Customer Reviews

Timex Global Trainer Heart Rate and GPS Watch

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(12)

 

 

The specs of the watch are really good, but it is when you start using it that one realizes that the Timex Global Trainer does not perform to expectations.

Firstly, the GPS in the watch, although it uses the same chip as that of the Garmin Forerunner, the performance in the Timex Global Trainer is extremely inaccurate. i.e. it takes an average of 5-7min to lock the satellites, unlike other devices, which can lock satellites in matter of seconds. Also, once a session is recorded and loaded onto a map (such as Google Maps), one can appreciate that the tracking of the device is very inaccurate. I have seen distance reading erros of up to 12% (e.g. you run 10miles and the watch says you have run 8.8miles!!) , which is very very bad. Other GPS watches only have a 2% error max accuracy (i.e. Garmin). I have checked this issue on the internet and other user reviews on Timex's Global Trainer GPS show this same issue. I have sent the watch to Timex, got it replaced for a new one, and the same issue persists. TIMEX HASN'T GOT A SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM even with their latest FIRMWARE release (v. 3.14) made on August 2011.

Secondly, the workout data downloaded from the watch to the PC is proprietary and can only be used on the TrainingPeaks website. Forget about exporting you data to other better and cheaper websites such as MapMyRun or WorkOutLog. This wouldn't be a problem if TrainingPeaks had a good system, but it is slow and in many occasions it won't load 100% of the workout information (plenty of software improvement is needed on their side). TrainingPeaks has a cost of c. $20/month, while other websites only cost $20/year. The Free version of TrainingPeaks won't show you all of the information from your watch (e.g. HR zones, Cadence Zones, Power Zones, etc).

Conclusion: The GPS is a no go. On a spec basis the watch is not that expensive against competitors but if you include the cost of the software to visualize your workouts you need to add $+120/year, and thats another no go. I have bought the Garmin Forerunner 310xt, Garmin is better value for money and you are not stuck with proprietary software that doesn't work!

The watch standing alone is a great item. I love the customization and all the great things this watch is able to do. However, knowing now that it'll cost me $120/year just to view the data from my workouts I would not have purchased this watch. When you upload the data to the website Training Peaks, it is clunky and difficult to navigate. The lack of customization in your personal account completely contrasts with the way in which this watch works. You are able to use a free account to view your data, but this is almost useless because any of the important data you would want to track is only available in the premium account for $120/year. I had owned the Suunto T6C and even though it was not GPS it had a much better interface and way more data I could track - there was no website to go to. All in all I am very disappointed that I spent all this money just to have a mileage counter on my wrist.

First let me say that I'm a seasoned triathlete (3 IM's) and I also have the Garmin 405. While the 405 has been a great watch, the shortcomings it has is that I can't swim with it, and when I work out and it's humid, sweat can find it's way to the bezel and it'll start beeping like mad. That is what prompted me to get the Global Trainer. I can swim with the watch, and don't have to worry about it going beeping crazy.

Few points on each watch:
Global Trainer:
-The functionality is great, and I can set up each sport with a variety of data, ultimately splitting the screen into 1,2,3, or 4 pieces of data like heart rate, pace, distance...
-It's fairly easy to use on the fly. Tracking splits, or going from a bike to a run is very easy
-It's comfortable for being such a huge watch
-Acquiring the satellites was relatively quick
-The display doesn't look very polished. When in time mode (non-gps) it's like looking at a stop watch.
-Downloading data to a PC is a joke. It's fickle, and even when you have the device agent up, and the watch connected, it's a trial in patience. This is where the 405 beats the Global Trainer hands down. The Garmin will transfer data automatically, and do it without having to connect the watch to a cable.
-Included software with the Timex is functionally minimal. You can pay $19.99 a month for a "enhanced" version of the training center, where Garmin will give you much of the same functionality for free.

Overall, the Timex is a huge disappointment. My recommendation would be wait for a future version where they have the kinks worked out, and don't nickle and dime you to see your training data after you've already plopped down a few hundred dollars.

Had a 305, a 405 and now this Timmex Ironman GPS. I have worn the 405 and this watch together on long runs at the same time. I have also ran with this watch while my friend was wearing his 305. The GPS of this watch is very accurate and over 12 miles i found less than a .1 mile difference from the 405 and about a quarter mile from the 305. I have worn this watch in a marathon and it logged 26.3 miles. My 405 would commonly log 26.5 in marathons. I do agree it can be finnicky on downloading to computer. However the program that comes with the watch, without purchasing the extra features shows me a map and seems fine to me. It logs my minutes fine, my averages fine and like the 305 allows 4 displays at once. I also have had no problem finding a gps signal, nor have i lost a signal in one single race. It is definitely more reliable than the 405 which has frozen up on occasion and has become locked in jumping back and forth between different functions. The 405 is not nearly as reliable, but the size is great.

Likes of the timex GPS. NOTE, i wear these watches in Marathons.

Great 4 display
Accurate GPS
Easy to operate

Cons, bigger than 405

Overall, functionality of 305 is #1 but very bulky, Timex is a close second to the 305 on functionality and slightly smaller. the 405 comes in third. 405 Locks up, finicky when wet or sweating. Overall timex is king. Maybe the 410 will step in and change it all, we shall see.

UPDATE: 10/2011 - Over the summer Timex release updated firmware. GPS acquisition is much improved. Firmware update also provides functionality for ANT+ foot pod for cadence tracking. This in additional to ANT+ compatible HRM, bike speed, bike cadence and bike power. Love this product!

