Treat your loved ones to the gift of instant analytics with these outstanding tech products for runners, fitness enthusiasts, cyclists and triathletes. You’re sure to land the Gift Giver of the Year award—not to mention make your favorite person extremely happy.
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The 2017 Tech Holiday Gift Guide
Written by
ACTIVE.com
If you’re an athlete, then you know there’s nothing quite like unwrapping a sleek new piece of fitness tech that promises to optimize your performance and make you better each day.
Treat your loved ones to the gift of instant analytics with these outstanding tech products for runners, fitness enthusiasts, cyclists and triathletes. You’re sure to land the Gift Giver of the Year award—not to mention make your favorite person extremely happy.
Treat your loved ones to the gift of instant analytics with these outstanding tech products for runners, fitness enthusiasts, cyclists and triathletes. You’re sure to land the Gift Giver of the Year award—not to mention make your favorite person extremely happy.
Vi — AI Personal Trainer Earphones
$199
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If you're shopping for a runner, what investment could be more worthwhile than a personal running coach? Vi is an artificial intelligence trainer who lives in your earphones, where she learns about your strengths, weaknesses and tendencies and adjusts accordingly, in order to maximize performance and efficiency.
Equipped with aerospace-grade bio-sensors, Vi measures heart rate, elevation, cadence, speed, time and location in real time with peak accuracy. There's no need to leave her behind once the run is done, either. Vi can be worn as an all-day tracker, similar to a FitBit—talk about the perfect investment. Read our full review here.
Compatible with iOS and Android. Use coupon code ACTIVE2017 to receive 20% off.
Equipped with aerospace-grade bio-sensors, Vi measures heart rate, elevation, cadence, speed, time and location in real time with peak accuracy. There's no need to leave her behind once the run is done, either. Vi can be worn as an all-day tracker, similar to a FitBit—talk about the perfect investment. Read our full review here.
Compatible with iOS and Android. Use coupon code ACTIVE2017 to receive 20% off.
Stages LR Dual Leg Power Meter
$999
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Stages' LR Dual Leg Power Meter was rigorously tested for two full years before it became available to the public, but it already has two Tour de France victories to its name thanks to Team Sky. We'd say that's a great endorsement for this to be your big-ticket holiday present this year.
While a pricey buy, this power meter stands out from the rest with its over 175 hours of battery life, wireless firmware that can be updated through the Stages app and a +/- one percent accuracy rating.
While a pricey buy, this power meter stands out from the rest with its over 175 hours of battery life, wireless firmware that can be updated through the Stages app and a +/- one percent accuracy rating.
Fitbit Ionic Watch
$299.95
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No fitness tracker debut in recent memory has been as anticipated as Fitbit's new Ionic Watch. Coming in at a smidge less than $300, this is definitely an investment gift, but it's the perfect gadget for the fitness lover in your life—especially since it's chock-full of features.
The Ionic has all the standard Fitbit offerings we've come to know and love—technology to track workouts, steps, sleep and heart rate—plus a new array of capabilities. From personalized coaching with on-screen guidance right on your wrist, to storage space for 300-plus songs, built-in GPS and the ability to pay with your watch (no, we're not kidding), you literally don't need to carry anything else.
The Ionic has all the standard Fitbit offerings we've come to know and love—technology to track workouts, steps, sleep and heart rate—plus a new array of capabilities. From personalized coaching with on-screen guidance right on your wrist, to storage space for 300-plus songs, built-in GPS and the ability to pay with your watch (no, we're not kidding), you literally don't need to carry anything else.
Under Armour Recovery Sleepwear
$99.99 to $200
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Marketed as the secret to recovery for New England Patriots quarterback, Tom Brady, it makes sense that these pajamas will set you back a bit, but trust us when we say this gift is a touchdown.
Under Armour combines all the benefits of a good night's sleep, when your body releases more human growth hormone during your deepest cycles, with the power of Far Infrared technology to help muscles rebuild faster. Know what that means? More gains. Plus, even without the fancy technology, this is one of the most comfortable sleep sets ever. The fabric is soft, light and sweat-wicking, and will keep your special someone cool all night long.
Under Armour combines all the benefits of a good night's sleep, when your body releases more human growth hormone during your deepest cycles, with the power of Far Infrared technology to help muscles rebuild faster. Know what that means? More gains. Plus, even without the fancy technology, this is one of the most comfortable sleep sets ever. The fabric is soft, light and sweat-wicking, and will keep your special someone cool all night long.
Garmin Edge 1030
$599.99
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The Edge 1030 is Garmin's flagship GPS computer and since bikepacking is, like, so hot right now, it makes sense that the three-year-old model was due for an update. At a price point of $599.99, you'd better really like the cyclist you're buying this for—but we can tell you first-hand that you'll be getting plenty of bang for your buck.
