Heads up! Here’s your massive list of sports tech deals! This includes the Garmin Forerunner 965 for just $499, Garmin Epix for $429, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Black Titanium for $735, the GoPro Hero 12 Black for $299, (or Hero 13 bundle for $339!) 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.
Your website is awesome…best resource easily for GPS watches…thanks
I am training for a marathon next month and looking forward to the race.
I’m looking forward to reaching my goal of a half-marathon distance by the end of the year. In my firs race, I won’t care if I come in last as long as I can run it all.
I’m looking forward to running again. After a broken foot and grad school, it’s been too long since I’ve been out on the trails.
Thanks for all your work!
for the national half marathon this saturday and getting back into running since my surgery!
Ray, I really enjoy the blog. It’s comforting to know (in a disturbing kind of way) that there are so many other “athletes”/geeks out there. As a Garmin evangelical (just upgraded my 305 to an 800, and the company is replacing my 405 — I’ve gone through three, all with battery/firmware issues — with a 610, your review and comments are right on the money.
This is my first year as a road bike racer, having been a runner for 25 years, so I’m looking forward to my first event, a time trial up Lookout Mountain (1,300′) this weekend. Guess it’ll either kill me or make me stronger. Whichever.
D.an Lipsher
Looking forward to running in the hills on some cold crisp mornings.
finally a decent swim track… scared to see how crooked I swim!!!!
hi Ray
I’m hoping to take the cardio fitness I’ve gained training for an early-season marathon (and a marathon PR in my mid-40’s) and see if I can translate that into triathlon improvements.
This Spring Season will see me compete in my first Oly Tri under the direction of a multisport coach. Even though I have completed an Oly Tri before, it was under my own direction. I’m loving the coached training but also hating it! I ask for pain, she delivers the pain. I hate the pain, she delivers more pain. The life of a triathlete in training!!
Looking forward to more 50k races!
I AM so excited because its warmer and i can finally ride outside which means no more trainer,yeah:-) i’m Sick of it by now!
Looking forward to my first Ironman!
Beata,
Just finished my first Long Xterra over the weekend in Miami. Can’t wait for more to come…
I’m excited to running my first marathon, starting my second tri season and finishing my first half ironman length tri.
The only thing i expect from the spring is rain…here in Spain the autum and winter was exremely dry (after 100 days only 4 liters, worst than desert).
Congratulations for your blog, here lots of people follow your blog.
I’m super pumped for trees to fill out with leaves, so I can enjoy the lush greenery of the season!
The only thing i expect from the spring is rain…here in Spain the autum and winter was exremely dry (after 100 days only 4 liters, worst than desert).
Congratulations for your blog, here lots of people follow your blog.
my email santimillan29@yahoo.es
Just moved to DC and am looking forward to exploring the place in my minimalist footwear as I train up for the Marathon in October – oorah!
Excited about completing my first 1/2 ironman in Racine!
Looking forward to my first International Tri! I have been racing since 2008 and I just registered for IM Calgary 70.3… and its hills :) Hopefully I will have a new Garmin to help me ;)
Looking forward to the 30th anniversary celebration at Wildflower and breaking my PR there!
I am looking forward to getting the trainer tire off the tri-bike and pounding the pavement.
I’m excited about taking my first crack at 140.6!
I am excited about running my second marathon.
hopefully kona-bound
I am a runner. I look to doing what my body tells me I can’t and proving it wrong.
I am looking forward to my first 70.3–toughman in westchester!
looking forward to fast races and personal bests
Looking forward to Mt Evans & Mt Washington…
hi!
I’m excited to start in two IM 70.3 this season, being IM 70.3 St.Pölten (Austria) my main-event where I’ll try to “race” an event for the first time (not only finishing it like in previous years).
greeting from Vienna
Herbert
Looking forward to start running again after the knee problems of 2011 !!!
I’m looking forward to my first Eppie’s ironman this year.
Looking forward to training for (and completing) the Leadville Silver Rush 50 mile run. Bring it on!
I am looking forward to my first Ironman in Lake Placid.
