I’m DC RAINMAKER…
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:
With TPC (The Pro's Closet), you'll save $40 on purchases over $200 with coupon code DCRAIN40 for tech and non-tech purchases!
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.
-
Check out my weekly podcast - with DesFit, which is packed with both gadget and non-gadget goodness!
-
5 Easy Steps To The Site
1
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.
2
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!
3
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.
4
My Photography Gear: The Cameras and Equipment 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! It’s a nice break from the day to day sports-tech talk, and I hope you get something out of it!
5
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.
Soleus FIT GPS Watch
Soleus FIT GPS Watch
Soleus FIT GPS Watch
Soleus FIT GPS Watch
Soleus FIT GPS Watch
Soleus FIT GPS Watch
Dear DC Rainmaker,
I very much enjoy reading all of your reviews!! I recently received some Christmas money from the wife and kids that they have “authorized” me to use on a GPS watch of my choosing. I really want the most watch for my money, and running will be the primary use, with biking (possibly hiking) as second, and all though I am getting into triathlons a little bit nowadays, I am fine throwing it in the swim cap for the swim part then making the transfer. It’s not as big of a priority as the running is. In addition, I want to be able to sport it as a normal watch.
Based (in no small part) on your extensive reviews and some other research and testing I’ve done on my own, I’m leaning heavily towards the Forerunner 610. Two things give me pause:
1. Soleus often gives you quite a few features for your money – is this a decent enough GPS running watch in your time with it so far that you recommend I hold off for your in-depth review before I purchase a 610?
2. The 610 has been out for some time. While this does lead to competitive pricing, especially if you’re willing to buy used or a store’s display model (which would still have a good warranty), I am wondering if Garmin has a magical new model they are about to release and if I should hold off. Getting a watch like the 610 that keeps everything the same but simply adds waterproofing would be significant enough to me to warrant some extra dollars.
Again, I thank you for all your great reviews and knowledge, and hope you have a little insight to help me out.
And Merry Christmas!!
Joshua
Did you ever get a chance to try the Fit? Not sure if it is worth a slight premium over the Fit 1.0 or not.
Thanks!
Have you seen the Soleus GPS mini watch? It looks great and is good value.
It has a much longer battery life than the FR10 and so is suitable for a slow marathon.
(My main aim is to finish my first one and make the cutoff of 6 hours)
I was wondering did you have an opinion on it.
I think your website is great and your reviews are informative and funny too!
Best wishes
Niamh
I haven’t played with it, though do have one sitting here. It’s a tiny bit smaller than the main Soleus line. Ultimately, if you’re looking for pacing related items – you’ll probably want to pick a watch that has some pacing capability within it.
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly.
I just want my miles marked off and my average speed, I think.
A run/walk feature would be nice too. Everything else is a bonus.