Heads up! Here’s your massive list of sports tech deals! This includes the Garmin Forerunner 965 for just $499, Garmin Epix for $449, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Black Titanium for $735, the GoPro Hero 12 Black for $299, 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.
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.
My husband generously bought me a 910XT for my Ironman Kentucky training. I would love to win one for him.
I’m looking forward to my first triathlon in September and hopefully my fourth marathon!
I’m looking forward to nighttime races!
looking forward to summer here in the Philippines and when out of town or at the beach, i just love running on the countryside and enjoying nature.
– Jeff
Hi Ray,
Started reading your blog a few months ago..amazing! Quick question, have you been able to write a review on the ibike cc + power? I just got a new iphone so I’m wondering whether to get the ibike or a Garmin Edge 800.
Thanks!
Great, thx Rainmaker. I read your reviews on the 705 and 800 and ended up buying both in successive years. Looking at a wrist option and here is this review. Free as you say would be good, so thanks for the review and chance to be part of the drawing. Cheers
I am looking forward to start in my second 70.3 tri in St.Pölten, Austria – 20.may 2012
I’m excited to spend my first full season as a USAT Certified Coach!
First HIM and getting back to some racing after a season of just training.
Looking to finish my first half-marathon this summer!
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Just finished listening to ur interview on IM talk, i look forward to learning more from you and ur research.
Really pumped to feel like a runner again, after a 30-yr off season. Eugene Marathon pending, hopefully with a BQ time and rippin’ finish on Hayward Field!
I’m excited for the first time to do more indoor bike training thanks to trainerroad.com!
i am looking forward to starting my fourth yr of tri’s. Go Hokies!
I am so looking forward to recovering from Monday’s hernia surgery so I can start training all over again.
Getting ready for my first half ironman
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I was looking forward to a 70.3 this summer, but my wife and I are expecting our first child in August , so I guess that’s a good trade off :) – cheers. Matt
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Want to use it as a replacement for my old 310XT. Looks great.
Would be a great gift for the coming spring and summer period.
Looking forward to completeing my first ironman!
Looking forward to watching London’s transport system grind to a halt under the weight of Olympic Games tourists……whilst I whistle by on my run home from work.
I am looking forward to some nice weather and getting some detailed metrics on my training (luck permitting).
Excited every day to be healthy enough to train. Excited to start riding outside as I start a training cycle aiming for another IM in 2013.
I am looking forward to running and riding my bike and playing with my kids outside!!
Looking forward to a sub 3 hours marathon!!!
First off, Thanks for your blog. It’s realy nice to have some insights on products without the sales pitch ;0) Good Job!!
I would love to have the new Garmin to complete the 2 IM I’m registered for this ear (Nice (FR) and Mont Tremblant (CDN)) I would love to get and share the stats to see my progression as I aboard the hardest part of my training. 2 IM back to back is a hard accomplishment and should be shared with others ;0) Thanks!! Keep up the good work!
Can sure need some motivation to get out there (and not to mention replace my Mac unfriendly Polar watch) :)
I’m looking forward to a healthy season after 3 years of hip surgeries!
Hi Ray – Great site! I competed in my first TRI last year and have the bug. I’m looking forward to my second year racing and will compete in two sprint and two olympic distance races.
I am excited to try to beat all of my times from last years races.
Hi Ray – Great site! I competed in my first TRI last year and have the bug. I’m looking forward to my second year racing and will compete in two sprint and two olympic distance races.
-Carl
chensley3@hotmail.com
Looking forward to getting in shape after an Achilles tendon injury.
I’m excited to complete my first tri and also maybe BQ.
I’m looking forward to attaching a 2nd watch on my dog and seeing how his tracks differ from mine!
Good job on the reviews :)
I’m excited about the season ahead because I’ll eventually store my home-trainer and leave the indoor pool to train outside.
Nice long rides on the bike, long distance running and hopefully also open water swimming.
Everything I enjoy to do when training for an Ironman…
Raphael
raphes75 @ hotmail.com
I started the year by becoming a first time dad and have committed to ending it as a first time triathlete.
