Heads up! The big Garmin annual spring sale has started, with $200 off the Fenix 8 (first sale to date!), $100 off the Edge 1050, Forerunner 965 at $499, the Forerunner 265, the new Instinct 3, and countless other Garmin products including inReach Mini 2. Plus the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Black Titanium is on sale, and some Suunto & Wahoo product deals too. Full list & thoughts 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.
You'll support the site, and get ad-free DCR! Plus, you'll be more awesome. Click above for all the details. Oh, and you can sign-up for the newsletter here!
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.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.
Tweeted…facebooked…even shouted out my window tonight for good measure! Awesome blog! Count me for 3!
@triwolfpack
perfect timing…my Garmin just died.
Love your blog. Since I discovered it about a month ago, I check back almost every day
In for 2. thanks
Count me in !
Btw, i really enjoyed your presentation at the ANT symposium.
Comment !!!
This is great! Would certainly love to win this, it would be a fantastic birthday present for me! I qualify for 3 entries as I am posting to Facebook and my blog too!
Please, please, please let the winner be me. :)
Down for 3! Comment, FB, and Twitter!
Hello Ray,
Just what I was looking for!
I am in for one entry.
Take care
YouYou, Montreal
3 entries for me
Great blog. I found you last month and have been reading your old postings to see your history. It’s been fun watching your progress. You’re now an everyday read.
I have been following your blog for quite sometime now. Being from the Philippines, a lot of the things discussed here are new for most. :-) Have recommended this to my friends who do Triathlon. Just had a discussion yesterday between the Timex and the 310xt. haha
I hope when my torn peroneus longus tendon heals I can be using this watch to start training again!
Love the site! Count me in for 3
Love the blog!
Great stuff! Please enter me.
Sweet freebie! Shared on Facebook also. Two FTW!
great blog…cool seein you at the Kirkland tri even though you (and the girl) destroyed me!
Hey Ray, great site..great blog!
Put me down for 2.
This and a retweet.
-chrisarisso
Count me in for 2 – FB and post. Great blog man.
Ray! Put me down for two! Tbanty
Awesome!!!
Ray put me down for two.
Always found your reviews very thorough and informative.
Comment, Facebook, Twitter = 3
tyf
thank you thank you! times 2!
One entry for me. Hope it’s the lucky one!
Cool blog. First time visitor, but will be back.
Put me down for all 3. Thanks!
Count me in :)
In for 3! comment, twitter, and blog thecatholicrunner.com!
Can’t wait to get my new GT..in for 2…comment and Facebook.
Sign me up for 3 again!
Tweeted…facebooked…and now commented. Count me in for 3….fingers crossed!
@triwolfpack
Thanks Ray. The best reviews. Congratulations and keep going!
Fernando
Thanks for a great blog. Incredible that you find time to work, train and keep this very detailed blog.
Awesome giveaway, again! Comment + facebook, and thanks.
I saw that at last year’s Outdoor Retailer show, and have wanted one ever since. Put me down for 3 entries!
i need a cool watch like that!!
Great blog, thanks :)
1 entry to contest.
I have been following your blog for quite sometime now. Being from the Philippines, a lot of the things discussed here are new for most. :-) Have recommended this to my friends who do Triathlon. Just had a discussion yesterday between the Timex and the 310xt. haha
Thanks for all the info, I read it almost daily!
Count me in! Josh
I appreciated your post on Haiti this week. Good reminder that much work is needed yet.
As for your giveaway, please count me as 3 entries:
1. comment
2. posted on my blog
3. tweet (@almamcf)
youre the man!
DCRainmaker rocks!
Im in for two – twitter/facebook and comment. Great blog.
Best blog on the internet!
I would like this!
Love the look of that watch.
Love the look of that watch.
Twitter (mrbenparkinson), facebook (Ben Parkinson) and now a comment.
Cheers
BP
Hi
Count me for two entries.
Thanks
wow, another chance for a prize, also linking into facebook – thanks for a great blog as well.
only one
My entry!
:)
Follow your blog daily! Thanks for always sharing
I estimated the probability to win here (link to marathonranking.blogspot.com) to this context to be closed to 0.2%. I have maximized my chance by posting 3 entries (twitter, comment and blog).
However, I will give a try. Your site is very interesting not only for American but also for people who live abroad. If you planning to run a marathon in Italy and you do not know which one (Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan, Pisa or whatever else), take a look here http://marathonranking.blogspot.com
Thanks a lot for your site.
Massi
Please count me in for 3 entries (Twitter + link from my blog). Cheers!
Thanks for your blog, it’s the best I’ve seen.
this is mine. please put me down for 2 fb & comment.
3 – blog, facebook and comment.
Thanks for your reviews. You’re the only blog I bother with.
Just another comment! ;-)
Dang, count me in!!! Great bike show coverage as well, do we get an outtakes of the event blog? I’m sure you have some crazy pics!
Count me in.
sign me up for 2. twitter + comment
Thanks for all the reviews. Retweeted and post for me…
i need a timex!
Twitter – done, facebook – done, comment- awesome!
3 for me!
Hi Ray, tweet and comment = 2 entries for me! All the best, Sean
wow that sucker looks huge.
my dusty old blog has been linked to yours
link to community.active.com
I am a lurker so this is my first post, but count me in!
2 Entries Please. Facebook posted. You’re blog is muy excelente!
why not….throw my name in the hat even though I never win anything!
I like free stuff! lol. New to reading your blog but will stay on it now!
Comment… prepare to be re-tweeted
Sign me up for one – thanks Ray!
I’m in for 1.
If i win this contest I will run a marathon.
THANKS RAY
DORON FROM TEL AVIV
Count me in for 2…reply and retweet (@djscobey)
My 10 yrs old Ironman watch died…. 3 years ago, I need a new one :D
I want it!!! Mine old one is dead…
Thanks for the great blog and the giveaways!
-Scott
I think i can. I think i can. – Thanks for the blog- and congrats on the Slowtwitch gig. – I have 2 Entries!
I want one.
Sweet cant wait
sweet! daily reader here, love the blog and inspiration you provide. thanks
Thanks Ray for the great blog. I read it weekly if not more. Put me up for 2. Thanks a bunch.
Count me in for 2 entries (comment + FB)
Thanks for all the fantastic work you put into your blog!
Count me in for two – here and Facebook. Thanks, as always, for the great content!
Been lookin at these for a while. Want to see what else is one the market besides Garmin.
I’m in.
Count me in for 2 (here and tweet)
Thanks again for the Giveaway.
Ray…Missed you at IM Moo 2010. Must be all that traveling you’re doing. Sure could’ve used this watch!
Adding comment here and on Facebook.
entry!