Ray Maker
@dcrainmakerblog
I write about sports tech and endurance sports. I also put together some pretty detailed product reviews along the way...stop by the site or YouTube!
Updated handle here (now fully validated): bsky.app/profile/dcrain…
Apple's WatchOS 26 Public Beta is out, and with it, Workout Buddy. I've been putting this to the test over the past month on all assortment of workouts, and have a good grasp of it (including where it's great...and bad). Here's everything you need to know: dcrainmaker.com/2025/07/apple-…

It's my 2025 'Gear I Use' list, with all the sports tech and non-sports tech gear that I actually use when I'm not testing something else. From swim to bike to run, and plenty more within the sports/fitness realm. Dive in: dcrainmaker.com/2025/07/2025-s…

Rouvy Acquires BKOOL Indoor Cycling Platform: Here's what you need to know: dcrainmaker.com/2025/07/rouvy-…
It's been interesting to see that reviewers that were given this device, *had to sign an agreement* that they wouldn't discuss DJI, or where they got the drone from, or any comparisons/similarities to DJI products. Sigh...
Security researcher Kevin Finisterre, working with peer experts, linked the SkyRover X1—the #drone reviewed recently by @airphotography3 to @DJIGlobal cloud via code hidden in its smartphone app. This confirms earlier hunches... @d0tslash @konrad_it dronexl.co/2025/07/22/sky…
Security researcher Kevin Finisterre, working with peer experts, linked the SkyRover X1—the #drone reviewed recently by @airphotography3 to @DJIGlobal cloud via code hidden in its smartphone app. This confirms earlier hunches... @d0tslash @konrad_it dronexl.co/2025/07/22/sky…
Once again in sports tech for the 2nd time in a month, it’s not the actual security bug that gets you in trouble. But rather, not properly triaging inbound security issues. When security professionals give up trying to help, and go public, that’s when things actually hit the fan.
Imagine reporting a Strava vulnerability that lets you access ALL (pro) cyclists' data-- heart rate, power, everything (!!), even when the user has it explicitly set to hidden. And this is the response you get
The whole FDA/Whoop MG blood pressure kerfuffle is pretty interesting. At first glance, I was inclined to agree with Whoop's take (and even their accuracy based on my testing). But man, the FDA's letter is excruciatingly damning if you read it through. fda.gov/inspections-co…
FORM's just announced their new FORM Swim Smart 2 Pro goggles, which adds in Corning Gorilla Glass for the lens, and then new software features atop that. Here's your full review with everything you need to know! dcrainmaker.com/2025/07/form-s…

A bunch of new deals added including ones for the Polar H9 & H10 HR sensors, the Suunto Race & Suunto Vertical GPS watches, Suunto Aqua headphones, Peloton gear, Apple headphones & AirTags, DJI Neo drone for $159...and a ton more devices. List up to 70+ units!
Here’s your massive sports tech deals on Amazon Prime Days! From the Fenix 8 for $100 off, to the Garmin Epix for just $459, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at $649, and GoPro Hero 13 for $329. Plus smart trainers, drones, action cams, and tons more! Full list: dcrainmaker.com/2025/07/amazon…
Zwift cancels Elite Zwift World Series. This doesn't surprise me. Even at its peak, the viewership numbers were *far* too low to justify the high-end production costs associated with it. Especially when looked at across the entirety of broadcast races, and not just a finale.
A year ago Zwift was announcing the Elite Community Racing Calendar for the 2024-25 season. But Zwift's elite racing plans are less clear today. We look at a brief history of elite esports on Zwift, the challenges of computing an ROI, and more... zwiftinsider.com/elite-zwift-wo…
Here’s your massive sports tech deals on Amazon Prime Days! From the Fenix 8 for $100 off, to the Garmin Epix for just $459, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at $649, and GoPro Hero 13 for $329. Plus smart trainers, drones, action cams, and tons more! Full list: dcrainmaker.com/2025/07/amazon…

I take a closer look at the Amazfit Helio band vs Whoop band, in terms of whether or not it's actually the "Whoop Killer" so many like to proclaim. The answer (upfront) is no, but equally, it's also filling a different need: youtube.com/watch?v=8eWnBj…

Quick Look at FliteDeck’s Handelbar Cockpit: Is It Real? I dive into what I found at Eurobike when I started poking at one of the units on the stand: dcrainmaker.com/2025/07/flited…

Magene announced a new smart trainer, new power meter, and more. But, they also outlined a product/market pullback from Western markets going forward. The real reasons are probably more interesting than the pullback itself. Full details: dcrainmaker.com/2025/07/magene…

Eurobike published attendance details. Down, though not as bad as I expected. This year 1,500 total exhibitors (vs 1,800 in 2024). Trade visitors 31,270 (2025) vs 35,080 (2024). Weekend open access festival 30,420 (vs 33,090 last year): eurobike.com/frankfurt/en/p…
Why your privacy zones should never be trusted. Never start or stop recording at your front door. Or back door. Or garage door. Or any door. Do it a few blocks from home.
COROS has confirmed a substantial set of security vulnerabilities, impacting not just the watch, but COROS online account as well. These were initially spotted by security researcher @moritz_abrell and I've confirmed they impact all devices. Full details: dcrainmaker.com/2025/06/coros-…