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 Timex Ironman T5C401 Unisex 30-Lap Digital Fitness Heart Rate Monitor Watch By: Timex Average Rating: 3.0 Total Reviews: 17 More Information Great watch...so-so HRM  On: 2008-06-06I love the watch... I wear it everyday and I think the features, the comfort, and the style are all exceptional. The HRM function makes me sad... I really wanted this to work better to be able to use to train with. Problem is, that the wireless connection "drops" too frequently and if you dont notice it and reset it, you lose that data.. so it really doesnt work for its intended purpose. I too have replaced the transmitter battery, but it didnt help. Love the watch.... but it is just not a reliable HRM.... If you need a watch by a watch... if you need a reliable HRM look elsewhere. Started out as a good watch, but keep it out of the water  On: 2008-03-01One would think that a watch for an Ironman would function reasonably well in water. After just two months, the watch had condensation inside, which made it difficult to read, then finally stopped working altogther. I would recommend this watch for use on dry land only. Feature set exceeds the price point.  On: 2008-02-09Just got the watch, so these are initial impressions, not a test of long-term durability. I had a Nike Triax C5 which was $90+ and it didnt have 25% of the features that this watch has. Two time zones, night mode, chrono, timer, recover, and review modes are all useful. The review for a workout includes time in zone, avg hr, peak hr, min hr, calories burned, and lap times. And there are several different display modes for each mode. Im extremely impressed with the ergonomics overall. The watch itself is not extremely comfortable right out of the box, but I think it will get better as it forms to my wrist, like most. The signal is strong and I havent lost a connection or had interference issues. The watch seems like it blocks out other signals once it is connected. Overall, I would definitely recommend this watch for the price, I dont know of a better value. So Far So Good  On: 2008-01-29I have only had this heart rate monitor for 3 weeks but it has worked like a charm. This is my first heart rate monitor and I have been using it for running and spinning 4 times a week. When I first used the heart rate monitor, it was not receiving the heart rate signal. I said to myself, "Oh no, what kind of piece of junk did I get?". The manual for the watch suggested adding moisture to the chest transmitter contact. However, the manual for the chest transmitter did not indicate where the contact was, so I assumed that it was directly behind the case that contains the electronics. Adding moisture to the back of the case did not do anything. I finally realized that the contacts are on both sides of case along the strap. They are rubberized with ridges going along the strap. Adding water to both contacts did the trick. The signal is picked up within a second or two. Compared to the Polar monitors, the Timex ones, IMO, are more stylish, function packed and better value. Plus the battery is user replaceable. We will see how it does on the long haul. Love it so far On: 2008-01-19I love this product thus far. Now, take into account that this is my first HRM and I have only used it for three weeks, about 15 workouts (running and road bicycle). Having said that, I cant believe I have been training without one of these. On runs and rides, I no longer pay any attention to speed, I focus solely on heart rate. One of the reasons I did not buy a monitor earlier is that I heard the straps were a pain. I have been very pleased with the comfort of this strap. Doesnt bother me at all, even on long runs. I can see how the fabric / elastic strap might not hold up over the long haul but I also cant really imagine what would hold up to 4 or 5 workouts per week over months and months. The watch has found the signal from the strap immediately every time Ive worn it. I just wet my chest and the strap a little and it works right away. As for watch functions, I rarely used the timing functions (lap, etc) on any Ironman Ive worn before this. On this watch, either because I took the time to learn them to use the heart rate function or because this watch is simpler,Ive used the lap, heart rate alarm, and especially review function extensively. One bonus that I really didnt think about (and I know all the HRMs have this) is the calorie count. I have no idea whether its accurate but its nice to get off the bike and know that youve just burned off 1000 calories. The only drawback to the watch is that it is just a bit clunkier than other workout watches (I am assuming due to the HRM electronics) so I personally dont plan to wear this watch casually. Only as a Watch On: 2007-07-12It did work for three days... After that I never got a reading from the belt. I changed the battery twice just to try everything. A disappointment. Search in Internet there are many complaint about the watch. Great while it lasted On: 2007-04-01I had this Timex for about four years, during which I used it on all my runs. The functionality was awesome, and not only did having a heart rate monitor add a new dimension to my running and increase my motivation, but it also made me more cognizant of the need to monitor my peak heart rate. The chest strap unit worked perfectly throughout and there was never any noticeable wear and tear. However, the watch itself was a bit less satisfactory. The design was user-friendly and good-looking, but I had three problems: 1) there is a thin rubber surround on the display that worked itself off. This was a purely cosmetic problem, and while it made my watch less appealing to wear, it never affected its performance. 