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:
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You can use the above link for any Amazon country and it (should) automatically redirect to your local Amazon site.
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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.
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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!
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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.
Ray,
I enjoyed reading your initial thoughts on the Vasa trainer. Does it feel at all like swimming does with respect to the exertion of your lats and arms? Were you equally tired from the Vasa as you would be from a swim of equal lenghth and pace?
Richard
HA! I love the part in the video at :14 where you’re standing there like “what am I getting myself into?”
Hi Ray, as usual great work on the product overview, I can’t wait for the in depth review.
Did you mention a price? I know a coach who claims he trained for an ironman swim using only the Vasa Swim Trainer. He is well respected, so I believe him, but I wonder if it is worth it.
BTW, in watching your swim video it seems that you are dropping your elbows. I’m no expert but I’ll bet you can get a good bit more pull in the water if you can keep them high. That’s what I’m currently working on myself ;).
I’m still surprised by vendors coming out with products that do not interface with fitness devices.
This is a real trend and will become even more important… time for all fitness vendors to wake up to ANT+
This allows integration with fitness devices including iphone, android, etc…
I’m not buying any fitness device that does not have the ability to wirelessly integrate (ANT+) my fitness computer software (via Garmin, iphone or android).
I was imagining Flight of the Bumblebee as the soundtrack to your video.
I agree with the others in thinking that the downloading and interfacing of data with existing hardware/software is kind of important. Without that, the info is just nice to know.
What you be needing now, is the Halo Swim Trainer, a sort of ovaloid plank that attaches to the front of the bench on the VASA. It makes you keep your elbows high for a vertical forearm pull. I like it a lot! http://www.haloswimtraining.com
Hi Richard-
It does surprisingly feel like it. The first few seconds I was thinking “oh, this isn’t too bad”, but then after a bit – it gives quite a workout. In talking with the owner, most of the coaches working with high level athletes are using it in a supplemental manner – primarily in addition to existing pool workouts. The ability to give a short 15-20 minute high intensity workout without the extra time to/from the pool.
Hi Nelson-
The price is $2,000 – so primarily targetted towards the elite athlete and/or certain fitness centers.
And yes, dropping the elbows is an area I’m working on. It was funny to see it in the video, as I felt like when I was doing it I had a very high elbow…clearly not once I saw the video.
Hi Mav-
Hmm…very interesting, need to poke at that a bit. Thanks for the tip!
Ray, as a swimmer first and foremost, I used very rudimentary systems that didn’t look too dissimilar (without the electronics, but with variable resistance) way back in the dim dark ages, and in deepest darkest Africa. They work. Only problem is, they’ll work whatever bad form you put in (GI-GO). SO… to be really effective, you must practice proper form/technique.
If I may? – open your palms, as if you’re swimming (don’t grip the handles in your fists). Keep your elbows higher than your wrists, from the “catch” and all the way through until the push past your thigh. Then you’ll get faster, not just stronger.
Now, where the heck am I going to find the space in my tiny Singapore apartment for one of those?
Just wanted to say that I think your videos are super helpful, and I really appreciate you taking the time to make them! Love your reviews!
Dude….”The Girl” must be really patient. There’s no way my wife would let me get away with that much “junk” in our living room. :)
Jim
Don’t drop your elbows. This workout is a complete waste of time with your terrible form. The Vasa trainer is one of the best ways to build strength in your shoulders and arms to prevent elbow dropping.
Hi anon-
I’m not sure what workout your referring to, since I haven’t done any. The video was simply a demo of what the machine looks like in action. As noted above, working on my elbows is one of many things I focus on…and just like virtually everyone else, we all have technique areas to improve upon, one of the reasons why even the worlds gold medalists spend considerable time on technique.
You’re definitely right…absolutely have to include a way to collect and analyze all the data from a workout. And ANT+ does seem to be the way to go! With ANT+ integrated, they should also make it HRM compatible. Would an HRM be comfortable with the chest pad?
Does the unit have a quick stow away feature for those that need the floorspace?
No easy way of storage unfortunately. Something I (and much more my wife) wishes there was…
Is your review of the Vasa Ergometer completed? I can’t find it but I saw that you at least had plans of writing one up. Thanks!
eric
I did have plans, but unfortunately moving to Paris got in the way, as I had to offload it before the move.
In general my thoughts are that for those that are super-time constrained, or location constrained (i.e. in Iraq serving), this offers an alright method to get in some swim workouts.
But, it’s not a replacement for the pool outright for most – and shouldn’t be used that way. For example, you don’t get rotation, which is key to developing a proper stroke and increasing speed in the water.
They are working on adding ANT+ integration, which might come as soon as this fall – so that’s definitely something to be on the lookout for. That would allow you to get power, speed, distance and cadence to any ANT+ compatible head unit. Good stuff.
Hey Ray
Did you ever do a review on the Vasa – can’t find it on the site but am curious as to your thoughts.
Cheers
No, never quite ended up doing a review. Nowadays I believe they offer an ANT+ variation, which makes it much more interesting than previously.
Hi Ray,
I saw your update Video of the Vasa SwimErg with ANT+ function.
As I am going to update my regular Vasa Trainer Pro I have a couple of questions you may can answer.
1) Is there a way to use the swim profile from a modern watch (FR935) and see also swim distance like on the onboard Vasa powermeter? Maybe with the help of a connect IQ Power Field like used for STRYD Powermeter?
2) Can you compare the ERG VS the regular VASA PRO (non Erg?). What would you guess are the greatest benefits of an upgrade? Do you think its worth the money and do you still use the Erg?
Thanks for your time!
Oli
Hey Ray,
Any place selling the Vasa Ant+ trainer that has a DCR code? Just see SwimOutlet and Vasa that are selling the Ant+ versions.
Thanks for the info. I look forward to your reviews. I’m a 13 time Iroman/Iron Distance competitor and am looking for a more time efficient way to get in swim workouts and am considering a Vasa. Keep the reviews coming.