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References to the Garmin Enduro 4 have been found deep in the Connect app code and probably also in a disguised FCC filing. The leak is tentative but the implications are not. The Enduro has historically lagged the Fenix generation in software and features, which makes its appearance now a signal: the Fenix 8 Pro cycle is done, and Fenix 9 is next. If the Enduro 4 arrives with off-grid emergency features alongside the usual battery-first specification, unlimited battery life and always-on connectivity will have to coexist in the same device for the first time and could become standard on Fenix 9.
Garmin also released Connect IQ 9 without announcement. Six new developer capabilities arrived silently. The detail is on site.
The Amazfit Helio Strap Pro costs twice the original. Most of the wrist hardware is unchanged. The comparison piece on site covers what the premium buys and its mysterious new waist pod.
Body Rocket, the Brighton-based aero sensor start-up, is selling its assets and heading for liquidation. Good technology, wrong market.
Also this week: a technical look at the 9-axis accelerometer and what it does that 3-axis and 6-axis sensors cannot.
Amazfit Helio Strap Pro vs Helio Strap: what’s new and should you upgrade?
The Helio Strap Pro costs twice the original. Most of the hardware is unchanged. Here is what existing owners and new buyers are actually paying for, and whether the upgrade makes sense.
Amazfit Balance 3 graveyard test, lake and first impressions
A graveyard, a misread lake, and a chance run with a sleep tech CEO. First impressions of the Amazfit Balance 3 on a lumpy Stockholm trail, tested against the Forerunner 970 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 for GPS and heart rate.
A sports watch 9-axis accelerometer: better than 3 or 6?
Most of us know an accelerometer helps our watch when GPS struggles. But which type: 3-axis, 6-axis, or 9-axis? Nine sounds best. The answer depends on where you train.
Garmin Enduro 4 Leaked: Price, Features and Release Date
The Garmin Enduro 4 has been found in Garmin Connect app code. Based on Garmin’s release pattern, an August 2026 launch at around $999 looks likely. Here is what we know and what to expect.
Body Rocket liquidation: good technology, wrong market
Body Rocket, the Brighton-based aero sensor start-up, is selling its assets and heading for liquidation after eight years of development. The engineering was genuinely impressive. The market was always going to be the problem.
Garmin World Cup Watch Face: Live Scores on Your Wrist
WC2026 Live Pro is a free Connect IQ watch face that puts live World Cup scores, group standings and the knockout bracket directly on Garmin watches. Scores update during play. No app to open.
The Deep Dive Podcast
Listen to one of our recent discussions on the Deep Dive podcast – EP73 Can Amazfit Hardware Outrun Garmin Software (ft. AI Insights)
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Last Updated on 8 November 2026 by tfk the5krunner
Small things I always use
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter: Charges your Garmin with any USB-C cable. Essential when travelling. I use one.
- Body Glide: The blue anti-chafing stick swimmers and runners carry. I use it.
- Speedo earplugs: Fewer ear infections and no cold-water dizziness. I use them.
- Dryrobe Advance: My winter changing robe for open-water swims. I use one. A cheaper option is the AONYIYI changing robe.
- Maurten: Race fuel that stays easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Beet It Sport nitrate shots: Beetroot shots I take in the days before a race. I use them.
- Garmin charging puck: The quickest way to top up before a session. I use one.
- Injinji: Toe socks that stop rubbing, so you run more. I use them.
- Ultimate toe protectors: Stop black toenails on long runs. They work. I use them.
- Compressport R2 v2 calf sleeves: My calf sleeves of choice. I use them.
- Cellucor C4: My pre-workout before hard sessions.
- TPU tubes: Schwalbe Aerothan, Tubolito and Pirelli SmarTube. Light, tiny spares. I use all three.
- G8 insoles: Adjustable arches, perfect position. I use them.
- Cycplus Cube: A 97g electric pump that gets a road tyre rideable in two minutes. I carry one. 5% off with code THE5KRUNNER.
Health, recovery and sleep
- Kineon MOVE+: Red and infrared light for sore knees, Achilles and other joints after hard training. I use it.
- FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Shows how my blood sugar responds to diet. Occasional use.
- hDrop: Measures my sweat loss in summer and indoors. I use it.
- Fourth Frontier Zone: Checks my heart under load in hard sessions.
- Oura Ring 5: My partner’s recovery tracker of choice.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
Watches and sensors
- Polar H10: My daily driver for waking HRV.
- Polar Verity Sense: My backup arm-worn HR sensor.
- Nomad bedside charger: Charges my iPhone and Apple Watch overnight. I use it, and many of their bands.
- Train.Red: The best muscle oxygen sensor I’ve used. Occasional use.
- Tymewear: Accurate heart rate and reliable ventilatory zones. I use it to pace endurance rides over an hour.
- Garmin Forerunner 970: A pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: My daily smartwatch. No phone needed on rides.
On the bike
- Continental GP5000 for everyday riding, and Aero 111 on the front for special occasions. I use both.
- Helmets: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 for road riding, and Rudy Project Wing for TT-style races. I use both.
- Ravemen FR300: A front light that mounts under your Garmin or Wahoo. I use one.
- Ravemen FR1000: The light and the computer mount in one unit, so nothing else goes on the bars. Better than mine.
- Ravemen FR1500SE: 1,500 lumens hanging under your Garmin, for proper night rides.
- Ravemen FR1100SE: 1,100 lumens under your Garmin, and up to 46 hours on slow flash.
- Ravemen FR500: A brighter FR300 with the same mount.
- Wahoo TRACKR Radar: I use it on one bike and Varia on the other. They perform the same.
- Garmin Varia RTL515: Radar that warns you of cars from behind. I use this model.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3: The bike computer that’s easy to use. I use mine on most rides.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2: Accurate power pedals that swap easily between bikes. I use this model.
Home and indoor training
- NPE Runn: Makes my basic treadmill smart, sending more accurate speed and distance to my watch and Zwift. I use it.
- Google Wifi: Keeps Zwift connected in my pain cave. I use it.
- Apple TV 4K: Zwift on the big screen. I use two.
- Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen): My video doorbell, running in both Google Home and Apple Home via Starling. I use it.
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Written by real people, with AI assistance. Fact-checked and verified for originality. See the Editorial Policy. FTC: Affiliate Disclosure — some links pay commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. See the gear tfk uses. ID
