Heads up! There’s some pretty substantial sales that just started. For watches, the Garmin Epix is down to $499, and the Fenix 7 to $449, with the Pro editions also $200 off! Meanwhile the top-end Edge 1040 cycling GPS is down to $499, and both the Edge 540 & Edge 840 are also on sale. As is Varia radar for $149. Some incredible deals, and ll the deals are here!
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.
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Check out my weekly podcast - with DesFit, which is packed with both gadget and non-gadget goodness!
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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.
I’m looking forward to having a warm off-season training in Perth. After multiple Melbourne Winters – I can’t wait.
I’m looking forward to finding some new cycling and running routes after having moved in the fall!
Love your reviews, keep up the good work!
Hey Ray! I’m really looking forward to a really big bowl of Clam Chowder, some black raspberry ice cream (another big bowl;-) from Annabelles in Portmouth, and running my first 1/2 Iron Man Aug 19th on Lake Winnipesaukee!
Excited about breaking into the 19’s for the 5K!
Hey Ray! I’m really looking forward to a really big bowl of Clam Chowder, some black raspberry ice cream (another big bowl;-) from Annabelles in Portmouth, and running my first 1/2 Iron Man Aug 19th on Lake Winnipesaukee!
Hey Ray! I’m really looking forward to a really big bowl of Clam Chowder, some black raspberry ice cream (another big bowl;-) from Annabelles in Portmouth, and running my first 1/2 Iron Man Aug 19th on Lake Winnipesaukee!
I amped up to race my first 70.3!!
I am happy to be loved by the sun again.
excited for year one of Triathlons.
I am excited for my first full ironman!
I moved back home to Chile from China in January, so I luckily skipped winter. Looking forward to a 70.3 distance tri in Eastern Island in June that should keep me motivated for training rough Fall. Anyway,winter down here is not nearly as cold as in China and there’s plenty of nice places to run and bike, especially hills, so not too worried about it.
Cheers.
Hey Ray! I’m really looking forward to a really big bowl of Clam Chowder, some black raspberry ice cream (another big bowl;-) from Annabelles in Portmouth, and running my first 1/2 Iron Man Aug 19th on Lake Winnipesaukee!
Hey Ray! I’m really looking forward to a really big bowl of Clam Chowder, some black raspberry ice cream (another big bowl;-) from Annabelles in Portmouth, and running my first 1/2 Iron Man Aug 19th on Lake Winnipesaukee!
Im MOST excited for the STRAVA hill climb challenge! 100,000 ft. here I come!
Looking forward to getting some revenge on IM Louisville.
Hey Ray! I’m really looking forward to a really big bowl of Clam Chowder, some black raspberry ice cream (another big bowl;-) from Annabelles in Portmouth, and running my first 1/2 Iron Man Aug 19th on Lake Winnipesaukee!
I would love to wear a new lightweight Garmin on my wrist for the Nautica Malibu Olympic Triathlon and CIM instead of the old Garmin 305 brick I currently use. The 910 will help me get faster too.
Also looking forward to my first metric century!
Plus, I’m going to go for a sprint distance Tri too!
Mostly maybe looking forward to winning this watch…
I’m looking forward to starting back running after taking a year off due to an IT injury. Always love Garmin products.
Alex Ryan
…Just writing because I am stiiiiiill looking forward to winning this watch :)… just saying
I’m excited about my goals of smarter training, staying injury-free, and winning my age group in every race!
I can’t wait to be out and enjoying the weather with great friends either running/biking or swimming.
I’m looking forward to a half marathon on Pensacola Beach in April, the Rivercities Tri in Shreveport in August, and kid #2 in October!
I am looking forward to hill climbs on my road bike
I am total rookie, starting to train for my 1st half marathon. Being a engineer I like to see how my body machine is functioning. Would be pretty awesome to own a gps enabled device.
Excited for my first Ironman…Coeur d’Alene on June 24th!
Looking forward to the end of marathon season and the start of tri season.
I’m really looking forward to being as active as possible through road biking, lifting, running, and hiit. What an amazing tool to add to the nutrition and training arsenal!
here in new zealand looking forward to winding down a little bit over the winter. maintenance and strenght will be the motto for the next few months and a “new” watch will definitely help. kia ora leon…
happy to run in the boston marathon for the 2nd time! life long dream!
