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.
-
Check out my weekly podcast - with DesFit, which is packed with both gadget and non-gadget goodness!
-
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.
I´m looking forward to start running again!
Seriously could use this piece of equipment! Looking forward to placing top 5 in age group at KC Tri in May and trying to qualify for Henderson at Ironman 70.3 Branson!
SuperHusker
Loved your interview on IM Talk this week – looking forward to some downtime before stepping up the run training in preparation for the New York marathon this year.
Finished my first Half Marathon last month now its time to train for Tri next.
I’m looking forward to London Marathon and then a summer of Olympic triathlons!
Looking forward to this tri season after joining EN!
I’m looking forward to my first Ragnar (6-person) in June – can’t wait for the weather to break so I can really kick the training into high gear.
Preparing for a full marathon for the first time, cant wait.
This past year I did my first ironman and have subsequently had a very extended offseason following the achievement. I’m excited about the upcoming season to regain fitness, and to return to participating in triathlon for the sole purpose of enjoying myself.
Just finished my second 5k, next step 10k on my way to a Marathon
I’m looking forward to my wife and I having a baby boy this July! Excitingly this is also the season that I’ve been preparing for over the last year to be the start of my triathlon racing again… So, my complete answer is that I’m looking forward to bringing Elijah with on training rides and runs, and having him and mommy relax while I swim. It’s going to be a beautiful year!
I’m really excited by the men’s olympic triathlon. I am hoping to attend. Being a Brit I will be shouting for one of the Brownlee brothers but Javier Gomez will be aiming to show he has still got it. However, the Germans, Ozzies and Canadians will be hoping their man can win. It WILL be exciting stuff.
Markintheroost
great reviews! Would love the 910xt to train for my first IM this summer.
I’m looking forward to beat my 10km personal best and prepare myself for half marathon.
I’m excited to get back racing to see my improvements after a solid training block heading into second full season…
Top 10 in Irish National Series races the goal!
Keep up the great work dcrainmaker.
My triathlete husband turns 40 in May and does his first Ironman in June. This would make a GREAT birthday gift!!
I am excited about planned spring marathon PR
Hi! My dad has been doing triathlons for two or three years now and is finally doing his first Ironman this June (Couer d’ Alene)! His 40th birthday is coming up and I thought this would be the perfect gift to finish off the end of his 30s strong!!
As all the mileage I had built up throughout the winter went down the drain a few weeks ago due to a knee injury and I’ve only just got released to start jogging, I don’t have high expectations for the season ahead. All the same, I’m really excited to get out there and run again — I may even be able to get in a few races this autumn.
Looking forward to improving my sucky swimming skills. Been looking at the 910XT as an upgrade to my 305 :. Good luck everyone!
I’m looking forward to warm weather and running outside, the way it should be.
I’m very excited to see the results of all of my off-season winter work. I’ve been putting in a ton of base, and I want RESULTS!
Excited about getting back to marathon training after a recent setback from a motorcycle accident. Can’t wait to start piling on the miles for a late fall race!
Excited to start running again after a recent setback due to a motorcycle accident. Can’t wait to begin piling on the miles for a winter marathon!
I’m excited about having another go at running a half marathon after having to cancel last year due to a calf injury. Also look forward to the first summer on the Focus bike I bought last fall.
I am looking forward to biking the tour of Colorado and riding the mountains. The Midwest’s snow is gone and it’s time to ride.
This is going to be a very crowded comment section!
Anyways, I’m really excited (mortified by fear is more like it) as I’ll do my first Ironman this next May (Ironman Brazil).
I am looking forward to a run focus year and start biking with power (once the vector is finally released!).
High time to start training and work towards that PB
1st Ironman this year. Looking forward to Louisville in June!
Looking forward to getting back in the pool after dislocating my shoulder hotdogging it on skis.
A nice 910XT would really help me get in shape!
sdvdl@hotmail.com
Excited for the 5 boros (not burro, mom) bike tour in NYC and Hub on Wheels in Boston!
