Heads up! Here’s your massive Black Friday sports tech deals list! This includes the Garmin Forerunner 965 for just $499, Garmin Epix for $429, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for just $619, the GoPro Hero 12 Black for $299, (or Hero 13 bundle for $339!) and plenty more! Go check out the full list of 100+ deals 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.
Tough choice! I’d be looking for either another camera (so I can have backward and forward facing cams) or more likely, a smart trainer. Or a power meter. Ooh yeah. Maybe, and finally, a power meter. Training on spin bikes with power is the only way I get to do that :/
Definitely a new Garmin…best way to improve my running ;)
Hey. Thats an easy one. I would change my Fenix 3 Sapphire to a Fenix 5.. still considering the model :)
All the best.
A fenix 5. Time for an upgrade.
Garmin Index Smart Scale, would be interesting to have the ability to track my weight etc with my training plan
Garmin Vector 3 is what I am missing now. With that, I am fulfilled.
I’d grab a new Garmin. I’ve been using a decent smart watch, but I’ve been wanting a dedicated running watch.
I’d buy a present for my wife: a set of cycliq light/cameras for her commute, to keep her safe.
I’d get a garmin 935 because it’s a great watch with advanced functions and analytical tools!
This is great DCR! I would get the Garmin 935, I am long over due for an upgrade for a tri watch.
Hello,
I would love to finally get a GoPro!
Thanks
GoPro 6 it is!
Thanks DCR! Looking forward to picking up a new watch – Garmin Forerunner 935 for Tri season
Vector 3 please!
Garmin Vector 3 power meter
I’ll get a power meter for my Stiggy.
I would use this prize to replace my Forerunner 305 with something awesome!
I’d probably get my wife a Wahoo KICKR Snap (and pay the difference) so she can ramp up her training. :)
Fenix 5 for better tracking of my training!
Ooh, a new Garmin would be wonderful!! Hope I win!
This Australian expat, trying to celebrate Australia day in Florida, would get a running/tri watch. I’ve spent the last week reading everything on this site trying to decide which one. I don’t know if $500 credit would make that decision easier or harder!?!? I was leaning towards a Garmin 735XT on a good sale, but with $500 up my sleeve there’d be more options!
I’d have to put the credit towards the new Descent MK1…how can you not like a Fenix 5X with dive capabilities!
I would get the new Fr 645 so I can listen to music without carrying my phone.
I would like to buy the Garmin virb 360, because I think its the best action cam on the market.
I need a new trainer!
I would get the new Garmin Fenix
I would like a Fenix 5 to replace my 920.
A new Garmin Forerunner 645. Be a nice upgrade from my FR230 that I have now.
Forerunner 645M.
I would get the Garmin 645, as it’s a worthy replacement of my (aging) Vivoactive.
The Wahoo Fitness TICKR Heart Rate, actually.
I would like to enter the sweepstakes for a Garmin 935. I have the 235 already and would love to step up. Besides, if I win, it will keep me away from the dark side of the Force… the AppleWatch! :-)
It’s time to replace my fēnix 3! Go for a 5!
My new training partner choice would be the Suunto Spartan Sport Trainer Wrist HR. Say that 3 Times! Thanks DCR!
Vector 3 please! Need them gainz :-)
Hey Ray,
Hope the Aussie Day Barbie was to your liking. :)
I wouldn’t mind a FR645M, my old 620 is starting to die…
Probably a Quarq DZero powermeter. If only they would bring the DZero Cannondale spider out.
My wife desperately needs a new Garmin watch, so that what I would get.
I’d buy a power meter for my bike….and an indoor bike trainer…and a new bike….oh wait, perhaps I couldn’t get everything….but I’d like to try! :)
A replacement for my Garmin Edge 500 or maybe a Gopro!
Hi Ray,
For me i would be interested in getting a Go Pro.
Thanks
I’ve always wanted a GoPro so i would definitely get the Hero6. Then make some epic action videos that turn out to be really lame. They seemed so great in my own head!
I would love to be able to afford the Garmin Vector 3 power meter. I discovered triathlons 4 months ago and i am signed up for 3 races this year!!!
I would love to try the new Garmin Vector 3’s. Only have single sided right now and I’m a strong advocate of more metrics :) Just cause they make pretty graphs.
A new sports tracker for the good lady!
Garmin Vector 3 pedals because I need more stats.
not sure what i’d use it for, so many great things to choose from!
I need a better running watch. I have a 1/2 marathon goal that I probably won’t ever make if I don’t start monitoring my pace (I typically run by feel, rather than by time).
