
This item is currently sold out or unavailable online.
Or, may we suggest shopping for similar items:
This page is provided for reference to historical product information.
Imported.
Item 830483
| Specification |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best use |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Analog or Digital | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of routes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of waypoints | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Altimeter | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compass | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cycling functions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Heart rate sensor type | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Heart rate target zone(s) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Time in target zone | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average heart rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recovery heart rate mode | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tracks calories burned | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Speed/distance | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise log | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wireless communication | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OS compatibility | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date display | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stopwatch | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Countdown timer | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Alarm | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Illumination | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average battery life | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User replaceable battery | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Water-resistance | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Watch band material | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Face diameter | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dimensions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gender |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Reviewed by 17 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-10
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Timex Ironman GPS Run Trainer Heart Rate Monitor:
I received the Run Trailer as a birthday gift and have used it regularly for three months. Most of my workouts are trail runs though I have used it occasionally on the road to compare GPS accuracy between open roads and remote terrain. The large display is great and easy to read while running. The Indiglo feature works well for nighttime runs. Despite its large size, the Run Trainer is easy to wear and I seldom notice it until I try to wipe the sweat from my brow. The controls are intuitive and after a quick review of the features I was able to navigate them with no problems. I use the chronograph extensively and find the fully customizable display a real benefit, especially the center line (three lines are available) which is oversized and very easy to read. The GPS feature is very good for the money, but don't expect pinpoint accuracy, especially in the backcountry, under heavy cover, or bad weather. An available foot pod (which I don't have) can be used to provide greater distance accuracy when conditions are less than optimal, or for indoor workouts. Elevation data is adequate but can be seriously compromised if conditions interfere. The Run Trainer syncs with and charges from your PC via a special cable that clips easily on the device. My experience shows that a full charge provides up to 8 hours GPS tracking and heart-rate monitoring as claimed by the manufacturer, which is great for long adventures and races. The heart-rate monitor is similar to what most other manufacturers offer. It is easy to wear and provides excellent data. During trail runs greater than 8 miles I'll get a slight rash but have never had any raw spots from rubbing. The heart monitor must be in place before activating the GPS feature or the signal will be lost. Also the contact pads should be regularly cleaned to insure a good connection. I've had a few problems with a dropped heart rate signal but this may be that the monitor's battery is wearing out. Data is transferred from the Run Trainer by the Device Manager software, which is used to upload data to the Training Peaks online service and to erase previous workouts from the device. If you don't erase workouts after uploading, it's easy to upload the same workout twice, creating duplicates. The Training Peaks online program has many features but only the basic (free) version is included with the Run Trainer. The free version is adequate and allows for basic reports, data, statistics, graphs, and GPS & elevation plots, but for a more immersed experience you will have to be willing to pay for the upgrade. This is the weakest point of the overall package, but a livable option for the price. The Training Peaks service is easily configured to send you email alerts whenever you need to update your pace or heart-rate threshold values (depending on which measurement metrics you have chosen). As you can see, there's much to say about this device. The Timex Run Trainer sits in the middle of the GPS running watch market. There are cheaper options with far fewer features, but to find a better option you'll have to be willing to spend double. So, for the budget-minded avid runner, look no further.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Timex Ironman GPS Run Trainer Heart Rate Monitor:
The watch is a good basic GPS watch. I like being able to see 4 things at a glance such as Heart Rate, Avg time, etc. It is pretty light weight and easy to read, big letters for us old guys. However this is my second one as my first one broke, couldn't turn on the GPS radio. Also the web interface software with Training Peaks is horrible. Plus they want you to pay a fee to upgrade to use features that you may need.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Timex Ironman GPS Run Trainer Heart Rate Monitor:
Run anywhere knowing how far and how fast and how hard. Track running is only good for knowing exactly how far you've run. Otherwise track running is slightly better than a gerbils cage wheel. The Run Trainer frees you from track tedium with the GPS.