I’m looking forward to Aarhus city Halfmarathon, it is gone be my key event this Spring/sommer…
I’m looking forward to continuing my lifting program and getting in better shape… and for running OUTSIDE!
just read Jeff Johnson’s 2001 “clash of border” speech; cross country here I come!
we are having great wrm weather here in Memphis as well! Love the spring time!
Such a great giveaway! My garmin recently broke so I’d love a new replacement to get ready for spring training!
Cousin_D i am looking forward to the running the biking and the swimming oh my…
I want to get started on open water swimming! Out of the hamster wheel of the swimming pool :)
Looking forward to supporting my wife with her first ultra, completing 2 half IMs, and my first 100 mile mountain bike race this year!
Skip S
svschott@charter.net
Thanks Ray!
Hey, Ray! Here in southern hemisphere is starting the fall and this mim Season, not offseason! During the spring and summer its really hot, so the best races happens from april to september, when the temperature goes from 10ºC till 24ºC.
Hey, Ray! Here in southern hemisphere is starting the fall and this means Season, not offseason! During the spring and summer it’s really hot, so the best races happens from april to september, when the temperature goes from 10ºC till 24ºC.
I am excited to be starting off the race season healthy!
Thank you Ray!
I hope to have the opportunity to go to triathlon after recovering from my knee.
Hi there,
Spring means running in daylight after work!! No more pushing the light button in my watch ;-)
I’m looking forward to spring as we’re going on an Australia vacation, and I can’t wait to get some runs in down under!
I’m looking forward to the great weather and lots of outdoor activities with family and friends.
I’m also going to try trail running.
Today.
When i was on my fith Km. i thought that i’d forgotten my bike, so i went running back home :))
looking forward to the new season.
I’m looking forward to taking my new baby boy this first 70.3 late this summer.
I’m looking forward to the Garmin Vector release.
BambooDavid
Doing my first half in july,half vineman!!
I’m looking forward to the Garmin Vector release.
BambooDavid
Excited about the warm sun! Sign me up for the 910xt.
I’m looking forward to the Garmin Vector release.
BambooDavid
I’m excited to go sub 5 at Oceanside.
I’m excited to do a sprint tri on Long Island in October without a wetsuit!
I am excited or the water to thaw so I can get back on the water. I am mostly a paddler but do run as party of my base training.
For a long time I have been running, but since last year I have started to traing to do a triathlon. This year I will try to finish an Spring and a Half Ironman, and be prepared for next year to do a Full Ironman on 2013
Soooooo Happy for Daylight Savings Time to be here! Light!!!
I’m going to paddle Võhandu river marathon (Estonia), 100km with 10 hours in April 21th.
2011I fell to fourth place in my boat class. This year want to reach the top-three.
And of course going to ride a bike and paddle all the summer as much as possible – I’m a group leader and ready to use all modern equipments.
For a long time I have been running, but since last year I have started to traing to do a triathlon. This year I will try to finish an Spring and a Half Ironman, and be prepared for next year to do a Full Ironman on 2013
Time to get off the trainer and hit the road
Looking forward for new race season after years of pause.
I’m excited to be running my first Western States 100!
i’m looking forward to my third triathlon in the north of germany!
Looking forward to another exciting season of Swim, Bike and Run.
Hoping to lose weight during the season. =)
I’m excited to put away the hat and gloves!
Yay for Spring!
I plan to enter my first Tri early 2013!
I am psyched to get on the new Cannondale Slice I traded my car for and compete at the 2012 Timberman 70.3!
Hey put me down Ray.
Red Sox Ray
Edmonds Wa,
Excited and anxious to my first sprint triathlon this May that I’m doing along my wife. Woot! Woot!
Looking forward to my first trail 20k and Olympic Tri!
After breaking my 5th metatarsel in January I am just looking forward to hitting the road in my running shoes!
More trail running!
I currently have a garmin 405, great watch, and am looking to upgrade. The 910 would be fantastic. Yours are the best reviews of running toys I have seen so far.
I enjoy biking in spring after a cold winter!
I’m eager to lose the 10 kg I have left has lost on the road and path, along with this beautiful FR910 …
I am training for my first 70.3 in July in Copenhagen, Denmark.