The highlights start with a huge 3.5-inch display that makes seeing and following your route easier than ever. Plus, the unit boasts new trendline popularity routing, which leverages Garmin Connect user data to find the best cycling routes across road, mountain and gravel. In other words, if someone's pedaled that farm road you've been eyeballing, it is likely reflected in the available routes.
Other cool features include rider-to-rider messaging between other 1030 users, so they'll always know when you need a nature break, and incident detection that will notify friends and family if you crash. Plus, while the 1030 comes preloaded with maps, you also have the ability to add even more with a weatherproof slot for microSD cards. And, perhaps most importantly for those who like to ride long, Garmin pinpoints battery life at 20 hours.
The highlights start with a huge 3.5-inch display that makes seeing and following your route easier than ever. Plus, the unit boasts new trendline popularity routing, which leverages Garmin Connect user data to find the best cycling routes across road, mountain and gravel. In other words, if someone's pedaled that farm road you've been eyeballing, it is likely reflected in the available routes.
Other cool features include rider-to-rider messaging between other 1030 users, so they'll always know when you need a nature break, and incident detection that will notify friends and family if you crash. Plus, while the 1030 comes preloaded with maps, you also have the ability to add even more with a weatherproof slot for microSD cards. And, perhaps most importantly for those who like to ride long, Garmin pinpoints battery life at 20 hours.
Apple Watch Series 3
$329 and up
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Apple's at it again with the Series 3 watch, which will make you want to throw any earlier model straight in the trash. Why, you ask? Well, the Series 3 has all the functionality of the Series 2–yes, it's completely waterproof–but now it also has cellular data, meaning you're basically carrying around a fully functional phone on your wrist anywhere you go. You can take a call mid-run, or track your progress through GPS, completely hands-free. It's compatible with most fitness apps, as well, and the fun activity rings will push you to get your daily recommended dose of fitness.
SnowLizard SLXtreme 7
$149.99
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Want to make sure your phone can handle all of your adventures in the great outdoors? Look no further than SnowLizard's SLXtreme 7 phone case. Not only is this case waterproof, but it charges your phone through solar power, too. It also offers military grade protection while still allowing full access to the touch screen, so you won't miss out on taking pictures or video. Last but not least, rubberized grips allow for better handling, plus a carabiner loop lets you secure your phone on a backpack to charge while you hike.
Compatible with both the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8.
Compatible with both the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8.
Lenzyn Lazer Drive
$60
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The Lenzyn Lazer Drive will change the way you ride at night. Not only does it include four ultra-bright LEDs that provide 250 lumens and multiple brightness and flashing modes, it also features laser-mode that beams two safety strips to the ground to light your way and keep you safe from cars. The lens extends further than previous models, as well, providing 180-degrees of visibility, plus a Micro-USB port makes for easy charging.
PowerBlock Dumbbells, U33 Set
$298
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Though not strictly tech, these dumbbells are so innovative that we had to include them on this list. The perfect gift for those who prefer their home gym over a pricey membership, the set contains 3 to 33 pounds of weight and replaces—are you ready for this—25 pairs of dumbbells and 866 pounds of free weights. That's a lot of floor space you're freeing up with one product.
Here's how it works: The dumbbells come with a selector pin in each set, which you slide in and out to select the weight you want. It's a quick and easy way to move from one weight to the next, and because the product comes with two one-pound "adder" weights in the handle, you can customize the weight to your needs. The square construction also makes the dumbbells ideal for push-ups with an added row (you won't risk rolling), and you have a choice between holding it with one hand or two—perfect for tricep extensions. Finally, the weights go up to 125 pounds for anyone seeking more resistance.
Here's how it works: The dumbbells come with a selector pin in each set, which you slide in and out to select the weight you want. It's a quick and easy way to move from one weight to the next, and because the product comes with two one-pound "adder" weights in the handle, you can customize the weight to your needs. The square construction also makes the dumbbells ideal for push-ups with an added row (you won't risk rolling), and you have a choice between holding it with one hand or two—perfect for tricep extensions. Finally, the weights go up to 125 pounds for anyone seeking more resistance.
Misfit Phase
$175
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If your loved one wants more style and class in their everyday fitness tracker, look no further than the Misfit Phase. This tracker gives the illusion of a classic timepiece, but don't be fooled—it still tracks all the essentials like steps, calories burned, physical activity and sleep, and it sends all that data straight to your phone.
With a small touch of a button, the hands of the clock move from telling you the time to updating you on your progress (for example, three o'clock means you've completed 25 percent of your activity goal). But that's not all this watch does. It can take a selfie, control your music, send you alerts from your phone and even change slides on a presentation.
However, this innovative tracker did decide to play it old school in one key area: The Phase doesn't require charging. It comes with a battery that lasts a full six months before it needs replacement.
