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.
Global warming (in short term) is a wonderful thing!!!!!! I love spending less than five minutes getting ready for an outdoor workout!! Wooooooo!!!!
-Chris
Can go out in shorts and a t! Woo!!! Love it.
I’m looking forward to helping my wonderful wife train for her multiple triathlons, and hopefully work my way closer to my first one.
I hope that everyone is having a fantastic start to the year!
Global warming (in short term) is a wonderful thing!!!!!! I love spending less than five minutes getting ready for an outdoor workout!! Wooooooo!!!!
-Chris
I’m excited to see what my mind and body are capable of achieving.
Hi DC Rainmaker! I’m looking forward to the next ultra marathons!
Ryan Bayly ryabay@gmail.com
I’m looking forward to heavy training and being able to eat whatever I want.
Excited about triathlons in Japan!
New PR’S!
I am most excited for skating outside while my husband goes running! I’m also excited for my new running shoes, which are red.
Finally the ice is melting and spring is coming, time for outdoor training!!!
I could use a new Garmin!
Training in rock creek park for my first marathon since improving at the DC Triathlon isn’t in the cards for this summer.
Hi Ray, apart from following your blog I’m excited about the inaugural Celtman Extreme Race on June 23rd
I’m from Cape Town, South Africa. I’m looking forward to training in some cooler weather – 41 degrees Celsius this past weekend!!
Ryan K.
First time to the blog. What an excellent resource. Thank you.
I can’t wait for it to be nice out so I can cut down on all the laundry!!
Really looking forward to start cycling again.
I like giveaways but mostly I like winning.
My husband would LOVE to get the watch for is training, he’s doing Nice Ironman and Mont Tremblant Ironman this summer!
I’m looking forward to doing another half Ironman (with a new 910xt!)after several years of just marathoning!
Hi Ray
I’m looking forward to finally breaking 3 hours for the marathon and then I can happily turn my back on marathons and focus on running ultras.
I am excited to start my training for Osaka marathon. This will be my second marathon. First one was Tokyo marathon last month.
I am so excited for this race season to start. I juust have to put it into high gear and get training for real!
I’d love the watch
I’m looking forward to my first real season of races, A half marathon, full marathon warrior dash, sprint tri, and some misc 5ks!
I love Garmin 910XT! YOU ROCK!!!
I’m looking forward to racing and training injury free!!
I’m looking forward to building on my gradual return to run fitness and to get stuck into the time trial season here in the UK.
Looking forward to running my ½marathon #9 :-)
I’m signed up for IM Canada! Can’t wait to go flying up Rictor Pass next August. Mark
The Garmin 910XT looks so good, but I can’t drop $500 on it while my 405 is still ticking
I’m looking forward to post training/event meals, soaks, and massages that are earned. I’m also excited to be with Team in Training for another season.
I’m looking forward to post training/event meals, soaks, and massages that are earned. I’m also excited to be with Team in Training for another season.
I’m looking forward for a new race location that I never raced in… going to be excited!
I am amped to just run in the sun!
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Fisrt Half IM this year. Training hard, resting harder ;)
Curious to see what I can do at the Marmotte this year now that I have way more time to train.
Excited to get off the Trainer and back onto the roads. The snow is gone.
I need the swim metrics! Thanks Ray!
Please don’t hate me, as I’m in sunny southern California and its been pretty nice all winter…on the flip side, I really have no excuse for not having trained more :)
Would love the 910xt
Brian from HB
A warm welcome to the 2012 tri season… let the fun begin!!!
2nd Season of tri’s and racing with my wife.
Hi DC Rainmaker, pretty excited for the first big race on April 1st!
thanks for your all your reviews! they are much appreciated. they save this dad of three (33 yrs old) precious time. I have enjoyed the reviews of the iPhone, especially as they work with the latest technology.
Eric
esoderin@gmail.com
Wow! I knew this blog was popular but I didn’t realize how popular until I saw all of these comments.
I hope everyone achieves their goals this year whether they are lucky to win the FR910XT.
I am actively training to take my first steps to a half-marathon and then full-marathon. I have plenty of 5Ks under my belt.
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Great weather, perfect for my distance training!!!!
Murphy F
I love all the reviews. I don’t make a purchase unless I check here first
Excited for the warm weather and no more gloves!
