Heads up! The big Garmin annual spring sale has started, with $200 off the Fenix 8 (first sale to date!), $100 off the Edge 1050, Forerunner 965 at $499, the Forerunner 265, the new Instinct 3, and countless other Garmin products including inReach Mini 2. Plus the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Black Titanium is on sale, and some Suunto & Wahoo product deals too. Full list & thoughts 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!
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 would probobly don’t mind changing my 7 years old sunglases. Or new Go Pro. It is a close call ;)
Garmin Fenix 3 HR :)
I’d updated my 910xt
Garmin 820. Love my 500, but uploads are a pain.
Pioneer Ultegra 6800 power meter
Think I would like to purchase as go pro! Thanks for the promotion.
A smart trainer, so that I can finally use Zwift!
Definitely a trainer, would love to start working with power, thanks Ray
Suunto Spartan Sport, don’t have one of those yet…
I would love a Fenix 3 HR to replace my sad sad FR610.
I’d use it to test my luck with a Tacx Flux. Ray’s review seemed positive, but GLamas’ two broken units add come concerns.
A nice and shiny GoPro, to show you all my beautiful face! :D
Looking for action cam to use to shoot funny videos with our little newborn!
I’d get a Garmin 735xt, because my old Garmin 10 is on its very, very last legs.
I would get a smart watch. Maybe fenix 3
The Forerunner 35 for marathon training!
Hello Ray, I would like to have the 4iiii precision powermeter for my mountainbike. I didn’t get it for Christmas as I am waiting for the CETA agreement to kick in.
I would buy a wahoo kicker to stay indoors on my nine in the winter months.
I would get a Garmin multi-sport watch.
I’d finally get the powertap P1
Garmin Fenix3 HR. To replace my awesome Fenix which my “girl” can have.
A Garmin Fenix3 HR, or rather the most likely new generation of that. Which I assume will be announced at Ces. Or perhaps connected scale.
A stages powermeter for the win!
I’d get a Garmin running watch – either the 235 or the 630. Trying to improve my pace and hoping a watch can provide the smarts I lack.
I was hoping for garmin index scales, but Santa didn’t deliver :(
With $500 I can get those and much more too!
I would put the $500 toward a Kickr so that my husband could join me on Zwift Island this winter. It stinks riding in shifts!
I’d get a Suunto Ambit.
I would have picked the Garmin Forerunner 630 for an upgrade to run and bike capabilities!
Probably an Edge. I have a ton of major long cycling events this summer and could use that and its ability to recharge on the go.
The new Wahoo KICKR. Time to get serious about indoor training.
Hi! I would want Garmin Vector power meter !
Garmin Fenix 3 or a power meter. Tough choice. :-)
A wahoo element, as that would get rid of the big, ugly phone case I use today. Also, I wouldn’t have to use my old phone while biking since my new doesn’t fit the case.
I do need a new HRM , because my old garmin broke down , I would like a XT 735 ..
Edge 520 for starters – because sometimes I’m too lazy to find my watch (920xt)
Power tap P1s. Need power.
I’d probably go for the “Wahoo NEW KICKR” to stay in shape during winter and not lose every single cycling muscle :D
Hi Ray
Merry Christmas. I’d get a Fenix 3hr or hold out for the successor…
Nathan
a power meter is high on the wishl list. but a smart trainer would be a very nice update from my old trainer.
I’d be putting it towards a Tacx Neo, or possibly a power meter. Don’t make me choose!
Farming 735XT please :o)
A Garmin Power meter, or a trainer (it’s cold outside…)
I could use a trainer with this weather ?
A power meter. Probably the P1 so my son can use it as well
New Garmin bike computer. I got new power tap pedals and an 520 or 820 would go so nicely with them!
I’d like to get a Garmin Index scale and maybe an Edge 520.
Hello! There wasn’t a Garmin in my stocking and I really need to replace my old Forerunner. Thank you belated Santa!
I’d probably grab a Garmin 520 for my wife. She now has multiple bikes and needs a way to keep track.
Smart trainer or garmin fenix hr for smarter trainings ;)
forerunner 735xt, to help me in the winter months of swim training.
