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 number of strong sports tech deals out there right now, primarily tied to Fathers Day coming up.
Product
Sale Price
Amazon
Other site
Sale Notes
4iiii Precision Ride-Ready Power Meters - $100 off!
This is for their non-drive power meter, in either the 'Ride-Ready' config (they send you a completed unit), or $50 off for the factory-install (where you send in your crank arm). The Ride Ready option is really a solid deal, considering you get a reliable power meter for $235.
Ride Ready R7000 - 30% off
Ride Ready R8000 - 20% off
Factory Install - 20% off
9th Gen Apple 10.2-inch iPad (Wi-Fi, 64GB) - $100 off!
⚡ 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 Wahoo SYSTM, 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.
I've been using these the past few months, after years of using the Beats Studio Buds...man, these things rock. My wife has already started stealing them, which means she'll probably get a set for Christmas so she'll stop sealing them.
⚡I make no secret how much I utilize AirTags, mainly, cause they've saved my butt numerous times already. We have them in every suitcase, and every backpack, and every bike bag. They're also hidden in most of our bikes (sometimes two of them). We were able to get our cargo bike back when it disappeared, as well as figure out when all our suitcases went missing during an annual family vacation where they were (for 5 days!), and plan appropriately. Seriously, just get them.
These aren't the latest anymore, that's the newer 3rd gen units. But if budget is in mind, it's hard to beat these. It's still what my wife uses as her daily driver, including tons of time on the indoor trainer/bike.
⚡This is now the lowest price we've ever seen the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) - a very solid deal, especially with the new WatchOS 10 features adding in offline topo mapping, power meter support, and plenty more.
This is Apple's latest Apple Watch model, and did quite well in my review when it launched about two months ago. Especially notable is all the new sports/fitness features it got this year, such as cycling power meter/sensor support.
This is really the first slate of sales we've seen on the Apple Watch Ultra 2, and the lowest price to date. Note: It'll show $739, and then to get the full extra $10 more off, you have to check that 'Apply Coupon' button under the price.
There's just no competition in our minds on the best running stroller - it's what we used with all three of our kiddos for everyting from intervals to 20-mile long runs. In fact, we actually have two of them - one at home in Europe, and one with family in Canada that we picked up used. Go Bob Go!
The DJI Avata is DJI's smaller form factor FPV drone, and one of my favorites to fly. I don't use it all the time, but more for very specific things requiring a bit more agility (whereas most of the times I'll use the DJI Mini 4 Pro, Air 3, or Mavic 3 Pro).
There's definitely something cool about seeing a sub-$300 drone. And there's nothing wrong with this drone, it's very good. Just be careful though, because it's lack of 360* obstacle avoidance means it's pretty easy to get yourself in a pinch for a beginner drone.
Up till the Mini 4 Pro came out, this was my go-to drone. It's what I shot almost all my drone footage from, and is great for both cycling and hiking (or trail running with a hydration pack to hold it), as it's super lightweight and includes everything you need.
⚡ This is the first time we've seen the DJI Mini 4 Pro on sale, for a product DJI rarely discounts so soon after release. This is a great drone, and my go-to unit now for most trips.
⚡ This is the first time we've seen the new Fenix 7 Pro series on sale, and it's a nice strong sale. The smaller Fenix 7S Pro watch has become my wife's go-to watch since it came out, for all of her training and 24x7 usage.
⚡⚡⚡ This is a crazy super strong deal, with Amazon having it as low as $449 (insane). Note that the Epix Gen 2 has continued to receive virtually all of the Epix Pro new features firmware updates. Also note: This deal is *STILL* available. Sometimes you'll have to click to show other retailers (on the right side), but it's still live.
⚡ This is the first time we've seen the new Epix Pro series on sale, and it's a nice strong sale. I'd say this is probably my go-to watch these days (middle-sized one), with the singular reason I tend to choose it over the Forerunner 965, being the built-in flashlight for night.
⚡ This is the first time we've seen the new Epix Pro series on sale, and it's a nice strong sale. I'd say this is probably my go-to watch these days (middle-sized one), with the singular reason I tend to choose it over the Forerunner 965, being the built-in flashlight for night.
⚡⚡⚡ This is a crazy super strong deal, with Amazon having it as low as $499 for Sapphire edition (insane). Note that the Epix Gen 2 has continued to receive virtually all of the Epix Pro new features firmware updates.
