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.
-
Check out my weekly podcast - with DesFit, which is packed with both gadget and non-gadget goodness!
-
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.
I almost would have said Fenix 3, but there are a few things I could use much better:
* GoPro HERO4 Silver DCRainmaker bundle – to shoot videos of our baby, especially for outdoor adventures with him
* GoPro rechargeable battery – for even more footage
* ISHOF SaferSwimmer swimming float – for storage and additional safety in open water
I would love to start indoor training with a Wahoo KickR…
A FR 235, because I’d like to get my daughter into running, and maybe this watch would be just the ticket.
A new Garmin 235 as my Garmin 610 broke down.
I’ll pick the BSX Gen2 Insight. Looks like a nice metric to track for a running geek like myself.
Garmin 235 … I’m in need of an upgrade to my gps!
garmin 520 because I don’t have a cycling computer
Santa just helped me to get a nice road/”fitness” bike , so now need everything that go with it :)
I would start with the Garmin Forerunner 235 because marathon training the last couple of years with a smartphone is a bit cumbersome…plus I’d like to have some heart rate feedback without having to wear a chest strap.
Hey Ray,
Thx
If i win, i will defenitly return to the Fenix 3. I’ve sell it for the Epix and i’m a little disapointed about product support.
Thx
Steph
I would like to get an Edge 520+a Scosche RHYTHM+, because my old Navi2Coach is aging quite quickly!
Likely get the new Harmin scale to monitor the damage done over the holidays.
garmin fenix3, use it for training.
I would use the prize to get my wife an Edge 1000.
I’d get some kind of smart trainer like a Wahoo Kickr so I can ride Zwift over the winter.
I have to go with the Garmin Fenix 3!
I get the new Garmin Fenix3, for my winter CC skiing and hiking.
Fenix 3….love the look and I want to be like bear grilles
I’d love to get a Suunto Ambit3 Sport with HRM. My Ambit2 starts showing it’s age.
Garmin 920xt was not under the tree!
I think I’d get a GoPro. I’ve been wanting one for a few years now.
I would like a Withings scale. Lots of big rides this year and a lot of weight loss planned.
Well, I just bought the Tacx Vortex Smart from Clever Training yesterday, so I’d have to go with a power meter to compliment my new training toy.
A power meter would be my choice, probably a Garmin Vector because most my friends have it and they are all happy
How about a powermeter for my cyclocross bike?
Fenix 3….bc santa sent me a half gel pack.
I’d like a Garmin 235, I’d like to try the optical heart rate sensor.
4iii power meter, i need a power meter and it’s so difficult which one to choose :)
A power meter for sure. It’s the next big step on every cyclist’s list.
I’d get the Garmin 235….I’ve been using the Garmin 10…..then my hubby took it and I purchased a Soleus GPS watch on the cheap….it’s just not as nice as the Garmin. I’d really love a Garmin.
I think a new Garmin would be on my short list.
I really want to get garmin 920 with swimming hrm
I would definitely get a power meter. My old wired (!) PowerTap (circa 2007) is getting long in the tooth and needs to be replaced!
I think it’s time to upgrade to the new Garmin 630!
A Fenix 3 for workout tracking and style.
Love the Fenix 3, it would be a great update for my old fenix!
TOMTOM SPARK CARDIO + MUSIC. Because, when going for a run I could leave my chest strap and my phone at home. That’s quite tempting.
I’d love to use it to help me get my way to a powermeter, though if it must be used separately, a Fenix 3 would be awesome as well!
I’d get the Garmin Varia radar system so I know when cars are approaching.
I want an ambit 3!
I have to say the 520 for the connected features
Not sure if this counts, but I gave someone my old garmin fr610 in the spirit of christmas as I had not run much in 2015. However all the christmas cheer has inspired me to get running again and work through the old injuries properly. A new fenix3 would certainly be a welcome addition to my new endeavours.
Wow, I will use for a power meter.maybe the pedals one or wherever is a meter.
I’d like to buy a nice indoor trainer. Still hesitating between Wahoo kickr or Tacx Neo … And waiting for that 50% off type of promotion :-)
I’m drawn to the Withings watch. Thanks!
Fenix 3 please
Fenix 3 because that is the only Garmin watch I haven’t purchased (I re-gift my retired watches to friends). I really like the FR630 since I figured out I should lock the screen when I wear it else it somehow gets into running mode without my noticing it.
