Buy/More Info

Full Written Review of the Polar S625X Heart Rate Monitor Watch.

Related posts:

1. SIGMA ONYX Classic Heart Rate Monitor Watch
2. SIGMA ONYX Classic Heart Rate Monitor Watch Video Review
3. Polar RS300X G1 Heart Rate Monitor Watch Video Review

Buy/More Info

Read the Full Written Review of the Nike Midsize Triax Speed 10 Regular watch.

Related posts:

1. Nike Triax Fury 50 Regular Watch Black Sport Red WR0141 012
2. Nike Triax Fury 100 Super Watch Black Sport Red WR0140 012
3. Nike Midsize Triax Speed 100 Regular Watch WR0126 004

Buy/More Info

Full Written Review of the SIGMA ONYX Classic Heart Rate Monitor Watch.

Related posts:

1. SIGMA ONYX Balance Heart Rate Monitor Watch
2. SIGMA ONYX Classic Heart Rate Monitor Watch
3. SIGMA ONYX Easy Heart Rate Monitor Watch

While all of those features mentioned above do help in making the running watch more accurate and comfortable to use, the fact is that some of them can be considered as bonuses. When it comes to running watches there are some necessary characteristics that should be there in order for you to be able to train well.

We can divide these characteristics into two groups, the physical characteristics and the software features.

Physical:

-          Durable but comfortable Wriststrap or band

As many runners know by now, running can be an extremely physical activity. The vigorous movements by your arms as you run can damage or dislodge the wrist strap of the running watch. This risk is even amplified if you start running in not so desirable weather conditions.

That is why you would want your watch to have a durable but comfortable strap. You would want it to be able to remain firmly attached to your wrist without hindering your movements or making you uncomfortable.

-          Easy to use start and stop buttons

You would usually use a running watch to take your lap splits and other time related data. Having a watch that has difficult to reach or use start and stop buttons can make you take inaccurate data.

In a sport where the tenths of a second is highly regarded, you should be able to start and stop your timer as soon as possible. Having buttons that are hard to press may add or subtract a few seconds of your actual time.

Software Feature:

-          Memory function

A running watch should be able to keep track of your laps or miles during a span of training activities. This would help you recognize if your constant and continuous training is effectively improving your pace.

There are actually some watches that can track up to 500 training sessions but leisure runners may opt to go for those that can track a lesser number of sessions since those are usually cheaper.

-          Computer connectivity

Computer connectivity is a relatively new trend and feature in running watches that is slowly becoming more and more important. A watch that has computer connectivity is great for two things.

The first is that you would be able to record your data and use training analyzing software for them. This would help you learn more about which training you should be doing.

The second is that computer connectivity means you would be able to upload your training and send it to people all over the world. Again, this would help in analyzing and comparing your data with real life performance from other running enthusiasts.

Related posts:

1. Personalizing Your GPS Running Watch
2. Running Watch Favorites
3. Monitor Your Cycling Sessions With a GPS Running Watch

However, this may not be as efficient as one thinks. In fact the practice of over exerting one’s self is potentially harmful. It could lead to complications because of overtraining.

When it comes to training, there should always be a proper way to do things. The proper way would be to train within your limits, and to slightly improve on them. To be able to do this, you would need to have good equipment, proper discipline, and good coaching.

Garmin Forerunner 405 Wireless GPS-Enabled Sport Watch with USB ANT Stick and Heart Rate Monitor (Black)

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $282.61

Amazon Price: $166.98

For starters, training properly would mean listening to your body and adapting to its needs. For runners, this might mean that you should only work out for a set amount of time. That’s why a good running watch is ideal for this purpose.

The Garmin Forerunner 405 can display your time, splits, and laps taken in order to know whether you have already done the requisite number of laps, or logged enough minutes in your workout. This would help you in determining whether you are over training or under training.

