Finis Swimsense Watch Review

It Makes Total Sense!

Finis SwimsenseTechnology is so awesome, especially when it has so seamlessly integrated into something I have been doing for decades. As a high school swimmer I had a certain coach who would sit on the starting block and count every lap I swam to make sure I didn’t cut the workout short; I hated it. Today, I have a watch that counts every lap I swim; I absolutely love it! The Swimsense is a star.

The Swimsense watch is actually called the Swimming Performance Monitor. The Swimsense is designed to track your entire swim workout, providing you all the information you need. Your distance, intervals, strokes, splits , time rested,  total time in pool and more is all at your fingertips.

The watch set-up is quite simple as you enter in your basic information, with the most critical aspects being the distance of the pool you will be swimming in (yards or meters) and which wrist you will be wearing the watch (left or right). As you get into the pool, all you need to do is press the “swim” button to get it ready for your workout, and then press the “start” button as you take off.

The Swimsense uses accelerometers and magnetometers to track your workout. The watch knows whether you are swimming freestyle, butterfly, backstroke or breaststroke. I have tested the watch multiple times and it never fails at identifying the stroke. I have seen some talk about the watch not being able to identify poor stroke technique, but some training buddies have also tested it without fail (and believe me, they have poor technique).

The user can utilize different screens during the workout that will let them know distance, time, stroke count and more. Some swimmers try to take a peek while in stroke but I don’t believe that makes sense as it alters your stroke technique and cadence. I believe it is best to hit the pause button as you finish an interval and look at the information while catching your breath. When paused, the background of the watch screen will go dark and the numbers will go white, making it easy to identify what mode the watch is in. When you finish the workout you press the stop button and then reset. You can review your workout right there on the watch. My favorite part is that the watch will let you know your total time in the pool and how much rest time.

The watch uses a lithium-ion rechargeable battery which Finis states it will last 12+ hours in swim mode. You need to be aware what mode the watch is in because the battery will continue to drain unless in sleep mode. If you leave it in your bag in the wrong mode, you may not have enough power for your next workout.

Finish SwimsenseThe Swimsense will store up to 14 workouts, but when you are done with a workout, you just need to place it in the Swimsense dock, which also charges the watch. When you open up the Swimsense bridge the workouts will download. You will then need to open up an internet browser to access your dashboard, where you will be able to really start analyzing the data. At first glance the web-based dashboard looks dated, but as you work with it and it becomes more familiar you will recognize the valuable information it provides. Along with your personal workout information, you can also compare yourself to averages of all other Swimsense users. Your workout information can also be synched with Training Peaks and other programs.

One of the few problems I had, was the Swimsense loading my workouts onto the wrong day. After a tiny bit of research I found out that to fix the problem I needed to upload the beta version updates. I do like the fact that Finis does update enhancements to the Swimsense. It will be interesting to see if there are legitimate updates to the system before the development of an entirely new watch. It should also be noted that the watch does not utilize GPS, therefore it would be useless in open water swims, but Finis has a different solution for that, which I hope to get my hands on when it warms up at the lake.

The Bottom Line ~

Finis has created an incredible training partner in the Swimsense Performance Monitor. For all those swimmers who have lost count of how many laps they have completed, or ever wanted a rundown of their entire workout, the Swimsense is your answer. It is a great training tool and met all my expectations. The watch costs $199, but with a little bit of research you can find it for cheaper. I think it is worth the price.

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Garmin Forerunner 405 Review

Knowledge is Power!

It is hard to believe that I have been running with my Garmin Forerunner 405 for over four years now. I had been running seriously for a couple of years and thankfully the city I live in spaces out major blocks at exactly one-mile increments. I wore a watch that had a stopwatch and would run the city blocks and try to figure out my pace as each mile went by. I then purchased a Polar Heart Rate Monitor so I could keep track of my effort. As 2007 was coming to an end, I started to research what sort of running tool I wanted for Christmas. I stumbled on to an article about the new Forerunner 405 which was to be released in January. I was excited to try it out and started making daily phone calls to multiple REI stores to make sure I could get it on the day it was released. In January of 2008 I hurried home after my purchase excited to try it out…unfortunately I had to wait for it to charge before I could enter into the world of instantaneous feedback while running.

The Forerunner 405 was Garmin’s first successful attempt at providing athletes with a GPS watch that didn’t look like a giant piece of equipment attached to the wrist. It’s predecessor, the Forerunner 305, is considerably larger than the 405, and so the more watch-like design for the 405 makes it more appealing. The 405 only has 2 buttons but uses what they call a touch bezel, the silver ring around the face of the watch, to access most of the functions. With a little bit of effort it is easy to get used to the bezel functions to scroll through the menus.

