Heads up – Massive Sports Tech Holiday Deals List is Live!!! The Garmin Fenix 8 is $250 off (even the Fenix 8 Pro is $100 off!), the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is on sale, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 is $249, the GoPro Hero 13 Black, DJI NEO, and a ton of other brands/deals, including Wahoo, Oura, Whoop, Polar, Samsung, Google, and more than 100 sports tech deals here!
It’s that time of year again, for the first round of sales going into the holidays. While I still expect we’ll see bigger deals as we get closer to Black Friday, there are some solid deals in here. The list below is constantly updated, especially later in the day as more deals go live (or, I find them buried deep in the caves). Still, below are my favorites thus far:
My Top 5 Favorite Deals:
#1) Garmin Epix for $399:No surprise here, this is an incredible deal, especially given it got virtually all the Epix Pro software features. Sure, the Fenix 8 is out, but that’ll cost you nearly 3x this, and actually doesn’t have really anything in the way of new sports features (except scuba diving), and the new speaker/mic. (Update: This deal keeps disappearing/out of stock, but keeps coming back an hour or few later, over and over. Just keeping hitting refresh!). #2) Garmin Forerunner 955 for $319:This is an awesome deal for a high-end multisport watch with mapping. #3) Apple AirPods Pro for $168: Interestingly, they dropped the price further mid-day from $188 to $168, and that seems to have done the trick to push this into the top 5. My go-to headphones for daily (and running) usage. #4) Garmin Edge 1040 for $479:Despite the new Edge 1050 coming out this summer, the Edge 1040 got virtually all the new features via software update already. Thus, this is a great deal. #5) iPad for $199:Ya probably didn’t see this coming, but, going into indoor trainer season, my iPad’s get a workout running apps like Zwift, TrainerRoad, Rouvy, Indievelo, and many more. You don’t need a super fancy iPad for any of those apps, this does the trick perfectly.
To take advantage of Amazon Big Deal Days you simply need to be an Amazon Prime member. The good news is that you can sign-up for the free trial and cancel later if you don’t find value in it. Just hit up this giant banner below to do so:
I’ve organized all the best sports technology Amazon Prime Days deals (and a few others I’ve found) below in the tables by category. I’ll be updating them throughout the next two days. Keep in mind not all deals last (in fact, most don’t). So if you see something that’s hot, I’d strongly suggest buy now (and return later if need be).
With that, onto the deals! And thanks for supporting the site via the links below. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Enjoy!
Europe Folks Note: I’m working on adding your deals, it’s messy as always. Almost all of the below are US.
Watches & Wearables:
This covers anything you can wear that’s watch-like or activity band-like, including sensors. Generally speaking, you’ll mostly find deals here that are on things I’ve written about in the past. So you won’t find a deal on some random non-sports tech watch here, or on socks. Unless the socks have some crazy sensor or something in them.
We 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).
Perhaps 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.
These 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.
This 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.
This 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.
This 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!
This 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!
These 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).
⚡ 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.
⚡ 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.
If 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.
⚡ 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.
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.
This 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!
This 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.
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.
⚡⚡ 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!]
⚡ 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.
⚡ 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.
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.
The 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.
⚡ 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 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).
The 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.
The 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.
⚡ 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.
⚡ 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).
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.
⚡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).
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%.
If 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
This 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.
While 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.
Got a bike? Then this section is for you. Everything from bike computers to bike lights to trainers, it’s all here. I won’t generally be adding things like brake cables or bike seats here, but if I find a good deal on a cassette to stack on that new direct drive trainer you just bought, I’ll probably list it here.
⚡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.
⚡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.
⚡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).
⚡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 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!).
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 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.
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. It's one of the ones in my rotation.
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).
This 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.
This 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.
⚡ 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).
⚡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...
Action Cameras & Drones:
Wanna record it? No better way than an action camera. Anything that’s action camera-related or drone-related, you’ll find here. That’s especially true of action camera mounts, which are often found for great deals around the holidays. Same goes with drones and drone accessories. Usually a great time to pick up an extra battery or extra props.
This 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.
Look, 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.
⚡ 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.
NOTE: 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.
This 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.
This 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.
⚡ 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).
⚡ 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).
This 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).
Other Sports & Fitness:
Anything else that’s sports and fitness related that I think is interesting will be here. It may not be super techy – but it’s stuff that most readers will be using in pursuit of their running/cycling/swimming/hiking/whatever.
Product
Sale Price
Amazon
Other site
Sale Notes
FeedBack Sports Pro Mechanic Bike Repair Stand - $50 Off
We 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
I'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
The 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...).
I 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.
⚡ 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 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.
