TOOLS TO MAKE TRIATHLETES FASTER & HAPPIER
Not sure what to add to your holiday wish list? Here are some of my top training and racing tools (both gear and services/platforms) that I am recommending to my athletes right now that can help set you up for a great season in 2026.
Advanced Sweat Testing
If you (still) haven’t gotten your sweat sodium number to plan your hydration with, it’s past time. Understanding how much sodium you lose in your sweat is a game-changer for most athletes, and unlike some metrics, your sodium-to-sweat ratio rarely changes over time, meaning this test is one and done.
Learn more: www.playtri.com/testing
KICKR ROLLR
If you’re tired of struggling with taking your bike on and off the trainer, meaning you spend all your time riding inside, or you barely ride at all during the winter, the ROLLR is your solution. This is the easiest to use trainer I’ve ever owned – no wheels on or off, no special skewer, no resistance barrels to torque down – and the roller style rear (don’t worry, your front wheel is still securely locked in place) means your hips get a break from the usual locked-in trainer position. Switch easily from indoor to outdoor riding and enjoy the smart trainer benefits without the hassle when you ride inside.
Check it out: Wahoo Fitness KICKR ROLLR Smart Bike Roller Trainer — Playtri
Feedback Sports Range Torque Wrench
If you travel with your bike, or just want to be prepared, this easy-to-pack gem will make rebuilds, packing and proper adjustments a breeze. I have this exact wrench in our bike fit studio, and an earlier version goes with me on any trip that includes bikes.
Check it out: Feedback Sports Range Click Torque Wrench - 2-14 Nm — Playtri
HOKA Mach 6 Running Shoe
The Mach 6 is closest thing I’ve found to an all-rounder, i.e. a running shoe that works in training and racing for an unbelievably wide variety of athletes. It is comfortable, light and responsive with an upper that seems to hug the foot. If you have a budget for one pair of shoes, these are the first ones to try.
Check it out: Search results: 6 results for "hoka mach 6"
Garmin HRM 600
Before I explain why I love this HRM – I am begging you, if you are training with heart rate and still using wrist-based heart rate, for the love of all that is good please get a real HRM for 2026, even if you buy a more inexpensive option, or even something upper arm based like the Wahoo TICKR Fit. Wrist-based tech is still not ready for training use, as evidenced by the myriad conversations I have with athletes every week who forgot to wear their real HRM, and wonder why their heart rate looks so different in files. It’s because it’s wrong.
Anyways, moving on – I especially love the Garmin HRM 600 because the strap is machine-washable, it’s rechargeable (no more purchasing obscure watch batteries every few months) and it can record activities in a pinch straight to Garmin Connect without a watch.
Check it out: Garmin HRM 600 — Playtri
XLAB Torpedo Hydration System
If you’re racing non-draft triathlon and you don’t have a straw in front of your face when you’re in aero position, promise me you’ll fix that in 2026. The aerodynamic and muscle-saving benefits of being able to drink with zero position adjustment are massive compared to the cost of purchasing a hydration system. I like the XLAB Torpedo because they have options to fit a wide variety of bar configurations, and they include a computer mount option. They are also easy to remove and clean in between rides, and have lots of options to purchase/replace small parts aftermarket, meaning you don’t have to buy a new system every time something wears out.
Check it out: Search results: 13 results for "xlab torpedo"
Zipp 303S Wheelset
Still the best value road wheelset on the market (in my opinion), and perhaps the most versatile as well. With the same hub and carbon tech as higher priced models, a relative shallow profile (meaning lighter weight and better for climbing and cross-winds, while still providing an aerodynamic advantage) and the ability to accommodate wider tires than older wheel models, these are the wheels I recommend to almost all of my athletes racing as road cyclists, and the majority of my triathletes who need one set of wheels to do it all.
Check it out: Zipp 303 S Disc Carbon Tubeless Wheelset — Playtri
Swiftwick Socks
We’ve been selling them for over a decade. I keep getting sucked into trying other options from competing brands. Swiftwick keeps being the best – for running, cycling, life, etc. The light compression (meaning no more blisters due to moving fabric), increasingly soft and cozy fabrics, different height and color options, and quick-drying material add up to a pretty straightforward purchasing decision in my opinion. Please, toss your other workout socks and get Swiftwick.
Check them out: Search results: 18 results for "swiftwick socks"
BlueSeventy Contour Goggles
Want one goggle that does it all? The Contour is the only style I have in my bag these days – a clear pair for indoor swimming and a mirrored pair for open water. This goggle seems to fit a wide range of athletes (helped by the fact that it comes with multiple nose piece options) and provides a relatively high level of comfort despite its sleek, race-oriented design. The price ain’t bad either.
Check them out: Blueseventy Contour Googles — Playtri
Playtri Individual Coaching (powered by TrainingPeaks)
Ok I know, this probably feels biased, but the truth is we’ve been coaching triathletes (from beginners to professionals) for over 25 years and we’ve learned a few things during that time:
There is no pre-fab plan that works for everyone. Every individually coached athlete gets a big picture plan that is built from scratch and (perhaps more importantly) is dynamic based on their progress and other commitments.
Our included communication plan is one of the best in the industry. That’s because communication is key when it comes to coaches and athletes working as an effective team. Our TrainingPeaks partnership empowers coaches to more effectively connect with athletes through file sharing and correlated feedback.
Small things make a big difference in training and racing. How’s your tire pressure? Are you able to drink without getting out of aero on the bike? Does your arm carriage need work on the run? Can you swim a fast 100y free within 8% of your best effort while forward sighting? If it’s relevant, we’re going to address it.
Our industry and coaching specifically are being inundated with tech that causes as many problems as it solves. We help you sort through the fads and get straight to the stuff that makes you faster and stronger without the painful trial and error.
Learn more: www.playtri.com/individual
Coach Morgan Hoffman is the Head Coach of Playtri and a USAT Level 2 Certified Coach. She has been coaching triathletes from beginners to professionals since 2009, and currently specializes in junior and elite development. You can learn more about Coach Morgan at www.playtri.com/morgan.