I would encourage you to take the time to become familiar with the watch before you venture out on the trails. There are multiple screens and options that the 405 offers. As you start out, you will need to allow the watch to connect with the satellites. I have rarely ran into problems with the connections. The directions suggest that you attempt to connect outdoors, but I haven’t found that necessary. There have been a few times where I have needed to exit the connection screen, and then go back in for it to access, but a few times is nothing over a four-year period of time.

Once connected to the satellites all you need to do is push the start button and your instant feedback is in the palm of your hand, or at least on your wrist. You will need to decide which screens are most valuable for you and how much information you want on each screen. The user can choose from one to three different sets of information on each screen. I believe that since you bought a GPS watch, you would want the distance traveled. When I run, I typically choose to have the average pace, time elapsed, and distance traveled on my primary screen. On my secondary screens I will choose current speed, current heart rate, average heart rate and many others. There are numerous choices that the user can elect. One of my favorite functions is the virtual pace partner. The user can enter in the pace that they would like to run and the watch will keep track of how much time and distance the user is ahead or behind the elected pace. This is a great feature when trying to beat a P.R.

Having the immediate feedback while out running or cycling is great but it is only half of what Garmin has to offer. When you are finished with your training and head toward your computer, the watch will sync up with your computer using an Ant+ stick. Your entire workout will be downloaded into the Garmin training center. Make sure to set the lap function on your watch. This will help you as you analyze your training session. I set my laps to one mile and can easily analyze my training session. The program also provides you with a map of where you traveled. The map in the training center is somewhat limited but it allows you to open your training session in Google Earth. You can also sync your training center to Garmin’s web-based training center where all the information is available in an even better format with better maps. There is even a player where you can watch yourself, in the form of a pin, move through your training session and compare your speeds, elevation and other information.

I loved the watch so much that I forced my wife and neighbors to try it. A week later my wife had ordered her own and soon thereafter my neighbors had also bought one. My wife loves the interval function the watch offers. She sets her interval to distance or time and the watch will audibly alert her to when she either needs to step it up or enter into her recovery period. The ANT+ and the computer program easily pair up with both my watch and my wife’s, without any issues

I have found that the watch is extremely accurate. I have tested it against the speedometer in my car and a few different bike computers and it has always been right on. The battery is also solid. The watch comes with a plug where you can recharge the battery whenever you need to. The only time I have run out of battery power after a full charge was during my Ironman event when I was out on the road for an extended amount of time (8+ hours).

Although I love the watch, it isn’t perfect. The back-light on my watch has never worked. It seems to only be a glitch with my watch as it has worked on my wife’s and other friends. I attribute this to wanting to be an early adopter and buying one of the first watches off the production line. I am convinced that Garmin would have exchanged it but I didn’t want to give it up for any amount of time. The only other problems I have had is when running when it is wet outside. There are times when the bezel does not react to the touch of wet fingers. Also, if wearing a long-sleeved shirt and it is wet, it has at times activated the bezel and changed the screen. These issues have been rare and can easily be avoided by using the locking function on the bezel.

The Bottom Line ~

The Forerunner 405 is an incredible piece of equipment and continues to be one of my favorite training tools even though it is four years old. I do need to note that the heart rate strap is an add on. You can purchase the watch with or without the heart rate strap. The suggested retail price for the 405 is around $250, but you can easily find the watch for under $200. I paid $350 when it was new and have never regretted my purchase.

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Ryders Swamper Polar-Photo Sunglass Review

Having 4 Eyes Has Never Been So Stylish

Ryder's Swamper SunglassesWith as much time as endurance athletes spend outdoors, investing in a quality pair of sunglasses is key.  But, let’s be honest, you could probably take out a small loan to buy some of the optics available on the market.

I think a simple, high-quality, feature-packed, moderate cost approach is the way to go.  That’s why Ryders Eyewear is such a great option.

Overall Ryders costs less than the super-hyped brands like Smith.  But just because it costs less does not impact the quality.  I’ve found the Ryder’s Swamper Polar-Photo Sunglass to be a great pair of affordable, quality sunglasses for a wide-variety of sports.

I have used the Swampers for several months in my running, cycling, cross-country skiing and mountain biking.  I have to say that I’m quite happy with these glasses.

First they are polarized, which I believe every athlete who’s spending significant time outdoors should have polarized lenses – it just makes the view that much better.  The Swampers are also cool because they are photo-chromatic.  That is basically scientific talk for the fact that the lenses will automatically darken and lighten, depending on the brightness of the light in your environment.  This is a great option, especially if you are training in the late afternoon/evening or early morning. (when most non-sponsored athletes train and recreate)

Now, it’s important to note that the lenses don’t instantly brighten or darken, but gradually do so.  Also, they darken faster than they lighten, so they aren’t a perfect solution for Mountain Biking when you’re going in and out of dark spaces quickly.

