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.
I would defintely be getting a Garmin 935, since my toddler decided to hide my watch somewhere…
Fenix! Fenix!
I would Definitely get a pedal based power meter for my racing bike for the 2019 season, or a fenix 5x would be nice
GoPro for 2019 to document all the great trips we’ve got planned!
Probably a watch upgrade to the Fenix 5 Plus
Wahoo elemnt Bolt
I would buy a new GoPro Hero7 Black.
Wanted a direct drive trainer for Christmas.
Garmin 935 – time for an upgrade
I would get a direct drive smart trainer…
Stages D-A _right-side_ power meter to make a two-sided meter.
Thanks!
I’ll take a crank based power meter.
Leaning towards the GoPro, I think it’s time to capture some of the adventures we go on.
I’d love to get a new smart trainer so I can whip my butt into shape for next tri season.
hyperice hypervolt :)
I’d have to go with some pedal power meters–Assiomas, I think…
I would buy $500 worth of gel packets! Just kidding, probably towards a trainer or powermeter.
My garmin 500 died, so time to get a new garmin, one with good mapping capabilities. Haven’t settled on a model yet.
Garmin Fenix 5+!
Power meter. Would love to start training with power numbers
Dear Santa, all I want for after-Christmas-happiness is a Garmin Edge 1030 – because finally I need serious bike navigation. Thanks for consideration!
I would get a new Garmin 1030!
Fenix 5 to start off my new year training right
Garmin Fenix 5 Plus – need an upgrade from my Vivoactive HR!!!
I’ve got a book…… not even a e-reader…. a book!!!
No unboxing, no batteries, no cable to search for, no manual to toss.
a book!!!
so whatever I will get, it will have batteries, cables and so on ;-) just somthing(s) to propery unbox.
I would get my husband the cool little drone you reviewed that can fit in a jersey pocket that sort of tracks you. I would, of course, then borrow that drone and try to get some great paddle boarding shots too.
Thanks for doing this!
Xo
M
I would get some version of a Garmin Fenix for sure!
Mmmm think it would be a new Fenix watch :)
I would buy either a smart trainer or a new bike computer because I’ve been using my Garmin running watch for biking and I don’t have a smart trainer yet.
Hi Ray,
I would like to get a direct drive trainer when the Guam weather gets a little wet outside.
Thanks!
John
The Garmin Edge 1030
I would use the money to buy a new watch to use when I’m running.
I would get a GoPro so that I can actually record the horrible slow speeds I go down hill :-D
A Polar Vantage M, because my old one is soon dying (RC3GPS) and and rusting away.
The Kickr Climb to go with my new Kickr Core
I would get a Fenix 5x plus. I’ve been through the 310xt and now the 910xt. I would simply like to finally see color on my watch….. :-)
Most likely one of the training watches
I’d be getting a Garmin 820, have been using my phone and Strava up to now, really needing to up things.
I would like a Suunto 9 Baro.
i really need a new trainer! Been using the same blue no-brand garbage for years.
*fingers crossed* Direct drive….direct drive….direct drive
I would like a Fenix 5-plus so hopefully I won’t get as lost in the woods of Indiana!
Power meter!
If chosen, I would purchase my first pair of true cycling shoes and pedals for my trek. I am still a novice triathlete (I have always been a swimmer) but started doing sprint triathlons as a way to stay competitive and in the water after college. Biking is the least efficient leg of my tri, mainly because I don’t know proper techniques, but also because I feel least confident in it. Winning this give-away would help me purchase some much needed gear and help me start training correctly and not get lapped during biking! Thank you for hosting such a wonderful give-away. Happy New Year!
A Garman running watch and bike computer
Definitely a combo gift of a direct drive trainer for the wifey and I.
Would love the Cyclig Lights or the Coros Smart helmet
Bike trainer!
I want a new trainer
Not sure yet, new trainer?
I’ll buy a hero 7 black! I’m impressed how smooth it is!
A power meter (favero ascioma?) to train more clever :)
I’d love a Garmin Fenix 5 Plus. Why? It’s what you use, Ray! What better endorsement is there than that?
