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…
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’m just getting into smart training on my bike. My next purchase will either be a Wahoo Fitness Elemnt Bolt, Wahoo Kickr or Vector 3 pedals!
I would get the Fenix 5 watch. I have the Fenix 3 and live it but am a little jealous of assume of the new features on the 5.
I would simply love the socks ! Colorado winters can be cold and blustery , unlike beautiful Australia hoots stay warm. Although I sure do fancy those new wahoo computers! Your reviews are excellent DC keep them coming!
I’d get the Hero 6.
Garmin 935 for me
Wahoo kickr or pedal based power meter
Garmin 935 because I do t have a watch anymore and could really use one.
I would pick up the vector 3 pedals.
I’d get a Tacx Neo for riding until the snow melts
Wahoo kickr snap so the girl can zwift along with me.
Having never trained with power I would be interested in getting the garmin vector 3 and taking my training more seriously.
I’d love the GoPro so I can document my tri journey
Wahoo Element for my wife’s first fondo.
I would love to get a Garmin Fenix so I have a watch to wear for long trail runs and triathlons.
Garmin Vector 3 Power Meter is on the top of my list now to make that next step in training and in triathlon. World Age Group Champs 70.3 in Nice 2019 is the goal!
New Garmin head unit!
I’d get a Wahoo Elemnt Bolt
Really need a new power meter!
The GoPro 6 would be a fantastic upgrade for my family! Thanks Ray!
Vector 3 pedals
I would love a new go pro.
I would grab a fenix 5. More watch than I need, but so cool!
Looking for a running watch and would love the 935 or maybe the 645!
Think I’d have a hard time between the 935 and the Fenix5, but definitely one or the other.
I already have a super sweet watch but could use a new bike computer!
Would love to finally trade up from my dumb trainer to a brainier one!
I would get PowerTap C1 for my CX bike!!
You are the GPS god.
I would use the winnings toward a new trainer. Most likely a Wahoo Kicker.
Thanks
Mike
Edge1030 , larger screen, more information
I”d go for either a GoPro or put it some of the way toward a new trainer – the go pro for making videos and the trainer for smashing it on zwift
I think I would get my wife a new Garmin vivoactive 3
A new Garmin fr935 or a new smart trainer would be great.
I’m looking for that edge over my competition, probably a 530 when it’s released?!
I’d get either a GoPro or a new trainer!
I think I’d get a new trainer because I’m still rocking the (non-rocking) kurt kenetic from 2008. There’s nothing wrong with it because those things are built like tanks, but I wish I had a controllable one.
Suunto spartan ultra or some other smart watch I think.
Good day mate! (from Perth, Western Australia)
I enjoyed your adventures at the Tour Down Under, great to see your chats with Shane :)
As a starving student, my dream item is a Garmin Vector 3 power meter because they are always beyond my reach. Primarily because there is always another essential bike part that you need to buy for maintenance to ride in this sandy state of Australia.
Thanks Ray for your good work!
Cheers,
Terence
Garmin Vector 3 power meter to always know watts up
Most likely a Garmin Edge 520 and other random bits
Hero 6 for me so that I can capture my kids’ snorkelling videos
I’d get a power meter. Probably something pedaly
A new watch… I ran a trail half last spring and came back missing a button on my Ambit II. Still works perfectly fine, just can’t swim with it…
I would get my wife a watch so she can finally track her distance and pace without pulling her phone out of a belt
I’d love to upgrade to the Garmin 935 or Garmin 520! My 910 is on its last leg! Thanks Ray.
Suunto spartan ultra – battery life ftw
Probably get a Fenix5 upgrade to the HRM on the watch.
I’d purchase the the Garmin Vector 3 power meter since I’d like to see what amount of power I am not producing. :)
I would get either a fenix 5 or an hydration pack.
Start the year with new gear!
Wahoo Kickr or even and Element Bolt for that matter would be awesome.
If I am selected I will likely use the credit to purchase a Suunto Spartan GPS watch because I am starting my half marathon training next month and have never used a Suunto GPS watch.
Late to the party and didn’t bring a gift. I’d pick one of these to make up for it :)
The new Scosche optical hr band. Because you can’t have too much hrm.
Finally upgrade to a smart trainer!
I think I’d get a GoPro 6
Would love to try a power meter
The new Scosche optical hr band. My Garmin is getting old.
Hero 6 would be mighty fine as I don’t have none of its kind.
GoPro…
Power meter!
I would buy a Garmin 645 because I would love to have a watch with music storage.
Garmin Vector 3 pedals for Zwifting using my n-1 bike.
GoPro Hero 6 for the 4k.
lots of little gear.
A new power meter
Garmin Fenix for the multisport capabilities
Garmin Vector 3 since I don’t have a pm
I would take the Western Mountaineering VersaLite sleeping bag, because I need a cold weather bag for camping.
Garmin 935 because my other watch is screwed up and I’m getting a little pudgy.
Fenix 5 to replace the non-hr fenix3.
A heart rate monitor to track my marathon training!
A Go Pro 6 would be prefect for filming mud runs and me learning bouldering
Tough choice. Probably a Wahoo smart trainer to replace my old fluid trainer. Thanks.
I’d love to get a Fenix 5x to wear on trail runs. Thanks for the chance to win!
Garmin vector – makes it easy to swap bikes!
I would probably pick up an action cam to document my upcoming honeymoon!
I’d get a Tacx Neo trainer or Wahoo Kickr.
I would use the funds to purchase a 4iiii power meter, must have read your review a dozen times now. It would be my first power meter. Also I enjoyed the collaboration with gplama.
I would look at a Power Meter that would be compatible with my gravel bike.
Hero 6 because I just bought some new bike components and it would give my wife a heart attack to see one more box of goodies come in the mail.
Garmin vector – for more efficient training!
I’ve been looking at the Garmin 620 with the heart rate monitor. ❤️
A power meter!! Or something else….. To train for some tries.
I’d get a Kickr. Turning to science this year to up my training—just want to keep up with the local club ride!
I would like to get a set of Garmin Vector pedals for my wife so that she can become a meaner cyclist :)
A Garmin Vector 3 power meter, because I need some better measurement of how I’m performing on the bike whether outdoors or on the trainer and it will help me to more clearly set fitness goals.
I’d get a new trainer so that I could upgrade to a smart trainer to use with Zwift. Either TACX Neo or Wahoo Kickr 3.
Garmin watch for me! I’m in need of an upgraded watch
I’d be delighted by getting a GoPro 6 for my family off-road cycling routes. Thanks for the gift DC
vector 3 power meter to pair with my garmin edge 500!
I would get a pedal based power meter