Having trouble commenting (grr), but I’m looking forward to my spring 70.3! katie.ingram@me.com
I just ran my first race! 8K St. Patrick’s Day DC. I think I want to run a Tri…the Nation’s Tri but not sure how I’m gonna do it yet…busy schedule.
I’m excited about running a 5k with my 6-year old daughter and going mountain biking with her.
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Super excited to keep up with my training, and see the improvements coming through! Half marathon PR is expected this year!
Hiya. I’m excited because I’m new to running and hoping to complete my first 5k without having to walk bits of it before the end of this year. I never thought I would be able to run (too overweight and unfit) but I tried it and now the bug has really bitten :-) I’m even thinking of trying a mini triathlon this year too. Thanks for taking the time to put together such an amazing site. It is perfect for someone like me who is new to running and doesn’t understand the kit. I now have a Garmin Forerunner 210. Thanks for your help :-)
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Would be so cool & exciting to try out this Garmin if I win it!!! I am currently trying work through my fear of open water swimming in the ocean so I can do sprints this summer.
I am looking forward to my first race!
Hello, I’m excited about the upcoming races, but also about just getting out zipping around the beautiful spring Norfolk countryside and making new running friends.
I am looking forward to using my new Garmin FR910XT (that I am about to win)on some long rides in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Please note my acceptance speech will be much more eloquent.
My garmin forerunner 301 has been a faithful friend for thousands of miles but can’t take a charge anymore. I need to keep running, but I need something to track the miles with and map the results. I’m excited for a new season!
I am looking forward to my first HIM and riding in the Police Unity Tour to Washington DC
Hi,
Here, in the southlands, summer is going away. Autumn comes with sun beautiful colors and lights. It’s not so hot to running and cycling at any time. It’s still good to swim in sea cold water.
I’m from Brazil. Half time I’m on Niterói (very close to Rio de Janeiro – Every year we have a race crossing the bay over Bridge Rio-Niterói) with wonderful beaches and trails. Half time I’m on Barra do Piraí mountainbiking and running aside a river.
It’s a good time. It’s a pleasant time.
Congratulations!!! Your site (and you) makes a stunning job. Looking for informations about HRM with GPS I faced it. Now, daily, I’m here.
Sorry, English is not my language.
Best regards,
Bruno Badopi
I’m excited to start my first year of tri with the goal of completing a half iron in setpember
I’m excited to start my first year of tri with the goal of completing a half iron in setpember
Can’t wait for my first attempt at Boston qualifying in May!
Looking forward to perfect-weather morning runs and better swim training. :-)
This year I want to be a good example for my little son by doing some sport again like running and mountainbiking after a long period of laziness.
Just got my bike fitted to me and it is working out wonderfully!
I’m excited to compete in my first full Ultra event in August …. and I just signed up for swimming lessons …. thinking future Tri??
I found your blog while researching Garmin reviews after I broke my old school one on a trail run – good stuff!!!
New 29er, started preparing for my first 50-miler.
This year I want to be a good example for my little son by doing some sport again like running and mountainbiking after a long period of laziness.
I’m looking forward to crushing dreams.
I have just put away the cross country skis after our last sunday outing in ~60F weather, and can’t wait for all the snow to be gone. I’ll then be able to pull out the road bike and enjoy the warmer weather. In the meantime, I’ll get into running a bit more seriously!
DC Rainmaker,
Thanks for all the due-diligence on the products. It saves me lots of time and money… giving me more time to hit the roads around San Francisco. Thanks again.
After 5 months of trainning (15 kgs. lost in the way), I am looking forward to my first half marathon and finish it in less than 1h55′
I can’t wait to set some new PRs and get faster.
Hey, I’d love a new tool to help me kick ass in 2012!!
I am excited to enter my first Ironman 70.3 race this year in Boulder. I am looking forward to cutting my swim time by joining swim master this springs.
Maraden
Looking forward to my first 100 Miler in June…and my second in Sept!
I’m getting close to all time PRs again and with any luck I’ll be able to hit one or more of them by the time summer is out.
