Reliving and sharing your run can be as much fun as the run itself. We take a look at the latest measuring, recording, and social tech that will help you bank your memories and share your stories. – By Ryan Scott

01/ TomTom Bandit: R5 800*

The first TomTom camera in South Africa offers a unique way of real-time sharing. A built-in media server allows you to review footage instantly with the smartphone app. In editing mode, a firm shake of the smartphone instantly pulls a selection of frames to create a short movie, which can then be shared on the spot.
Features: Waterproof, up to 1080p60 capture, time lapse, single-burst images up to 16MP at 10/s.
Stand-out feature: Super-quick upload after an edit mash-up.
Cape Union Mart

02/ Suunto Smart Sensor Belt: R890*

Buying an expensive watch to measure and record your heart rate during your running efforts is no longer necessary. If you already have a smartphone, then a belt like this pairs with the Suunto Movescount app (free) on your phone to give you heart-rate readings and complement the rest of the data recorded by the app.
Due South

03/ Power Monkey Explorer: R1 200*

As long as there’s a little sun, you need never again be stressed out about losing power on your 5V devices, including iPods, MP3 players, GPS systems, SatNavs, headlamps, torches, e-readers and smartphones. Water-resistant and lightweight (171g), the Explorer can easily be taken along on any running adventure. It will give your iPhone or smartphone one to two charges, and your iPod two to six charges.
Stand-out feature: Compact and robust.
takealot.com

04/ GoPro Hero 4 Session: R5 300*

The new Session is smaller than anything we’ve seen before, and has a variety of attachments to choose from, depending on the type of run you’re going on. Testers reported it works seamlessly with the GoPro app; the functions and settings are easy to change, and the lag when viewing on your phone screen is less than one second. They also enjoyed the immediate, one-touch recording function, which is new to GoPro.
Features: 1440p30 HD capture, waterproof without casing, 8MP stills, a mic on the front and back.
Stand-out feature: Automatically adjusts to low light, and it’s small and light.
Due South

05/JBL Reflect BT: R800*

Five hours of Bluetooth-enabled, wireless connectivity to your smartphone means you can listen to your app’s feedback, or motivational tracks, while you run your marathon personal best. The cable is reflective, adjustable and waterproof, and ergonomically-designed earphones don’t pop out of your ears after every 10 steps. Those who can’t leave work behind when they go for a run can also receive calls using the inline controls.
Stand out feature: In-ear comfort.
Incredible Connection

06/ Ion Air Pro 3 Wifi: R5500*

It’s similar in shape and size to the Bandit, but without the nifty editing functionality. The Wifi capability doesn’t allow you to stream live – rather, it connects to other devices via Wifi. It’s like Bluetooth, only with a shorter lag.
Features: Waterproof, 12MP sensor for stills, 1080p capture, two and a half hours of battery life, and 10GB of cloud storage, so you can store and access content from anywhere where there’s a strong signal.
Stand-out feature: Impressive battery life.
Futurama

07/ Olloclip 4-in-1 Lens: R999*

If you’re into gadgets and enjoy photography, this one is for you. The Olloclip includes four enhancement opportunities for your iPhone 6: two macro options at 10x and 15x, fisheye, and a wide-angle. But tester Sandra from Sea Point warns: “The macro is super-impressive, but it’s not great for training on the clock. I kept stopping to take pictures of all the great photo opportunities on our run.” The lens clips on and requires no software.
Stand-out feature: Fits your entire running group into those post-run selfies.
iStore

08/ iPhone 6: From R12 000*

Smartphones are a brilliant addition to running for two reasons – and the iPhone 6 shows off both. Firstly, the 8MB images record your running memories, so you can share them. Burst mode, exposure control, auto HDR, and timer mode ensure your pictures look as good as the run felt. Secondly, running apps are fashioned on the usability of popular phones like the iPhone, and are constantly updated. And the iPhone 6 screen is just the right size (11.9cm) for you to see all the data presented clearly; but not so large that it won’t strap comfortably around your arm.
Options: 16GB, 64GB, 128GB
Stand-out feature: So many running apps are built with the iPhone in mind.
iStore

09/ Samsung Gear Fit G: R3000*

This is a nifty addition to your Samsung smartphone, which makes reading data feedback on the move that much easier. The curved face looks good and the fit on the wrist is comfortable. But although the functionality offers heart-rate and pedometer readings, they’re not incredibly accurate. The software doesn’t impress, either.
Stand-out feature: Great design, look and feel.
Incredible Connection

10/ Samsung Galaxy S6: From R14 000*

Samsung have at last built a phone that matches the look and tactile feel of the iPhone; and although Apple fans will never admit it, the 13cm screen on the Samsung delivers a higher-quality stills image, better black levels, and superior contrast ratio for watching video. Testers still chose Apple’s operating system over Samsung’s Android though – so it really comes down to your personal taste. The good news is, both these phones are incredible smartphones that cover all of your running requirements. Except water resistance: neither is waterproof.
Options: 32GB, 64GB and 128GB.
Stand-out feature: 3GB of RAM makes for speedy response when operating.
DionWired

11/ Amped Stealth 6.1 charger: R465*

Fast becoming a must-have for any trip, the Stealth is uncomplicated and easy to carry. A battery-pack charger with all the necessary USB attachments is cleverly designed into the device. Testers commented on the usefulness of the three bright LED lights, which indicate the power capacity available when clicking the power button.
WEIGHT: 156g
Stand-out feature: A robust, rubberised storage case negates the need for precious packing on the move.
www.amped.co.za

*Prices correct at time of publishing. Prices subject to change.

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