TFS Review: Timex IRONMAN Bodylink GPS System
Posted February 15th, 2007 at 12:30 PM by Paul Petersen
Section: Running & Training, Gear & Apparel, Gadgets & Acces., Product Reviews, Special Features, TFS Reviews
Product: Timex IRONMAN Bodylink System
Price: $275.00
Rating: Very Good 8.3/10.0
Pros: Accurate; stable GPS; good battery life; intuitive and easy to use; great watch features; good value
Cons: Data-logger & PC upload functionality not included; GPS external from watch; HR monitor unstable at times
Overall: This device is effective because it is easy and it works. GPS initialization is fast and reliable; GPS connection and accuracy is very stable. It’s best for runners who want to hit the road quickly and view results immediately. Analysis and mapping junkies may want to defer to a GPS unit that automatically comes with computer linkage - but otherwise, when it comes to reliability, value and simplicity, the Timex Bodylink is hard to beat.
Out of the box, the Bodylink comes with a beefy manual, the performance watch, the heart rate sensor, the speed + distance sensor (GPS), and an adjustable strap for the mounting the GPS on your arm. Despite neglecting to read any of the ample instruction manual, I had the watch and GPS figured out within minutes and was out the door. Before I even hit the road, the primary strength of the Bodylink System was evident: it’s ease of use.
Design - 8 - The Ironman Triathlon version of the Bodylink consists of the three primary components: the watch, the heart rate transmitter, and the GPS sensor. With only this information, one can immediately see a potential complaint: the GPS is separate from the viewing display (the watch). More pieces can equal more clutter, and with the advent of the Garmin Forerunners (205/305), runners have grown accustomed to one-piece GPS training devices. There were several moments when I wished that I didn’t have to bother with strapping the extraneous GPS sensor to my arm, and was slightly envious of my running partner’s wrist-mounted Garmin.
However, for every “pro” there’s a “con”, and vice versa, right? The upshot of the separate GPS component is that the watch is much smaller than the Garmin, and actually looks like … well … a watch! And a sweet watch at that!
It is attractive and yet also a very functional performance data center. I even ended up using it beyond my workouts and enjoyed it as an everyday watch as well. The buttons are large and very responsive (even with gloves on!), and clearly labeled. And of course, the patented Timex Indiglo kicks some serious tail.
The heart rate sensor is nothing unusual for those who are familiar with other heart rate monitors. It is a standard HR transmitter that uses an elastic chest strap. It feels and looks similar to the other HRM that I’ve used in the past from Polar, Garmin and Suunto.
In terms of size, the GPS sensor is at least comparable, if not smaller than, most mp3 players. It requires one external “AA” battery and although that increases it’s weight, I found it to be quite comfortable when strapped firmly to the arm. The included strap is adequate and unobtrusive. After a few minutes of running, I usually forgot that I was even wearing it. Alternatively, you can also hook the sensor onto your waistband.
The Timex GPS unit is not directly rechargeable (like some other fitness GPS units) and can only be powered via an external battery. This can be viewed as a “pro” or a “con” - depending on your preference. On one hand, it will consume batteries and therefore requires you to spend more money. On the other hand, if you are in the midst of a long run or workout and you run out of juice, you can just toss a fresh AA battery (easily stored in your pocket, a zip-lock bag, the storage on your hydration device, etc) into the unit and keep going. With an internal rechargeable battery, if you don’t have access to a plug or computer - like during training run or even a race - then you would be out of luck if it runs out of power.
Operating the GPS requires only a minuscule amount of sentient thought. The sensor has one LED button: push it and it turns on and begins blinking red as it connects to satellites. Once it locks onto four satellites (required for a 3D fix), it blinks green thereafter. To turn it off, simply press the button once again and hold it for a few seconds. Sometimes simplicity is ingenious.
Once you strap on the heart rate sensor and initialize the GPS, you link them one-by-one to the watch display by pushing the big red “Display” button on the watch. GPS and HR linkages can be turned off independently by holding down the same watch button for several seconds.
It should also be noted that you can mix and match the Bodylink System to meet the needs/specifications of your workout and/or mood. For example, I don’t always need the GPS if I am running a familiar course and am less concerned with my pace, so I can leave the GPS at home and still run with the watch and the HR monitor. On other occasions, I may need the GPS assistance to track my distance, but may not feel the need to track my heart rate, so I can leave the HR monitor at home. Alternatively, a third option is that I can leave the heart rate and GPS components behind; choosing to instead run solely with the watch and be free of the constant performance data. However, on most days I wanted it all! These options make the Bodylink system very versatile and flexible; ensuring that you will benefit from it as a consistent training companion (in one form or another).
Features - 8 -All of the GPS and heart rate analysis features are displayed on the watch itself. No computer cables, no online training analysis, no iPod compatibility, just a watch. Some people will want more, but others, like myself, will be pleased in the core robustness and efficiency of the performance watch alone.
