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 would get a power meter for my bike. Why? Because I am slow and weak and need it to improve!!!
Garmin Vector 3 to train and put on my stationary bike for zwift or trainerroad
There are so many things I would like. I guess I would start with the Garmin 520 and maybe some aero bars if they have them.
An indoor trainer
The new Garmin 645!! Marathon Training and my current (old watch) battery isn’t cutting it for long runs. Near desperate point but I’ll be patient for Garmin!
Wahoo Kickr or Tacx Neo to enter Zwift ✌?
I’d put the money toward Garmin vector pedals to increase my performance management and help improve my fitness. Never had slower Meyer except on Zwift but can see the benefits!
Totally, probably a new Garmin watch. My Garmin epix still works, but the battery is showing clear signs of degrading.
I would get something for the wifey
I would order a Wahoo Bolt cycling computer. I need something to replace bringing my cell ohone on every ride to record Strava.
Would get a Fenix 5 or Forerunner 935 to get the latest and greatest wrist HR product
Hrmmm so many great choices, but I have to go with socks.
Argh, I panicked, oh well looks like I am stuck getting 100+ pairs of socks now.
That or maybe power.
I would get the Favero Assioma powermeter pedals
I would get a Garmin Fenix 5 because I’m training for my very first iron man and need a watch that can keep up with my training!
Either some power meter or the Edge 1000.
I would buy a Garmin Fenix 5. I need yet another Garmin device.
New bike computer would do just fine.
FORERUNNER 935 ..This multi sport watch , Looks impressive with more features, more data. better analysis.. Stay on top of ur fitness goal.
I would love to get a new Garmin Edge 820
A new Garmin edge and vector 3 are on the shopping list.
A Vector 3 would be pretty close to the top of the tree for me
A running GPS watch. Need new toys!
No I would either get a kickr climb or Garmin three power pedals
I’d get a new bike computer so it would work with a set of Garmin vector 3. I’d take anything because I could use just about anything
I’d go the GoPro Hero 6 black to film the my family’s outdoor adventures!
I would select GoPro Black 6. Never owned an action cam, would be a new experience for me when I ride.
Fenix 5 to track runs with my dog and train for a duathlon.
Power meter!
I’d go for some eGift Card, for my loved ones.
I would like a FR935 to get all data from my running and cycling plus get all the nice First beat metrics while at rest.
Keep up the good work!
Cheers,
Jorge
Probably a new trainer, but I also could use a new watch!
Garmin 935 so I can get rid of those darned HR straps!
Garmin Edge 1030 HR/Speed/Cadence bundle . Because my Edge 200 is old !
Spartan watch all the way because I need a new all in one.
Tough choice between a new GoPro or a Smart Trainer! But I think the trainer would get lonely so I’d say new GoPro!
I’d get the Garmin Vector 3 pedals to help camouflage my data obsession.
Vector 3 – cuz I need power on my other bikes!!
Wahoo Element Bolt – battery life on the Garmin is not cutting it.
I’d go for the Garmin 1030. I like the Connect IQ apps and Bluetooth notifications
I would love to dump my bug ridden Garmin and pick up a wahoo element. Having gone around the TDU and put up with drop out, freezing, lost data and poor navigation I want the reliability and ease of use that my mates had
I’d love to buy the Suunto Spartan Ultra watch. Perfect watch for a mid-pack ultra runner. Plenty of features and long battery life.
I look forward for testing a new gadget
I’d go for the 935… I like the 5s and the new 645 but I belive the 935s battery makes it the best on the market.
Garmin Forerunner 645! My 220 needs an upgrade
$500 would be a good chunk of a set of Vector 3 pedals. Loving having power on my new trainer, but not much good for race pacing. Thanks Ray!!
I’d get another Vector 3 or another trainer since someone in my house is always monopolizing mine.
I would use it toward Fenix 3, as that would be a huge upgrade from my Forerunner 305(which still works)
GoPro Hero 6 to record my exploits!
I would get my first power meter to aid in my training!!!
I’d get a garmin forerunner 935 because it has all the features I want in a GPS watch!
I would get a Fenix 5 because I need an upgrade.