[Note: This is a renewed unit] Obviously, the Fenix 6 isn't the latest anymore, but these are still very capable watches and frankly, at $329, there's absolutely nothing from any of their even brand-new competitor watches (COROS, Polar, Suunto, etc...) that can even remotely compete with the features here. Heck, not even Garmin's own pricing for their Fenix 7 Pro can compete with this. Fwiw, all Garmin renewed units go back to the same factory original units came from. Frankly, there's virtually no difference. If you're on a budget, this is where it's at.
⚡ This is the first time we've seen the new Fenix 7 Pro series on sale, and it's a nice strong sale. The smaller Fenix 7S Pro watch has become my wife's go-to watch since it came out, for all of her training and 24x7 usage.
⚡This is a strong deal if you don't care about the new optical heart rate sensor (including ECG) of the newer Fenix 7 Pro, especially given the Fenix 7 series has received virtually all of the Fenix 7 Pro's new software features, keeping them essentially identical.
This is Garmin's mid-tier running watch, and is a very polished option with good multi-band GPS, and of course, a boatload of running metrics. This model also includes offline music such as Spotify and Amazon Music.
This is one of Garmin's most popular running watches, and this is now the lowest price we've ever seen on it. I often use this in my accuracy testing comparisons when validating other watches, due to it's very strong GPS performance. Note this is the base edition without solar.
This is one of Garmin's most popular running watches, and this is now the lowest price we've ever seen on it. I often use this in my accuracy testing comparisons when validating other watches, due to it's very strong GPS performance. This is the SOLAR edition.
This is a good deal, especially considering the Instinct 2 series got Training Readiness and a host of other new features over the course of just this year alone.
This is a great deal at $199 for the smaller 2S units, especially considering the Instinct 2 series got Training Readiness and a host of other new features over the course of just this year alone. Plus of course all the existing triathlon/power meter/etc support it has built-in.
This is the first time we've seen the Instinct 2X on sale, and since announcement it's received a huge slate of firmware updates and new features. It's best thought of as an Instinct 2.5, as it has almost enough features to really be more of an Instinct 3 (which doesn't exist at this point).
⚡ 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.
We 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.
These are the WiFi mesh access points I use both at home and the DCR Cave. Love them - I don't need to dork with them, they just work. Sure, there are fancier 'Pro' versions now, but really, I just have zero issues.
While the new Pixel Watch 2 just came out a month ago, the Pixel Watch 2 got almost all the software features two weeks ago via software update. The Pixel Watch 2 does have a slightly better optical HR sensor, and better battery life, but otherwise is relatively similiar.
⚡The Karoo 2 is down to $299 ($100 off), but you can use DCR coupon code DCRAIN40 to get an additional $40 off, bringing it down to $259!!! A very solid deal given all the software updates it's received!
This 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.
Hyperice Normatec 3 Leg Recovery System - $100 off
I actually quite like the Insat360 Go 3 and the combo of tiny form factor when you want it, and screen-box when you don't. I'm not sure $20 off is a sale worth jumping out of your seat for, but hey...a sale is a sale.
This is something I use frequently when shooting out and about and I need to re-charge a crapton of drone batteries, action cameras, or just cameras and such. I also use it on trips to Eurobike and elsewhere to keep equipment charged. I've even bought a solar panel to hook up to it (surprisingly effective). Heck, I've even powered a KICKR trainer ride from it!
Lasko High Velocity Pro-Performance Fan (U15617) - 23% off
This 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. I've actually got this fan in the DCR Cave recently on advice of many people.
Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee & Espresso Kit - 30% off
⚡ 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!
We use one of these and so far after just about five years, it's working great for us. Love it, and works better than trying to stick a regular Nest Cam out the window (since it'll reflect both during daytime and at night with the IR sensor).
⚡ I know, I know, I still owe everyone a review. Nonetheless, 2+ years later, I love this thing. We use it for more than pizza too, notably steaks (to get a really crispy sear). But a lot of pizza. It's completely portable, even easily fitting on our cargo bike. Note that I went with this model, the cheapest one they make, as I realized that buying the higher-end models that that support gas didn't make much sense for me. I have a gas grill already (and could easily just put a stone on it). Similarly, while a large 16" is appealing, realistically I've found this 12" more than enough for pretty substantial personal pizzas (and it makes it easier to handle). Full in-depth review pretty soon...probably. Also, $244 appears to be the lowest price ever.
