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!
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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.
Probably a power meter for the bike
Would order myself a Polar 400 to join a heart rate training program I’ve had my eye on.
I’d be shopping for a new pump, Wahoo KICKR desk, and a few other bike accessories with my CleverTraining certificate.
I’d love to wrap that new Fenix HR on my wrist !
Best wishes for 2017 y’all !
I would get a new Garmin cycling computer.
I would get a GoPro Hero 5 black so that I could start recording my training and races; making cool videos like DcRainmaker does!
I’d get a garmin fenix with heart rate.
My 910XT is starting to die off, so either a Fenix 3 or 735XT. Thanks!
Fenix 3 HR
A new Garmin watch, not sure which one.
Anything powertap
Would have to be a Fenix 3. Someone at work has one and I need one.
I would use it for a Powertap C1 or p1 pedals.
Don’t have power, just purchased a Fenix 3 and was given a Edge 520 :)
I would get my husband a new running watch… probably the Fenix3 HR. Or maybe I’d just get something nice for myself…..
I would get a Garmin Fenix 3 to use as a running companion instead of the bike computer I now use.
Either a G3 powertap hub (for myself), or an Edge 820 for my wife’s bike.
Fenix 3 HR so I can one on each wrist
Garmin HRM Swim & Triathlon Straps, because I am greedy =)
B.
I’d def. get some powertap p1 pedals
GoPro for our upcoming event, the Haute Route Rockies in June!
A FR735, to further allow my girls forget me!
Probably a Garmin 520 and a Wahoo Ticker !
Happy Christmas
Garmin virb
I’d consider the Fenix 3 HR. Thanks.
A table to add to my tacx, chairs work, but it would be a huge improvement :)
I would most likely buy a Garmin 820 or a new Fenix! They both are just such great, BUT PRICEY items I have yet to cross off my long list of ‘wants.’
A recent Achilles injury has me down. Running is problematic. Hoping cycling could be an option, but winter makes it a challenge to experiment. So, have been researching trainers… not sure which, but that’s what I would buy. A trainer.
A garmin 230 with a he strap + garmin footpod + tempe sensor, just to get the most out of my trainings
Sadly, my Edge 500 just bit the biscuit. Need a new one asap.
$500 towards a Kickr would make it almost affordable, but I’d probably get a Vivoactive and give it to my wife for her birthday.
Does an elliptic trainer count as gadget?
I’ll go for the 735XT from garmin as my current F3HR still feels ‘big’ and the wriststrap broke after 6 months of use ;-( Or a Tacx Flux.. so many things left on the wishlist tbh! :-)
A Wahoo ELMNT would be nice.
Garmin Fenix 3 because it looks awesome!
A bike computer or other accessory for the bike. Why not have more gadgets!!!!
I’d get the Forerunner® 735XT because my Forerunner® 630 is looking old now ;)
Probably the Gopro Hero 5 and I need a gimbal for that. Not sure yet which one!
It’s going to be based on the flip of a coin – heads for power meter or tails for new wheel set.
I’d be looking to spend it on a Garmin Fenix 4 HR! (whenever that comes out)
Definitely a new water bottle… and a whole lot of other good stuff :)
I’d like a power meter (if I can find one that is compatible with my Chorus group set) so I can train with power on the road.
I would like a Fenix 3 HR or a Garmin Forerunner 735XT. I run trails all the time, use my phone plus echo for tracking, but would like to have better accuracy!
Santa didn’t bring the Garmin Edge 520 to replace my broken Edge 500 :-(
Fenix 3 (4-5 which ever new one is going to be). Would definetely help me track rehab after third knee surgery (darn those tendons)
I would look to purchase a power meter.
Oh it would have to be a garmin fenix watch!
I ordered myself the STAC Zero trainer, so I knocked that off the list, though won’t see it for another few weeks.
However, I was hoping for a replacement for my (missing) Garmin 800. Either an 820 or a 1000.
A power meter so I can measure my output and train efficiently.
I would really love a power meter. Training for my first Half Ironman event in British Columbia. Ready to take my training to another level.
Definitely a powermeter
I’d love to put that $500 towards a power smart trainer!
I wouldn’t mind a trainer desk for those mid-ride ice cream breaks!
Thanks for the opportunity. Debating between a trainer or replacing the Garmin with one with a HRM.