These 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
I 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
My wife uses the Theragun, and absolutely loves it, in the most hatefun kind of way.
DCR Random Gadget List:
This is basically the mostly totally unrelated gadgets and things I think are cool deals that I’ve likely bought one or five of (you can never have too many, right)? Some of it’s probably photography stuff. Some of it’s random stuff like chargers and battery packs that I use daily, fun camera gear I use to make videos like sliders and turntables, and well…just random things you’ll find around the DCR Cave. It’s all random…but it’s all awesome randomness!
Product
Sale Price
Amazon
Sale Notes
Adobe Creative Cloud Pro (12 Months) - $389 off (50% off!)
As 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.
Despite 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.)
⚡ 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
See 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
This 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.
This 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.
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.
⚡ 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
I 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!
I 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).
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 think the main reason I love it, is that we heavily use it in summer, so...kinda reminds me of summer.
SanDisk 1-4TB Extreme PRO Portable External SSD - 30% off
⚡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 - $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.
I 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.
With that – thanks for reading, and for supporting the site via the links above.
Yeah, I’m going to dive into that a bit in my Messenger Plus review that’s upcoming. I agree, the shifts around suspension seem a little weird. Not very Garmin-y.
An article on this would be great. I just suspended my service for the Fall as it appears I’m still on the old plans. But, certainly confused about how it works going forward.
+1 I’ve been wondering about this as well. Depending on what the [apparently not yet determined?] reactivation charge ends up being, this could be the end of inreach for me. I hope something changes in the next couple months but it isn’t looking great.
Alternatively, some users may benefit from cancelling their service during the off season. For example, if you only need inReach satellite communication features for one or two months out of the year, it will be more cost effective to cancel your service and then reactivate it again the following year.
…
Cancelling takes effect immediately and puts the inReach device in a “deactivated” state where it no longer functions on the Iridium satellite network. Any saved account data will still be available after cancelling. If there is no activity on your Garmin account across all our sites and services for at least 2 years, your account may be deleted. For more details, see – Inactive Account Deletion.
Devices have to be activated again in order to function on the Iridium satellite network and would incur an activation fee of $39.99 USD. For pricing information in other regions, see – inReach Satellite Subscription Plan Pricing and Global Availability FAQ.
Great article. I’m going to save $775 on the Apple Watch Ultra by just going for ice cream instead. As usual, Amazon Canada deals are nowhere near as exciting, i think the best Garmin deal I noticed was a 255 Music for $299.
If you care about compatibility with KICKR CLIMB or Zwift Virtual shifting, then suggest going with the Core. If you don’t care about either of those, then suggest save $ and go with the H3, which is a very solid unit.
Thank you! Don’t use Zwift, and don’t care abt the Climb, so that makes it an easy decision!
The one other thing is that the Kickr says the freehub can be changed to use a Campy cassette. Do you know if that is true of the H3 (helpful, though not necessary).
Got the H3. But it comes without the right through axle adapter for 12mm. Even thought it claims to have the correct one. And no response from Saris support. Their phone line says they are are closed for “the holidays.”
I have about another week to decide if they will come through, or it will have to go back. Bummer.
Just to close the loop on this. I finally reached Saris CS. However, they gave me bad advice. After telling them that I have the H3 and a bike with a 12 mm through axle, they said I would need an adapter, either theirs or the Robert Axle Project version. Email support eventually said the same thing.
That was the worst advice! Just plain wrong. I eventually figured out how to mount my bike with the included adapters. Had I followed their advice, I would have bought an adapter that’s useful for wheel-on trainers, but useless for trainers such as the H3.
So, I think I have a capable trainer, and I just hope I have no need in the future for customer support.
I’d keep hitting refresh. It virtually always comes back within a few hours (it disappeared once today, came back, and is now gone again). In the past, it keeps coming back. I assume someone has to authorize something behind the scenes…
I know the deal looks to be up for the Epix, but compared to the 955, would you bother switching? I’m perfectly ok hanging on to my 955 but I don’t see $400 worth of increase of value from the 955.
Hi, do you have an issue with the air pods falling out when you run with them? I’ve never owned or worn a pair, I have Beat Pro with the hinge thingee. At this price I am temped but don’t want them to fall out. Thanks
Ugh! the Epix deal was out when I checked yesterday, then back this morning, but I wasn’t in a place where I could place the order. Now it’s gone again.
And it seems like even the 955 deal is missing for the moment. :(
i am a pretty active, level 100 zwift cyclist/racer, (over 2100 hrs), and am in the market for a new smart trainer. Over the last 8 years i have owned nothing but Elite equipment. My first and second were both swapped out for failure under warranty, and i also have swapped the main circuit board in my current unit an additional 2 times. At the moment i have an intermittent issue wit my direto where the resistance drops super low in the middle of a climb such that i need to put my bike in the smallest cog and spin over 110 rpm to generate any power. So that’s essentially 7 failures in 8 years.
