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 could get a 945
I would love to get a 4iiii power meter.
A new watch would be nice!
For me it would be the Hero 7 black! Wait, maybe I’d put it towards a smart trainer for the winter instead!
Thanks!
GoPro7, to film all those fails on trails
A power meter would be nice :-)
Could do with a newer Garmin to replace my Garmin Swim
A replacement for my aging Fenix 3HR…or maybe a power meter…I can’t decide!
I’d like to challenge my luck and hope for winning as I desperately need a new sports watch.
I would like a 945 for my husband who is a super fan of the Garmins.
F945 or power meter
really need gopro to record my commute route.
Probably a 945. I need those long battery hours!!!
I think he’d definitely appreciate 500 bucks off a pair of powermeter pedals! crossing toes on this one! happy fathers day to all the dads out there! Cheers Ray :)
looking up for new fenix
Fenix 5+, it rocks!
I would prefer a GoPro. But i don‘t like decisions? Greets from Austria (its not that one with the kangaroo?)
I would get Garmin 945 as my old trusty forerunner 230 is just getting… old
F945 for my wife
another power meter… changing cranks all the time is really annoying… :( oh the first world problems
Need a GoPro 7 for my trip to Everest base camp in October
I need a replacement for my old Suunto watch… it’s time for change :)
I would take the Polar Vantage V. My old V800 is dying!
I’d love a gopro 7 black for my upcoming Girona trip
would like to have an actioncamera to document the great places I have seen while running
I have a lot of gadgets that needs updating / upgrading
I would love those Garmin Vector 3 Power Pedals!
Power meter would be nice to have.
garmin 945 or fenix5 to replace older garmin
A great GPS-based watch!
Not sure my last attempt posted, ignore this if it did!
I’m a father and I could use some more power…assioma duo style!
I would love to get the 945! I’m getting bank into swimming and have this deep goal of doing a triathlon.
Garmin Edge 530
A Coros Vertix watch because my running ambitions are greater than my battery life XD
A silent trainer, i.e. tacx neo
PM pedals :)
I’d get two Garmin Instincts to replace the now-ancient fenix 2s I and my brother have used on hikes
My dad’s Polar V800 is broken – so it is a great opportunity to replace it.
I would like to get a longer battery life GPS. Like a Suunto 9 or 5
the GoPro as I’d love to have a lasting memories of some of the rides around Perth
I would get the FR 945 or the Fenix 5+ Sapphire. Still can’t decide.
Maybe someone from the comments can help?
Upgrade my Fenix watch
Would really like to update my Fenix 3 with either a FR945 or a Fenix5,
I would love the forerunner 645, I want to have music and be able to make payments with my watch again
unable to decide, probably would spend half on the website to choose: P thanks
I love to get a dedicated tri-watch, possibly an Garmin FR945, as I got inspired doing my first 1/8 triathlon last friday! Liked it very much!
GoPro Hero 7 to record my mtb rides, that would be awsome to win
This US Eastern Time is confusing here in Europe. Maybe that is why there is so few comments? Anyway, my Garmin is dying, anything new would do, just to answer the question.
A Garmin fr945. Suunto just isn’t what it used to be!
I would aim for some Di2
I am moving house, so my plans are set, unfortunately.
My Edge just started acting up (more than it did out of the factory). Time for a Bolt or something.
I would most likely get a power meter!
A power meter
Power pedals for the win!
I would very much like a new Garmin 5 X to replace my 3HR
Fenix 5S, my 910xt is dying
Wonderful! I would use it towards a Suunto 9 for my brother – he is lusting after my Vivoactive 3 but since its altitude meter is wayyyy off I’d rather get him a proper mountaineering watch.
for Him, who else
Love your Website – i really like to spend the Money for a new Garmin Edge 1030
Gopro Hero & Black for me as my Hero 3 is now pretty long in the tooth!
I’d splurge away at the FR945. Went with the Galaxy Watch after the 920XT to get the wrist HR, but the non-existant bump for the sensor just doesn’t like my wrist and signal gets lost constantly unless I tighten the strap so tight it stops the blood flow completely..
I’d probably go for a powermeter for my roadbike as it still hasn’t got one while my MTB does – probably the other way around for most people ;)
The Forerunner 945, because my 935 is more than two years old and i can´t calibrate the height anymore.
Thanks Ray
FR 945 to replace my old suunto ambit 2R :)
I’d want to update & replace my Garmin Fenix 3 to one of the Fenix 5’s!
A Garmin 945! Time to leanr to swim!
The best power meter (tested by Ray ;)) for my road bike.
Fenix 5S Plus!
I’d be between a Garmin watch and a power meter.
Daddy would like a new cycling computer!!!
I will get a trainer and be prepared for the winter
Thanks Ray,
as always regular reader, any Father’s day gift would be appreciated,
Alasdair
I would go for a replacement of my fenix 3
Hmm. Maybe a Suunto 9 Baro Copper, or three pairs of new running shoes – Adidas, Altra, Hoka … let’s see
I would love to get a powermeter (favero assioma) so I can also use power outdoors!
Fenix5 :D
I’d probably get a new fenix, still using my fenix 3, just waiting for some money to upgrade :)
I go on holiday and it would be great if I had a GoPro Hero 7 Black with me! I saw fantastic videos on youtube and I’ve read the best thing about it. The video stabilisation should be the best! I’m looking forward to using it on my trip. Thank you!
I definitely would get a powermeter to set my bike sessions on a whole new level!
I’d probably get the 945 because my friend really needs a new running watch.
GoPro Hero 7 (possibly Garmin Vector ?)
A drone to take pictures!
GoPro Hero 7 Black..That’s on my mind
A FR 945 please :)
I would like a powermeter to get some serious training going on on my gravelbike.
I could definitely use an FR945 as a replacement for my aging Fenix 3.
Thanks a lot for your awesome blog!
It’d have to be a shiny new Edge 830 to replace my ageing 810
Working myself into shape again, so whatever tricks me into thinking I’m going in the right direction would work! :-)
I think I’d finally take the otherwise quite expensive leap into power. I’m a data geek who wants to get faster; winning $500 would be the (internal) justification I need to finally make the choice of power meter :)
Love the site – thank you!
I would like to have Garmin Wheight Scale.,will see
Paco
This is yet another reason Ray is by far the best chappy on the Interwebs.
I would use the voucher to purchase a Polar Vantage V to replace my slowly dying Polar V800.
Garry
Garmin 945 would be great to get motivated for the triathlon saison ( I know its to late :,( )
Winning would allow me to finally get a power meter for my outdoor bike! Yay!
Would love FR945 as I’m doing more OWS and Vivoactive is not enough.
I’d like a Giro Aether MIPS Cycling Helmet to keep cool in the summer and some new running shoes.
I’d go most likely for a trainer.
A Garmin E130 & Varia Radar for my friend to start cycling with.
Think Id go with a Garmin vector power meter
New tri-suit, a power meter or Garmin FR945… Choices, choices…