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.
Any DCR run planned around SF? I happen to be in San Fran tomorrow and the day after… In Las Vegas just after Interbike, incidentally.
… that was really rude. A run to celebrate the achievement, I wanted to say. Did not really come that way :)
No worries!
Unfortunately, I left San Francisco yesterday evening. Was only there about 24 hours. :(
Congratulations Ray, great recognition for the work you do for us:-)
That’s awesome, congratulations – well deserved !
That’s so awesome Ray!! Congrats!!!
you must be the youngest in the list.
Congrats and extremely well deserved…certainly fits the banner!!!
I think it shows the influence. I don’t know anyone who would buy a GPS watch without consulting your review. And even if they don’t know they are looking for your review, searching for reviews of watches on Google you are at the top, for a reason.
Companies can sponsor Meb (a la Epson), or other athletes to wear their kit, but you give unbiased reviews so we know if it any good and worth our money, then returning the kit too, so we know there isn’t a conflict of interest. That makes it really stand out from most reviews online where sites are complementary to anyone giving them free stuff. Then add in the level of detail you put in, and it is obvious why you are there.
Now, the Apple watch review please! And keep branching out from GPS – the power meter reviews are interesting, but show reviews would be good too – starting with Adidas Boost!
Congratulations again.
That’s so cool, congratulations Ray!
Congratulations Ray. That’s a big achievement!
Ray
Congratulations
Now you’re mingling with the running elite you won’t want to talk to us lowly mortals.
Terrific, congratulations! Keep up the excellent work!
Congratulations and thoroughly well deserved!
Well done Ray! You deserve it, even not running so fast as the others.
Congrats Ray, well deserved. Thanks for all the work you do.
You deserve it. No one in the world reviews like you!
Cheers
REALLLLLLY???? you get your very handsome photo in runners world mag and you put THAT photo of me on the blog as a thank you to your photographer??? You’re lucky you’re on a different continent buddy! Jezzzzzhus! (Insert emoticon monkey covering face)
Just in case…Masters in Counseling, specializing in Marriage and Family, located in Germany. lol. Many congrats on the recognition, well deserved. I’ll not buy any Sport/Tech stuff without first seeing what DCR has to say about it.
Oh…and the Podcast is cool too!
Photos of the Girl always bring a smile with the faces she pulls – whereas facial mobility is not one of Ray’s best talents.
Ha, ha, Ray, you’d better be running, much congrats on well deserved coverage
I think the pics are great – perhaps I’m biased as a fellow Newfoundlander.
Ray, big ups on the RW spot, definitely well deserved. Let’s face it your influence in the sports of triathlon and cycling are the same if not more.
I think that photo is great! (at least the forward facing one). Ray only has that big smile on his mug ’cause he’s looking at you.
I foresee a future posting of the “5 things I did this weekend” article being along the lines of:
1) Lavish thank you meal for the Girl
2) Spolling the Girl rotten with everything she wants
3) Spending time with the Girl doing what she wants to do
4) Shopping for a present for the Girl
5) something about tech
:-)
Si… You’re hired ;)
Congrats on the great photo, TheGirl :) Make him sweat! ;)
Congrats Ray, it is a more than fair recognition!
Watch out Ray….!!! Never underestimate female anger..;-)
BR and well deserved to see you on the list.
;)
Ray – as someone who follows/recommends your reviews/podcast, this is very well deserved. The business model is perfect and truly ensures that you empower us to make our own choices.
Now a knighthood from Her Majesty (QE II) for Services to Health & Wellness would be the perfect icing on a Bertie’s Cupcake!
Really well deserved!! Congratulations!!
This was to be expected :D Congrats!
Featured next to Alberto Salazar… watch the doping accusations come flooding in!
Well done though :)
Congratulations Ray! You deserve it! You’ve helped all of us sooo much!
Aloha from Hawaii!
Very very nice :)
Congrats Ray! Well deserved!
Congrats Ray.
You fully deserve it, and perhaps extend the title to cycling and triathlon.
Just now that I’ve stopped buying RW magazine! I will buy one more, lol
Guru!
Congrats Ray. As many have already said, and many more will say, it was more than well deserved. You must be one of the greatest revenue sources for those hardware makers to REALLY cater to us with worthwhile products, while at the same time saving us from the not-so-worthwhile products of those same companies. To able to see, in a single source, a glowing review for a Garmin (or Suunto, or Timex, or…) product and another damning one for a different product from the same company is what makes your blog one of my go-to places in the Net…
And being able to laugh while seeing a hardware review is awesome.
Congrats to the Girl also.
For me, definitely in the top 5 most influential ones :D Congrats!
