Timex Ironman Bodylink Watch
12
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1409 days
sluggo posted 1 year ago.
I had a Timex bodylink system a few years back. The watch leaked and the HRM band broke. Not sure if Timex has improved their quality since then. I've seen similar negative reviews in the gear guide.
59
Member
514 days
trimas posted 1 year ago.
I have one. This is my second season with it, and so far no problems. I really like it. Has every feature you can imagine.
I've used only the watch and HRM in open water swims and it works perfectly (because the GPS isn't waterproof, I believe). I've used the HRM, watch, and GPS on the bike and run and it works very well. The GPS is right on the money. There have only been a few times where the GPS signal was lost, and that was during a run on a very cloudy/foggy/rainy day. Other than that, I've run through an arboretum and streets with many trees and the signal does not get lost.
I also have the optional data recorder, which you need if you want to capture workout info to your PC (for Timex Trainer to analyze.)
Battery life has been very good too.
Favorite features:
-Intervals
-HR zones and alerting
-Summary of your training (tons of it...)
My only gripes (and they are minor):
- The GPS takes anywhere from 30 seconds to 1 minute to lock on before you start a workout.
- Wearing 3 separate devices: watch, HRM, GPS (make it 4 if you want to capture workout data with the optional data recorder)
- The GPS isn't waterproof (would be nice for OW swims.)
Matt
11
Member
458 days
jtrumble posted 1 year ago.
trimas;73538 wrote:
There have only been a few times where the GPS signal was lost, and that was during a run on a very cloudy/foggy/rainy day.
Matt, will it work indoors? I know it sounds weird but I belong to a gym with an indoor track.
4334
Member
1592 days
kylie posted 1 year ago.
GPS works by connecting to satellites so needs a clear shot at the sky to work. So nope, not indoors. But if you are on a track you won't need GPS distance anyways -- the gym should be able to tell you how many laps to a mile.
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59
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514 days
trimas posted 1 year ago.
As Kyillee stated, it does not work indoors- it needs a "clear" view of the sky.
If you're interested in getting one, I'd check ebay. I got mine there, WAY cheaper than list price.
Matt
554
Member
1343 days
vanjames posted 1 year ago.
Check out the Polar S625x or 725x - all the running speed and distance function plus has optional cadence, speed and power for the bike. The foot pod is very accurate, works indoors, is water resistant, the watch downloads via IR to your computer to the software provided and the wearlink soft HRM strap is probably the most comfortable one out there.
Check it out.
134
Member
997 days
Homebrewermike posted 1 year ago.
I have an older polar HR monitor that I don't use much anymore since I won a Timex Bodylink. I find the menus on the Timex to be more intuitive and user friendly. I also really like the GPS unit since I do most of my running on trails.
I've had no problems with the watch and GPS unit. My only beef is that the battery life on the GPS unit is only about 12 hours. They really should have designed it to be rechargeable.
11
Member
451 days
graemeo posted 1 year ago.
I've got one - initially I had problems with the GPS getting a signal in the trees or around a lot of tall buildings, but after about a month suddenly things changed and now I have no trouble at all - it gets a signal much faster than my wife's Garmin and keeps it in heavily forested areas, city, anywhere outside.
Overall I'd recommend it, the software is superior (IMO) than the Garmin software and the watch itself is easy to use with a lot of great features.
3349
Member
1360 days
RV posted 1 year ago.
I had a Timex bodylink system a few years back. It was pretty crappy, had problems with everything, but they were fairly new at the time - so would expect it to be improved. . I replaced it with a Garmin 301 and have been happy with that.
RV
It takes a long time to get good. - Scott Molina
Slow is smooth; smooth is fast. - Rich Strauss
436
Member
689 days
azstinger11 posted 1 year ago.
kyillee;73541 wrote:
GPS works by connecting to satellites so needs a clear shot at the sky to work. So nope, not indoors. But if you are on a track you won't need GPS distance anyways -- the gym should be able to tell you how many laps to a mile.
Actually it more depends on what is above you then if anything is above you. My Garmin 305 can receive its signal when im on the top floor of the gym on the running track but not on the bottom floor.
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4334
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1592 days
kylie posted 1 year ago.
I know the Garmin 305 uses a new, stronger antenna, but from what I heard it works if there are enough windows around that it can get through to get a signal. I could be wrong, but that's the info I was given :)
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Has anyone used one of these in training or while doing tri's? How do they perform? I am thinking about getting one because I don't have an HRM or a cycle computer and it seems like this could do it all potentially.
Any thoughts, other product suggestions? I am a newbie and I apologize if this has been discussed before. I have searched the forum and found very little.
Thanks!