Time to start training towards that PB
Looking forward to spring!!
Looking forward to this season.
My brother-in-law will be doing his first Ironman in June. I’d love to become his favorite sister-in-law by giving this to him!!
Great weather here in Toronto. Looking forward to a strong season and PB marathon at the end. Thank you for all your amazing reviews Ray. Cheers from Canada!
I am excited about participating in the Siskiyou Outback 50k, 216 mile Cascade Lakes Relay, and The North Face Endurance Challenge 50k Championships in San Francisco.
This would come in handy for my GRC and Run For Your Lives training!
I am looking forward to running my cond marathon in Sept. currently trying to rack up consistent miles before beginning training program.
I am hoping to recover from the illness that’s been holding me back for the last two months, and get ready for the fall triathlon season in Taiwan. I missed the spring season, and there is no summer season (too hot). I was planning to buy one of these just before I got sick, so winning this would be perfect.
This is the best one , I love it !
2012 race season is going to be awesome!
I’m very excited and training hard for my first barefoot marathon in June this Year. It will be awesome!
Excited for NJ Marathon on May 6!
I am looking forward to Tri camp in Lake Placid, volunteering for IMLP, and doing IM Muskoka 70.3!
I did just sign up for my first Marathon and need to start training…after the Rock n Roll DC this weekend.
What a great opportunity! If I win I will give away my existing Garmin to spread the karma. I’m excited about the warm spring weather – and training for a spring marathon!
King of Pain says:
It would be really nice to have this as I’m a family man on a budget and really can’t afford something as nice as this. In 2011 I started training again and 2012 will be my comeback year. I’m doing a local triathlon in May. This will be my tune-up race since I’m doing the Vineman 70.3 in July.
im excited to be running “for fun” again…just trying to enjoy myself :D
Looking forward to my first 50 mile challenge this fall!
I’m excited for my first Ironman at Tremblant!
UMSUPPSure happy this site exists. Purchased a garmin 210 and 500 based upon your reviews.
georuns26wexford
At this point I’d just love to be outside in decent weather. Staying consistent and losing a few lbs is always on the radar. Have fun and do cool stuff!
I’m excited to be running again after Peroneal tendonitis. Getting ready to run Baltimore UA this year!
Really looking forward for my first openwater swim! I’ve been training hard on the pool for the last couple of months following some of the tips you linked.
Cheers from Brazil!
I finally have a “real” TT bike…makes me feel fast…we’ll see how fast I actually am
I’m excited to try to make the Half Iron Man in less than 5h for the 1st time :)
I am excited because there are no excuses now that it is good weather! Its time to get in shape for the tri season
Hoping for a win :-) http://www.gregstransformation.com
First Xterra ~ 6 weeks away. It’ll be interesting.
Hopefully, at the end of the season I’ll be both a faster and a better runner. Not necessarily in that order…
It’ll be interesting to see what my new shoes will do to help me achieve those goals.
In addition to that, it would be nice if this is the season when I (finally) put some time and effort into becoming a better swimmer as well.
First Xterra ~ 6 weeks away. Looking forward to the challenge.
I am looking forward to the warmer weather and getting outside for training and racing, and off the trainer.
Starting my second year of triathlons and getting a chance to repeat some races
Looking forward to my second triathlon season and going back some of the same races for big improvements
Watching the Ladies run in their sexy running clothes!
Looking forward to starting outdoor training for triathlons around the state of Idaho. Especially excited to regain fitness after recovering from knee meniscus surgery over the winter.
Need to get back on the training after 5 days of tacos and parties at SXSW
Looking forward to beat my colleague Todd.
We have a small competition going on. Both of us trying to place in our age group
Sunny beach runs, longer days and more beautiful weather! Keep up the good work Ray.
I am just getting started running again. I just had my second daughter. I am planning to start training for a few small races this year and then hopefully a marathon or half marathon next year.
I’m excited to complete my second half-iron and then tackle the ironman!
I am excited for spring weather and to be outside again!
