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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!
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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!
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.
What about the Kuai headset?
They say they’re going to display it on CES.
If it does all they claim it would, this would be a really interesting fitness device.
Would be great if you could give it a spin or even take it for a short run.
Have fun at the show!
Yup, I’ve got a discussion with them right now about getting in a test run. Hopefully that’ll work out.
Super cool! Can’t wait to read your thoughts.
Hey Ray.
You should check out Dantracker. A gps tracker to hide in your bike in case of theft. :-) I would love to see a comment on that, with all the bike stealing in big city’s.
+1
Hmm, I can’t quite tell if they’ll be at CES, but definitely cool. I’d seen similar tech in the past, but in a bigger form factor that didn’t fit into most tubes of higher end bikes. This looks smaller.
Just looked at their site, says it souldn’t be covered in metal so I guess it wouldn’t work in a seat post?
Hi Ray,
Looking forward to the CES announcements.
Read yesterday about new Garmin Fenix 3. Among them one with built in HR.
Can you confirm this already?
Hahaha reading your post I googled, and looks like Garmin is ready for this one as google indexed the page but the page itself is inaccessible unless logged in….
More interesting is the link comes from Garmin Newsroom itself, with the URL stating image CES 2016, it would be called the Garmin Fenix 3 HR 1…. Why the 1? Is there and HR 2 also? See image below for proof…
link to the5krunner.com
Looks like details have leaked. Will have to wait and see. I’m probably going to pick this up, I want one watch that can provide my running dynamics / info, gym info and support me in the mountains (and has Optical HR).
Once the DCR review is out I’ll make up my mind :)
“The new fēnix 3 Sapphire watches will be available in Q1 2015. The fēnix 3 HR will have a suggested retail price of $599.99, the titanium fēnix 3 Sapphire will have a suggested retail price for $799.99, and the fēnix 3 Sapphire with leather and nylon bands will have a suggested retail price of $599.99.”
$800 for a garmin watch?!? That’s $200 more than the Fenix 3 Sapphire. That thing better be pooping gold for that price. I’ll stick with my fenix 3 + $65 Scoshe, thank you.
How’s that Scoshe for 24×7 HR? :)
Either way, be interesting to see if they’ve updated GPS hardware. I see the accuracy thread on the Garmin Forums is still quite healthy at 200k views and over 1800 posts.
The Scosche Rhythm + has a limited battery life of 8 hours. That isn’t suitable for 140.6 distance triathlete per the documentation that I can find as of right now However, it appears to be an awesome product that is also waterproof. That plus a selection of colors will ensure a purchase at what I consider to be a great price.
Nice, glad to see Randy again, will look forward for your posts as last year this was very entertaining.
Agreed, good to have you back in the mix Randy!
Keep track of your steps as well for a possible bonus DCR giveaway ;-)
Can you ask Garmin if there is new hardware in the “new” fenix3 watches. Especially new GPS hardware…
The big question: Will Limits man their booth???
They don’t have a booth here.
Is this the wrong show? Perhaps I mixed CES with Interbike?
Hoping to see a new Scosche optical HR strap (or equivalent performing device from another entrant), but with promise for accurate HRV / RR data and possibly improved battery life. Possible?
Hi Ray
Before any official presentation, which of the “traditional” gps watches brands (Garmin, Polar and Suunto) do you think that will present the most interesting/revolutionary product?
Thanks
Considering that Ray probably already knows what Garmin, Suunto, and Polar will be announcing, and is also is under NDA/embargo for that information, I doubt he’d be able to give any meaningful answer to that question.
Hi Ray,
I am really looking forward to your coverage, as I am eagerly waiting for a sports watch with optical HR covering all activities (running, swimming, fitness, steps, …) and with good Google Fit / Apple Health integration. I find it mind boggling that such a device does not yet exist…
I have also often wondered why I never read anything from you on the Sony sports headset with integrated sports tracking and coaching, I think it is called the Sony Smart B-Trainer. Such a device would not cover all my needs, but still I would be interested in getting one as it is a very attractive solution for workouts where you want some music, all covered trough the headset without any hassle with additional devices and bluetooth pairing.
I’ll watch this space closely over the coming days :-)
Hey Ray – Since someone mentioned the new Fenix above already, that brings up a Garmin question I have – do you know if Garmin is planning to support multiple activity trackers for a single person? It would be great to wear a 235/630/Fenix3 while running – and then my (much smaller) Vivosmart the rest of the day and get a total step count, without needing to wear two devices while running.