Im excited to race 3 half iron races this year!
I am looking forward to completing a 12 week transformation challenge in 2 weeks & starting a new bodybuilding program after!!
I am looking forward to completing a 12 week transformation challenge in 2 weeks & starting a new bodybuilding program after!!
(Sorry! Reposting due to linkage)
I am back in the U.S. after a few years overseas and I am looking forward to racing a triathlon in Idaho and riding my bike across Iowa. I missed the U.S.A.!
When I was in the U.S. Navy I was training for Triathlons and if I had gotten to compete I would have likely placed in my age group at the time. After Sep 11th, marriage, and 2 kids, life has changed for me dramatically. Not only that but with two bad knees, asthma, and about 80 extra pounds, I can admit that I am out of shape! Last year I started running again and joined my Church’s Ragnar Relay team. I found my love for running again. This year I am running two Ragnar’s and training for the Orangeman Half Distance Triathlon. A new watch would be some great motivation to keep at it. My daughters want me to live to 80… If I want to do that I had better get moving!
Wish me luck, both in my endeavors and winning a Garmin FR910XP,
Sincerely,
Jim “Cal_Mag”
I’m (sort of) looking forward to toughing out the winter mornings on my bike, after wimping out too many times last year.
can’t wait to try out my running legs this spring
I have tried half and full marathons over the past few years, but I am looking forward to changing it up this year by entering my first Tough Mudder race and joining a team for a Ragnar Relay from Winona, MN to Minneapolis. Bring on the warm weather.
I’m looking forward to staying injury-free during my training. A PR for my half-marathon in May would be a plus too ;)
Looking forward to running earlier in am. Plus I have my first international Marathon at the end of the year. Pretty excited.
Run Run Run all season. Thanks DCRainmaker!
Can’t wait starting to run again and train mountain biking with my son.
I’m excited for my first race season living in Colorado, and my first off-road triathlon(s).
Hi,
i bought my 610 after reading your review, but after reading this I am tempted to upgrade…haha
Yk Foo
Your interview on IMTalk was good and thanks for sharing about the FR910XT. I liked the swim update and how the watch works.
Looking forward to my first IM race in Cairns, Australia and looking forward to the recovery period that will follow.
I’m excited about the new Ironman 70.3 race in Salzburg Austria and my new BMC TM01 which should arrive in 2-3 week now
I’m excited to cheer my wife on as she tackles her first ironman, IM Canada, this August.
After doing my first IM at the end of March I plan to take a few weeks off and then concentrate on upping my FTP over the South Australian winter. Great blog Ray!
I’m happy to be able to swim, bike and run all year round without layers of clothes or suffering indoor pools. I’m also really looking forward to Ironman Canada
I’m excited to debut in the Copenhagen Marathon in May.
i’m psyched for the cascade classic (cycling stage race in oregon)!!
I would like to pick-up triathloning again. But for this I’d have to find a swimming pool in the area, so maybe just running and cycling for the time being. And with good weather coming up that shouldn’t be too bad.
Excited to wrap up 6+ months of rehab after a bike crash last Aug and sign up for some races this summer.
John Fischer
I’m looking forward to a BQ this Sunday at the Wrightsville Beach Marathon. :)
Looking forward to Busselton 70.3 and IMWA this year.
A lot of joy it woulod give me to do training again after a long knee injury! Look for your help Ray:)
Take care!
The Dr. Just cleared me from the surgery to fix my clavicle. I am really looking forward to spring
My first marathon!
Looking forward to the Rock and Roll and Roll Seattle as it will be my first 26.2 mile race!
I’m looking forward to a 3 day mountain trail run over 120km.
By the way, southern hemisphere (at least where I am) peak season is mostly March to July since it is a bit too hot in summer.
I’m excited about returning to the San Diego 100-mile ultramarathon with 5 other runners from my Thursday morning run group. There will be trash talking but also lots of camaraderie and no doubt we will be pulling for each other as we also compete.
Summer is here, which mean get back on the bike!
I’m looking forward to go for a marathon again this season. It’s been too long ago…
My upcoming would be the sundown marathon, which i aim to do my pb!! :):) As well as a few other adventure races.
