Favorite DFW race producer?

I would say that this depends on the criteria and the race length.

For a short fun race, Dallas Sports Univ.  They always have a party type atmosphere but there are usually some organizational glitches that can be overlooked for shorter races.

For a longer race, I would be more concerned with on course support.  Here IronHead rules.  Jack has the organizational aspects of race day down.  Every thing that could happen from a race stand point has been planned out in advance and executed.  Not as much fun afterwards but definitely safe and well executed.

Edited to add - I've done two events with Dallas Sports and volunteered once at an IronHead race.

I would rank them:

1. Ironhead - best run races, hands down. Safety and organization are top notch. Plus getting tech shirts for most of their races, even sprints, is a nice touch.
2. Playtri - good locations for races, very well organized.
3. ...
4. ...
5. ...
6. Dallas Athletes/DSU/whatever - Races have themes, which is nice, but they just don't get it. There is no organization, unsafe conditions, crappy swag, and way overpriced. Make a shirt I can actually wear in public for crying out loud. All of them end up as kids pajama shirts or grease rags.
   Disco the last two years has been a screwup. Last year it was them continuing to say they would have a tri when they knew for weeks they wouldn't have a swim. They said, "Oh, but we don't make more money by not having a swim." Sure, but you do make more money if people continue to sign up. Then this year there was the complete mishandling of the results. People getting awards for times they didn't actually have, no sanity checking of the results before announcing them, etc.

I have to agree with Andy.  At Disco this year, I couldn't believe the complete disaster with results.  I knew I was nowhere near getting an award, but many of our BT friends were, so I wanted to stick around and watch; the results were totally screwed up, the announcer didn't have a clue what was going on, etc, etc. 

Not to mention, the shirts DSU give out are complete junk.  Jack's shirts are very nice, Brooks tech shirts.  DSU's shirts look like they were bought in bulk at a flea market. 

I voted DSU but I can see where there are concerns. I used to be a DA member as well so I got to know Tom.They had a bad year last year, but the 2 races I did this year were just fine. I like the entertainment and fun atmosphere. However, I do agree with the crappy t-shirt thing. Mine from Disco is very thin and it doesn't seem like it's going to last very long.

I've only done one other race and that was with ironhead (HIM last weekend). Not a lot of frills but the course was well marked and had plenty of aid stations. I was just not too excited about the run not having any shade, but that's just a preferance thing. I'm not sure I'd do another Ironhead race, but I know I will do more DSU ones. 

I am curious about the run bi tri or playtri races though. I have heard mixed reviews. 

I've raced in all and volunteered for both PlayTri & DA. I don't really have a favorite, but if forced to vote I'd go PlayTri. Here are my experiences/opinions with them:

Ironhead
 - Raced in many and have no complaints about any races
 - Love the Brooks Ts
 - Post race food at Rockwall (done 4 times) is as good as any
 - Price is fair, especially with early reg
 - Too many pool swims and Sprint races

PlayTri
 - Don't overwhelm themselves with a ton of races
 - Have a good mix of races & distances
 - very good volunteer experience
 - Good race experiences, have seen some problems but were open to improvement
 - very good entry fees, especially if you register very early

DSU/DA
 - Very enjoyable races (love the Ray Roberts location)
 - Mediocre volunteer experience. Got an elitism vibe and was treated like a lemming
 - Highest entry fees
 - Can't seem to figure out what "Olympic" means for a triathlon distance

I'll still race them all, but I'm most hesitant to race a DSU run event. I really wish there were more true Oly races around here.

I'm kinda with you, Aaron. Used to work for the DA-turned-DSU conglomerate and have seen the back end of the organization, so I know that makes me a bit biased.

FWIW, I have volunteered for each of the RD's and raced in all but a DA/DSU event. That, plus the fact that I have done races of all sizes and caliber all over the place, makes me feel somewhat qualified to comment here. I love to race and I love a GOOD race!

From an experienced racer's standpoint, I value consistency and a safe, fair race more than themes and silly costumes. Ironhead races may be a bit on the bare-bones side, but you can count on getting exactly what you are promised. Jack is all about providing a consistent, well-organized and safe product and racer's generally get a what they pay for. No flash, no attempt at entertainment, just a solid racer's race.

DA/DSU (who do they think they're fooling?) attracts newbies, DA loyalists and those who think the race looks good on paper. They struggle with execution but seem to feel that the entertainment value makes up for the lack of substance. They have a great venue out a Lake Ray Roberts, but can't seem to execute an event that takes full advantage of it. Kind of a shame.

For sprinters and those that like the themed races, DA/DSU is a decent choice.

PlayTri does a good job.......at least with the big weekend in April. Yes, there have been some glitches, but Ahmed and crew know what a good race looks like and are really trying to make one happen. I predict continued growth for the PlayTri Festival and fell that they deserve it.

So, you going to work for PlayTri? Coaching? Good for you and good luck!

G