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Technical Details
Color: Black | Size: One Size
- GPS-enabled speed and distance watch for training harder and smarter
- SiRFstar III GPS technology measures speed, distance, pace, and more
- Built-in altimeter measures altitude, ascent rate, and descent rate
- 20-workout memory; records up to 1,000 laps of information
- ANT+ compatible; supports data downloads to TrainingPeaks.com
Product Details
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Product Description
Color: Black | Size: One Size
Amazon.com
It's no longer enough to train hard; you also have to train smart if you want an edge. Enter the Timex Ironman Global Trainer speed and distance watch, which gives elite athletes the performance tools they need to succeed. The Global Trainer is equipped with a SiRFstar III GPS chip, which records your performance across several dimensions and displays the data on a customizable screen. With the Global Trainer, you can easily monitor your pace, speed, distance, elapsed time, and calories burned, helping you determine how much you've improved during your training period. The watch also includes a 20-workout memory with dated summaries. As a result, athletes can record up to 1,000 laps of information and then download the data to TrainingPeaks.com, a free online training log site. Or you can challenge yourself the old-fashioned way using the integrated count-up and countdown timers, which help you measure your interval performance. The watch even includes a Performance Pacer to help you meet your finish-time goals.
The Global Trainer is more than just a pace tracker, however. Thanks to the GPS technology--which requires no calibration--climbers can use the watch to measure their altitude, along with their ascent and descent distances and rates. If navigation is your thing, the Global Trainer records up to 100 location waypoints, and offers the ability to track back old routes and create new ones. And cyclists will love the Global Trainer's ANT+ compatibility, which coordinates with third-party bike power meters and sensors to measure a bike's cadence and speed/distance. Other features include a Multisport Event Mode that records several activities and transitions in a single sequence; a customizable screen display that shows up to four windows of information; a hands-free option that automatically stars and stops data capture functions; and a rechargeable battery.
Features and Specifications:
- Modes: 6
- OS requirements: Windows XP or newer, or Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) or newer
- Battery charging options: USB or AC outlet
- Heart rate sensor compatibility: Timex digital 2.4 heart rate sensors using ANT+
- Bike power compatibility: 3rd-party sensors using ANT+
- Language support: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, and Italian
- Night light: Indiglo, with night mode
- Case: Lightweight resin
- Strap: Resin
- Water-resistant: Yes, to 50 meters
- Warranty: 1 year limited (U.S. only)
Product Description
Timex Bodylink Speed, Pace, Distance and Navigation Functions in a Single Wrist Instrument. Customizable Display with upto 4 Screen views. Performance and Multisport Modes for Training and Event use. Built for Ironman Competition. Downloadable / Recha
Available Warranties for This Item
Color: Black | Size: One Size
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
55 of 58 people found the following review helpful
Color Name:Black|Size Name:One Size
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!
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!
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Color Name:Black| Size Name:One Size|Amazon Verified Purchase
I have a Garmin 405 which is not waterproof... I wanted something I could use for the entire triathlon... this one is waterproof but will not provide data on the swim... things I did not care for...
1. Took FOREVER to acquire signal... downloaded new firmware.. still takes minutes to acquire!
2. HUGE... this thing is HUGE... not heavy but HUGE!
3. Training Peaks software not as user friendly as I am used to... costs $$ for access to all the features.
4. None of my logs are Timex compatible so uploading requires manual insertion of data... BAD!
5. You may be able to have 4 fields of data visible at once but it is nearly impossible to read it while running because it is so small.
6. Glare based on angle makes reading watch difficult!
I was happy to go back to my Garmin... this thing was just not for me!
1. Took FOREVER to acquire signal... downloaded new firmware.. still takes minutes to acquire!
2. HUGE... this thing is HUGE... not heavy but HUGE!
3. Training Peaks software not as user friendly as I am used to... costs $$ for access to all the features.
4. None of my logs are Timex compatible so uploading requires manual insertion of data... BAD!
5. You may be able to have 4 fields of data visible at once but it is nearly impossible to read it while running because it is so small.
6. Glare based on angle makes reading watch difficult!
I was happy to go back to my Garmin... this thing was just not for me!
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
This review is effectively a response to many of the reviews that have come before. Since pieces are picked up from various, rather than respond, I'll just write my own.
