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.
Ray, I’ve been enjoying your podcasts while on my long runs which are now approaching 20 miles, culminating in 40 mile weeks. I was wondering if you have any plans to review the many different nutrition options such as Clif energy food (not sure I understand how one could eat pizza flavored stuff during a run but they seem popular), gels, chews, sports drinks, etc.
Of course this is something where many people have their favorites, but perhaps bringing on any friends of yours who may have some background in sports nutrition to kind of break down the different foods could be a cool topic for your listeners.
Have a great weekend and thank you for everything you do for us.
The TUNE looks rather pricy! I wonder how it will stack up against the Runscribe?? Runscribe provide far more metrics than TUNE are promising, for far less. I
Ray – I understand from Tim at Runscribe that you may received, or be due to receive, a device from them? I’ve had mine for a few months, and it’s really helped get my cadence up to 180 range, and onto my forefoot.
Tune looks more like sensoria (link to sensoriafitness.com) just using the insole instead of the socks so may be better (the socks can only handle so many washings). Going by the kickstarter page they sort of mention having an accelerometer but seem to be basing most information the collect on the insole sensor which seems to only be left and right of the ball of your foot and the heel. Runscribe knows that information without the insole so guessing it can do the same thing (it knows the angle your shoe is and can tell when the shoe is on the ground from its sensors)
A large amount of this depends on the implementation as how well the software works is in many ways more important then just tech specs of what it measures
Hi Ray,
In this week’s podcast, you give a brief summary of your impressions of the Powertap pedal-based power meter, and seem to recommend that above the Vectors for someone who needs to move the pedal between bikes a lot — is that primarily because the P1s don’t need a torque wrench to be installed? Put differently, would your recommendation differ for someone who’s interested in left/right balance (even though I’m aware we don’t really know what to do with that info yet), but only occasionally (rarely) needs to move them between bikes?
Thanks!
Sports Technology Firmware Updates
Android Garmin Connect now lets you attach TWO devices at a time!
Where did you see this?
It may allow you to add them, but if it’s anything like the iPhone one you’ll go insane trying to make them both sync!
I saw it in the version 2.13 “WHAT’S NEW” on the play store. For serious, it did connect a FR920XT and a vivofit (thoe not perfectly).
It was more a comment about Ray’s nigh uncountable Garmin devices (even when you only include those with bluetooth)
Ray, what’s your take on the Ant+ security issue raised in the Froome article? Will we see the pro riders switch wholesale to BTLE as a result of this, or perhaps see a security feature added to Ant+? Not owning a power meter I’m not sure I understand how one could recalibrate a competitor’s PM on the start line, I was under the impression calibration was a process rather than just setting a number but it would certainly be a clever cheat to make someone ride slower or burn themselves out too fast.
Since the last time you reported on firmware updates TomTom also updated the firmware for their Runner and Multisport watches (both for the normal and for the cardio) to v. 1.8.42.
(Still eagerly waiting for the Garmin Epix review!)
Hi Ray
have you seed this
link to indiegogo.com
I’m not affiliated to them at all but I do a lot of open water swimming on my own and looks like a good idea, though would probably prefer if if could be on the body somehow
This exact thing was demoed at the Southampton boat show in the 80s. Almost identical design too (CO2 cannisters have not changed in capacity or shape in many, many years…). It failed, and I would expect this to fail as well. Fundamentally it’s not a safety device, since the user would still drown, just closer to the surface, so it doesn’t replace a life jacket, impact vest, buoyancy aid etc. The bag offers no support and so in real life usage would be much like holding on to a football (soccer ball for the US market) which will become tiring in seconds. The lift to the surface is by design uncontrolled. Any diver will tell you that even with empty lungs this still poses a risk from even shallow depths (that first 10m is the most dangerous as air halves in volume).
The only use case I can see this fitting is therefore open water swimming since it is demonstrably no use for other sports where much safer methods exist. If you’re open water swimming, a buoy like Ray uses is not only more useful since it has pockets, safer because you can be seen but it also has less impact on your swim since you don’t have to strap a massive plastic thing to your wrist.