Aside from distance or time, another thing to consider while training is the level of intensity of the activity that you are doing. Some bodies are not able to keep up with highly intense physical training while some would need more strenuous activities before training takes effect. For this purpose, having a heart rate monitor would be ideal.

Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $299.99

Amazon Price: $234.99

The Garmin Forerunner 305, with its built in heart rate monitor functionalities, is exceptional in serving this purpose. You would be able to check whether the activity is enough to get your heart pumping or if it’s too much that it is already becoming a strain to your overall health.

The Forerunner 305 even has a heart rate zone feature that ensures that you are always in tune with your heart rate. It gives audible signals when you are not performing in the range that you specify. This would help in making sure that you are always doing what your body needs.

They also say that training involves a lot of tweaking. One should always analyze training data properly to ensure which elements of the activities that they are doing should be reinforced or eliminated from the training program. That’s why it is a good idea to check with training analyzers or comparing with others.

Fortunately, the Garmin Forerunner models are very easy to share and transfer to computers. Once connected to computers, the one who is training could easily run a battery of software to check whether his training is up to par with what his body needs. Alternatively, you can also upload your training and running data to websites and share it with other users.

Garmin Forerunner 205 GPS Receiver and Sports Watch

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $267.99

Amazon Price: $189.99

Of course, even if you have the entry level Forerunner 205 or the advanced Garmin Forerunner 405, they would all be useless if you do not have the discipline to stick to your training.

That said, with equipment like these that provide you with nearly everything you need, just a little ounce of discipline and you are well on your way on being able to train in the most proper way possible!

Related posts:

1. Running Watch Favorites
2. Garmin Forerunner 205/305/405 – Top Running Watch 2009
3. Garmin Forerunner 305 Review

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: Varies based on product options

Amazon Price: View Sale Price

Powered by an advanced accelerometer technology, the Silva Accelerometer Runner Men’s Runner is able to provide runner’s with accurate readings of their speed, distance, and calories burned using the wrist watch sensor. The data gathered by the Silva Accelerometer is accurate up to 95+%.

The technology of the Silva Accelerometer eliminates the need to wear awkward looking foot pods or belt clip sensors. Simply attach the wrist watch sensor and you are able to use its various features.

The Silva Accelerometer packs features such as a pedometer with a highly accurate step counter with adjustable sensitivity, chronograph that can record results up to 1/100th of a second for up to 50 laps and a total time of 24 hours, and a countdown timer.

Buy/More Info

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars too complicated
this watch was too complicated to program. I wanted a watch that had the pedometer in it so I wouldnt have to have it hanging on my waist but this is so complicated I cant figure it out. wish I never bought it

4 Stars Tech 4 watch
The watch is hard to figure out at first but I did call the customer service desk and they were able to help me work it… The lady was very helpful and knew exactly what she was talking about it. The distance is a little off, but it still gives me an idea of how far I ran. It’s not a 100% accurate so it’s suppose to be a little off. I like this watch and am glad I bought it.

5 Stars Love this watch!
I have had my pedometer watch for a few months now and I love it! It seems to be pretty accurate even on longer runs (12 miles). It is cute and not too big and has held up well even when wearing 5+ days a week.

5 Stars Great watch
It’s a great watch it is pretty accurate for the price. If you take the time to callebrate it correctly it can be 95+% accurate. The best way is to go on the track and callebrate your steps or running stride there.

1 Star this watch is a useless piece of junk
this watch is good for one thing – telling time. i have measured and correctly entered my stride lengths, it does not work. i have called tech 4o customer service 4 times. they were very nice, but of zero help to me. i have tried everything in the 3 months that i gave this watch a fair shot to make it work out. it does not read accurate distances, period. every time i run the same verified 4 mile loop, i get a different distance reading. it was a waste of $55. i’m very very disappointed.

