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.
I’d choose a Garmin Fenix 3 while eating a span sandwich!
I’d like to get the new Kickr since it is quieter and maybe a little better (safer for hearing) to ride with my 4 month old in the playpen.
I´ll go probably for a Watch, but might change opinion and get something else, thanks!
Definitely the Power Tap C1, need a power meter for my first full Ironman in 2017!!
Garmin Edge 520!!.. Probably.. :)
I would get a Garmin 735 Forerunner XT
Id get the Garmin Fenix HR to wear as an everyday watch
I would go for one of the Garmin GPS watches, because my Fitbit Surge won’t quite cut it when I start running longer distances.
A GPS watch for me and also for my son who is in the Army and is deploying soon.
Thanks Ray! I’ve been smashing out a solid 4 months on Trainerroad & zwift via my recent tacx bushido purchase. Absolutely loving power training but sadly that doesn’t translate outside at the moment….This would most definitely help fix that problem!!
I would prob buy the garmin 520 and a hr monitor. Maybe some running shoes too.
I would look to get sram etap or pedal based power meter.
I want a new Garmin
I’d definitely get the random pair of socks. Because my toes are cold.
I’d get a new Garmin watch, my FR610 is dying. Probably a FR630 because I love the touchscreen.
I would get a power meter!
I would really like $500 to CT, I mean who wouldn’t?!?!?
Probably a power meter
New modern fluid bike trainer such as Kinetic Road Trainer 2.0. Not only would I not receive such a gift but I need it because wife took over my previous trainer to ride while watching “Project Runway”.
A Quarq D-Four power meter, because I need another PM for my second bike.
Garmin FR630! And a recovery stick– time to start late spring marathon training.
Garmin Edge 1000 because I need navigation for some gravel races
Garmin 920XT. I’m looking for something to replace my aging non-waterproof HR and take my triathlon training to the next level.
Suunto ambit3 Vertical or Garmin Fenix 3 for my first GPS-sport watch which hopefully will help me continuously do running, swimming, and biking.
GoPro to use on training rides to get video of drivers that harass cyclists.
Garmin 520 to control my Tacx neo, and a Bluetooth HR monitor to broadcast to my tablet. Thanks!
I would get a Garmin 820 or 520 so I could have more screens than my 920XT and not have to scroll to look at my metrics
Fenix HR of course!
Probably an edge 820, but I’ll have to peruse the options when I win.
I would buy a Garmin virb ultra 30.
Mmmhhh i hope that Wahoo Kickr is as silent as advertised… my wife will appteciatte those extra morning sleep hours
I would like a Garmin Fenix 3 HR.
Tacx vortex smart trainer, because this move to the east coast has made for some less pleasant early AM rides to say the least.
Thanks for all you do Ray. I’d pick up a direct-force power meter. My time with my kickstarter-edition PowerPod has been great, but with all the gravel I travel… something that works on varied surfaces would be nice; I’d love to put it towards a C1 if they made something appropriate – Quarq Red DZero 110 Hidden Bolt to mate to my 42t x-sync ring.
I could use a new GoPro for cool shots during my rides. Thanks!
A new garmin multi sport device. My 910xt is showing its age.
I would use it on a 4iiii Precision Power Meter to better gauge my indoor training over the winter season.
A smart trainer without doubt. Having emigrated to Vancouver earlier this year and discovered what constant rain is all about, I need a trainer to keep those legs spinning over winter.
New race team for 2017 and need some new gadgets. Been looking at new multisport watches and power meters but only got lumps of coal in my stocking. Heck, I’d even just take half eaten gel packets
New GPS watch – 310 is staring to die.
While i would love to think the apple watch 2.0 can work for us, i would follow your advice on the watches – maybe the suunto. Two other items would be a go pro for my commuting to work in NYC and a powermeter (time to focus on cycling). Happy holidays to all.
I need to upgrade my gadgets and take my training to the next level! Thank you!!
If I won, I would use it to buy my husband a Garmin computer. I am trying to be a good wife. :)
Not sure what. Bought a fenix 3 and like it. Fenix 3 hr?
Been thinking about trying rollers — if I got the gift certificate, I’d probably go for the Elite Arion Digital Smart B+ Smart Roller and try out Zwift with it.
A new pair of shoes and a new Forerunner. Assuming Garmin doesn’t release some other devices that do almost the same things, but not quite, but kinda do, but without one key feature.
FR235 or FR735XT with optical heart rate…not for me but for my girl friend – she just started running and I want to motivate her!
A new power meter would be my choice!
A new Edge unit or running watch – something to keep me motivated through the winter!
I’d probably buy a Wahoo ELEMNT to run alongside the 820. Let’s see which one turns out to be better…
I would get a new Bike Trainer because Bend Oregon has been simply too covered in ice to bike outside. Fingers crossed!
I could use a new trainer that is a little smarter than my performance trek.
Dear Santa, I’d love the new Garmin Fenix HR and Edge 25 :)
I would probably go with a new Garmin computer, or upgrade the trainer. Are there “smart” trainers for $500? Needless to say there are a lot of options.
Go pro Hero 5 to be able to ride some of my favorite outdoor rides indoors.
I’d like to get my hands on the GoPro Hero 5
I would get the latest virb action camera!
Such a tough choice! There’s always a new gadget. I’d love a Thule car rack so I can travel with both my Ruby and Rockhopper. I’d also love to have more cycling clothing, can never have enough bike shorts!
I didn’t get anything related to cycling but if I were to win the DCR $500 gadget, I would use it to towards a pair of PowerTap P1 power meter pedals. I am training based on heart rate but I would like have an idea of how I am doing on a power standpoint.
I am already a subscriber to your newsletter and don’t buy anything without reading your reviews
I’m thinking I’d put the money towards a new trainer… :)
I would put it towards my first ever road bike as a jump start towards getting myself and my life back on track.
Mavic drone – but out of stock….
I’d love to get a trainer – probably a Kickr!
A fenix 5!
I would love a new Garmin Fenix with the optical great rate sensor. Having to wear the strap isn’t horrible until you think about how the new model came out about 9 months after I bought the Fenix 2.
I’d get a wifi weighing scale and a Garmin Fenix 3
Power meter to take my cycling to the next level. PowerTap is high on my list.
I’m gonna have to go with a pwoermeter because I’ve been without one for so long…
I’d love to get a stationary trainer, so I can continue training in winter
A new trainer. It’s getting cold out!!!
I would spend it on a Garmin Fenix 3 HR to replace my current TomTom Cardio with cracked screen which I have been trying to keep alive by ducking into the nearest shelter at the first signs of a drizzle. Other than uninterrupted runs, I will use the new watch to run new routes which I can only do now holding my phone so that I can find my way back to where I started!
An indoor trainer such as Kickr Snap would be great ;-)
Without doubt a powermeter. Fingers crossed.
There are so many things! But I’m mostly debating between the Garmin 735 or Edge 520 or a power meter. Probably the power meter so I can really start training.
PowerTap C1 Power because i Need a powermeter to train better to get stronger Or just simple to be faster with less…
I would have Tacx Flux
i think anaddition of garmin vivofit to my fenix will do a nice combination.
I would put it towards a kickr!
i would like the phenix hr, so I do not need the elastic strap anymore
hello,
i’ll probably try to go for a powermeter
I’d likeur to get a hero 5….and then I will go back to Paris to film all the beatifull things. And after that…use is with my sports..? Grtz @Teddo13