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I have been a long time user of the Timex Ironman watch series including the RaceTrainer with HRM. I'm a triathlete turned marathoner and decided it was time to upgrade to a GPS unit, primarily so I could more easily track mileage without having to use tedious applications like MapMyRun or MS Excel. I reviewed Garmin and Suunto but read so many mixed reviews that I could not make a decision. Knowing the reliability of previously owned Timex watches, I was really happy to see them launch a GPS device.

My first couple of weeks using the watch was a little frustrating so be prepared for a learning curve. I had a hard time getting the GPS to acquire a position and didn't entirely understand some of the configuration settings. The user manual isn't particular helpful but I kept at it until I had it working the way I wanted. Now that I've owned it for two months, I can say that without a doubt, I am very pleased with the Timex Global Trainer GPS.

Features:

SIZE - Like all built in (non-external pod) GPS watches, it is a little bulky. Not exactly something that you would want to wear outside of training and racing.

SCREEN - The fairly substantial screen size allows you to customize viewable items. For example, I have mine setup for RUN I, RUN II, BIKE I, BIKE II and SWIM. For RUN I, I have it configured to show distance, pace, HR and split. In RUN II, I show altitude, pace-average, HR-average, lap. For biking, I purchased Bontrager ANT+ Speed and Cadence sensors so I can show bike specific items. Any ANT+ compatible sensor is easily found by the device (HRM, Speed, Cadence, Power). The ability to customize screens and features is really nice and can all be done using the device agent software rather then on the watch directly, a great feature.

POWER - No problems. I charge mine with the USB computer connector when I sync to TrainingPeaks. Even on long runs (2+ hours), the power meter shows plenty of power remaining (70%+). I might be concerned about power in a 10+ hour full 140.6 IM. However, I'd probably just use the device for the bike and run portion and skip using it on the swim. Device does include a bike mount which works fine.

GPS - As I said at the start, I did experience a little trouble getting a signal at first. I'm not sure why, but that initial problem has gone away. Maybe it just knows where I live now? :-)

Indeed, you should not expect to just turn it on and immediately get a signal (but sometimes I do), so plan to power up the GPS 3-5 minutes prior to beginning your workout. On occasion and when it doesn't find a signal within 60 seconds or so, I simply power off and power back on. Problem solved. I get a signal on the first floor of my house and sometimes even in the basement when I'm working out on my bike trainer.

One issue I do have with the GPS is that if I'm running a zig-zag route, it does tend to "cut the corners" which likely results in a decreased pace reading and underestimated distance figure. I would have to think that this is common of all GPS devices. Also, the altitude readings seem to go up and down a little more then they should. Not a big issue.

TRAINING PEAKS and DEVICE AGENT - Device Agent is the syncing and configuration software and trainingpeaks.com is the website where logs are sent and viewed. Basic features on trainingpeaks.com are free but you can purchase a subscription to add more features (or PODS). I know there are some critical posts about the website and the "need" to pay for the subscription but for 95% of us, the free service is more then adequate.

Like the watch itself, it took me a couple of weeks to get used to using trainingpeaks.com. Now, I love it. Again, I only use the free service but I love being able to view my workouts, see maps, charts, weekly summaries, and so much more. To be honest, this watch has helped motivate me to increase my training volume just I can ring up bigger numbers each week!

Furthermore and with the combination of GPS and TrainingPeaks, I feel a lot more freedom in my running and biking. Rather then running the same old routes where I know the distance, I'm free to "turn right", "turn left" or just explore on long runs. I know the GPS is keeping track so I just go wherever I like.

Bottom line, I highly recommend the product but do be prepared for a 2-4 week learning curve. I paid ~$215 less a $50 promo discount that was running around Christmas '10. Great deal.

I have been using different brands of cycling gadgets for many years, but have never had so much trouble to configure one before.
In one point I touched a program to change the screen intensity, it became very light and never found how to set it back to normal.

I guess I will keep on using Garmin or Polar equipment .

Hi, i had lost my Garmin 305 into the sea while doing windsurfing... so had to look for another GPS watch, as using it also for running and biking.
After some reviews and hesitation, went for the Timex... and actually, i'm very happy.

Less big than garmin, easier to wear + lighter, the screen / display is not too small at all (vs. some reviews). I've normal eyes and can read without an issue my speed or other data on the 4 quadrants screen.
Used on half marathon, the distance was perfectly right at 50m. Time to set-off satellites, once done once and without reset, is pretty fast.

haven't used all the settings yet (not yet open the book as it is very intuitive software). Actually, this latter point is the biggest + i'll give. garmin watch software sucks so much, it makes you feel you are in the 80s when user friendly concept was not even existing. Timex is much better, though not yet to a 2010 level i find.

Anyhow, for a cheaper price, definitely worth buying.
have fun

Nice product. I had a garmin 405 and it didnt have the multi sport function and it was bad in the rain or when it got wet. This one works great I have used it in the pool and the ocean works great. Gps was alittle slow at finding the satellites but when it did was very accurate. heart rate monitor was easy to use and functioned well.
The setup menue was alittle confusing at first but once you figure it out it was easy to move around.
The buttons are big but when I was on my bike it turned off beacuse my hand it the button. When you lock the watch you cant switch the modes or start or stop the watch.
Over all very happy with the watch and it preformed well

We have two of these units. One has worked great, the other not so good. It has always been off on distance measurements (1/4 mile in 2 miles). Both watches are using the same settings. Just recently the HR function stopped working. We narrowed it down to the sensor (tested with the other sensor). We replaced the battery but no joy. I am now trying to get it replaced.

Overall I liked the gps/functionality of the watch. However, I ran 8 miles in a steady rain and water entered into the watch and condensed on the lens making it very difficult to see. I have returned the watch since I had originally bought it to use in triathlons. I would hate to see what would have happened taking it into the pool.