Sports Tech Summer Deals Still Live! A huge number of the Amazon deals are still going! This includes the Garmin Epix for just $459, and the Fenix 8 for $150 off. The Apple Watch Series 10 for $279, the GoPro Hero 13 Black for $329, smart trainers, drones, action cams, 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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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.While I don't partner with many companies, there's a few that I love, and support the site. Full details!
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 2024 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.
Hmmm…bike needs a power meter..
I’d buy a new FR645, because my Fenix is too damn heavy!
The drone, is it a Spark? that would be great. I’ve started making films – have an action cam but the drone is a stretch at the mo!
I NEED a power meter to see how many watts i’m grinding out !
Forerunner 945, it would be a present for my wife…
I’d go for a watch with crazy battery life for a planned first ultra next year.
I think I would have to get the Garmin 830. Been looking for a bike computer but haven’t been able to afford on. Be new climb feature would be amazing for “The Snowman” triathlon I am training for. It’s going to be brutal!
I think I’d put it towards a power meter
I’ll take the forerunner 935 to update my fenix3 hr!
I would love to upgrade to a Garmin 1030.
Easily a power meter.
A powermeter would be a very Nice addition to my bike…
New power meter required! I’m thinking pedals for flexibility and therefore a pair of favero assiomas would be high up the list
My dad would be thrilled to get some socks
I would buy a Garmin Edge 830, just because my 800 may need a replacement soon
Well… it would be a Garmin bike computer for the roadbike…. we’ve recently moved to the DC area and I’d finally like to have some sort of clue where the heck I’m going.
Garmin 530. Like what it has to offer and then I would be obligated to get a new bike to put it on
Power meter pedals! Why? Because I need pedal based pm for my Look frame as they are the only option to go with my cranks. Want to increase my training to race well next season!
I would get Polar Vantage V or Garmin Forerunner 945. I need a new coach for running. :)
Probably go with the 945. Unless the open water swim is still terrible. Then it would be the GoPro
A GoPro – so I could prove I do run across fields!
There’s lots of desirable things on offer but a smart trainer would be of most benefit to me
Forerunner 945. I use a 235 most of the time but use my old 301 for breadcrumb trails in unfamiliar areas. I desperately need to upgrade!
Probably pedal-based power meter. Would love power for gravel bike!
Most likely a trigger point massager, shoes, and precious, precious socks.
Ray,
I would like to get a Go Pro to capture moments between myself, dad and their future grandson (crossing my fingers). You’d contribute to priceless memories of 3 generations.
Plus my Toronto Raptors just won the NBA championship :)
Thanks
-V
new bike garmin!
Got to say I would go for a Garmin 1030 as I like shiny new stuff , simple as
I need a new power meter! Master’s Track State Championships are coming up!
Garmin 945, I’d like to get some music on my runs without having to take my phone!
I really like the look of the Garmin 945!
I would pick the Garmin 945 because I can never have too many watches!!
Definitely a Forerunner 945.
Probably EDGE 1030, my old Edge 500 is giving problems lately
I would like the GoPro Hero 7.
I would get the Favero pedals! I’ve been wanting to step up to training with power for a long time. Having multiple bikes, pedals seems like the most logical choice. I really like that they are rechargeable vs having to swap out batteries every time.
I buy my Dad a 945 for Father’s Day… then just use it myself!
A crank based Powermeter would be sweet
I would get assioma duos! Trying to keep up with my wife and be more consistent in my output when i pulling!
Fitting since June 17 is my birthday! I have been eying a Wahoo element recently to replace my super old Polar CS500
I have a very old Garmin watch (910xt) that could certainly stand for an upgrade!
Maybe a fenix 5 or a gopro 7
I couldn’t decide…
I’d choose the Garmin 945, Why? I’ve been using the 935 for 2 years, before that the 920, the 910 and the 310. I have that strange urge to update to the new version, as soon as possible.
A new Garmin or Wahoo bike computer for my 11 year old boy who is getting into cycling.
Would love to put it towards Garmin Fenix 5X. Perfect for running and hiking trails. Most interest in using it for hunting to mark way points or for backtracking.
