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.
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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.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.
Hello all :)
Looks great!
Bam
this is like the “pebble” for runners…
Thanks
I’m in :)
Great!!!!
Oooh… Pick me!!!
Love your website! Thanks dcrainmaker!
Thanks!
I like the giveaways!
Want it!
Great
yay
Hope I make it. Thanks for doing this, Ray.
I know I won’t get this, but I’m going for it anyway.
Woot!
Thanks!
This would be great for my wife. :)
I still run with a 305….. have pity on the bulky watched. ;)
Thanks for,the great reviews!
Please!
“It’s all in the hips”
Cool watch
In.
i’m hoping for many runs
Great site and reviews
Cool watch!
Host the clan
Here we go again
This is something I could use.
… Some comment…
Would look better on me!… *ahem*
thanks Ray!
Hello!
For the watch!
Too soon? :)
Pick me!
oh yay
Get er done!
I would love to see what a Vivoactive can do, so pick me
Hail Hail Rock n Roll…
My wife will love it for bbday!
Helllloooooooo!
Great watch, thanks Ray!
Just in case my 305 ever blows up.
I’m in!
Go go gadget Garmin!
I hope I win, this looks great
Hi Ray,
Great work, love reading the blog.
All the best
Dave
Yes please!
I’m in.
I want to win this for my husband!
Cool watch!
We make a try!
Hello from Michigan!
Am I the one?
Count me in:)
woot, for the eldest
Great
Yes please!!!!!!!!!!
Winner, winner, chicken dinner!
This one is for me!
Hello
Vivofit would be a great addition to my Fenix 3!
Hello, hello, hola.
I’m in!
Good luck to everyone, but especially to me! That is a great looking watch to replace the 5 year old Timex I wear everyday.
I’m in!
I’ll take one!
Yes please!!!!!!!!!
Yes please! :)
Thanks!
Pick me!!!
Holding my breath.
Sweet!
Want this one!
Flappy Bird FTW!
你好
Take me. Yes me ;-)
Another cool Stuff !!
Fabulous!
Count me in, thanks!
4th (missed Garmin Swim HR Belt, sniff)
Awesome watch
Fingers crossed!
This watch is on my wishlist for sure!
Come on Ray, pick me!!
me me pick me :-)
I want one
thanks for this giveaway!
First!
Ray, did you take your vivo on those Alpe d’ Huerez ride with lots of switch backs? Anyway, this also serves as my entry for the giveaway =)
Yes please
Count me in please!
Check
Yes Please!!
Viva la Vivo!!!!!
+1 for flappy bird, also, I’m in!
I’d like one. Thanks.
Thanks!
Want :D
I just bought one last week but surely I won’t mind to get one more for free.
Hi!!!
Definitely entering this, I love this website and your reviews. Hopefully I’ve entered this correctly and here’s to hoping I win! I could definitely use this as I begin to tackle Triathlon training for the first time!