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.
-
Check out my weekly podcast - with DesFit, which is packed with both gadget and non-gadget goodness!
-
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 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.
I would like to have a power meter on my road bike!
I got the Vivoactive I wanted! Unfortunately, the 6-pack abs and ready-made endurance didn’t come with it. Maybe in the new year!
New running shoes, because I’ve 2 marathons to train for and you can never, ever, ever have enough running shoes!
Garmin 920xt because my wife has one and I don’t!
The 630 would be fine for running!
Fenix 3 because then I could look all snazzy
A fenix 3 or ambit3 because the battery on my 620 does not last long enough on the trails.
Garmin Fenix 3, because it’s indestructible and would be awesome as a present for a friend who loves hikes!
A Garmin 920xt! I’ve registered for my first Ironman (Chattanooga 140.6 in September). currently spending my money on diapers and baby food (for my 10 month old not me).
Didn’t get the power meter I was desperately hoping for. Right now looking at a Powertap 24H Shimano freehub one as I have multiple bikes and it seems the easiest way to move between rides. Been wanting to train with power this year since my riding buddy got the Quarq.
I’d love the 4iiii power meter!
I’d like to get me a Tacx Neo as my trainer in use is a bit noisy…
Would go for a Garmin Edge 520…that way, I’d know when I need to care about incoming calls while riding!
I have been dreaming of Polar M400 for ages! For ages! I know it’s not the newest, best gadget, but it is great and has all the functions I need.
A new garmin 520?
I would buy a Garmin 235 to start training for a duathlon, my first multi sport event.
I’d buy a Garmin Fenix 3 because its way cooler than my Fenix 2…
Got my Polar V800 from Santa, but I need another one. The watch is so cool that i want to give another one to my training bud.
One of the new Garmin watches…because sometimes I want to read my text messages and emails without taking the phone out of my pocket.
I would put the credit toward a new smart trainer.
Forerunner 630 because newer is better. ;)
A Fenix3 would be great for keeping track of my biking and swimming.
Got my eyes on the Powertap P1 pedals, it would be a great improvement in my training.
I would go for 4iiii precision power meter because it’s what i really wanted for Christmas!
I’d love a new trainer. I’m rocking a generic mag trainer and while it gets the job done, it sure would be nice to have something with more resistance and smart capabilities.
Finis Neptune MP3 player… It would def make my time in the pool go by faster. And take my mind of the weirdo swimming in his underpants in the next lane. … Yuck….
If the Watteam’s out, then I’d probably spring for that. If not, I might go for a Fenix 3 or maybe a Suunto Traverse if there’s a review out.
I got a pair of Yaktrax for running on ice !
I would purchase whatever new device(s) Garmin releases at CES that supersedes the other Garmin devices I already own. Because it isn’t enough to have the multiple Garmin devices – they must also be the latest and greatest Garmin devices.
I think it is time to get a GPS. If the wahoo isn’t out, I guess the Garmin 520 then?
Probably a Garmin 520, as I have a basic bike computer (no GPS, no ANT+) and looking at the 920XT on my wrist is not very convenient (I don’t have the quick release kit as I’m too afraid to loose the watch during the swim leg)
I’d love to have a bike trainer just because is winter and never I had one
Need powe meter badly Santa.
Garmin Index Scale
@dcrainmakerblog (AKA Santa) All I want for (after) Christmas this year is a Garmin Forerunner 920XT Multisport Fitness Watch. The Tri Bundle with the 920XT Watch (Black & Silver), HRM-Tri, HRM-Swim, quick release kit, and charging/data cradle. :-)
I did my first triathlon in September 2015 and I’m planning on doing a half Iron Man in 2016. The 920XT will help a lot with training!
Thanks!
I would like some cold weather running gear so I don’t have to be stuck on a treadmill all winter.
A Garmin Fenix 3 would be great! Instead of my Polar V800 that never get their promised functions in time.
id go with the fenix 3!!!
I would most definitely pick up a new garmin 920xt watch which would be a great upgrade from 310 and a perfect companion on my first ironman in july 2016!
The Garmin Fenix3 because number crunching inspires my training
I’d pick a Gopro Hero 4 Silver. One of my aims for 2016 is to better document my, training, travels and little ones. This would be perfect.
I would get the new Fenix3!
My trusty 310xt is going well but something a bit less bulky (fenix 3, 235?) would be nice.
That Wahoo cycle desk looks good to me. The reason; I spend too much time at the desk and maybe I could type while riding. I could certainly read.
Fenix 3 – not only does it look great to wear all day you can do all your exercise as well.
I would love to win and would choose a new Wahoo kicker. Thanks for the giveaway!
I’m dreaming of a GoPro 4 black
Garmin Edge 520 with speed/cadence sensor to upgrade from my basic bike computer!
