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.
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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 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.
Fenix 3. Santa forgot my gift this year, but it’s still in time to make it up :)
I would get the Garmin edge 520 because my 500 has a bunch of weird stuck pixels…
A Garmin Fenix 3. What a nice watch!
Suunto sports watch to track my running and swimming. Happy new year!
I would get triatholon apparel for my 2016 goal. Specifically blueseventy Core Short, TYR Carbon Wetsuit, goggles and swim watch.
I would get a power meter! Not sure which one…but its the one thing I need to really get going with my training for this upcoming year.
A new powermeter so I can get my training sessions to a new level! :D
I’d like a Garmin Edge 520, because it’s the do it all bike computer I’ve been waiting for.
my watch is dying on me… great timing for a 920 ;)
You got me dreaming again of new tech to assist my trainings. I would go for a power meter to get more data on the cycling part.
I am in doubt between the 920xt and the fenix3. Would like to make that choice ;)
A GoPro Hero 4 Silver DCRainmaker bundle — (hopefully) heading to France this summer to ride some of the famous cols, and would love to take some video! Happy New Year!!
Garmin HRM-Swim, but I need more data about how slow I am.
If i win i will purchase Redshift Sports Switch Aero Bicycle System
I’m thinking I’d get the fenix 3. It is a great looking watch and would be a nice upgrade.
We are awaiting a kid to be born. I need Stages power meter as I expect to get time-crunched and want my training to be effective :)
A Fénix 2 with HRM for running and swimming. It would be awesome.
I would get the new garmin running watch FR630. Happy New year to all!
I’ll get the Garmin Forerunner 235. I’m in need of a new GPS running watch to track my runs.
I would probably get a Garmin 235 with the Run HR strap. Use the optical for daily activity and chest strap for running. Or if Polar would update the M400 soon I would wait to get that device.
I am thinking about the Redshift Sports Switch Aero Bicycle System, so it would be awesome to win this giveaway.
I’d get the powertap c1
A wahoo kickr desk! As I broke my collarbone and will be on the turbo for a while
I would love a new gps watch like a Garmin Forerunner or maybe even a GoPro for my backpacking adventure I have planned for August.
Definitely going with a new trainer!
I would get Fenix 3. It has all the toys I need in one.
PowerTap real wheel! Seems like one of the only power solutions for my ride!
I’m not yet sure which watch I’d choose, but my old Garmin watch is running its last days. Something with an accurate optic HRM, that’s fo sure :)
Would love to win Saris Freedom Superclamp 4 Bike item.
Trainer, I have an old one which I would love to replace ….
Garmin 520 and Finis MP3 player. I’m ready to expand my running into more sports.
Polar V650!
I want a Garmin fenix 3 because I Live run and swim =-)
A bike trainer so i can train for a Triathlon without leaving the house.
A Wahoo KICKR’S or a Garmin FR920XT.
Tacx Neo … time for a new trainer
A Garmin 235. I love HR optical sensors.
I’d get a smart trainer, or a bunch of heart rate straps to attach all over my body.
I would like to get the Garmin 630. As for the ‘why’, well why not?!? :)
I was hoping for a Garmin Fenix4, but didn’t get it because Santa didn’t finish the final design of the new watch… maybe the Easter Bunny will have it in my basket.
This would put me $500 closer to the Garmin 520 and a power meter. I’d love to train with power!
Wow, an unexpected gift to one lucky reader from you and CT? What a cool way to end the year. I’d go with the FR235 on account of I’d like a running watch with an optical HRM that actually works.?
Thanks, Ray. And thanks, CT.
Garmin Fenix3. I ride my bike but after more than 20 years I decided to start running again.
I stopped because of knee issues but I love running.
First goal: start running (hopefully without pain). Next step: do my first Triathlon.
Long term goal: Ironman
I looked at your site to decide which “cheap” GPS for run to buy… I ended up in love for the nicests….
Forerunner 920XT – To replace my old 305 and track swim workouts finally!
vivosmart HR So that it reminds me to get off of my butt at work!
Garmin fenix 3 !
a lot of socks!
Would like Garmin Edge 810 Cycling Computer
I’d get the Fenix 3. After trying a 220 , I think I need something more flexible that handles biking and hiking in addition to running.
Vivoactive with HRM. Guess I wasn’t a good boy this year, but would love to have this for daily wear, and a bonus is that it counts laps, so will help with my New Year’s Resolution to get back in the pool.
Hmmmm…..finally bite on a GoPro or Fenix3? Maybe the Withings Activité to go with my new scale? So many choices, I think I’d have to go Fenix3.