The performance watch contains ten easily accessible modes.
- Time of Day Mode - Displays date, time, and day of week
- Chronograph Mode - Displays and tracks current performance data. This is the main workout center of the watch, and can record up to 100 hours of time and register up to 100 laps of GPS and heart rate data.
- Vertical Mode - Works with the GPS to display vertical statistics such as ascent rate and elevation. Speed, time, and heart rate can also be displayed in this mode.
- Finish Mode - Works with the GPS to accommodate time predictions for a specified distance, and alerts you if you are off pace.
- Interval Timer Mode - Sets up the watch for interval workouts. The watch can hold up to five different training sessions in which interval times, number of repetitions, warm-up time, cool-down time, and target heart rate zones are configured beforehand by the user.
- Lap Data Mode - Stores and displays lap information pertaining to heart rate, time, distance, speed/pace, elevation, and heart rate zones.
- Summary Mode - Summarizes and displays overall chronograph data recorded during the current workout.
- Basic Timer Mode - Times an event that counts down from a user-specified time to zero.
- Alarm Mode - Sets the watch up as an alarm clock for up to five separate alarms.
- Configure Mode - Customizes watch functions to meet user needs. This is where the user will set up their target heart rate zones, GPS settings, hands-free settings (auto-split based on GPS distance), watch settings, and unit settings (km vs. mile, etc.)
Each watch mode has several different display options that you can scroll through by using two of the watch buttons. Most people will spend the majority of their time in Chronograph Mode, which simultaneously displays three different performance readings. There are several dozen display combinations available, but my favorite is: heart rate, current pace, and total distance (Although depending on my particular workout and/or mood, I did take advantage of other statistical combinations). After taking a lap split, the chronograph will quickly show your average heart rate, pace, distance covered, lap split, and total time.
Setting various watch modes is extraordinarily easy because the buttons are very responsive and the functionality of each button is labeled on the display screen. Configuration mode is also easy to navigate and allows you to set up some key features, such as pace-smoothing (makes the GPS pace readings less “jumpy”) and hands-free settings for auto-splits and auto-start/stop. I particularly liked the auto-split feature, and quickly set the watch to beep and take a lap split after each mile. Although the basics are quite simple, new users should spend some time in “Configuration Mode” and with the user manual to take advantage of the Bodylink’s full potential.
Performance - 9 - Simply put, the Timex Ironman Bodylink System is a performance monster. GPS initialization time takes less than a minute and once it is connected to satellites - it refuses to relinquish them. I can only think of one or two moments during my testing when I lost the satellite connection and even then, it would reconnect in less than 15 seconds; allowing me to continue my run without so much as a hiccup.
GPS accuracy was very good - as far as recreational units are concerned. The Bodylink was dead-on when I ran my favorite loops with known measurements. It even gave me accurate readings while training on a USATF-certified course that traverses through a canyon. Many recreational-grade GPS units would have sputtered out due to the reduced sky visibility from the canyon road, but the Timex had no problems.
The Timex also collaborated well with the readings of my running partner’s Garmin 305. We did several 13-mile runs together with our respective GPS units, and they always stayed in sync; beeping mile splits at nearly the same time throughout the workouts. Independent agreement between the two individual GPS units helped validate the readings of both the Timex and the Garmin. I’ve always been impressed with the accuracy of the Garmin 205/305’s, and was pleased to see how well the Timex stacked up.
Battery life for the GPS sensor was excellent. I managed to get 14 hours of life out of the battery that came packaged with the unit which was good for a solid two weeks of performance testing. I highly recommend that Bodylink users purchase an inexpensive battery charger and a set of rechargeable AA batteries, so that you can can rotate in a new battery while the old one recharges. This will save a lot of money in the long run, give you a supply of backup batteries to bring on long training runs and even benefit the environment.
The heart rate monitor is quite adequate and similar to other monitors I’ve used. As with other monitors, it helps to wet the transmitter and your chest before putting it on. Salt water and special gels are even more effective for maintaining a HR connection. During very cold days (below freezing temperatures), the Timex HR monitor tended to be unstable and unreliable for the first several miles of the run and until I started to really sweat. However, this was largely the result of the cold, dry air where I ran and my moisture-wicking technical shirts. This is pretty standard and I had similar issues with my old Polar S610. Once the temperature went above 40-degrees, my problems with the Timex monitor disappeared and I eventually grew to trust it’s readings.
