Heads up – Big Garmin sales are out!!! The Garmin Fenix 8 is $250 off, the Forerunner 965 is $150, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 is $249, and a ton of other Garmin gear has substantial discounts! Go check out the full list here!
The Week in Review is a collection of both all the goodness I’ve written during the past week around the internet, as well as a small pile of links I found interesting – generally endurance sports related. I’ve often wondered what to do with all of the coolness that people write, and while I share a lot of it on Twitter and Facebook, this is a better forum for sending it on to y’all. Most times these different streams don’t overlap, so be on the lookout at all these places for good stuff!
So with that, let’s get into the action!
DCRainmaker.com posts in the past week:
Here’s all the goodness that ended up on the main page of DCRainmaker.com this past week:
Kinda a quiet week. Putting together that VIRB 360 review took quite a bit of processing time (video is my slow spot).
Sports Tech Deals This Week:
We’re into the final push of solid May sales – with many wrapping up tomorrow (Monday). As I’ve noted in more detail on my sales landing page, May sales are very common. One of the best deals here is the Garmin FR735 for $315 (normally $450). It’s still receiving Connect IQ and feature updates and is just barely one year old. Great little lightweight tri/running watch.
Oh – and for some weird reason an entry in the table for ‘All Suunto gear is 25% off’ isn’t showing up. I’ve got some techies trying to figure it out, but FYI. Note that the only watch excluded is the Wrist HR model on that one. Many of the trainers listed below have sold out, but if you really want one of these I highly recommend checking frequently. I keep seeing inventory pop in for a few hours here and there, even as recently as a few hours ago for most models. So…FYI.
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 the activity tracker that both of our oldest daughters have used for years (age 8 & 9), as well as most of their friends now. They/we all like it. Check out my full in-depth review for all my thoughts. That said, the new Bounce 2 came out two months ago, and while my review isn't out yet, it's a far better product. But, quite a bit more too. The TLDR on that review will be that it's the best kids smartwatch/tracker to date (for both parents and kids), but obviously will cost you $100 more.
⚡At $249, it's pretty much impossible to beat this deal in terms of bike computers. There's no competitive option that beats it on features/battery/etc at this price, or frankly anywhere near it. Sure, it doesn't have a touchscreen, but it's not as bad as it used to be (I did a stint on it this winter for a week or so, and was fine).
This is the lowest price we've seen on this to date. The Enduro 3 is simply the Fenix 8 with a MIP/Solar display (but without the scuba or voice calling features). It gets all the Fenix 8 features and updates otherwise.
⚡⚡⚡ This is a fantastic deal. By far the lowest price we've seen this! The Epix Pro has a flashlight which the regular Epix lacks, plus the newer Garmin Elevate Gen5 optical HR sensor with ECG support.
⚡⚡⚡ This is a fantastic deal. By far the lowest price we've seen this! The Epix Pro has a flashlight which the regular Epix lacks, plus the newer Garmin Elevate Gen5 optical HR sensor with ECG support. Note: Availability on this deal fluctuates, just keep checking back, I'm sure it'll pop back again (it always does).
⚡ If you wanted the battery life of a Fenix MIP series without the cost of a Fenix 8, this is basically your best deal. Plus, unlike the base Fenix 7 series, the Pro series includes the flashlight and Gen5 HR sensor with ECG.
⚡ If you wanted the battery life of a Fenix MIP series without the cost of a Fenix 8, this is basically your best deal. Plus, unlike the base Fenix 7 series, the Pro series includes the flashlight and Gen5 HR sensor with ECG.
⚡ 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!
⚡ 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).
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.
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).
Pro Tip: This very first video I just published three minutes ago, based on popular request from all of you!
Stuff that I found interesting around the interwebs:
Here’s a not-so-small smattering of all the random things that I stumbled on while doing my civic duty to find the end of the Internet.
1) Apple’s Needleless Blood Glucose Monitor’s Challenging Road Ahead: A good write-up of the challenges faced. Obviously I really hope Apple can crack this nut, but it’s a hard road. A really hard road, even more so than Apple Watch in so many ways – most notably FDA approval. That requires far more accuracy than Apple Watch comes anywhere near today with more simplistic HR measurements.
2) Concept 2 Adds Strava Support: If you’ve got a supported Concept2 rower, you can actually now sync your workouts to Strava. Nifty…and thanks to Richard for sending this in!
3) What it costs to bike sponsor a WorldTour Team: In case you have some spare cash lying around. On the bright side, smaller sponsorships are far far cheaper. For example, a company with a trainer might pay $100-125K for a major/well known team, or they might pay only $10-15K for a ‘lesser known’ team (talking WorldTour teams only here). And some power meter sponsors for major teams might pay nothing at all, but are selected for technical reasons too. While others are again up in the $50-$100K range. But my name isn’t Paolo.