Sorry, I know this sounds negative. I like the concept but realistically there are good reasons this product isn’t widely available. That said, those stupid inflatable keyrings for boaters (waterbuoy) seem to be catching on in the face of all reason so maybe this lot will get lucky too :)
Fair comments and certainly you have more experience than me
I do not think being critical of ‘safety equipment’ can be construed as negative at all
What’s the point in safety equipment if not 100% correct for prupose
Ray: could you by any chance be able to encourage a Tune preview earlier than later? I have a lot of interest on that gadget, but I do not trust their marketing fluff one bit. (though their marketing certainly is spot on…)
I have some health issues that prevent me from sustaining good running technique after about 40-50 min of running. Some device for helping with technique would be essential, certainly worth the 199 they’re asking.
I’m mostly worried about the real-world usefulness of the product. I think they really need some outsider to provide some real results, or at least I will be thinking of vaporware until I see something real :)
How close they are to mass-production is also an issue, as taking a year before delivery is a bit too common with crowdfunding projects. I’ve worked in manufacturing and I do appreciate the efforts that are needed after a “working prototype”, just that there’ absolutely nothing concrete, just a lot of promise to show. An average campaign doesn’t keep the first promised delivery estimate, that’s for sure.
Meh – definitely worth a look.. link to runscribe.com
Meh and gingerneil, not 100% sure about Runscribe also.
They too aren’t yet shipping. Nevertheless, they “estimate” that shipping starts at the end of summer (vs. December for Tune). However, the pack of 2 Runscribes is a bit more expensive than a kit of 2 Tunes (more 40$ plus shipping).
My biggest concern regarding Runscribe is that all data is based on a 9-axis sensor (that’s the same than saying “it estimates the data that shows”). And here I see a real advantage of this Tune device: it collects data based on physical sensors that, as far as I’ve read on several websites, do provide accurate info.
I too have interest on this Tune device, so I’m with Meh:
“Ray: could you by any chance be able to encourage a Tune preview earlier than later?” :)
I was a runscribe early backer and have been using the device for several months now. The data from it ‘looks good’ bit I have nothing to compare it to other than cadence from my garmin (looks spot on) and footstrike feeling. I’ve been transitioning to forefoot striking, and it definitely shows that change. It does need some work – gps integration, the smartphone apps are being redeveloped, and the rechargeable battery pack they added is being redesigned following beta feedback.
So far I’m a happy user…. But I’d put it in the same bucket as run dynamics data – lovely to look at and interesting, but not sure if it will form part of my core data analysis quite yet. The attached is a quick screenshot from today’s tempo run showing cadence, pace and footstrike type.
Attach?
Grr. Sorry, pic won’t upload. Try this… link to drive.google.com
Hi Neil, thanks for the pic!
Indeed it looks good. But I maintain my reserves. I don’t know if this Tune is any good (or if it’s better than Runscribe and the other similar ones), but I can’t get past the calculations with axis sensors vs measurements with physical sensors in terms of accuracy.
A drawback I see on both Runscribe and Tune is that they both need you to run with the mobile phone. Not an actual issue to me, as I already run with it to have music, but for a more Pro athlete it could be an issue.
Neil, Eli said “Runscribe knows that information without the insole so guessing it can do the same thing (it knows the angle your shoe is and can tell when the shoe is on the ground from its sensors)”. Regarding this, my concerns about the use of accels instead of physical sensors comes into play again and maybe you could clear a doubt based on your experience: when you run on uneven terrains, does the data seem as accurate as on leveled grounds? I have that doubt because if you are running uphill/downhill, the accelerometers will get an angle that could trick the device into thinking that the foot is not touching the ground, something that could be prevented by the physical sensors that know exactly when pressure is being applied. But again, you could better clear me on that doubt because I don’t know if Runscribe has some kind of technique to deal with that.
Thanks!
Lots of great questions there… First I’ll reiterate that I have nothing to compare this to. As a result, it could all be rubbish, or it could be bang on! For me, consistency is more important than accuracy as I’m not comparing to anything but itself.
I do most of my miles off road on a combination of trail types and the data looks good. The links below shows a chart for a hill sprint interval session – again, it looks pretty good. It shows pace, cadence and pronation (footstrike to max pronation angle). I’ve also linked the sporttracks.mobi activity for the same run for perspective.
link to drive.google.com
link to sporttracks.mobi
I just backed them on kickstarter, I have no insider knowledge or have the product yet. So this is just a thought experiment so far
Runscribe will know when your foot hits the ground as the impact will be sensed by the sensors but guessing it won’t really know what part of the foot is hitting the ground first with uneven ground as it may just assume a level plain that intersects the shoe at moment of impact. Anyone from Runscribe reading this?
