Last Day – Today Friday! Deals end today, here’s your massive list of sports tech deals on Amazon Prime Days 2025! This includes the Garmin Epix for just $459, and the Fenix 8 for $100 off. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 Titanium for $645, the GoPro Hero 13 Black for $329, smart trainers, drones, action cams, and plenty more! Go check out the full list 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.
4
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!
5
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 2024 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.
1) I’m more excited about the Garmin Vivoactive because it combines a nicer watch for day-to-day use with activity tracker and running functionality.
2) 250.000 steps
1) Fenix 3 . So nice and seems to fit my needs
2) 148, 148 steps
Garming Fenix 3, but still holding out for HR sensor in the unit. Until then, I’ll stick with my Ambit 2.
212,000 steps
1. Accurate Heart rate monitoring combined with activity monitoring
2. 197,777 steps
Looking forward to the 4iiii power meter getting out to market.
142,424 steps.
I’m really excited about the Garmin Vivoactive. My 610 has a crack.
187,233 steps
1. Sub €400, yet consistent powermeters
2. 310.018 steps
1) Fitbit surge, GPS + fitness tracking + Fitbit’s expertise
2) 138’985 steps !
1. Ampstrip
2. 272,723 steps
Hi,
1) Garmin Epix, like to have a map on my wrist for my travels :-)
2) 107.206
BR Birgit
Greetings from Austria,
would be nice to be at CES, but it’s that far from here….
1. Fenix3 !!
2. 89.123 steps
Servus
Joe
1. Fenix3 !
2. 80.123 steps
1) the surge i love the concept
2) 134,537 steps
Fenix 3 – I’ve been wanting to upgrade from my forerunner 10 so I can start training by heart rate, and I love its utility for hiking and snowboarding as well.
189762
1) I’m pumped for all the new wearables. I haven’t seen anything yet that hits all the marks, but it gets closer each wave of new devices. Right now I like the Garmin Vivoactive the most.
2) 155,000 steps
Fenix 3
229,907
Dash..imagine if that with GPS!
I’d guess 103,219
Hi, from Italy. I think i’m most interest about vivoactive, it seems it can be the perfect fusion of a smartwatch and a fitness watch: everything in a single, modern device!
About the steps: 175,471
:-)
Felix 3 for trail running
169012 steps
1) Stoked about both the Ampstrip and the 4iiii Precision Power meter – the two missing pieces to my bike set up!
2) 116,269 steps
201457 steps.
Looking forward to the vivoactive.
Like the fenix3 but Garmin is pricing average runners out.
1. I like the Fenix 3
2. 215,000
1.) Fenix 3 and 4iii PM!
2.) 167,532 steps
Connect IQ being launched to make my 920t even more awesome than it already is
176,027 steps
1. Excited about the 920xt.
2. 156,570
1. Fenix 3
2. 125765 steps
1) Connect IQ, the options are unlimited
2) 123,456 steps this was scientifically calculated, really
1) Garmin FR10…in order to buy a Polar M400
2) 227’182
1.) AmpStrip for me since I dislike wearing straps, watches, and other accessories. Perhaps if it’s stuck to my ribs, I will not notice it. Fitbit Surge HR for the wife… an activity tracker that could double has a HRM if she decides she want’s that in workouts.
2.) 210100 steps
1). Fenix 3 – because I waited back ordering 920 and am pleased that the others came out at CES
2). Steps walked 127,774
Fenix 3, one watch for everything!
213725 steps
The wearables. This is improving a lot!
211,751 steps
170,001.
Fenix 3 and Epix…. 129,588
1. Fenix 3 and Epix
2. 134,550
I’m still waiting for a watch that combines GPS + accurate optical heart rate + hydration and touchscreen that works. Until then . . . 143,233
4iii Precision, of course. If they force Garmin to drop Vector’s price to $700.
82,000 steps?
1. Fenix 3
2. 138,673
1)Dash, so many great features hope it turns out to be all its promised.
2) 165,374 steps
4iiii’s power
118,924
Garmin Vivoactive could prove to be very popular!
125,211 steps
Most excited about the Fitbit Surge. Loving the Charge HR.
137,456
1. Fenix 3
2. 182,345
1. Fenix 3: 920xt functionality in a package that looks nice as a day-to-day watch.
2. 271,828 steps.
