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.
Looking forward to my first triathlon in the summer, and back on the bike outside again.
Looking forward to my first ever half marathon hopefully being followed by another later in the year.
Gearing up for the 70.3 National Harbor followed up by the 2012 MCM!! Woot!!!!
I am so happy tha I will run in new Garmin watch. Summer is comming and my kilometers are rising up :)
The Big Race i am training for is the Redman Half Ironman. This is my first Long course, so going to get exciting.
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Lotoja 2012 maybe? I’m hoping at least…
I can’t wait to be riding my bicycle more and getting back in to swimming. I bet the watch will motivate me to get out more.
I can’t wait to compete in my first triathlon :)
Running my sec on marathon late summer. This time in my home town of Oslo.
Excited!? No, excited it’s not the word. Having my second marathon on march 25th (Barcelona) makes me feel pretty nervous. I know running 3 times a week is not enough for finishing a marathon in less than 4 hours, but I did last year, so…
Ironman NYC on 8/11
looking for my first 500mile race season in 10yrs…
My brother picked up one of these recently and while I’m happy to pick up his old 305, I’d love to have my very own FR910XT
Happy about the season? More like dreading the Florida heat over the summer; I predict some really early or really late runs for me.
Another awesome giveaway! Thanks Ray!
Having my baby and getting back into running shape!
I want one!
1st year of triathlons!
I’m looking forward to riding on sunny days and competing in my first triathlon.
Ray,
I’m excited to show off my shaved calves to my fellow age groupers! The glistening of a new watch would be nice too :)….
– Conor
Well for me this season is going to be full of nice races and some first-time tri-action, too! I’ve got 2 major marathons, one half-marathon and my first triathlon race all ahead during this coming season Thanks for the great site!
i am looking forward to training for swim and bike, in addition to my running and try to see if i am able to do a triathlon
I’m looking forward to completing my first Iron distance race at Chesapeakeman after doing the first 70.3 National Harbor race.
I am looking forward for my next half marathon at Madrid (Spain), hopping to beat my personal best.
Thanks DC Rainmaker for your excellent work!
Hi Ray, great blog, just keep doing it like that! (milan@designfarma.com)
Hooray for global warming, let’s just hope the summer isn’t too hot.
I’m excited to train throughout the Australian winter this year rather than stopping completely, so I can hit the ground running next season.
Happy to get off the couch!
Clinton from North Carolina
It has to be the Olympics over on this side of the pond, but on a personal level a branching out into the wonderful (hopefully) world of Ultra Marathon!
I want this Garmin FR910XT Giveaway
First race in 2.5 weeks, awesome!!!
Since I have been recovering from an injury for the past 2 months, I am excited about the off season here in Melbourne, Australia because I will finally be able to get out on the road and resume cycling and running while throwing the occasional swim session into the mix as well. It’s been a long, boring summer for me watching the days pass by without being out there training but soon I will be back and I can’t wait to hit the road and trails for what will be an awesome, albeit cold, off season with lots of training!
Excited because my first child will be born this season.
1st Duathlon of the year done. 1st half marathon this weekend. Open water starts in April. 1st road race in May. I have a big smile on my face thinking about all the fun the rest of the year will bring!
I’m excited because this is my third season and I’m doing more races than ever and I’m getting race wheels this season too. Next season I’m going for a PM.
This year I’ll make my first long trail (100km), I’m very excited about it…
Gonna be an epic season for me. Started in Feb with IM70.3 Panama, next up “Around the Bay” 30k run, IM70.3 Nola, Toronto Marathon, and finally IM Mt. Tremblant. EPIC!
Doing my first 1/4 triathlon
I am excited about the Olympics !!!
Go Super Athletes !!!
Ciao
Cant wait to be able to have time to bike outside and in the sun again!
To swim in the nice crisp lakes training for my tri’s! Would love that watch!
I’m looking forward to my first marathon in April and planning to enter my first triathlon in the summer.
After going from 104kg (BMI 33.57) to 82kg in 1 year because of finding the pleasure (and pleasure in pain) in sports. I had plantar fascialitis & runner’s knee apparently from overtraining in 2011. But for 2012 I’m trying my first triathlon (1/2), 2 marathons, 1 1/2 marathon & maybe some bike races. All I need is improving my swimming (novice) so 910XT is perfect partner & motivator in water & on land :)
Thanks for a great blog!
Tim Mai, Denmark timmai76@gmail.com
BenMorris
I can’t wait to suffer on the climbs and learn how to get my heart rate under control along with witnessing the TRAINING EFFECT of the 910xt !
Looking forward to my first full season of tri
I am looking fwd to replace my, sniff, sniff, broken 405 which I ran over a few weeks ago.
..in Melbourne Aus, looking forward to paddling in the cold. NOT!
Looking forward to completing my first half ironman in Sept.
