HRM, GPS, Training software Recommendations?

Triathlon Forum
1

I am currently using the Timex GPS HRM system. (I don’t like it) Can anyone recommend a system that will include training software? I have signed up for my first Ironman this year and I have a long way to go to be ready. I need all the help I can get. Thanks

2

Why dont you like it?

3

Have you looked at Motionbased.com?

4

I have the Polar 625x system and like it quite a bit. It does pretty much the same thing as the Timex, so I don’t know if this is of any help. It’s worth a look, though.

5

I prefer the BodyLink system… used the others and found it easier to use this combinatiion. Plus, it doesn’t have a built in obsolescence that other devices have… it’s modular system allows for upgrading of hardware without having to replace all of the devices.

FWIW Joe Moya

6

Short battery life on all devices except the watch. Plus I would like software that does a little more than reports what I have done. I am looking at the polar because a friend recommended it to me. I figure I would get the best advice in this forum.

7

I used my new Garmin 301 today for the first time…I haven’t downloaded any of the info yet but I know that you can used Motionbased.com with the Garmin. The “watch” had quite a bit of info on it already and I think that it’s easier to use than my Polar 610. I also got a good price on the Garmin…$215…which I think is cheaper than the Polar.

8

WOW! This looks great. I checked out Motionbased today and the timex does not appear to compatible but this device is. It also has that virtual race mode. I may finally have someone I can beat…

Anyone else seen this device or have a recommendation?

Thanks

9

UltraClydesdale, do a search on the forum I know there was a lot of discussion about the Garmin 301 about 3-4 weeks ago and I know there is lots of information on the thread from some current 301 users…it was one of the reasons I decided to get the 301. I think the web site for the $215 price was tvnav.com.

10

UltraClydesdale,

I just posted a first time use report on the 301.

My recommendation, don’t buy it until Garmin fixes the HRM software so that it will measure and track time spent in each zone. If they do that, this device could be the cat’s meow! Without this fix, I can’t imagine anyone paying this much for a HRM that doesn’t measure this critical training information and the very reason for using a HRM in the first place.

My next question would be why would you marry yourself the to a pay website for this information when you could just buy a Polar HRM and get this information, software and capability for a whole lot less?

Without the fix, expect to wear another HRM with your 301 or to pay $100 a year to get this information from MotionBased besides the cost of the 301.

In my opinion, consumers need to show Garmin they missed the boat on the 301.

11

My girlfriend and I both have Polar S710i’s and use them extensively. I think the Polar software is very good, and makes a great training log. I also have a Timex Speed + Distance system, that I use on runs, just to measure the distance and get splits.

12

Ok, your going to make me think about this one. Now I am leaning back towards the Polar. (I sure liked that race against myself feature though…)

13

UltraClydesdale,

I like that feature too.

My issue is with the HRM function of this unit. The hardware is all there. The software to support it is not. That makes the HRM function of the 301 not much more than an entry level HRM. If that’s enough for someone else, that’s great for them. It just isn’t enough to meet the needs of anyone who wishes to take heart rate training seriously. So don’t be fooled or misled by advertising or presumption.

That’s all.