2) The buttons became hard to the point of becoming almost dysfunctional after the third year or so. However, they had been recently improving. 3) The strap, which is an integral part of the watch, became detached one day, so I can no longer wear my watch on my wrist. This is why I no longer use it. While it lasted, I used my Timex as a watch every day for four years, and as a Heart Rate Monitor for all my runs. The Time Zone feature helped me learn how to pace my runs and I increased my maximum distance from 5k to 12.5k in this time. All in all, I was very satisfied, and heart-broken that the strap would break. I liked it so much Im thinking of buying another one, which is what brought me to Amazon in the first place today... Great while it lasted On: 2007-03-31I had this Timex for about four years, during which I used it on all my runs. The functionality was awesome, and not only did having a heart rate monitor add a new dimension to my running and increase my motivation, but it also made me more cognizant of the need to monitor my peak heart rate. The chest strap unit worked perfectly throughout and there was never any noticeable wear and tear. However, the watch itself was a bit less satisfactory. The design was user-friendly and good-looking, but I had three problems: 1) there is a thin rubber surround on the display that worked itself off. This was a purely cosmetic problem, and while it made my watch less appealing to wear, it never affected its performance. 2) The buttons became hard to the point of becoming almost dysfunctional after the third year or so. However, they had been recently improving. 3) The strap, which is an integral part of the watch, became detached one day, so I can no longer wear my watch on my wrist. This is why I no longer use it. While it lasted, I used my Timex as a watch every day for four years, and as a Heart Rate Monitor for all my runs. The Time Zone feature helped me learn how to pace my runs and I increased my maximum distance from 5k to 12.5k in this time. All in all, I was very satisfied, and heart-broken that the strap would break. I liked it so much Im thinking of buying another one, which is what brought me to Amazon in the first place today... Great Way To Track Your Progress On: 2007-03-24Replete with lots of data and enough bells and whistles to launch a space shuttle, it was a little intimidating at first getting it set up. Despite having read all 3 manuals several times, I was still a little confused on a couple of points. Thats when I called the people at Timex. They walked me through all of my questions and showed me how to make it do what I wanted. They were helpful, prompt and very efficient. Now I use it whenever I workout and find it to be an absolutely invaluable tool. It keeps track of my heartrate and elapsed time during the workout. At the end of the workout, it displays peak heart rate, average heart rate, time in zone (there are several user selectable zones) and total calories burned. Since I use different machines every time I workout, the machine read out varies much more widely. The Ironman allows me to keep much better track of my actual progress. The Ironman has been essential in my quest to loose weight. Ive been using it for 5 weeks and Ive lost 8.5 pounds. Youll love using it once you get it set up and youll wonder what you ever did without it. Well, thats all for now. Time to put another hour in on the eliptical...Enjoy!!! "Excellent item" On: 2007-01-11Excellent as a heart rate monitor, you dont need to buy an expensive (polar) one for all modes that the IRONMAN HR has it Not as advertised On: 2006-04-04the watch features are great, but I could not get it to read my heart rate. I have contacted Timex and they have sent me another watch, still no heart rate. Now they are sendind me another chest strap, this is two weeks after I purchased it. I dont think tha I shoudl be having this many problems with a new product. havein said that the customer service is great and they offer a cheap 5 year warranty for an additional $5. If the new strap does not work I am going to buy a Polar RS 100 Not as advertised On: 2006-04-03the watch features are great, but I could not get it to read my heart rate. I have contacted Timex and they have sent me another watch, still no heart rate. Now they are sendind me another chest strap, this is two weeks after I purchased it. I dont think tha I shoudl be having this many problems with a new product. havein said that the customer service is great and they offer a cheap 5 year warranty for an additional $5. If the new strap does not work I am going to buy a Polar RS 100 good watch, bad transmitter band On: 2005-11-28I liked everything about this watch- easy to read, great price. Then the transmitter strap seperated at the joint between the main transmitter and the electrodes, making the unit worthless. Replacement band costs nearly as much as the entire unit. What good is a replaceable trasmitter battery if the strap breaks after 6 months. I replaced it with a Polar F6. It cost more, but if it lasts one year Ill be money ahead (plus it has a two year warranty). If it doesnt, replacement bands for the Polar are much easier to find, and cheaper. good watch, bad transmitter band On: 2005-11-27I liked everything about this watch- easy to read, great price. Then the transmitter strap seperated at the joint between the main transmitter and the electrodes, making the unit worthless. Replacement band costs nearly as much as the entire unit. What good is a replaceable trasmitter battery if the strap breaks after 6 months. I replaced it with a Polar F6. It cost more, but if it lasts one year Ill be money ahead (plus it has a