I am looking to buy a chip timing system to score a semi-annual military fitness test. I will need to issue 4500 chips, which the personnel will keep and re-use every 6 months for 4 years. The test is a 1.5 mile run (2 laps) and people are sent in waves of 200-300, every 20 minutes. Any suggestions on which system? Hiring a company to time the event is not an option.
From a participants standpoint I like this:
http://www.innovativetimingsystems.com/
Paired with this:
www.xlrun.com
.
ChampionChip.
There are a ton of systems on the market. All of them could do what you need as long as you have a good qualified timer running the systems.
RFID disposable systems would be the easiest but you can’t keep the chip for 4 years on the back of a bib and expect it to still be good.
That kind of rules out a lot of the systems (Chronotrack, Jaguar, J-Chip, Ipico, Dag) though some do offer a reusable chip for their systems it is not what they do best
MyLaps Pro Chip would be great but not sure if you want people to hold on to a $110.00 chip for 4 years. The odds of one getting lost is high
The MyLaps Championchip could be a good option. Reusable chip, not too expensive, mats that are pretty easy to set up and a proven track record.
Of course it also will depend on how much you can spend as some are way more expensive then others
No matter what system you choose it really all comes down to the person running the system. If they don’t spend time learning how to run the systems you’ll have issues
If you want my contact at Mylaps (My company owns 11 of their systems along with 6 Jaguar systems) shoot me a pm and I’ll send it to you.
Once you narrow it down to a few diferent systems be sure to talk with some professional timers on what your needs will be. I’ve seen some manufactures sell inadequet systems for the timers needs just to get their foot in the door in hopes that you’ll then buy more systems from them
Good luck
Check out Ipicosports.com
The shoe tag (looks like a small credit card that gets laced or fastened into the shoe laces) is a little over $3 each. Sturdy enough to last, as long as they don’t lose them or flex them around too much. Ipico’s timing system is pretty versatile and their “Lite Reader” will do the trick for you and is one of the least expensive systems out there.
PM me if you want more info.
I’m curious as to why hiring a company is not an option, I’m guessing its not a funding issue. I do part time work timing running races, multisport events, etc…it would be much more economical to hire a company than investing in equipment that will last you that long.
IPICO Sports has the perfect system for you and is currently used by many military fitness test already. The system is extremely flexible, easy to use, and has the reusable tag options you are looking for. Check out the website and on the homepage you will see a “Physical Fitness Testing” tab that you can click on to review in more detail or contact me