Impossible to buy a running device these days without reading your blog first. Besides, it still has plenty of other interesting topics. Therefore, your appearance at the list was more than deserved. By the way, I am buying Garmin 225 this week based on your review. Congrats from Brazil.
This is, without a doubt, a remarkable accomplishment! Congratulations! I am a subscriber to RW, but I haven’t had an opportunity to check out this month’s magazine yet. I’ve been a frequent visitor to your website since 2011, and start to get withdrawals if I go more than four or five days without reading it. BTW…I work for a very large company, and have the reputation of being a “gadget geek”, when it comes to fitness, so whenever anyone asks me for my opinion on what to buy, I always point them in your direction first.
You haven’t let me down….yet! After her comments above, I hope The Girl lets you continue this little hobby of yours! :)
Keep up the great work!
Congratulations Rainmaker! Within the space of sports technology, no one comes close to your subject matter expertise and subsequent influence on the industry. Thank you for your passion and wisdom.
Very cool. Congrats!
Awesome – congrats
Congrats!
Congrats Ray ..
Well deserved. ..
Congratulations Ray you deserve it !! Thank you for you do for us.
RAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
…50 Most Influential People in Running…is there anything less insignificant than that ?
….more insignificant….
Trolling the forum of a guy who was just honored as one of the 50 Most Influential People in Running? Just sayin…….
Are there coconuts in this forum ?
Just sayin….
Ruh-roh. You gonna become the 800 pound gorilla now? Hehe. Kudos Mr. Maker
Congratulations, Ray! I always love reading your reviews and advice.
Awesome! Congrats Ray!
You have influenced my running.. thanks!
Must make answering all the same bike trainer questions over and over again all worth it in the end – big Congratulations!
To TheGirl – Your resume must rock with all that talent :-)
Congrats Ray, I know whenever somebody asks advice on GPS watches, I always send them to your site. It truly is the best resource out there for people who want an unbiased view. Dude, you are better than Consumer Reports.
Congratulations Ray! You deserve it
Congrats, Ray, that’s really great!
Congratulations! Not bad for a “hobby” (i.e., not your real job). By the way, there should be an icon for financial clout under your entry as well. Anyone who hopes to sell a watch/GPS/gadget in the running (and biking) space better make sure they get you a review unit or they just won’t be taken seriously. I wouldn’t consider buying anything in that space without first reading your review.
Congrats Ray, and well deserved. Your blog regularly comes up in conversations among my tri club members when people ask about technology. Your reputation precedes you.
Very deserving and I still am in awe that you do this AND have a “regular” job setting up server farms for tech companies around the world. Could you maybe do a post on how you manage all that and keep time/energy for training?
Congrats. Yes you rock thank you. I am addicted to your site.
Congratulations Ray, you should be really proud of yourself.
Congrats…keep on with the good work!
Don’t know if you’d thought about/realize this but your influence on the sport is somewhat unique in that you reach average/wannabe athletes like me. We don’t train 10 hrs/week, we don’t win our age groups, but love working out and your site is a motivator to us. Count me in with the thousands who invest in our hobby based on your insights.
This comment sums it up for probably the vast majority of your readers. I’m in the same group.
Ray, you certainly motivate us a lot. I’ve learned most things about cycling related tech here. Congrats and well deserved!
You deserve the recognition, well done Ray!
I would have guessed a cycling mag would feature you first as bicycles have a larger tech component.
Patience… :-)
Congrats Ray! Very happy for you and the influence and impact you have had on me and others as we consider our running and triathlete gear! This is the first place we always check out before making a critical decision on this kind of stuff. It is very well deserved!
Nice to hear it was a surprise and without a doubt deserved. Runners World just moved up my ladder of quality mags.
Hey Ray. I want to be the first person to put that under your name on TV!!!!
Hi Lew!!
Congratulations Ray. Well deserved!
Congratulations Ray – Very well deserved !!!
Ciao Ray,
congrats you really deserve it!
Bravo!
Congratulations and as many have already said very well deserved!
You’re a guru in your area!
Congrats Ray!
Well deserved for all the hours you spend and the time you take to react to posts. And of course the in depth reviews that are really in depth! Cheers!
Well done Ray, well deserved ..!!
Congrats Ray. Keep up the good work – I love your site.
Congrats!
I visit often but never post, but I figured I should this time.
It’s well deserved! It always amazes me how you are able to accomplish that much in 24hours (or maybe you live in a different space continuum).
To many more years,
Cheers,
Andre
Well done and well deserved, Ray! I am sure that a triathlon mag will follow soon :)
Well deserved feature – with Alberto Salazar as your bed fellow!
