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.
Something running related…
I would get a 520 Plus if I were to win!
I would upgrade the Fluid2 to a smart trainer, probably the KICKR CORE.
A Fenix 5
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus as an upgrade to my 920XT. Merry Christmas!
A new trainer of course! Mine’s not-so-smart, oh-so-old and beyond noisy! I need a new one to train for IM Boulder.
I would buy a smart trainer probably wahoo kicker or tacx neo. Because I always skip biking in winter and with it I won’t!
Powermeter was missing under the christmas tree
I would get the Fenix 5 for running trails
New GoPro fo sho!
My my my. What to get if I win? Probably start with the new Polar Vantage M since my M400 is having some technical issues. And with whatever is still left? A footpod, new socks,…not sure yet :-)
a power meter would be a wonderful post Xmas gift!
I would get the Garmin Fenix 5 because I need to get a new GPS watch for running, hiking and cycling.
Would get a Fenix 5!
A trainer to get back in shape!
I would love to have a BSD… Thank you!
A new quieter trainer that won’t wake the kids!
A new bike trainer. Anything to replace my old computrainer. Perhaps even rollers!
Probably a Fenix 5 for an upcoming hundo
I’ve been dreaming of a running watch with maps. Thanks, Ray!
Garmin fenix 5x
I’d get a Garmin Genix 5X 51 because my Fenix 3 stopped working and i’m going through withdraws using my FR610 as my go to watch now. :(
I’d use it for a Fenix 5+. Not the most original idea it seems, but my watch is on the way out, and I may as well think big.
A new Kickr core to replace the gen 1 I have. This would allow me to spend even more money by buying the climb and wind.
I would get a Fenix 5. I need a watch that can cope with all the training I do. Cheers.
I’d probably use the $500 towards the Assioma pedals or a bike case.
I am in desperate need of powermeter! Would get one of those
A brand new GoPro for the ski season. Thanks !
Fenix 5+
I would really like a power meter for my bike. I am old and tired, but having another number to look at would reinvigorate me.
Either a power meter or a smart trainer. Decisions, decisions.
I would go with a power meter.
Have to get myself a fenix 5, the battery in my 620 is getting old, so I need to get faster or a new watch
Definitely pick up new head unit.
I’d get a new indoor trainer, one quieter and smarter than the old one.
I’d get a gopro. It’s the only thing that I wouldn’t just be replacing.
I’d get my wife a new Fenix 5 for her Kona push.
I would love to get a new trainer because my old one is, you know, old!
What I would really like is the Garmin Vector pedals. I think using a power meter would help me train more effectively. Of course even a small thing like new bike gloves is always nice.
I need wireless headphones for running and better sunglasses! I see some Costa’s and bluetooth headphones that would work out nicely.
I’d finally get around to getting a GoPro. Of course, it would have to be the Hero7 Black.
Apple Watch series 4 just to play with since it would be free.
I would like a Garmin Edge 520 Plus because my bike needs a computer too.
Thanks Ray.
A gps watch would be nice.
Perhaps a favero assioma? I dont know, but those $500 must go in some sort of gadget!
A tacx neo would be great.
Either a gopro or an indoor trainer for the bike.
As usual, this is a kind offer. Thanks. A gift for me … probably the Garmin Vivoactive with heart rate monitoring built in. Happy New Year.
Definitely a GoPro for my next trip to the British Columbia.
Fenix 5 plus as I’d like some music!
I want a new, better cycle computer as I start my retirement. My last day of work is tomorrow! I’m so looking forward to bike tours whose timing is not dictated by my work schedule.
I’m thinking a new, better Garmin, either the Edge 1030 or Edge Explore. My old Edge 810 has a habit of shutting itself off with no warning (and lots of remaining battery power). I have no record of my first big pass in the Pyrenees…
I would get some conti gp5000 Tubuless tires and some new running shoes. And maybe some baselayer stuff. :)
Fenix 5 plus. I am not feeling the love from the Apple Watch experiment and I need to go back to trusty old Garmin.
I would like an indoor bike trainer with power meter to regain lost ground over the winter and come out leaner and stronger for Spring, Summer and Fall.
Garmin vector 3 because i want to reach the next level of triathlon racing
PM for my 2nd bike!
Probably Powertap P1S to bring with me when I rent bikes on my trips!
I would like to get a laptop desk, fan and Climb to pair with the new KICKR Core I bought on CT after your Trainer review came out.
I would love the Garmin Forerunner 645 :)
Daddy needs a new trainer :)
Wahoo KICKR CLIMB. I have a KICKR SNAP trainer and would love to add this piece.
I would choose Garmin Vector 3
Please pick me
A powermeter, probably a gadget for me, but that should be fun!
I need a better trainer so I can join in on group rides in Zwift with the local group.
I didn’t get the Varia radar, because, well… I didn’t ask anyone to buy it for me and I didn’t buy it myself! :-)
Fenix 5 I need and new running watch and thinking of do my first tri
and all i wanted for christmas is fanix 5
An upgrade from my Garmin forerunner 235. Not sure what that would be, will catch up on your website to help figure that out if I when.
Apple Watch
I’ve been without a running watch for a few years, would love a FR 645
A new Fenix 5 or anything from Garmin!
power meter pedals.
I’d get a Garmin Edge 1030. I’m starting to get into ultracycling, and I could sure use that battery life!
Looking at a fancy new Garmin!
I’d definitely love a Fenix 5!
Fenix 5 plus because music your wrist is cool!
Garmin vector 3!!
A gopro for the mountain
I’d pick up a new Wahoo KICKR Core to replace my old wheel on, dumb trainer! :)
I’d probably go for a new Garmin computer, or an Apple Watch if those are available.
I would get a Garmin Varia kit.
I would use my winnings towards a new trainer. My Peloton melted in last year’s October Sonoma County firestorm, and as soon as my house is rebuilt, I plan to sell it and move to Montana to be close to family and survive on a lower budget. If the Neo’s pavement simulation can add “packed snow and ice” maybe during those long Vermont winters I might be able to “enjoy” navigating my road bike on that treacherous surface without having to experience the wind-chill factor and snow-in-the-face realism (actually, forget that part).
My roots are showing. It should be “long Montana winters,” not “long Vermont winters.”
I would get a smart trainer — I just moved to the midwest and the winters kinda suck
Hi to all! Merry Christmas!
I definetely would like a GoPro Hero7 black edition.
Thanks Ray!
Fénix 5s to rock and roll!
Fenix 5 plus please. I love my tunes!
I will be think about this tell I win… But I would ge with a Fenix 5 Pluss, Or a Wahoo kick with a Climb unit
A Fenix 5s so I have a decent watch to start training for Vichy 70.3
I need a new Stages power meter for my new bike!
It would be nice to have a new Garmin Edge 500.
Would love a Garmin Fenix 5s to look good on my wrist!
I have spent months researching exactly which Garmin Fenix 5 plus I would use to improve my training regime. So, if I win, I will use the proceeds towards a watch which can monitor and help me optimize my dog walking, running, skiing and sailing.
GoPro Black, to see what my kids are up to when they are snowboarding and surfing.
Stages crank arm power meter, now that I got Tacx trainer it would be nice to get power outside aswell.
A Wahoo Kikr because training in the winter is cold.
New GPS unit :)
I’d like to get an indoor smart trainer probably the TacX Vortex. There would still be enough left over for a trainer tire.
Neo Tacx 2 to train for Ironman Arizona
I’d get a Tacx Neo 2 (or 1!!) to replace my Flux that is starting to make some unhealthy noises