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.
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!
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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.
The Garmin Fenix HR for sure!
I’d probably get the P1 pedals or Garmin Edge 820 for my bike.
Power tap pedals–so I can get power data when traveling and renting other bikes.
Would love to get the latest Fenix because my FR15 is very old.
Most likely would be looking at a trainer because I’m just not feeling the cold weather outdoor rides this year.
id go for a power meter
Hopefully Garmin announces something new and cool at CES. If so I’ll want one.
My old Garmin gps watch is dying so I wouldn’t mind one of the new Fenix ones!
I think I would go for a power meter.
Thanks for the contest,
Happy holidays
I would be happy to buy a Garmin Fenix 3 to compare it with my current Polar v800…
I would use it for a new cycle computer.
Probably a trainer (I like the Tacx Flux), to compensate for some lazy weeks…
I would buy the new Garmin Fenix because my old Garmin just went to sleep…permanently!!!
I would get a Fenix HR. Mostly for running; nothing like a new piece of tech to run with. But I’m really interested in the other activity features as well, like SUP. I may even wait to see what’s around the corner with the Fenix series.
Garmin Fenix 3 HR Sapphire Edition.
Because I need it in my life :-)
I would like the fenix 3. This a beautiful sport watch
Replacing the trusty 910 with a newer triathlon watch.
Garmin 735xt since Santa apparently didn’t hear me hint to that enough times over the past 3 months… :)
Garmin 735xt because I am a out of money mother of for and could use a new triathlon watch for me training.
a power meter, just because I don’t have it :)
I’d love to get a Fenix 3 HR since my Fenix 2 has been through enough already!
As I already have a Garmin watch, I would choose an Edge 820…
Probably a Garmin fenix 3
A crank based power meter.
Power tap pedals. No power on my bike and I need 2017 to be a big year!
Running watch for ultras
A Fenix 3 with HR would be great!
powertap please!
It might be time to upgrade to GoPro Hero5 Black.
Garmin Chronos … if you have to ask why, you won’t understand!
A tri watch – just getting started!
I would like to combine all my tech into one. I think the Garmin Forerunner 235 GPS Running Watch & Activity Tracker would suit my needs. It would be nice to run with just one thing on my wrist to get all my stats.
Either the GoPro5 or some new running shoes and a Yeti ?
GoPro Hero5 Black — would love a good action camera :-)
I would get the Garmin Fenix 3 HR because it’s the most sophisticated sports watch but can easily be worn around the clock.
One of the Garmin watches. Mine broke and I need to get out and get some miles soon or I’ll go nuts. :)
No doubt Powertap pedals would be my first pick. Taking first cycling class this winter and can’t wait to get back outside in spring and continue improving my performance.
I would like to have a Garmin Fenix 3 this would complete my Garmin set of 735 and 820.
Cheers
Fenix 3 HR for sure!
I’d get a trainer…it’s cold outside!
The Fitbit Charge HR 2 looks like the one to get.
I would buy presents for my runners friends
I really really want a Garmin 800
I’d get garmin 735XT – I guess it’s the form factor I like, although It won’t last as long as my 920xt. Happy New Year!
Garmin Vivoactive HR, cause remebering to put on the HR chest strap is sometimes a bridge too far.
After getting a Wahoo Snap, now I need a power unit for the road bike…
A fenix3 would fit the bill just right this season!
I wanted a Wahoo Elemnt (which I just used some gift money to purchase on clevertraining.com). I’d use the prize to put toward a new interactive trainer.
I would get the Fenix 3 HR. I bought the Fenix 2 used and have really liked it, but the newest and latest greatest one is outside my budget.
Hoping for a Happy New Year for everyone!
So many things,
HRM Triathlon – because I don’t have it yet
Finis Duo – because I’ve embarked on a journey to swim 100 miles before February 10th in aid of rhino conservation and having completed 50 of them, I’m becoming very bored staring at the black line without tunes
Garmin Forerunner 230 – for my wife because she’s earned it
That should chew up $500 very nicely!
I would love a scale and some new running gear
I would go for a Garmin Edge 520
I’ll likely upgrade my running or bike computer/watch to something a little more modern (smaller)! Merry Xmas and thanks.
GoPro Hero Black – oh yes! Why? Cause I’m using a Hero 960 currently and it’s great but the quality (sharpness) is really lacking and I so would like a screen on my camera to line up shots.