Thanks!
I have heard rumors that its being worked on, but I’m not holding my breath.
It only makes sense for them to allow for it as now that their running / cycling focus watches support activity tracking, but those watches aren’t necessarily meant to be worn all day. Heck, even with the new Microsoft band, you can use your phone to keep track of steps if our not wearing your band.
I am looking at my unopened schosche rythm+ that came in the mail today! Wondering if I should strap it on for a run or wait a week to see what is coming out. :-/
Any suggestions for iOS treadmill apps compatible with rythm+?
Wait.
Hi,
obviously can’t give you as thorough a rundown of treadmill apps as Ray would, but I’ve been researching treadmill apps a bit myself.
The company that helped MIO get their App of the ground are now independent and have an App called Fittrip. As you have a HRM possibly you are happy with HR controlling speed? (There is a calibration function). They are doing lots of updates soon, but I don’t know what. Hopefully it will include cadence sensing.
I haven’t tested these yet, as I am waiting for a flat screen TV to install in my cave
1) run social; for this I am more excited about a device called a TreadTracker than the App itself. It is a wheel that goes under the treadmill and a future batch is going to transmit standard Bluetooth RSC (Running speed cadence). They are testing currently. Essentially it is an awesome idea. I hope it works and sends RSC, as then other apps/phones will be able to use it! (Their App doesn’t record HR). It does make me a bit nervous that Ray hasn’t mentioned it though.
The App also can get stride rate from when the phone gets bumped with each stride. I intend to try this and send the phone, via Airplay, to the flat screen TV…
2) bitgym; this one uses the phone camera to sense cadence and adjust the speed. I intend to again Airplay the images. I can’t see a HRM pairing option for this one either.
So my findings are that it depends how you want to control speed and if you have a watch that can record your HR/cadence.
Those were the best I found. I hope this is a bit helpful.
Cool suggestions! Very interesting this treadtracker! If it would broadcast PACE and DISTANCE to any head unit, there would be no more need for a footpod on a treadmill!
Has the Ampstrip been rebranded? Someone must have bought this technology.
Hey Rainmaker-
will you be hosting any kind of meet ups while at CES? I plan to be out there as well for some work obligations.
As a garmin geek and fan I love the Vivosmart HR but there are faults with it (check forum threads) and it would be good if Garmin could be asked about this.
The Vivosmart HR is garbage. I used it for about two weeks and while it recorded resting HR just fine any activity was all over the place. Returned and back to my VivoFit. I’m anxious to see what the Fenix will deliver. I was going to get a Fenix for Christmas but thought I’d wait for CES. I’m counting on a good review of the Fenix HR, Ray! ? This is finally my year for a Fenix!
Hi Ray,
I’d be interested to get your impression on the new Mio Slice that they are introducing. The PAI metric looks like it might be a game changer?? From what I’ve read, the algorithm is based off of the HUNT study and if that all jives, it seems that setting goals based off of your own resting and max heart rate, gender and age would be very cool. Biggest thing to me would be if the new App for Mio would be improved since the current one could be better. Let me know what you think if you get a chance to check it out.
Thanks man!
yeah – the Mio Slice looks like a great entry into the market. Not just steps- but your actual exertion. I’m thinking along the lines of a TRIMP score. Certainly is the right direction to go with activity trackers. Kudos Mio. Does it *transmit* Bluetooth/ANT+ HR?
The Fenix3HR looks like the extreme killer device. I doubt they re-designed the GPS antenna. I won’t be an early adopter of a new complex Garmin product (how many firmware versions have they gone through?)- but that watch, when (if) it works, may actually be worth $600. Pretty cool.
While useful for an activity traker so they can do more then just step count I think its more along the lines of exertion vs not exertion and not trimp. So won’t know if you’re pushing really hard or just a light jog that gets you’re heart up.
Well the Mio pai app is available in the app store now. It is supposed to be compatible with other Mio devices. I own the Fuse and Alpha 2. I am going to download it and see how well the app syncs and works with my existing devices. I have to give kudos to Mio for extending this to existing devices vs making you purchase the new one (although the pai score will not be able to be shown on the older devices themselves. So I can see the value of the new device. The price point appears to be 99.00 and that’s a pretty good deal too since it will include smart notifications which the older devices don’t
Hi I was wondering if you have tried the camera Clip 2 from Narrative. Could help you maybe? Worth a test? .
Will we be seeing more info on the new GoPro Drone?