I believe this is the lowest price we've ever seen on the original/base Peloton Bike model (without a bundle required). This is still a solid bike, and actually one that I use at home (I have the newer Peloton Bike+ at the office). Both my wife and I use these bikes interchangeably, and while the Bike+ has a bigger screen and better accuracy, there's very little difference in the core Peloton experience. I'd still recommend this model to most people. Note Peloton has stated/confirmed there will be no 'bigger discounts' on products during this holiday period.
This is a solid deal for the Bike+. Both my wife and I use both the Peloton Bike+ and the regular Bike (one at home, one at office) on a weekly basis. We like both. The Bike+ is more accurate than the regular bike, and also has a bigger screen and automatic resistance control. That said, the core Peloton experience isn't any different between the two - it's the same platform there. Note Peloton has stated/confirmed there will be no 'bigger discounts' on products during this holiday period.
Peloton has the Peloton Row on sale, both this base unit here, but also various bundled units as well. This is the first times we've seen the base unit (non-bundled) on sale.
This 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%. Note, the medium- size is the one on sale.
We 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 use a literal flotilla of these small SSD's for all my photo/video projects until they get moved off to the NAS system (Synology) for longer term storage. I have T5/T7 units, and are picking up a few of the larger T9 ones given the sale prices. Love them, incredibly fast and reliable.
⚡I use the SanDisk Extreme Pro SD Cards exclusively for all my video/photo shooting on my Panasonic GH5 and Nikon cameras (video and stills), including up to 6K recording with the GH5. I've mostly used 128's, but more and more lately I'm filling up cards faster with higher bitrates, so this sale is gonna have me pickup a bunch of the 256GB ones instead. The 128GB/ 512GB/1TB ones are also on sale too viathe same link. Note that usually I wait till these are about $40-45, so this is a fantastic deal and I'll be filling up.
⚡ A very solid deal, making it the least expensive smart bike out there. Note that while the deal is marketed as being 37% off, most of the time the bike floats between $2,500 and $2,800. Still - $1,999 is very solid.
This is the first time we've seen the new Suunto Vertical on sale, and especially notable given the huge firmware update it got this past week with tons of new features from the also-new Suunto Race watch.
⚡⚡ Holy crap, this is an incredible deal. Get this while it's hot and lasts. Note that you can also pair this with the NEO Motion Plates, which would give you a slight bit of forward/back rolling motion.
This is arguably my wife's favorite sports tech gadget. She uses it pretty much daily. Thus, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention this deal. Also, please don't tell her, she might just buy another one...
My wife uses the Theragun Elite, which is just slightly more expensive than this model at $299 on sale right now. But hey, I hear good things about all of these.
⚡⚡ This deal is back, and it's a pretty incredible deal. It's the Wahoo KICKR CORE down to $499, which REI briefly did this past June. Nobody else seems to be offering this deal, and even though the KICKR CORE got the price reduced to $599 recently, it's virtually unheard of to see these trainers below the $500 marker.
⚡ This is a very solid deal that happens twice a year, if you were looking at the Wahoo power meter pedals, grab these before this disappears (and it usually disappears). As with the Garmin Rally pedals, I continue to use Wahoo power meter pedals for accuracy testing of other brands/units.
⚡ This is a very solid deal that happens twice a year, if you were looking at the Wahoo power meter pedals, grab these before this disappears (and it usually disappears). As with the Garmin Rally pedals, I continue to use Wahoo power meter pedals for accuracy testing of other brands/units.
⚡ At some point, everything becomes a steal. While the Wahoo RIVAL struggles to be comepetitive with higher-end watches, at $99, it's a pretty crazy deal - especially for triathletes where Wahoo does some cool stuff around automatic transitions.
I've long been a fan of the Withings WiFi scales, especially since they can connect/push data to so many platforms, including Zwift! Note that the Body+ simply includes more data.
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:
2) Peloton Hardware Launches in Australia on July 14th: They don’t plan to have instructors in Australia, but rather have their ‘Australian’ instructors operate out of the NYC studio, which makes sense logistically.
3) Apple’s Beats Studio Buds may be soon: I use the PowerBeats Pro as my main headphones when not testing other things. They’re good in an Apple ecosystem, though not perfect (mainly, the charging case is the size of a donut, and often fails to correctly ‘lock’ in place so it doesn’t charge one side (a super common problem for PowerBeats). That said, I’ve always kinda liked the over-ear design, so we’ll see.
