I’m in the market for a new HRM as my 2nd (and 3rd strap) Timex Target Trainer in 3 years went down. In general the model has all I really need but the functionality is spotty. The HR cuts out at times and when it does, it does not like to “re-connect”. Plus, I end up changing the strap battery 2-3 times a year…and now for the 3rd time, even changing the battery will not get it to connect. I’m simply fed up and looking for a HRM that works well.
A few requirements:
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Be able to wear while swimming (minimum = IM distance). I don’t care if it acurately measures HR in the water but I like to know my total time throughout the race. So, it needs to be waterproof and not require a reset to get the HR working for the bike/run. Based on my reading, this eliminates most Polar, Garmin 405, etc.
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Minimum 50-lap memory (shouldn’t be an issue)
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The smaller the better. My wife has a Garmin 305 which is too akward/bulky for me. The closer to a normal watch, the better.
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GPS not required. I don’t mind paying for one with GPS so long as everything, especially the HRM portion, works well. Of course, GPS usually contrasts wtih #3 above (size).
Unfortunately most research ends up back at the same Timex. I would try the new Timex Global Trainer but based on the photos it looks to be bigger then ideal.
Any help would be much appreciated!
I purchased a Timex for the exact reasons that you listed. It met all of my needs better than the other brands. I’ve had no such issues with mine, and I think you’re in the small minority of people that do have functionality issues with their Timex. It sounds to me like you’re degrading the electronic connections of the strap. Are you cleaning it properly between uses? Sweat is brutal on electronics. Do you regularly swim with the strap or only on race days? (I don’t know if the strap is officially waterproof or not even though I wear it in the water during races.) I think the battery changes sound about right if you’re using the strap a lot. Those little batteries don’t hold a ton of juice. It sucks that you’re having so much trouble with yours; mine has worked like a charm. Good luck with your search.
I swim with my polar 725x all the time. I think the waterproof issues are in regard to pushing buttons under water. I’ve had it 3 years and no issues with it getting wet. I really like that I can wear it throughout a tri and it transition to bike and run very well.
If, for some reason, I lose HR while in the water I just hold the watch close to the strap. It Beeps and then searches for the HR and within a few seconds its back on track.
I will say that I found the bike sensors to be finicky, very touchy in regard to their placement regarding the magnet. However, I find that to be true with all the polar products. (i have a cs100 and cs200 as well)