I can’t wait :-)
I am waiting for the season because last summer I attended my first cycling event and this season will include at least two more – it will be great!
Excited to get back running after a couple of injuries. Getting ready for a half marathon in 2 months time…
I am training for my 1st 70.3 in July in Copenhagen, Denmark. Can’t wait… :-)
I am very much excited to do my first full ironman in september and i can’t wait to get some daylight training hours in. This wintertraining in the dark just makes things a little dull. Except running in the snow ofcourse which is always fun to do. Unfortunately we mostly get rain around these parts in winter.
It’s time to get back to a serious training !!
I’m excited about focusing on 70.3 races and going faster rather than the longer slower variety of triathlon
I’m looking forward to my third tri season, to atend my first ½Ironman. :-)
Looking forward to run a mountain marathon probably in Switzerland.
VJ
I’m looking forward to completing my first triathlon, jumped in at the deep end and started with Iron Man Wales
Looking forward to my 1st half marathon in 2 week.s
For the first time, my winter training went very well. Maybe I could pinch off 10-15min from my half maraton record in May…
Looking forward to Battenkill this spring. Hopefully it will not chew me up and spit me out.
I’m looking forward to my first half marathon, but what a half to pick; The (UK) Great North Run! Also looking forward to running with the sun on my back, hopefully very shortly, I’ve had enough of this winter weather already!!! Happy miles all.
Hoping to finally get back to business after a long long time with back problems!
I want to run again!
Hoping to have a go at the 0-3000m Etna marathon.
Looking forward to warmer weather and getting serious about some local races.
Ironman St George and Coeur d’Alene!!!
My first HIM-race and further preparations for IM next year.
That would be a nice surprise.
I’m looking forward to my first marathon! How’s that for scary and exciting?
My leg is in a cast and IMLP, my first, a solid 19 weeks away – plenty of time…
can’t wait for to feel the sunshine in my face during a race !
I am looking forward to riding my bike for the first time since last August! I plan to ride in a charity ride in April.
can’t wait to feel the sunshine in my face in a race!
There is a lot I am looking forward to this season. I am doing my first full Olympic tri the last one I trained for was flooded and the potomac was too dangerous (2011 nations tri). My wife and I are expecting our first child, right in the middle of the tri season. The other thing I am excited about is I am hiking the grand canyon rim to rim. This is going to be a great season and a new watch could only top it off!
Looking forward to some serious biking in Italy!
Great site! Thanks for the help with our FR610 purchase.
I’m recovering from calf tear and I’m looking forward to being able to run again soon. Anything else would be a bonus ;-)
I’m looking forward to racing again after a hiatus for graduate school…and haley’s comet!
Excited to compete in my first Ironman. Ironman CDA, here I come!
I am looking forward to finally getting outside and back to regular training after an injury filled off season (okay it was only one injury but it kept coming back!) – mlawless
Ray, Because of you I bought an Edge 800 and started Trainer Road…now if only I had a Garmin FR910XT to track my pitiful running on the way to Iron Man Wales this year.
Love your work!
Looking forward to working on my speed in the offseason.
This year I`m going for my first marathon, this is challenging. Hope this is only starting point and with the Garmin it is easier to reach. I recommend for others nice place for that it is Latvia, Riga, Nordea Riga marathon
I’m excited to get started with triathlons this season. It Will Ne my first season. Furthermore, I’m looking forward to hearing more about the vector pedals, and maybe even getting my hands on a pair.
Looking forward to a sub 3:30 marathon, and multiple sprint triathlons.
Looking forward to running Boston and then back to focusing on all three sports.
I’m very exited because after enjoying summer in the Southern hemisphere, now I’m moving back to the States. Two seasons in a row!
I’m really looking forward to Vineman 70.3 this summer!
Thanks Ray, you’re blog is the best company for me during breakfast everyday :P
Alberto
Unfortunately winter is over, it was a short but successful, a few laps on the cross country skiing done. But the main was participation in 63 km classic style at the famous Tartu Skiing Marathon. Summer coming, with inline speed skating and bicycling, and maybe sea or river kayaking also. Monitoring would be a good help.
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Excited to start swimming out in the lakes again, although up here in Newfoundland we have to wait for the ice to melt first…-8 here today.
