Heads up! The big Garmin spring sale has started, with $200 off the Fenix 8, $100 off the Edge 1050, Forerunner 965, Forerunner 265, and countless other Garmin products. 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.
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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!
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.
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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.
Either Garmin watch to improve my training or activity tracker for my family.
I would go for the 735xt with HRM-Tri, to use with dp0750’s connectIQ app!
Probably a new power meter!
A brand new Garmin Edge 820 for sure
I would like to upgrade my trainer to something with a power meter.
Maybe a heat lamp for the days when the garage is too cold to for the trainer.
I’d get a smart trainer…not sure which one yet. Thanks!
No question Garmin Virb Ultra 30
$500 worth of socks! Or maybe just a cycling computer.
A Garmin Edge 520 to replace my Edge 500!
I would go for the GoPro Hero5 :) never had before!!
Garmin running watch or vivoactive for my wife….
GoPro Hero5 Black
I would love to get a Power Meter because it would allow me to move up to the next level with regard to my cycling!
I would get a fenix 3 HR. I want a watch I can wear all the time not just for races.
I’d love to purchase a Garmin Virb unit to video my wedding coming up. My fiancé would love some heart rate overlays, I’d imagine, on our wedding video…
$500 I’d buy the whole store! (but seriously probably a smart scale and idk what else)
Definitely a GoPro. I’ve wanted one for my bike for safety reasons but have so far not been able to get one.
No idea what I want yet, but I’ll figure it out if I win the $500. For those who are lucky enough to even get a half-eaten gel packet….well, I got nothing…. (T_T)
Fenix 3 HR… get rid of the strap and obsess over all of the wonderful metric data
Garmin 920xt! My 310xt is dying and I’m doing my fourth 70.3 next season.
Garmin Forerunner 735, because I got my wife a new Garmin for Christmas, and I’m kinda jealous now.
I’d probably go with the Fenix 3 because of the trail/hiking features.
I’d get something awesome for my husband! Because he would use it way more than I would!
I’d get a Garmin Fenix 3hr, because while I like the Polar m600 I just got, I am about to leave the android ecosystem and join the iPhone ranks.
Wahoo Kickr Snap. Need to replace my current trainer and they still look like one of the best options out there from an ease of use point of view.
Garmin Fenix HR because it is Hella Cool Looking!
I really need a smart watch. Not enough data yet.
Kickr!
I know you discouraged from getting this product at the moment but I’ll probably give a shot to the Suunto Spartan watch line.
Garmin FR735XT, just because it’s looks cool!
Maybe update my fenix 3 to an hr because everyone needs more hr. Maybe try a Suunto finally?
Yes please! I would very much like some new running shoes and bright leggings, running in all black in the dark isn’t clever!
Fenix 3, mostly to retire my F2.
Garmin 735xt for me! I guess I wasn’t good enough this year for Santa
I would order a power meter under $500 and any left-over (if any) as a down-payment for a 735xt.
Thanks for the giveaway and happy new year!
The last remaining wish list item for the season is a new trainer. Couldn’t decide on which one during the 20% sale, but this would help me make up my mind.
New Garmin watch
I would get a Garmin Fenix 3. What better? Or an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle.
I’d DEFINITELY get a trainer… I don’t have one and it kills me during the crappy days/months
I’d get the PowerTap C1 power meter for sure.
I would love a GoPro Hero5 Black to record outings to commercial establishments, exercise sessions (including hikes on the AT), general cuteness and swimming with the service dog puppy my husband and I will be raising in 2017!
Happy New Year to everyone!
Garmin Fenix 3 HR or FR735XT to replace my 910
Garmin Edge 520 would be a nice addition for my bike.
Garmin Fenix3HR. Wife told me I couldn’t get it because she bought me an FR620 like two years ago, let’s prove her wrong.
Dual sided power meter; I have a unilateral quads rupture.
A Suunto Spartan Ultra because I am a show off masochist!!!
A Garmin watch (Fenix 3 most likely), or possibly put it toward a nice indoor trainer.