Buy/More Info

Related posts:

1. Timex Ironman Mens Race Trainer Heart Rate Monitor Watch Black Blue Full Size
2. Sportline 555 Womens Calorie Tracking Fitness Watch
3. Tech 4 O Accelerator Mens Running Watch

Nike Midsize WR0124-001 Triax Speed 10 Regular Watch

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $49.00

Amazon Price: View Sale Price

The Nike Midsize Triax Speed 10 Regular Watch is a serious running watch that is perfect for people who take their running training seriously.

A part of the Bowerman series, the Nike Triax Speed 10 Regular watch comes with the balance between functionality, simplicity, and ergonomics. This makes it an ideal watch for anyone who wants to go out and focus on their training rather than on how they track their data.

The watch is capable of providing runners with lap times, total times, a 10-lap chronograph that keeps splits and five interval timers. Runners can also create customized workouts to match their body’s physical fitness levels. It even has Target Time settings for runners to be able to compare goal times while racing.

The Nike Triax Speed 100 Regular Watch can also go into Data mode that can recall the training data such as best laps and average laps for people to further analyze how their training went about.

Buy/More Info

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Easiest to read Watch
This watch has the biggest, easiest to read, digits I have found….and I searched.

It is also easy to use.

A great watch.

4 Stars Does the job but should have better light
I bought this product because I needed a watch with a timer to start timing myself when I run. Nike makes quality products, and this is no exception. However, the night light doesn’t stay on long enough–you have to constantly press it. Other than that, the watch looks sharp and is the perfect size. Its alarm is also good. It is loud but not annoying. I recommend this product if you want a basic digital water-resistant watch with a chronometer.

3 Stars works very well
I wear it daily. the buttons depress accidentally though so it does not stay on the “time” screen.

1 Star NIKE WATCH
I purchased this watch on 8/6/08. I am currently in Iraq and I needed a backup. I already own one similar to this one. I just wanted one on standby in case my battery died or another mishap. This watch that I purchased on Amazon died on 9/7/08. It doesn’t work at all. I don’t know what happened. I only wore it 2-3 times because my other watch still worked. Watches are supposed to last longer than 30 days and this one didn’t. I’m not sure if its because I didn’t buy it directly through NIKE or because I took the short cut. Nevertheless, I’m still out of $40+ and I don’t have anything but a worthless watch to show for. I don’t recommend this product.

3 Stars BATTERY?
I received the watch quickly and was exactly what i wanted. Only problem is that within a month the battery dies on me and of course it has to be a difficult watch and they cant just put a new battery in i had to send it to some place to get a new one.

Buy/More Info

Related posts:

1. Nike Triax Fury 50 Regular Watch Black Sport Red WR0141 012
2. Nike Triax Fury 100 Super Watch Black Sport Red WR0140 012
3. Nike Midsize Triax Speed 100 Regular Watch WR0126 004

SIGMA ONYX Classic Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $89.99

Amazon Price: $78.95

The SIGMA ONYX Classic Heart Rate Monitor Watch helps people who are monitor and analyze their data through a simple and very easy to use device.

Built with a highly intuitive interface and with built in training monitoring and analysis capabilities, the Onyx Classic Heart Rate Monitor Watch provides a device for all your running training needs. This heart rate monitor watch enables runners to easily find out heart rate, calorie burn rate, and all other pertinent information for evaluating their training.

The watch is also capable of providing you with training zones to ensure that you are going at the right intensity. It also has 7 memory locations, a lap counter (50 laps with average and maximum heart rate indications) to ensure that you’re training progress is saved as you work out.

All the data that the watch can show are displayed in an illuminated screen with highly readable font and magnification, to ensure that you can easily note how you are doing.

With all these features combined with a stylish design, the SIGMA ONYX Classic heart rate monitor watch is your partner for all kinds of exercise

Buy/More Info

Related posts:

1. SIGMA ONYX Balance Heart Rate Monitor Watch
2. SIGMA ONYX Easy Heart Rate Monitor Watch
3. SIGMA ONYX Pro Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Nike Midsize WR0126-001 Triax Speed 100 Regular Watch

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $79.00

Amazon Price: View Sale Price

The Nike Midsize Triax Speed 100 Regular Watch is a serious running watch that is perfect for people who take their running training seriously.