I would get the new Garmin 630, to motivate me to really ramp up my workouts.
I would like a F3 white for my wife. She is always getting my hand-me-down devices. She is always a trooper too for listing to me talk for hours about so new device or feature of the current prize. So she deserves her own brand new Fenix, lady style.
Garmin Fenix 3 or a 4iiii precision.
A Garmin 520, as I’ve recently entered the cycling realm. Wish to run a triathlon pretty soon!
new trail shoes and winter running gear :-)
I’d get a new garmin–my current 220 is nice and I can’t justify replacing it but if I won, I sure would give it to a friend and get a new one!!
I would love to get 4iiii Precision power meter. Never had one, and I beleive it is time to get one, because I want to improve my trainig.
I would put the $500 toward either a power meter or a new trainer that has power capabilities. It would be a tough choice!
power meter for the father
new HRM for myself
My choice would be a Garmim 920XT, I want to use Connect IQ watch faces.
A Garmin Fenix I guest. I’ve just start triathlon and with this watch I will be able to follow my progression over years!
Definitely gets power meter. Fingers crossed
A Fenix3 for better running metrics!
I haven`t received any sport related presents so Garmin Forerunner 920XT Multisport Fitness Watch would be a great buy.
Un powerTap P1 pour savoir pourquoi je transpire:-)
Fenix 3!!!
Given how difficult it is to afford a device like that in South America it would an extremely nice surprise for my wife!
I’d love to put the winnings towards buying a fenix 3
It’d be a fancy-schmancy gps computer for my bike to assist with training and power-ready when the $ becomes available – Garmin 520
One thing is missing for my bike is Powertap C1 Chainrings
I would really like a new Garmin Edge 520 and some other stuff.
Stephan
A garmin fenix3. I like the stylish watch
I really would like a decent trainer (I am using a cheap one that my bike clips into), but I have not been able to justify the expense. $500 would go a long way towards softening the blow!
I would probably buy the Garmin 235… I am really curious about the wrist based HR that Garmin is starting. Thanks for what you do!
I’d love to try the new Garmin Forerunner 235! I need to do more heart rate based training and do not really like wearing the heart rate monitors. Your reviews are fantastic!
Garmin Edge 810, just moved to Switzerland, I need a GPS for training as well as exploring. My goal is to do a “tour de lac leman” in 2016.
On new season i start triatlhon, i need water-resistant watch, the Garmin Forerunner 910XT would be fine.
The Garmin 520 to have something permanent on the bike instead of the 910xt
If I were to win this contest, I would definitely be investing in a power meter. That 4iii one seems pretty good obviously, but this is the one device that I am really lacking at this point, so $500 would go a long way towards getting me sorted out for the new year with this last piece of excellent technology for my bike!
I have my eye on a Fenix 3!
920xt because it’s the best tri watch out there!
I’d get either a new Garmin or Varia. But I did make out really well this Christmas.
I’m not sure which one but I need a bike specific computer so I’m not always looking at my wrist for stats.
A power meter is still at the top of my list.
I’d get a power meter to pair with my soon to be purchased Kickr trainer. Trying to get a jump start on my return to being healthier (and 20 lbs) lighter next season. Happy new year!
Power meter! I’ve wanted to train with power for years, but alas, power meters are not in the grad student budget.
I would get a power meter for my new Emonda ALR.
Would be awesome to win BSXinsight: 2.0 Lactate Threshold Sensor
I wanted a Garmin Fenix 3.
I would like a Fenix 3 .. It would be an amazing multisports watch for triathlon, skiing, running, …
I’d get the Fenix 3 for all of my multisport needs! Would love to have one watch to track running, biking, swimming, skiing, hiking, etc.
GoPro
I’d get a Garmin 920; I do triathlon but chose a 220 which is fine but the extra features would be nicer
Definitely want to pick up a Garmin Index or Withings WS-50 Wifi scale. (maybe both!) :-) I’d blow the rest on running gear to supplement what I already have. Probably pick up a few items for gifts, too.
maybe garmin 920xt or any of the Garmin Fenix’s.
Why? Because I love those models and can´t afford them right now…
I’d like the GARMIN 235 because Im serious into my running plus I can’t weight lift using the “other” profile. Its sleeker, more running metrics. And cute.
Don`t have winter trainer, would be great to purchase elite Qubo Digital-ANT+/Bluetooth Home Trainer
I would likely choose the Garmin Fenix 3 as it is a great watch.
Fenix 3 because it’s better looking and more versatile than my 910xt.
Scosche RHYTHM+ Armband Heart Rate Monitor because I am tired of the chest strap