I would pick up the new scosche hr monitor when it comes out since the FR935 hrm is a bit of a disappointment. I’ve also been thinking about adding etap to my tri bike to save all those calories spent on moving levers!
Ooh, I haven’t bought gear in so long I don’t even know what I’d get. Maybe a Fenix, or one of the new gopros?
A Garmin 935 I’m leaving polar
Probably a smart trainer or a Fenix 5 or at least a huge discount on those! No wammy, no wammy , stop!
I’d get the new Garmin that can play music so I can leave my phone at home.
A nice new watch would be nice. My Fenix 3 HR is a little worn-out. :-)
I would buy a Garmin Forerunner 645 when it comes out.
Garmin Fenix for the husband for our 5 year anniversary!
I need a Garmin Vector 3 power meter to take my tri training to the next level!
Garmin Edge 820 because I’m getting old an I can’t see the intervals on Garmin 800
Leaning towards the Go Pro, but maybe Vector pedals, or maybe the Garmin Edge…gah, may have to spin a wheel or use a random number generator to decide.
I know I don’t need it, but a new Garmin 1030 sounds nice to track location with riding buddies when we get split up…
I’d get a GoPro to use while scuba diving! I flooded My first generation one :-(
Hi, GoPro6 looks great. I’d like the record my next swimming!
I would probably go with the Garmin 645 music to replace my Apple Watch. It’s been getting slower and slower, and I feel like I’ve outgrown it in terms of fitness.
50% of the vector 3. I’ll buy the other half. I need a power meter
I would get the garmin 935 time to upgrade my 910xt
In serious need of a new GoPro
I would like fenix 5 because my fenix 3 just died while snorkeling in the Galápagos
I would get the Garmin Fenix 5x. I like the way it looks and the larger screen is a plus to me.
Elite Direto because I want Erg mode.
Hi Ray,
I’d like to get the Gopro Hero 6 Black for having two cameras, which will help me developing my youtube channel: Kaszub w Kalifornii.
Thanks Ray
Giro Aerohead for time trials.
I think I would probably get a new Tri watch to replace my Garmin 910XT for the upcoming season. Maybe add in a foot pod too!
Love your reviews thank you for everything!
I would get an FR 645 because I have been wanting to upgrade my FR 220 this Fall but didn’t see exactly what I wanted in what Garmin was offering. Love the look, and the features. Would love to give it a try on the very eastern coast of Canada!
Oooh, I’d love to get the Hero 6! Or a new Garmin HR strap since mine has seen better days. Hey, sometimes it’s worth getting what you need instead of what you want.
I would definitely get Vector 3’s. I have both Vertor 1 and 2’s and can’t wait to just put a the pedals on and go!
I would love to upgrade to a Garmin 935….
I would get a GoPro.
I want one of those fancy Garmin 935 watches!
I would love to get a Fenix 5 so I have a great watch to wear for my first 50 miler this year. Thanks for all the great reviews!
Garmin Vivoactive 3 because my Vivoactive HR is a bit too banged up and needs to be replaced.
I’d get new socks to show off my newly acquired powermeter pedals…
Hmmm … I’d get a Vivoactive 3 … or a Fenix 5S if I’ll be feeling like splurging :)
CycleOps Magnus Smart Trainer, because it’s a long cold winter in Wisconsin and I need to get some rides in before spring.
Fenix 5 as my polar v800 is almost dead. ?
I would like the GoPro Hero 6 please as I am trying to document my triathlon journey.
I’d buy a replacement Fenix 3 charging cable since mine stopped working today. :(
Garmin Vector 3, to replace my non working power meter
Garmin 935 for wifi downloads!!
I choose Vector 3 so I can see how much harder I need to train.
I need vector 3’s
I need a new running watch asap!!!
A Wahoo Kickr Snap or CycleOps Magnus so I can use Trainer Road!
I’d love to get a garmin 935 for the upcoming tri season!
I’m not sure! Likely a bike computer and a heart rate monitor with Bluetooth!
I’d get a Fenix 5s for my wife, I love my Fenix 5 and want her to love one too!
Would really love a new watch. Maybe a Garmin FENIX. Or a power meter? Yeah, maybe a pedal based power meter. P1 pedals maybe.
I need a new trainer, maybe a Wahoo of some sort.