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:
Monday: Week in Review: June 4th, 2018
Monday: SIGMA ROX 12.0 Sport Cycling GPS In-Depth Review
Tuesday: 5 Random Things I Did This Weekend
Tuesday: Hands-on: The New Suunto 9 Multisport GPS Watch
Sports Tech Deals:
Here’s what’s currently still chugging along on sale:
| Product | Sale Price | Amazon | Sale Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | AmazFit T-Rex 3 - $40 off | $240 | Amazon | |
 | Amazon Echo Dot Kids - 42% off | $34 | Amazon | 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 $34? 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.) |
 | Apple 11" iPad - (Wi-Fi, 128GB) - $70 off! | $279 | Amazon | ⚡ 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 AirPods 4 - $60 off! | $119 | Amazon | |
 | Apple Watch SE (2022/2nd gen) - $100 off $249/$299 (cellular) | $169 | Amazon | It's really hard to beat $169 for an Apple Watch. Again, like the other Apple units on this list, the SE3 was announce last month - which adds an Always-on Display, among other features. But at $169 with otherwise all the same software features as the higher-end Apple Watch units, this continues to be one of the best deals in smartwatches out there. |
 | Apple Watch Series 10 - $120 off $399/$499 (cellular) | $279 | Amazon | With the Series 11 out last month, you'll see sales on the Series 10. That said, there isn't a huge difference between Series 11 and Series 10. So if you were looking at the Apple Watch SE3, this might be worth grabbing instead for the added features. |
 | Apple Watch Ultra 2 Black Titanium - $150 off | $649 | Amazon | With the new Apple Watch Ultra 3 announced last month, it's time to clear some Ultra 2 inventory. This is pretty much the 'normal' sale price for the Ultra 2. |
 | DJI Mini 4K Drone - $60 off | $239 | Amazon | If you're looking to get into flying with a DJI drone, this is a solid place to start. Of course, moreso than that, the days are very limited for how much longer you can actually buy at DJI drone in the US. So, grab them while you can. |
 | DJI NEO - $30 off! | $159 | Amazon | This is the lowest price on this drone, and is a great option if you want a follow-me drone that's pretty hard to kill, at a price point that's still super reasonable. |
 | DJI OSMO 360 - $137 off | $412 | Amazon | 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. |
 | Garmin Edge 540 - $73 off | $267 | Amazon | ⚡At $267, 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). |
 | Garmin Epix Pro - $250 off! $899/$999 | $499 | Amazon | ⚡ This is avery solid deal! The Epix Pro has the latest optical HR sensor in it, and thus has full ECG support as well. Note, this is for a 'renewed' model. In Garmin lingo, it means it went back to the (same) factory in Taiwan, and went back to the assembly line and is effectively a new watch again. I wouldn't have any concerned with a renewed model, but some might. |
 | Garmin Varia Radar (RTL515) - $50 off | $149 | Amazon | 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... |
 | Garmin Venu X1 - $100 off! | $699 | Amazon | This is the first time we've seen the Venu X1 on sale, since it came out this past summer. This is a good deal, though, I do wonder if it indicates the original pricing wasn't quite right here. |
 | Garmin inReach 2 Mini Satellite Communicator (2-way) - $40 off | $360 | Amazon | This is a pretty small deal for this product. 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. |
 | Garmin inReach Messenger Plus - $100 off! | $399 | Amazon | This came out last fall, and is the second time this has been discounted. 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. |
 | GoPro Hero 13 Black - $50 off | $349 | Amazon | |
 | GoPro Hero 13 Black Bundle (extra battery/SD card/floaty) - $100 off! | $379 | Amazon | ⚡ This is a very solid deal. It's a Hero 13 Black on discount, but then an extra battery tossed in, then an SD card, and then a floaty. |
 | GoPro Hero 4K - $20 off | $199 | Amazon | While the new Hero Lit was announced a few weeks back, which includes a front LED light, for the most part it's the same camera inside. Note I'll have a full comparison shortly though between the GoPro Hero Lit, DJI OSMO Nano, and Insta360 Go Ultra. |
 | Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) - $70 OFF | $229 | Amazon | The newer Pixel Watch 4 came out last month, and will start shipping this week. 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. Still, this is a solid deal. |
 | Insta360 X5 360* Action Cam - $50 off! | $499 | Amazon | |
 | Polar H10 Chest Strap (Dual ANT+/Bluetooth Smart) - $15 off $89 | $84 | Amazon | |
 | Polar Verity Sense - 15% off $99 | $82 | Amazon | I use this as one of my reference devices for heart rate accuracy testing. |
 | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) - $100 off! | $549 | Amazon | |
 | Samsung Galaxy Watch8 - $35 off | $314 | Amazon | |
 | Sony Alpha 7 IV Full-frame Mirrorless Camera w/ 28-70mm Zoom - $400 off | $2,398 | Amazon | This is the main camera I use for still photography and video b-roll. I recently wrote about all the photography gear I use, linked at side here. |
 | Suunto Run - $50 off! $249 | $199 | Amazon | 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. |
 | Suunto Vertical - $120 off! | $379 | Amazon | While the new Suunto Vertical 2 just came out last week, if you wanted to stock-up on MIP-based display watches before they disappear, here's your chance. |
 | Suunto Wing headphones - $30 off | $119 | Amazon | |
 | Wahoo ACE Cycling GPS - $90 off! $599 | $531 | Amazon | |
 | Wahoo BOLT V2 - $30 off $279 | $237 | Amazon | |
 | Wahoo KICKR 2022/V6 - $155 off! $1,299 | $894 | Amazon | ⚡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... |
 | Wahoo KICKR Core Smart Trainer - $75 off! $499 | $427 | Amazon | This is basically the lowest price we've ever seen for this trainer as far as I know. It's still a very solid trainer, and the cornerstone to the new Zwift Ride bike as well (it uses the KICKR CORE as the base). It works with the Wahoo KICKR CLIMB too. |
 | Wahoo KICKR Desk - $30 off | $199 | Amazon | |
 | Wahoo KICKR ROLLR - $130 off $599 | $569 | Amazon | |
 | Wahoo ROAM V3 - $70 off! | $395 | Amazon | This is the first time we've seen the ROAM V3 on sale (notably the BOLT V3 is not on sale, though the larger ACE is). |
 | Wahoo TRACKR Heart Rate Sensor - $15 off $89 | $84 | Amazon |
Enjoy, and thanks for helping support the site, even if it’s just buying toilet paper using the Amazon link on the sidebar.
YouTube Videos I Made This Week:
Here’s what hit the tubes over on the You of Tube, definitely don’t forget to subscribe there to get notified of videos the second they hit!
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) Yup, the most awesome thing you’ll see this weekend: No explanation needed.
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.
5) Class action lawsuit claims all Apple Watches are defective: Seems like a bit of a stretch. Also, apparently this was the week of Apple Watch news (not surprising given Apple’s annual WWDC developer conference).
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).
Wahoo BOLT/ELEMNT Firmware Update: This fixes Assioma issues, as well as a few other things.
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Thanks for reading!
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