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.
I would get a 4iii left arm power meter. I am training to qualify for this year 70.3 world Champ, and doing all the training on HR alone is not sufficient enough now.
Would have loved a Fenix 5X plus so hoping that this works out!!
Keep up the good work Ray and The Girl!
Garmin Fenix 5 please.
fenix 5 please
Direct drive trainer!
wireless headset
I’d get a Fenix to replace my aging Garmin 230
Crank based power meter or a Garmin 935 as I attempt another Ironman.
I think I would get the Suunto 9 G1 Baro GPS Watch because it would be good for when I am exercising and I like all of the features.
Other than a promise of cycling gadgets in the coming weeks, I’m left with nothing but dreams of a smart trainer! Yep, that’s what I would like if I was winner my first smart trainer!!!
Hi Ray. I’d love to win and get a Fenix5!
I’d get a powermeter. I’m just a hobbyist so I’ve never been able to justify the expense of a powermeter.
TacX trainer!
New Garmin watch with music
My Garmin is dying so it’s time for a new one. Thanks
Garmin 1000 or similar. Want a unit that tracks my cycling workouts well.
I want to get a Pinorello framset. Just think they look cool.
Yo yo yo. Hit me up Ray. Thank you.
I’d like to get a new Smart Traininer to help get my 2019 season started early in Canada!
I could always buy more stuff!
Fenix 5X so I have something better to track my marathon training and hiking!
Fenix 5 for me as an upgrade and Fitbit for the children
Garmin Vector 3 pedals to step up my bike game.
I didn’t get any new gadgets…!!!
Been looking at power meters and your page discussing the different types.
I would get a kikr core to train and leave my riding buddy in the dust next season
Give me the F5 as I think it will help me get off my lazy rear end and get moving after a 3 week post-marathon hiatus!!
Coros helmet for me and kickr desk for the girl. The cave is nearing completion!
Thank you! I am in need of a bike trainer.
I need a new bike computer. Thank you, Ray!
Something for my wife – Fitbit watch maybe?
I think I “need” a Wahoo KICKR or other smart trainer to keep going this winter…
Aftershokz Trekz Air Wireless Bone Conduction Headphone to listen to music when I run, and Endurance Tap Energy Gel to keep me fueled during the run.
Would love a dedicated bike computer – ie Garmin Edge, or perhaps some power based pedals.
I would totally get a new Fenix 5s watch. My old Garmin 235 kind of smells and there is a little dried sunscreen around the edge of the watchface. Sounds like its time for an upgrade!
Need a new pair of bike shoes and a new Garmin watch
Velocomp AeroPod Cda sensor and some garmin edge to go with that… would be heaven
I would definitely upgrade the trainer from a simple fluid with no flywheel to something like a Kickr SNAP or least something with a Smart option to it.
Cheers and Happy New Year.
I would love a new Garmin Fenix 5 Multisport.
Why? Because my 910XT died :-(
I would get a garmin 920xt. I’ve been needing to replace my 910xt and I don’t really need all the fancy things that come with the 935.
definitely upgrade to the Garmin RTL 510
4iiii power meter pls
Ray,
I’d take the latest Wahoo KICKR so I can pair it with a climb. Currently own the OG KICKR, which is not compatible. Gracias and Feliz Año Nuevo.
After totally falling in love with trail running this year, a Fenix 5s would be the perfect new gadget.
Maybe a new trainer.
I would like to get DJI Osmo pocket to record life adventures
A new sport watch
I’d get a STAC Zero Halcyon Smart Trainer. Watched your review on it and some other reviews on youtube and I like what I see. Some have described it as the “Linux” of smart trainers which is right up my alley.
I would like anything Garmin running watch, current one needs updating.
I would love to surprise my husband and update his late model Garmin.
Have been eyeing the Suunto Spartan Trainer for awhile, would be great to motivate me into the new year!
A wahoo element bolt will be a perfect match for my bike ! Good luck for me !
some new Garmin integrated lights ? for night cycling safety
Thinking a fenix 5 plus
Hmmm… not sure exactly what I need (other than some more motivation…), but I’m sure I can come up with an idea!
I would love getting a multisport Garmin with Spotify support. Probably Fenix 5 plus or FR 645 music.