Hey Ray,
Any word from Garmin on a new Edge 820 or what ever will replace the 810?
My guess is the 810 won’t be replaced till the 1000 is replaced and all of that will wait till sea otter to be 2 years after the 1000 comes out. Also guessing Ray is under NDA and can’t say a thing
Don’t doubt your guess, would like to hear Ray’s take on it if he can. Also, given the 810 is a couple years old and the 1000 is only a little over a year old, and the 520 has capabilities the 810 doesn’t, seems like the 810 update is over due.
I disagree. There is very little difference in features.Where there are differences, they are hardware specific and so cannot be given in an update.
link to dcrainmaker.com
I think Garmin have done a great job in bringing updates to the 810. The only thing I can see missing is some Garmin ANT+ light control.
The big thing I see missing on the 810 is the trainer control and now that I have a smart trainer it matters a little. I look at it this way, if I’m going to upgrade my 800, I want the newest version that does all the things I want, otherwise I can wait. My original comment and question was to Ray to see if he could share any info.
The 810 was basically the same hardware platform as the 800 Sure, new Bluetooth chipset but not much else. It is CPU and ram limited so would be hard to expand further.
The 810 replacement would compete too much with the 1000 so both need to be done at the same time
Any news on a new vivoactive?
Keep your eyes open for any proper (EEG) sleep tracking devices please (a la Zeo, Melon, NeuroOn etc.) that can identify correctly REM sleep cycles. Most activity trackers are just plain garbage when getting serious that level of sleep monitoring. Many thanks!
Actual brain wave based? There are at least three based on Heart rate (Withings Aura, Beddit, Eight (what used to be Luna))
I do agree that the plain activity tracker ones are garbage and wish people stopped thinking they produce any real data. (Ray, you call out other BS data companies report but not this?)
Yes, brain wave based. I was reading James Maas’ “Sleep to Win” which mentioned the Zeo but this device has been discontinued unfortunately. There are some Kickstarter level projects trying to fill the gap but nothing really you could easily get your hands on. Neuroon price is just outright silly considering that you could by a bio-signal acquisition kit (link to op-innovations.com) for 46 US$ (!). Turns out that apparently 90% of common overuse injuries are due to sleep deprivation as we don’t sleep enough (and well enough) to enter the sleep phases where most of the repair work is done…
So…how do you know those other companies are right? Seriously. What non-company-funded study is there that those ones are correct?
There’s so little objective data on those companies it’s just as silly as any others.
It’s been show that activity monitor are not accurate link to huffingtonpost.com
There are real sleep trackers used by medical professionals and so far none of the accelerometer based t trackers want to show any evidence they give the same results
More on that:
link to sleepjunkies.com
James Maas also saying that the commonly available activity trackers are just a joke when it comes to sleep tracking:
link to podcast.runnersconnect.net
It’s basically all pointless as apparently the only way to reliably measure sleep is with an EEG.
Hi Ray,
Who would you say are the good players in optical HR. Any chance of an optical HR comparison review.
Thanks and keep up the good work.
Best ones:
Valencell (powers Scosche, among others)
Mio sensors (used in a variety of devices)
Epson’s sensors (used in Epson’s devices)
Hey Ray
Will you have a look at Bragi’s “The Dash”?
They are in mass production. DevKits have already been sent. Kickstarter are anxiously waiting for their Dashs.
Seems that the product has been manufactured after a long delay/wait.
Weird, new Fenix HR is already in every Garmin page but press release is still on hold in their newsroom. Ray, any review of Fenix HR coming? They won’t specify it on Garmin pages but can you do a workout using optical?
Check out the home page. ;)
You were fast :-), I already placed an order to local Garmin dealer of HR version. Can’t wait to get it to replace my F2
I hope you can do a post on potential new technology. As in devices that may not be consumer level products from a clean UI perspective but actually innovate in terms of what they can do. As in Under Armour getting into the market may be big but there really seems to be nothing new from a tech perspective there.
I’ve got lots of things planned this week.
Hi Ray
Any new about epix? Could you had the opportunity to ask garmin?
Thanks a lt Ray
Regards
Isaac
Noting yet, a bit more detail this week.
hi Ray,
do you plan to dwell on the release of Ambit3 Vertical from Suunto?
Assuming that there will be no further released som Finland (Ambit4) this season?!?
BTW: thank you for the constant flow from CES.
I plan a post later this week, if I get a device.
Hi Ray
Any news about epix?
Thanks a lt Ray
Regards
Isaac