Not sure if my experience is due to high mileage, or bad luck, or quality issues with Elite.
Wondering what your thoughts would be, (given my relatively high usage rate), in regard to the Core at $425 vs the H3 at $350 vs the H3 plus at $399 vs jetblack at $399. I love a good deal but would be open to higher priced options if the durability was there. Virtual shifting is interesting, but i also heard there are some bugs yet to be worked out, (and reliability/reproducibility are definitely the most important considerations for me).
I am using garmin products for twenty years. I bought an Epix 2 last year in april. I had to replace it two times (so it is my third model that i just received). Using it in swimming pools and in the sea caused buttons failure. Sav is good but i lost time to send it back and what’s going to happen later ? Now I am not confident to use it for swimming. Search forums (epix 2 buttons) and you will see i am not the only one
It’s a little late for this post, but it appears that Garmin has steeply discounted the Neo 2T, Flux 2 and Flux S. Not just at Garmin, but also many Garmin retailers as well (REI, Backcountry, Competitive Cyclist). Very interesting. Is it a move just to pare down excess inventory, complete with lowered prices at Wahoo, or are there new mid-tier units in the pipeline?
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As always, thanks for putting this together. It is a lot of work.
I know you are swamped but are you going to have a post on the new InReach pricing plans? Bummed that you can’t suspend service.
Yeah, I’m going to dive into that a bit in my Messenger Plus review that’s upcoming. I agree, the shifts around suspension seem a little weird. Not very Garmin-y.
An article on this would be great. I just suspended my service for the Fall as it appears I’m still on the old plans. But, certainly confused about how it works going forward.
+1 I’ve been wondering about this as well. Depending on what the [apparently not yet determined?] reactivation charge ends up being, this could be the end of inreach for me. I hope something changes in the next couple months but it isn’t looking great.
I think it is a $40 reactivation fee. Looks like Garmin wants you to pay them yearly regardless if you are using it. 😔
From this page:
link to support.garmin.com
Alternatively, some users may benefit from cancelling their service during the off season. For example, if you only need inReach satellite communication features for one or two months out of the year, it will be more cost effective to cancel your service and then reactivate it again the following year.
…
Cancelling takes effect immediately and puts the inReach device in a “deactivated” state where it no longer functions on the Iridium satellite network. Any saved account data will still be available after cancelling. If there is no activity on your Garmin account across all our sites and services for at least 2 years, your account may be deleted. For more details, see – Inactive Account Deletion.
Devices have to be activated again in order to function on the Iridium satellite network and would incur an activation fee of $39.99 USD. For pricing information in other regions, see – inReach Satellite Subscription Plan Pricing and Global Availability FAQ.
Great article. I’m going to save $775 on the Apple Watch Ultra by just going for ice cream instead. As usual, Amazon Canada deals are nowhere near as exciting, i think the best Garmin deal I noticed was a 255 Music for $299.
“just going for ice cream instead”
Depending on ice cream pricing (ideally on sale), that should get you quite a ways!
Checked the UK Amazon,
Yep you’re right , nothing worth posting here.
Shokz OpenRun(Aeropex) are 30$ off link to amazon.com
As well as OpenRun Pro 55$ off link to amazon.com
Ray,
What are your thoughts on the Polar Verity Sense Amazon deal in the US? Will this potentially be less expensive with Black Friday deals?
The Scosche Rhythm R+2.0 is $32 from $90 original. Reviewed very similar to the Verity Sense. I’m going to try it.
Thanks. I’m probably going to try the Scosche Rhythm R+2.0 as well at the $32 price point.
Looks like the Epix 2 Deal is no longer. Tried to buy the White Titanium and was redirected with a new price.
Ray… can you share a link for the AirPods Pro 2 to the. UK Amazon site?
I’m about to buy and will do so through your link.
The CycPlus portable inflator is also on sale for $71. Solid deal.
As someone else noted, the Epix 2 deal appears to be over
Thank you for doing this!
Garmin Epix is showing $580 for me (USA)
Kickr Core at $425 vs Saris H3 at $350? Thoughts?
If you care about compatibility with KICKR CLIMB or Zwift Virtual shifting, then suggest going with the Core. If you don’t care about either of those, then suggest save $ and go with the H3, which is a very solid unit.
Thank you! Don’t use Zwift, and don’t care abt the Climb, so that makes it an easy decision!