My current watch, SST, is starting to fall apart on me.
So I’ve been keeping an eye on the new Polar Vantage or upgrading to the Suunto 9. Really, anything newer than what I have would be a welcome change to my workout routine.
I would get a new garmin Tri watch.
Maybe a Fenix 5, would have to look into it more.
The reason being is after 4 years the buttons on my 920 have started to stick and the battery is failing.l
I would consider getting a GoPro
Ideally a nice bottle of scotch. However CT lack a decent selectionId settle for a Garmin 935
I would totes go for one o them CdA sensors. I wouldn’t buy one, but if someone were to gift me one I would definitely use it.
Definitely a new Fenix 5. Or … some new running shoes. Or … an Ameo Powerbreather. Or … ugh so many choices.
A power meter so I can train (and outdoor ride) with power. Most likely left-only 4iii crank arm.
Thanks!
I’d get a kickr climb…but then I’d also need to replace my gen1 kickr with a kickr core…
I would love a new bike trainer (Kickr or Neo 2) to help with some fitness goals for 2019!
I would love a smart trainer. Thank you!
I would get some kind of a Garmin running watch. I’ve just started “running” again and need to do a bit of research. My Garmin 520 for cycling doesn’t quite cut it for running.
An upgraded Garmin Fenix, possibly a sapphire
I would put the money towards a smart trainer…undecided on exactly which one. Thanks for the giveaway Ray.
I just got myself the Garmin 935 but I’ve been eyeing a GoPro for my family adventures and yet have still not pulled the trigger. Maybe now the 7 Black is out…perhaps with a little Clever assistance :-)
Wahoo, Garmin, GoPro…
Actually let me think through this AFTER I win. ;D
Definitely a new trainer ! Mine is required in a museum !
New Garmin watch – old one is not working very well anymore
I would probably get the Forerunner 935XT bundle since I am using the 920XT and would like an updated version.
Happy Holidays Everyone!
A Wahoo Climb! Of course I’d need a compatible Kickr but that’s a minor detail. Minor-ish. I’d like one because I’m a wimp and ride indoors during the “winter” here in NC
I’d get a smart trainer probably the Kickr or neo since I’ve been on the zwift trial and it’d be pretty sweet to have the trainer simulate the hills. Thanks!
I’m looking at getting a Garmin 935 to replace my broken 920XT.
Zipp disk brake wheels.
Time for new power meter, Vector 3
I need a computer to control my trainer.
Probably a power meter …
I think it’s time to upgrade from the trainer I bought 5 years ago for $50. I’d really love the Kickr, but haven’t been able to justify buying one since the old trainer just keeps going despite the thousands of miles on it!
Would love to get a pedal based power meter.
I’d probably get a GoPro hero 7 black, would love to use it to film some skiing and mountain biking!
Hero7 Black – Going to Banff, Calgary, Edmonton, Juneau, Anchorage, Denali, and Vancouver during the next few months on will equate to last vacation / bucket list goals. Want the sights and sounds to be recorded to help with the memories. We’ll be poor after the trips but, we have to do it.
I’d love a new a new GoPro to film the little ones as I drag them along on family outdoor adventures.
Garmin Fenix 5x Plus because it’s BA AF and I NS need a new HRM before my coach at EF gets PO’d that I dropped the data from TP. Know what I mean?
Would love a Garmin fenix 5 Plus to… run faster! ;)
Nothing like a new action cam. That’s what I’d get.
A Kinetic smart trainer to really bring out all the extra fun I’m missing in just the old fluid trainers!
Need a goPro for video recording
I would definitely be keen to get the Favero Assioma power meter pedals.
I would get a new pair of bike shoes and a Gopro camera for my kids. Or a new power meter… keeping my fingers crossed.
Since the battery in my garmin edge 520 just doesn’t last. I’d like a new garmin, perhaps go the 1030 for all the features (including the optional external battery).
Thanks Ray
I would get the go pro hero 7. It would come in handy with the family for skiing, biking, zip lining and other adventures.
f5
Fenix 5 so I can figure out how to train at altitude!
Let’s do this!
I’ve taken a deep dive into the Wahoo ecosystem, so a Kickr Climb would be a most excellent addition.
I would pick up a Fenix 5 basic, because I need to get another everyday watch.