Probably go for a new trainer like a Wahoo Kickr. I’m looking to replace current old-school trainer with a direct drive model.
i’d get one of the single side Pioneer power meters. About time i started training smart.
Garmin Fenix 3 HR because it has caught my eye lately and looks sweet!
Will probably be a power meter… dying to know how much i really suck!
Probably a new tri watch
I would get a new watch fenix 3!!!!
Finis Duo and a camera of some sort!
I would be wanting a Fenix 3 HR as my Ambit2 is starting to feel outdated and the new Suunto Spartan appears not up to scratch.
garmin 235 watch!
Another trainer so my fiancé quits hogging mine!
I’d love a power meter. Maybe a p1.
I would really love to get a power meter, so I’m thinking a Cycleops Hub, or a set of Garmin Vector 2S pedals would be good, since I’m in the SRAM world, and I don’t think I can afford the Quarq setup just yet, although, $500 would go a long way there…
I’d love a more advanced running watch. Funding is tight around our household and that’s a luxury I dream about.
Santa forgot my Powermeter.
I’d like to own a Suunto Spartan Ultra – dispite it’s problems, it’s such a beautiful watch.
Thanks for the contest! I’d probably get a new watch, either 735 or F3.
I would get a Garmin 735XT for my wife.
Wi-Fi doesn’t work on my FR 620 and Fenix 3 HR solve this problem:)
I would love a power meter.
I’m on that Fenix 3 HR bandwagon. So pretty, so full of data . . .
Power meter for more efficient training or karma grip for my new hero5 that Santa bought me:)
I would like a Garmin 735xt! To replace my 235…This is the year I get back into triathlon.
I need a trainer for Minnesota winters.
hmmm… smart trainer or new Garmin watch…
I’d get a new wahoo Kickr!
Replace my broken Garmin!
Need that power meter in my life!
I’d probably grab a pair of the runscribe (if CT have them in stock) for the running dynamics.
I would start with the Merrell Women’s Capra Bolt hiking boot, perfect for my planned spring mountain-goat activities in Cascades.
A new GPS watch… one with more screen options
For some reason unknown I am still using my Sony DCR Steadycam to record my children activities so if I won I would definitely use the credit to get the new Garmin VIRB Ultra 30!!!
Happy New Year folks!
A new running watch
I would purchase a smart bike trainer so i can train during the winter on my bike
Powermeter! I tried the Power2Max with my cannondale and that combo with praxis chainrings was garbage! Now I need another!
I would like to get a Varia Radar for those solo rides on Wisconsin back roads.
I will get PowerTap P1 powermeter in order to do more structured workouts outdoor. God bless me to win and God bless America. :D
I’d go gor a new Trainer like Tacx Neo for better Erg mode functionality.
Hmmm..the Fenix 4! Errr..5..Well whatever number it ends up being after Garmin announces it next week!!
Garming Fenix 3 HR watch for my trail runs. Or a Go Pro Hero5 to go scuba diving.
A trainer for the long Michigan winters
A “smart roller” (w/ adjustable resistance). Absolutely love my inside ride but it is getting dated + high mileage (bday present back in 2010).
I would love to get the Garmin Forerunner 920xt. It would be a useful tool to gauge progress as I get back to training after a slight injury.
I’d get a Fenix 3! I received a FR 620 that I was going to put towards one, but my wife wanted it. So she got it and I’m out a Fenix 3. LOL But she’s happy with the FR620, so it’s all good! My Fenix just has to wait a bit.
I want PowerTap P1 powermeter. It’s easy to be installed and can connect to my Garmin.
I really really need a Garmin FR735XT… when I say need, i really mean, want…
Definitely a new Garmin.
I would get a Garmin 735xt, because I need a new gadget.
Something good for my bike – and with 500$ that could be very good indeed!
Maybe a new gps watch with integrated hr to save my disintegrating rythymn +
New power meter for compatibility with upcoming Dura Ace R9100 upgrade.
Hm my vivoactive broke and garmin doesn’t do warrantee or repairs so got to find me something else maybe a suunto spartan with optical HR? but only if they’ll get around to program an android app :)
A Garmin Vivoactive hr would float my boat.