The Timex Bodylink quickly became my dependable and constant companion for my tempo runs, intervals, fartleks and other intense training days. The easy-to-use watch, responsive buttons, and reliable GPS gave me constant feedback throughout my workouts. I was particularly fond of the auto-split on tempo runs because the watch took my splits for me after each mile; freeing my hands and my mind. The GPS was also able to give me fairly accurate feedback on my current pace, especially after I activated the the “Pace Smoothing” option. Finally, it was amazingly intuitive and easy to recall the workout data after my run and the watch itself provided all the desired speed, distance, time, and heart rate stats with just a few button pushes.
Despite being a bit of a techo-geek, I ended up liking the fact that there was no included computer upload option, simply because it kept things simple. Most days I want to begin my run quickly (which the Bodylink accommodates with fast GPS initialization), and I want to finish and summarize my workout quickly as well so that I can go ahead with the rest of my busy day. 
The watch displays the workout stats very efficiently and effectively; allowing me to extract everything that I need, record vital stats in my trusty training log, and then delete the workout from the watch all within a minute or two (no computers required!).
Runners who insist on having computer training interfaces, mapping, and lots of statistical analysis should probably purchase Timex’s Optional Data Recorder (pictured, above right) - although the extra $75 does somewhat mitigate one of the Bodylink’s major strengths: it’s bang for your buck.
However, if you don’t fall into that group (and most won’t) and are just looking to accurately and easily measure your heart rate, speed, and distance - then I would strongly recommend the Timex IRONMAN Bodylink System.
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Tags: Bodylink, distance, forerunner, gadget, Garmin, gps, heart rate, heart rate monitor, HRM, ironman, polar, product review, review, sensor, speed, speed+distance sensor, suunto, timex bodylink, timex ironman, timex ironman bodylink system, training, training assistant, training device, triathlon, watchtimex
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The Final Sprint
[…] Read the rest of this review… Comment on this post | Permalink […]
March 19th, 2007 at 1:54 pmthat’s a pretty high HR for an 11:00 mile pace. back away from the cheetos and hit the road a little more often, eh?
March 20th, 2007 at 11:51 pmI agree that everyone should stay away from Cheetos. However, the data measurements shown on the watch pictures above was not recorded on training runs conducted by the author or any of TheFinalSprint.com’s other reviewers.
Conversely, the images are being used with permission from Timex and the 158 HR for the 11:00 pace was from one of their users - not ours.
Thanks,
Adam
–
March 21st, 2007 at 1:59 amAdam Jacobs
Editor-in-Chief
TheFinalSprint.com
adam@thefinalsprint.com
In defense of the picture, I have hit HR’s well over 160 while running 11:00-pace PLENTY of times…during trail runs! 15% gradients will do that to your pace and HR, even if you are an 80 mpw runner! Oh, and I haven’t eaten Cheetos in years either.
March 21st, 2007 at 9:44 amDoes this hrm have a function for cycling and weight lifting or only running
April 15th, 2007 at 3:11 pm[…] In the growing world of athletic speed/distance monitoring, runners are presented with two primary choices: GPS units (ie - Garmin 305, Timex Bodylink, MotionLingo Adeo) or accelerometers (ie - Suunto Foot POD, Polar Foot Pod, Nike+iPod). I have trained with several different fitness GPS units and had variable success, and “foot pods” provide an intriguing alternative because they can be used indoors, under any sky condition, and boast of potentially high accuracy. I had the opportunity to try out the Suunto Running Pack (T3, HRM, and Foot POD), and put it to the test over three rigorous weeks of training. Design - 6 - The Running Pack consists of three components: the T3 Fitness Trainer Watch, the Foot POD Wireless Transmitter, and a heart rate transmitter. All of these components are compact and efficient; making the overall trio less bulky than some competing products. The HR monitor is a standard chest transmitter, similar in design to the Polar and Timex transmitters I’ve used. Nothing to write home about in terms of design. […]
May 4th, 2007 at 9:39 amThis device is effective because it is easy and it works. GPS initialization is fast and reliable; GPS connection and accuracy is very stable. It’s best for runners who want to hit the road quickly and view results immediately. Analysis and mapping junkies may want to defer to a GPS unit that automatically comes with computer linkage - but otherwise, when it comes to reliability, value and simplicity, the Timex Bodylink is hard to beat.
June 3rd, 2007 at 6:58 amI routinely hit 159 as a peak HR @ 61 years old. THere i nothing inherently high” about tis number unless you are cognizant of all the variables involved. I feel confient in saying it has NOTHING to do with Cheetos.
As I tain on WA trils exclusively, I find the Bodylink to be useless.
September 22nd, 2007 at 6:48 pmI managed to find out that the watch is waterproof. Does anybody know if the GPS unit is as well? I also need to find out about the data logger. Is it something that comes with you as well when you do your workouts, or do you just transmitt your data to it at the end of a session? Nothing about the software useage here either, and it would be nice to know that with a bit of perserverance you can get all the charts and graphs that the GARMIN range provide….
June 9th, 2008 at 5:53 am