Qubo Digital Trainer! I just got intro cycling after my running career led to many injuries. Bought a new bike but have nowhere to use it in the Midwest! Thanks again Ray for all the reviews and happy holidays.
I would get the Fenix 3 in grey. Best of all would be the Fenix model but with an optical HR built in
The new Wahoo element bike computer.
I would love to get a Garmin 920xt. I got a Polar V800 and so regret it now.
Put that money toward an app-friendly trainer and Zwift and get socializing on the interwebs! It’s indoor training season!
Fenix 3 for me! Thanks Ray!!
I would get the Garmin Epix
I would get a forerunner 235 for my mother so she wouldn’t need to carry a heart rate monitor.
Ambit3
A Garmin Edge 520 would have been nice but all I got was a pair of boardies that didn’t fit. Cheers Santa! :o)
With the winning package I would get a new Garmin simply so that my better half will have one. She is training for a Half ironman (her first!) at Coeur D’alane and we are quite a bit cash strapped so unfortunately it’s not something I can get her at the moment.
Thanks all and have a great new years!
my edge 810 is on its last leg, so I would most certainly get a replacement for that!
I’d get a new power meter to replace my wonky vectors!
A fenix 3. Definitely a fenix 3.
Can’t stop thinking about those powertap P1 pedals!
A powertap, because I need a powermeter.
Tacx Vortex Smart – because it snows in Boston.
I’d buy a Garmin Fenix 3 because its the most complete… In my opinion it’s close to be perfect…
I’d get a trainer. Difficult to get bike rides I had been doing in and it’s now winter. Time to get it back.
I would love a new direct drive trainer because they’re more quiet and have power
Would put it towards Powertap C1 power meter setup. A great year of riding and running to all the DCRainmaker family.
I’d have to get a Fenix 3 because it’s pretty much the complete package.
I would get an indoor trainer. I have been wanting one for sometime, just haven’t pulled the trigger yet!
I’d put it toward some new bike clothing/shoes/gear since I trashed all my good stuff in a nasty crash a couple weeks ago!
Garmin 920xt. Stepping up the triathlon programme this year,and I want to track my swimming progress.
Gosh, if I got $500, I’d probably get a Polar V800, or maybe something that has a built in heart rate monitor. Who knows? That would be awesome if I won.
Santa brought a Scosche Rhythm from Clever. I’d get a Tacx smart trainer or crank based power meter to amp up winter training.
I’d get a HRM-Run™ to go with my new Forerunner 630.
Would love to get the wahoo kickr but not the desk
I must say my garmin 920xt fits almost all my needs, but a more bike oriented product would surely make me happy :)
Definitely a Tacx Neo. Need to connect to the Garmin 520 and need a quite trainer for the sleeping baby.
Fenix 3 – want a new running watch and would like to get into trying ultras
Garmin vector is tempting but so many great options. Thanks for doing this.
I would definitely get the Garmin Fenix 3. I love its looks and functionality but unfortunately it is out of my budget reach.
Hey! I would love a tri watch, ie Garmin Fenix 3 for my first Olympic distance one, coming up in May.
Definitely the FR920XT. The first watch I’ve seen that will cover all my different sports!
I’d like the Power Tap P1 pedals.
Dec
I’ll probably get the Forerunner 630, just because I want one!
I need a power meter to tell me how weak I am! Actually, getting dropped tells me how weak I am, but it would be nice to quantify it.
I’d get the new Garmin 235 running watch so I can say goodbye to heart rate straps for good,!
A Wahoo KICKR to train in the miserable winters…
Probably a Garmin Varia set since commuting in the dark of winter becomes crazy dangerous all of a sudden.
I would like a Tacx Satori Smart trainer, since my old trainer got lost in a move and an extra that had been living at my brother’s house seems to also have gone missing, leaving me trainerless this winter.
Fenix 3 or maybe Epix or Ambit 2 watch, in either case to update from my current Forerunner 310XT
Torn between a Forerunner 920XT Tri bundle and a 4iiii power meter. Be my guide!
I’d like to grab the Fenix3 for my ultra coming up
A Fenix4 for the trails. In case it isn’t announced in time, I’ll fly with the old bird, i.e. The Fenix3.
I would get the fenix 3 or a suunto, to use it for two of my hobbies: running and geocaching!
I wanted a fr230 :( because I lost my FR220 a few months ago and have been using a FR10
I’d get the Fenix3 because it’s a hell of a watch for a first running watch.
I’d go for a power meter. Something I don’t have that could make a big difference in how I train. Model TBD after reading your great guide, Ray!
I’d get the Garmin Forerunner 235! My old Garmin GPS watch finally died so it would be great to get a new one with the optical HR sensor.