Can’t wait till my first tri!
I’m looking forward to choosing, training for, and running my second marathon this year.
Thanks for the great blog and all the giveaways, Ray!
Im super exited of the season. Just this week started my training program and looking forward on getting my revenge on that 1/2 IM I DNF:ed last year…..
Down in Australia, the off-season may as well be the English peak season!
So I guess the main thing I am looking forward to is being able to run in a nice dry singlet – gooooooodbyyyyyeee humidity!
Finishing up my first tri season here in New Zealand. Looking forward to more pool time this winter and longer distances next season.
Numbers123
I am excited, if I’ll manage to reach my long-term target 1:20 in half marathon.
jpekkari@gmail.com
I’m going to participate at Riga’s Nordea running marathon. Now I’m training for it.
I’ve joined a couple of half marathons and a couple of cycling events here in Singapore, I am now training my “heart out” to join my first triathlon later this year :)
Excited about my first tri and having a season with a lot of stable workouts.
What am I most looking forward to? My first ever marathon, that’s what!! I’ve gone up to a 21K in an official race and built up to a 36K a few weeks ago. I’m tapering now, but… FOUR DAYS TO GO before my first 42.195K! (or 26.2M, depending on where you’re from.) :-)
Ray,
i always love your blog, for the tests, the stories and of course, for the giveaways!
Greetings
Gerarsd
I think the watch should go to good old germany, to me, of course:-)
Camping out at Wildflower, then later this summer will be doing first iron distance triathlon.
Just ran a Brooks local 1/2 marathon last Sunday.
Since I’m living near the equator, (malaysia/singapore) we have races all year round in this region. No spring, summer, autumn or fall which means means i get to train all year!!!
Really looking forward to run the Northface 100KM duo again with my buddy with minimalist show. would you explore reviewing the variouss types of minimalist shoes?
next race, SUNDOWN http://www.sundownmarathon.com
followed by Port Dickson Triathlon
Great site. love the reviews!!
I am excited about 3 races waiting for me in this season. The most important of them – my first halfIronMan in September.
I am looking forward to all the snow melting (Finland+winter=snow!!!!), so I can get out on my runs without getting wet shoes and twisted ankles.
yourdnaismine@gmail.com
Enjoy reading your blog – trying to get my self into exercise rather than been a couch potato
I`m excited because…well….i think i am going to propose to my girlfriend…what a rush..isn`t it ?:)).Andrei
I’m looking forward to coach my fellow runners in my running club in testracing and interval training
Looking forward to more outside training for my first half marathon!
I’m looking forward to running in temperatures below 30C (yes… southern hemisphere).
Totally focused on a successful Olympic distance Triathlon year.
looking forward to improving swim and bike times during the off season
Looking forward for some beach and serious Ocean swimming.
Excited to run my first half next month.
Seeing as I forgot to add my name, thought I’d better repost! So to confirm, looking forward to seeing the impact of a newborn in the house on my training!
Oh! I will love the 910xt…
I’m getting excited for my whole second season, and looking forward to going under 5:30 in at least one of my two HIMs .
Really looking forward to doing the Marmotte. It may kill me, but it should be fun!
Hello,
I am really looking forward to do a bit more trail running!
Take care
YouYou
I’m excited to running, come back to my high level, and will go to World championship of duathlon in september.
Bladder cancer survivor, lost 35 lbs, training for a sprint tri in September on my 52th birthday
Hi, here is Holland! Spring time is starting and so is my new training project for 2012: NY Marathon!
Summers and racing is over, time to get some base work to be ready for the World’s in Auckland, New Zealand
I’m looking forward to taking training up a level in prep for my first Ironman 70.3 UK!
A tough corse, but I’m tougher! ;-)
This year I’m starting my first triathlon season! Training, Working, Familytime … a lot to do;-)
Really looking forward to running in warmer weather again. :)
After Sydney Olympic in April it’s all about base base base. I want the foundation and strength to take it to the next level next season. And some serious swim focus. Can’t wait!
Cheers
I am looking forward to racing in the new Ironman Tremblant.
Looking forward to the off-season to focus on my core, and learning to kick in the swim
I’m excited to race my first ten mile race in the summer :-)
I’m looking forward to a BQ!
