Heads up!!! Here’s your massive holiday sports tech deals list! This includes the Garmin Epix for just $419, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for just $699, the GoPro Hero 12 Black for $249, (or the brand new Hero 13 or $299!) and plenty more! Go check out the full list of 100+ deals 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.
Woot!
Great!!
Let’s do this! (well you do it, i’ll just be here with my arms up)
When am I supposed to sleep?
1:00 AM, 3:00 AM, 5:00 AM, etc.
Awesome! I’m having a hard time deciding what running watch to buy. FREE always helps with the decision process!
gotta be in it to win it !
Can’t wait!
got to get this right, I don’t want to miss one!!!
Fantastic, can’t wait
woot
Is it 0600 CET or CEST?
Hmm… I suppose now it would be CEST.
would it be easier if you said the giveaway starts at 11:59 PM on Monday so people wouldnt get confused as to the contest starts at 12:00 AM Monday or Tuesday?
:P
I still crack up at the comment that won the iPhone bundle.
Every time….
I think I’m going to have to do some interval training specifically around this timeframe
Eat Sleep Ray Repeat
Just once it’s good to be on the other side of the world (Sydney will be a very plesant 2:00pm) – better look into how this extravaganza works …..
Great!
Can’t wait!
I want your goodies. :)
This event has been cancelled. Please ignore all future communications from Ray that it’s happening. (rubbing hands together and emitting an evil laugh that my master plan to win everything is now set in motion) (wait, why are my thoughts being transcribed into this comment? arghhh!)
What’s actually pretty funny here is that your comment got all caught up in my SPAM filter and I had to manually approve it. :)
Test post. Hope this works so I can participate next week!
Super Excited…. a new watch or training is needed on my end!
Of course this happens while I am on vacation with at best spotty internet and while the World Cup is going on. Going to have to really make an effort this year just to get into a couple of them. At least I will have a cold drink and football to watch while waiting for pages to load.
Hey, just wondering… Were you far from your Samsung Gear 2 review yet? Still haven’t made the purchase or committed to a decision for my partner… Was kind of hanging on your thoughts :o)
Sorry!
It’s somewhat fallen off the radar, mostly because I’ve just found the whole experience a bit cumbersome. It doesn’t really fit what I use the device for, and the optical sensor has been hit and miss when it comes to tracking HR. The inability to easily get data up to most platforms doesn’t help either.
At this point, kinda hard to recommend. :-/
Not at all a problem, and I appreciate the reply and thought!
I can only take on your advice, I will dodge the samsung. With that in mind, it’s only really the Adidas that seems to offer the all-in-one. Despite the price, I think this is the only thing I could really get her that is reliable and ticks the boxes. Better something that works and is reliable than just… Turd.
I only wish they improved the android app compatibility (eg synced), but that is not everything. And from your post / research day a while ago, I seem to recall they are working at only improving the Adidas with further updates.
I have read your review of it too of course, which was positive. So unless it’s exploded on your wrist recently… Hopefully it’s still a good choice :o)
No rest for the wicked!!
Awsome
Ray,
Will you be using a raffle widget like on Engadget? Might save you time.
Nah, just the usual system. I’ve got some backend tools that make it fairly easy these days.
You truly are a giver, Ray.
Awesome!!
I’m new to the site, which is awesome btw, but this is awesome!!! Can’t wait.
Awsome!
Cracking looking competition. As luck would have it,iI’m on holiday next week so I’ll be all over this!
just testing my comment skills!
2pm Sydney is a great starting time…
Yes. Fantastic
Awesome! btw. have you ever thought about switching to tools like rafflecopter.com in your giveaways?
We use it in our company and it works quite well.
For the most part the comment system works well because I’m then not dependent on calling to a separate service (which introduces system load). In the case of the extravaganza, the load is a fair bit high, especially in the first few minutes of each hour.
Gran, good luck to everyone
Always very nice!
Sweet
awesome :)
Test. And gratitude to Ray not only for the raffle but also for his insightful reviews and entertaining weekly stories (the wife and I are going to try find the cake shop next time we are in Paris :)). Btw really like the article a while back about Cape Town, my home town – always interesting to see a city through the appreciative eyes of a visitor :)
awasome !!
Testing in Miami!
Test2
Test, Test 1 2,Test
Eeeh…? Can you explain the concept? Sorry, i’m french and i think i miss some info…
Alarm is set … tuesday every 2hours!
yes! :P
Hmm, some new gear…
Fingers crossed!
Testing
Sweet!
can’t wait !
test 2
I can’t wait to see what I win!! (Dad always taught me to own it and think positive!)
Let the good times role!
Excited
It’s gonna be great. Thanks Ray.
I’m trying…
I assume since I did not win last year I am guaranteed an entry this year…
Can’t wait, this is going to be awesome!!!
Heck, I might as well post a test comment as well.
Does this go all day, a full 24 hours of craziness? Can’t wait!!!
I could really use a heartbeat monitor strap. I’m in!!
Thought I would try a test too, something to look forward to.
Looking forward to this!!! I already got a Fenix2, but getting a dedicated road bike computer may be a nice way to go… :) Hrm…. :)
Ray, many thanks for your detailed, fair, and objective reviews. They definitely gave me a LOT of information to go through and made me consider what my priorities and needs are as far as a GPS watch/computer go. In the end, the Fenix2 was the better choice FOR ME as I DO do the geocaching stuff and go on longer hikes where waypoint setting would be nice (and having a longer battery life).
