Heads up! The massive Sports Tech Deals list is here! Including huge discounts on Apple, DJI, Fitbit, Garmin, Google, GoPro, Peloton, Samsung, Tacx, Wahoo, and tons more! From the Garmin Epix at $449 (insane!) and Forerunner 965 deals, to the slightly newer Garmin Epix Pro & Fenix 7 Pro at $200 off, to the Apple Watch Ultra 2 deal, and the Tacx NEO 2T for $899. There’s huge savings, and constantly updated!
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:With TPC (The Pro's Closet), you'll save $40 on purchases over $200 with coupon code DCRAIN40 for tech and non-tech purchases!
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 GPLAMA, 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 and Equipment 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! 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.
fun and games. Ta for summarizing
Lawyers as ever will be the winners.
Slight corrections: Chip Hawkins is the founder of Wahoo Fitness but Mike Saturnia has been CEO for a few years. And Eric is now “only” a co-CEO since they brought on somebody with Amazon.
Good point. One of these days I’ll remember Chip isn’t CEO anymore…
Ray,
Would your statement that Wahoo needs to find a way to sell a $599 Kicker Core equally apply to other trainer manufacturers or is it just limited to Wahoo based on these specific trainers or due to Wahoo’s shaky financial situation?
Realistically it applies to eveyone. The thing is, while Wahoo has made a big deal in court about the price specifically, the reality is Elite has been selling direct drive trainers off and on at or below that price point.
And of course, so have various JetBlack OEM variants.
The big thing that changes the dynamic for Wahoo, is how big Zwift is and their reach.
It’s interesting that on Competitive Cyclist, Elite is the only one trying to compete with Zwift coming in at $450 for the Suito T. You’d think by now that Wahoo and Garmin would be trying to compete but maybe not enough money in it to change tactics.
Legally speaking I can’t really say if zwift is infringing any patents, but commercially, it is beating not just Wahoo but all other brands on medium range . At the end I feel sorry for Wahoo, mostly because as a consumer we could loose one big player.
Thanks for the continued coverage. This case is a waste for Wahoo’s limited cash flow.
I’ve never understood how disputes like copyright infringements can be jury trials. Having that go to a jury trial is ridiculous.
Also always feels like the party that wants a jury trial thinks they have a better chance to win there. Doesn’t reek confidence to me.
Might be better for Wahoo long term to get a settlement and sell their trainer business.
You can thank the Seventh Amendment to the US Constitution for that.
link to en.wikipedia.org
It’s a shame to see Wahoo so lose its way.
I find it interesting with all this going on Zwift still have Wahoo advertising in the new Scotland routes.
This is my personal opinion and not about that specific case!
Patents original purpose:
Document knowledge of humankind for all, as exchange you can use it for some time exclusively in a protect way.
Patents actual use:
Hinder improved developments for decades, block other participants on the market as much as possible and make lawyers rich.
Task successfully failed. Why you shall not be allowed to apply your knowledge just because somebody has written down something similar on a paper before.
Suggestion:
We need a way to improve quality of patents, reduce their total number, enforce sharing with fair fees (similar “standard relevant patents” and block all patents based on pure logic (software patents are already illegal in Europe).
PS: I don’t say that Zwift or Wahoo is right. I don’t know.
As a newer cyclist, the price point of the Zwift Hub was what drew me to it. I was just getting into indoor cycling and not knowing if I would stick with it. Spening 600 on the trainer vs dobule that made the decision easier and less painful in the wallet.
Somewhat off topic, but what happens to Sufferfedt, errr, Wahoo X / RGT, if Wahoo can’t continue independently? Is there a likely buyer? Or is there a different plan B?
To get an injunction, you have to demonstrate a likelihood of “irreparable harm.” In this context, “irreparable” means harm for which money damages are not adequate compensation. That’s way it’s pretty rare to get a PI in a case like this.
I do not understand how after some decades glorified eddy current brake or an electric motor with 4 quadrant torque controller could still be patented. Any engineer worth their salt would come up with the reasonable concept in no time. Where did thon non-obvious part went when registering patent?
It’s not about the mechanics (although note that it’s very similar to the wahoo) but about the software and power calculation.
Being somewhat in the trainer business, I can tell you that sales and traffic are slllooowww right now. Wahoo will be lucky to still be in business when this trial concludes.
It’s a patent infringement. Not copyright