( 8 reviews )
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Posted: Jun 17 2009
I had pretty high expectations for the Timex to replace my existing HRM since I'd had one of the first Timex HRM's a while ago and was very pleased with it. However, after reading up in the training manual and strapping it on for my first workout, I noticed strange behavior; it read my resting heart rate spot on, but after starting my workout, it kept reading significantly low rates for the first half hour of the workout. It was like it kept "creeping up" on my heart rate. 15 minutes into the exercise, I should have been low 120's and it was still in the 80's and climbing. Towards the end of the workout it finally peaked over 160, and stayed there, when it should have been 130's to 140's. Strange! I thought maybe it was calibrating itself, but it did the same thing the next time out. Definitely a problem with it. I turned it back in, and decided to get a Suunto T4C HRM...much nicer IMHO.
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Posted: Apr 12 2009
I have been using this watch for about a year, and am about to buy a new watch even though this one still works. It has been very frustrating for me as a triathlete. In terms of functionality, the heart rate monitor works fine, although I have gotten EXTREMELY discrepant readings from time to time. Sometimes well below my actual HR, other times well above my MAX heart rate. But those issues have been fairly limited. What really makes this watch almost useless to me is that I use it for triathlon training, and the stop button constantly gets pushed as I'm shifting my grip on my bike. All of the sudden, I will look down at my watch only to realize it has not been on for 5-10 minutes. I suppose I could switch wrists, but still, I find that the buttons (even during everyday use) get pushed much too often. My guess is the buttons are big and easy to push as an intended benefit to the user, but to me, they are TOO big. If it weren't for this flaw (or if I didn't cycle so much), this would not be an issue.
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Posted: Mar 20 2009
Excellent product. My first HRM and I am more than satisfied. It has really helped my training as I was kind of a naysayer to these before I got one. Between checking my pulse manually and when on cardio equipment, I have found it to be spot on 90% of the time with a variance of +/- 1-3 BPM the rest of the time. Highly recommended especially for fist time users. Can also be used with GPS, purchased separately, if desired.