First off - the utility of this watch depends upon what you do with it. If you are a straight up runner, there are probably better watches - unless you are working on using increased cadence (more on the footpod below), heart rate, distance and time at the same time in your workout. Perhaps my eyes are better than some of the reviewers, but I have no problem reading the key aspects of the 4 portion view. And seeing lap time (for example, how fast was the LAST mile), heart rate (used to control pace and exertion for me during workouts and competitions), distance (to know where I am in the aforementioned mile), and overall time in the same glance is pretty powerful for me. Throw in Pace in another view - just a click away, and I've got what I need to train and compete.
Further, the ability to completely customize any of the 6 or so screens is pretty valuable - for example, I have one of them set for Clock, so I can switch to the time of day to see whether my wife and family need me - but I don't buy the 'it's too hard to read stuff' because you can then go with a three or two window view and the font increases accordingly. In fairness, I don't think anyone could read the micro "time of day" at the very bottom of the screen unless the athlete in question was stopped (no way on a bike for example).
As I recently added biking to my working out, I added an ANT+ cadence monitor to my bag of ticks. After properly installing on my bike it was maybe 5 seconds until the cadence data was streaming real-time on the watch. Same with the footpod that I just added to increase my running cadence to better approximate my cycling cadence.
Do not be mistaken, this is a great running watch (I have yet to see ANY GPS unit that doesn't make errors - our larger Garmin Car unit puts us in the neighbor's yard all the time - so what?) I do believe that it's possible that the Garmin sports division watches are more accurate - but they might not be. The point is that the true TRI series from Garmin (310XT for example) is an acquired taste from a visual perspective to say the least. I'd rather wear this while running - but that's personal taste.
Don't go out and buy the 610 Garmin and expect it to support power meters - as it doesn't. Plus it's twice as expensive relative to this unit - which isn't to say that you can't find something from Garmin at the same price point.
I really like TrainingPeaks - and despite the annual cost find it to be a pretty solid tool. Comparing it to MapMyRun is a stretch. Training peaks is looking at the entire athlete - nutrition, peaking for events, exhaustion, etc. That said, one should consider TrainingPeaks in the cost of the watch if one is serious about the data - I too was disappointed by the 'free' offering by Timex.
While I do see why some folks might be disappointed by this product and it might not work for them - it looks like there are too many DATED (important to see reviews using the latest firmware, for example, as I am - downloaded last week fresh off the press) and negative reviews of this product. They shouldn't create the impression to the multisport athlete that this watch doesn't work. It does work and I've had a great deal of enjoyment using mine. It's made me a better endurance athlete and turned me on to Training Peaks (which for me is a good thing). This watch is TONS better than the top-of-the-line Polar that it replaced (proprietary everything just to start).
There are some very balanced reviews out on the net - so I'll not try to do a 'be all, end all' here. My favorite is by DC RainMaker - look it up. He's a very serious triathlete and blogger who seems to have kept his and uses it alongside Garmin products all the time (unless I'm misreading his blog).
Don't give up hope if you feel that this is the product for you - it might just be. That said, do take into consideration what my fellow reviewers say. Many of the points they make are true (though the recent addition of Ant+ footpods is NO LONGER true, it was when written). I consider this to be an invaluable tool as I train for and compete in various distance events and triathlons - what more can I say?
First off - the utility of this watch depends upon what you do with it. If you are a straight up runner, there are probably better watches - unless you are working on using increased cadence (more on the footpod below), heart rate, distance and time at the same time in your workout. Perhaps my eyes are better than some of the reviewers, but I have no problem reading the key aspects of the 4 portion view. And seeing lap time (for example, how fast was the LAST mile), heart rate (used to control pace and exertion for me during workouts and competitions), distance (to know where I am in the aforementioned mile), and overall time in the same glance is pretty powerful for me. Throw in Pace in another view - just a click away, and I've got what I need to train and compete.
Further, the ability to completely customize any of the 6 or so screens is pretty valuable - for example, I have one of them set for Clock, so I can switch to the time of day to see whether my wife and family need me - but I don't buy the 'it's too hard to read stuff' because you can then go with a three or two window view and the font increases accordingly. In fairness, I don't think anyone could read the micro "time of day" at the very bottom of the screen unless the athlete in question was stopped (no way on a bike for example).
