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/X and BlueSky, 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!
Instinct 3 review coming up this week (for real this time), I’ve been spending all the time testing out some new updates that fix a slate of Instinct 3 Solar-specific issues (though, I’ll certainly be calling them out in my review, given the fact that it shipped like this weeks ago). As usual, I prefer to wait a few days to validate important fixes rather than have my reviews (especially YouTube ones) be outdated 48 hours later, especially when I’m calling out a company.
Sports Tech Deals:
Some new ones have popped up this past two weeks. I think the Fenix 7 at $429 is probably the most interesting for people eyeing that new Instinct 3, since this is basically cheaper while having more features. Likewise the Epix back in the $429-$439 range. I’ll continue sweeping and adding in a few more of these later tonight, so keep checking back.
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.
⚡This is a pretty solid deal, especially if you wanted the flashlight and ECG not found on the Epix Gen 2 (which came before the Epix Pro), but don't quite want to spend on the Fenix 8 AMOLED (Epix got renamed to Fenix 8 AMOLED)
⚡ 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).
Note that all of the above are Amazon affiliate links, which do help support the site. I appreciate it!
Stuff I Found Interesting Around The Interwebs:
Here’s a not-so-small smattering of all the random things that I stumbled on while doing my civic duty to find the end of the Internet:
1) I’m going on a gravel trip to Morocco! I’m testing out a new partnership company, mixing my love of travel and cycling (and testing devices on stupid-fun adventures). I’ll be doing a gravel trip to Morocco in March, if you want to join! Here’s a quick little teaser I did on Instagram, though, I made a widescreen one here. Oh, and if you join me on that trip, I’ll have some little goodie bags of DCR stuff for ya.
2) UCI Approval of Nix Biosensors: Maybe this will get me off my butt to finish the review I’ve started twice now. TDLR: After craptons of data gathering (nearly 30 sessions) on three different people, including all the fun naked pre/post-weigh-ins and more, the sensor simply isn’t reliable. Or at least, isn’t for my sample size of three very different body weight individuals (male and female, from vastly different genetic backgrounds). Supposedly, all three of us are off-the-charts super sweaters. Nix looked at all my raw data for errors in my testing, and found none. Nix often misestimated sweat loss upwards of 67oz/~2L worth
4) Samsung Adds Kids Smartwatch Mode to Watch 7: I’ll have to give this a whirl, just for funsies. The concept essentially is a first-stab at what Google, Apple, Garmin, and others have done, in making watches viable for kids (and their parents).
7) Reasonably solid Hammerhead Karoo 2/3 Firmware Update:This one seems to have a bit more than the average bear does in it, including connection to Intervals.icu, the ability to switch between apps mid-ride, and for Karoo 3, the ability to utilize your phone connection to build routes dynamically on unit. Plus a bunch of other things.
While I haven’t done any of their gravel trips, you’re gonna love your trip with the Thomson folks. I’ve done four trips with them (France, Spain, Austria and Italy) and they are top notch. Not sure who will be guiding your trip but it really doesn’t matter. They are all great. Have fun.
Seconding this! I’ve been on six different trips with Thomson and have never had a bad time. They’re total professionals, always up for a great time, bad-ass riders, and fun folks to hang with off the bike. Enjoy it!
If anyone else finds themselves geolocked out of the ski story then you can find it on the Internet Archive (I’ll post in a reply in case that blocks my comment). Albeit it’s not the most thorough piece of journalism (no idea how the skier is doing).
I know you’ve been busy with the big move, but have there been any shed videos or other member emails in recent months? I haven’t received any emails since August. I checked that my membership is current. Just checking in case gremlins have been interfering in delivery. Otherwise I’ll look forward to the next installment
Sadly none in recent months. We had hoped to shoot one Saturday night, but alas, kids things got in the way. I suspect we’ll shoot it tomorrow instead.
Only slight problem is lack of shed. Hot Tub Talkin’ instead?
I swim, bike and run. Then, I come here and write about my adventures. It’s as simple as that. Most of the time. If you’re new around these parts, here’s the long version of my story.
You'll support the site, and get ad-free DCR! Plus, you'll be more awesome. Click above for all the details. Oh, and you can sign-up for the newsletter here!
Here’s how to save!
Wanna save some cash and support the site? These companies help support the site! With Backcountry.com or Competitive Cyclist with either the coupon code DCRAINMAKER for first time users saving 15% on applicable products.
You can also pick-up tons of gear at REI via these links, which is a long-time supporter as well:
Alternatively, for everything else on the planet, simply buy your goods from Amazon via the link below and I get a tiny bit back as an Amazon Associate. No cost to you, easy as pie!
You can use the above link for any Amazon country and it (should) automatically redirect to your local Amazon site.
While I don't partner with many companies, there's a few that I love, and support the site. Full details!
Want to compare the features of each product, down to the nitty-gritty? No problem, the product comparison data is constantly updated with new products and new features added to old products!
Wanna create comparison chart graphs just like I do for GPS, heart rate, power meters and more? No problem, here's the platform I use - you can too!
Think my written reviews are deep? You should check out my videos. I take things to a whole new level of interactive depth!
Smart Trainers Buyers Guide: Looking at a smart trainer this winter? I cover all the units to buy (and avoid) for indoor training. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
Check out
my weekly podcast - with DesFit, which is packed with both gadget and non-gadget goodness!
Get all your awesome DC Rainmaker gear here!
FAQ’s
I have built an extensive list of my most frequently asked questions. Below are the most popular.
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.
While I haven’t done any of their gravel trips, you’re gonna love your trip with the Thomson folks. I’ve done four trips with them (France, Spain, Austria and Italy) and they are top notch. Not sure who will be guiding your trip but it really doesn’t matter. They are all great. Have fun.
Awesome, really looking forward to it!
And…The Girl also has a different gravel trip scheduled for later this spring as well. She’s super excited.
Seconding this! I’ve been on six different trips with Thomson and have never had a bad time. They’re total professionals, always up for a great time, bad-ass riders, and fun folks to hang with off the bike. Enjoy it!
Great to hear!
If anyone else finds themselves geolocked out of the ski story then you can find it on the Internet Archive (I’ll post in a reply in case that blocks my comment). Albeit it’s not the most thorough piece of journalism (no idea how the skier is doing).
link to web.archive.org
Any updates on the Elite Avanti review? I picked one up and I’m liking it so far, but I’d like to know if there’s any issues to be aware of.
Yeah, I just need to get it written up. I’m not seeing any showstoppers at this point.
I’ve used it a bunch, and it’s been my wife’s main trainer now for I think two months now. So, she’s put in a crapton of miles on it.
Awesome, thanks for letting me know! Looking forward to reading it.
I know you’ve been busy with the big move, but have there been any shed videos or other member emails in recent months? I haven’t received any emails since August. I checked that my membership is current. Just checking in case gremlins have been interfering in delivery. Otherwise I’ll look forward to the next installment
Sadly none in recent months. We had hoped to shoot one Saturday night, but alas, kids things got in the way. I suspect we’ll shoot it tomorrow instead.
Only slight problem is lack of shed. Hot Tub Talkin’ instead?
thanks
look forward to it whenever busy life and lack of shed permit
Hi,
Any idea when Garmin Marq 3 will be released please?Thank you. Dariush