Looking for to continuing my weight lost and working towards my first tri
I am training for my first Ironman – Wisconsin. Running Boston Marathon next month as well.
Fingers crossed
Looking forward to running my first 10K (in under 53:00) and first half (in under 2:00:00) before the season’s over! Quite an accomplishment for just having started running last October!
I’m trainning for my 2d marathon!!
Hi, I’m from Brazil, I’m an open water swimmer and try to be a runner! I’ve been reading your posts for about a year now and, since I love sports gadgets, I find them very helpful and thourough. Excellent work!
I am looking forward to running 4 marathons and one ultra marathon year. Livestrong Marathon, Seattle, Rock N’ Roll, CPT John Hallett Memorial Ultra Marathon, MCM Marathon, San Antonio Rock N’ Roll Marathon
Really looking forward to DC Tri …oops. I’m actually looking forward to completing my first 70.3 this year.
Sutrah from Perth, Australia;
Entered my first mini Triathlon in January 2012 and doing my 6th this weekend. 3 events left until season is over. I’ve always been a runner and having to learn how to swim over the past 3 months has been a challenge BUT, my legs don’t sink anymore and I can breathe! In the off-season I’m looking at training hard on my swimming and bike so that I can enter a Half Ironman next year.
p.s. The watch review on the 910XT was fantastic.
This is my second full season of triathlons, and I’m really excited about it, hoping to see significant improvements from last year.
i’m looking forward to learning how to train with my first child due in May. I get to find out how much I love the sport of triathlon…and it’s a lot
Looking forward to training for this year’s marathons as well as training for my first triathlon.
Keep up the great work Ray!
I hope to get a chance to try out the 910XT…… free if I win if not gonna have to purchase one.
Buzzards Bay Multisport- Bill S.
Prepping for the triathlon season ahead, plus a couple of fun rides and a century, should be a nice summer!
Looking forward to training for this year’s marathons as well as training for my first triathlon.
Keep up the great work Ray!
GravityFreek
I was one of the lucky IMNZ competitors who has been given extra time to train for my first IronMan:) I’ll now be doing the IMUK. CAn’t wait:)
GravityFreek
I was one of the lucky IMNZ competitors who has been given extra time to train for my first IronMan:) I’ll now be doing the IMUK. CAn’t wait:)
I’ve run a marathon, now on to centuries (bicycling)… maybe swimming next.
Just found out about your blog and finding lots of good advice and motivation.
I’m excited to start my first Ironman season!
Ahhhh…outdoors on my bike instead of spinning like gerbil on my wheel or indoor trainer.
This comment has been removed by the author.
My wife and I are competing in our first triathlon on Saturday! Excited about getting the first one under our respective belts and hoping this will be the first of many more.
I’m looking forward in running my first marathon this July.
Looking forward to my 2nd tri season and my 1st full IM… if all goes well.
Racing in TWO World Championships this year…ITU Cross Worlds and Xterra Worlds in Maui.
Rain, rain, go away,
I’ve got a 10k on Sunday!
Excited to see the spring weather back here!
I do enjoy reading you product reviews. I find them extremely helpful and make a purchase ever so much easier. Thank you!
I do enjoy reading you product reviews. I find them extremely helpful and make a purchase ever so much easier. Thank you!
I do enjoy reading you product reviews. I find them extremely helpful and make a purchase ever so much easier. Thank you!
DC, that would really help in the Boston Marathon. :o)
Looking forward to running again after being injured.
I’m looking forward to my first race in over 20 years!
Looking forward to my first olympic distance and possibly a half. Also buying a wetsuit. Looks to be a great year filled with lots of first.
I really enjoy your product reviews and they have helped me with my buying decissions. Thank you!
I really enjoy your product reviews and they have helped me with my buying decissions. Thank you!
I am training for my first tri and have been drooling over this gadget. Winning one would make me a happy, happy girl!
Looking forward to being able to complete a packed race season beginning with a 5 k, 10k, 1/2 marathon, couple of Triathlons and ending the season running my first Marine Corps Marathon!