A.) 189,367 Steps
B.) I very interested in the Fitbit Surge since it includes all the features I need to monitor my running and my daily activities (GPS, optical heart rate monitor, altimeter, etc.). However, I believe the Garmin Vivoactive scores more points for its style, color screen and versatility with interchangeable bands and Connect IQ apps.
1) Really excited for connectIQ
2) 169245 Steps
1. Garmin Fenix 3. Unit looks awesome. 2. 93465 Steps
Garmin Vivoactive looks really cool. I have a Forerunner 620 but if I won the comp I’d get the Vivoactive.
123,456 steps
1) Excited about the Fenix3, which seems to be a trail runners dream. Waiting for the review and might get if no bad bugs are included.
2) My guess would be 105’000 steps
I’m interested in the fenix 3. Mostly because I love my fenix 2. 20254 steps
1 – Fenix 3, its pretty.
2 – 123456
I’m most excited for connectIQ! Bring on the apps!
I’m guessing you went 156351 steps.
1) Fitbit Surge GPS. I’m curious to know the accuracy of the optical HR sensor.
2) 120,000 steps.
Most excited about the Epix for mapping. 500,000 steps.
Garmin Fenix 3 is everything I look for in a everyday watch
124,323 steps
1) Epix – getting close to a solid all in one unit
2) 850,000 steps – call me crazy, yet it is Vegas baby, and it is spread out crazy big, not to mention Ray is crazy Mr. 24 X 7 – he’ll need a vacation after this week
you know that is over 100,000 steps a day – 5 miles is 10,000 steps – so you are saying Ray went 50+ miles a day?
1. I would like to have a wearable which accurately measures my daily calorie intake without me having to count and measure everything I eat while at the same time calculates my calorie expenditure (that’s a bit easier) based on heart rate or, at some time in the future, based on production of heat or maybe change in body composition. However, at present I wouldn’t be disappointed with the device above (Fitbit Surge).
2. 187 349 :) steps
Cheers!
Still waiting on exciting things for connect IQ
254, 268 steps
Fenix 3 had me stop for a moment and think if my v800 is outdated… My guess is 165000
1. The Fitbit Surge because I’m in the market for an activity tracker/GPS watch for my wife.
2. 131,179 steps
1) Garmin Fenix3 looks very very nice
2) 188,888 steps
A) FENIX 3 – Finally a good looking GPS watch.
B) 122 391 steps
I’m still excited about the Ambit 3 because it’s accurate, without glitches! Fenix 3 looks promising as well.
133,333 steps
1. Garmin Epix!
2. 250,000 steps!
The AmpStrip. Not that I may use it as a day-to-day workout monitor. This stuff looks like it may become a new activity monitor to be used to track recovery as well, provided we get access to raw data on a beat-to-beat basis.
Bah you’d walk 146507 steps over these crazy days in Vegas
1. Fenix 3 and polar v800
2. 155,345 steps
(1) Garmin Fenix 3 – Features of the Edge 910 packaged in a daily-wearable formfactor.
(2) 180,000 steps
1. All garmin products
2. 168.350 steps
1) I like the new Fenix 3 and be awaiting more news on connect IQ
2)!my guesstimate would be 251500 steps
1)Fenix 3 baby
2)512300
1) Definitely the Fenix 3
2) 119,055
1) Fenix!
2) 176242
1.) Fenix 3: it will be my next watch.
2.) 187,692
1)fenix 3 ans everything related tout powermeters
2)100001
1)Garmin 920
2)147,982
Hi Ray,
1- Fenix 3
2- 118732 steps
1. 4iii Power meter. Prica war + self install (love tinkering with my bike!)
2. just about 191613 steps
Either the fenix 3, or the epix. Need to wait for a full review before deciding.
157,217 steps.
1) Moxy integration with connect IQ
2) 130,873 steps
the Dash, because I baked it
152380 steps
The 4iiii’s Precision Power Meter. 154,748 steps
1. Fenix 3 Saphir
2. 106762 steps
Most excited about the Fenix 3. Looks really exciting!
I’m guessing 143,682 steps.
1. AmpStrip. Pretty cool technology. Hope it works!
2. 201,101
Continuous HR monitoring!
152000 steps
Fenix 3 bloats my boat.
87,750 Steps.
Looking for a new optical HRM so perhaps the Scosche rhythm smart
97868 steps
It must have been 148376 Steps give or take.