Ready to rock Ironman round 2 at IMLou this year, plus San Diego and a few other races!
Training is on track and ready to race here in Arkansas!
Winter’s been great in Alberta. Lots of snow which translates into great skiing. Another couple weeks and it’ll be running / mountain biking season.
I’m looking forward to really run a lot more seriously now that I started a (small, really small) blog and show some stats ! :)
I am excited to train for and complete my first Olympic Distance Tri this summer!
Hello, starting triathlon this year and doing a HIM in Sweden in the fall! Keep up the good job with the blog!
Sun is out and shining here. So perfect weather to train.
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I’m excited to complete my first double century and also the Death Ride this year. Another goal I have is to enter a road race and not come in last! – Fred
good stuff
I think I could use this to check the effect on my heart rate of the 6th beer over the 5th beer when watching Milan-San demo this weekend.
Absolutely love the blog. Keep up the good work…
Basile_le_Grand
You always do amazing et very well detailed reviews. I’m looking forward to win this amazing watch to improve my training. Thanks a lot.
I am excited for my first sprint Tri in June!
I am super excited to finally run in warmer weather and NOT having multiple layers on!!!!
Training for IMKY 2012, less than 24 weeks away!
This would be just the thing to celebrate the start of the new season :-)
I’m looking forward to run 140Km relay race around Santa Catarina island next month!!!
I just found this site…awesome! Great info and a chance to win goodies! Spring has arrived in New England and it’s time to ride!
Planning to run my first half marathon in a week and the Bay to Breakers in May.
I’m looking pfrward to competing again.
Looking forward to MTB serial and few halfmaraton races …hope to finish them all … :))
I’m looking forward to running my first full marathon in ten years!
I am looking towards my first 10k
Loving the great weather for training in the spring hopefully the 20-30 degrees above average doesn’t hold true for summer……
One year into my mid-life crisis – fortunately, it’s been all about getting in shape. I’m looking forward to continuing to run in 5Ks, 10Ks, and HMs, and thinking about making the leap to Dus (no swim for me).
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Can’t wait for more warm running weather. This last week in DC has been great!
I’m looking forward to a week of cycling in the Alps
I can’t wait to experience my first Ironman at Mt. Tremblant this summer! Also, being the first year this Ironman is taking place makes it even that much more special!
2nd season of triathlons and moving up to Olympic distance!
I’m super excited to getting running again and crushing IMLP after a long period of nagging knee issues!
I’m excited to start training for my first marathon in October. Running through the Texas summer should be great!
Excited for swim metrics in the pool!
excited to get out and swim with my new Garmin – I need the motivation –
thanks ray
eric
ea
appledoc23@yahoo.com
Looking forward to another season of running ultras. Have a 100k on the schedule for mid-June.
Thanks for all your posts. Just picked up a computrainer and it’s kickin my a$$!
-Chuck
I’m looking forward to this season because 2012 is the year I’m going to beat my husband.
I am competing in my first IM this year and would love to have this with training and racing!
I’m excited to race again!
I started running last August. I’m still really beginner and still out of shape (over 250lbs for 5′-9″) but I’m running walking 3 times a week. I look at the upcoming season to keep the good work and reaping the benefits of such good exercise.
Love your posts.
Benolecl
Working towards my first HIM. Actually my first tri…
I’m doing me 2nd ½ Ironman – this time in my hometown with swin start 1 km. away from my house – perfect! :)
I’m excited about racing on my new Trek Madone 4.7 this year.
Charles
I’m excited about building up base training for a half iron during the offseason, and breaking all my PB’s for individual swim, bike, run in the process
I’am wondering how it will look in my wrist. thanks DCRm
Commented on Facebook but don’t know if that counts. Waiting to decide on 910XT or Ambit per your review, a free 910XT would solve the entire problem
Jut today signed up for my first triathlon – Pacific Grove CA in September!
Excited but more than a little daunted!
I need this watch! Please! :-)
You are a true gentleman. Looking forward to a great 2012 of racing!
I am excited to race one of the newest Ironman’s on the circuit this summer (Ironman Mont Tremblant in Quebec, Canada) and hopefully get a Kona spot…..HOPE, HOPE, HOPE!