two year warranty). If it doesnt, replacement bands for the Polar are much easier to find, and cheaper. Broken belt in 6 months On: 2005-10-02This was great till the belt gave away after 6 months of use. Only if the product had a more durable belt. Gave my watch away to my 5 yr old. Out to spend another 100 bucks looking for a replacement watch. Broken belt in 6 months On: 2005-10-01This was great till the belt gave away after 6 months of use. Only if the product had a more durable belt. Gave my watch away to my 5 yr old. Out to spend another 100 bucks looking for a replacement watch. Great watch On: 2005-09-28This is the first heart rate monitor watch I have owned. So far, it has been great. I use it every time I workout. It is easy to read and easy to use while I am exercising. Marathon Tough On: 2005-08-26I am a distance runner.This watch has been very dependable and reliable in the 4 months of marathon training I have put it through. The watch itself is very readable and user friendly, training in the heart rate zones with the audible beep warnings lets you know exactly how you are performing. The chrono feature is what I am usually using and the review feature gives you the data that is most useful, how long you were in your target heart rate zone and how many calories you have expended during your run. The only criticism I have for the watch and heart rate monitor is that there is no interval time on the 30 lap watch. The chest strap is light weight and once it is adjusted properly feels barely there. I have cross trained with the product cycling and circuit training in the gym. It is a tough watch. It was a good buy. Marathon Tough On: 2005-08-25Initial Review August 25, 2005 I am a distance runner.This watch has been very dependable and reliable in the 4 months of marathon training I have put it through. The watch itself is very readable and user friendly, training in the heart rate zones with the audible beep warnings lets you know exactly how you are performing. The chrono feature is what I am usually using and the review feature gives you the data that is most useful, how long you were in your target heart rate zone and how many calories you have expended during your run. The only criticism I have for the watch and heart rate monitor is that there is no interval time on the 30 lap watch. The chest strap is light weight and once it is adjusted properly feels barely there. I have cross trained with the product cycling and circuit training in the gym. It is a tough watch. It was a good buy. Review Update, August 8, 2007 The chest monitor seperated after my last run this week. There is a center, left and right piece that come as one unit and the elastic band. Since I first purchased this product it has served me without problem. Four times a week, running, biking, the gym, and even brought it skiing with me in Taos, NM, it has held up. But this past week, its age and durability have become evident. The watch has had its battery changed 3 times since Ive had it and it has outlasted the chest monitor. I sold my Polar HRM when I bought this Ironman. That product was the basic Polar HRM with HR only. After 3 yrs with the polar, the unit held up without the deterioration my Timex displayed. I have recently placed an order for a Polar RS100. By request On: 2005-07-01I own 14 of the Timex Ironman Triathlon Digital Heart Rate Monitor Watch 5C401s. I bought my first on the monumentally helpful recommedation of band aid. The wrist band is certainly "open, breathable, and fast drying" - and let me tell you: its not easy finding something one can accurately describe as both breathable and fast drying. I mean, seriously, try to come up with another. The two-star rating I thought was a bit harsh - especially given that the display has such large digits. It was in fact the large digits that pushed me to give the watch twice as many stars as band aid. I bought the other 13 because I like saying (typing, reading...whatever) the name - its pretty catchy. As for the reviews by Garcia and King: unhelpful. They werent open, breathable, fast-drying, or characterized by large digits. Disappointting On: 2005-06-21The heart rate feature is not user friendly and after using it approximately 6 times, it stopped working. Next Time Polar! Disappointting On: 2005-06-20The heart rate feature is not user friendly and after using it approximately 6 times, it stopped working. Next Time Polar! band-aid On: 2005-03-13I dont have this exact watch, but I have an ironman of the same style (lacks the heart monitor). There are two faults: 1.) The way the band attaches to the watch body is weak. Mine held for about 6 months before the band detached from the watch body. I have not been able to re-seat the band to the watch body. 2.) There is no rim to protect the watch face from scratching. Shame, because I like the watch: * open, breathable, and fast drying quality of the band * the large digits (easy to read under water) But even 2 stars is much for a watch that had a 6mo lifespan. Perhaps others will have better luck with the band. HTH band-aid On: 2005-03-12I dont have this exact watch, but I have an ironman of the same style (lacks the heart monitor). There are two faults: 1.) The way the band attaches to the watch body is weak. Mine held for about 6 months before the band detached from the watch body. I have not been able to re-seat the band to the watch body. 2.) There is no rim to protect the watch face from scratching. Shame, because I like the watch: * open, breathable, and fast drying quality of the band * the large digits (easy to read under water) But even 2 stars is much for a watch that had a 6mo lifespan. Perhaps others will have better luck with the band. HTH |