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.
FR945, would be great to have running metrics!
looking for a new gps! therefore gonna get an 830 bundle
Oh men we already reached 550 pages of comments, what are the odds? If I win I will replace my 935. Seriously it crashed for the first time after reading your other blog last night and now it won’t restart any more…
GoPro Hero 7 Black would be much appreciated for dads day
GoPro Hero Black would be somewhere on top of the list
A 945 to get me ready for my next race
I so want the FR945! Pick me :)
I need a power meter for my new bike:-)
Something to replace my worn out FR925
I really need a new powermeter !
A power meter would be perfect…. thanks Ray
Overworked my Garmin FR so would love a new one so i can retire the old girl
Going hiking in Switzerland later this summer so maybe the FR945. Can connect to my inReach Mini!
I’m running farther and considering an ultra.
The FR945 would would last longer than my 645.
Thanks!
If I win I want to pick up Garmin Vector 3 pedals.
Would like to get an action cam….. DJI Osmo Action will be good!
Would be great to have an action camera before holiday. My kids would love iT!
A new running watch would be delightful!
I would like a GoPro to take snorkelling in Rarotonga please. Many thanks Santamaker.
Mostly like that sexy Suunto watch :)
Power meter? Maybe?
hum…garmin edge 1030…
A Gopro hero 7 so I don’t need to run software stabilization in my session 4 videos anymore.
Would love the new 945. Time to update my 920!
I’d probably buy a new Garmin edge device, oh and June 17th is my birthday as well, so that’d be a great gift! But maybe the 945 forerunner??
I’d buy the Forerunner 245 music. I recently started running, and am really excited about getting some metrics as well as become more efficient. And it would be great to not have to lug my ceramic phone around :/
I think it’s time for a power meter!
Would love to buy Vector 3 pedals for my new tri bike!
that would be a nice present :-)
Garmin 945! Waiting years to upgrade :)
Ooh, an Edge, 1030, maybe 830 for the MTB. My old 1000 is getting a little long in the tooth now.
Probably get a 945.. I got a 245 and I have multi sport aspirations…
Awesome… I’ve been wanting to get a Wahoo KICKR for quite a while.
Aeropod!
Would love a Kickr. My old trainer has started making terrible noises and I go through tyres at fast clip.
Love me a power meter or a garmin 830 please.
Action cam probably
Garmin 945…. probably. Maybe a Suunto watch instead
I’d buy a power meter so I quit overpowering the bike and have stuff left for my runs!
Oooh – decisions decisions – probably a new head unit
I would upgrade my power meter from single pedal to double pedal- either power tap or another brand.
I would get a new bike computer. Currently using an edge 705. It works like I need it to, but it won’t connect to heart rate strap. As a new triathlete, I kind of need to start training by heart rate vice pace only.
Thanks
I would get a smart trainer
I would like a Garmin Fenix 5 plus.
This is a good update from my current Garmin Fenix 3 HR – specially to record my swimming ‘flying laps’ which it’s fully capable but not permitted by its maker! :o)
Yo Ray, hit me up.
Definitely want some of that image stabilizing Hero7 action!
sign me up please. I’m in the market for nothing really but i ll take the credit and think of something.
A Hero 7 would be nice, never know what’s waiting to be captured!
most probably powr meter…. looking also for new edge 530
I could really use a new powermeter :-).
would like a new running watch for navigating the trails!
Favero Assioma pedals, so I’ll know that both legs are pulling their weight.
I would buy the Garmin 945 forerunner for my first marathon ever … maybe later challenge myself and face the 70.3.
i need an FR645. my current watch works fine but seeing other people with brand new shiny gadgets at the start line of races is giving me FOMO
I want a power meter and a smart trainer. I probably don’t *need* either. But I feel the want pretty deeply.
Power meter for the ol bike!
I would get a power meter so I can do power based intervals outside rather on the trainer inside this summer.
Garmin 945
I would probably go with a new Garmin bike computer!
Garmin 945 – stopped running with music because phone is too big. Spotify on my wrist would be clutch.
Would love to upgrade my dumb trainer to a smart trainer so I can feel the hills on Zwift!
I would purchase a Garmin Edge 830 for my wife.
Running gears! I need new shoes, a new HRM and a new outfit.
My dad would want a garmin inreach mini to stay in touch with his kids when off the grid
hmmm… so many gadgets… Probably a 945 or a GoPro, Thanks Ray
It’s about Time I replace my old Edge 800!
Gopro for my upcoming vacation to Namibia.
Probably going towards bike parts, thanks Ray.
Wahoo head unit
Any Garmin that supports Spotify!
Wow, this would be awesome. Hard to choose but the Garmin 945 would be hard to say no to.
I need a new GoPro camera.
Hi My old GPS could be replaced
Garmin Vector Pedals
Not sure what but could always use some new gear
Anything will do!
A Gopro hero, though not sure which one…. .
Anything that make me suffer in my pain cave!!! Jejejeje
power meter pedals :)
I would really like to a black GoPro
I would likely look at getting a crank based power meter.
I’m thinking I’d pass it along to my riding buddy so he could afford a power meter.
A 945 would be a great upgrade for me from my 920 for an Ironman comeback next year :)
I never win, but I’ll try
I would get new Garmin Edge 830 to replace my Edge 810.
Robby
I’d get the Varia, or maybe Cycliq light/cameras – who doesn’t want a record of all those incidents with drivers passing too close…
An action cam for the family adventures !
I’d get either get my father a Garmin… or upgrade my FR620 to a Fenix5… #dilemma!
I’d love to give my dad a new Garmin watch!
I need to amp up my workouts with less bulk. The Garmin Forerunner 945 would be perfect
a Garmin FR 945 for my pops so he can get off the treadmill and start enjoying southern California the right way…outside!!!
It’s shopping time
An action cam would be great.
I need a power meter to measure how many Watts I produce at 25 kmph
Garmin 530: integration with trail forks and upcoming forks in the trail would be such a good feature to stop me getting lost on new trails
I dont need a tie or a Japanese dinner. I want a Wahoo kickr core!!!
It’s time to buy a Gopro
I need some gadgets to add more weight to my bike because I’m too quick
I would love to replace my fitbit with a nice new Garmin Forerunner 945. I will use it for hiking and biking.
OK, so it may not be fathers day for me downunder, but speak to my wife and she will say everyday is fathers day…
Hero 7 black please :-)
A Garmin 1030.