Heads up – Massive Sports Tech Holiday Deals List is Live!!! The Garmin Fenix 8 is $250 off (even the Fenix 8 Pro is $100 off!), the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is on sale, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 is $249, the GoPro Hero 13 Black, DJI NEO, and a ton of other brands/deals, including Wahoo, Oura, Whoop, Polar, Samsung, Google, and more than 100 sports tech deals here!
Hey there, this is Bobbie (The Girl), otherwise known as Ray’s other half. This year, 2023, I decided I had been away from competition for long enough, and wanted to get back into racing. Having been out of the triathlon scene for almost 12 years, I did end up with a lot of new gear, or gear upgrades this year. So, I’m taking this moment to update my “Gear I Use” post for all of you in case you are interested, and so I also have an up-to-date list for me to click re-order from! (Ray’s list is over here)
In case you’re new to DCRAINMAKER.com, I’ll just catch you up really quick. I am post-third pregnancy, and that is why the spacing between Gear I Use posts over the years is a little off. You might notice a lot of the same players on this list as years prior, and that is both because I like what I like (so if it ain’t broke don’t fix it) annnnnd I’m guilty of wearing sports clothes until there are holes in them, or I just pressed re-order on the most recent model of the same brand. Call me a creature of habit if you want!
In case you just got distracted by the idea of babies, be sure to check out the “Gear I Use: Kids Post”. I updated that post shortly after Peanut 3 arrived and have tried to keep that one narrowed down to the more critical pieces! We try to keep plastic-noise-making junk to a minimum and let the outdoors be our kid’s best entertainment.
Anyways, on to this list. I have it separated into Running, Cycling, Swimming, and “Things Keeping me Going”. So you can scroll past sections as they may or may not pertain to you. I’ll do my best to keep an eye on the comment section as well in case anyone has questions or of course better suggestions!
Running:
These are my most used and loved products for running. I hope you find these products useful as well.
I learned a valuable lesson in 2023, and that was not always running in the same shoe for every workout type. Now I’m still hesitant to go wild with different shoes, as my age is showing and I pick up running injuries pretty easily. But these puppies are great for logging miles and taking care of the legs from all the impact
LOVE LOVE these runners. The have an 8mm Heel-Drop that is just enough height to support my calves and not SO high that it puts pressure on an old soccer injury in my forefoot. I had never run in a shoe with such a high “stack” and so much foam… it was a game changer. I LOVE these kicks. I used them for both logging long runs and as my race day shoes.
The Ass Magic brand has a whole line up of stuff, I found them when looking for Chamois creams for cycling. Love this stuff, it has completely replaced any "Glide" products from the past.
The thinner socks helps keep the blisters in check while still giving the foot great support. Feetures socks also LAST an insane amount of time and abuse. Worth every penny.
Prior to this watch I had the Fenix 5S, and hands down this is my favorite series line up from Garmin. I wear it all day every day, I personally like the big watch face, and I do have a few extra straps for fancier looks. I have been trying the Fenix 8 (AMOLED) the last few months, but I'm switching back to this one any day now. Not only are the menus less confusing, but the battery life is better.
I've really gotten into the Goodr Polarized Running sunglasses. I love that they have so many wild colors. As well, they do NOT slip off my face nor do they bounce even with intense track workouts. They do tend to scratch by the end of the season. So for around $25, these sunnies will last you about one run season, which isn’t bad considering you might want a new color next year.
GORE RUNNING WEAR Mythos Windstopper Soft Shell Vest
You KNOW the weather has to be bad for me to climb aboard a Dread-mill. And I'm very much hoping here in Mallorca I never have to use it, but if I DO need to use a treadmill for whatever reason... I'm happy to be yelled at by Matt Wilpers!
Although we have moved to a warm sunny island, there are always winter adventures to be had! These have lasted throughout the years. Warm and breathable. Great winter gear investment!
I have used these puppies during the Snow-Zilla winter running season in Virginia in 2010, in the Zermatt, Switzerland ski village, the North Pole, and even while on a trip chasing the northern lights. This one pair has hundreds of miles on them, maybe even a few more miles in the winter mountains of Mallorca. They've gone the distance!
