Heads up – Massive Sports Tech Holiday Deals List is Live!!! The Garmin Fenix 8 is $250 off (even the Fenix 8 Pro is $100 off!), the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is on sale, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 is $249, the GoPro Hero 13 Black, DJI NEO, and a ton of other brands/deals, including Wahoo, Oura, Whoop, Polar, Samsung, Google, and more than 100 sports tech 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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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.













A new trainer!!
Mmmm… I’d like to test a GPS watch with optical heart rate measurement, a Garmin maybe?
I would LOVE to get a Fenix 3 HR!!!! I’d also be happy with a 920, too!! Ahhhh!!!! So.many.options!!!!!
Power meter because I need it for my training. ?
The new Garmin 735XT was on my list. Maybe next year…
I would get me a Fenix 3 because I really want a replacement for my old Fenix 2.
Downpayment on eTAP Disc upgrade.
Stages or stryd for me!
Trainer would be awesome. Need to squeeze more bike time in. ?
A Garmin 735XT to get trained better ;)
I would definitely get a new HRM, because the optical HR on my FR235 is rubbish… :-/
I’d get a powermeter to train for my first IM this summer!
I got the 735xt for my birthday but I still could use a power meter.
A nice Fenix 3 because I couldn’t justify replacing my 910xt unless it was free :)
Garmin fenix 4
GoPro Hero 5 Black so I can take photos at the beach
Hmmm too much to choose, maybe aero trinkets for the TT bike!
Merry Christmas ray-makers and readers
Wahoo kickr or cycleops hammer!
Garmin Fenix 3 HR for my dear wife. Sporty is more important than… size ;)
don’t be dissin’ on spam….musubi is perfect for carbo loading.
and…a watch, I guess.
I would like to replace my Edge 500. These Strava segments on the road sound cool enough.
Definitely in the market for a power meter, so that’s what I’d get :-)
A Forerunner 735XT would be perfect!
P1 pedals so I can start training with power.
Hmm – I’d upgrade my trainer I think; Santa has already been here.
I would get a Garmin Edge 520.
Probably a tacx flux or a 735xt as I just had one nicked. Hey, any gadget that will make me get out running or cycling in the snow. Merry Christmas.
Garmin 820….totally need a new bike computer old one is several generations back.
Either eTap (simply rocks) or a new powermeter to replace my allux StagesPower for a carbon crankset ;-)
I’d get a Garmin FR630 because I need a new running watch.
A brand new Tacx Flux.. I need a new trainer..
I think I’d get myself a Garmin Vivoactive HR. Three reasons:
1) I’m a dedicated and consistent runner, but not one who needs, wants, or really knows what to do with a ton of data. the “GVHR” looks to provide everything I need and nothing I don’t.
2) After failing to support the cellular features of the One GPS+, I’m just done with Timex.
3) Because of #2, I need a new watch!
I’d like a Go Pro to document all my crazy family’s antics.
A Garmin Fenix 3 to help me count down to newyear…
I need to update my running watch. I have the FR10 so maybe the FR35 or something else in the Garmin family. So much running to do in 2017!
Garmin watch – something I can do gym workouts and swim with.
I am the developer of the pool swim connectiq app for the fr230, and i want a fenix3 hr so that i dont need to develop it any further :DD
I’ve had my eye on the Fenix 3HR as an upgrade from my VA. (waiting optimistically for CES before making any decision though)
GoPro Hero so I can record my kids and I on our adventures!
I’d love to get a Wahoo Kicker or other power based trainer for better indoor training sessions!
A powermeter to boost my IronMan prep.
I’d go for the Fenix 3 or… Any update of said product ;)
Power meter, because I need one!
Garmin 735☺
I’d love to get my hands on a 735xt! Completing a triathlon is my new years resolution and that would vertainly help!!
A ‘ GoPro Hero5 Black’ to renew my old sport camera …
I would LOVE a Fenix 3 to be able to use pool and open water swim modes. The battery life would be a huge improvement too over my ~10 year old Forerunner 405!
