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.
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.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.
-
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?
-
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.
Any idea where in Cape Town you’re staying?
Would love to show you some trails on our mountain while you’re here :)
Yup, the Sea Point area, up against Signal Hill. We’ll be there til the end of February.
Definitely looking forward to finding some trails for sure (ride and run). One of my top items for the next few days is also finding a place to do a long-term mountain bike rental for. :)
Nice, you’re pretty much out your door onto the trails from there (run and ride, though you’ll need to get a permit to ride).
Shout if you ever want company/tour guides. We’ve got some forest that’ll test GPS reception “nicely” :)
Good to know on the permit! Any tips/links on where to get one?
I might indeed want some company, I’ll save your contact info for once I get into town. Thanks!
Sorry – I can’t find an explanation anywhere, but what is with the clock in the upper lefthand corner of the site?
Hmm, I’m not sure I follow. I don’t see a clock. Can you screenshot and post by chance? Or shoot me an e-mail (just ray at my domain)?
Thanks!
Really looking forward to your review of both the Vantage M and Coros Apex – I’m on the fence between those to replace my dying V800.
Please subscribe me to your newsletter. Thank you.
Hey Alan,
we are not actually “allowed” to subscribe peoples email on their behalf. I’m pretty sure it goes against several privacy acts. In any case, I pasted the link below. Or, if you submit another comment, there is a check box before you click submit that is a Newsletter Sign up button.
Be sure to subscribe soon, the newsletter is publishing later day!
The Girl
link to dcrainmaker.com
Posted this on YouTube, but I’ll repeat here…
That time-lapse at about 22:30 looks awful.. And then you spoke about the camera being the DJI. Just goes to show how good the GPH7 new time-lapse mode is – buttery smooth compared.
Actually, that specific shot is TimeWarp on a GoPro Hero 7 Black. ;)
hahaha! I just *KNEW* you were going to say that! :)
Yeah, I was actually using a GoPro hat for an upcoming video, and wanted some random b-roll. I agree, kinda blah. Mostly because I was turning my head (even though I was trying not too).
Maybe the setting were just on something like 2x or 5x so it was a bit choppy – we’ll forgive you!
I’ve found the 15x and 30x are excellent for running – even just handheld and pointing out front.
As an aside – I see Ben is getting tempted to get back into the TRS podcasting chair… maybe we’ll get a fresh DCR podcast run ?
Ray when you get to Cape Town you MUST do the Robben Island to Blouberg swim. Derrick Frazer from Big Bay lifesaving club is your go to guy. derrick@bigbayevents.co.za
Hmm…I just read the Wikipedia description:
“The Cadiz Freedom Swim is recognised as one of the world’s most extreme sea races due to the extremely cold water characteristics of the Atlantic Ocean (averages around 13–14 °Celsius), unpredictable sea and weather conditions, and the presence of Great White Sharks.”
They led with the list of cons. Where’s the list of pros?
I can see why according to Wikipedia , this would seem like it only has a list of cons!!!!
The real truth( as opposed to internet truth) , is that on a beautiful day in Cape Town, while you wont get away from some refreshingly cool water temps of 12/13/14 degrees, you will have the opporunity to stare at the world renowed table mountain while making your way to Blouberg beach from the iconic Robben Island. Its a very tough 7.5km swim but is glorious on a good summers day. Derrick organises and arranges support crew for any day so you don’t only have to take part in The Freedom day swim. Hope I’ve added some pro’s to list : )
Craig,
Hi :) Ray’s lovely wife here. I’m just going to go ahead and veto this suggestion! Hahaha NO!
I know. Just call me “Buzz Kill Bobbie”.
Take note Ray.
???. South Africans are amongst the friendliest in the world- He will be well looked after. Promise !!!