A lot easier then using a big gps
Power meter!!! You can never have to much power!!!
A Hero 7 would be nice. I’ve wanted to buy one for quite some time, but I know that I don’t really need it and so I shy away from buying one.
Definitely the 945!
Garmin 945. I’m really interested in the new heat acclimation feature.
Since I had to abandon my hometrainer, I’d splash the cash on a powermeter- either favero or the new garmin vectors.
I would get the new Garmin 245 Music. I have a 230 but have been eagerly awaiting the new ones!
A New Garmin BIke Computer
A little over the $500, but would put it towards the Kickr Climb and pay the difference for my dad.
An updated bike computer, something new to replace my edge 500!
Would absolutely love a new Garmin watch, although anything for my bike would be great as well.
I’d get the garmin vector 3 :)
A go pro. Because why not. Cool videos plus the DYI gait analysis and fit fits.
Papa needs a new pair of pedal power meters, (or $500 worth of gels). It’s a toss up really.
I would get a garmin 945 because I deserve it! ;-)
With all of the Garmin updates I have been holding off. Now I am ready for the new 945 to replace my 910XT, yes that is right 910XT.
I’d go for the powertap P2. Really want the P1 but never got them.
I would get a Hero 7, so I don’t need a waterproof case.
I hope to get the forerunner 945
Either a powermeter like a Favero Assioma Duo or a new 155mm Vision crankset. Cheers.
I’d probably get a mountain bike power meter.
I always love a new pair of socks!
I’d buy new Hokas, and then a garmin for my husband!!
Fenix 5 Plus. My current running watch is a forerunner 220…
“I’m dreaming of a KICKR CORRRRE” I’m having the hardest time conditioning during the midwest winters
I would love to get a power meter on my bike.
Just got a new road bike so now a need a power meter
Power meter for commuter. I love data.
I’d definitely get the Garmin Instinct in Gray… Simple, no frills, everything I want and nothing that I don’t.
I would need a new Garmin Fenix 5 to replace my old Forerunner
Since iq2 is taking their time, it would be nice to get a power meter for the summer. Already have the 830 and 945 ?
Forerunner 945! It’s near my triathlon debut and i need a triathlon watch.
A new action camera. So i can take videos of my daughter at her next triathlon to show her grandfather!
I would love to pick up one of the new Garmin Edge units.
The new Suunto 5. I’m trying to build up a collection of sports watches so I can start my own YouTube channel dedicated to reviewing devices, focused specifically on open water swimming usage.
i need a new fancy computer….garmin? wahoo? I dont know
I could use a Wahoo cycling computer
GoPro Hero 7 Black, because I’m tired of missing cool pics/videos on my runs as I don’t want to carry something as big as a phone.
If love a Wahoo Kickr direct drive trainer. Maybe some new rollers with resistance or smart capabilities of they have that instead.
Probably a new Garmin bike computer
I’d love to put it towards a new hrm-tri as mine is on its last breathes…. Also would put it towards a smart bike trainer so I can finally be cool like everyone else on Strava ?
I would love to snag a Rhythm24 and compatible watch from Garmin or Suunto. I’d really like an external heart rate monitor and neither Fitbit nor Samsung connect with one.
I would get the Garmin power meter pedals. I suffer horribly from owning too many bikes. I need a power meter I can bounce between them all and this would be perfect!
Probably a garmin 945 (for my husband whose 235 is getting pretty worn out)
New gadgets bring always instant happiness.
Anything that gives accurate elevation in the rain. ? Stages Dash
Could a smartwatch for backcountry navigation and tracking in the Cascades and beyond.
I’d get the Garmin Vector pedals :-)
Garmin 945 to motivate myself to get outside more!
Time to upgrade my Polar M430 to a Vantage V!
Just watt I need! Those 500 would go into my first ever power meter and definitely fire up my cylinders!
Stages Power Meter to assist me in training for and riding Double Centuries.
I’d get a Garmin for my gravel bike that I can download those fancy files to.
I would get a Kickr snap for my daughter.
If i were to win, I think I would get myself a GoPro Hero camera!!
Hi Ray, I’d love to win a Kickr climb cos then I’d have to get the Core to match