Fenix 3 HR. Sick of checking my phone while hiking…
I would get a power meter, probably the hub based power meter. I want it because I enjoy looking at the data and I like to keep myself honest when I’m riding.
I’d get a smart trainer. Not sure what one, but it would be nice instead of riding the indoor bikes at the gym.
Powertap c1. Love the concept and execution
Maybe a dreadmill, for some indoor running
Pioneer Shimano Ultegra 6800 Crankset Power Meter. To help me work to the next level.
I’d love a Fenix 3 hr for the connect iq apps and heart rate. My 910 is fine but new is always better right?
Fenix 3 – cause i need to look professional at work while still screaming “I’m a TRIATHLETE” to everyone within shouting distance :)
jS
I would like to have the PowerTap P1 pedals to train when winter is gone.
a powermeter (vector or P1) or a new Garmin computer
I’d get Fenix 3 HR for my husband to replace his Garmin 910XT watch.
Garmin Fenix 3 HR. Screen seems clear and easy to read and adjust. The apps via connect iq and their integration with Garmin connect and the ability to have a optical hrm to not have to always wear a hr strap.
I am still looking for a power meter,this would make my Christmas :)
Trainer, cause you need a partner for those long winter months.
I’d probably want the Powertap C1 power meter for myself, but even more, I’d like to have the Garmin Vivoactive HR for a friend who truly needs it as support to get fit. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!
I’d probably get the Fenix 3, because it’s the best looking Garmin by a good measure.
A Garmin 920xt for my first 70.3 Triathlon
GoPro Hero5!!!
Love it. New GOGGLES and trunks. I’m getting a little foggy and threadbare downstairs…
Probably a new Tacx smart trainer. I spend 8-10h a week on the trainer during the winter months. A smart trainer would make that a lot more bearable!
I would replace my ailing five-year-old Garmin FR 610. Not sure what I’d get as a replacement. Maybe one of the CIQ-enabled gadgets so I can use the Stryd power meter (which seems to be genuinely useful).
Definitely been thinking pretty hard about a set of P1 power meter pedals – ready to move into the power meter world, and shift away from training to heart rate….
Likely a smart trainer of some sort. Maybe that would actually get me on to the trainer, sigh.
Would likely get a Fenix 3 as it’s a bit more robust than my 230, making it easier to track things in the new year.
A set of PowerTap HED Belgium wheels! Indestructible training wheels.
Fenix 3HR for sport, GoPro Hero 5 for motorcyle.
Garmin Fenix HR
I was hoping for warm cycling clothes from Santa, but didn’t get any. With the store credit I’d get warm cycling clothes and and Fenix 3 to help motivate me to meet my weekly running goals in 2017.
Fenix 3 HR for sure!
Fenix 3 sapphire HR
Fenix 3 for long hikes
A Cycliq Fly 12 — Because I just can’t justify getting one no matter how much I want it and try to talk myself into it.
A garmin 735XT would be great. For the new season.
Definitely a Fenix 3 HR.
A power meter would be nice
I’d go for a Garmin Forerunner 35 or maybe 235… too much chest strap chafing this year! Waiting eagerly for the FR 35 review anyway :-)
I would put it towards a new kickr so I can start training for my next race! Thanks a lot Ray!!
I’d get a Garmin Virb ultra 30.
Fēnix 3 HR it would be
A Gamin Index
I would get a trainer, probably the wahoo kicker. I would like to have a smart trainer to improve my training during the winter and during the summer when I need to stay home with the kids.
A power meter, to take my training to the next level for my first long-course attempt
Ohhhhh! I would totally put this toward a bike trainer! The winter’s got me down.
A Tacx Flux, so my indoor sessions can be quieter and go through less tires
I’ll probably want a Fenix 3 HR.
Merry Christmas!
I’ve got my eye on the kickr!
Long time reader and fan of your page.
I would get the Fenix 3 HR… lol thanks for the contest
735xt, a great upgrade to my old 910xt to help me increase my day to day activity and push my training for my first 70.3.
well…a tacx flux ;)
Time for a smart trainer! Last upgrade I need for my pain cave.