Heads up – Massive Sports Tech Holiday Deals List is Live!!! The Garmin Fenix 8 is $250 off (even the Fenix 8 Pro is $100 off!), the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is on sale, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 is $249, the GoPro Hero 13 Black, DJI NEO, and a ton of other brands/deals, including Wahoo, Oura, Whoop, Polar, Samsung, Google, and more than 100 sports tech 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.
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!
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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 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.
I’d pick up a Garmin 520 to replace my 500 just because.
Maybe a Recon Jet
I’d like the Garmin 920 or Fenix 3.
Garmin Edge… Not sure which model yet as I like the idea of having maps when I’m on an exploring ride, but am waffling exactly how much I’d use the maps.
A Garmin Edge 520 or Edge 1000 to be ready for the power meter to be bought next year.
I would likely choose a Garmin Virb. I’ve always wanted to be able to capture video and then overlay my power and speed data.
Elmnt GPS because it’s delayed!
Given the current offering I would go with a GoPro camera and/or new shoes. You always can use a new pair of shoes :)
I’m moving into longer distances including Rogaine events and bringing along a reliable, durable and lightweight camera would allow me to capture some of the highs and lows of these competitions and runs.
What I really would love to spend it on is a Garmin watch with 26+h battery life, like, hopefully, Fenix 4 will be :)
I would love to have gotten some power pedals for christmas. Unfortunately santa decided that everyone else in the family was better behaved than me. ;)
I would get q new trainer, maybe the kickr. Need to get through this winter somehow.
Garmin Varia rtl 501 for safety reasons
Looking to get a Fenix 3. Looking for Multisport watch for running, cycling and hopefully get into swimming.
I think I would upgrade my trainer to Wahoo K.
I’ve had a computrainer that I’m getting tired of. (Wires wires wires)
Thanks Ray!
I would buy a Garmin forerunner 235 to prepare the next marathon!!!
I would get a Microsoft Band 2 – Or some other fitness band. I would have to check the reviews first of course!
Garmin Fenix 3, because my Suunto T6C has to go on retirement. :-)
Nike Tennis Shirt and Short, because my girl hate my old ones
I was planning on getting a Wahoo Kickr bike trainer but changed my mind later on because it’s gotten out of budget due to the weak Canadian dollars. :/
Wahoo kickr as the weather is horrendous here at the moment!
Fenix 3!
I’d probably pick up either a Fenix 3 or an Ambit 3 Peak. Why? Because the Fenix 2 eats data and freezes with increasing regularity.
Garmin Fenix3. Just sold my Polar V800 because I want to come back to Garmin’ family.
a scosche optic heart rate monitor since you seem to be a huge fan and i run with my phone, so no watch and i hate straps :)
I’d get the 4iiii right side when it comes out because I have the left side and the torque effectiveness metric will help my pedaling efficiency.
A Garmin edge to have a bike specific device to go along with my fenix 3
Not neglected at Christmas but an extra $500 of gadgety goodness is always pleasant. Possibly another Fenix 3? #firstworldproblems
I will get a new GPS running watch, thanks.
Power meter – of course a power meter!
I would go for a power meter that would measure both leg output to figure out how much my calf injury is hurting my cycling.
BSX to make sure that I´m ready to start my intervals in time.
I’d get a Garmin 630, because my 210 is getting pretty old…
Garmin tri specific watch, because I have a running one only and wants to have more specific metric on all disciplines. Thanks
Purchase a new trainer.
The Fenix. Too cool not to have one.
The new Garmin Fenix3 to start the tri-season dynamically!
I would like to get a Fenix 3, what a better way to start the running season next year.
I would have enjoyed the Garmin Fenix3 simply because it’s one sexy of a beast to train with.
A new fenix 3
I would get Garmin Fenix 3 as it can be charged during the activity.
A Garmin ForeRunner 630 watch…even though I know that it will not make me run any faster.
I would get the Fenix3 because my old 310XT is about to say goodbye ?
Probably a Garmin Edge 1000; could never justify one without winning it!!
I would choose a garmin fenix 3 as it’s exactly fits the scope of what I do, scuba, SUP, surf, tri and hike/camp.
a GoPro for a big trip I have coming up!
would love to get BSX Gen2 Insight because I hate to get bloody on a treadmill but still wish to train using lactate threshold zones… and no chance that someone would guess that…
I would get Fenix 3 – like it very much.
I expect winning would result in even more time on your website as I try to decide between the Fenix 3 and an Edge 520.
Threw out my old, breaking-down trainer before moving last month, so I’m all about the new trainer. Looking for one that can Zwiffy and simulate my own GPX logs, like Tacks Vortecks Smaht. Thanks for your reviews!