4) DJI announces their new DJI Spark: This is definitely an interesting one. With the size of the body the same as a cell phone, it makes it even better for sports (taking cycling, hiking, xc-skiing, even trail running). I did a lot of that with my DJI Mavic before, which is still really small. But…umm…size matters…more? Either way, review coming sometime in June. Oh, and purchasing pro tip: Don’t order the white version if you plan to use in the snow…I’d argue red is easiest to find if SNAFU occurs.
9) GoPro open-sources their metadata video format: I missed this a few weeks ago, but stumbled on it today while looking for something totally unrelated. It’s good to see this spec out there now. Previously only certain partners got access to it. This should help more 3rd party companies start to use GoPro’s GPS and ancillary data streams within their Hero5 generated videos.
Sports Technology Software/Firmware Updates This Week:
Each week I quickly highlight some of the new firmware, app, software and website service updates that I see go out. If you’re a sports technology company and release an update – shoot me a quick note (just one-liners are perfect, or Tweet it at me is even better) and I’ll make mention of it here. If I don’t know about it, I won’t be able to post about it. Sound good? Oh – and if you want to get a head start on things, this page is a great resource for watching Garmin firmware updates.
“Don’t order the white version if you plan to use in the snow…I’d argue red is easiest to find if SNAFU occurs.”
Exactly my reasoning for ordering the red. Probably won’t help much if it plays submarine while I’m out kayaking. My biggest peave is DJI charges my credit card for the full amount even though I’ll be lucky to see the Spark sometime this summer. DJI & customer care are rarely put in the same sentence so I knew going in that how the game is played.
Yeah, I’m not sure how they manage to screw up the whole shipping/pre-order thing so badly each time. I’m interested to see if Spark will be better and/or if they learned any lessons from Mavic.
I fully understand they can’t solve the issue of 3rd party retailers promising unrealistic dates. Totally get that. But I feel like since DJI gave me a specific date when I ordered a product directly from them, they should be able to deliver upon that based on their projections. Those projections (like any proper project) should have padding and such built into them. We’ll see.
And as for support – I totally agree with you there. The DJI Care Refresh that I paid extra for seems questionable at best on speed. It took two weeks turnaround for a facility that was within a few hours driving time. Never mind that folks now are saying 4-8 weeks is the norm for a Care Refresh turnaround, which is nuts.
Of course, outside of those two items – they’re doing everything else right.
I’d be careful using the Spark while kayaking, not at all waterproof. They recommend against using it rain, fog or snow – and to avoid landing in puddles.
Yeah. It’s pretty good in rain (snow is more problematic because of signal blockage) in terms of electronics. Your phone is likely the weak point there.
It’s one of the few areas that Airdog has an advantage in that it’s fully waterproof (minus the camera you attach to it of course). The early beta unit I used had completed 2-3 landings in the ocean (salt water no less) without issue. For the record, those landings occurred pre-me.
Could also be worth mentioning polar’s release of the A370. Which seems to be the A360 with a software update and new colors. Really, really let down by Polar. They seem to be so far behind the competition at this point.
Same dimension, resolution, poor batterylife, and using the same bands as the a360, and about the same retail price as the a360 upon release.
Would be interesting to see if they actually did anything worth while “under the hood”, or simply re-priced the a360 with a slight software update.
Yeah, I’ve got one arriving any minute now…assuming UPS likes me. I’m doing a separate post on it – so I skipped it above.
The main thing is the new sleep algorithms (software), the 24×7 HR (software with potentially a battery update), and then the ‘connected GPS’, which means it’ll use your phone for GPS while outdoors.
Hi Paulo – I just linked to the generic Amazon page for the Spark, and then from there based on your country it’ll autodirect to the local Amazon country page. In your case in Portugal it looks like it believes it’s Amazon Spain.
As you have mentioned, you are not a car guy. You drive a Fiat 124 Abarth Spider and we hear no exhaust, we see no heel toe rev matching downshifts, no redline through the 6 gears, or maybe you ended up with an auto:(
My passion for running( closing in on 87,000 miles run) is followed closely by my passion for cars.
Stay healthy my friend. Nick
Though, I did post a secondary (non-360) video on YouTube which does include the exhaust. :)
I did indeed end up with an auto, which is mainly why I got the car. I had simply ordered a cheap auto, the cheapest they had. And they gave mine away on accident. Thus, this was all that was left.
As for red-lining, I generally try to avoid posting things that might get oneself in trouble. :)
I’m using the photo button within VIRB Edit to give me a 360 (but flat) shot from the video. The downside is that it looks funky, so I then trim and process in Lightroom.
But I still have to find the exact shot/frame that I need for my ‘story’. On the flip-side, at least on the bike I shot with 2xVIRB 30’s (front/back) running the whole time to capture stuff there. However one of them had an SD-card error oddly enough. Sigh.
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Any news on the lezyne bike computer firmware updates mentioned a few weeks ago?