Thanks for the giveaways!
bluetooth power meter for training
I would probably get a new head unit like a Garmin 820.
I’d go for a Garmin 735XT or 9xx to update my aging multi sport watch and I suppose I’m also past due for a nice set of running shoes. The soles are breaking down on my current pair
Garmin 520- went for a bike ride on Xmas eve using my Vivoactive, which is fine, but the app I use updated the night before and only gave me pace and not speed. A lot of neurons had to fire to convert to mph, limiting my ability to just enjoy the 70 degree weather in southeast US.
I’d go for either a Garmin 820 or one of those new virb ultra action cameras. Thanks
I’d still be in the Christmas spirit and get Garmin FR25s for my daughters to inspire them to run with me…
Power tap P1 pedals! Need more data!
Personally would love to pick up a power meter for the CX bike.
Either put it towards a power meter or smart trainer, TBD. Thanks for the giveaway, DCR and Clever Training rock!
I’d get the garmin virb XE – I love taking photos and videos on my rides and runs, seems like a nice upgrade to my P&S :)
Power meter! Maybe
One of my friends got a 735xt and it is so cool that i HAVE to have it also
Thanks Ray! I would love a Edge 520!
Garmin Fenix HR for its robustness and built in HR
I’d get the Forerunner 735XT – my 910XT is ready to be retired, and I’m not sure I can live much longer without Strava live segments ;)
I need to replace my garmin edge 800
I would get the garmin varia bike light and tail light
I would get a cyclops indoor trainer to get me training again. It too cold to bike outside in CT.
I’m not too sure – there are so many good things that would be fun to have. Possibly a Virb 30 is at the top of that list…
I would probably go for Gramin Fenix 3 Hr. Simply the best.
Maybe a Fenix 4 to replace my current Fenix 3
I would go for PowerTap C1 power meter to improve my bike training!
A shiney new Garmin Ultra 30 would go down quite nicely… to record all the fast cyclists that constantly pass me….. ;)
A Powermeter, or the new Garmin 820 will bei my favourites to complete my workouts.
I would pick the 920xt since my 310xt finally broke.
Turbo trainer! I would def get a turbo trainer.
Latest and greatest multisport GPS watch _without_ optical HR…
I’d go for the Tacx Flux so I can spend more time at home with my wife and kids! :)
Pedal based power meater (pwertap p1)as I don’t know which other power meters are compatible with si spiderrings. Would love to put it towards a sram etap tho.
A Fenix 3 HR would be very nice!
I think the 735 would be the path I’d be looking down
I’d go for ooe of the garmin Forerunner watches as my Forerunner 305 is getting rather tired and could do with a rest.
Would love a Forerunner 735 as my current watch is getting a bit old.
Smart trainer! Kickr Snap or maybe the Elite Rampa.
Gopro hero5 bkack
I wanna win and buy me some Powertap-age to improve my FTP-age!
I would SRAM etap…Well some parts of it.
I would get a Fenix 3. Love my Garmin 310xt but it’s showing it’s age.
Smart trainer. Rollers are great but tough to get motivated for long workouts.
Power Meter… maybe some nice P1s.
Garmin 735xt…. It is time for an upgrade.
I would love to be able to have the GOPRO as to view my form for swim bike and run.
Would get the new kickr trainer
I would be a fenix 4 for trail running.
I’d love to have the Garmin Felix 3 in Rose Gold please.
Power meter to train with
I’d like to get the Garmin FR 235. I think it has everything that I need and would be a much appreciated update over my old FR 15. Happy holidays Ray!
Garmin fenix 3hr. Time for an upgrade
Upgrade of my Quarq powermeter
Garmin 735xt, because my Garmin Swim sprung a leak and sunk. :-(
I’d have to go for the Garmin 820 to replace my 500, I need maps!! :)
I would buy GoPro Hero 5 cause Santa did not bring it :)
I would get a 4iiii Precision Power Meter