Looking for a crank based power meter.
Garmin Vector 3. They are easy to install and would help a lot my training!
I am still contemplating the purchase of my first power meter.
Assioma pedals…I NEED DATA and all the metrics it will be providing!!
I want the Wahoo climb
Suunto Spartan Ultra! Or anything burly with a baro for my North Cascades traverse.
I need (want) a new GPS running watch. Likely Garmin brand. Thank you.
It might be finally time to upgrade from my Garmin Edge 800 to a Garmin Edge 1030. (Although I don’t have any sort of video camera aside from my cell phone, so I am seriously tempted by the GoPro Hero6 Black.)
Woaww thanks DCR! If I would really enjoy to have the Garmin Vector 3 Pedals. But everything is nice.
I’d probably chose a better engine for my bike! ;)
I’d take a Garmin 935. 2017 was my first year as a triathlete. Have big goals for this year and beyond. I don’t currently have any training watch. Just my phone.
The fanciest suunto possible!
Gopro please!!
Awesome as always Ray, really enjoyed the stuff from Down Under.
I agree with the others that said Garmin Vector 3s for the win.
i`d get the Forerunner 935…as it fits the reward + maybe it would push me into cycling and swimming as well (besides running) ;)
I would buy my wife some new running clothes and maybe a set of Lezyne lights for when I ride home in the dark.
Early adopter for the new Scosche HR strap, to start…
I’d love a smart trainer!
A New Garmin edge 830! Cause my current one is dying. Also Will do a 10-20km long run this sunday.
I m sure its a Fenix 5s garmin watche ?
Love that one
I’d get a Garmin 935. Thinking of doing a triathlon, and I need a watch which supports swimming for that.
A trainer would be nice to train during winter
garmin vector 3
I’d love to get the Garmin Vivoactive 3 or Forerunner. I need a new watch as my Blaze is dying a slow death.
I would upgrade my triathlon aero race helmet. Looks like Giro Aerohead would meet the need.
I’d get a new garmin device to replace the one my doggo chewed up earlier this month.
Definitely a GoPro Hero6. I go on these lovely rides and only have my memory and a gps trace to recall them. Wouldn’t it be great to reride them at home during those cold dreary winters?
après plein d’hésitations : les vectors 3
Merci Ray
I’m interested in picking up a Fenix 5 – my Vivoactive is getting long in the tooth and I’m really trying to boost my motivation and fitness throughout the winter and into the spring and summer!
difficult one. A bicycle-computer probably an edge 520. but plenty of nice options :)
Hi!
Garmin vector 3
Best regards
Vector 3 would be awesome! need it to switch between bikes :)
Most likely DJII Spark or GoPro Hero variety of action cam. Sometimes it’s hard to keep the kids active and when they have these “toys” that we can use, it just makes activities more fun. I can see them using drone or action cam for snowboarding and running. Oh yeah and maybe I get to use it occasionally as well!
Happy Australia Day! I’d get a new Garmin watch.
I think I’d go for a Hero6 so I can film my charity rides.
A Garmin 945! (If they haven’t yet added music and Garmin Pay to the 935, I guess I’ll do the 645.)
Probably use it pay for part of a smart trainer. Because then I’d probably ride inside more. Then again, I could use a new watch to replace my Vivoactive . . .
Thanks, as always, for the great info and the great contests!
I would get the fenix 5!! Big step up for me.
I would get the favero assioma duo pedals. I am slow and I want to go faster
A Fenix 5, to get some more features into my ConnectIQ Tabata app.
I’m really keen to get an action cam, probably a Go Pro Hero 6 because I really really really want to take some awesome shots on my runs this year.
Thanks, Ray! I’d probably get a powermeter, Garmin Vector or Assioma Uno. Heard about a machine learning training program on GCN but it seems to require a powermeter and HR monitor.
I could use the GoPro Hero 6. I mountain bike quite a bit and would love to record the trail activities and such.
Thanks for this!
Garmin Vector 3 pedals…because it is the best power meter for me.
I would go for a Fenix to up my game
Might as well throw my hat in as well. A Garmin Vector would be nice.
… a 935 or a 645 Garmin watch, running now with my 225 and I feel like in past century, would love to update :-) …
I would probably get a replacement for my Vivoactive HR with something that can handle open water swimming.
A Vector 3 would be great to train for the bike section of my June triathlon
Garmin Vector 3 for a more effective training experience on the road
Wahoo bolt because my Garmin got stolen last season in T2
Likelly a p1 Powermeter. But maybe something to better do Sports while traveling. Since i am starting rack up miles like you used to do…