I’m looking forward to my first full Ironman Event. My goal is to finish with a smile, but deep down, I really want to smoke the course.
After taking last year to care for my wife with cancer, this year I’ll compete in my first ever triathlon (with my wife and three daughters) AND attempt to complete the Triple Bypass bike ride.
First Marathon on June 6, 2012 … just finished my 14th 1/2 with a PR. Almost ready to GO!
As a swimmer rookie I do need help to count laps.
I can’t wait to start doing track & road races again – seriously dislike cross country!
Great site! I stopped by to check out the Garmin 305 reviews :)
I am excited about racing my second Ironman and going under 10 hours in Austria. This is my second year in this fantastic sport so I still have lots of improvement ahead. Great work Ray, listened to your interview on IMTALK.
Came here looking at updates about the Vector status. Might as well take a chance on the FR910XT.
Could use a new Garmin as mine has become somewhat unreliable as of late.
Looking to start the tri season in South Beach on April 1st. Its gonna be a great year!!
Excited to get the season underway at IronMan Lanzarote and put the last few months training to good use.
Bring on the season.
Wow. Count me in
I’m recovering from a hernia and looking forward to finally doing some running and cycling again. This new HRM would be the ultimate tool for getting me back in shape.
Beautiful site keep up the good work.
Starting to train for a marathon this winter.
I’m looking forward to my first Olympic,Ocean Marathon and 70.3 in October, as well as watching the Olympics!!
I’m excited about getting back on my bike after an ankle injury and racking up the miles
Your blog has made me an running addict, and since I am Dutch I’m always in for free things!
Keep up the good work.
Erik
Hi…..retired cop finally looking forward to training with my wife for Ironman
Larry115
getting ready for the 70.3 on June and Ironman preparation for the fall 2012
I’m looking forward to getting back into tri shape once I rehab from my recent shoulder surgery (I’m two weeks post-op).
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Free 910XT? No wai!
I am excited about long long rides with old and new friends. I’m also excited about my first IM this August.
I’m excited to start training for my first Ironman!
IM Arizona in November…!
Wish me luck.
Im excited for my first 70.3 of the season this weekend in San Juan.
Because IMFL is only 232 days away!
I’m looking forward to competing in my first tri this year!
Bill – Switzerland
Hi- Just getting started and by that I mean 1/2 mile is pushing it for me :)
But hey got to start somewhere!
Cheers…
So excited to start a new season stronger and faster! Time to start competing!
I’m excited to up the miles and get running fast again!
Always could use another watch.
Excited to train to run my first marathon this December!
I am looking forward to do some great swims, bike, and runs in the sun.
Excited to have my one year old soon cheer me on during the transitions.
Could be a perfect training mate for my first Ironman, 16th sept 2012 Wales..STOKED!
I am excited to start nordic x-skating (on- and offroad roller ski) this season.
Thank you for sharing the great review with everyone.
Regards,
Leaving my comment for the drawing, AND a question. Do you have any problems keeping HRM strap in place during swimming? Mine falls down to my waist during speed sets, and especially when pushing off the wall. Any advice for keeping it in place?
I am really excited about the soon new release of brim brothers Zone PM, looking forward to get one and train hard with it for my bike leg!!!
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Can’t wait for that piece of technology.
I’m an Aussie newly arrived in Denmark. To help meet some new friends, I’ve joined the local enduro club. We’re heading to Sweden in June to do the VatternRundan – an epic 320km bike race. Compared to my European friends, I’ve got plenty of training to do between now and then if I’m going to keep up with them! National pride is at stake … and quite a few rounds of beer!
I’m excited to start training agin, after a long pause.
VERY EXCITED TO START THE NEW SEASON… Warm Sun I can’t wait! Go away rain… I don’t want to see you again in Seattle. wtrask4@mac.com
I’m excited to train for and then race Marine Corps Marathon in the fall
I’m most excited this season to run my first 50K!
Faith
My husband I are looking forward to working out together this summer!
I’m looking forward to start running and to get my first 5k.
Looking forward to completing a Spring half-marathon in Bad Durkheim, Germany, my first Tri this summer, a Tough Mudder in Scotland, and the Athens, Greece Marathon in November!
I’m looking forward to a season of many century rides across the US.
Thanks for the Garmin reviews – they’re really helpful!