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I’m looking forward to that really tired but really good feeling while sitting on the couch after a hard brick workout.
I am excited for gaining and racing with more fitness then I have ever had before! I would use this watch to replace my old 310xt. Pick me pick me!
Looking forward to adding Nordic Walking, or ExerStriding, to my mix of daily exercises. Plan to lternate with my usual bike rides and runs.
I am looking forward to running a BQ time at the Avenue of the Giants marathon in May. First time training with a coach and he’s pushing me hard so I’m quite excited by the possibilities!
Oh and thanks for all the great entries on this blog!
Cheers,
Nishad
I’m looking forward to making the transition from life runner to triathlete. First one is later this month; the first in a series of three.
I want a free watch. Your the best!
Looking forward to sunshine. The PNW stays cloudy for 8 months at a time.
I’m looking forward to continuing on with my run training, I’m in week five and loving it. I’m excited about the running, the increased fitness levels, but most of all, I’m excited that my daughter (11) has recently become very excited about running. I look forward to eventually passing my ancient forerunner 301 {yes 301} to her when I am finally able to replace it.
I am excited to get into the triathlon club. My plan is to run an Olympic somethime this year when I feel more comfortable with my swimming ability. Than, next year a 1/2 IM, than follow that up with an IM later in the year. So, 2013 is my IM year. A 910 would be great as my companion.
I can’t wait to graduate and have time to get training and racing again!
Looking forward to my 1st IM this year, and using my 910!
Getting started with training for Ironman Florida. I can’t start training with this awesome product. Thanks for your reviews.
i am currently training for a spring marathon and summer 1/2 ironman.
i have enjoyed reading your in depth reviews.
David
Excited to race for the first time in my hometown of DC this summer at National Harbor
Looking forward to my first tri in a new age group!
I have been a cat 2 cyclist for many years, I did my first marathon last year and this year I’m doing 4. Lots of running in store for the spring!
Looking forward to my next marathon in april.
C’est le printemps ! you run 25 or 220 km a week is equal, the main thing is to please you by browsing our beautiful nature. Bonne course à tous.
I’m looking forward to seeing if all my work at low intensity over the off-season has paid off!
I am excited for my first season of collegiate road cycling in the NWCCC
I’m looking forward the good weather, to get back on the bike not only for racing, but for relaxing rides with fellows as well.
God Bless America!
Can’t wait to train in central park again this spring and summer!!
looking forward to doing some Xterra races this winter.
Can’t wait to get training in Central Park!!
I am excited to be taking another crack at qualifying for Ironman Canada. Also, finally moving to a carbon bike and retiring my old P3SL.
I am excited for my first half ironman in early may!
Looking forward to getting started on my marathon training! Signed up for MCM, my first full marathon!
Hey DC…really looking forward to 2012 season..second full year triathloning (Scrabble- is that a word?)..first year to get my head around the sport & training…this year to Kona-fy!…and most of all have fun. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and knowledge. Cheers
I am excited to get into Trail Running here in Maine.
Riding outside, haven’t been off the trainer since IMC in August!
Really looking forward to finishing edinburgh marathon in may and beginning triathlon training… Keep up the great work, became a regular follower of your blog!
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I am looking very much forward to my first bike race of the season in April, which is called “cherry blossom” when translated from german to english! ;)
robindrae@yahoo.com
Great reviews, and blog
warm weather and biking in fresh air!
Can’t wait to run my first mini marathon. If i look back to when i was in high school i dont think i would have made a lap around the gym!!
hoping to get fitter for my first tri and for a replacement polar that sank.
Nice blog :)
I’m excited for my first full season of Triathlon’s. Recently did the indoor Issaquah Tri and signed up for the indoor Seattle Tri at Greenlake. Thanks for your race report!
Looking forward to finally using a tri bike rather than a road bike with clip-on aerobars. Hopefully I’m faster…..
Ray, I’m going to Ironman Brazil in may, as my A race this season. Hope I can do it using a 910XT :)
Edson
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I’m excited to start biking with my dad to get ready for my first Biathlon!
Looking forward to my first tri of the season. Though there will be rain. Bring it.