4) Stretchable skin-attached OLED screen: Samsung shows off a prototype that’s a heart rate sensor on an OLED screen directly on the skin. That said, I’m having a really hard time understanding the actual practical purpose for why this is better than any number of wearables already on the market (or, in the future). Even the 1,000 ‘skin stretches’ tested limit isn’t actually that many. Every movement of your wrist is in effect a skin stretch. How many of those happen per day? Hundreds? 500? I don’t know. I’m not saying there’s zero application for this, but rather, I just don’t understand a practical reason why this would be used over anything else on earth.
5) London’s new swimming pool hanging between two buildings: Speaking of similar ‘Wait, why?’ type projects, is this clear swimming pool connecting two buildings. To be fair, I don’t really care about the ‘Why’ answer – because, unlike the OLED screens, this is downright awesome. It’s like the Singapore rooftop pool at the crazy expensive hotel, except, with more ballsy engineers.
6) Runner’s World’s ‘Twelve Minutes and a Life ‘ Wins Pulitzer: If you didn’t read this long-form article last June when it first came out, I’d strongly encourage you do so. And glad to see it get the recognition it, and the underlying issues, deserved.
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.
Suunto 9 Series Firmware Update: Surprisingly, Suunto released most of the new Suunto 9 Peak features back to their existing Suunto 9 series watches, including the new Snap to Route feature.
I received Garmin Edge 530 version 8.00 pushed to my device yesterday, but can’t find listing or release notes for it anywhere. Anyone know where the release notes are?
They’ve added chevrons pointing the way when navigating (nice), and screwed up calorie count even further by adding “metabolic calories”. (I switched calories to kJ in the two profiles where I use a power meter to revert to the old behavior.) They claim to have sped up calculation of a route, but I used navigation a couple of times over the weekend and didn’t really notice any major improvement. The new “high contrast” map style is a welcome improvement.
Looking at all of the deals on all of the Garmin watches makes me wonder about the necessity of so many models/variants. If you were in charge, Ray, how many watches would there need to be? Is there a lot of waste in models and variants of models?
Should there be a few core models that, with a small subscription, unlock different features? That way, if you’re just running, but like the design of the Fenix, you pay less to have it. But if you want multi-sport functionality, it’s another $5/month. And if you want functionality that other watches currently posses (and the Fenix doesn’t), $10/month unlocks everything. I’m sort of thinking like the Tesla models that you can pay to “unlock” certain features. Then, subsequent owners of the car have to decide if they want to pay for those features or not.
I see where you are coming from, and I do agree there seem to be too many models, but I’m not sold on the subscription method for everything. A subscription here and there all add up. It can get expensive.
Why not the other way around? Every watch gets all the software, since development effort is already done and paid for. You choose the size and materials you like or can afford. A Fenix is expensive because it’s made out of Titanium, the 945 is basically the same watch but cheaper because it’s plastic. When I buy the Fenix, since the 3 I’ve always bought the expensive one with the metal band, because I like it. Remove the barometer and you’d obviously lose some software features and some cost, same for music and map storage. All of those I’m good with, it’s when they arbitrarily add and remove stuff or don’t support older models that bothers me. I get that my Fenix 5 will never be able to store a map, it just doesn’t have anywhere to put it. I don’t get why it can’t get the new watch face or widgets. I also don’t get why my Fenix 5+ can’t support a Concept 2 rower natively yet the 6 can. I’ll buy the next Fenix as soon as it launches, I am certain the newer hardware will be better. I’d feel a lot better about doing so if Garmin treated their software the way Apple does.
> Every watch gets all the software, since development effort is already done and paid for.
This doesn’t make the things easier, as you also have hardware differences between the watches. So instead of supporting several code bases (one per watch line / model / etc) you’ll have a single codebase with lots of flagged code “if this hardware is present” / “if that hardware is present”.
Yeah, I’m not really sure what the business-viable solution is.
What I do know though, is that at this point, it’s hard to argue for anything other than the status quo. Because for Garmin specifically, financially, it’s never been better for them. Whatever approach you want to call this is driving incredible revenue and growth. So it’s kinda hard to say ‘Abandon what’s working out super well for you, because I have an idea.” :-/
I do agree that having any hardware be able to unlock any software feature makes sense. I just don’t know how Garmin does that in a way that’s financially viable while also being consumer-appealing.
