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! Plus all the action cam & drone sales 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:
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.
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 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.
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 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 the lowest price we've seen on this to date. The Enduro 3 is simply the Fenix 8 with a MIP/Solar display (but without the scuba or voice calling features). It gets all the Fenix 8 features and updates otherwise.
⚡⚡⚡ This is a fantastic deal. By far the lowest price we've seen this! The Epix Pro has a flashlight which the regular Epix lacks, plus the newer Garmin Elevate Gen5 optical HR sensor with ECG support.
⚡⚡⚡ This is a fantastic deal. By far the lowest price we've seen this! The Epix Pro has a flashlight which the regular Epix lacks, plus the newer Garmin Elevate Gen5 optical HR sensor with ECG support. Note: Availability on this deal fluctuates, just keep checking back, I'm sure it'll pop back again (it always does).
⚡ If you wanted the battery life of a Fenix MIP series without the cost of a Fenix 8, this is basically your best deal. Plus, unlike the base Fenix 7 series, the Pro series includes the flashlight and Gen5 HR sensor with ECG.
⚡ If you wanted the battery life of a Fenix MIP series without the cost of a Fenix 8, this is basically your best deal. Plus, unlike the base Fenix 7 series, the Pro series includes the flashlight and Gen5 HR sensor with ECG.
⚡ The Fenix 8 keeps getting all the new software features of the Fenix 8 Pro that was launched two months ago. Setting aside that Fenix 8 Pro which gained LTE & Satellite Messaging, this is otherwise the most capable sports watch on the market.
⚡ 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 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...).
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 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 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).
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 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 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...
2) A complete listing of 50 new Apple Watch features: It is pretty impressive, no doubt about it. The rolling last-mile pace averaging is also particularly interesting, though, I’d prefer to see a variable time parameter instead (just like power meter smoothing), to perhaps show the pace average for the last 30-seconds or 60-seconds. Timex had this way back in the day, but mind-bogglingly nobody else has ever implemented it.
3) Hot Wheels makes a GoPro car mount: Pretty sweet, and it only costs $1! Oddly though, it’s for the Hero Session lineup (cube camera), which has since been discontinued. (via Graham)
4) Apple Watch blood pressure monitor patent: I’d say this falls in line with the numerous small advancements by historically non-medical companies towards offering medical certified wearables. Fitbit has done this, and expect others soon as well.
6) Uber may look to acquire Citi Bike: Will be interesting to see what comes of this. Partially for Citi Bike, but also for other ride share programs nationwide (and beyond).
7) Some good thoughts on brand ambassadorship: Worth a thought, especially if you’re looking to try and cultivate such a relationship (from either side of the transaction).
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.
All the Garmin’s! Seriously, hit the link above. Almost every recent Garmin device got a firmware update. Many are related to Physio True-Up, but some are actual new beta features like the Extended Display option (Edge 520 Plus).
Any updates on how the 520 Plus is working? Garmin emailed that they were “available” but the only reason I would upgrade is for the navigation (mostly rerouting).
I think they can tweak slightly more, but overall the hardware is simply underpowered (which of course is largely a balance of unit size vs battery size).
The Polar Beat v2.6 update now includes all the previous paid upgrades when connected to a Polar sensor: “Your Polar Bluetooth heart rate sensor is now your all-access pass to Polar Beat’s premium features: Fitness Test, Running Index, EnergyPointer and Benefit Target!”
I know ypu can’t say either way but I’m hoping your silence on the 5 plus news all over the web means you have one under NDA and a preview/review will be avail soon after release. News so far looks really exciting..if pricey.
I guess the Fenix 5 Sale is an attempt to shift stock before the launch of the 5 Plus. A worthy upgrade or wait for the 6? Personally very happy with the 5x and can live without the features touted for the 5 Plus, especially as the underlying infrastructure is still immature. Music – limited options. Garmin Pay – limited banks. Or is this just all rumour?
The all F5 plus models will come with topo maps (according to the rumors) got me excited. The 5x was a bit too big and pricey, but a 5 or 5s with the same features (mapping / navigation wise) would seem nice to me. But I guess Ray will give his in depth / sneak preview once he is allowed to do so. (looking forward to it ray)
Keep in mind that WAHOO was supposed to announce their “Rival” watch on May 25th. If it was going to be a higher end watch to ‘rival’ Garmin, I would think Garmin would want to sell as many units as they could ahead of time for those on the fence. Selling a unit for $100 off instead of not-at-all makes sense to me.
I was one of those waiting for a competitor (with ant+) and ended up buying the Fenix 5 after it was announced the Rival was being delayed a few months.
Not complaining with Garmin. The problem is that I can’t see a reason to get a new bike computer. After 4 years my Garmin 1000 is still a solid device, no electronic or physical issues, battery can still do 8 hours with navigation on, no features I miss. I think Garmin made a too good and long lasting device actually. It will be hard to convince users to shell out money for something that doesn’t add too much.
It’s all about a new 2.4 GHz antenna, so WiFi, Bluetooth and ANT+ play nice.
Garmin rumours always seem to be pretty wild and fall short of reality. I don’t think you’re going to see a 5+ with topographic maps, for example. That’s the job of the 5X.
The addition of Galileo and Garmin Pay; more likely.
So it looks like the Fenix 3hr won’t get the true up, but my edge 820 will, which means that my bike computer (purchased at the same time the fenix 3hr was being sold as new) is now a better source for my daily activities than my watch. I’m sure this makes sense to someone at garmin
@Ray #DCRainmaker
I wanted to ask you which of these 2 Garmin watches will you recommend:
Fenix 5X $549.99 USD
Forerunner 935 $499.99 USD
Main use will be for running, training for half ironman and eventually training and doing my firs ironman 2 years down the road…
Your reply is greatly appreciated.