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I’m excited to ride outside and not be all bundled up!
I’m looking forward to the Wildflower triathlon festival and racing the ITU San Diego triathlon relay with my wife!
Hi Ray,
I hope to win the FR910XT since I am currently training for my first sprint triathlon this coming July.
Completing a triathlon is a huge goal for me, since before 2005 I weighed 250+ lbs. After my father passed away due to diabetes complications in 2005, I started exercising and eating healthy to keep the diabetes away (it runs in the family – all of my uncles have it also).
Now 75 lbs later, I am diabetes free (knock on wood), I have completed 1 half marathon, and am planning 2 more halfs this season. And I can’t wait for the triathlon! Great site. Your reviews are spot on since I am also a geek at heart.
Thanks
Albert Q
I’m really looking forward to my first half triathlon. This watch would be of tremendous help getting my swimming times down. Hopefully in the nice spring weather!
My first marathon run this October!
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I was so excitedexcited to enter a 70.3, I bought an annual pass a to my local swimming pool, even though most of my swimming will be done in Winter!
After running every day during February (FebRUNary) it’s the first season in a while I’ll be coming in fit :-).
This is an awesome blog! Thanks for all the details on EVERYTHING you post!
Personally, I glad to not have to do any marathon training and am looking toward training for shorter faster races. Plus playing with my kids.
excited for my first trip to Seattle for lake stevens 70.3
Hi DC Rainmaker,
This year I am really looking forward for my first ever triathlon race. So far I have only done 10km runs and since last year I have been training with the tri club form my uni. I will start with a sprint race next June and from there I will hopefully build my way up to a Half Iron-man. Congratulations to your site, it totally rocks!
J.Fialho@warwick.ac.uk
I am looking forward to my first 1/2 marathon this october. I ran my first 10K last October. Does that mean 2013 is a marathon in October? Tina
Trying to figure out how to convince my wife that a Powertap is going to benefit her as well, haha :) You the man, Ray!
I am looking for a watch that help me
indicate my workouts otherwise it will be fade out…
I am happy for get back to my schedule of training for my Ultra Race 52Km
I’m looking forward toward my Garmin 910XT!!!
Cristiano Amorim.
amorim.cristiano@gmail.com
YEAH! New to running in the DC area and I love it!
Hey Ray! Love your site! I’m planning on doing St George Ironman May 5th,.. would love this watch to help me train!
I should win this. Brucelan
I’m looking forward to doing my first Triathlon in June. It’s a race in Copenhagen, just for women! (finished my first half-marathon in December), so this is my new goal!!!
Getting ready to start running again after a long break, after a lot of injuries.
My plans are Triathlon Sprint in Susz, Poland and Half Marathon in Rijeka, Croatia. Wish me luck, I would need it .
I am excited to get my running really going this season. Target: my first half marathon!
I’m looking forward to start running again after 3 months with too much work.
I need motivation to maxmize the trainings for triathlon, 910XT seems to be a good one.. cheers.
I’m excited to train outside! Thank you for the great site.
I’m looking forward to my first half ironman… or maybe two or three olympic triathlon….!
Training, training and training ..getting ready for the first olympic triathlon in a month….i’m already excited!!!
Gianluca laquidara.
Very nervous about my first triathlon in 2 weeks, have i done enough training, will i be able to complete it…..
The road beckons…pumped to get back on the bike and out of the basement.
Looking forward riding my Bike to work again!
Last fall I was dared into my first marathon.
I was then talked into running National this week.
I signed up of my own free will for MCM this fall.
In short, I am looking forward to MY first marathon this season.
-Thom runs like this
Looking forward riding my bike to work again! Keep up the good work!
Daniel from Switzerland
I’m looking forward to get back into triathlon. After being sidelined for a couple years, it’ll be nice to get back into the swing of things.
In Olimpic year are Olimpic targets :) For me it will be NORSMAN tri. GARMIN realy could help achieve our targets :)
After being injured for two years, I am excited to be just able to run pain free again. I will never take my health for granted again
I am very excited to start back training and doing the miami 70.3
Looking forward to more of your great posts bro!