Yes, way too many. They can also do what others like Apple do and reduce the prices of older watches to meet different price points. For example, instead of releasing the FR55, they could have dropped the price of the FR245 to $199, added a couple of new features like the HIIT activity via a software update, and released it in new color. This will still get them free coverage from review sites. Instead they released a (new) watch with a lower resolution, which most review sites complained about.
Fenix, should be 1 solar watch with different cases with all the features that Garmin has to offer considering the price tag.
Instinct, should be 1 solar watch since that is what the screen is designed for.
Swim 2, not needed. All the features should be rolled into the Forerunner watches.
Golf watches, not needed. All the features should be on the Fenix watches. Vivo watches for those on a tight budget.
Vivoactive, 1 watch, no need for different shapes and screen types.
Venu, keep it at 1 watch.
Forerunner, 2 watches, one for single sport without maps, one for multi-sport with maps.
1 Fenix, 2 Forerunners, 1 Instinct, 1 Vivoactive and 1 Venu. This will make supporting, marketing and choosing Garmin watches a lot easier it while still giving them enough room to meet different price points and create watches with different hardware/screens. It will also create much more brand loyalty. I don’t think FR645, VA4, F5 and Venu users are pleased when the FR245 gets updates that they do not get.
You’re 100% right Ray, but it does look as if the hardware platforms are starting to converge more than in the past so I wouldn’t be surprised if the subject has been raised internally. Even the Enduro seems (from limited info) to be essentially the same platform but with a better chip process. The OS itself started converging back with 920XT/Fenix3/Epix to the point where today it must be a single core codebase that gets branched, and no matter how you look at it, that branching must be more expensive for them to maintain than a single coding effort. Just looking at the beta threads on the forums you can see the excess effort of adding features individually to different device branches, and presumably porting bug fixes accross them too. As such I think there is a good financial incentive for them to change, but also an innovation benefit since more of the people could work on new features more of the time rather than on chasing bugs around between devices. It would likely also reduce support costs if there was more consistency, I can’t imagine Garmin’s support bill is cheap these days!
Much as I like to bash Suunto for their crazy moves in recent times, I have to give them big kudos for their consistent approach accross devices. My two Suunto devices (9 and Spartan sport WHR) have essentially the same software despite being very different price points.
Instead of a sucbscription, I‘d rather have a certain amount of base models (like for example: smartwatch/casual, athlete, outdoor and tactical) in two to three different sizes with a certain base feature. If you want more features, you pay a one time fee to unlock a certain feature set (for example: running, bike, outdoor, with possibilities for combos). This would also solve the code problem (if there is one) without the need for a subscription.
But this would create other problems: for example, would you have to release every one or two years a new set of base models? What would differentiate them? Would there be new feature-updates for existing base models? Etc. So yeah, in the long run, I think it is probably better the way Garmin is already doing it. I would just consolidate the release cycles (release all 2xx, 6xx, 7xx and 9xx in the same year, for example).
A Garmin Enduro (Carbon Grey DLC Titanium with Black UltraFit Nylon Strap) retails for about $1200-00 (inclusive of 15% VAT). A Tacx Neo 2T retails for about $1950-00 (incl of 15% VAT). That is not cheap. Add a delay of anywhere between 6 – 9 months from the launch of any new Garmin model into the local market; you end up effectively with an “outdated” wearable soon after buying it. It might work for Garmin, but it does not work for local consumers. It borders on exploitation. ( I can buy a Tacx Neo 2T on Amazon, ship it to SA, pay all the relevant taxes and save $200-00, but in the process forego technical support).
I’m with Dave Lusty on why the Fenix 5+ can’t get new watch faces/widgets. The fact that their current business model is very profitable makes it even harder to swallow. But, as I said before, retaining customers is a lot cheaper in the long run than acquiring new ones. So I will consider other options when the time comes to replace my Fenix 5+. It didn’t need to be that way.
The ‘charging’ issue with the PowerBeats Pro are incredibly frustrating. I typically keep my beats on the trainer desk and 8 out of 10 times one of the headphones are dead. Super annoying.
Amazon Prime days start next Monday. There’s usually some good Garmin items @ decent prices. They go fast so don’t spend too much time thinking about a deal. Ray will be busy.