Think of the F935 as a plastic (read: lighter) version of the Fenix 5. They are identical in terms of functionality and based on your requirements either will work fine. The Fenix 5X has maps and that is the only difference I can recall. You can use Ray’s Product Comparison Tool too.
My opinion: Go with the 935 and pocket the change.
Has anyone had any issues with the new 935 or Fenix 5 software 9.10? My 935 sends workouts to Garmin Connect but won’t send any other data, e.g. HR data, steps, sleep, training status
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Any updates on how the 520 Plus is working? Garmin emailed that they were “available” but the only reason I would upgrade is for the navigation (mostly rerouting).
In general, routing is better (much better than before but still slightly slow), and re-routing is still less than awesome.
Thanks for the reply. Would you guess that the hardware is capable for the promised routing (and rerouting) and is now dependent on software?
I think they can tweak slightly more, but overall the hardware is simply underpowered (which of course is largely a balance of unit size vs battery size).
Got it. Thanks again. Thumbs up emoji or whatever it is the kids are saying these days.
The Polar Beat v2.6 update now includes all the previous paid upgrades when connected to a Polar sensor: “Your Polar Bluetooth heart rate sensor is now your all-access pass to Polar Beat’s premium features: Fitness Test, Running Index, EnergyPointer and Benefit Target!”
Curious how this changes the app as a recommendation or even their services. Do other HRT Straps enable those special features?
I know ypu can’t say either way but I’m hoping your silence on the 5 plus news all over the web means you have one under NDA and a preview/review will be avail soon after release. News so far looks really exciting..if pricey.
I guess the Fenix 5 Sale is an attempt to shift stock before the launch of the 5 Plus. A worthy upgrade or wait for the 6? Personally very happy with the 5x and can live without the features touted for the 5 Plus, especially as the underlying infrastructure is still immature. Music – limited options. Garmin Pay – limited banks. Or is this just all rumour?
The all F5 plus models will come with topo maps (according to the rumors) got me excited. The 5x was a bit too big and pricey, but a 5 or 5s with the same features (mapping / navigation wise) would seem nice to me. But I guess Ray will give his in depth / sneak preview once he is allowed to do so. (looking forward to it ray)
Keep in mind that WAHOO was supposed to announce their “Rival” watch on May 25th. If it was going to be a higher end watch to ‘rival’ Garmin, I would think Garmin would want to sell as many units as they could ahead of time for those on the fence. Selling a unit for $100 off instead of not-at-all makes sense to me.
I was one of those waiting for a competitor (with ant+) and ended up buying the Fenix 5 after it was announced the Rival was being delayed a few months.
Firmware updates for all the Garmin’s, except the 1000.
It’s seems to they have finally given up on it to encourage users to get the 1030.
Perhaps, or, perhaps an update hasn’t come out for it yet. The most recent firmware update was only 3 months ago.
And, it is now 4 years old, which is fairly impressive to still be receiving functionality/feature updates.
Not complaining with Garmin. The problem is that I can’t see a reason to get a new bike computer. After 4 years my Garmin 1000 is still a solid device, no electronic or physical issues, battery can still do 8 hours with navigation on, no features I miss. I think Garmin made a too good and long lasting device actually. It will be hard to convince users to shell out money for something that doesn’t add too much.
ray, now that extended display is out, could you write a short article about it?
Yup, definitely!
It’s all about a new 2.4 GHz antenna, so WiFi, Bluetooth and ANT+ play nice.
Garmin rumours always seem to be pretty wild and fall short of reality. I don’t think you’re going to see a 5+ with topographic maps, for example. That’s the job of the 5X.
The addition of Galileo and Garmin Pay; more likely.
So it looks like the Fenix 3hr won’t get the true up, but my edge 820 will, which means that my bike computer (purchased at the same time the fenix 3hr was being sold as new) is now a better source for my daily activities than my watch. I’m sure this makes sense to someone at garmin
@Ray #DCRainmaker
I wanted to ask you which of these 2 Garmin watches will you recommend:
Fenix 5X $549.99 USD
Forerunner 935 $499.99 USD
Main use will be for running, training for half ironman and eventually training and doing my firs ironman 2 years down the road…
Your reply is greatly appreciated.
@Bledar – I am not Ray but here goes:
Think of the F935 as a plastic (read: lighter) version of the Fenix 5. They are identical in terms of functionality and based on your requirements either will work fine. The Fenix 5X has maps and that is the only difference I can recall. You can use Ray’s Product Comparison Tool too.
My opinion: Go with the 935 and pocket the change.
I got 935 for one simple reason, it is light weight while full functions.
Fenix 5S weight less (still heavier), but it has less battery life as well.
I had the same question. Thanks for the unsolicited clarifications.
Has anyone had any issues with the new 935 or Fenix 5 software 9.10? My 935 sends workouts to Garmin Connect but won’t send any other data, e.g. HR data, steps, sleep, training status
Garmin 520 is still on sale for $199 USD at REI.
link to rei.com
Any news on upcoming release on Garmin Fenix 5 Plus range? I assume this is the reason for the sale price’s of the current Fenix 5.
There are plenty of rumors out there but I only like to rely on solid sources such as yourself.
I was about to plunge on a 5x but may wait a bit longer now….
Cheers,
Tim