Timex Ironman T5J985 Unisex Trail Runner Bodylink Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Excellent product. Does exactly what it is supposed to. I compare my heart rate on the watch with the monitor on the gym equipment and they are within 1 to 2 beats, if not exactly the same. GPS works well, discovers satellite quickly and gives accurate readings. I would purchase it again.

Overall this product rocks... waterproof, chrono, waypoints, compass, elevation, and the best feature in my opinion is the three line display with middle line in larger font and you can change which item displays larger.. i.e. i have heart rate large when working out with the heart rate monitor strapped on.... or my pace when i can get the gps to remain locked in. aboslutely no reception indoors on a treadmill (which we dont really need), but even outdoors i have much trouble trying to synch it and get it to remain synched for the duration of a workout. do not buy this if the determining product is the gps. everything else about this watch rocks!

I have used Timex Ironman watches for the last 20+ years for tracking running splits while training for local 10k races, so I am used to the format. The format for the Trail Runner watch is total different due to its additional features of the GPS and Heart Rate monitor. Even with these new features, it is still easy to use.

It has the ability to show you 3 different lines of realtime date that you can select from while in the Chonograph mode. You can watch heart rate, speed, distance, pace, lap time, split time, etc. what ever you desire. The middle line of the screen is larger than the top or bottom data line, so you can even toggle what data is provided in that line for better viewability while running. It comes with a bike attachment for Triathalon training so you can mount to handle bars instead of looking down at your wrist all the time.

The GPS is very accurate for tracking distance even under heavy trees. If you are using the belt clip versus the arm band for the GPS module, then you may find that accuracy may vary slightly due to being covered up by your shirt while running. When I tuck in my shirt just above the belt clip on my hip, then the GPS is precisely accurate each and every time. I have not used the arm band yet, but I imagine that would solve this problem. You can hit the mode button a couple of times while running to get to the Finish mode, and the watch will predict your finish time based on how far you told the watch you run will be -- extremely helpful for hitting target times while training, trying to hit a qualifying time for a road race, or hitting a personal best or finish time for a race.

The GPS module takes about 1 to 2 minutes to link up with the satellites, so you need to give it that time before you begin your run. The heart rate monitor is awesome and 100% accurate - I tested it for accuracy against another HR monitor. I also checked the speed mode on the GPS (shows MPH) against 3 cars to see how accurate, and again 100% accurate even at 50 and 60 MPH. Weight wise, the GPS module is so light even with the 1 AA battery, that you dont even notice its there. The watch itself is not any larger than some of my other large Timex Ironman watches and is also extremely light weight. I also ordered the new version of the Data Recorder (weighs as much as a ping pong ball), but I have not used it yet in the three weeks I've owned the Watch kit and Data Recorder. The info that comes with the Data Recorder shows that they have not updated the software program for you computer to be compatible with Windows Vista. I checked online at Timex.com, and they didn't show an update to the software yet to download the week that I received the Data Recorder, but it looks like a great addition to the package that I should and will start using shortly.

All in all, I'm extremely pleased with this watch and how it is helping me to improve my running. I love being able to go out the door and just run until the watch tells me I've hit my half way point on distance so that I can turn around and head home. If you can afford this watch, you will not be sorry at all!!

This watch is excellent. I've had mine for a little while now and it is holding up very well. Glad I purchased it.

I have been a fan of Timex watches since 1994. The Ironman series have all the basics I need: waterproof, dual time zone, multiple alarms, chronographer, and timer.

I bought the Bodylink system to improve my marathon time. I like the concept of training to heart rate intensity, rather than running duration or distance. The HR % apparently reflects the quality of workout for the heart. No complaints about the HR monitor or GPS monitor so far. I have not tested the system in an area with thick foliage. But even if it doesn't work well in the woods, that is a limitation of the environment and not a design flaw of the GPS receiver. The arm band of the GPS receiver on bare skin gets uncomfortable when I start sweating. It's okay if I put it over the sleeve though.

Now, the big disappointment came the first time I got into the pool. One would expect that a watch designed for tri-athletes would survive a swim or two. But water did get into my watch and damaged the LCD display. I sent the watch back in for repair. I hope this is an isolated incident, and not a defect for this particular design. Like I said, I am a fan of Timex sports watches.

Update: I got a new replacement, but have not tried it in the pool yet. A new problem: In a couple of instances, the watch picked up one, but NOT both the GPS and HR monitor signals. Maybe I was suppose to hit the detect button on the watch AFTER the GPS linked up with the satellites. In any case, this problem is just as upsetting as the water leak.

Update 2: replacement watch survived the pool! Also, in order for the watch to detect both GPS and HRM signals, press the detect button (or go to chnographer function) AFTER the GPS picked up the satellite signal. Overall, I am happy with this new training tool.