Strengths: HR and GPS in a single unit. Training Center software allows for custom schedules to be uploaded.
Weaknesses: Firmware updates are a pain. Contacts go black with sweat and stop working. Vertical measurement poor. Can't swim in it. Battery life. Signal drop out.
Overall: I liked this piece of kit and had endless hours playing with it's features over the last couple of years.
What I didn't do was use it as an effective training tool. Not the fault of the kit but you can get hung up on features and lose sight of the basics.
Ultimately not the multisport tool I was after but I don't regret the purchase at all.
Strengths: Dissolves quickly, easy to measure, relatively cheap and very easy on the stomach.
I found it worth the effort for runs over 12 mile. Especially in summer.
Weaknesses: Carb load per ml is not the highest. On a mara you will need more carbs than this can supply on it's own.
Also whilst it has electrolytes I found that I needed salt in a mara even when using this at high strength. It was hot and I sweated out more than this could put in. Not really a weakness just a limitation.
Overall: Great as a base for your hydration and nutrition strategy. Not a one stop shop.
Strengths: Great little unit that can be worn as a watch. HRM features are good quality.
Weaknesses: Laughable interface with PC for uploading training data. Locks up for no reason and needs to be reset.
Overall: I really like my polar and have only reluctantly upgraded to a garmin. I can forgive the niggle over the connectivity but it's a complete pain when the bugger locks up and you lose data.
Strengths: They are very light and responsive and have a good heel fit. Low and very quick, they great to run in.
Weaknesses: They won't last that long. Mine are still OK but they won't last the year and I only race in mine.
Overall: I really liked these shoes. A monster PB in my first outing in them helped but I'm a bit of Imelda for shoes and can't find a general pair to settle on but for racers i'll get another pair of these.
Weaknesses: Poor upper, stitching internally, heel fit, lacing system - I could go on.
Overall: I was delighted with my Phasis II's, so much so I bought some III's to replace them. After just 100 miles in them I have had enough. I'm chucking them out even tho they haven't worn out. The sole is fine but the heel comes up too high and rubs on the achilles, the stitching on the upper is falling apart and the lacing system is frankly a pain in the butt. Shame as I really liked the II.
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