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…
I swim, bike and run. Then, I come here and write about my adventures. It’s as simple as that. Most of the time. If you’re new around these parts, here’s the long version of my story.
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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.Want to compare the features of each product, down to the nitty-gritty? No problem, the product comparison data is constantly updated with new products and new features added to old products!
Wanna create comparison chart graphs just like I do for GPS, heart rate, power meters and more? No problem, here's the platform I use - you can too!
Think my written reviews are deep? You should check out my videos. I take things to a whole new level of interactive depth!
Smart Trainers Buyers Guide: Looking at a smart trainer this winter? I cover all the units to buy (and avoid) for indoor training. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
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Check out my weekly podcast - with DesFit, which is packed with both gadget and non-gadget goodness!
Get all your awesome DC Rainmaker gear here!
FAQ’s
I have built an extensive list of my most frequently asked questions. Below are the most popular.
- Do you have a privacy policy posted?
- Why haven’t you yet released a review for XYZ product you mentioned months ago?
- Will you test our product before release?
- Are you willing to review or test beta products?
- Which trainer should I buy?
- Which GPS watch should I buy?
- I’m headed to Paris – what do you recommend for training or sightseeing?
- I’m headed to Washington DC – what do you recommend for training?
- I’m from out of the country and will be visiting the US, what’s the best triathlon shop in city XYZ?
- What kind of camera do you use?
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5 Easy Steps To The Site
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.
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!
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.
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!
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 reading your reviews. Just a suggestion for future text – when you mention included software with products, I’d be interested to hear if there’s a Mac version as well as PC/Windows.
Keep up the excellent work!
Just left Sarasota a few days ago. The weather was wonderful!
Looking forward to all the reviews, especially the Gopro and screen eye X
Power2Max review?
Shortly. It’s been a bit longer Saga than I hoped for. Not really the fault of me or them, just bad luck.
I went to do the first tests in late May, got everything uninstalled from my bike, and then found that the BB kit sent over didn’t match the one on my bike. I went ahead and ordered a new BB for my bike (Cervelo). Given my travel schedule, the next opportunity for install was just post-Alcatraz (last Monday).
Monday we went to install it and got everything set, but as attaching the non-drive side crank arm we noticed the screw was broken/non-movable. Not sure where the fault lies here, but it wasn’t working. They’re sending out a new crankarm – which in theory arrives today (a day late). Assuming the arm is there, it’s on the schedule to install next Monday night when I get back to DC.
Trust me, I want it there too!
Enjoy Ray.
Garmin GTU10 review, please.
I’d like to know if it’s useful for something other than tracking luggage?
Thanks, dude.
Enjoy your time here in FL. I have enjoyed your reviews. Still trying to decide on a GPS enabled watch.
Really look forward to the Switch Up review. I’ve been waiting for this one for quite a while and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it delivers what was promised. If catch any wind of a possible ship date, that would help, since they have passed the Spring announced ship date.
Is the GTU approved to be used during flight?
Consumer Reports recommends the No-Ad SPF 30.
Suggestion for Go Pro Remote. If the signal is strong enough to go thru a few inches of water it would make the Go Pro a great tool for swim coaches and masters teams.
Derek, Magellan tweeted the other day that they’re targeting early July for the Switch release. I could imagine one of these being my next GPS – also looking forward to Ray’s review!
Ray direct a GPS to Yoder’s Amish restaurant while your in Sarasota…pies to die for…food is wonderful and so is their fruit and veggie market but if you go you will need alot of riding to make up for their peanut butter pie!
Peanut butter pie! Nom!
…So u had electronic equipment activated while during take off?
…Rather a gross violation of FAA regulations and Homeland Security Airplane Passenger Rules, isn’t it?
The Screaming Geckos Ultra Running Relay Team will keep a new and close eye on this blog. We’re adding 2-wheelin’ adventures to our vita! Cool stuff goin’ on here… Mama (gecko)
Thanks for the great reviews – I won’t buy a sports gps untill I have read your reviews, and am really looking forward to the Switch data.
But, is there any way to add a section on display quality? Screen glare, poor contrast, hard to read fonts, and small display/font sizes are big issues to me. I don’t use tri bars, and need to see the device at 24-36″
Thanks for the consideration!
I was wondering if the Polar H7 will work with the Motoactv? I was wondering if you have any feed back in regards to it?
Thanks,
Doug R.
Hi,
Are your still planing to review the Polar H7? I’am wating ;)
Yup, still working on it – in the queue with others. Been using it on and off.
The current Motoactv firmware does not work correctly with the Polar H7. The monitor pairs fine but workouts are immediately terminated upon pressing start. Very frustrating as I’ve been told previous firmware versions have worked. Also, Motorola doesn’t seem too concerned with fixing.
Funny, I thought it might have just been my Motoactv that it was doing that with…good to know it’s not just me. :(