I’m looking forward towards my first 250 miles bike race.
I’m looking forward to taking part in Haute Route, a 7 stage race from Geneva to Nice in August!
I’m gonna be injury free and back running like a gazelle!
I’m looking forward to my first half ironman in Sept!
Looking forward to my first half marathon! (crosses fingers)
Keen to see what performance improvements can be made by a 42 year old inexperienced triathlete, (2 Sprint races in the bag from last year) with a Half Ironman on the horizon in September: The Vitruvian at Rutland Water in the UK.
Tim C
I´m lookin forward to my first start at Inferno Triathlon Switzerland and lots of trail runs in this beatiful country.
I am looking forward to making a fresh start on life in general, and embarking on new healthy lifestyle/fitness adventures with my wife.
Spring is here in denmark, keep up the great blog
I’ve just bought my first road bike and I’m hugely excited about taking it out on many rides this spring and summer.
“Really excited to improve my fitness level & performance with the coming tri season …” “Impatient d’améliorer mes performance et ma santé avec la nouvelle saison de triathlon …” — Vincent, a frenchman in a blog……………..
I am looking forward to finally getting my Triathlon career back underway, after a leg injury last year brought a premature end to my first season. First race at the end of April and can’t wait! :)
Been training on the bike but need to try the swimming before hand and running after wards.
Looking forward to running my first half in May! Got a lot of 10k runs planned also.
I am looking forward to my first half marathon in May! Also looking to do a lot of 10k races.
Im excited to finally be serious about my Triathlon training and marathon this season.
Greetings from a DCrainmaker reader from Denmark. :)
I’m just excited with the possibility of wining a FR910XT!
Ok, and I’m also very excited with the possibility of, finally, re-start my running season and, a big and, probably my btt season…
Time to hit the road hard!!
gotta run more
Hi DC,
I’m looking forward to end my injury streak and run some marathons, maybe some halfs in Europe :)
Looking forward to the early morning runs.
It seems a long shot but count me in :)
I’m looking forward to being more consistent on the bike.
Go dcrainmaker go!
I don’t care about the wheater they will predict. Hot summer, raining,… as long as I do my weekly running and bicing, I’m cool
As spring arrives in Ohio I’m checking my fitness for either a 100 miler in early May or waiting for a 100 Km in early June.
Thanks for a great site. Your reviews are all we can ask for and more!
AlistairH
I don’t care about the wheater they will predict. Hot summer, raining,… as long as I do my weekly running and bicing, I’m cool
Let’s hear it for the spring racing season!
Been a silent reader since last season.
Wife was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis while training for her Triathlon, and even with it, she’s started her training again, with a goal of just finishing a sprint this season, and olympic next season.
Your site’s been great advice!
Hello!
I am looking forward to race on my new bike and being able to start running hard after two knee surgery.
Thanks for all the guides you do and keep doing them!!
Hello!
I am looking forward to race on my new bike and being able to start running hard after two knee surgery.
Thanks for all the guides you do and keep doing them!!
TriRock NYC, here I come!
keep’n it simple, just looking forward to the warmer weather.
Following your site and training as a triathlete for a couple of years. Maybe it’s time to sign up for my 1st triathlon.
Hey Ray,
I can’t wait to hit the streets wit my roadbike this year after hours and hours of treadmill training in winter. The day will come soon, very soon!
I wish everyboday a good seasons without injury and illness.
Chris
This comment has been removed by the author.
Finally finished a 5 year PhD sufferfest in molecular oncology so I’m excited about having the time again to get stuck into real training and getting some real fitness back and getting some races under the belt. It’s gonna be great.
So looking forward to doing medium distance runs after work in daylight again!
I’m gonna run in the Toubkal. Hopefully carrying a 910.
Hi, Greetings form Latvia. This sesaon looks real sporty – half marathon, adventure races and MTB. Spring has come and it’s time to start training for 100%!
I’m looking forward to family time at the cottage, and also riding in the Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour.
I’m excited about all the racing I’m doing this year! yee-haw!
I’m excited by the unknown, which is just waiting for us.
I’m excited to put my winter running hats and gloves away
I heard your interview with IM talk. Great job!
Hopefully this can replace the 310XT that is at the bottom of the ocean right now
I’m looking forward to getting back into some sort of shape.
