General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Best training watch (especially for swimming) Rss Feed  
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2007-09-11 5:31 PM

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Subject: Best training watch (especially for swimming)
I am considering something in the Timex Ironman series but I am looking for a feature that isn't immediately obvious on the watches I am looking at. While I know they have lap counters, I am wondering if there is any watch that makes it easier to hit a lap counter button than others.

When I am swimming I have a REALLY hard time keeping track of my laps and want something EASY to help me keep track, and help me with my other training too. I wouldn't mind having one that has a hear monitor too, and it MUST have at least 2 interval timers.

Thanks for your input.

-Michelle


2007-09-11 6:39 PM
in reply to: #960700

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Subject: RE: Best training watch (especially for swimming)

Hi Michelle!

I've heard good things about the Nike Triax C8. I don't know what the buttons are like on that, though.

There aren't that many sports watches that have both heart rate monitoring and interval timing.

I do know, however, from three direct experiences (me and two friends) and then being told by countless people, then also reading it here on BT, that you should NEVER hit buttons on a Timex Ironman underwater. Unfortunately, not being able to do so can make using the lap counter quite difficult!

All that being said ... the larger (usually men's) Timex Ironmans have bigger buttons in general, and quite a big main button (bottom center) which you press for laps.

2007-09-11 6:48 PM
in reply to: #960700

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Subject: RE: Best training watch (especially for swimming)
I have the Timex Ironman Data Link watch. There's an excruciatingly long story about why I have the particular one I have, but I do really like it. It has a 200-lap memory that you can store each workout. This is especially nice when I'm too lazy to long my stuff for a few days, plus my wife works out in the mornings and I work out in the evenings, so being able to handle both of our workouts for multiple days is sweet. I think it can do up to 10 interval timers [though not simultaneously, not sure if that's what you're wanting] has 10 alarms, can store like 100 contacts, 10 appointment notifications, a pulse utility thing [where you hit start, count 10 beats, then hit stop and it gives you a rough pulse] and probably some other stuff that I have no use for. You can connect it to your computer via USB and upload your training data to trainingbible.com. I haven't used that and I wish I could figure out how to save the workouts in a readable file format. Guess you gotta read the manual for that sort of stuff.

Anyway, I did a quick Google search and you can buy it from Wal-Mart for $60.

Regarding the part about hitting the button easily... the start/split button is very large and easy to find on the fly, however I've noticed when swimming that no matter where they could have put the button I still would be frustrated reaching over every lap and hitting it. It throws off my rhythm slightly and I doubt any watch really makes it easier. I know there's a product that mounts to the side of the pool using suction cups where you just tap it and it counts your laps for you, plus it's a lot easier to check in the water than a watch [next time you're in the pool stick your hand in front of your face for a few seconds when you're halfway down the lane. NOT easy.]
2007-09-11 6:50 PM
in reply to: #960777

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Subject: RE: Best training watch (especially for swimming)

I do use a Timex Ironman 50 lap watch for swimming, and very rarely have a button problem.  Actually, this is my second watch this year (left the first one on my bike rack one day and drove off, forgetting about it).  I've used the current one for a month of swimming 3-4 times/week.  I used the previous one for about 4 months before I lost it, and it was working fine on the splits. 

However, I have also heard of issues with the buttons as well. 

2007-09-11 6:51 PM
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Subject: RE: Best training watch (especially for swimming)
TriAya - 2007-09-11 6:39 PM

I do know, however, from three direct experiences (me and two friends) and then being told by countless people, then also reading it here on BT, that you should NEVER hit buttons on a Timex Ironman underwater.



Guess I should have researched that before I split every 50 meters for the last 9 miles of swimming. I guess when it breaks, it breaks.
2007-09-11 7:22 PM
in reply to: #960788

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Subject: RE: Best training watch (especially for swimming)

Bripod - 2007-09-11 4:48 PM I have the Timex Ironman Data Link watch.

This is a good watch for what you're looking for.  I use it for swimming as well.



2007-09-11 7:25 PM
in reply to: #960700

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Subject: RE: Best training watch (especially for swimming)
I like the Timex Ironman 50 lap; they're cheap, functional, big button, no problems, I've gone through two in 5 years, and the first one was $30 and the second was like $39 online from Sierra Trading Post.

WARNINGWARNINGWARNING Do NOT get the Timex Ironman watches with the velcro band -- get the ones with the black rubber/plastic bands. The velcro bands are confortable, but they get loose with use, and they absorb your sweat and SMELL.
2007-09-11 7:33 PM
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Subject: RE: Best training watch (especially for swimming)
Timex Ironman triathlon series.

One button in the middle for laps.

Big numbers you can see with your googles on.

Stores multple sessions on different days with it 100 laps of storage.

$50.00 at target.
2007-09-11 7:37 PM
in reply to: #960835

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Subject: RE: Best training watch (especially for swimming)

PintoRacer - 2007-09-11 8:33 PM Timex Ironman triathlon series. One button in the middle for laps. Big numbers you can see with your googles on. Stores multple sessions on different days with it 100 laps of storage. $50.00 at target.

I have the same one.  Maybe something about this watch and Pinto's.

2007-09-11 7:43 PM
in reply to: #960840

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Subject: RE: Best training watch (especially for swimming)
I have a fewof timex ironman watches,, one with the heart rate monitor the other is just the basic watch... I'm not sure what issue's people are talking about using the buttons in the water, one of mine I've had for quite a few years, use it both for swimming and my back up scuba watch.  I do agree with not getting the velcro band,, gets looose very quickly,,
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