Regs
LiamK
I’m looking forward to time outside running by myself without the two new kids in the family.
I’m excited to loose some weight, get in shape, and run my first triathlon.
Hi Ray,
I’m excited for my first triathlon debut! Thanks for all the great reviews and information. Your journey has definitely encouraged me to get started!
Cheers,
Kevin
klhwong@gmail.com
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this will be a great to pair with the new powermeter i purchased for our Bob jogger!
Two years ago this summer my best friend died. He was a triathlete and I decided for the 2012 new year I would run one race each year in his honor. As an Iraq Veteran from the first gulf war he ultimately had always wanted to run the DC marathon. I intend to run that at least once for him when I can work up to it. Having left a year old and young wife behind (he died at age 39) I hope to create a college fund for his daughter and try to raise money for every mile I do run. I guess now that I have this out there on the web, I am now on the hook to make the effort! :-D
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I am looking forward to my third year of triathlon racing first event of the season I am kicking it off with Rumpass in Bumpass. The other fun event I am doing that I am looking forward to is the Muddy Buddy down in Richmond in April, will be fun!
Mike
Be great to upgrade from the 310xt. Thanks DC
Looking forward to my first triathlons after coming from a swimming backround!
I am making running a priority. I want to start getting personal bests again at races. I know I can do it. I am off to a run now.
Looking forward to getting through Boston Marathon, running fewer than 7 days a week, and getting back to some biking and swimming…
Wow, insane number of comments already :)
I’m looking forward to developing my base running fitness – for the first time ever – over the off season (I’m in Melbourne, Australia).
I am looking forward to more access to trails without the threat of slick snow and mud, hopefully making it to Boston healthy this year, and running some family races with my three-year old.
Looking forward to piling on the miles! Thanks for the opportunity.
I am excited to do my first stand alone marathon, try an ultra this year, and do another 70.3 tri at years end
Looking forward to the biggest riding season yet: Skinny Tire, Santa Fe, Ride The Rockies, Triple Bypass, Deer Creek, Copper Triangle and El Tour de Tucson!
Might just might enter an actual race this year too!
Can’t wait to tear up the local roads after killing it on the trainer all winter!
I’m excited to push myself on the bike leg and experience farther race distances!!
I’m 15 weeks away from my first Ironman in Coeur d’Alene! Training’s going great and i’m thrilled to have found your blog!
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Beautiful weather! So excited for more outdoor runs than treadmill runs for my marathon training.
I’m looking forward to doing some nice tris in the summer FL heat, and then going up to attempt to better my marathon time up in Kiawah, SC, in December!
-Peter B
Crazy weather up north as well. Time to get the shorts out and show those white limbs.
Target race is a half-iron in late June with hopefully a brand new tri-bike.
Discovered triathlon in an effort to get fit after christmas last year. 0 to half IM in 6 months, apparently I do suffering. This year I’m excited and terrified to be taking on the full IM, and a 50 mile ultra..
I’ve got my first cycle tour, NZ’s Tour de Lakes in just under a month. 4 Days (over Easter) & 7 Stages. I can’t wait!
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Looking forward to completing my first marathon in April! Potentially training for first ironman too – pending on learning how to swim successfully!
I’m looking forward to getting out and starting training again after having my first baby! :)
I’m excited because after almost two years off from a foot injury I am finally able to run again. While I was out my wife used the life out of my Garmin trainning for IMFL. It would be great to start my IM trainning with a new and improved Garmin. With it’s help I might be able to beat her time of 12:12:24. Thanks from makingwoodwork@bellsouth.net
Started training indoors on the bike and running. Just signed up for my first 5k race this summer. At 50 years old and a few extra pounds to lose, looking forward to the warmer season up here in Quebec, Canada.
Thanks Ray for the encouragement!!!
This would be awesome for my 2nd Ironman at IMWI!!
I really need this new Garmin to Boston Qualify AND work off all those delish recipes Berties Bakery has been providing through her blog!
No where near the end of the season down here, 11 days to Ironman Melbourne!
I started running last year in may, from the couch, yup. So this spring, I’m excited to run my first ever race here in Montreal!!
Excided with marathon training and warmer weather!
lude123@gmail.com
Training for my first Ironman, Keeping Strong!
2nd Ironman Training coming up!
Training hard! running in central park for the NYC Ironman!
Having being off for the last 12 months due to torn ACL, I can’t wait to start training and racing again this season. Bring it on!
As a 16 year triathlon veteran at the age of 34, I am most looking forward to 3 things this 2012 season… 1. A new age group! 35-39. It’s a little tough on the ego but I am happy and healthy and I don’t “feel” 35 so let’s do it! 2. A new open water triathlon series here in the desert of NM. I will be racing 5 open water races right in my back yard that are all new to me! And 3. I am the 2012 president of my local multisport club and I am hoping to increase participation in several low-key, local and free events for all. Here’s to a great 2012!