Tomster
After my first ironman (Melbourne, Australia) I’m excited to enjoy life without training so hard for some months…also winter means snowboard!
This comment has been removed by the author.
Looking forward to doing a triathlon in the southern hemisphere.
I’m excited about getting back in my Kayak and kicking my (Amateur) adventure racing career off once more. The 910XT will be the perfect tool. Lets hope my legs comply.
Two weeks from spring warmup at IM70.3 Oside, and a few months from IMCDA. Spring is about starting to get locked in!
My life would be complete with a honking FR910XT on my wrist.
I am excited to complete my first marathon!
This comment has been removed by the author.
Just did my first century and looking forward to doing more.
I’m excited to do my first running races this season!
I’m looking forward to my first 70.3!
I am looking forward to completing rehab on the Achilles tendon that I ruptured and had surgically repaired 3 months ago and returning to hiking, cycling, running, and all of the other things that I have missed oh so much.
Looking forward to landing top 10 in my AG for an Olympic
Due to the limited number of Triathlons close by, I’m looking forward to focusing on my run and maybe even doing my first bike race.
I’m excited about Wildflower Long Course is less than 2 months!
Desperately trying to lose weight and get fit for (field) hockey season! Its hard work, at 50, trying to keep up with the younger blokes – but its all good fun. :)
I’m looking forward to running Comrades, and possibly start training for a triathlon after.
Thanks for all the reviews and recaps of your runs. I wish I was there to try out this watch and see Cherry Blossoms at the same time – sounds beautiful.
I am excited about getting running back on my schedule
I’m from South Africa and looking forward to the winter MTB Series starting in June!
I am a newbie at running and must say I enjoy it very much. I would like to improve my fitness and also distance in the coming months.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Hi Ray,
Thought I saw someone who looked like you in NZ over the Christmas break… then read you where here! That was after I had been running in San Fran by a bunch of urban running people I also later read about on your blog. If you’re down under again a blog readers run might be in order!
Anyway, I am looking forward to the upcoming off season because there are some great trail runs I want to do. This should keep the winter rain-blues away – and keep me from being upset that my wife has a 910xt and I don’t :-)
Keep up the great reviews and Cheers
I’m excited to get back on the bike and get some more mileage in!
Running the english countryside
Rob
task2@appliedgeekery
Heard about you on IM Talk this week – great website. 50 in two years – setting my sights on a celebratory first ironman – i need all the motivation I can get and the FR910 would be a big help! Richard F.
HI – after a 10 year break 2012 is back to running with a goal to complete the Prague Marathon in May. Can’t wait.
Mark J
I am exited because This season Im racing both a 50mile trail race in the toughest conditions around here, and Racing the Ironman Kalmar in or neighbouring country Sweden. But what exites me most is the abilility to race both races with this giveaway Price.
Love your blog.
Hi Ray,
Looking forward to my first 6.5k Open Water swim event in Apr.
Simon
I am excited for this season because I am training for Ironman Texas…my first. I started 2 years ago when all I could do is doggy paddle.
Being able to do most of my training outdoors.
Hey DC,
I’m super excited to be back running after an achilles problem! Can’t wait to start racing again!!
Conor
Can’t wait to start my swimming lessons!
Can’t wait to start my swimming lessons!
I caught the running bug 6months ago. Joined a couple of 10k races but can’t improve my time beyond 7mins/km. After reading your review on 910XT – me thinks that’s what I’m missing! :)
I want to run my first marathon and then start to running more offroad. Maybe some ultra in the future :)
Looking forward to running my 3rd marathon.
I am exiting about my next triathlon whether it will be at Laguna Phuket, Thailand with 910xt.
Beat least year times and do some new races.
Beating last years times, my 2nd year of triathlons.
beating last years times.
I’m deeply excited to run my first trail on south of France !!!
I’m from the Philippines and this will be my first year full of triathlons, I have been wanting to try it for the past 5 years but only now that I’ve gone into it. I have already done my first race and that immediately got me hooked and wanting to improve my game.
Hello!!! I´m learning to swin, the garmin 910 xt something to help me.