The other feature I really like about these glasses is that the nose pads and temple tips are flexible and adjustable.  This is really great because you can really dial in a customized fit for your individual face.  Also, they are made out of hydrophylic material, so they provide some extra grip which comes in handy as your face starts to sweat.

The Bottom Line ~

Ryders Eyewear is a quality, affordable name that you can trust.  I really like the Swampers lenses and have been happy with the optics quality, fit, and durability.  I really love the photochromatic lenses and I also love how affordable these glasses are – about $90.

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Honey Stinger Waffle Review

Oh, the goodness!

Honey Stinger WaffleDo you remember the first time you ever tried an energy bar and thought, “that is truly disgusting”? How about trying to consume one at mile 23 of a marathon, or hour 11 of an Ironman…you know it is virtually impossible. Well, there is hope, as Honey Stinger has created quite possibly the most perfect food in the history of mankind, the Honey Stinger Waffle.

The Honey Stinger Waffle was inspired by Lance Armstrong who suggested making an energy food similar to waffles sold throughout Europe. The product is basically two thin waffles with honey in the middle and it is certified organic. The waffle comes individually packed and provides you with 160 calories, 7 fat grams and 21 grams of carbs. It is a great solution to get your energy during your long training rides and competitions.

I want to emphasize how great the Stinger Waffle tastes. It is a delicious treat, and yes, it tastes like a treat. I let my kids try it (big mistake) and now they always ask me for the honey cookie. The Stinger Waffle is a round flat piece of goodness which is great for stuffing into your cycling jersey pockets. Because they are flat, you can easily stuff a six to eight in each pocket and not feel as if you are stuffing your pockets so full it will drag you down. I am not sure you would want to eat that many during a training session, but the goodness may tempt you to.

The honey does a good job of keeping the waffle from completely crumbling apart. I have kept a few loosely in my training bag and they have mostly kept their shape despite being knocked around by my other gear. The waffles broke into a few bite-size pieces, but not into tiny crumbs. The packaging is a little difficult to get into while flying down the road on your bike, but it shouldn’t be too much of an issue with most people.

The Bottom Line ~

Honey Stinger has created an incredible product that stands alone in the nutrition category with no other items like this. The Stinger Waffle provides a great alternative to other energy products on the market, but I would suggest that you combine the waffle with your current nutrition regimen. If you try this product you will love it and it will provide you with an additional and completely different item in your arsenal.

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Mountainsmith Bike Cube Review

Get Your Life Organized by Entering the Cube

Mountainsmith Bike CubeIf anyone tells you that cycling or triathlon is a simple sport that requires minimal gear – tell them they’re crazy.  It’s seems like the more you get involved in endurance athletics, the more gear and little gadgets you get.  Staying organized, in and of itself can be a huge challenge.

Fortunately, Mountainsmith had the insight to create something that has simplified and changed my whole equipment/clothing management experience.

The Bike Cube, is exactly what it sounds like.  A handy cube shaped bag that literally stores everything you need (minus your bike and wheels.)

Whether you’re are doing a single day race, or a multi-day stage race – you’ll love the Bike Cube.  Of course you can put all your soft clothing into the Bike Cube, but it also contains a special compartments and space within that compartment for your helmet, shoes, sunglasses, food, sunblock, tools, etc.

I have yet to find something that I haven’t been able to find a handy place for within the Bike Cube.  They make a basic and deluxe model.  While there isn’t much difference between the two, the deluxe looks a little sharper and has many more little compartments to put various smaller equipment.

The only potential drawback some might experience with this product is that it doesn’t pack down smaller than the cube.  It’s a fairly stiff, well-shaped bag and so if you’re trying to squeeze it into a fully loaded car, you might have some problems.

The Bike Cube Deluxe is regularly price at about $75.00.  Certainly not the cheapest bag, but I believe it’s well worth the money.  If you get tired of looking around your house or car for this, that, and the other piece of equipment – get the Bike Cube and simplify your life.  I love not worrying if I have something or where I put this particular item.  I just know that it’s all in the cube.

The Bottom Line ~

Mountainsmith is a quality company that makes quality products.  After 3 years of using the Bike Cube, I swear by this product and recommend it to all my friends.  It’s so easy to keep all your biking stuff together, in one place.  It makes bike trips a dream and will keep you organized.  It may not be the cheapest  piece of equipment, but it’s well worth the money.  Keep an eye on Bonktown and other discount sites, as they will offer discounts.

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