I am looking forward to my first 12 hour ultra.
I’m looking forward to getting into some sort of shape.
running outside! I am sick of running on the treadmill!
I am looking forward to racing again this spring after taking some time off due to an injury. I could use this device to help me get back into form. I read DC Rainmaker daily. Keep up the good work.
Running in the woods
I’m most excited for my first 70.3! IMKS!!! Looking to lower my splits in all 3 disciplines throughout the year!
Just ran my first trail race of the year, and looking forward to running more as the weather warms up!
Best of luck everyone!
Not sure if the first went through but wanted to wish everyone luck…thanks Ray
I’m looking forward to the sun coming out here in Seattle and training with my brother for his first triathlon.
I am looking forward to my first official 10K and half marathon and soon its 365 days of running every day.
this summer i hope to try my first triathlon in sprint distance!
Great blog. One entrie. Thanks
I am excited to be running my first Marathon in what I hope to be glorious spring sunshine.
Hi, one entrie. I love it. Thanks
patriciagarridolopez@yahoo.com
Looking forward to getting back to running after time off due to injuy. Plus running the CB10!
My goals this season: After tackling many personal goals last year, this one is going to be a bit on the easy side. Training for fun rather than for a race. Also high on the list: wedding planning! :)
Looking forward to getting outside in the great weather!
My wife is expecting twins. Dew April and I”m planning to do my 1st Ironman in september. Loosing 80pounds, 3-4 years ago, I decided its time for a new challange. So not only do I want to proof you can do anything if you put your mind to it. I also want to proof that you can make the time : )
I enjoy reading your blog. And actually bought a Timex Ironman Global Trainer after reading your blog in 2010.
I am running my first Half Marathon in May 2012. In the Borneo International Marathon which will be held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia!
Still winter over here, but I’m looking forward to those long runs and long rides, and open water swimming (sea and lakes are still frozen)!
looking forward to the gran fondo ny
Great!! One entrie. Jorge
blancojorge@yahoo.com
I started running again just a couple of years ago. I’m now 28, but starting to run the times I ran in High School. I’m looking forward to PRing my time in a mile and the local 5Mile run on the 4th of July!
Close to 2000 comments already – very impressed.
Am currently injured with both feet broken, but hopefully this will heal soon and I can get back into running and racing.
I am happy for completed Twilight Ultra Challenge clocked 60km, and training very hard for my upcoming Sundown Marathon. Looking forward to break my own records in it.
This year is the year of my first ever full marathon. Can’t wait!
Hello Ray. I’m looking forward to running with my granddaughter. Well, she’ll be in stroller but we’ll eventually run together! Have a great day. Alexis
Can’t wait to start my first full tri season since I started late last year. Progressing through a few olympic races and end it with a big HIM. Wooohooo!!!
My haiku on race season!
Winter was not cold / That got me sold to stay fit / Time to benefit!
I’m training for IM Texas, this will be first Ironman event.
Looking forward to higher temperatures. Goodbye long sleeves!
I’m looking forward to my second full season of Tri, and hopefully breaking 5:30 in one of my two HIMs this year!
A really exciting year, starting with the Newham 10k (route runs into the London 2012 Olympic Park). Followed by the BUPA 10,000 – surely the world’s best 10k as it runs past almost every famous London icon. Closing the season with a ballot entry to the Great North Run – 56,000 competitors and still wildly oversubscribed and only my second go at a half marathon!
Adam “KNOX RN”.
Enjoy reading your posts. Training for my first tri now!!
Heading towards winter here in Cape Town, South Africa but still plenty of mountain biking to do!
Adam “KNOX RN”
I enjoy reading your product reviews!
Training for my first tri now!! Thanks for the info.
i’m looking forward to my first half marathon!
looking forward to summer here in the Philippines and when out of town or at the beach, i just love running on the countryside and enjoying nature.
Hi!
can wait to start biking a bit more then the past year, now that my little doughter isn’t so little any more
IzzyODT
looking forward to summer here in the Philippines and when out of town or at the beach, i just love running on the countryside and enjoying nature.
looking forward to summer here in the Philippines and when out of town or at the beach, i just love running on the countryside and enjoying nature.
– Jeff
Jeff Jose