We are a week away from the holiday gift-giving season. And if you haven’t gotten your gift shopping yet (and from conversations I’ve had with some people, some haven’t even started), and your gifts for this season won’t just be hugs and kisses, we have some suggestions for the rider in your life. Or some gift for yourself if you ride. I’ve been riding actively since 2018 and some of the recommendations below represent some great items if you are a lover of the ride and into your tech as well.
Insta360 X4
Video coverage is always a mainstay for riders. Either to catch some sweet action on a ride or to provide coverage and/or evidence if needed if a situation goes left. I’ve been a fan of the Insta360 line of 360-degree cameras since the very first one and is something I’ve enjoyed using on my rides as it lets me just set up a camera on a spot and not worry about what direction it was pointing, allowing me to just ride. The beauty of being able for the most part to set it and forget it is awesome. With the latest model the X4, you’re getting all of the 360 greatness, but also the ability to shoot up to 8K. Plus with AI in everything nowadays, you’ll truly be able to just shoot and then find the best frame later as its AI-powered reframing tools will help you find the best angles later. Going for $499.99 at regular prices, you may be able to find some deals out there or bundles.
Peak Design Motorcycle Qi2 Charging Mounts
Now this one is a recent addition to my motorcycle. For the last couple of years, I’ve used a completing one, but once I started using their Everyday Case for my cellphone, I hated having to switch out for a case I could use with the other one, among a few other gripes. However, when I heard Peak Design was coming with a charging mount I could use with that case I was all in!
Not only does it allow me to continue to use an amazing phone case when I ride and when I’m not, but the design of this mount addresses some issues I had with the other one I used to use. I’ll just say, that placing my phone on and off of this mount is seamless, with no issues 100% locked on, and super easy to release. Plus being a Qi2 standard, allowing for a better charging experience. I’ll need to fully complete a deeper review into the next riding season (I’m on the east coast here and non-riding depression has set in), but from my early experience so far, this is one you are going to want to pick up. It is a little pricy coming in at $169.95, and you’ll need to pick up a case for your phone if they make one, but this has elevated my riding experience!
Cardo Packtalk PRO
The latest in the line of the Packtalk line, the PRO steps up the game in a few ways. Beyond the sleeker looking matte black color, the Packtalk PRO gains features like crash detection, auto On/Off, and 45mm JBL speakers. We’ve only spent a small amount of time with these as it came to us towards the end of the riding season (urgh east coast), but this is something you should have your eye out for. We’ll have a more full review of these come next riding season, but as we have used many in the Cardo lineup, like the Packtalk EDGE, and NEO, we have high expectations for this long term as well. It is definitely pricey at $459, but if you can find some good deals on it, we’d recommend jumping on it! If you have a rider in your life, they will love this under the tree this year!
So what do you have planned for the rider in your life? Do you have any other tech that you are thinking about getting them to enhance their ride? Share with us in the comment area. Thinking of picking any one of these up, or something else for yourself? Let us know. Enjoy this holiday season!