I need the SRAM eTap setup. hope I can WIN!
I would buy the Hero 5, I need to get some good action shots on my rides!
I’d get a Forerunner 735xt to replace my old 310xt which is a bit of a brick
Need a new Garmin Edge (don’t know exact model yet)…
Garmin Fenix3 my Fenix2 is looking old
I’d choose a Fenix 3 as this would be a nice upgrade on my current watch. Thanks!
Gifts for good friends!
I’d love to get some type of power meter! Maybe it will know where my Watts went this month :P
I’d probably put the cash towards a trainer, likely something in the Kickr line.
I would put that towards a smart trainer. Probably the Kickr Snap or the Cycleops Magnus. This would help make my Zwift rides that much more entertaining!
Still time to upgrade a certain runner’s watch ahead of next month’s marathon.
I think if I won, I’d think about getting a wheel-off smart trainer like a Kickr or Tacx
Garmin 735XT HR strap Bundle for sure
A new trainer. Mine is on its last legs.
Power tap pedals for my tt bike for sure.
HRM straps and a multi sport gps watch.
A powermeter is at the top of my want-to-have-list. Probably the Powertap P1.
I’d go with one of the power meters from the annual buyer’s guide to help my training
I’ll get a new trainer!
Would love to get a new Hero5 Black to record everyone’s “watch this” moments
I’d get some new road shoes!
I would likely replace my old Garmin bike computer with a new 520 or 820.
I’ll buy a powermeter!
A Fitbit Blaze would be awesome! I like the Surge but my band has busted.
The Wahoo KICKR Snap, because it’s time for an upgrade!
I’d get a fitness / swimming tracker for my girl
Hero5 or the Garmin VIRB ultra to take action pics
I’d get a power meter with a 110BCD, I’ve realised I’m not a climber and want a mid compact!
I would definitely buy in on a nice power meter and a new trainer!!
PowerTap C1 for sure. Need to start training by power.
I would greatly appreciate a power meter, a bike trainer or any item from your fridge as a post-workout meal ;)
Greetings
I’d get the Garmin Fenix3 cause it has everything I could never use and it looks good too!
I would get myself a powermeter. A product from 4iii or powertap would great. I’m very curious about the whole powerhype an want to get into it
Cheers
Bogdan
I would probably end up getting something for my husband.. or maybe a GoPro.?
I would probably get a Fenix 735 that I could not defend for myself buying before christmas :)
I would love to have the Hero go pro 5, so That everybody can enjoy my rides
I would like a hero5 so I can relive it all again!
Tacx Flux, because I live in an apartment…
Hey Dude,
Love the reviews on the website.
I started biking 2 years ago and fucking loved it ever since. Started with a basic, super heavy ridley, and decided to keep riding and got a lighter cannondale caad 12. Omg that bike is amazing. Worth every penny. I drained my bank accounts and started to save for a bikegps. It took me weeks to decide (mio, polar, garmin,…) Which one. I wanted the garmin edge 1000 but not easy doable with a drained bank account. So I cheaped out and got a mio litterly 2 days ago that works like crap. Should have saved up more to get the ultimate gps: the garmin edge 1000.
Anyways, fun contest. My gf send it to me because she actually feels sad because I feel sad hehe. She probably entered as well (Megan brawley aka cutiepie) what a great love story huh :)
BTW, if I move to the states by the end of the year, I could bike with the garmin and have her ride with the shitty mio! 8-)
Take care,
Bart
I’d get a smart trainer or a power meter. I need more incentive to improve in all 3 aspects of triathlon, but I already have a watch to help with the run and a coach to help with my swim technique so now I just the bike smart trainer or the power meter so I can improve
I’d get a Garmin Fenix 3 or 920XT – to track swims and swim workouts, so I can see if I actually improve.
I’d replace my partner’s aging 910xt with a Fenix HR or similar.
À powermeter or à Garmin watch
No Fenix 3 but did get Apple watch 2. Looking forward to the review.
I’d hold out for upcoming replacement for the Garmin 920xt. No one does multisport better.
Can’t express enough appreciation for this website and all the information you provide!! I would likely go for the P1s powertap pedal
Now that I have my Fenix, its time for some new smaller accessories… A nice sensor for the bikes would be nice as well. A power meter maybe? There is a lot you can do with 500$! Thanks!