Vector 2 or PowerTap P1 power meter.
I ended up pretty satisfied this year. If there was anything to do different, I woul get other folks into the game with running/activity trackers of their own.
I’ve got my eye on an Epix. That or a lot of boxer-briefs.
I would go for a Powertap P1 to kickstart the new season
Garmin Index Smart Scale because it will make weight tracking more convenient.
A GoPro to film my wedding and honeymoon!
I would pick up a Garmin Varia and maybe one for my wife too. Or a head unit for me!
Garmin Edge 520 with Varia Radar for those sneaky cars.
920xt – have and really enjoy the 310xt, but it would be great to have something less bulky with better swim metrics.
I’d totally take a Garmin Fenix 3…the 910xt I have is feeling it’s age compared to all the new shiny stuff Garmin has released.
Garmin Forerunner 630. I’ve had the 410 for quite awhile and it’s at the end of it’s life.
A new Fenix or Ambit!
I was good all year long and got no toys for my bike… :(
I didn’t get a new power meter – because that’s outside the allowable gift price limit.
Power meter for my new fat bike.
I would get the Garmin FR630. A watch I would normally get for myself, but as part of a $500 credit giveaway, I’d be all in.
I could use a new bike computer (Garmin 520). Been using a RFLKT+ for some time, but been having issues with staying connected to my iPhone lately. Nothing more frustrating than lost ride data!
Garmin FR235, well overdue for a new GPS watch and have been waiting for a strapless HR monitor!
I’d definitely go with the latest Garmin Forerunner, with HR bundle. Honestly would need to deliberate further between the 235 (w/ optical heartrate) and the 630 (with the chest strap and the “fancier” metrics).
I would love to get a new trainer, probably a whoo kicker.
Probably Garmin 520 , but maybe Fenix 3 or …
I would get a Garmin Forerunner 630 for training for my next marathon, and give the rest to my father-in-law toward a new Garmin Fenix for his summer-long hiking trip in northern Minnesota.
I would get either the Fenix 3 or one of the upcoming Forerunner watches because my Fenix 2 is showing its age.
A Saris Freedom Superclamp 4 Bike, b/c santa delivered more bikes for Xmas than we have racks
I would get a Garmin 520 as I do not currently have a bike computer and am using my watch. And once I finally get a bike computer then I can properly lust for a power meter. Gotta have priorities.
I’d really like a Kickr! Lots of Indoor trainer time
would get a powermeter. Probably one of the newer powertap products. the pedals sounds great.
I’d probably go with a pair of Forerunner 230’s or maybe even 235’s. That way it would update my FR220 and my wife’s TomTom Runner.
I need a new Garmin 920XT … or a Garmin 520 … or something else fun like a pony
I’d really like a new Garmin! I’m thinking (based on your reviews) a new 520!
Would love a new Garmin, the FR630 would satisfy all my geek data needs!
PowerTap P1 pedals so I can switch easily between bikes and bring with me when I travel!
A Garmin virb. Would love to make some nice footage from the bike.
Still looking to replace my Garmin 610 that crapped out. Looking to replace it with a Garmin Forerunner 235.
All I really wanted for Christmas was a Fenix 3.
Garmin Edge 1000 So I can go a little further out on my rides and still manage to find my way back
Not sure about Fenix 3 or Epix for hiking. Epix has maps but clunky. F3 does not have ability to import maps.
Would love a Garmin Fenix!
I spent a while looking on the site and thought it was something I would use on a daily basis
Powertap pedals for sure.
Garmin Fenix III because I would like an all-in-one watch that I am too frugal to buy on my own.
I’d go with the Garmin 920XT to replace my aging 910XT. Or maybe I’d use this as an opportunity to hop over to the Fenix line, which I’ve been eyeing for some time now.
4iiii for my road bike, so I can track my power like all the cool kids!
I would be able to help bring power readings to my new Gravel Bike! I’m thinking the new Powertap!
I’d go with the the Garmin Fenix 3. Looks like a great all around watch that you use from training to everyday wear.
I’d put it to an upgraded trainer!
I would like to get a power meter. Perhaps the 4iiii since the credit would cover the entire cost.
I would get the Garmin vivosmart HR because I could use it as my activity tracker and as my heart rate monitor when cycling or running on the treadmill-no more nasty heart rate strap for this cowboy.
I would look into a Power Meter for sure. Still not exactly sure as to which power meter but looking to focus bike training a bit more
Garmin Edge 520!!!
I would definitely get the Fenix 3 watch because I love the features and plan to use all of them. Its way cooler than the apple watch anyway!
Probably a bsx insight. Would be fun to try out!
I’d get the 920XT tri bundle, just so I can see if the GPS is any better than the #@$@ Fenix 3.