his team.
5) Popular Vacmaster fan in UK now makes a trainer mode: All because too many TrainerRoad users kept buying it, since they can’t get Lasko fans here in Europe. I’ve actually been using a Vacmaster fan as well for a long time now too. Works great. mixed on whether I’d pay the premium though for the remote switch, since I’d just rather use a smart connected outlet instead (since I rarely change intensity).
7) The Ice Bike: I know, this is like three weeks old. Four weeks almost. But gosh darn it, it was in my list floating around and didn’t make it. Despite the fact that 62 million of you have already watched it, here’s a link nonetheless….just in case!
8) Google measures heart rate via camera: This is slated for tomorrow, to Google Pixel devices. I’ve got an OG Pixel, so not entirely sure if it’ll work there. But if so – I’ll give it a whirl. My expectations are low…but I’m happy to be surprised!
Sports Tech Device 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, Wahoo, Polar, and a few other firmware updates.
I have used the android version of Azumio’s Instant HR on my old Android 2.3.4 phone back in the day. I was very surprised at how accurate it was when I compared it to my Garmin chest strap. My experience was it would pass the DCR accuracy test. It is interesting to see Google brining it to their fitness app.
Another Azumio user here (not much as I used to though). Bought a pulse oximeter several years back and the app (on android) was pretty much spot on with it. I wouldn’t use it for exercising but for checking resting HR in the mornings or evenings, it will do the job greatly.
There are a few apps for checking HRV. Fibricheck and HRV camera for example. It is for those who have a heart rhythm disorder, like me since a year (too much exercise according my cardiologist; especially a risk for men in their fifties who have done lots of ultra’s, biathlon, cyclists and triathlon, read the Haywire heart about it)
Interesting – VacMaster will do you the standard fan for 69.99 with a 5 year guarantee – bang a remote on it, charge 30 more and they’ll only promise it’ll work for two years – not a great look!
Great content as always. Little off topic but… I just bought some new tech, based on your reviews, and am wondering if you have recommendations for using hrm pro, edge 830, vector 3, kickr core, and zwift on imac? I’ve tried a few options and not sure of best setup. Any advice much appreciated!
NB some issues: want indoor rides to be included in training effect; am concerned that edge’s sync with kickr might be interfering with zwift erg(?), and finally rides that I haven’t actually done in zwift are being sent to strava…
Lastly, referring back to your last summer I think post about Garmin’s acquisition of first beat, will garmin eventually allow training effect to be computed from zwift recorded workouts (so I could leave edge out of indoor)?
Vacmaster claims to ship to Switzerland for £15, but when you click through to complete the order it gives an error saying that they don‘t deliver (and gives the same for Germany). Also doesn‘t appear to deduct the UK VAT even if they do deliver. Disappointed!
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You probably stumbled upon here looking for a review of a sports gadget. If you’re trying to decide which unit to buy – check out my in-depth reviews section. Some reviews are over 60 pages long when printed out, with hundreds of photos! I aim to leave no stone unturned.
I travel a fair bit, both for work and for fun. Here’s a bunch of random trip reports and daily trip-logs that I’ve put together and posted. I’ve sorted it all by world geography, in an attempt to make it easy to figure out where I’ve been.
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 (including drones & action cams!)! It’s a nice break from the day-to-day sports-tech talk, and I hope you get something out of it!
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 2024 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.
Several apps in the App Store claim to do the same kind of HRM using the camera for iOS. Haven’t tried any of them.
I’ve used Azumio’s iOS Heart Rate app and it works pretty well.
Yeah, I’ve seen various apps over the years. I think it’s mainly notable to see en entity the size of Google getting into it.
I have used the android version of Azumio’s Instant HR on my old Android 2.3.4 phone back in the day. I was very surprised at how accurate it was when I compared it to my Garmin chest strap. My experience was it would pass the DCR accuracy test. It is interesting to see Google brining it to their fitness app.
Another Azumio user here (not much as I used to though). Bought a pulse oximeter several years back and the app (on android) was pretty much spot on with it. I wouldn’t use it for exercising but for checking resting HR in the mornings or evenings, it will do the job greatly.
There are a few apps for checking HRV. Fibricheck and HRV camera for example. It is for those who have a heart rhythm disorder, like me since a year (too much exercise according my cardiologist; especially a risk for men in their fifties who have done lots of ultra’s, biathlon, cyclists and triathlon, read the Haywire heart about it)
Have I missed something? What has happened to the newsletter?
I’m ordering popcorn now for the Lama review of Peloton.
Suunto updated their app last week, and you can now (finally!) create and sync POI’s to the Spartans, 5s, and 9s.
Interesting – VacMaster will do you the standard fan for 69.99 with a 5 year guarantee – bang a remote on it, charge 30 more and they’ll only promise it’ll work for two years – not a great look!
I agree. To make it more bike specific I’d look to give it 5 power levels rather than 3.
But still, it’s half the price of the Wahoo fan!
The golf shots look like GGI.
Great content as always. Little off topic but… I just bought some new tech, based on your reviews, and am wondering if you have recommendations for using hrm pro, edge 830, vector 3, kickr core, and zwift on imac? I’ve tried a few options and not sure of best setup. Any advice much appreciated!
NB some issues: want indoor rides to be included in training effect; am concerned that edge’s sync with kickr might be interfering with zwift erg(?), and finally rides that I haven’t actually done in zwift are being sent to strava…
Lastly, referring back to your last summer I think post about Garmin’s acquisition of first beat, will garmin eventually allow training effect to be computed from zwift recorded workouts (so I could leave edge out of indoor)?
Interestingly…. Garmin Australia have a sale right now with A$400 off the entire Fenix 6 range
Thanks to this deal I now own a 6x pro. $849 AUD ($650 USD). Used gift voucher deals to get an extra 5% off
Vacmaster claims to ship to Switzerland for £15, but when you click through to complete the order it gives an error saying that they don‘t deliver (and gives the same for Germany). Also doesn‘t appear to deduct the UK VAT even if they do deliver. Disappointed!