But, the Fenix 5 Plus is training tool that is a perfect digital companion for everything I like to do: run, bike, swim, hike/trek, ski, etc. Great for running ultras, hiking the AT, riding the C&O Towpath, and keeping up with tracking activity during work days. The music and mapping are next level—and who doesn’t love gear that helps you engage with your hobbies in a deeper way?
Fingers crossed!
I might get a better GPS watch
I would get a new pair of Adidas Ultra Boost to start my New Year’s training off on a new shoe
I think I might spring for an Edge.
I want a new powermeter for cycling since IQ2 is delayed.
F5 due to its ability to monitor heart rate without the need of a strap.
I need a powermeter, last one I had was the Ergomo…shows you how old I am…
Just as the cold sets in, a trainer would be a treat
This would be perfect for replacing my ancient trainer!
I want a new trainer…Wahoo KICKR Core please.
I would like to get a new Garmin Fenix 5. I would like to retire my Fenix 2 / Vivosmart HR combo. They both still run strong, but the technology is getting a little long in the tooth for me.
Hello,
I’d spoil myself with a running watch. My Forerunner 305 is getting old :-)
Take care
Jurgen
Hey Ray, I would love the new Polar Vantage V watch.
It was on my Xmas list but I guess I have not been good this year.
I plan on using it for my 100 mile ultra marathon in August.
Hoping an updated 935 is going to be announced in Jan.
Power meter
A new trainer would do nicely, thanks
A garmin fenix 5 plus please!
Fenix 5x because I want to be able to show something off
I’d finally get a pedal based power meter! The only way to have power on all bikes in my collection!
I want a new powermeter, my old Powertap is broke..f..k!! Thanks
Fenix 5 plus of course!!
I’ll go for a Gopro Hero 7 black
I would like a Suunto 9 or Fenix 5 plus.
Felix 5 plus – Maps for tracks
A Fenix 5 plus. The idea of a blood oximeter to track sleep, and recovery sounds like a game changer to me.
Hi, I would get a Garmin Fenix 5 , as for “why” to do a proper tri event next year, yeah I know this is only an extra item that might help and will not run swim or bike in its own.. :) Thanks, A.
I’m very happy with my 935, but I wouldn’t mind a pair of those OOFOS sandals.
Sunnto 9, over the last few years I have been trying, sometimes successfully and other times not so, to get in shape. Think this is something that I’d like and use.
Happy 2019 everyone!
I’d really like to upgrade to a Garmin Fenix 5S Plus. The music and mapping are killer features for anyone who enjoys exercising on trails and tracks.
I’d love to get my first trainer – Wahoo Kickr!
After getting addicted to Zwift, I would have to say a new Wahoo Kickr in all likelihood. That, or a power meter potentially.
Would get a Garmin Fenix 5, why- to support in my tranings.
I want a smart trainer to boost my training during winter. I cycle outside during winter, but with bad weather it is harder to do your blocks and intervals!
Hey ray – would like the Garmin vector pedals. Thanks!
I have a Garmin Edge 500, and it is way past time to upgrade.
Thanks, DC.
Happy New Year!
I might save it for a little bit to see what Garmin announces at CES 2019!
Garmin 935 watch because my 630 is starting to wear out!
It’d have to be a power meter. Really miss having one out on the road after I’ve been training indoors
A power meter would be nice!
I would like a pair of Tri Shoes, Ademo Tri Seat, aero water bottle between tri bars, and a GoPro so I can attempt my first half ironman.
The Garmin Fenix 5 Plus
Kickr because wife has no idea what it is
I really wanted a Fenix 5, but Santa seemed to have missed that on my Christmas list.
I’d get a Garmin watch or a Power meeter
Kickr core + headwind
I would like a new trainer
It depends between the Garmin Fenix 5x Plus, vivoacfive 3 musi or whats Garmin showing at the CES (read some rumors).
I would go for a new trainer or some other cycling tech.
There is lots of stuff I didn’t get, unfortunately.
A new power meter for my bike might be the first choice.