With a small touch of a button, the hands of the clock move from telling you the time to updating you on your progress (for example, three o'clock means you've completed 25 percent of your activity goal). But that's not all this watch does. It can take a selfie, control your music, send you alerts from your phone and even change slides on a presentation.
However, this innovative tracker did decide to play it old school in one key area: The Phase doesn't require charging. It comes with a battery that lasts a full six months before it needs replacement.
Garmin Varia UT800
$149.99
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Sure, there are plenty of solid bike lights out there. But few—none, if we're being honest—come close to Garmin's Varia system, which debuted last year to rave reviews from visibility-conscious cyclists everywhere.
New for 2017, the UT800 builds on that success, boasting a steady 800 lumens for 1.5 hours. The real kicker? When paired with compatible Garmin Edge cycling computers, the UT800 automatically adjusts beam intensity to current light conditions, speed and the ride profile to extend battery life. The light can also be manually controlled with a simple touch or the included remote.
The light has two versions, urban and trail, and five different light modes: high, medium, low, night flash and day flash. At full strength, it's visible in daylight more than one mile away. Now that's one heck of a bike light.
New for 2017, the UT800 builds on that success, boasting a steady 800 lumens for 1.5 hours. The real kicker? When paired with compatible Garmin Edge cycling computers, the UT800 automatically adjusts beam intensity to current light conditions, speed and the ride profile to extend battery life. The light can also be manually controlled with a simple touch or the included remote.
The light has two versions, urban and trail, and five different light modes: high, medium, low, night flash and day flash. At full strength, it's visible in daylight more than one mile away. Now that's one heck of a bike light.
TomTom Adventurer Watch
$349.99
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The TomTom Adventurer watch is one durable outdoors device. Whether you're trail running, mountain biking, snowboarding or skiing, you won't have to worry about this watch letting you down.
It comes with all the basics, including a heart rate monitor, water resistance, sleep tracking and more, plus extras like a built-in music player and a new trail exploration feature that pre-loads trail routes, so you'll never have to worry about finding your way back to the trailhead. Additional features include real-time stats like altitude, 3D distance, speed, pace and total ascent and descent.
It comes with all the basics, including a heart rate monitor, water resistance, sleep tracking and more, plus extras like a built-in music player and a new trail exploration feature that pre-loads trail routes, so you'll never have to worry about finding your way back to the trailhead. Additional features include real-time stats like altitude, 3D distance, speed, pace and total ascent and descent.
Blackburn Honest Digital Pressure Gauge
$24.99
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Blackburn's new digital pressure gauge sports the tagline, "Way more accurate than a squeeze." For those who've burped a tire on the last lap of a cyclocross race while chasing the podium—yes, we're still bitter—this gauge is an absolute must-have. The design is super-compact, and an audible chime lets you know when it's powered on and when pressure is registered. Because the difference between 15 psi and 17 psi is the difference between losing grip in the final turn, and raising your arms on the top step of the podium. Am I right?
Million Mile Light
$19.99
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This small light is a lifesaver for any evening or early morning runners. Not only is it bright and effective, but the product itself is genius because—get this—it needs no batteries or charging. That's right, the light is powered solely by the runner's motion. Just take a few steps, and the light will automatically turn on, illuminating the way and alerting cars to your whereabouts.
Serious runners will also be happy to know that this is one lightweight light. Coming in at only 1.5 ounces, you'll barely feel it after you clip it on.
Serious runners will also be happy to know that this is one lightweight light. Coming in at only 1.5 ounces, you'll barely feel it after you clip it on.
GoPro HERO6
$499.99
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GoPro recently released their new HERO6, and it's the perfect gift for the adventurer in your life. Featuring improved dynamic range, a digital zoom and better shots in low light, there's nowhere this camera can't follow you. Plus, paired with the GoPro app, you can now transform your footage into easily editable QuikStory video, which you can then share with others. With 4K60 and 1080p240 video, all in one completely waterproof design (hello, underwater camera), it's hard to beat this gift.
Garmin Forerunner 935
$499
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The latest watch in Garmin's Forerunner line is targeted toward a higher tier of athletes who aren't satisfied with merely tracking their workouts–they're also looking for intelligent analysis of their entire training cycle.
The Forerunner 935 is especially suited to high-performing runners, due to its ability to pair with Garmin's Running Dynamics Pod which takes the place of a chest strap and provides runners with a number of metrics. It also connects to Strava and TrainingPeaks, feeding scheduled workouts directly to the watch. Read the full review here.
The Forerunner 935 is especially suited to high-performing runners, due to its ability to pair with Garmin's Running Dynamics Pod which takes the place of a chest strap and provides runners with a number of metrics. It also connects to Strava and TrainingPeaks, feeding scheduled workouts directly to the watch. Read the full review here.
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