Customer Reviews

Timex Ironman T5E691 Men's 100-Lap Speed + Distance Watch

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I purchased this system from Sports Authority in July 2007, and have used it a half-dozen times since. So, this isn't an in-depth long-term usage review, but rather a review on initial quality and first-time usage. The watch is, however, a Timex Ironman watch, which suggests that the unit will perform as well as the other members of this ruggedized sport watch style.

There was some delay in my first use of the watch, since it needed a new battery from the start. I have typically been able to replace batteries in sport watches myself, using only small screwdrivers and thin blades, but the ends of the watch band for this model are made with a stiff rubberized corner piece that wraps around the side and bottom of the watch. This probably helps to seal out the elements, but makes it very difficult to remove and reattach the watch band, which has to be done to replace the battery. Most watch retailers or repair shops have the tool for this, so it is only difficult to do on your own.

Once the watch is powered up, it works very well. I have used it to track running distances in Florida and in the hilly Appalachian area of Maryland. In both instances, there was no difficulty in picking up a GPS signal to track my run. The watch lost the signal only once, in a valley area, while I was next to a cement wall in the side of a mountain. It quickly picked up the signal again as I continued to run, and it uses an algorithm for calculating speed and distances between drops in the signal.

The watch itself is a bit larger than typical Ironman or sports watches, but it is not too large to wear during any sports activity. I have worn in while running and swimming, and so far it has held up fine. In fact, it is suitable for casual wear, if you enjoy an active look to your timepiece.

The only size problem I found with this system is the GPS device. It is a little bit smaller than a portable CD player, but it is still too large to be carried easily on your person while running. An arm band is included, but I had no success in fitting it on my upper arm so that the tightness was comfortable, but the unit would also stay firmly in place. I chose to wear it on my waist, hooked into my running shorts, over my rear pocket area. This is adequate for using the system, but I was constantly aware of the unit- it never stayed fixed in place, without at least bumping up and down during runs. Timex should either reduce the size of the GPS unit, or design a way to securely affix the unit to your body, perhaps by incorporating a shoulder harness or waist strap system.

It also takes a good solid review of the owners manual to figure out how to track and save your running information. Once you do this, it is fun to check your data as you run- the "current speed" function is a bit variable; jumping between speed readouts during periods that seemed to be a fairly constant pace. An analog-like gauge display on the watch would have been helpful here to more smoothly illustrate transitions between speeds. Anyways, it is more useful to track one's overall speed and distance, and the "distance run" feature appears very accurate. Of course, having a method for automatically loading this data into a computer would be gravy, but for the casual runner, it is really unnecessary. Kudos to Timex for not forgetting the Indigo light for night-time runs.

I purchased this system at a considerable discount, but consider that a good ruggedized sport watch itself can cost $50. Paying a little extra for a speed and distance monitor is worth it, but $100 is steep for any Timex watch. Overall, I am pleased with what this system offers- sure, it's not a full GPS map display system, but who really needs that in a running watch? It loses a star because of the bulky GPS unit, and the somewhat cryptic watch controls.

I have tested this gps-watch, for about two months, in running and biking, in different parts of my country, Venezuela and in the US, im very dissapointed with this watch, it only works for few minutes every time i try to use it during training, it seems the gps unit is not very sensitive, and keeps loosing the signal, you don't get speed, or distance measurements most of the time. I don't recommend buying this product.

In a word...awesome. I love this watch, yes I called it a watch because it is a fully functional watch that also can tell you everything about your run, speed, distance, pace. It is a runners best friend. I'm not sure if I will ever be able to run without it.

This product is very good, however do not attempt to look for it at a retail store. Easiest way to obtain this is to order it on Amazon. Shortly thereafter it will be at your door. You never had to leave the house. Ever been jogging, but don't know how far you have gone? This watch eliminates that guess work + does a lot more. Would I recommend this watch? Yes, start your order through Amazon though, it is the easiest way.

this product is not what i expected!! the watch takes way too long to connect with the gps device and is not what i expceted out of this watch too bad i threw away the box because i cant return it and get my money back

Durable, easy to use. The GPS works pretty well except it sucks down baterries pretty quick.