Add to that the heart rate monitor and you will not over train because you will know right away if you are pushing too hard.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Timex Ironman GPS Run Trainer Heart Rate Monitor:
After a few months of attempted use I'm giving up on this tool. I've attempted to download and install a hardware update that never did load. Every time I link my unit to my computer it tells me the hardware update is available, though. Perhaps it is just an Apple software issue.
The software is buggy, too. My Iron Man Training Peaks site "lost" such data as my shoe type/brand, and I've just spent a half hour using various techniques to try to upload my shoe data, all to no avail. Ditto entering today's workout.
If you do a couple hour run or bike ride the battery life will be fine. Don't expect, however, to use it for an all day hike. When new and fully charged I attempted to use it on a century bike ride, only to find that the battery died somewhere between 5 and 6 hours of use, and all my data on that ride up to that point was lost.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Timex Ironman GPS Run Trainer Heart Rate Monitor:
I got this instead of a garmin because i had problems with the bezel design before. I love the timex product and will continue to use this for run/bike/swim.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Timex Ironman GPS Run Trainer Heart Rate Monitor:
This is my first GPS/heart rate monitor watch, and I can only compare the GPS side of it to RunKeeper on the iPhone. After a somewhat steep initial learning curve, the watch is easy to use and the functions are easy to remember (I also have a Timex watch). Distances seems accurate, based on trail markers, and I think more accurate than the run keeper. Alitude readings comport. It connects to GPS signal more quickly than RunKeeper, and communication with HRM is good. The watch provides a data review sliced and diced in as many ways as you want, and displays a wide variety of combinations, including a larger font size if you limit the display to one or two lines. I use it to clock mileage, pace, heart rate for runs & cycling, and heartrate for the gym. The initial firmware update was a little confusing, but once that was done, handling the downloaded data was intuitive enough. There are many options for presetting interval workouts, heart rate alerts, etc. This watch was far less costly than comparable Garmins, and I'm very pleased with it. Oh, the wrist band chafes a little, but I am experimenting with band adjustments.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Timex Ironman GPS Run Trainer Heart Rate Monitor:
I really like this watch. It's easy to use, and the corresponding web-based TrainingPeaks data was informative. I would recommend this watch to other runners.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Timex Ironman GPS Run Trainer Heart Rate Monitor:
Sometimes it takes over 10 mins to pick up a signal, even on a clear day. I live in manhattan by Central Park and have had to go on my runs without GPS....so I didn't know my pace.
I do love the the features and customizability.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Timex Ironman GPS Run Trainer Heart Rate Monitor:
I purchased this watch to help on long training runs and a specific upcoming race. The GPS will shut off if it is below room temperature (i.e. 50 degrees...not very cold!!) and will not turn on again until it has been warmed up for several hours. This watched completely failed me on several long runs and most importantly the race...which really screwed up my race strategy. Complete FAILURE!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Timex Ironman GPS Run Trainer Heart Rate Monitor:
This watch is more a hindrance than a help. The expression "you get what you pay for" sums up my experience.
The speed, distance, and HR sensors are completely unreliable. Readings are so variable, off by impossible amounts. E.g., I supposedly travelled only 6km on a 10km race course one day; on another, my heart rate showed as 239 bpm while I coasted on my bike down a hill.
Sometimes it seems to give reasonable readings, but with at least one clear inaccuracy every time I wear it, how do I know if it's every accurate? If I can't count on my watch to be accurate, or at least biased in one direction consistently, then how can I rely on it for anything? It's beyond worthless...it's a liability for someone who has to run/ride in certain HR zones.
Last point...I won't even be able to use it in the Ironman. The battery life isn't long enough for even the winner to complete the ride & run before the watch dies. Why was this watch even allowed on the market with the Ironman name on it?
Displaying reviews 1-10
Previous | Next »
How are we doing? Give us feedback on this page.
REI Anniversary Sale May 17–27. Plus, members SAVE 20% on 1 full-price item with coupon code ANNV13. Details