Cycling:
The cycling category definitely got the most upgrades in 2023. I was rocking my 12+ year old Tri bike in the beginning of the season but ended the season with a new set of hot-wheels. I am beyond happy with my bike setup right now, and can’t see making any changes for many years!
I've got three $15 fans floating around the DCR Cave (previously Honeywell ones, but seems to be rebranded as Amazon Basics now), and I frequently use them on rides. They work just fine. Sure, they're not as powerful as a Wahoo Headwind, but I could literally buy 20 of them for the same price.
Surely you don't need all the details, but this was a game changer product for me, especially going into full Ironman distance cycling. Long lasting, even on race days having swam before the bike. 100% one of my favorite product finds of 2023!
We picked these bike bags for several reasons, mainly due to the "hybrid" nature of it being a softshell case (easier to pack into smaller European rental cars), and because it still has a hard frame on the inside to secure the bike to. So far so good.
I am sure there are many features that I am underutilizing with this unit, but I love the size of it, the lack of glare on the glass, and it just does all the things I want it to. I find Garmin products as a whole easy to navigate, and I like having all my sports tech gear all on the same platform. So having a Garmin one thing and a Wahoo other thing, just isn't a thing for me... see what I did there?
Prior to this watch I had the Fenix 5S, and hands down this is my favorite series line up from Garmin. I wear it all day every day, I personally like the big watch face, and I do have a few extra straps for fancier looks. I have been trying the Fenix 8 (AMOLED) the last few months, but I'm switching back to this one any day now. Not only are the menus less confusing, but the battery life is better.
I used to say I didn’t care about the pedals, and I’ll just use “whatever Ray has kickin’ around”, but after 6 frustrating months of riding a different brand of pedals, I can wholeheartedly tell you, Ray’s not getting these Garmin pedals back.
GORE BIKE WEAR Women's lady WINDSTOPPER Soft Shell Tights
I purchased these GORE pants a long long time ago. I think the GORE name speaks for itself, as they are still in great condition, so I couldn't be happier with the purchase.
I love this helmet specifically for the SELFFIT auto adjusting size system they have built into the back. This helmet is the first cycling helmet that I’ve ever worn that doesn’t give me pressure headaches, even for 100+ mile rides.
Total game changer for me. This saddle is so supportive, yet narrow enough that I don't get saddle sores in all the wrong places. My search for the perfect saddle has landed here.
With the 700c wheels (an upgrade from my 650s), and the 48cm bike frame, she fits like it was custom made for me. I couldn’t be happier with the set up!
Super quality shoes, I always stick with Shimano! I did find a weird sizing issue. I’m a size 7US/ 38EU, and these shoes say 7US/ 39EU. So pay attention if you’re buying in Europe, I had to bump up a European shoe size?
As a busy mom of 3 + a doggie, this cargo bike gives me the independence to get around the city with the girls everyday of the week! Couldn't be happier that we skipped the carseat-minivan phase! As we've moved to Mallorca, we still use this for trips to the beach and more!
Let’s be honest, I’m going to ride on whatever Ray sets up for me. BUT, I had first dibs on riding the KICKR MOVE and I really like that the trainer moves with me. I find it helps relieve saddle pressure on the longer indoor training rides.
I’m a Zoot fan all day long. Their Tri shorts double as my regular cycling shorts. Note: I find their sizing runs a bit small. I wear a medium in the tri shorts, and I like the 6” inseam, as I found the 4” inseams roll-up the thigh while cycling.
Swimming:
Alas, I’ve been dragged back to the pool this year in the name of triathlon. I have an interesting love-hate relationship with swimming. If all the waters I swam in were as warm and clear as Kona, HI, we’d be having a different conversation. Until then, here’s what I’m bumbling around in in the pool.
Prior to this watch I had the Fenix 5S, and hands down this is my favorite series line up from Garmin. I wear it all day every day, I personally like the big watch face, and I do have a few extra straps for fancier looks. I have been trying the Fenix 8 (AMOLED) the last few months, but I'm switching back to this one any day now. Not only are the menus less confusing, but the battery life is better.