As I recently added biking to my working out, I added an ANT+ cadence monitor to my bag of ticks. After properly installing on my bike it was maybe 5 seconds until the cadence data was streaming real-time on the watch. Same with the footpod that I just added to increase my running cadence to better approximate my cycling cadence.
Do not be mistaken, this is a great running watch (I have yet to see ANY GPS unit that doesn't make errors - our larger Garmin Car unit puts us in the neighbor's yard all the time - so what?) I do believe that it's possible that the Garmin sports division watches are more accurate - but they might not be. The point is that the true TRI series from Garmin (310XT for example) is an acquired taste from a visual perspective to say the least. I'd rather wear this while running - but that's personal taste.
Don't go out and buy the 610 Garmin and expect it to support power meters - as it doesn't. Plus it's twice as expensive relative to this unit - which isn't to say that you can't find something from Garmin at the same price point.
I really like TrainingPeaks - and despite the annual cost find it to be a pretty solid tool. Comparing it to MapMyRun is a stretch. Training peaks is looking at the entire athlete - nutrition, peaking for events, exhaustion, etc. That said, one should consider TrainingPeaks in the cost of the watch if one is serious about the data - I too was disappointed by the 'free' offering by Timex.
While I do see why some folks might be disappointed by this product and it might not work for them - it looks like there are too many DATED (important to see reviews using the latest firmware, for example, as I am - downloaded last week fresh off the press) and negative reviews of this product. They shouldn't create the impression to the multisport athlete that this watch doesn't work. It does work and I've had a great deal of enjoyment using mine. It's made me a better endurance athlete and turned me on to Training Peaks (which for me is a good thing). This watch is TONS better than the top-of-the-line Polar that it replaced (proprietary everything just to start).
There are some very balanced reviews out on the net - so I'll not try to do a 'be all, end all' here. My favorite is by DC RainMaker - look it up. He's a very serious triathlete and blogger who seems to have kept his and uses it alongside Garmin products all the time (unless I'm misreading his blog).
Don't give up hope if you feel that this is the product for you - it might just be. That said, do take into consideration what my fellow reviewers say. Many of the points they make are true (though the recent addition of Ant+ footpods is NO LONGER true, it was when written). I consider this to be an invaluable tool as I train for and compete in various distance events and triathlons - what more can I say?
Most Recent Customer Reviews
fantastic watch
fantastic watch i have had mine since they 1st came out no problems with it. Accurate. used it
several races in the rain, unlike my wife's garmin it kept changing screens as... Read more
several races in the rain, unlike my wife's garmin it kept changing screens as... Read more
Published 1 day ago by jcc1
Great Watch -- Just update the firmware.
I read all about this watch prior to getting it. It seems that if you did not update the firmware, then there were issues with the device, but if you upgraded the firmware it works... Read more
Published 2 days ago by Eric VanWieren
Great Training Watch
This is absolutely the best training watch that I have ever used. It is extremely accurate, very easy to use and provides you with all the information that you could want. Read more
Published 4 days ago by gsmbear
Best Triathlon Equipment You Can Buy
Ever since I received my Timex Global GPS Trainer, I have been in love. From Timex's standard of quality equipment, to it's amazing customer service - this device is built to... Read more
Published 5 days ago by Black Ninja
works great!
this is the first GPS watch I have bought, and will likely be the last! does what I need and does it very well. If lost or damaged, I'd buy another.
Published 6 days ago by J. Allan Wallace
Best Watch Ever
This is the easiest to use GPS watch ever. I am a new runner and wanted an accurate way to keep track of my runs. Read more
Published 6 days ago by B Wolfe
The watch that does it all!
Absolutely love the functionality...the size of the watch has to be taken in its proper context - it is a training watch, not a casual "sport" watch - intended for serious... Read more
Published 8 days ago by Guidocreshendo
Triathlete training watch
This watch does everything you need one too. It tracks your heart rate, speed, distance, with the bike accessory you get cadence, and it evens maps your swim. Read more
Published 8 days ago by L.Boyd
Training Buddy
Have had this watch for a year now. Training for Ironman Mont Tremblant this August and this unit is a great little training buddy!!
Published 9 days ago by Roc Perdoni
Timex Ironman Watch Review
Excellent watch that provides you with every possible data field you can want and more. The watch can be used for simply keeping track of your HR or it can track an entire race... Read more
Published 9 days ago by Jim Norcott
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