what’s the deal? i’m new and going to sign up with the usat, but it has a option to purchase a timing chip. is it worth it, do people buy it? or use the loaners?
i’ve never found the need to buy one. at any event using chip timing one is always supplied for you along with an ankle strap.
but get a strap for yourself as a backup.
some peeps like the idea of having a personalized chip since you can get inserts with logos and all kinds of stuff in them, but i don’t think anyone is looking at my ankle with much interest so…
the danger of using your own is if the chip number gets messed up in the registration process through an entry mistake, or just a whacked out computer and no one may realize that until its too late. or you forget it, and then need to go through the process pre-race of getting one assigned to you at the last minute which can be a real mess if you only dig around in your bag for it 15 minutes before your wave starts.
welcome to the fray!
When chips were first being used there was a price reduction in registration costs and so if you did a lot of races it was cheaper to own your own. However there is no longer a discount given for people who bring their own chips and hence there is no incentive to own one. In the past the ankle bands that were provided were really poor, but not today. There really is no point in owning one. Tim
thanks that helps
.
The only reason I can think of to buy the USAT chip is if you’re going to be running marathons and want other triathletes to be able to identify you. I (foolishly) spend the money, and I feel very silly wearing it because it has the M-dot on it and I haven’t completed an IM-distance race.