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.
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.
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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.
Would put the winnings toward a trainer. The 3 and 1 year olds are making me get even more creative with the workouts. This would go a long way to helping with that!
My life will never be complete without a Gerber Bear Grylls Compact Parang Machete.
I’d probably put it towards a Kickr Snap trainer because A) it would be nice to have a good trainer on those cold winter days when I come home from work and just don’t feel like going outside and B) there are no hills where I live, so the climbing simulation of a smart trainer might be good for training.
I would buy a power meter! Just to help on my basic trainer and for summer time. It will be a great gift!
Fenix 3 HR so there’s no guessing how slow I’m really going
I’d get a Withings Body scale to get my wifi weight situation going
Garmin Fenix 3HR
Eyeballing Garmin 735XT and almost pulled the trigger earlier. Missing barometric was reason for hold up. Wasn’t sure if Polar was going to refresh v800. Happy holidays!
I’d get 735xt or maybe wait for a Fenix 4
I would be looking for a new trainer. My $100 performance bike special from 8 years ago is long in the tooth and needs to be retired.
I would buy a Garmin Edge 520 HR+CAD bundle.
I would probably get the Garmin 735XT. I would get this because I am a runner and have a Polar watch, but I’ve been pretty unimpressed with the depth of their software glitches and problems over the time that I’ve had it. That and the newer Garmin watches have the heartbeat monitoring through wrist (which is nice if I ever forget my strap), and look a lot better than my old M400.
A power meter! So I don’t get too excited on the bike and can run more of a triathlon than the transitions
I would probably get a Garmin Forerunner 735XT to monitor swims and runs a and keep my fitness on track.
Would look to the latest Garmin multisport first.
A srmart trainer or waiting for a new Fenix 4 whenever that comes out…
It would be a powermeter for me
I’d get a Gopro Hero 5. High time I started making videos of all the trail runs and off-road cycling I’ve been doing. Must share my training with the world.
I would definitely get a new Garmin…The Fenix 3 hr has me thinking of ways to convince my wife it is “money well spent.”
I would get a Garmin Forerunner 735XT to replace my 910XT that is on its last leg.
The latest Garmin Fenix watch
I want to get some bike sensors, like cadence and maybe a power meter for when I buy a bike in spring.
I’d get a power meter. I’m training for my first Ironman this year and I’d love to have one.
Power meter for my first Ironman event Sept 2017!
I’d love to get a Garmin vector power meter set. I have an Ironman to train for and I’m a data junkie.
Zwift has me pining for a trainer with a power meter.
I’d get a Forerunner 735XT for my son who is just getting in to triathlon. Thanks Ray!
I have FR235 now. I would get FR735 so I could give my FR235 to my son.
GoPro Hero5 Black
I would have loved the new Garmin 735xt bc I am a small girl (like yours) and the other Garmin watches swallow my wrist.
I would use it towards a trainer! Planning to sign up for my first 70.3 in 2017 and I want to get a trainer to up my bike training game!
Power to the people
and
one p-meter to my bike,
perhaps
I’d get a foot pod, new trainers and a Garmin edge!
TACX Neo because Wahoo Kickr is too loud! ;)
I would get the 735XT. My 920XT has started to locking up every few days.
I would get the Garmin Edge 520 because I don’t have a bike computer and need one. Thanks for the Giveaway DC Rainmaker!!
I would get a Garmin Edge because don’t have one.
Power meter, Power to the pedals that I can see in front of me.
power meter to always know how slow i ride.
I need a new bike computer! maybe Edge 820
Garmin Edge 500 because it’s time to upgrade!!
I’m considering a Garmin Forerunner 235 or a Polar M400. There are so many choices I am having a hard time settling on something that has the basic features I want within my budget :)
I would definitely get a new cycling computer. A Garmin Edge 820.
Thanks for running this giveaway! I’d get a Velocomp Powerpod to put on my off-road bikes, and then also use it on my road bikes in combination with direct-force power meters to look at aerodynamics and such. Thanks!
Fenix watch and try to make it work for sailboat racing
I’ve been getting crap on one of the motorcycle forums I go to ’cause I’m constantly getting passed in unsafe spots and telling them about it. I’d love to have video of the close calls to shut them all up. A GoPro would be awesome
I need a new bike computer
I’d love the new Garmin Fenix HR! Good motivation to start into the new season!