Yes, the general rule of thumb for strong deals on Prime Day is buy now and ask questions later. It’s easy and free to return, but you can’t get a 20-minute price deal back.
I would say though – if you think this is a good deal, pull the trigger now – you can always buy again and return – For the Fenix 6 models (in Canada anyway) they are at the lowest price they have ever been on amazon by a fairly large margin.
I was very excited when I heard that snap to route came to my Suunto 9 Baro. But after 2 test runs I‘m completely disappointed! Thought that this feature would bring a massive improvement to pace accuracy. But this isn’t the case! Yes, it brings a very clean track to Strava. But no, it doesn’t help you seeing a less jumping pace while running.
I think i will try to one-up on that fast cameraman. – the one half of the “buttery bros” Marston Sawyers (a layed off startup from the Crossfit media team) did an insane run at the “games” a few years ago. link to petapixel.com
they may not be the fastest people in the world, but there were ex college footballers among those guys – try to keep an eye in the bottom on the video. – that Camera rig is not really that handy to run with – in one hand!
Ray. My kids are getting older and I’m starting to allow them to bike longer rides on their own. Do you have reviews/recommendations for GPS trackers for kids without phones? Rather not pay a subscription fee. But it looks like that may be the only reliable option.
Since the last firmware update on Saturday, my Garmin Edge 530 was set to English language and appears not to have the possibilty to set language back to German. When I go to settings, I can find a dozen of different languages, but German.
Ray – many thanks for highlighting the Runner’s World ‘Twelve Minutes and a Life’ article by Mitchell Jackson. There are places I feel uneasy when I run, walk or ride my bike in my state due to the combination of flags and dogs. I could easily have been in the same place/time as Maud.
Ray, Is the Garmin InReach not actually on sale? I’m seeing it listed at $349 everywhere. The other Garmin items you listed do seem to be at their sale price.
I’ve got a Fenix3, non sapphire, for.. 6 years now, with no scratching on the screen – Im waffling back and forth between a 945LTE/F6Pro or the F6Pro with Sapphire screen…
For anyone who made a similar jump, how is the gorilla glass holding up vs the f3? I noticed you can’t even get a 945 with sapphire, so how easy is it to scratch?
I figure I have a better chance of someone replying here vs random twitter since we are all here for the same thing lol
I’m not sure about the scratch resistance but I have a 935 and just put a screen gard on it, I can’t even tell it’s there and if I scratch it I can just pop another one on it. Just my 2 cents
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I received Garmin Edge 530 version 8.00 pushed to my device yesterday, but can’t find listing or release notes for it anywhere. Anyone know where the release notes are?
Lazy link for yoy
U
link to forums.garmin.com
Looks like the big changes are the new map styles, and the addition of popularity highlighting on the 530.
They’ve added chevrons pointing the way when navigating (nice), and screwed up calorie count even further by adding “metabolic calories”. (I switched calories to kJ in the two profiles where I use a power meter to revert to the old behavior.) They claim to have sped up calculation of a route, but I used navigation a couple of times over the weekend and didn’t really notice any major improvement. The new “high contrast” map style is a welcome improvement.
Looking at all of the deals on all of the Garmin watches makes me wonder about the necessity of so many models/variants. If you were in charge, Ray, how many watches would there need to be? Is there a lot of waste in models and variants of models?
Should there be a few core models that, with a small subscription, unlock different features? That way, if you’re just running, but like the design of the Fenix, you pay less to have it. But if you want multi-sport functionality, it’s another $5/month. And if you want functionality that other watches currently posses (and the Fenix doesn’t), $10/month unlocks everything. I’m sort of thinking like the Tesla models that you can pay to “unlock” certain features. Then, subsequent owners of the car have to decide if they want to pay for those features or not.
I see where you are coming from, and I do agree there seem to be too many models, but I’m not sold on the subscription method for everything. A subscription here and there all add up. It can get expensive.