Looking forward to some nice weather, less work, and more play!
Running a 10k in Charleston this month and going to shoot for a half later this fall.
I’m looking forward to ironman 70.3 California!
Exepcting to improve this years Escape from Alcaatraz Time
I’m excited because soccer season will resume soon
Thanks for sharing!
I’m looking forward to my first half IM in Augusta. But before that I’m hoping to rock Boston in April.m
I’ve got my first Ironman this year, I could really use this.
1st Ironman this year.
I’m looking forward to the flowers in bloom as I’m out and about!
Doing my first Ironman this year.
stephenkaas@gmail.com
I would like to win this for the battery life as I am competing in my first full Iron distance tri this year
Looking forward to get back to track with my running.
Looking forward to trying to balance training with being a first time dad.
2 marathons, 1 ultra and lots of shorter races planned for this year!
Looking forward to heading up to IM lake Placid and cheering on 5 buddies who are competing.
Post racing weight diet binge eating. Pizza 3 meals a day.
I’m looking forward to the Nashville Country Music Marathon. It will be my first 26.2, and I’m excited (and nervous!)!
I’m excited for it to cool back down here in DC and act like spring! Doesn’t get better than riding in 65 degree weather.
look forward to balancing priorities a bit to find more time to run
I am getting really excited about this year , in May I am 50, 3 weeks after my birthday is the first mountain marathon . If I do the score course I get extra points for my age. I love it extra points for 40 years experience of running in the mountains. Ya hoo
What a great giveaway – tracking my stats will help confirm if my training is on track.
I am excited about my second marathon, proving the last one was not a fluke. Also, the incredibly nice weather has me itching to get out and ride. Soon…
Looking forward for my first olympic season after three sprints last year. New bike, new shoes, new goggles, it will be an exciting one!
stoked just to train hard all year!
S Schott
After reading some of the comments, I have a long way to go. On a serious note, after a year deployment, I am excited to get back into the swing of running sans the dust storms and rocket attacks.
looking forward to OWS
This would be awesome!
I’m excited about having registered for the 2012 MCM, and I’m looking forward to finishing my 50th marathon!
Thanks for all the reviews!
Just a month until the Boston Marathon, which will be my second go at it. Hoping to knock a good 15-20 minutes off my PR. –Greg M.
I’m looking forward to doing my first triathlon
I’m excited for my upcoming marathon (June 3) and for what I’ll do the rest of the season: either another marathon: R&R Denver, or else my first duathon. (I loved biking last year when I did tri training and would like to do a little more of it.)
Looking forward to taking a year off of Triathlon and focusing on running only. Probably run my first marathon.
Can’t wait for my local sprint tri! The bike shop I work at has put together a sweet relay team!
Im excited for my very first half ironman! That watch would come in handy. Hint hint. Lol
enjoying the nice weather and the beach.
I’ve started back in training for the season and I’m looking forward to completing my first half iron this year in September.
I am preparing to compete in my first Half Ironman this summer. The 901XT would be a great way to track my progress and push myself to my max. Winico
I’m excited about getting to take longer and longer rides with my one year old son…and having him come watch me at the many races I go to each year. And thanks for the opportunity to win this great giveaway.
I can’t wait to leave behind the dark miserable winter here in Edinburgh and tackle a few hills on the bike!
I’m looking forward to win the FR910XT and train for my first triathlon!
I’m ready to buy one, so maybe this will get me some luck with my first sprint on5/19
Fig
My first tri in two years- spudman
Heading to Europe for two weeks in April. Already got my tickets to the Arsenal – Manchester City match. Go Gunners!!!
I’m looking forward to biking with my daughter.
I’m looking forward to getting in some OWS time
Greetings from Indonesia
I m a newbie in road cycling, after rainy season ended I wanna try increasing my speed from 32-35 kmh to a minimum of 40 kmh, please pray for me.
I am still using my FR50 and could always upgrade; please pick me.
I’m excited to compete in the last triathlon of the season on 1 April in Melbourne, Australia.
I’m excited about my return to triathlon after a 13 year hiatus and my first ironman.
I am very excited to seeing how all my hard work in this Outseason pays off. I expect to hit new highs in FTP and VDOT and I can’t wait to lay down that fitness on a couple of 70.3s that I will be re-doing.
I am getting ready for my first half and The Berlin marathon. Thank you for all the great reviews. Hopefully soon you will give us a first look at the Suunto Ambit.
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Can’t wait to participate in my first sprint triathlon ever this June!
I’m heading into racing season here in New Zealand!
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I’m looking forward to training for and running my first 100 mile race. Heather
This is just what i need for my first Ironman in Mont Tremblant
So many great things to look forward to this year. But I’m most Excited to get out and ride my new bike. Nothing like a nice new bike!