I think a drone would be so cool.
Garmin 810 nav bundle FTW
I’d go for a whole bunch of apparel. I’ve already got the tech gear I want/need/like.
I’d buy a smart trainer of some sort. I have rollers and can’t justify the expenditure on a trainer as well, BUT with US$500 to go towards it it would be a done deal.
That, or maybe a power meter.
It’s time to upgrade to a trainer that takes full advantage Zwift. So a trainer for me, exact one TBD.
Wahoo Fitness KICKR SNAP-I need an interactive trainer so maybe I will actually put in my training for upcoming 70.3 :)
I would want the Garmin Fenix 3 with the optical HR. I’ve really increased my outdoor activities lately, and I think this watch would be perfect for tracking everything.
I really need to get a power meter. So that is what the $500 would be used for.
I would go for power meter to get from measure what I feel to measure what I actually do!
An Apple Watch Series 2 ;)
I´d get a Fenix 3 HR, for the awesomeness it brings :)
Hmm pedal based powermeter for sure … unless I can preorder the Garmin Forerunner 930 or 935XT then that would be sweet …
It’s time for this triathlete to get a real tri watch! The FR920 is on my list, but I’m looking at the 735xt, too. Decisions, decisions…
Probably a 735xt as a replacement for my aging 620 to see what this optical HR stuff is all about.
I would love to have a bike computer – probably a Garmin, but would need to read all of Ray’s reviews to determine which one. I don’t have a dedicated bike computer and it would be great to have more data available to me.
Santa forgot to bring me my Garmin Edge 520…maybe if fell out of his bag somewhere.
I would buy a Wahoo! KICKR Snap, so I can start using Zwift and trainer road.
A goPro hero five for my upcoming heliski trip :-)
I would get a powermeter!!
I would get a GoPro Hero5 Black because my son takes off and leaves me on bike rides. I’d love to see my face as he pulls away and I’m frantically trying to catch up.
Thanks for everything you do Ray!
I’d love to have anot updated Garmin, maybe a 235
Definitely a power meter! Estimated stuff gets old after awhile
I’d get a power meter! I’m entering my second season of collegiate racing, and could use the training boost.
Either a KICKR or a Garmin 520.
The Fenix 5, when available. Because I presume it will be better than my much beloved Fenix 3.
I would probably go for the GoPro Hero 5 Black
Fenix 3!!!!!!!!
Power Meter for sure
I’d probably go for the Garmin Vivoactiv.
I’d get some clip less pedals and actual bike shoes so that people don’t look at me weird when I ride my Kestrel Talon tri bike wearing Brooks running shoes on plastic stock pedals.
I would like to get a new trainer for my bike – one that is quiet enough that I can bring it indoors. I have been riding it in my garage for the last 3 years because it’s too loud for the rest of my family. So I have nothing to look at or watch while I’m sitting out there for hours! If there is enough money, I’d also like to get a power meter!
SO hard to choose! A Stages V2 power meter to gauge my 107 max power? A super cool Fenix 3 to see the moment when my heart actually stops during training? I’m sure either one would help me become a top tier pro in short order.
I’d put it towards a power meter so I can see how low my power output really is!!!!
Probably a GoPro of some sort. I love my iPhone 6s for photos but there just isn’t enough storage. I also find dedicated devices to be better solutions in most cases.
I am very happy with my fenix 3, but I would like to complement it with a dedicated bike computer, Garmin 520 maybe
I would more than likely get a Fenix 3 just because it is currently on my list to replace my older watches.
A smart trainer. It’s so dark and cold in the northeast (plus, snow!)
Garmin Fenix 3 HR – because I love my F2 and lost my HR strap.
i would get a trainer!
Something that keeps me going in the right direction on my rides (turn by turn directions) like an Element or perhaps a Garmin.
I’d probably get the Fenix 3 HR so I can stop wearing the Scosche RHYTHM+
I probably would get a Wahoo Kickr.
I would definitely get a power meter. I have to check the deals at CT now…
I would get the latest multisport activity watch.
A Garmin Fenix 3 so I can start logging my hikes.
Wahoo Fitness KICKR SNAP so I can bike in winter in Canada
Garmin 920xt or fenix 3 and my 310xt on deserved retirement