I never buy anything gadget wise without visiting your site (and visit pretty regularly most of the rest of the time) – so thank you for your on-going efforts and dedication.
Peter
Congratulations Ray ! You are famous all over the world among athletes for your accurate and profound reviews and your interesting blogs. The Garmin store in Monterrey, Mexico advises us to use your reports as reference.
Awesome! Welcome recognition for all the effort you put into everything you do. Well done….and nice beard too! ;)
Congrats Ray – To state the obvious – the triathlon, and biking world think you rock just as much!!
That’s awesome. It’s funny, I got the issue in the mail and haven’t looked at it yet.
Love, love, love your site and your superior reviews. Saw you featured in Runner’s World and thought – they (Rodale Press) get it. Congratulations. I look forward to many more future reviews.
Congratulations Ray – Thanks a bunch for all you do. Your site is fantastic!!
Great work Ray!
Awesome! And well deserved. Thank you for all that you do!
Congratulations, make sure you use you powers for good ;)
Congrats!
Well done, well deserved !
Congrats!! That’s really cool, must feel really good to get that credit/recognition. Good job. Thanks for all the information you provide.
Congrats on the distinction. You have certainly earned your place with all the work and analysis that you’ve performed. I recommend you to all who have questions about endurance equipment, great piece. Keep it up!
Congratulations Ray, well deserved!
I saw the following reply when someone was asking about a new powermeter in the Zwift Facebook group
#WWDCRS
I think it captures our feelings perfectly.
Thanks for all your hard work over the years.
Congrats Ray. well deserved!
(the other 49 may run faster, but I’m sure their tech gadgets reviews suck :))
Just gotten the copy of RW yesterday and saw the article. I have to say, for average joes (and janes) like me, your site is a god sent. Enough technicality w/o being too isolated to be understood only by the top 1% tech geniuses, while generally answering most, if not all (and more) of the questions that intrigue us. Well deserved recognition!
p/s: I stumbled into upon your site about a year ago after winning a Vivofit from a tech site contest, to understand the new gizmo. Completely forgotten bout it but came back again after googling more details (that other websites couldn’t deliver) about Vivoactive. Am proud to say that I am now having an awesome tech on my hand, which I did not regret getting and your informative site definitely played a huge part.
Congratulations Ray, massive achievement well done.
Very cool. Good for you. Congratulations.
Very well deserved Ray! I’ve been reading your blog since 2010 and still enjoy the reviews, run arounds and life in general articles you wright. Keep up the good work!!
well deserved, I’m an avid reader now for 5years and like others have said wouldn’t dream of purchasing a GPS watch if you havent reviewed it yet. On top of that the travel and food writing just make it a very entertaining read
Glad to hear you’re getting some credit Ray!
I’m really fond of all your in-depth reviews which I think are unmatched on the web.
Thanks for a quality site :) Kee it up!
Well deserved, keep up the outstanding work!
Your our “GO TO MAN”. After seeing your precious pup and his go pro debut, I decided my fiancé had to have one for his birthday TODAY !! Thanks for always being an inspiration. Now you and “the girl” go and have yourself a wonderful weekend!
Well deserved, Ray, I’ll never buy a running watch anymore without checking out your reviews.
Well deserved, sir, congrats!
Congrats.
This shows how dramatic the journalistic landscape has changed: the less influential (Runners World) elevate themselves through nominating their superiors (people like you, Ray, who write unbiased, comprehensive, knowledgable and authentic pieces). For me, RW is throwing the towel with your nomination. And I’d bet the visitor etc numbers for dcrainmaker and runnersworld.com will show, too.
Anyway: We shouldn’t look back, but forward to your continuous excellent work. Keep it up.
Good job Ray! Well deserved!
Well deserved – I lose count of the number of people I have referred to your blog for buying advice!
Well, you certainly deserve all honour and credits. Yours is a great place to spend some weekly moments browsing gadgets and/or just enjoying the blog. Thanks Ray! And do visit Holland, so we can set up a Dutch fan fondo…;)
Well deserved Congrats!!
Congrats Runner’s World for having Ray’s name in one of your pages at last ;-)
No t frequent commenter, but an avid reader – if you ever come to world://Poland/Warsaw let me know – there are some quite nice trails down here ;-)
Btw I’m also interested how you manage to find time for all of it ;-)
Congrats! Time to update your “Press Clippings” section!
Thanks! Indeed, yeah, I’m a wee bit behind on updating those!
Congrats Ray, very well deserved!
You are the best. Since I discovered your site so is my first place to read about fitness gadget (specially running gadget).
Great Job and I hope that you can be with us for many time.
Regards from Venezuela