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.
Would love to buy and try NiteRider Pro 1800 Race
A Fenic 3 to record all my training and it’s the smartest looking gps watch.
Hopefully a Polar V800 successor with dual BLE/Ant+ chipset – and the ability to load files into Firstbeat software which would allow me directly to use my SRM powermeter and my Firstbeat software. What the heck… Garmin Fenix 3 would do :-)
A power meter would be nice to give me more insights on training this winter
I would like to have a garmin 920, because i like the combination of three Sports.
An reliable optical HRM watch with acoustic zone alarms and lap timer – BTW, which would you recommend??
ohhhh Fenix 3 !
precioussssssss….
soooo pretty !
Garmin FR25 or FR235 would be awesome. Yay! ;)
Powertap pedals – because…. well because they’re powertap pedals!
I get cycleops superMagneto pro
Tacx Vortex Smart to stay in form and work against the massive food input in these days
Kinda split between if I’d get a powermeter or use it towards a trainer. A trainer would be nice for those days when outdoor isn’t really that fun (snow, cold, wet etc…)
PowerTap pedals or chainrings. Why? Because I only got socks & underpants for Christmas so I need to feed my tech hunger!
I would not mind up-grading my Garmin 910 to 920, or getting the Powertap C1 for my new bike :)
Keep up the good work!
Cyril
I’d go for a power meter of some sort!
Some bike computer like a GARMIN edge 520. My POLAR V800 watch is nice, but something more bike specific might be better.
Or a GOPRO?
Definetly a Garmin fenix3 Sapphire, because i think im worth the best in equipment too inspire me to train again and its damn beautiful too <3
I would get a fenix 3 for my sports addict husband.
4iiii power meter. I’ve just discovered the wonders of training with power using virtual power on trainer road. Would love to be able to gather power data while out riding on the road as well as indoors on the trainer
I want to get the new Garmin Fenix3 for my hikes!
I would upgrade my forerunner 10 to something that would pickup GPS signal quicker nothing too fancy but like the new garmin with optical HRM.
Garmin Forerunner 235, to boost again my non-productive 5 year period and get back to “before kids” life with at least one marathon per year.
I shall wish one 4iiii to power meter, to improve in cycling and to be able to survey new collars
Either Fenix 3 or a power meter. Or maybe a 225…
Fenix 3. Just Because!
I’d get a power meter!! It’ll definitely spice up my training
Garmin 630, because the time is always right for a new GPS watch :-)
Asics Men’s Gel Kayano 22 Running Shoe
I didn’t get what I wanted and it’s entirely my own fault?
Wanting to run my first marathon in 2016, I bought some new shoes (no names mentioned?) as a Christmas present for myself. But now I’ve had a massive flare-up of ITB and have already blown the “Trainers Budget”. I would love a pair of Asics Gel Kayano’s as they would allow me to step back into my training regimen soon!
I’d get the Garmin 920xt. It will give me extra stats for training and the extra push to do first triathlon.
Powermeter b/c I reached s bikes and I need something for the winter months.
Garmin 630. Definitely want to control my music from my watch, and love the virtual racer option!
I’d like to get a 4iiii power meter to help improve my climbing.
Zipp SL-70 handlebar for my new bike build. Why ? Because Santa is a woman :)
I would love to get a Fenix 3.
Need to upgrade my old watch to the latest and coolest.
I would get the BSX Gen2 Insight to get a little more scientific about training.
Powertap P1 pedals: I love my Quarq but with different BB standards on my road and tri bike, as well as different gearing, a pedal-based power metre would be great!
Garmin Fenix 3, Garmin Edge 1000, Garmin Varia, one two leg power meter, some kind of trainer…
every year I have a long list of items that I wanted, but I didn’t got, so next year I will be a good boy and I hope Magic Kings (who bring presents for Christmas in Spain), bring me, just one of them… Or I can win this giveaway, get one of them and be a bad boy all the year :-)
I didn’t get a nice actvity tracker from Santa because:
– Santa didn’t visit us (here in the Netherlands, we have Sinterklaas instead)
– We agreed to give max. $25 presents
I would like to win a new activity tracker for replacing my Fitbit Chare HR. I am still doubting which to choose. Too many options. Candidates:
– Polar A360
– Garmin Vivosmart HR
– A new product from the CES 2016 (e.g. successor Fitbit Chare HR or Successor Polar M400 with heartrate monitor build in)
I would be thrilled with a Garmin Vivosmart HR for tracking my daily activities, making sure I lose more weight and it would be nice for tracking my running.
Thanks for your great reviews and have a good 2016 for you and the Girl.
Forerunner 235 would be perfect training tool.
With 500 dollars of credit, I would buy a head unit that works with a power meter and a camera for under the saddle.
Would get an Edge 520 as my 500 is getting tired
A stabilized action cam!!!
Will allow me to
1) share with friends and relatives
2) motivate lazy people!!
I would like to have a Garmin Edge 810 cycling computer performance and navigation bundle so I can train beter and I never get lost.
I would like to swap to Garmin because my 3 year old Polar isn´t waterproof. So Fenix 3 or 2 would be perfect.
I’d buy a trainer, I need it for training in winter, too many days without training because of the rain…
A Suunto Ambit3 watch as my ageing Ambit2 is starting to creak a bit and the buttons are getting sticky. Can’t see it making it through next year and got the longest races (2 mile open water swim and a 40 mile open country night fell race) of my career lined up for 2016.
Depending of the specs in CES 2016 either Garmin or Suunto new tri package.