I wouldn’t buy another Garmin watch if they started any subscription crap. $500+ watches should work without that kind of stuff
Why not the other way around? Every watch gets all the software, since development effort is already done and paid for. You choose the size and materials you like or can afford. A Fenix is expensive because it’s made out of Titanium, the 945 is basically the same watch but cheaper because it’s plastic. When I buy the Fenix, since the 3 I’ve always bought the expensive one with the metal band, because I like it. Remove the barometer and you’d obviously lose some software features and some cost, same for music and map storage. All of those I’m good with, it’s when they arbitrarily add and remove stuff or don’t support older models that bothers me. I get that my Fenix 5 will never be able to store a map, it just doesn’t have anywhere to put it. I don’t get why it can’t get the new watch face or widgets. I also don’t get why my Fenix 5+ can’t support a Concept 2 rower natively yet the 6 can. I’ll buy the next Fenix as soon as it launches, I am certain the newer hardware will be better. I’d feel a lot better about doing so if Garmin treated their software the way Apple does.
> Every watch gets all the software, since development effort is already done and paid for.
This doesn’t make the things easier, as you also have hardware differences between the watches. So instead of supporting several code bases (one per watch line / model / etc) you’ll have a single codebase with lots of flagged code “if this hardware is present” / “if that hardware is present”.
Yeah, I’m not really sure what the business-viable solution is.
What I do know though, is that at this point, it’s hard to argue for anything other than the status quo. Because for Garmin specifically, financially, it’s never been better for them. Whatever approach you want to call this is driving incredible revenue and growth. So it’s kinda hard to say ‘Abandon what’s working out super well for you, because I have an idea.” :-/
I do agree that having any hardware be able to unlock any software feature makes sense. I just don’t know how Garmin does that in a way that’s financially viable while also being consumer-appealing.
Yes, way too many. They can also do what others like Apple do and reduce the prices of older watches to meet different price points. For example, instead of releasing the FR55, they could have dropped the price of the FR245 to $199, added a couple of new features like the HIIT activity via a software update, and released it in new color. This will still get them free coverage from review sites. Instead they released a (new) watch with a lower resolution, which most review sites complained about.
Fenix, should be 1 solar watch with different cases with all the features that Garmin has to offer considering the price tag.
Instinct, should be 1 solar watch since that is what the screen is designed for.
Swim 2, not needed. All the features should be rolled into the Forerunner watches.
Golf watches, not needed. All the features should be on the Fenix watches. Vivo watches for those on a tight budget.
Vivoactive, 1 watch, no need for different shapes and screen types.
Venu, keep it at 1 watch.
Forerunner, 2 watches, one for single sport without maps, one for multi-sport with maps.
1 Fenix, 2 Forerunners, 1 Instinct, 1 Vivoactive and 1 Venu. This will make supporting, marketing and choosing Garmin watches a lot easier it while still giving them enough room to meet different price points and create watches with different hardware/screens. It will also create much more brand loyalty. I don’t think FR645, VA4, F5 and Venu users are pleased when the FR245 gets updates that they do not get.
You’re 100% right Ray, but it does look as if the hardware platforms are starting to converge more than in the past so I wouldn’t be surprised if the subject has been raised internally. Even the Enduro seems (from limited info) to be essentially the same platform but with a better chip process. The OS itself started converging back with 920XT/Fenix3/Epix to the point where today it must be a single core codebase that gets branched, and no matter how you look at it, that branching must be more expensive for them to maintain than a single coding effort. Just looking at the beta threads on the forums you can see the excess effort of adding features individually to different device branches, and presumably porting bug fixes accross them too. As such I think there is a good financial incentive for them to change, but also an innovation benefit since more of the people could work on new features more of the time rather than on chasing bugs around between devices. It would likely also reduce support costs if there was more consistency, I can’t imagine Garmin’s support bill is cheap these days!
Much as I like to bash Suunto for their crazy moves in recent times, I have to give them big kudos for their consistent approach accross devices. My two Suunto devices (9 and Spartan sport WHR) have essentially the same software despite being very different price points.
Instead of a sucbscription, I‘d rather have a certain amount of base models (like for example: smartwatch/casual, athlete, outdoor and tactical) in two to three different sizes with a certain base feature. If you want more features, you pay a one time fee to unlock a certain feature set (for example: running, bike, outdoor, with possibilities for combos). This would also solve the code problem (if there is one) without the need for a subscription.
But this would create other problems: for example, would you have to release every one or two years a new set of base models? What would differentiate them? Would there be new feature-updates for existing base models? Etc. So yeah, in the long run, I think it is probably better the way Garmin is already doing it. I would just consolidate the release cycles (release all 2xx, 6xx, 7xx and 9xx in the same year, for example).
I’m from South Africa.
