Cyber Monday deals on running tech
In the market for a new running watch, headphones or headlamp? Look no further
Couldn’t get enough good deals on Black Friday? Then check out the list of our favourite tech deals for Cyber Monday.
Garmin Forerunner 965
A sophisticated running watch
The Forerunner 965 is Garmin’s most advanced GPS watch, making it the perfect choice for runners who are serious about their training. The watch can obviously capture basic training data like activity tracking, heart rate and GPS, but that only scratches the surface of the Forerunner 965’s capabilities. The watch can also suggest daily workouts that adapt to your fitness level, provide insight into your training readiness, track your exertion and power output, provide full-colour maps for navigation and track your general wellness.
In fact, if there’s something you want to track regarding your training, the Forerunner 965 is likely able to do it. And, while Garmin should be commended for providing such extensive data-gathering capabilities, they should also be recognized for specifying a vibrant 1.4” AMOLED display. This relatively large display allows you to easily view any pertinent information without having to interrupt your run. If you are serious about your training and want the pinnacle of sport watches, consider the Garmin Forerunner 965.
Garmin Forerunner 55
An easy-to-use GPS running smartwatch
If you are looking for a relatively affordable GPS-enabled running watch that offers plenty of core running features, check out the Forerunner 55. The watch, with its svelte overall dimensions, can track heart rate as well as time, distance, pace and speed–the main functions most runners are interested in tracking.
Need to track other training data? No worries, the Forerunner 55 can also monitor your overall health, suggest workouts and create different activity profiles for other sports. Still not convinced? Consider that the watch also delivers excellent battery performance, with up to two weeks in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode.
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
Open-ear-style headphones that wrap around your neck for a secure fit on the run
Traditional bone conduction headphones have always struggled to deliver deep low-end sound. Air conduction headphones, on the other hand, deliver great low-end sound, but struggle with wind noise and sound leakage. Recognizing this reality, Shokz created the OpenRun Pro 2 headphones, which combine both technologies. The result is a pair of headphones that deliver exceptional sound quality without the shortcomings of either design.
You get great sound, no wind noise or sound leakage issues, and you retain the ability to easily hear your surroundings. The OpenRun Pro 2 also come with a number of preset and customizable equalizer profiles, as well as 12 hours of playback on a single charge. Throw in an IP55 water resistance rating, a five-minute quick-charge setting that gives you 2.5 hours of playback and a speedy one-hour USB-C full-charge mode, and you have a great pair of headphones that should be the top choice for every runner.
Shokz OpenFit Air Headphones
Comfortable open-ear-style headphones with exceptional sound quality
If you are looking for comfortable open-ear-style headphones that deliver excellent sound quality without compromising situational awareness, check out the Shokz OpenFit Air headphones. These earbuds feature a unique design with a customizable fit, ensuring they stay put even during challenging workouts. Shokz employs sophisticated internals that provide exceptional sound quality while allowing you to hear your surroundings–an important consideration when running in busy urban settings.
Need more convincing? Well, how about a six-hour battery life on a single charge, a 10-minute quick-charge mode for two hours of battery life, and an IP54 water-resistance rating. These are great running headphones that are currently offered at a great price. Get some!
Petzl Tikka Headlamp
A lightweight headlamp
If you spend any time running in low-light conditions, consider getting yourself a Petzl Tikka headlamp. Featuring a maximum output of 350 lumens (up to 450 if you use Petzl’s CORE 1250 rechargeable battery), the Tikka pumps out plenty of light to illuminate your path, as well as making you more visible to traffic. Other notable features include a simple one-button design, three levels of brightness, an adjustable tilting light head and a super comfy stretch headband. This is a great, simple headlamp at a great price!
Smith Resolve Sunglasses
Lightweight wraparound sunglasses
With their ChromaPop lenses and wraparound design, the Smith Resolve Sunglasses provide exceptional eye protection and optical clarity when you’re running in sunny weather. The minimalist frame allows for excellent airflow without compromising the secure fit required when you’re picking up the pace. Interchangeable lenses allow you to fine-tune the clarity for different light conditions, and the adjustable nose pads offer a comfortable custom fit.
Garmin inReach Mini 2
A specialized GPS device with emergency SOS communication
While this may not be necessary for runners who spend the majority of their time in urban environments, if you ever run in more remote or isolated locations, then the Garmin inReach Mini 2 may literally be a lifesaver. While the inReach Mini 2 offers GPS mapping and tracking capabilities similar to those found in Garmin’s sport watches, it goes a few steps further by also providing highly effective satellite-phone text messaging (you can sync the device to your phone for an easy-to-use interface) as well as an SOS emergency button that sends your location to first responders. For runners who spend time in isolated regions, the SOS feature is an absolute godsend, and few devices currently on the market can match the inReach Mini 2’s connectivity. Considering the device’s small proportions and exceptional rechargeable battery life (up to 30 days), the added insurance and peace of mind that the inReach Mini 2 offers is well worth the price. The SOS services require a monthly subscription to Garmin’s satellite network, which can be suspended when the device is not in use. Seriously, if you are running on remote trails, you need to consider getting this device. At this price, there are not many good reasons not to.
Products reviewed in this article:
Garmin Forerunner 965
Garmin Forerunner 55
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
Shokz OpenFit Air Headphones
Petzl Tikka Headlamp
Smith Resolve Sunglasses
Garmin inReach Mini 2