I’d get a power meter. Simply because I lack one.
Probably a 920t as my wife bought me a Garmin Swim HRM and I don’t have anything to use it with.
Didn’t get anything this Christmas :(
So, if I’ll win, I would spend the credit on a Fenix3 Sapphire Performer Bundle. It would also be a great motivation to start to run again after quite some time!
Make the move to a Garmin 520 with HRM the make sure all is in order on Heart Attack Recovery mode
BSX Insight. Really cool idea.
There are so many things I would have loved to get for Christmas (Santa would be bankrupt by now if he were to meet my requests…)! Anyway I’d settle for a new GPS watch (anything from the 230 to the 920xt) or a trainer (I was looking into the tacx vortex smart but could go for something cheaper…)
We decided not to exchange gifts in order to give the kids something extra fun, hence no gifts whatsoever for me. But with $500 to spend, I could easily see myself with both a BSX running edition and a Garmin Vivoactive. It will be like christmas and birthday at the same time!
Difficult:) I would choose an indoor trainer or maybe the GoPro HERO4. Although the Fenix3 looks pretty tempting.
Tough question as I have all that I need to do my trainings and races… But a gift for a loved one would be great (and he/she can pick something).
DCR ROCKS!!!
bePro S Single Side Power Pedals – To be able to start tracking power and get better :)
power meter or smart trainer for me! why not both!! :O
I would love to get the new Virb XE because it would be so friendly with my Fenix 3 !
My Polar M400 just died. So, I’d definitely start with a new running watch. Or — as I have been thinking about broadening my horizon — maybe a triathlon watch. And, indeed, the plan of moving towards triathlon will no doubt entail a great deal of other purchases…
I would absolutely love a Garmin 920xt tri bundle. Looking to go full distance next year and this would be magic!
Well, a powermeter obvs!
Hello. I’d like to get a home trainer, preferably a smart one to use Zwift when it rains or snows outside. Thanks Ray and CT.
As I’m training for my 4th Ironman distance, I read with great interest about the BSX Insight. After discussing it with my coach, decided I’m more than likely going to buy one..eventually. Other purchases for myself as well as friends/family have a rather negative impact on my bank account and have wait a little while so that can recover ;) So, that’s what I’d purchase for use during the 2016 training season leading up to the Ironman in August. Thanks!
I would get a Pioneer touchscreen cycle-computer for my bicycle.
I need to renew my old Garmin 620 with a 630 after 2 years of running with.
I would go for the 4iiii precision meter!
I wanted to get the polar m400 but I cannot deal with the idea of mixing two platforms, Garmin and Polar, to quantify my training.
One of the low-price powermeters, because i need one.
I’d love to win a Elite Qubo Digital-ANT+/Bluetooth Smart Wireless Indoor Cycling Home Trainer. I’m laid-up right now with a bad case of Plantar fasciitis and would love to get some indoor cycling time in during the Winter.
I would get the Garmin Fenix3. My forerunner 910xt finally gave in after many years.
definitely a power meter to try to get some sense of my trainnings
I’d go for the new Gen2 BSX Insight – why? Because I’m quite data driven and having a specific, accurate physiological marker to base improvement off would be very useful for me.
I had the best Christmas ever without any gifts. I sure would’ve liked to get a new Fenix 3, since I want to start with tri! ;)
So many choices, so little time. I think the Garmin 910XT or some new version of that watch, would be on the top of my list.
I would most deff go for a pair of Garmin vector pedals!
Fenix 3 it is!
A Wahoo trainer would be super nice, just to warm up the Calgary winter nights.
I’d get a Withings Activité. Stylish!
Cycliq Fly 6.
A recent tragedy with a friend would have identified the driver with one of these.
I would love to be able to start the new years with a new Garmin watch. I’m not sure which model yet. Currently love the 635 but only because I never dared to hope for a Fenix!
I’d like garmin edge 520. I already have edge 500, great device, but the 520 is more connected and i could improve my cycling performace connecting the wahoo rpm that i will soon buy!
Garmin 635, oh no they didn’t bother to make that one. I would get a 235, I like the idea of optical for casual tracking and all day hear rate tracking
I’d get the 4iii p.m, think it’s a great offers and a lot more confident after the software update you mentioned, thanks!
I’d love to have a Fenix 3 sapphire. I’m tired of Polar products recently, they don’t work as they’re suppose to.
Since this holiday season I’m a bit broke for some work problems I’ll keep my hopes on this give away.
May the force be with me this time
Cheers
I suppose I’d get a Fenix3: my wife and I just had a baby girl and are thinking of doing a springtime triath to get back in shape!
Probably some bike comp like a garmin 530, curious to have a bit more tracking for stats!
Powertap P1 pedals might be the thing to look for. Now that gotten used to power via kickr, it’s tempting idea to track power also outdoors next summer…!
I’m hoping to do a triathlon next year so a new harming watch or a power meter would be a great start to my training next year!
I’d get a Garmin golf approach, for a golf addict :)
After using my Polar V800 for over a year I would want to test the Garmin Fenix 3.
A new training watch would be great!
Fenix 3 for me, because i start triatlon in 2k16 :)
4iiii’s Precision Power Meter will be super :)
Fenix 3 for me, because i gave my boyfriend for her birthday .
Garmin Forerunner 235! :)
I would like a powermeter that will fit my mountainbike, still curious on what my power output is, and I love more data in connect….
Would be great to put it towards a 4iiii power meter first time to get a power meter for me.
Rose Gold Sapphire Fenix 3 because it looks a lot nicer than my orange 310XT