The one other thing is that the Kickr says the freehub can be changed to use a Campy cassette. Do you know if that is true of the H3 (helpful, though not necessary).
Got the H3. But it comes without the right through axle adapter for 12mm. Even thought it claims to have the correct one. And no response from Saris support. Their phone line says they are are closed for “the holidays.”
I have about another week to decide if they will come through, or it will have to go back. Bummer.
Just to close the loop on this. I finally reached Saris CS. However, they gave me bad advice. After telling them that I have the H3 and a bike with a 12 mm through axle, they said I would need an adapter, either theirs or the Robert Axle Project version. Email support eventually said the same thing.
That was the worst advice! Just plain wrong. I eventually figured out how to mount my bike with the included adapters. Had I followed their advice, I would have bought an adapter that’s useful for wheel-on trainers, but useless for trainers such as the H3.
So, I think I have a capable trainer, and I just hope I have no need in the future for customer support.
Shokz is also 20-30% off
A small typo on the Enduro 2 when you say “Hoenstly”
I”m so angry. wanted the epix and it switched from 399 to 580 while i had it in my box.
I’d keep hitting refresh. It virtually always comes back within a few hours (it disappeared once today, came back, and is now gone again). In the past, it keeps coming back. I assume someone has to authorize something behind the scenes…
…and, it’s back to $399: link to amzn.to
bike closet has the all black epix on back order for $449. Not as good of a deal, but not bad. Not related to them at all
I know the deal looks to be up for the Epix, but compared to the 955, would you bother switching? I’m perfectly ok hanging on to my 955 but I don’t see $400 worth of increase of value from the 955.
Yeah, I don’t think there’s a big case to be made there, aside from aesthetics.
Suunto Vertical came up as 20% off with Prime Membership.
for you golfers out there (crickets!) the Game Approach S80 launch monitor is down to $329 from $500
typo – that’s the Garmin Approach S80
Hi, do you have an issue with the air pods falling out when you run with them? I’ve never owned or worn a pair, I have Beat Pro with the hinge thingee. At this price I am temped but don’t want them to fall out. Thanks
I’m the same, Apple offer 14 days to try them so I have ordered a pair of the Pro 2’s for £179.
Considering that Epix 2 has barometric sensor issues, it is not as good deal as it seems…
Solution for 2 years till the warranty last, then garbage…
In regards to the deal for the Edge 1040. You point to the NL Amazon website, but there it costs €834,6 :(
Ugh! the Epix deal was out when I checked yesterday, then back this morning, but I wasn’t in a place where I could place the order. Now it’s gone again.
And it seems like even the 955 deal is missing for the moment. :(
Here’s hoping they come back once more.
Hey Ray,
i am a pretty active, level 100 zwift cyclist/racer, (over 2100 hrs), and am in the market for a new smart trainer. Over the last 8 years i have owned nothing but Elite equipment. My first and second were both swapped out for failure under warranty, and i also have swapped the main circuit board in my current unit an additional 2 times. At the moment i have an intermittent issue wit my direto where the resistance drops super low in the middle of a climb such that i need to put my bike in the smallest cog and spin over 110 rpm to generate any power. So that’s essentially 7 failures in 8 years.
Not sure if my experience is due to high mileage, or bad luck, or quality issues with Elite.
Wondering what your thoughts would be, (given my relatively high usage rate), in regard to the Core at $425 vs the H3 at $350 vs the H3 plus at $399 vs jetblack at $399. I love a good deal but would be open to higher priced options if the durability was there. Virtual shifting is interesting, but i also heard there are some bugs yet to be worked out, (and reliability/reproducibility are definitely the most important considerations for me).
Cheers,
Bob
I am using garmin products for twenty years. I bought an Epix 2 last year in april. I had to replace it two times (so it is my third model that i just received). Using it in swimming pools and in the sea caused buttons failure. Sav is good but i lost time to send it back and what’s going to happen later ? Now I am not confident to use it for swimming. Search forums (epix 2 buttons) and you will see i am not the only one
You won the bet with Des about the Epix Gen 2 dropping to $400 — though I didn’t expect it to be the sapphire edition.
DC Rainmaker do you already have a wahoo kickr v7 in your cave. The FCC documents have long been approved.
Is there a new Kick Core (e.g. based in Kickr V6) in the pipeline as well?
It’s a little late for this post, but it appears that Garmin has steeply discounted the Neo 2T, Flux 2 and Flux S. Not just at Garmin, but also many Garmin retailers as well (REI, Backcountry, Competitive Cyclist). Very interesting. Is it a move just to pare down excess inventory, complete with lowered prices at Wahoo, or are there new mid-tier units in the pipeline?