Im excited because I have done all my rehab on my injured knee and I cant wait to get into some base miles during the off season and getting back to some running. My goal is a new PR in the Marathon in October.
Andrew Steel – Melbourne
steel00@hotmail.com
Hi Ray, thanks for another great competition! This season I’m looking forward to cracking 2 hours over an Olympic Distance race :-) Have a good season, Greg.
I can’t wait for my shin to heal, so I can start serious training for Berlin marathon
I’m excited about my new Trek Madone 5.2 road bike which I plan to race at least once this season, if I get the courage.
This would look really cool on my bike!!
After a year off to go travelling around the world I am really excited to be getting back to tri training and wearing a new Garmin FR910XT would be a fantastic bonus!
I’m just looking forward to my favourite time…race morning. UP early and eat breakie while watching the sun rise…very peaceful and the perfect way to start a race morning. El Director :)
I am looking forward to running a marathon without doing a swim and bike first.
awesome site, incredibly detailed reviews! wish i could own this watch, but it’s a little bit too expensive for me
awesome site, really detailed reviews, great! wish i had this watch, but it’s a little bit too expensive for me..
Cool Cool Cool, I want one!!!
awesome site, really detailed reviews, great! wish i had this watch, but it’s a little bit too expensive for me..
This comment has been removed by the author.
I am loocking forward to run the “Kerzerslauf” on coming saturday!
I am loocking forward to run the “Kerzerslauf” on coming saturday!
I’ve got a season of fitting in training around my studies, as well as supporting my wife on her first triathlon.
I’m looking forward to running pain free in cooler weather after too many sunny months of osteitis pubis.
I’m looking forward to running at home again in Austria after three years away from home.
Got a wetsuit last year. It was great swimming OW and may participate in a race this year.
I’m excited about running on dry Montreal streets after all the snow and ice has melted.
Hi,
Gigahlon ..two days full of sport.
THE endurance race in Switzerland.
can’t await it.
Markus
http://www.gigathlon.ch
I’m excited to get back on the bike more often this spring and summer!
fingers crossed that this year, i’ll finally have an injury-free season after years of knee problems.
And if I do, i plan to make best use of the watch!
Thanks so much for all your work on the blog – I read it every week and make sure my running / tri friends do too!
Starting my first Triathlon in denmark this year… cant wait :D
Looking forward to getting the bike off the trainer and onto the road!
I am looking forward to my very first triathlon :)
I will run the Copenhagen Marathon. After that I will start with triathlon (sprint and Olimpic)
My first marathon coming up in June!
Looking forward to the opening of the Monza Formula 1 circuit to cyclists and runners: form April to July a great chance to practice time trial, roller skate or run in one of the places that made history of Formula 1!
Excited to train for my first ultra!
Marathon already done for this year, now want to run up and downhill.
I am looking forward to getting back into running after being off sick for the last couple of months and hopefully run my first half marathon this fall.
looking forward to cycling in warmer weather.
Spring is really in the air. Almost no snow(ehr.. ice) left and sun is up early which makes for great morning runs. Currently looking forward to my first marathon and it feels great! :-)
Looking forward to start training outside, now that the snow is mostly all gone. The new watch would be a cool addition!
I’m in :)
Can’t wait to start running again after a year away from the sport.
I am excited to train in milder temperatures, right now the temps are around 30 Celsius at night, lots of running on the rain too.
Cheers!
Super (super) excited about IM Lanzarote, my 3000km bike ride from Cabo Trafalgar in Spain to Trafalgar Square in London and my first (and possibly last) 100 mile run in November 2012! A big year! :)
I like running in daylight. In winter I rarely get to see the sun when I run. I would like to do an cycling race this year in addition to marathon and tri (sprints).
not sure how my race schedule is going to workout with my second child on the way.
Looking forward to completing my first (hopefully of many) century rides this year.
Just getting into the sport. This will be my first season!
Starting year three in Triathlon and looking forward to my new AG (65-69)…Old Guys Rule!!