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.
I would LOVE to have the new Garmin forerunner with optical heart rate detector as my old 610 w/heartstrap is dying!!
Definitely a trainer! I’m about to move houses and will have a little winter workout space in the basement.
I want the Varia, so I can see when someone’s sneaking up on me.
I’d love a Fenix 3 because I’m doing more 50K+ distance runs and need more battery life!
Fenix3, I can’t wait anymore for new ambit with vibration alarm.
Happy New Year to everyone.
Either a new watch (Fenix 3 or FR630) to replace my VivoActive (which I like, but don’t love, primarily because of the missing training plan features and the GPS SmartRecording) or perhaps some new apparel for winter running, as I just moved to Chicago.
Fenix3 for biking and swimming or power meter for the bike
I’d love to have a new power meter, Vector 2, to see how strong (or weak) I really am. ;)
A Garmin 920xt. The perfect training tool!
I would get a power meter for my wife – probably the 4iiii
I’d get a new cycling head unit, probably an Edge 520 or maybe a new 8-series? The old one had to go, so I need a new one before the road cycling season starts in the northeen hemisphere again.
I’m looking for a Garmin Edge 1000 to test for http://dougreport.com
I’d love to get a KickR Trainer and a fenix3 watch. I need the indoor training capability in prep for the HOT summer in Abu Dhabi. Thanks Ray
Best Wishes for 2016
I did not get a new Garmin fenix3 because I didn’t ask for one. Maybe I can get one here.
Honestly, there are too many things I want to decide now. I’ll come up with something, however, by the time I win…
Still looking for a power meter.
A Garmin 235 for the wife who doesn’t like HR straps
Fenix 3 since I would love to have a fitness watch that does everything and looks good with my work clothes.
4iiii or other power meter, because do not have any.
Not sure now, but I’m sure I can think of something!
I want that Tacx Neo trainer! please please with cherry on top!
I would definitely look into a smart trainer like a Wahoo to make my training a bit more realistic.
Upgraded power meter…. one without wires.
Maybe powertap pedals?
I wanted a garmin forerunner 235 since it has all of the features I’d like, but no one thinks I’m hardcore enough of a runner to need one
Any running watch – have wanted one for so long
I would definitely order a power meter. I’d have to consult the Rainmaker guide to determine which one I would actually order.
I would get Fenix3, as my old Polar RS800CX is showing its age. And after upgrade to Windows 10 I can’t even download my data without running virtual machine (Microsoft removed IrDA stack from Windows and as a response Polar just dropped support for old devices).
Fenix 3 because battery life needs upgrading over my 220
Powertap, always powertap.
I would like a Garmin Fenix 3 Sapphire , its the most elite fitness tracker available on earth right now and would love to lay hands on it :D
Powertap P1 Pedals. I would love a pedal based power meter
I wanted the P1 predals but I’ll have a look at the 4iii powermerter review. Basically a dual sided PM I can swap easily btw bikes
Garmin Edge 520 to pair up with my Forerunner 220. Or should I switch to a multi-sport tracker and get rid of the Forerunner? Dilemma of 2016!
Upgrade my Tom Tom Multisport to an HR GPS watch. Which one is the question that requires an answer. Time to research! Happy New Year!
I would get the fenix 3 so I can track my multiple activities !!!
Garmin 235 watch so I can train better for my Marathon I am running in March!
Edge 520, so I dont need to use my forerunner for biking as well.
I’d probably get a gopro session. The one I have is acting up, and smaller is better right. Also a foam roller.
I would get the new Garmin Fenix 3. I was hoping to get one for Christmas, but nooo. Guess I can win and buy my own. Thanks for all the positive reviews.
I’d get a PowerTap P1 because it get t a great review and will take my training to the next level!
New trainer for the winter.
Either Powertap P1 or Garmin 520. Would love to have either. Please.
FR 235; I love my FR 220 and no real reason to upgrade, but I would like the activity tracking and phone notifications.
BSX Insight. As an endurance runner I am always pushing my body to the limit. It would really help to have the LT and O2 reading from the BSX to guide me thru long 30 to 40 mile training runs to see how my body reacts.
Scosche RHYTHM+, because confort while running is everything.
Garmin 920XT because my 910 ate my Ironman Lake Placid time.
I’d so get that new Garmin 235. My old Suunto is getting a little long in the tooth…
I’m probably going to upgrade to the Forerunner 630, then I’ll pick up a couple action cams, a drone, and some socks. How much is this prize, again?
I would love to get a power meter or smart trainer. I will do my first HIM (Ohio) and full IMLOU in 2016. I am fairly new to cycling.