I’m most excited about selling my headbands to athletes and runners, and maybe doing a race or two.
I’m just looking forward to getting back outdoors on the bike. But also my first Olympic distance tri, cycling in the Pyrenees, and if all goes well, a half iron to cap off the season.
I’m looking forward to getting faster in my third year of endurance racing, hopefully winning in my age group in some local races.
I am looking forward to my first IronMan in September!!!
Just got into biking and riding my first Gran Fondo this year. This would certainly help what looks to be a “long road” ahead of me!
Looking forward to getting on the bike more this year!
I’m looking forward to training for my first triathlon, EVER!
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New road bike, new motivation. Really looking forward to an active and productive summer.
Hello from Costa Rica!! Im looking forward to my first 70.3 ironman in may!!!
It would be AWESOME to land one of these babies. Triathlon training, here I come!
Looking forward to my first half – Boise
Which is also my first triathlon ever!!
I’d love a new Garmin … My 305 is on its last legs.
I am looking forward to continue training for my first marathon, but instead of freezing my fingers off, I will feel perfectly comfortable!
Great site.
I am looking forward to improving my half Ironman times. Maybe an IMC spot…..
Hey Ray! Happy Spring! I’m excited to ride outdoors again…I love riding with friends and can’t wait to start our group rides again.
Excited about the Indianapolis mini marathon and trying to break 20 minutes in the 5k for the first time since college.
Looking forward to many long rides. I will run my first marathon this year!
I’m excited for growing a baby! I’m pregnant, due in September, but I would still like to run a 10K on July 4th and keep up the running and swimming as long as I can.
I’m looking forward to a 44.4 mile run coming up – my longest so far having only done 50K’s. Brew to Brew – from Boulevard Brewery in Kansas City to Free State Brewery in Lawrence Kansas.
I am excited to be doing my first triathlons this year and starting my journey as an endurance athlete!
Looking forward to putting on a lot of miles, brewing some beer and seeing some concerts.
Im trainging for my first half marathon. How perfect would this gift be!!!!
I think this Garmin needs some serious love, or abuse, whichever way you look at it. I think training for an Ironman is a great way to love/abuse it.
I am looking forward to spending summer time with our four kids esp. since they are all becoming independent.
What shall we do this summer? Lazy river, Wisconsin waterrafting, ziplining, WI Dells waterparks?
Just got a power meter for my MTB, and waiting for the Vectors to come out for the road bike. Pretty keen to get a 910XT since Garmin reversed their decision to support independent left/right on the 310XT. So excited to be training with power, it is like someone just turned the ‘accuracy’ switch on in my trainingpeaks dashboard! :)
Awesome giveaway, I would love to win this Garmin to aid me in my run across the country in May!
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As always, great and thorough review. Thoughtful is a better word.
Ready for the season!
–bionicbrandon
turning the dog into a running partner
As always, great and thorough review. Thoughtful is a better word.
Ready for the season!
–bionicbrandon
I’m looking forward to getting back to some faster training since I’ve just been doing longer, slower stuff getting ready for the AR50. Thanks.
ssherman@tobysherman.com
HEATH
I bought a powermeter. I need a computer. I’m exited to see why i race the way I do and how to improve cycling. And yep I’ll do a few du-athelons. I’m scared of tri’s, but maybe with motivation…. hweisbrod_175@comcast.net
Powerman Alabama as an early season challenge!
I’m excited to try my first triathlon! I’m also going to run my first Half Marathon.
I’m looking forward to getting off the exercise bike and back onto a real bike.
The washed out Ironman NZ was supposed to be my first IM so looking forward to another winter of training
I’m looking forward to starting training on a bike.
Looking forward to my first ultra.
I’m looking forward to long bike rides with friends and my second 70.3 race.
– T. Shue
Hey Ray! I’m really looking forward to a really big bowl of Clam Chowder, some black raspberry ice cream (another big bowl;-) from Annabelles in Portmouth, and running my first 1/2 Iron Man Aug 19th on Lake Winnipesaukee!
Looking forward to getting back into long course training. Currently having a setback with a minor knee issue. Depending upon how it goes, may end up being a poser for another year.
Finally warm on the east coast! Can’t wait to get off my trainer and onto the road!
This will be nice to to help get back in shape
Hey Ray! I’m really looking forward to a really big bowl of Clam Chowder, some black raspberry ice cream (another big bowl;-) from Annabelles in Portmouth, and running my first 1/2 Iron Man Aug 19th on Lake Winnipesaukee!
I am happy to be loved by the sun again.
Hey Ray! I’m really looking forward to a really big bowl of Clam Chowder, some black raspberry ice cream (another big bowl;-) from Annabelles in Portmouth, and running my first 1/2 Iron Man (Timberman) Aug 19th on Lake Winnipesaukee!