A part of the Bowerman series, the Nike Triax Speed 100 watch comes with the balance between functionality, simplicity, and ergonomics. This makes it an ideal watch for anyone who wants to go out and focus on their training rather than on how they track their data.

The watch is capable of providing runners with lap times, total times, a 100-lap chronograph that keeps splits and five interval timers. Runners can also create customized workouts to match their body’s physical fitness levels. It even has Target Time settings for runners to be able to compare goal times while racing.

The Nike Triax Speed 100 Regular Watch can also go into Data mode that can recall the training data such as best laps and average laps for people to further analyze how their training went about.

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star still have not recieved this item
I still have not recieved this item, and it has been over a month since I ordered it.

2 Stars Nice watch, hard to see what time it is.
The watch is great, fits fine, lots of great features but the black background and the grey numbers make it very difficult to read especially if you were running!

5 Stars awsome watch
i have had it over a year now and i love it it been one of my fav watches i ware it to all my sport games and the back ground is a little heard to see but alls you have to do is hit the light and u can see it

1 Star Too dark to read
I never return items, but this is unusable. I can hardly read the display. I attempted to adjust the contrast setting, but it had no noticeable effect.

I had a triax and love it. just dont get the black on black.

Buy/More Info

Related posts:

1. Nike Triax Fury 50 Regular Watch Black Sport Red WR0141 012
2. Nike Triax Fury 100 Super Watch Black Sport Red WR0140 012
3. Nike Midsize Triax Speed 10 Regular Watch WR0124 001

Oslo All Purpose Stopwatch (Orange)

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $9.99

Amazon Price: $7.29

Sometimes you just want the simplicity of being able to time your runs and measure how fast you are able to complete a lap. For this purpose, having new fangled watches that are loaded with features can become cumbersome and difficult to use. This is where the Oslo All Purpose Stopwatch comes in.

The Oslo All Purpose Stopwatch is able to provide you with the fundamental timing features that you would need for most sporting events. You could use it while you run, swim, cycle or whatever activity that you need accurate time measures.

The Simple interface of the Oslo All Purpose Stopwatch enables those who train to simply push a button to control when they want to start or stop timing their runs. They would not have to be bogged down by navigating complex and confusing menus just to be able to get the time measures that they need.

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star Looks great but doesn’t work
the product arrived in a timely fashion. It looks great! But neither I nor either of my adult sons can figure out how to work it!! You can’t set the time and without that cannot get a start on it. So, three adults cannot get it to function.

2 Stars Oslo Stop Watches
Start and Stop buttons sometimes do not work properly. You have to press really hard to get them to function.

1 Star Lowest Possible Quality for the Money
Bought these figuring they would be a good value for timing our local high school swim meets. Didn’t want to spend too much since the watches often “walk”. They are unusable. I returned all 12 of them. Buttons are too hard to click for a stopwatch. Also hard to get into the right mode and keep it there. Timers would be unable to get accurate results. Not necessarily the low price that makes them cheap–just poorly made. I got some new ones that cost only slightly more and they work great!

3 Stars if they are good, they are very very good…
I bought several of these for timing work and swim laps; two work very easily and well, and two were crotchety, not turning on and off easily and making me slip on the time. It seems the quality is inconsistent.

1 Star Cheap
Extremely cheap…toy. They remind me of party favors. The buttons are oblong, and rock one way or the other when pressed. Sometimes a press results in the actual button making contact, sometimes not. I bought 4 and all 4 are like this, it’s not a fluke. Pick another stopwatch.

Buy/More Info

Related posts:

1. Timex T5G811 Marathon Stopwatch
2. Timex Unisex Ironman Traditional 30 Lap Watch T5H561
3. Important Characteristics for your Running Watch