Excited for my first Open water swims this season!
I am looking forward to getting back in the pool after shoulder rehab.
This year I`m going for my first marathon, this is challenging. Hope this is only starting point and with the Garmin it is easier to reach. I recommend for others nice place for that it is Latvia, Riga Nordea Riga marathon
I am looking forward to IMTX
Excited for the 2012 ITU World Age Group Champs in Auckland.
For this season im looking forward to spending som more time on my bike, and having fun with my cycling-buddies. I might even try a few races. Hopefully my knee will be better, so i can start running again. I cross my fingers!
I wish you all a great training year!
With spring arround the corner i’m looking forward to replacing the hours on the kettler ergometer with some MTB in the fresh air. Besides bicycling i swim once or twice a week and the 910xt is just the right toy for that as well. I don’t train for any races but just jo keep fit (get fit). link to endomondo.com
anders@majland.org
I’m excited to continue climing up the endurance ladder. After two marathons and a Half Ironman last year, I’m looking to complete a full Ironman and maybe an Ultra-Marathon after that.
My kids, 6 & 8 finally figured out how to ride their bikes last summer and we went on a few short bike trips so I am hoping we can go a little farther this year
I’m looking forward to running some serious mountain races. I want to see how well I can climb and handle altitude after bonking at the Steamboat Marathon last year.
Having just ordered my 910xt I’m looking forward to training with it over the winter, but I’m sure my wife would love to have one to train as well.
When will they finally introduce multiple users on a watch.
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Thanks for doing this. Keep the good work!
I am looking forward to getting some solid base work done in the off season in anticipation of IM New Zealand next March which will be my first IM
wayne@westaucklandlaw.co.nz
looking forward to leaving marathons behind and getting back in the wetsuit and out on the bike
Age 65, 6th ironman this year!
trosen8231
I’m looking forward to continue making progress in my fitness, and to complete a half ironman and a marathon
Looking forward for my first running race
I’m looking forward to entering my first road race later this year!
I am looking forward to pushing back the aging clock or at least slowing it down.
Mshima@aol.com – This would be great for triathlons!
I am looking forward to an awesome bike season…
Looking forward to racing tris in Europe when we move there this spring.
I am ready for my second Summer of du- and triathlons, as well as trying to better my marathon PR this Fall! I am also looking to upgrade from my 305:-)
This would be a very nice thing to have for my first ever triathlon this june :)
I would love to consolidate my garmin 305, powertap head unit and swimsense into this device
I am excited for the events coming up this summer, especially the triathlons… both sprint and olympic distance.
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Looking forward to running my first marathon!
Recently switched to pose running, so really looking forward to seeing how that will affect my pace :-)
Whoa, this is too good a deal! A single comment for a chance to win this killer training watch!
Excited for some new wheels coming my way. And riding them of course.
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I am looking forward to my second and third HIM!
Getting pretty anxious to get back at things after shoulder surgery.
Wow so many comments…
I’m excited to run my first half marathon next season. Woohoo!
Am exited to race the racingbike again, after a long winter with mountainbiking!
lookong forward to ultrarun
It’s soon off season downunder in Oz, so i will be looking foward to improving my bike and swim times to hopefully be able to enter my first ironman 70.3 in 2013.
I am looking forward to my first Ironman…St. George
Looking forward to race season. A few 10ks, a few hm, a 31k trail race and I hope I’ll get lucky in the nyc marathon draw in april.
Hi DC Rainmaker!
I was so happy to see that you are giving away the new 910XT – even though the chance for me winning is next to nothing! :)
I am based in Denmark, Scandinavia, and preparing for my first iron man – Challenge Copenhagen in August. Since I started training for my iron man I have been following your blog – it is great!
Right now I am working out with a retro Casio watch, with a calculator. It is a little tough though!
Therefore I would love, and I mean LOVE to be picked as the winner of this contest! I will pay back with a race video from me participating in Challenge Copenhagen :)
Best,
David
Looking forward to a new season, and a new arrival!
Spring is here and the light evenings are on their way!
almost finished the c25k when someone stole my 610, so hoping to find incentive to keep momentum going!
