Heads up! Here’s your massive list of sports tech deals! This includes the Garmin Forerunner 965 for just $499, Garmin Epix for $429, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Black Titanium for $735, the GoPro Hero 12 Black for $299, (or Hero 13 bundle for $339!) and plenty more! Go check out the full list 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!
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.
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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 2023 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.
Tough decision… I’d probably chip in a few of my own bucks and pick up the Tacx Vortex Smart. It should make the winter miles a tiny bit more bearable.
Suunto Ambit3 sport with a heart rate monitor because I love Suunto watches for their quality and I’m looking for a training tool that includes HR monitoring.
a Garmin Edge 1000 (or hopefully soon to be announced successor) for not getting lost during an activity due to the poor battery life of my iPhone…
A power meter would be the one for me.
I would love a Garmin 235! Recently started running and being able to track heart rate would help me achieve my goal for my March HM!
I’d get either a FR920 or an EPIX….much as I love my FR910 it’s time to upgrade to colour and one that acts as a better daily timepiece
I’d get a scosche heart reat monitor bc I don’t like the heart rate straps on my garmin!
Power meter, because we all need more power!
Does clever trainer sell wheelsets? If so, Id try to get some of those for my new felt ar3. Or a garmin computer instead of the old 310xt.
amazing site, thanks
Since I’m a rookie and don’t swim, I will go for the Forerunner 235. But a few guys at the office got the Fenix 3 Sapphire and it looks awesome!
Garmin Forerunner 235. I’m looking for an everyday activity tracker with GPS and smartwatch notifications.
The polar A360 because of that pretty screen and the faith that the updates will make the optical HR better with time!
New Garmin 520!
I would get a Forerunner 920XT package; As a newer triathlete having a tool like that would really benefit my training and help me to push myself to the next level.
I would love to get a KICKR! This would make that feasible.
A garmin fenix 3 al the data gives the motivation to go futher
Garmin forerunner 630 – It will be a big upgrade from my existing watch and love all the new fitness data provided.
I’d get an Edge 520.
I would LOVE a 4iiii power meter because my wife rolls her eyes when I mention any bike part.
It would be very nice to have a Garmin F3!
Would use it for a power meter for the wife
The newest Fenix! Because I am most interested in hiking.
I would get a Forerunner 235 because I am tired of using multiple devices throughout the day, a smartwatch for notifications, a fitness tracker and a separate HRM. I would like to combine these 3 devices into 1.
I’d get a Power Tap power meter so I can FINALLY monitor power and improve my cycling. I haven’t owned a power meter before.
A Suunto Ambit3 Peak for my looong trail races.
Hello Ray, an indoor trainer would be great and if I won I’d take a thorough look at your recommendations before choosing. Thank you!
A power meter, probably the Stages crank. Riding on Zwift, with a Tacx Genius, my FTP goes up nicely. But Strava never calculates such a nice numbers for me outdoors. I would like to measure my actual output, but have not bought a powermeter (yet), because my bike is 12 years old, and was only € 800,- to start with.
Seems silly buying a power meter that is more worth then my bike – better save up for a new bike….. Unlees you can win it somewhere :).
Some sort of power meter, for sure, probably 4iiii’s :)
Probably a Garmin multi-sport watch. I always use my Garmins for running and cycling, but am trying to improve my swimming and need something to track my progress in the water.
Well, maybe a power meter like the one from Viiiiva to use on my mountain bike rides…
Id get a garmin 920xt, and gibe my old 910 as a present
I would use it to buy the wahoo trainer. Just can’t make the leap for 1,000 bucks.
I can’t decide between a 4iiii power meter or an Edge 520. I will say my experience with Clever Training has been top notch. I couldn’t be happier with their service.
Fenix 3
I’m willing to train for triathlon and that gadget will help me much
Garmin 920xt tri bundle. It has every feature I could ask for plus the grey color is very cool.
Anything and everything Garmin. I love that company- solid products
And a power2max for Tri bike, ready to move away from powertap hub
Any power meter – something I’d love to have but cant justify buying
I’m a student so no money to buy a Fenix 3 for my father this way I could make him very happy.
a Power meter under my christmas tree ! :)
A 920xt, nicer than the basic GPS watch that doesn’t have all options the 920 does.
Garmin Forerunner 230.
it is really cool device to track my runs, xc skating (when there are no problems with snow like it is now:) ), SeaEagle kayaking and of course beloved cycling trips. universality rocks!
I would pick up a Garmin 520 since I got a D-Fly for Christmas & even though my 510 can support the Di2 integration, I want it in color!
I haven’t made the jump to a power meter yet, so I would want the 4iiii power meter.
I didn’t get a power meter like I asked for – 4iiii or Stages – :( How am I supposed to improve my bike in 2016 if I don’t have a power meter? I mean, c’mon!
GoPro. Not sure yet of the model. I had a nice FauxPro, I loaned it to someone who’s name I won’t share but I call him Dad…anyway I never got it back :-).
I’d get a Kickr or ELEMNT because who doesn’t love wahoo? Also, need to pimp my fatbike with a powermeter.
