Timex Ironman Triathlon T59761 Heart Rate Monitor

Suggested Retail Price: $89.99

Rating: 9/10

Top Features

• 30 lap recall
• Computes calories burned
• Digital FM transmission blocks signals from other monitors
• Automatically sets 5 training zones
• Contains target heart rate zone indicator with alert
• Measures heart rate after a timed recovery
• Transmitter belt battery can be replaced by user

Product Specs

• Displays heart rate, average heart rate, and time spent within target heart rate zones
• Full clock and calendar function
• Medium size
• INDIGLO® night-light
• 2.5 year average battery life
• Water resistant to 165 feet (50 meters)
• 1 year limited warranty

Disadvantages

• You have to program your own target heart rate zone
• No computer or software support

Review

Most people who try the Timex Triathlon heart rate monitor are surprised at just how good it is.  At a moderate price and lacking the coveted "Polar" name, many assume it won't be that great.  But it is accurate, easy to use, and has quite a few extra features.

The first thing you'll notice with the Timex Triathlon is that it has many of the features that a more expensive model would have.  It can accurate provide basic functions like calculating heart rate and average heart rate, as well as calculate calories burned and block signals from other nearby heart rate monitors.  Also, the Triathlon will tell you how long you've spent in up to five different training zones after you program in your target heart rate.  Other extra functions include 30 lap recall, which is helpful for runners, and a measurement of your pulse during recovery time, which is an important indicator of your general fitness.

There are a lot of other extras that make this heart rate monitor a good deal.  One thing that's nice about the Triathlon is that the batteries work more efficiently, so you'll get a very long 2.5 year average battery life.  Additionally, the chest transmitter battery can be user-replaced, so you won't have to ship it to the manufacturer.  More pluses for the Timex Triathlon include the INDIGLO night-light and the full calendar function, so it can be used like any other digital watch.

As you may have guess given the name Triathlon, this model is made to be used for running, cycling, and swimming.  And many people will love this heart rate monitor for all of these purposes, though some may feel that they would like more advanced features that can only be found in the more expensive models.  If you are a competitive athlete and are looking for every edge you can find, you may miss having features like software support, a GPS monitor, or advanced fitness statistics.  If these features are only secondary to you, the Timex Triathlon is one of the best heart rate monitors, especially considering its reasonable price.