I use these for open water swim and race-day googles. These are pretty big on the face, but I love them for open water. Huge field of vision, no leaks over a 2.4 mile ocean swim!
This is my go-to suit year after year. They last, the elastics are really durable, they fit, no fuss, price is perfect. Winner Winner
Everything Else Keeping Me Going:
Here’s the list of stuff I use day-in and day-out that contributes to my training output, I just didn’t know where else to list them, so here you go. And yes, the coffee machine counts as a triathlon training device!
I love that the Blender Bottles don't hang onto the smell of the old shakes or dishwasher. I use these so often that I need to be able to toss them in the dishwasher without an afterthought.
I drink this after every workout no matter how long or intense. I'm chronically crunched for time and therefore under-fed; having a protein shake post workout helps get those muscles recovering much faster! This stuff is the best out there!
I've tried other "off brand" percussion massagers and they don't really pack the same punch as the Theragun. I use this regularly on the main muscle groups in my legs after big workouts.
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Seems a bit unfair that Ray got all the comments up to now, therefore I am leaving you one:
I am on board with the Incylence running socks! Great quality and nice design! I have plenty of them (low, high, the merino ones are great as well, especially for cycling in autumn / spring).
And, since I have rather slim wrists, I also used a Fenix 5s for a long time (actually until it died last month). I guess I am replacing it with a 255s today, since it’s on sale for 229€ :-)
Therabody themselves have a 150 euro Black Friday discount on the Elite (4th gen), and if you head over to the therabody store on amazon.de that same thing is even 10% more discounted at 222 euro. I’m tempted.
Only thing stopping me from getting one is I wish they gave some kind of training on how to use it on stores, I’m a little clumsy and don’t trust myself not damaging myself with it 😅
Thanks Bobbie
Interesting that you prefer the Fenix Pro and Ray prefers the Epix Pro.
I can’t decide between the two. I’ve always had a Fenix but then Epix wasn’t an option before so don’t know which way to go.
Take the Epix, the screen is much better. I used Fenixs since Fenix 2 and as soon as the OLED was available I jumped the ship and never looked back.
I even stoped side eyeing the Apple Watch (mostly for its nicer screen, don’t need the „smart“ function)
I bought my husband the epix pro 2, but they don’t have the old Ironman m dot watch face he likes. In fact the choices seem so limited. I’m scared if I use the “face it” feature and design one with the simple black background and the m dot in the center, the screen will burn. So couple questions:
1. Which faces do you recommend?
2. How do I avoid amoled burn if I design him one?
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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.
Seems a bit unfair that Ray got all the comments up to now, therefore I am leaving you one:
I am on board with the Incylence running socks! Great quality and nice design! I have plenty of them (low, high, the merino ones are great as well, especially for cycling in autumn / spring).
And, since I have rather slim wrists, I also used a Fenix 5s for a long time (actually until it died last month). I guess I am replacing it with a 255s today, since it’s on sale for 229€ :-)
Therabody themselves have a 150 euro Black Friday discount on the Elite (4th gen), and if you head over to the therabody store on amazon.de that same thing is even 10% more discounted at 222 euro. I’m tempted.
Only thing stopping me from getting one is I wish they gave some kind of training on how to use it on stores, I’m a little clumsy and don’t trust myself not damaging myself with it 😅
Thanks Bobbie
Interesting that you prefer the Fenix Pro and Ray prefers the Epix Pro.
I can’t decide between the two. I’ve always had a Fenix but then Epix wasn’t an option before so don’t know which way to go.
Take the Epix, the screen is much better. I used Fenixs since Fenix 2 and as soon as the OLED was available I jumped the ship and never looked back.
I even stoped side eyeing the Apple Watch (mostly for its nicer screen, don’t need the „smart“ function)
For the Chafe Balm link – goes to https://www.amazon.nl Spreek je Nederlands?
We’re long time fans of yours Ray!
I bought my husband the epix pro 2, but they don’t have the old Ironman m dot watch face he likes. In fact the choices seem so limited. I’m scared if I use the “face it” feature and design one with the simple black background and the m dot in the center, the screen will burn. So couple questions:
1. Which faces do you recommend?
2. How do I avoid amoled burn if I design him one?
Thanks!