Good reminder. Just shot program lead your comment. Will post back when I hear back (note that Monday is a holiday in the US).
Thanks!
And it appears that Concept2 is also supporting Training Peaks.
“Don’t order the white version if you plan to use in the snow…I’d argue red is easiest to find if SNAFU occurs.”
Exactly my reasoning for ordering the red. Probably won’t help much if it plays submarine while I’m out kayaking. My biggest peave is DJI charges my credit card for the full amount even though I’ll be lucky to see the Spark sometime this summer. DJI & customer care are rarely put in the same sentence so I knew going in that how the game is played.
Yeah, I’m not sure how they manage to screw up the whole shipping/pre-order thing so badly each time. I’m interested to see if Spark will be better and/or if they learned any lessons from Mavic.
I fully understand they can’t solve the issue of 3rd party retailers promising unrealistic dates. Totally get that. But I feel like since DJI gave me a specific date when I ordered a product directly from them, they should be able to deliver upon that based on their projections. Those projections (like any proper project) should have padding and such built into them. We’ll see.
And as for support – I totally agree with you there. The DJI Care Refresh that I paid extra for seems questionable at best on speed. It took two weeks turnaround for a facility that was within a few hours driving time. Never mind that folks now are saying 4-8 weeks is the norm for a Care Refresh turnaround, which is nuts.
Of course, outside of those two items – they’re doing everything else right.
I’d be careful using the Spark while kayaking, not at all waterproof. They recommend against using it rain, fog or snow – and to avoid landing in puddles.
Yeah. It’s pretty good in rain (snow is more problematic because of signal blockage) in terms of electronics. Your phone is likely the weak point there.
It’s one of the few areas that Airdog has an advantage in that it’s fully waterproof (minus the camera you attach to it of course). The early beta unit I used had completed 2-3 landings in the ocean (salt water no less) without issue. For the record, those landings occurred pre-me.
You forgot the Pioneer bike computer deal.
As to the concept2 news, there is also the connect IQ app to record from the rower: link to apps.garmin.com
Thanks – added in!
Could also be worth mentioning polar’s release of the A370. Which seems to be the A360 with a software update and new colors. Really, really let down by Polar. They seem to be so far behind the competition at this point.
Same dimension, resolution, poor batterylife, and using the same bands as the a360, and about the same retail price as the a360 upon release.
Would be interesting to see if they actually did anything worth while “under the hood”, or simply re-priced the a360 with a slight software update.
Yeah, I’ve got one arriving any minute now…assuming UPS likes me. I’m doing a separate post on it – so I skipped it above.
The main thing is the new sleep algorithms (software), the 24×7 HR (software with potentially a battery update), and then the ‘connected GPS’, which means it’ll use your phone for GPS while outdoors.
Hi Ray,
The link to the DJI announcement is for an Amanzon.es page.
link to amazon.es
Can you check it, please?
Thanks,
Paulo
Hi Paulo – I just linked to the generic Amazon page for the Spark, and then from there based on your country it’ll autodirect to the local Amazon country page. In your case in Portugal it looks like it believes it’s Amazon Spain.
If you’re looking for DJI’s home page, it’s here: http://www.dji.com
Enjoy!
Ok, but still no DJI Spark available in Amazon Spain. :-(
Already checked the DJI webpage. Thanks
As you have mentioned, you are not a car guy. You drive a Fiat 124 Abarth Spider and we hear no exhaust, we see no heel toe rev matching downshifts, no redline through the 6 gears, or maybe you ended up with an auto:(
My passion for running( closing in on 87,000 miles run) is followed closely by my passion for cars.
Stay healthy my friend. Nick
True.
Though, I did post a secondary (non-360) video on YouTube which does include the exhaust. :)
I did indeed end up with an auto, which is mainly why I got the car. I had simply ordered a cheap auto, the cheapest they had. And they gave mine away on accident. Thus, this was all that was left.
As for red-lining, I generally try to avoid posting things that might get oneself in trouble. :)
Any update on the progress of the Stryd review Ray?
Slowly but surely. On my work-list this week.
Awesome. Looking forward to it!
Someone might have already asked, but is there a race report coming from the race you did 1.5 weeks ago that we saw on Strava? :)
Tomorrow, sorry!
I used mostly the 360 cam for taking photos, which has taken a boatload more work to get pictures to a non-360 state. :-/
No worries, I just really like to read them and it’s been a while ;)
Be interested in what it took to do that.
I’m using the photo button within VIRB Edit to give me a 360 (but flat) shot from the video. The downside is that it looks funky, so I then trim and process in Lightroom.
But I still have to find the exact shot/frame that I need for my ‘story’. On the flip-side, at least on the bike I shot with 2xVIRB 30’s (front/back) running the whole time to capture stuff there. However one of them had an SD-card error oddly enough. Sigh.
Will you test the Polar A370 ?
Already am. :)