Excited about my first marathon abroad – Paris, France in April. Voila!
I’m hoping that I can just finish my first tri ;)
This would really help me complete training for my first ironman
Snow slowly melting, so I’m excited about the fact that soon I’ll be able to get my road bicycle on the road again!
Snow slowly melting, so I’m excited about the fact that soon I’ll be able to get my road bicycle on the road again!
Thanks for the reviews! I stumbled upon your site while researching the Nike gps sportwatch. Good Work!
I’m looking forward to RnR DC on Saturday.
Hello Ray, reading your blog (daily) for 1 year now from Brussels. Currently training for my first tri (sprint) in June. Thanks for the excellent work!
Looking forward to a healthy year after a season-ending shoulder injury. Just excited to race again and enjoy being out there.
Looking forward to some alpine climbing in the Haute Route!
Super psyched for early season road cycling trip to NC first week of April.
Great site, Rainman. Keep it up!
Looking forward to some nice cols in the Alps.
Preparing for EcoTrail, marathon de Paris, Triathlon LD belfort, Triathlon LD alpe d’Huez and the cherry on the cake UTMB!
Hoping to recover from pain, running in 5fingers and looking forward to competing in more triathlons
All my best
Baab57
Discovered bike and swimming (ear problem) a year ago and loved it. After six month of intense training I am heading to my first triathlon in a few weeks. Feels like it’s the beginning of love story. <3 <3 <3
I’m training for the Tough Mudder, gonna kickass in 2012.
Just ran my first Marathon! Now I’m signed up for the Liverpool Triathlon UK in June! I cant wait to get in the open water!
I’m excited for the new tri season in Ireland as I’m living there temporarily for work. Happy (early) St. Patty’s day from the land of saints and scholars.
I am excited because I enjoy challenging myself to do things that I once thought impossible. I swore I’d NEVER be a runner and completed my first marathon last year. Now, on to do more things that I swore I’d NEVER do. :)
Looking forward to the Pittsburgh Half Marathon, and excited to try for my first Sub 2 half!
I’m excited about ramping up for my second half marathon, then figuring out what to motivate myself with after that–full? tri?
Excited about moving away from marathons to shorter distance races for the next few months.
Lookin forward to running my first triathlon this spring!
Have been a big fan of your posts for a couple years now. And oh man, could I use this!
I’m excited to start back at training after a knee surgery to start off the new year!
Can’t wait for the sun to come out. Starting to rust…need sun.
RRFitzgerald
Rick Robertson here. Just discovered DC Rainmaker and am very impressed with the reviews! Trying to decide what kind of training devices to invest in and these reviews are going to be a great help. Thanks for taking the time to do these, DC!
I’m looking forward to my first triathalon!
I’m looking forward to entering my first half iron and marathon this year.
I’m excited to run a half marathon on Saturday!
I’m excited about sunny runs and rides!
Hey Ray, really love this site looking at it all the time now since i found it last year. Just got my new asics gel shoes and just need a new watch would love that FREEEEE FR910XT
JMAN FROM CT
One word: Boston
Happy training for you,
Grzesiek
Can wait for my first triathlon ever June 9 in Joliette city (Quebec)
Getting back to training after a few months really light after Kona. Signed up for IM Cozumel to get myself motivated!
David.
Excited to “only” be doing HIMs this year, no fulls. Feels cracked in the head to think a half i sfor fun!
This looks like a great watch! I am looking forward to Triathlon season and analyzing the progress of my workouts.
I’m looking forward to training for my first race!!
I’m excited to see if my extra time in the double makes a big difference in my subpar swim splits!
mattonwomen@yahoo.com
I haven’t done any triathlons, but I still love your site and reviews! Very thorough!
I just improved my last year’s 10k time. I’m looking for the same with my hm, 5k, and 8k.
Improving my 5k,8k,and h’m times
I am looking forward to the off season ahead to train for my first triathlon in 8 years. This will also be the first time my son will see me race.
Thanks
Chris
scottchris1981@gmail.com
Excited to be doing my second tri season!
Jim Simon
jsimon@oceana.org
I am attempting my first ever triathlon in my life. Just did my first ever Biathlon in my life 3 weeks ago.
All this after 1.5 years of resting recovering from Plantar Fasciitis!