'EXCELLENT FOR REAL TIME PERFORMANCE AND RECORDING PROGRESS'
Strengths: This is a lightweight watch, with the right amount of functionality to avoid confusion and reliance on over-sophistication. The various views available (i.e. mileage, pace, time, etc) are useful and the more advanced upper/lower limit alarm function is a great means of achieving pacing strategies.
The load to PC functionality provides an excellent resource for tracking performance over time, with useful graphs and the ability to post notes on a run by run and week by week basis.
The calibration appears pretty accurate and although you can't cater for very hilly sessions it's usually close, even over long runs.
Weaknesses: None evident really. Only suggestion is that the split functionilty doesn't give the the time of the most recent split (it does on the PC load but not on the watch during the run).
Apparently the foot pod is only splash-proof so I had to take it off at the end of a race that had a river crossing...although I suppose I won't be doing to many of them!!
No good if you want GPS capability...but then you have to go and pay for that I suppose.
i didn't bother with the Heart Rate monitor so can't comment on that.
Overall: I've used various gadgets and tools (inclusing Nike+) and this to date beats the lot. The price has reduced recently and appears to continue to go down. For me this is an excellent, value for money product.
Strengths: Light-weight, slick and supportive in the right places.
Weaknesses: Non evident as yet but only 2 weeks in to using them
Overall: I suppose the best I can do is compare them to the Asics range I have always used. I bought a pair of these in the sale (bit of a bargain!) as an alternative to the 2120's. I would say they are lighter and provide more cushioning than the 2120's. They look as good (if not a bit slicker) and don't appear to give me any grief on really long runs (I felt the cushioner on the 2120's let you down a bit after about 15 miles). I would consider these a good alternative to the Asics shoes - will be interested to see how they cope with the heavy mileage I'll be putting them through in the next few months.
Strengths: I do think they gave me a boost when I needed it (but I'm never sure whether this is pyschological or not)
Weaknesses: really think (especially on a freezing morning - they seem to get even thicker). The top doesn't rip as cleanly as the SIS ones
Overall: I like the size of these. They are a bit smaller than the SIS ones (which I found a bit too big). I seem to get the benefit but do think they are a bit thick. I've bought 30 on-line with the RW discount 15%, so I'll persist and see how I get on.
Strengths: Great companion and motivational tool. Challenges and goals functions v.good and ability to review progress great.
Weaknesses: The receiver breaks when it gets wet for any period. I'm now on my 2nd Nike+ and both have failed as they have got wet either through rain or sweat seeping through the Nike+ armband.
Overall: I have tried to contact Nike via their contact us section of the site but they continue to ignore me. I'm amazed they haven't designed this to cope with sweat and rain...after all, both are inevitable parts of the running experience. Anyone else experienced the same problem...and had any joy getting them sorted out with nike/apple
Strengths: This guy really makes you want to go out and run forever...funny and inspirational
Weaknesses: He is a bit full of himself - but I suppose if I cuold do what he does I might be the same
Overall: For me it's in the top 10 books you must read before you die. I'm on a quest to get all my family and friends through it. Even my Dad was impressed!
Strengths: Going from shoes a novice would buy to some serious gear, these really hit the mark. I struggled for weeks with what I thought were OK shoes and when I decided to start entering races and ranking up the training I realised I needed something better. The support around the arches is excellent. I've found no "plaining" around corners with greatly improved stability and, if you like, confidence on all terrains and surfaces.
Weaknesses: No obvious ones, Orange is not exactly my colour and I picked up a couple of pairs before I realised the black marks on the grey part of the sole are meant to be there!
Overall: Overall, I would say, throw out the ecomony shoes and go for something that gives you support and confidence. Particularly good if your arches are a little high and you like a light but stable shoe.
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