So far, my mileage #’s have been spot on for the run and bike, but the swim seems to be measuring a bit long in the open water. Not sure if the other swimmers are swimming straighter than me or it is due to GPS error, but no worries here.
Again, thank you for the highly informative AND entertaining site and for doing something so kind as to promote your sponsors and thank your readers. VERY cool! If my wife and I ever get to Paris, we’d love to take you and The Girl out for dinner!
I want in too
I want in too … Pretty please
Free stuff! Yey!
I’ll be IN
So, all we have to do is post during the two hour period for each item and we are entered? And each item is listed to one per email address, but each email address can enter once for each item, right? I am relatively new to this…
Yup, that’s it!
Test from phone
This will be amazing!
Lisboa calling! Testing …
Woohoo, free stuff,
Looking forward to it! Training for IM Choo and a new gadget would keep it exciting!
Now these test posts are pretty funny. I wonder, is it people posting for the first time ever, or are most people setting up posting from all their various devices?
Who is trying to figure out how to post during their Run on that day?
Great job man
Great job man …
That’s cool… looking forward to it
Cool! Looking forward to it. Unfortunately, work internet is spotty at best. Apparently they want us working during work hours.
Do I get special treatment because June 24th is my birthday???
Excited to find you, Ray!,
I’m not sure if my earlier posts qualify me to be in the drawings, but if I may, I’d like to be included as well.
Not just for the free stuff (though, admittedly, that’s really cool!), but the more I read on here, the more I learn about how I can train, what I can look for when I train, and perhaps what I can expect when I compete.
The non-triathlon related posts about Paris and your various travels are just as educational and fun too. I truly enjoy visiting this site and I can’t say that about many sites on the web.
Fly me to the moon…
you are better than Christmas
Woot
Sorry for double post…
Triple now
☺
Thanks Ray for the reviews, I’m learning a lot with your post.
Sam
Not sure if it’s been already answered, how long will the whole thing last? Thanks
It lasts for exactly 24 hours. Every 2 hours is a new giveaway.
I’m from Israel I can also participate???
Yup, absolutely!
Can’t wait
Testing to make sure this works!
Testing Testing 123
Super geil! Oh, sorry … awesome!
Cool!
Cool
Awww—-some
Another test!
Great reviews by the way!
niiiice ;)
I’m in! And test.
i am in
Nice. Game!
I’m in too
Great ray!
Can’t wait, alarms set!
Comment test and thanks in advance
Please pick me!
Very nice !!
Reminder set! Waiting for the madness. :)
Come on 24th!!
Just great…
Looking forward to no sleep tomorrow.
Ray – are you posting a list of what all is in the extravaganza, or is the approach that we should check in every 2 hours to see what new item hits?
Thanks.
Nope, the list remains a secret until each product shows up!
Woo-hoo! Alarms are set for 12am PST and every 2 hours after that!
You may want to re-check your alarms. 12AM Pacfici is 3 hours behind 12 Pacific – thus, you’ll miss the first event!
Oops. Meant to say EST. Just excited is all!
Soooo…you’ll be giving away a Garmin 920 tomorrow on the same day you release your in-depth review, right?
woooohoooo, sounds great
Great news!!
Fingers crossed for tomorrow!
sweet
Fingers crossed for a tomtom or equivalent allsports watch.
See you all tomorrow!
Truly exciting!
I’m excited, hoping that I’m lucky!
Ready!
So excited!
Test to get in some draws 2morro
Thanks for putting this on Ray!
What I enjoy about this site (along with the in-depth reviews) is the collection of forward thinkers!
great, cant wait!
Sweet
Ready.
Desperately need an upgrade!! I’m going to be measuring my heart rate running with my hand on my carotid artery soon!
Sweet
testing….1…2…3…
Cant wait
Testes 123
Test
Thanks Ray!
Go Team USA!!
Fingers crossed!
Rock on man!
thanks!
Oh yes I think I need good luck this time:-)
Nice! good luck to me!
good luck
3RD ONE
2nd
Come on lucky number!!
I am all in
I need stuff
Love the game
PO Box 08414
402S
thank you so much…..plz pick me….
Please reward me…or pick me
I’m in.
I just ran my first tri and loved it… Would love to have some awesome gear for my next one!
count me in :)
Pick meeee
HEre I am!
Great site, would love some free stuff!
We would like to win your gadgets so we could enjoy our holidays even more :)
Reading more and more of your posts. Would love to be in a winners circle too
Great site….I consult DCRainmaker before purchasing any new tech!
Sign me up. Last winter (in MD) involved horrific suffering. I need a trainer or I may implode if we have another bad winter.
again
There is no other site with that trustworthy information!
Husband’s 55th birthday today, would love to win him a gift :-)
Thanks :)
Great site Ray !
Pick me!!
Pick me, please.
me… 16:00
wow!
Here i am
Great job!
Thank you
Ive really enjoyed reading your site the last couple of weeks. You do a great job with your reviews!
Me Me…
Just as a minor reminder that you don’t actually win anything by posting on this post. It needs to be on the individual giveaway posts that show up on the home page every 2 hours. Enjoy!
Awesome idea…
So it ended, with really cool stuff; when will the winners be informed, can’t wait, maybe I was lucky, maybe not
Hi All!
A winners circle post will be put up here today, just cleaning up all the duplicate comments/etc…
Thanks!