I would love a new bike trainer
I need SRAM Etap because I am too old to reach my downtube shifters.
a suunto watch perhaps
I’d probably get a GoPro. I’ve been thinking about getting one for awhile.
fenix Chronos, so I can be blinged out at work or wherever
I would love to win a meter to measure my (super) power(s)!
Garmin Fenix 3 HR to help with all my outdoor needs!
For sure the styrd running power meter (is it even available on CT??). I would love a deeper insight into my running especially since I’m terrible as it is.
I’d love to get a power meter! Need to get some better metrics than just HR, speed, and cadence.
I would love to get a CycleOps Hammer direct drive trainer to replace my dumb trainer so I can fully appreciate my rides on Zwift.
The Suunto Spartan Ultra!!
I will likely buy whatever Garmin announces right before/at CES.
Honestly I’m really happy with my 920/Scosche Rhythm+ set up, but having an all-in-one (like a new Fenix) might be nice.
A decent biketrainer to keep myself going over winter :)
I would get a new Cyclops Trainer
Wish I had 735xt in the sock
Garmin Forerunner 735XT and my brain will go nuts or as we say to Greece “και τα μυαλα στα καγκελα”
I would really like to get my first powermeter!
Powertap P1 pedals!
I’ve got my eye on the Mavic…
I would have to go for some nice things for my girlfriend. I’ve been riding for a while and I have everything I need but as she’s pretty new in the sport there are a few things she needs. ?
I really appreciate your posts and product reviews, they help a lot. Keep up the good work!
I would likely get a new bike computer because,… why not!
I’d get a new power meter because what I have is and old and crusty Quarq S975 from about a hundred years ago (or so it seems!)
A Garmin Virb Ultra 30 would be epic to capture those training adventures :D
Garmin FR 735 – because it came out mid-cycle after I bought the 630 the day it released
Probably a trainer to burn the holiday calories
Thanks!
I’d get some powertap p1 pedals.
Powertap P1 Pedals cause I have no power on my new road bike and I need a backup for my Stages PM that always fails in the rain(which is usually during races).
something gadgety that will most likely not improve my performance but fun!
I need a new crank and cassette for the tri bike, but really just need running shoes. But i would just take nice weather to train in.
I would love a GoPro Hero5 Black! Being able to record and take photos while being active would be great!
I’d get a Kickr Snap. Especially since my wife just essentially demanded I find a trainer so I don’t go bonkers in the winter months.
Would love PowerTap pedals?
I’d get a smart trainer so I could get in some “fun” indoor rides using zwift!
I’d buy a few bottles of ‘FatOff’. They carry that, right?
Finally a new GPS bike computer and arm HR.
I’d likely get a Powertap C1 or P1. I’ve been procrastinating on spending the money on it but I think my training would benefit.
I would get a GoPro Hero5. Still using a GoPro Hero2 and I need to retire it!
upgrade my watch !!!
It would get a C1 power meter for my tri bike.
I’d get the Vivoactive HR my wife wants for after she gives birth and get us both some clothes so we don’t have to wash spitup off the stuff we currently have quite as often. :)
A smart trainer. Someone needs to be smart.
A cycling trainer! Winters in Cleveland are rough…
link to clevertraining.com
It would go towards a trainer, so I can avoid the cold outside.
Powermeter for sure :-)
That delicious 735XT would sure let me do anything short of flying
I’d get a Fenix 3 sapphire to replace my 4 year old 910XT.
Power meter so I can train better!!
I would like a vivoactive HR, since I seem to be allergic to Garmin HR monitor straps lately.
would love to get a bike trainer from Wahoo Fitnss Kickr Snap.
Why? Cause it is cold outside, it will be nice to get cycling training done indoor sometimes.
I would by a powermeter. Because I’m thinking since years about buying one, but don’t want to expand so much money for it.
I don’t know which one would be my favorite, but i know where i can get help on that topic ;)
I like the “all-day-ness” of my vivoactive, so I’d probably go for the Fenix4 HR…unless it was too big. Merry Christmas, everyone.
I´d go for the GoPro Hero 5 please.