A Garmin Enduro (Carbon Grey DLC Titanium with Black UltraFit Nylon Strap) retails for about $1200-00 (inclusive of 15% VAT). A Tacx Neo 2T retails for about $1950-00 (incl of 15% VAT). That is not cheap. Add a delay of anywhere between 6 – 9 months from the launch of any new Garmin model into the local market; you end up effectively with an “outdated” wearable soon after buying it. It might work for Garmin, but it does not work for local consumers. It borders on exploitation. ( I can buy a Tacx Neo 2T on Amazon, ship it to SA, pay all the relevant taxes and save $200-00, but in the process forego technical support).
I’m with Dave Lusty on why the Fenix 5+ can’t get new watch faces/widgets. The fact that their current business model is very profitable makes it even harder to swallow. But, as I said before, retaining customers is a lot cheaper in the long run than acquiring new ones. So I will consider other options when the time comes to replace my Fenix 5+. It didn’t need to be that way.
The ‘charging’ issue with the PowerBeats Pro are incredibly frustrating. I typically keep my beats on the trainer desk and 8 out of 10 times one of the headphones are dead. Super annoying.
Ciao,
i need ti buy a new cicloGPS. I’m waiting for Garmin EDGE updates: someone knows if Garmin is going to release new devices?
Thank You!
Amazon Prime days start next Monday. There’s usually some good Garmin items @ decent prices. They go fast so don’t spend too much time thinking about a deal. Ray will be busy.
Yes, the general rule of thumb for strong deals on Prime Day is buy now and ask questions later. It’s easy and free to return, but you can’t get a 20-minute price deal back.
will do, great idea!
I would say though – if you think this is a good deal, pull the trigger now – you can always buy again and return – For the Fenix 6 models (in Canada anyway) they are at the lowest price they have ever been on amazon by a fairly large margin.
I was very excited when I heard that snap to route came to my Suunto 9 Baro. But after 2 test runs I‘m completely disappointed! Thought that this feature would bring a massive improvement to pace accuracy. But this isn’t the case! Yes, it brings a very clean track to Strava. But no, it doesn’t help you seeing a less jumping pace while running.
Interesting. Pace seemed pretty good for me, but wouldn’t surprise me if there’s conditional variability.
I think i will try to one-up on that fast cameraman. – the one half of the “buttery bros” Marston Sawyers (a layed off startup from the Crossfit media team) did an insane run at the “games” a few years ago. link to petapixel.com
they may not be the fastest people in the world, but there were ex college footballers among those guys – try to keep an eye in the bottom on the video. – that Camera rig is not really that handy to run with – in one hand!
The Grit X is 20% off for most models on polar.com with code GRITX20. I’m tempted.
Ray. My kids are getting older and I’m starting to allow them to bike longer rides on their own. Do you have reviews/recommendations for GPS trackers for kids without phones? Rather not pay a subscription fee. But it looks like that may be the only reliable option.
Since the last firmware update on Saturday, my Garmin Edge 530 was set to English language and appears not to have the possibilty to set language back to German. When I go to settings, I can find a dozen of different languages, but German.
Someone knows what happend?
My US E530 with firmware version 8.00 lists Frarncais, Deutsch, and then Magyar towards the middle of all of the choices.
Ray – many thanks for highlighting the Runner’s World ‘Twelve Minutes and a Life’ article by Mitchell Jackson. There are places I feel uneasy when I run, walk or ride my bike in my state due to the combination of flags and dogs. I could easily have been in the same place/time as Maud.
Ray, Is the Garmin InReach not actually on sale? I’m seeing it listed at $349 everywhere. The other Garmin items you listed do seem to be at their sale price.
I’ve got a Fenix3, non sapphire, for.. 6 years now, with no scratching on the screen – Im waffling back and forth between a 945LTE/F6Pro or the F6Pro with Sapphire screen…
For anyone who made a similar jump, how is the gorilla glass holding up vs the f3? I noticed you can’t even get a 945 with sapphire, so how easy is it to scratch?
I figure I have a better chance of someone replying here vs random twitter since we are all here for the same thing lol
I’m not sure about the scratch resistance but I have a 935 and just put a screen gard on it, I can’t even tell it’s there and if I scratch it I can just pop another one on it. Just my 2 cents
That’s a good idea – I normally don’t but I may for this.
Thanks Ray! Love your sports tech videos and reviews.