Heads up!!! Here’s your massive holiday sports tech deals list! This includes the Garmin Epix for just $419, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for just $699, the GoPro Hero 12 Black for $249, (or the brand new Hero 13 or $299!) and plenty more! Go check out the full list of 100+ deals here!
I’m DC RAINMAKER…
Here’s how to save!
Wanna save some cash and support the site? These companies help support the site! With Backcountry.com or Competitive Cyclist with either the coupon code DCRAINMAKER for first time users saving 15% on applicable products.
You can also pick-up tons of gear at REI via these links, which is a long-time supporter as well:
Alternatively, for everything else on the planet, simply buy your goods from Amazon via the link below and I get a tiny bit back as an Amazon Associate. No cost to you, easy as pie!
You can use the above link for any Amazon country and it (should) automatically redirect to your local Amazon site.
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Check out my weekly podcast - with DesFit, which is packed with both gadget and non-gadget goodness!
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5 Easy Steps To The Site
1
In Depth Product Reviews
You probably stumbled upon here looking for a review of a sports gadget. If you’re trying to decide which unit to buy – check out my in-depth reviews section. Some reviews are over 60 pages long when printed out, with hundreds of photos! I aim to leave no stone unturned.
2
Read My Sports Gadget Recommendations.
Here’s my most recent GPS watch guide here, and cycling GPS computers here. Plus there are smart trainers here, all in these guides cover almost every category of sports gadgets out there. Looking for the equipment I use day-to-day? I also just put together my complete ‘Gear I Use’ equipment list, from swim to bike to run and everything in between (plus a few extra things). And to compliment that, here’s The Girl’s (my wife’s) list. Enjoy, and thanks for stopping by!
3
Have some fun in the travel section.
I travel a fair bit, both for work and for fun. Here’s a bunch of random trip reports and daily trip-logs that I’ve put together and posted. I’ve sorted it all by world geography, in an attempt to make it easy to figure out where I’ve been.
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My Photography Gear: The Cameras/Drones/Action Cams I Use Daily
The most common question I receive outside of the “what’s the best GPS watch for me” variant, are photography-esq based. So in efforts to combat the amount of emails I need to sort through on a daily basis, I’ve complied this “My Photography Gear” post for your curious minds (including drones & action cams!)! It’s a nice break from the day-to-day sports-tech talk, and I hope you get something out of it!
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The Swim/Bike/Run Gear I Use List
Many readers stumble into my website in search of information on the latest and greatest sports tech products. But at the end of the day, you might just be wondering “What does Ray use when not testing new products?”. So here is the most up to date list of products I like and fit the bill for me and my training needs best! DC Rainmaker 2023 swim, bike, run, and general gear list. But wait, are you a female and feel like these things might not apply to you? If that’s the case (but certainly not saying my choices aren’t good for women), and you just want to see a different gear junkies “picks”, check out The Girl’s Gear Guide too.
I have a SWIMP3 player that I won from a contest a few yrs back. It works very well underwater (i.e. great sound quality; sound produced via bone conduction technology). The only problem is that it works so well that I get into that mode of mindlessly swimming laps while listening to it, which not good being a newer swimmer who needs to be focusing on technique. So I hardly use it any more.
And hopefully bullet 2 only applies to bikes that have to be shipped in oversize containers (or I’ll be really pissed as my travel bike cost considerably more than my racing bike!).
Not being able to operate a bike on any highway? That’s just silly! I can see not allowing them on the freeway, but otherwise… Sure there are more important things requiring legislation than that.
Someone offered to buy your blog??
it’s a two way certificate and I hope US Airways doesn’t catch on that people are starting to figure out this ‘loop hole’
I’ve used both the SwiMP3 player and a kit from H2O Audio.
Short Reviews:
SwiMP3: 256mb storage, ~4 hour battery life, $150. I agree with Shirley – there is a decent sound through bone conduction (you place the units on your cheekbones/temples. That being said, I really didn’t like the “feel” of having something of that size, albeit not over bulky by most people’s standards, strapped to my goggles. It was a noticeable feeling of drag once you’re at speed. On the positive side, being that your ears are not covered by headphones, you are able to hear outside noise (boats if you’re in outside water). Cons, aside from drag, is I found I couldn’t use them out of the water.. one, they strap to your goggles and I don’t often wear my goggles around the city, and as you turn your head out of the water, for a split second they have a very tinny sound. Also, the bass sucks.
H2O Audio: I love this system. I suggest picking up an iPod Shuffle, one of these cases: link to h2oaudio.com
and a set of the Surge Bass Amplified Waterproof Headphones. You can throw the Shuffle in the waterproof case and stick it in your swimcap (like you do the Garmin) along with most of the slack from the headphones, or buy the armband.. but I personally don’t like to have the headphone cords all over, nor something on my arm. The headphones have GREAT sound, they prevent water from getting in your ear… and you’re able to use the iPod and the headphones outside of the water. For $39/case, 60/headphones, and 50/iPod shuffle (1gb, 12 hr battery life), you’re spending the same amount, and getting a lot more function from the product.
(sorry to hijack your comment section for what probably should have been my own blog post.)
Oh, and Happy Birthday to mommy Maker. :)
I’ve seen several people in my pool using the Swimman. It’s basically a stock iPod Shuffle waterproofed from the inside out. Works with standard waterproof headphones (they sell their own). No bulky cases or proprietary software to worry about. They do warranty it themselves. As a plus, your whole iTunes library is available for use, including purchased music (not that that’s a problem anymore). I’m planning on getting one myself in a month or two when I have some long swims to work through again. Downside is they only sell the 1GB 2nd gen model. But you can buy your own and send it to them to have it waterproofed if you need a larger 3rd gen one. http://www.swimman.com
Good pointing out the VA bill, but don’t direct mail to Congress! This is a Virginia matter – get in touch with your local Delegate or Senator about it (because no one in Congress will care). The bill was introduced by Del. Bob Brink, and it sounds like Alan Muchnick has gotten through to him on the matter. That said, it can’t hurt to apply some extra constituent pressure.
I have a case and headphones for my nano. They are great with solo long swims.
I don’t own a swimming MP3 player but I can’t wait to read your review of whatever you decide on since it looks like you’ve gotten some good suggestions/advice…2 hour long swim sessions…glad your coach is not mine!! Happy Birthday Mommy Maker-even though I don’t know you! :)
Actually, the bill doesn’t prohibit operating a bike on a highway, but only on a “Interstate Highway System component” or “other limited access highway.” You’re familiar with the first, but the latter isn’t a term that you run across much. A limited access highway is a highway that exists solely to move vehicles over a given stretch of land, with no intersections and access only via on/off ramps. These consist almost entirely of interstate highways and bypasses; not the sort of things that you’d ever want to take a bike onto.
This bill has been introduced by a new urbanist legislator from an urban area who has no interest at all in restricting bicycling or pedestrian transit. Don’t worry.
Happy BDay Mrs. Rainmaker!
I would like to be your agent for selling your blog…I need something to supplement my income. I am willing to dedicate 100% of my working time toward it. I think 22% is fair.
Happy BDay to your mom!
Boo airlines. I still can’t believe they charge me to check my bag. It only causes more problems (when the ENTIRE plane tries to stuff their carry-ons in the overhead).
funny, i don’t remember offering to buy your blog.
that’s quite some b.s. going on in virginia. i’ll be following that up. wtf.
happy birfday mom! a fellow aquarian!
If you have an Ipod there is a waterproof Ipod case… otherwise got with the SWIMP3… heard wonderful reviews about it!
What’s with the bicycle bill??!! That is downright scary!