Watches
2352
Member
2464 days
Tribro posted 3 years ago.
Do you want just a plain watch with just timing/time functions or a one that is also a heart rate monitor? If you intend to get serious about training I'd suggest a heart rate monitor version in order to better find your zones and train in them.
If you just want a cheaper watch:
http://www.trifuel.com/gear/Accessories/Watches/ lists a few, the Timex 50 lap version is around $45, but no HRM.
If you want a HRM:
http://www.trifuel.com/gear/Accessories/Heart_Rate_Monitors/ has a list of most available. the nike triaz series is more for runners, but has timing/hrm and is a bit slimmer than most of the Polar's. The Polars get rave reviews though. The S150 is about $150 but you could probably find for less.
Sorry, college student, you picked an expensive sport :) Look around on eBay maybe for those models and if someone has a used one. Or I think there's a Sportsbasement in SF, they may have some good deals.
325
Member
1731 days
jeslol posted 3 years ago.
All I ever use a watch for is running...thus it has a start and stop timer function. Got it from Target ~$10.
27
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1458 days
Jeff Davis posted 3 years ago.
I'd recommend getting a HRM, if you're serious about training you'll need one of these and they all have watches w/ a stopwatch function. Polar is a great brand. Hope it helps! :)
494
Member
1729 days
trainDaBrain posted 3 years ago.
plug for the gadget-obsessed: those gps/heart-rate/altimeter/everything-else-imaginable watches are pretty cool if you have the funds for them. i don't have one, but they sure look like fun :)
i have an S210 polar, and have used polar for years. had the first or second model of polar when they first came out in the states about 12 years back. that thing was a serious Dic k Tracy watch (in terms of sheer size) but without the functions. it had current heartrate, and I think upper and lower limit alarms. that's it. since then, the watches have really improved and are very useful tools! i completely recommend getting one.
210
Member
1501 days
jmcglos posted 3 years ago.
I'd recommend the timex watches, personally. Before I purchased a HRM, I had the womens Timex Ironman watch which you can also swim with. I bought mine at Hecht's a few years ago and I know Walmart used to sell them - they might still (haven't been to a Walmart in years since I don't live clsoe to one anymore - odd, huh?). I have small wrists too and the Timex watch I have is great. I just recently bought HRM and was concerned about the whole small wrist problem - and again bought a Timex HRM - they make one for smaller wrists and I love it as well.
613
Member
1486 days
qb ant posted 3 years ago.
I also have a Timex Ironman - $32 at Target. It works great and is real simple to use and you can swim with it. Great deal for the $$$
"90% of the game is half mental" Yogi Berra
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1434 days
evTRI posted 3 years ago.
Thanks for all the input. It definetly helps!
"Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another."
Walter Elliott
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Member
1462 days
Airborne posted 3 years ago.
Just thought I'd throw my hat in the ring for the Timex watches too. I got model 59761 (or see 59751 for the black version), and it's been fantastic. Made for smaller wrists, cheaper than Polar, works like a charm.
-Nick
59
Member
1803 days
Dannyboy posted 3 years ago.
I tried buying a cheap HRM on line and the thing always gave wrong readings and would crap out on me. So I went the distance and purchased a Polar S720i. I think all of my money was well spent. I am a geek by trade and the fact that I can download my workouts on to my laptop make it even that much sweeter.
If you plan on using this for a long time, spend the money now for someting that you like. I went through 3 cheap watches and a cheap HRM before I figured out what worked for me. One more bit of advice, as with all gear, do you reasearch and ask around (your already doing that part).
Peace out
I'm competing in my first triathlon (sprint) in April, and i'm in need of a watch. I have smaller wrists than most, so i'm in the market for a smaller watch. I also want to know what functions I should look for. I don't need a fancy watch or anything, just something that will get the job done (not to mention that i'm a poor college student so hopefully i can discover a fabulous cheap(er) watch). =/ Anyone have some good ideas?
"Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another."
Walter Elliott