Fenix 3 and Epix. Fenix 3 because it is pretty. Epix because it has the coolest feature combined together. If I win, my 500$ will be spent on one of the two beauties, latter not being the prettiest design.
1. All of the new garmin watches, mostly Fenix3 and Epix.
2. 178 843 steps.
I am interested in the Garmin vívoactive because it is open to third party apps.
166,525 steps.
1. 4iii Precision
2. 204125
Fitness product: Fenix 3
Gadget: DJI Inspire
Steps: 155,555
Ray – it was nice to meet you (at the polar finish line).
Any device which has stable optical heartrate, complete data access and 24×7 usability.
My guess is 166000 steps
1) The Dash
2) 173’000 steps
1. Even though they are quite expensive, the Fenix 3 and especially the Epix for their potential.
2. 133337 steps
OK I’ve got a garmin, but I might get a new one and an action camera, and if I’ve choosen well I can also pick up a wet suit that I see is on sale!
Now for the winning number… 93 123
1) epix because of maps on wrist
2) 97575
The Fenix 3 sapphire is the most attractive and functional sports watch available today – would definitely get one of those!
138956 steps
Cheers
Ian
1. Fenix 3 – Right at the moment where I’m getting completely fed up with Suunto’s continuous struggle to get their online platform right, Garmin present the perfect successor to my Ambit2.
2. 203.551
1. 4iii precision; because it might get the prices moving
2. 110’042 steps
The Fenix 3, even though I just ordered the 920xt several days before I read the post about the Fenix 3.
Stepcount: 121.524
1. Really interested in hearing more about the Fitbit Surge
2. 194,200 steps
Garmin FR920 XT, because it looks great and it can be used in pools and open water as well
Step #: 55000
1. AmpStrip – Comfortable 24-7 heart rate wearable. Thats just awesome!!
2. 190 949 steps
4iiii’s power meter because of its sub-$400 price!
116,549
1. Garmin Fenix 3 everything I want rolled into one device.
2. 207,593
Fenix 3 – the look really would tempt me to try using it as an all-day step tracker unlike the 920xt (somewhat appropriately for this competition), while still doing everything else.
182385 steps – I hate to think what your target steps will be like next week!
Garmin fenix 3 & 4iiii Power Meter
333333 steps
The 4iiii precision powermeter!
181379 steps
1. Epix as a nice combination for running & hiking & the Dash for coolness
2. 88000 steps
Dream device: epix
Runs make it difficult but I’ll go with 196373 steps.
1. Garmin Epix (how the map functionality (routing) will be implemented)
2. 122.341
1) 4iiii cheap PM
2) 200,000 precisely
I think Fenix3 and 4iiii’s power meter are the most exciting and interesting “normal” devices. For the “exotic” ones, you have posted, the Yoga mat, that is very fancy.
steps 131651 steps
Fenix 3
Ambit 3
111 456 steps
1) garmin fenix 3, i like how they improve this watch
2) 205674
1 – Garmin Epix, as I often run/bike on routes that I’m not familiar with yet.
2 – 149574
For me the Fenix 3 is impressing, its ideal for many purposes.
I guess you had 135,458 steps.
Garmin 920XT.
143,753 steps.
1) The Fenix3 and the Withing Activite Pop
2) Guess steps: 135,500
1. DJI Inspire 1. (no sport gadget, but was showed on CES)
2. 197277
It’s the Epix for me
245036
1) 4iiii Precision
2) 285,394
I’m really waiting for for an all in one fitness band/smart watch that includes, continuous optical heart rate, GPS, all the usual fitness band sensors incl. barometer, merged with full smart phone notifications similiar to pebble & android wear.
Total Steps: 111,615
1) Fenix 3!
2) 173’248
1-Fenix 3
2-72,563 steps
1. Garmin Fenix 3, just looks better and also comes with better features !!
2. 214,740 steps
1. Phoenix 3 finally nice looking watch
2. 150k steps.
1. 4iiii’s Precision; drive the market down!
2. 82500 steps.
I’m most excited about 4iii’s power meter.
I’m guessing 230432 steps.
garmin Epix and you stepped …. 190.000
1) A Garmin Vivoactive with optical heartrate is the only piece of tech I would like they introduce.
2) 165.000
1. I’d go for Fenix 3
2. 178965 steps