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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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.














A cleat based powermeter. Because I like data :)
I would get a GoPro camera so I can take photos and videos while chasing my kiddo around this summer!
Probably an Garmin Fenix with mp3 to keep my rhytm while running!
Wow thank you, great competition. A FR945/645 for my wife.
Garmin 945 since my husband just got one and I have major watch envy!
Garmin 245m as I would love to try out podcast support on a garmin
I’ll put it towards a pair of faves assiomo duos.
I would probably replace my Vector 2. Maybe Vector 3? Or maybe update my Fenix 3.
I would like a new watch like the FR245!
A Garmin 945, feeling left behind after receiving no love (upgrades) to my Fenix 5X
Power meter! I’ve never had one.
Garmin varia radar. Finally have an edge unit now and would like to take advantage of this safety feature.
Garmin 945 so I can have the tech to support my goal of training for my first triathlon.
I’d love a pair of Favero Assioma DUOs!!!! I’m training for a fondo at the end of July and hope to add a couple of miles to make a century out of it as well. I’ve fully embraced training with power and see the benefits of having it on an indoor smart trainer. I would love to have the same for my outdoor rides, but the price point of even the Assioma UNOs is more than I can afford right now. This gift certificate would put the DUOs within reach!!!
Either a new watch or a trainer would be nice
I’d have to get a FR245M for Her Majesty, she’s been eyeing mine and I’d like to keep it…
I’d get a power meter because my wife really wants one! Thanks for the awesome giveaway, Ray!
I would buy and Edge 830
garmin 830, need to test my connectiq field with it
i want a gopro, thankyou!
Since my trusted Suunto Ambit 1 is finally starting to show it’s age… I would use the $500 voucher towards a brand new Suunto 9.
New goals towards my first marathon and next year two ultra marathons. Holding thumbs!!!
Polar V650, so I won’t get lost anymore!
GoPro Hero 7, offcourse!
MTB Power meter
I’d love a cycling computer – like the Garmin 530!
If I say “SRAM” will the filters think I’m talking about SPAM? Actually I think it would be cool to get some model of GoPro to record my epic riding and racing adventures!
I’d definitely go with an Edge 830 so I stop getting lost on my rides.
Maybe a 945 to make up for Garmin support wanting to replace my 645 for a 2nd time to see if that fixes jagged elevation graphs (it won’t!).
Edge 530 it is.
Too make choices but probably a few Fenix 5x plus!
Go Pro Hero7 – for tavel with my family
Garmin Edge 530 – for motivation to put my wheels on the road more often
Garmin 945, and I’m a dad
I’d get him a GoPro for recording his adventures to show us.
I’d have to do a little more research but I’d like to get a cycling power meter for my mountain bike. Lots of road bike options but not sure what would be best for mountain biking.
Probably a Stages power meter for my MTB.
Gopro, film adventures with the family
Garmin Edge 520. Because I’m really missing that piece of kit.
I would buy a pedal power meter for the bike
Probably a new Power Meter… want one that’s ANT+ & BLE :)
I would get a Garmin 830! Thanks Ray.
I’d replace my Fenix 3 HR with a Fenix 5X Plus, well put the $500 towards it ….
My sports watch has troubles and if I can give my father a new one for Father’s Day maybe he will pass me his current one. Cheers Ray.
It’s definitely time for a new trainer, Kickr Core with some money added, I guess. Would really like that direct drive thing, so no more tire hassle.
I’d go with a new power meter. Need to kick it up a notch.
A 945XT would certainly fit the 2019 me better than my current watch.
I also think it is about Tim to upgrade from my 935. I need map and music.
I’d love to see a new Edge 1030 under the Father’s Day tree! My 520 Plus is great, but the bigger screen would make so many things easier.
I would purchase a Kickr Climb. Possibly. Or maybe something else, but likely something I wouldn’t otherwise buy for myself.
I need a new GoPro
I would love to be able to buy a power meter (probably the favero’s!)
GoPro Hero 7 Black
looks like an awesome device
a powermeter probably, because I’m a data junkie
That’s easy, a couple of Lezyne super GPS units! My 2 oldest kids are starting to ride more and want to track their rides like i do.
I’d put it towards some Favero Assioma’s because I have always wanted to get into power meters for my bikes but never had the coin. Training with power would be a huge motivator for me.
Garmin 945!
Edge 530 would be nice.
Garmin FR945
I have the FR935 (which I would then donate), but I want the Garmin pay feature and the ability to host/stream mp3s and podcasts from the watch.
Garmin FR 945 to focus my running better
Garmin 945, because i can. And because I like sports.
I would get a new 945 since my current 920 has a broken altimeter.
A new Garmin 945 or Edge 530!
Garmin 945 to see if you can get one to me before Clevertraining Uk !!
Favero Assioma Duo, because my PowerTap wheel is heavy and not very true anymore.
Would love to be able to upgrade to a FR945 from my old FR610.
The new Garmin 530 because my Garmin 520 keeps wanting to die but is too reliable to actually die without me having a replacement.
Garmin 645 to replace my aging Garming 230.
Either a new Garmin to replace my ailing (nearly dead) Fenix 2 or part of a nice trainer.
I would get the Garmin Fenix 5s because I have been holding out for a long time to take the plunge and get a gps watch for race training.
There are so many things to get: GoPro, GPS cycle computer (still would need to figure which one), running footpod, HRM, or maybe just some apparel.
Can you apply a DCR discount to the $500 credit too? :)
Garmin 945, to leave my phone at home while running
Fenix 5 plus. Because it is awesome.
Garmin Verctor 3’s so I can confirm how weak I really am. :)
A power meter
New watch for my wife!
Still looking for a Powermeter, myself — probably the Vector 3! Figure out how badly my legs work :)
Forerunner 945, need an upgrade!
Powermeter/trainer
A week in the Lanzarote sun has me ready for an upgrade,
I’m interested in the Garmin 945 (bug free)
Garmin 945 to log all the running miles, because an old 620 is just getting a wee bit dated.
I’d probably get the Forerunner 945. My current Garmin watch barely holds a charge anymore!
Would like to get a gopro 7 black.
I will use that credit for buying a GoPro to film the next time that I crash in the snow! :D
Forerunner 945, because my Fenix 5 is starting to seem a bit old ;-)
New garmin watch!
I would love a Go-Pro but then I would also like a Forerunner 945… so many choices G’ah.
Fingers crossed for the win.
Maybe I can buy that dron that I always wanted….
A new garmin edge
I would get the GoPro – I’ve always wanted an action cam!
I would get the new gramin edge 530. Because I have never had a dedicated head unit for the bike and I want one! Also, it has trailforks fully integrated inside for the few days I get to ride new MTB trails!
I’d probably get a power meter.
jumm, what a perfect time to upgrade to a full Garmin edge
GoPro … kids are starting to film their shenanigans
I’d get a new GoPro. Heading out to Colorado soon and would love some quality action shots
I’d like the Garmin Edge 530
A power meter no wait new wheels no…
I’d get a power meter because more power is more better.
I’d get a Garmin Forerunner 945 because I need an upgrade. Thanks for this opportunity, and all that you do!
hi Ray, It’s about time to retire my Edge 705, so I guess I’d go for a 530 or 830.