Looking forward to the local 5k
series..later in the year a half
in Savannah.
Hi DC Rainmaker!
I was so happy to see that you are giving away the new 910XT – even though the chance for me winning is next to nothing! :)
I am based in Denmark, Scandinavia, and preparing for my first iron man – Challenge Copenhagen in August. Since I started training for my iron man I have been following your blog – it is great!
Right now I am working out with a retro Casio watch, with a calculator. It is a little tough though!
Therefore I would love, and I mean LOVE to be picked as the winner of this contest! I will pay back with a race video from me participating in Challenge Copenhagen :)
Best,
David
Cant wait to start racing this summer!
I am looking forward to using my new Garmin FR70 (which I happened to buy purely on your review of the FR60) and dropping a few pounds; thanks for all your detailed reviews and I am glad you made it to the “big leagues” as you said!!
I’m looking forward to the spring marathon on April 22nd :)
Off season means winter. So I’m looking forward to Summer. Bring it on. Only 9 months to go.
Hey,
greetings from Germany and thanks for all your nice reviews, they helped a lot and the homepage is quite interesting!
I am looking forward to my third Half Marathon on the Easter Weekend. Hope we get Spring too…
Take care
I’m excited about doing some sneaky off-season training and blasting a half marathon against my friends!
Peter Sharp
I am looking forward to using my newly purchased Garmin FR70 (which I happened to buy purely on your excellent review of the previous model FR60) and dropping a few pounds in the process. Thanks again DC Rainmaker for all your detailed reviews and I am glad you made it to the “big leagues” as you put it…keep up the great work!!!
I am excited about the 3 races ahead in this season. The most important one is my first half IronMan in September in France.
Best wishes to everyone!
I am excited about the 3 races ahead in this season. The most important one is my first half IronMan in September in France.
Best wishes to everyone!
Thank you for this great chance to win the newest innovation of Garmin’s triathlon series.
Sprained ankle running in the dark over the winter. So pretty excited for the extra daylight.
Excited to do my second season of tris!
BTW, many thanks for all the work you put into your excellent and helpful website.
Jim Simon
jsimon@oceana.org
I’m excited to not be training for an Ironman this year. Unless I hit the Kona lottery in which case I’ll be excited to train for my third Ironman in under two years.
I’m excited to get back into the racing world after taking a year off after having a baby girl!
Great product and it’s nice to see, that you’ve this giveaway.
A friend of mine bought one of the first devices after launch and he is sooo happy.
Actually we train for our first triathlon ever. I’ve only the FR305 and complications at swimming with it! ;)
Thank you for your minds about your expierences.
You’re a little bit our mentor for our big goal this year.
happily putting months of injury behind me and looking forward to a season of training with a few races to keep me honest.
After this weekend having ran my first half mary I am excited to start doing olympic tri’s this summer!!
and your blog rocks.
I would like to finish my first TRI this year after a complete colon resection.
Already recognized that it will be a long and hard road to achive this dream…
Will be running La Ruta de los Conquistadores, Mountain Bike stage race in Costa Rica.
I am looking forward to long days and warm nights. And open water swimming. And if all goes well, my first half iron distance triathlon.
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Looking forward to an Xterra offroad tri. Can’t wait to start swimming
I am hugely excited about the upcoming season! My kids have been in school since last august and my training time has gone from 5 hours a week to 15-20. I am not only ready to race, but to be on the podium! alabamaburndoc
Looking forward in getting back on the saddle after been involved in a hit & run which resulted in fracturing my clavicle.
I’m looking forward for my first half marathon.
I’m looking forward to the birth of my second child any day now. Taking my 3 year old out for Burley rides, ‘running’ with him while training for my first Half Marathon and competing in my second every triathlon.
-Ray J
I am hugely excited about the upcoming season! Having increased my training time to 15 hours a week, I have seen drastic improvement in my times, and can’t wait to compete!
I’m excited because I just love the spring and summer. Also, this starts my second summer as a cyclist but my first where I’ve got decent equipment, decent fitness, and somewhat of a clue about training. I’m super excited about all the organized rides and possibly competing in a six event time trial series.