Looking forward to begin training for a 10k, training at daylight (daylight savings yay!),with nice and warm temperature, hearing good music while training …. Ahhh good times to come!!!
i’m sooooooooo excited for this season. I have not races in 16 months and want to throw down a lot!
Can’t wait to get into my rowing skiff. Ice is still an issue but not for long…
i´m training hard for my first 1/2 ironman.
At present time, training for half marathon and the preparing triathlon again when the sun will warm us !
Next sunday i’ll take part in my first Rome Marathon. It’s an understatement saying that I’m excited, and I’m already looking forward to improve my PB (and the FR910XT will help for sure ;-).
Bye!
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I’m really excited about warm southern weather, and longer days.
I’m looking forward to getting back to half marathon training after ankle surgery this fall.
I’m looking forward to building my run volume and achieving a pb in a marathon. Thanks for the chance to win!
The last thing I won was a set of crayons at age 6. Fingers scrossed please.
I worked hard all winter, ready to see the results.
I’m just excited for being able to train during daylight hours again.
AWESOME!!!
Wicked excited for my first Ironman at Lake Placid! (And uh, kinda nervous, like, throw up in my mouth nervous)
I’m excited to start riding outdoor riding this season, especially having gotten back from awesome riding in Solvang, CA
Hey -great contests !
Good luck to all who enter!
did this work? AWESOME DUDE
I’m stoked about being ready for the Tough Mudder.
Cant wait for IMCDA 2012!
I can’t wait to run the marathon in Paris in April, and then again in Stockholm in June!
I’m most excited about Escape from Alcatraz! And by excited I mostly mean nervous as all hell.
I’m looking forward to training for my first 5k since high school (10 years ago) — and in Seoul! Lucky for us, it’s snowed the other day — glad to hear you got 70s and 80s going on!
Thanks for the explanation about the calories. Buying the Edge 800 now with confidence! :-)
Looking forward to the nice weather and not freezing my arse off on morning runs
Happy to run again! Back after some time hibernating!
Looking forward to my first triathlon in NYC. Big change from the ones I’m used to in California.
I’m looking forward to running my first marathon this October. After years of running the Peachtree 10k, I finally graduated to my first 13.1 last year and now the full. I can’t wait!
I’ve decided to run a marathon in all 50 states, 9 of 41 so far, and could definitely use the FR 910 XT to keep track of my training mileage, and my cross training in the pool and on the bike.
Thanks for the awesome blog and all the cool pictures!
Hi from Brazil!
You really inspire me. Can´t wait to complete my first marathon this year (Rio de Janeiro).
Really looking forward to getting out on the road in the evenings again and off the trainer when the clocks go forward! Keen to work on my swimming like I have been able to with my trusty 305 on the running and cycling. Keep up the excellent blog!
Hey!
Listened to you on IM talk this week. Very informative – nice to have an independent review site!
I recently got a 310XT (AFTER my first triathlon…) but am not against upgrading to a 910XT!
A 3 hr marathon.
Salut de France ou je lis ton blog regulirement
Training has been nice, but I’m not sure if I’m looking forward to it warming up though, I’m a cold person if that makes sense =D
coucou de france
Arghh my feet hurt but I bet a new Garmin FR910XT would make the pain go away.
Hi,
Long time reader/lurker, first time commenter. I just started biking last summer to get away from my mid-life rut of stress and weight gain every year. So far, I have loss 25 pounds and aim to lose another 10 pounds to reach my weight goal. This year, I planned on training for my local Tri and having this watch would be very helpful.
Thanks for all your hard work to keep this blog up. It can’t be easy with your busy schedule.
Runamarathon says: Spring is best for babies and puppies! I ran for thee hours today in the 78 degre DC spring; I couldn’t get over all of the babies, puppies, and proud parents. We all breathed in spring and shared lots of grins. The best things In life really are free.
I’m excited to start my first triathlon ever, my goal is to do a couple sprints, and a half ironman by the end of the year
I’m looking forward to next race seasons with this device.
I´m looking forward to start running again!