Garmin 520 to better analyze my rides!
Garmin Edge 520 because I need a new GPS bike computer/
Have to be a Fenix 3, seems to be a great allrounder.
Probably a Garmin 520 and the new HRM Tri strap …
garmin 920xt for me to replace the well used 910xt
I would buy a powermeter, I hear the cycling training will not be the same without it ;)
A KickrSnap would do fine thank you!
I would either get a smart trainer or a power meter. Maybe a Tacx Busihdo or a Power2Max
I’d have to go either 4iii Precision, or go nuts and put it towards a set of PowerTap P1s.
Power meter for my bike :-)
New heart, lungs and legs for me in the 2016 Olympic Athlete bundle version
Garmin 235 – I’m hoping to give heart rate training a try and having a builtin HRM would be sweet!
Powertap P1 to start training with a power meter!!
Decisions, decisions :-)
I would love to get Garmin Edge 520 plus some activity tracker, probably Vivosmart HR! (if your review is recommending it and The Girl thinks its OK for small wrist)
I’d buy a Fenix 3 because it’s a solid product but one for which I would not buy without some assistance from DC and Clever Training.
I would take a power meter, because KOMs are not the only thing that matters…;-)
I would absolutely (and FINALLY) pull the trigger on getting a Tacx Neo. I am soooo close to doing it – in fact, I stopped by here to check the comments on the Neo post one last time before going over to CT’s website.
Already bought a Fenix 3 two weeks ago, I’ll go for the 4iii pod or Favero BePro pedals.
4iii or Stages power meter to compare on-road power with what I get on the trainer.
the garmin forerunner 235. Seems to be a great watch with lots of features and despite the apparently bad battery a worthy replacement for my garmin forerunner 235.
I would get the Forerunner 920-XT
A Fenix 3, because it’s just a little bit better than my Forerunner 10.
I would really like a new sports watch.. the old timex gps is dead and I have been recovering from an ankle injury, back at it now with the little one and this would just aid to my goals.. all the data is also fun to look at over weeks.
I would get a Garmin Forerunner 235 because I want a watch for 24/7 tracking and specific activities.
Fenix 3, my forerunner just did.
I’d get the ANT receiver so I could play video turbo trainer software through to my pc whilst pedalling fast going nowhere.
I’m in need of a new GPS watch, possibly a Garmin 235.
My first power-meter!
Garmin 520. Sorry Kids took all the xmas money.
I’d get a trainer for my bike, for the winter.
4iii powermeter, because it would be good to have a second powermeter for my other bike.
Powertap C1. Seems like a great entry level power meter which is what im after.
Would go for a Garmin forerunner 230 with hrm. Would compliment the Edge 510 I use for cycling and help give me some extra fitness data.
I would put it towards getting the Powertap P1 pedals!
Garmin Fenix 3 because I’ve been eyeing the Fenix 2, and a $500 credit makes the 3 a no-brainer!
I picked up some good Smartwool running and cycling socks. Would love a power meter and/or 920xt….
4iiii power meter.. because I just don’t have one :)
I’d get a tacx smart trainer.
I’d probably get a TacX Vortex Smart trainer as I’m really interested in upgrading to a smart trainer.
Hubby above added to my Smartwool sock collection. I’m in the market for a watch that handles cycling as well as running.
Definitely a new trainer. Kickr or Neo, most probably. :D
An Eno hammock, a Yukon drypack, and a Yeti cooler, for camping trips, and a pair of Salomon Men’s S-Lab Sense Ultra trail shoes. I’d stretch it as far as I could. Thanks!
Stages power meter! Gotta train with power for the coming season!
I’d get a Garmin 520 because I need to know how far I can go on my bike.
I would get an Garmin Epix because I think it would be great to have navigation maps right on your wrist.
I would get a 4iiii power meter for my road bike. I have a Power2Max on my Tri Bike but cannot commute with that everyday (Yes I know I could, but I prefer my road bike). The problem is, my road bike is a Cervelo and the bottom bracket standard is not compatible with my Mega Exo Power2Max without a converter. Rather than go through all that, I would rather get a 4iiii power meter for my Road Bike. Been a supporter of their Viiiiva heart rate monitor for a couple years now!
A Garmin forerunner 630. I like the larger face than my FR220 and the running metrics continually call my name.
I would go for a power meter, but maybe a pedal-based one.
I’d get the P1 pedals to ride to the same power meter on any bike or wheel set choice.
I would have to get a TACX smart trainer. That way i still can compete against my knucklehead teammates on ZWIFT. Also trainer road with Sufferfest videos would be sweet to do.
I will definitely look for a power meter. Why? Because I just got an Infinito CV and a power meter would be the finishing touch for such a grand machine :)
I am a trasnplant from Alaska. I ended up in Colorado, and then went back to school to become a doctor. Now living in Kansas City. Finish school next Christmas. The Fenix 3 from Garmin is my choice for fun and frolic.
I would upgrade to a Fenix 3 from my Fenix 2…
The Garmin Fenix 3 is on the top of my list.