My guess is that the runscribe can tell exact position of the shoe pretty accurately and can tell what direction and what acceleration the shoe is moving as they have invested heavily on those sensors. This insole thing seems more like sensoria and depends on the foot impact sensors
Hi Eli! I get the “accelerometers will sense the force of impact” and it should work pretty well, in my opinion.
And I agree with you that “it won’t really know what part of the foot is hitting the ground first”, however I would add that this is does not depend on the terrain, as at least two variables come into play: terrain level and position of the device on the shoe laces (the angle that the device is on, because shoes are different). Having said this, I’m not sure if, when you press “Run” or “Start” on the app, the device kind of “calibrates” itself to know “ok, this is the default position/angle”. This kind of procedure might eliminate that issue!
But I would wait for Neil to clear us on this if he could, as he has Runscribe.
Regarding the other device (Tune) using the insoles, it’s not really an issue for me as I tend to be suspicious of the accuracy of information extrapolated from data collected from the 9axis sensors.
I’ve dropped an email to Tim at Runscribe – hopefully he’ll spot that and come along.
Runscribe does not require you to start it using the app, or to run with a phone. It’s fully self contained. It senses the start of the run (you can ammendment sensitivity and timeout) and then starts recording. Data is then stored on board and extracted after the activity using the app. The only config required by the user is to place it on a flat surface and then press ‘calibrate’ on the app. Very very simple.
Neil, thanks for your clarification. I was not aware that Runscribe could be used on its own!
Hi you guys Anyone know anything about smart notifications for Android?
Thanks for the heads-up Neil!
Reading through the thread — I’ll try to address the outstanding questions.
– You don’t have to run w/ a phone. runScribe has onboard flash memory where we store the FootStep data.
– We have a 9-Axis sensor (3-Accel, 3-Gyro, 3-Compass). We rely heavily on both the Accelerometer and Gyro data for determining the Gait Events.
– We report ‘excursion’ based metrics (how many degrees of pronation or stance) between different events. We landed on this in order to deal with the changing terrain.
– You’re correct that we use the accelerometer data as an ‘estimate’ of Impact Force. It’s definitely not the same as what will be reported via a pressure sensitive insole. That being said, it’s kinda cool to place a runScribe on your heel and on your laces, and see how the Impact and Braking Gs compare between the two locations, particularly with max cushion shoes and/or varying footstrike types.
Hope that helps.
Cheers,
-Tim
Hi Tim,
Thanks for taking the time to come here and clear our doubts! (And thanks to Neil for bringing you here)
On runScribe’s website you say that “The only caveat is that runScribe does not offer real time data (yet)”. Since you have the inside view, could you tells us if you have some kind of schedule for that? Nothing too precise, just to give an idea :)
And actually, speaking of inside views, I would ask you to try and do the opposite: view the following question from the outside of runScribe (if you don’t feel confortable, you don’t need to answer).
I know that they are different (9-axis/only device needed/no realtime data VS physical sensors/device+insole needed/realtime data), but since several of the metrics produced are the same, how do you compare runScribe with Tune, with a special regard to the price of analyzing both feet – one Tune system (system = two devices+insoles at 199 USD) vs two runScribes (at 239 USD)?
Best regards and thanks again for taking the time to come here chat with us!
Hey Richard,
We don’t have any insight into your Tune question, since it isn’t available and we haven’t used the product. I can say that we’ve been validating runScribe metrics with university partners throughout development and we’re confident in the accuracy of our metrics.
With regard to real time streaming, runScribe supports the capability today so we’re not hindered by any hardware constraints. But because we’re focused on delivering new metrics to runners that haven’t been available before, they aren’t part of a standard API. That means we have to work with the smart watch and app folks directly to make it happen. The good news is that the people we’re talking to are really motivated to make this happen, but I don’t have a clear date that we can share.
Tim – great to see you engaged here. Do you have a time line for pace over ant+ using the standard profile? Many people rely on a footpod for accurate pace measurements instead of relying on gps, and having this through runscribe would be a great addition and save me having to decide between a standard footpod and my runscribe for intervals etc.
Any news on when the next garmin edge 810 update will be and will it include strava live segments?
Ray,
I backed Tune after you posting about it. Bad news is they decided they were not going to hit their funding, so they are canceling the campaign. Good news is they are moving ahead with their product launch regardless, and I got an email this morning thanking me for my support. That thank you will come with a free Tune, so I guess it worked out for me!