Garmin 235, because I love my 620’s four data fields but I don’t love the chafing from the HRM strap
I would love to have a Garmin Fenix3!!! I asked for it in my Santa’s letter but i think he lost it…
I’ve been coveting a power meter for a while now, but can’t justify the cost. (Kids gotta eat, swim, and go to college.) I would definitely snatch up that 4iiii one. I’m a triathlete, and cycling is my best event, so I might as well max it out.
KICKR Trainer. Everyone needs a great ergo right?
Probably a fenix3 to upgrade from my current 220.
I’d like to bought a Garmin Fenix 3, cause I tried to test some equip.
I would get the Garmin 920XT (Blue and Black) because I am currently training to run my first 70.3 and would like to see/record/track all 3 sports on one device in one place.
I would get a Garmin footpod. Instant pace on the fenix3 is terrible. If you are lucky you get the correct pace at the end of 800m interval.
Garmin 630 for me! Thanks
I would like to get Fenix 3 for replacing my old 910.
Garmin Edge 520, I got the Vector Pedals for christmas, but my 310xt doesn’t support a lot of the features like cycling dynamics and left/right side power
A Garmin edge for my bike rides
My request for a Garmin Edge 1000 was totally overlooked! Love to have one.
Garmin 235 because i need a new running watch!
If I won the giveaway, I would probably use it to get a 4iiii precision power meter, because the closest thing I have right now to guess power is the hr strap by power tap/cyclops. It really doesn’t help much. I read your review on the 4iiii and feel it would be a good fit for what I do on the bike.
I would buy the Garmin Vector Power Meter for my road bike…
I would get a Garmin Forerunner 235
Still waiting for a power meter.
I really wanted to get a running GPS watch!!!
I really really want a Fenix 3, to get me back going after a spine operation
I’d love to get some tri gear – especialy aerobars – to get started with this sport in 2016!
I’d get a Garmin Edge Explore 1000, a nice little device both for my trainings and touring adventures.
I’d probably get the Garmin FR 235 because I’d like a GPS watch and I hate HR straps.
I’ll probably get a FR235 with the convenience of the optical HR to replace my 620 unless they come out with a 635!
With my first Ironman coming in October a power meter would sure be helpful.
I’d opt for a Fenix 3 to replace my Garmin 305 – which still works well enough but is getting bit long in the tooth.
Would probably get a Garmin 235…would love to have it as an addition to the Vivosmart HR I just got!
I *really* want a Fenix, but I can’t complain since I just got a FR 230…
I will have the Garmin 630. I have an old Garmin 310 and need to replace it with something better and newer.
4iiii power meter!!
Would love to replace my aged Garmin FR 210 with a new FR 235, etc!
I’d get the Garmin 920xt since my 310xt is on its absolute last legs.
This giveaway would finally let me get cameras on the front & rear of my bike so my wife can find the evil bastard that will eventually take me out. For the front, I’ll go with the GoPro Hero4 & on the back, the Cycliq Fly6 taillight camera. To take up the remaining $$, I’ll grab some GoPro accessories.
I really wanted a LIMITS power meter, but I guess I’ll settle for the 4iii’s. Other items are Garmin 235 and GoPro Hero 4.
Garmin Forerunner 630 Touchscreen GPS Running Watch or Garmin Edge 520 Cycling Computer and a wetsuit. I am still undecided on my direction for this year. During the last year I focused on running and went from my longest run being a 10k in 2014 to completing 4 Half Marathons and the California International Marathon on December 6th. I am now lost and seemingly wandering without direction or a plan. I will continue running but will I dive into triathlon training?
Any Garmin with GPS to help me find my way
4iiii power meter. I need a power meter on my road bike.
Fenix 3 — that will be nice to take on for a hike and for biking as well.
A garmin vivoactive because I got my mom one for Christmas and now I want one!
Fenix 3, i have space on my left wrist
Power meter or a trainer that doesn’t make everyone think i’m getting my helicopter license at 6:00AM.
I would get a smaller Garmin for my bike. Every gram counts!
I hesitate between fenix and 3 Forerunner 920 to replace my 305 forruner.
thx and happy New Year.
A Garmin 920 xt HRM for my wife because her Forerunner is dying.
I’d upgrade to a Fenix 3. I like my Fenix 2, but I could get away with wearing the 3 at work, and with the 2 I can’t have the BT integration and HRM going at the same time, which is just silly.
Fenix 3 I suspect
Hmm, I would have to go with a new GPS bike computer!
Garmin Fenix3, I need to replace my old FR 610 :)
I would get a new Fenix 3 to replace my Ambit 2S
I didn’t get the Garmin Fenix 3 that I was hoping for.
Garmin 220… it would be an upgrade over my Garmin 10, and i like the band more on the 220