Retail: $300

Street Price: Much Less

Of all the Timex Bodylink / Ironman heart rate monitors the Timex Ironman 5F011 is the one that most suits athletes - fitness enthusiasts. Runners, Cyclists, Skiers, Rowers, Triathletes, Hikers, etc, will all benefit from the inclusion of 8x (eight)heart rate training zones and 4 x interlinked countdown timers (for intervals), with additional warm up and cool down timers. Optionally, if used with the new 3D GPS unit (included) , the Timex 5F011 can provide both vertical and horizontal performance data including altitude, speed, distance, and predicted finish time.

Heart rate was 100% accurate even while running next to others wearing other units. Polar, Suunto, other Timex, Freestyle, did not affect this monitor at all.

The GPS unit took a few minutes to lock in and dropped a couple of times

during the test run, but overall performed better than my $600 Suunto. I

expected that as all of them have that problem on the first run, and on the

second test run, in locked in quicker.

Timex has it all together in this great modular unit. They have added multi

heart rate zone training, interval sessions and 3D functionality. A

combination of heart rate zones, optional speed / pace zones, auto-lapping,

time based intervals plus Finish Time Predictor (when using GPS 3D unit)

make this unit truly universal for all outdoor sports. For fitness training,

the best new feature is the FINISH TIME predictor. You tell it you are

running (or cycling) a 10K (or miles) , it works out your finish time based

on current speed and distance travelled so far. This is continually updated

while you run to help you achieve your Personal Best. Something we all want

every run.

With the addition of the 5G751 Data Recorder 2 and view your workout over a

map using or other online mapping software to actually see

how hard your heart was pumping up that hill, etc.. Its an additional tool

thats worth purchasing if you are serious, retails at $75, can find online

for less.

The book took a while to digest as this unit is FULL of features and

customizable options. Three manuals come with it and I'd recommend tinkering with it before you go out and try to run a very important event. Sure, one of the manuals is how to put on the chest strap and the other is about the GPS sensor, but Its worth the time to go over the manuals, as there is a lot of nice features that aren't obvious in the beginning. Everything thats full of options come with manuals, so I don't consider that a negative, but to some it could be daunting. Sure, you can just put it on and run, but that

would be like taking a Ferrari out and keeping it in 1st gear.

*Pros*: Timex, Size, features. Price per feature when compared to other

manufacturers.

*Cons:* GPS lock in speed, three manuals. Please note GPS lock in was faster

the second and third times I used the monitor.

*Summary:* If you are a serious athlete, wanting a serious tool for training

and don't mind read the book once or twice - this is the tool for you.

*Overall*: 4.8 of 5 Stars.

More info on the Timex BodyLink Series including the 5G751 Data Recorder:

GreatWestS Bodylink Info page

GreatWestSports , - A Site specializing in High Performance Gear and Watches for When Time Matters.

Buy the Timex 5F011 here: GreatWestSports - Timex 5F011 Bodylink System