I’d love to get another power meter so I don’t have to swap mine. I’ve been eyeing a quarq
A wahoo kickr to replace a knackered old turbo trainer
I would like the Garmin FR235 because for me it is the perfect running companion I can have.
id love the fenix3, thank you ray!
A direct drive power meter. Probably the Kickr, but just maybe the new Tacx.
Likely get the HRM-Tri, current strap is in need of an upgrade.
I would use it for a new garmin fenix3. My old watch needs to be recharged immediately after any activity. So it would be nice to have a watch that I wasn’t worried about dying in the middle of a run.
I would love me some Powertap P1’s, more data = irrefutable proof that my slow return was due to the ‘damn headwind’.
I’d almost certainly get the TACX Vortex smart as I’ve been waiting until after Christmas to treat myself to a new toy. Of course, I’ve also been looking at the Edge 520 and a GoPro for the heck of it. You might be a triathlete if …
A new trainer to replace my ooooold T1680….
I am in the power meter or Garmin 520 camp
Likely a Fenix 3 or a 920XT to replace my current equipment.
I would get a Stages power meter for my mountain bike! Because I have power on all my other bikes and I hate not kmowing my ride data when ai go out on my MTB
I would probably go with an Edge 520 so that I can quit using my phone to track my rides.
Wahoo Elemnt bike computer…I’ve been having so many problems with my Edge 810 (on the 4th replacement in less than a year).
I would get a powertap chainring meter
A garmin fenix 3 since my other device broke up :)
I would get a power meter of sorts. Maybe the PowerTap P1
I would love to change the socks and undies for a new set of wheels or a power meter. Actually I can use the socks, maybe just the undies, cant wear them under knicks.
I didn´t get the Fenix 3 I wanted! May be Santa didn´t get my letter! :(
Cant afford even the lowest-priced power meter, so I’ll have 2 see if I eBay some stuff lying around the house I can make it fit into the budget. Thus it’s gonna be the cheapest…and I’ll be happy with that.
My wifey really needs to replace her aging Garmin with the 235 so she is able to track heart rate through out the day.
Fenix 3, because every 5 years or so seems about right to upgrade the watch
I’d love a new wearable gadget.
Garmin 230. My 405 still works so I can’t justify buying a new one but I’ve had it since 2011- it’s time for an upgrade!
Vector 2 set of pedals for the wife. That way she doesn’t have to have power meter envy anymore ;)
Probably the TomTom Spark because I want to listen to music and track my run but leave my phone at home.
I dream of Garmin 630. I only got notice here just now. :-)
Gave my edge 500 to my brother in law, would love to replace it with a 520!
Wahoo Kickr so I can still train with snow on the ground
VivosmartHR to keep tracking everyting in the new year !
Would like to get brand new Fenix 3 Sapphire to replace my Ambit 2.
A smart trainer to work with Zwift or a power meter. Or maybe a smart trainer AND a power meter. Or maybe a lot of socks.
Edge 520, strava integration!
Dear Santa,
Fenix 3 with the GPS accuracy of Ambit 3. Or something with latest and greatest HRM-RUN tech.
Oh, and some snow would be nice.
I want the Fenix 3
I’d like to get Garmin Fenix 3. The main reason – its universality and also it looks just awesome.
hmmm maybe a new garmin 630….
I need an edge 520 so I don’t have to squint at my watch while riding.
Definetly would get a trainer so I can train during the winter
I want a new tri-watch because the vivoactive doesn’t do OWS
No Garmin under the tree this year. With that credit, Id be the proud owner of a new Garmin 920 tri bundle.
I would probably get a Garmin Forerunner 235 for me, and something for my wife to help her recover from the birth of our twin boys.
A Mio Velo HR monitor. I normally use a Scosche Rhythm+ but it’s not comfortable when under an arm warmer and I don’t particularly like chest straps.
I’d get a new 920xt and some swim tools
The Fenix 3 Saphire would perfecly fit on my wrist!!! Hopefuly i would save from the custom taxes for overseas shipping while arriving in Brazil!!
I really need some warm running clothes for cold weather!
I would have loved to receive a 920xt.
I didn’t get the new Garmin Index Scale for Christmas because my wife said she likes how inaccurately low our cheap scale is and she doesn’t want to know what is correct.
After using power on my smart trainer this winter, I can’t live without it. $500 would definitely go towards a power meter.
Great! I’d grab the Garmin 235, some bike lights and a new pair of shoes!
Garmin 1000 or 520 or both :-)
Garmin 520 to get the ability to load maps.
A Wahoo Kickr would be great for the winter months.