Product Reviews

Over the course of the past few years, I’ve reviewed a number of products. Most of them, it’s simply because I went out and bought the product and gave it a whirl. In some cases, it’s because a company sent me their product to review. I differentiate within each review how I came about the product. I tend to be super-detailed in my reviews – some might even say over the top. That’s just my style, leave no stone unturned! If you have any questions about any of the reviews, feel free to leave a comment at the end of the post.Also – check out my 2011 recommendations post here.Hope these help!

(Click each product name to read my in depth review)

CycleOps (Saris):
————————————————

CycleOps PowerBeam Pro with Joule 3.0
This is CycleOps’s fully resistance controlled trainer, similiar to the CompuTrainer, but at a slightly lower price point. Additionally, I tested the Joule 3.0 in this review, as well as gave a sneak peek at their upcoming computerized training software.

PowerTap Power Meter and Joule 2.0
The PowerTap power meter hub and Joule 2.0 head unit make for a very affordable combination for a power meter. I also tested their new wheelset within this review.

Garmin Forerunner 305:
This GPS watch has been the mainstay of my triathlon training. I use it pretty much exclusively for tracking all my runs, and some of my bike rides. Even a few swims!Garmin Forerunner 310XT

I peeled apart Garmin’s second generation multisport watch and wrote up probably the longest review on earth.  I didn’t intend for it to be that way, but there’s a lot of stuff to cover.  It can go on runs, bikes and swims, along with going all sorts of other interesting places.Garmin Forerunner 110

Garmin’s simplest runningwatch to date – which focuses on ease of use for runners.  Here’s my take on the latest device to come out of Olathe, Kansas.Garmin Forerunner 210
The FR210 builds on the FR110′s simplicity and small form factor.  But it adds in key enhancements over the FR110 – including instance pace, foot pod support, and intervals.Garmin Forerunner FR60:

This is the only non-GPS watch from Garmin I’ve reviewed, and yet it’s one of my favorite Garmin watches.  It’s also the one I wear all day long, to the pool, on the run, and even on the bike.  Very fun little watch.Garmin Forerunner 405:

This first generation touch bezel watch aimed at the running community is both loved and hated. Why such polarizing differences?Garmin Forerunner 410:

This update to the FR405 makes things a bit more modern, but does it solve the touch bezel problems?Garmin Forerunner 610:

This is Garmin’s most recent entrant and first full touch screen running watch targeted primarily at the running community, with a few nods to triathletes as well. Read my in depth review on it to understand which product best fits your needs.Garmin Forerunner 910XT:
This is the update to the FR310XT – their latest triathlon watch. The FR910XT brings with it both openwater and pool swimming tracking. A very impressive watch.Garmin Edge 200:
The Edge 200 is Garmin’s low-priced entrant in the cycling computer market. At sub-$150 the unit doesn’t have any ANT+ compatibility (so no HR straps or speed/cadence sensors) – but it does offer a simple and easy to use GPS cycling computer.
Garmin Edge 500:
This cycling computers finally addresses what every competitive cyclist wanted – a super slim bike computer with GPS functionality and the ability to download to a computer afterwards.

Garmin Edge 705:

This cycling computer is like Tom-Tom for your bike. I got it last September after getting more than 50 miles off track on one of my bike rides (long, bad story…). Since then, I’ve fallen in love with it. Totally awesome…but, as always, check out the full review for all the deets.Garmin Edge 800:

The latest edition to the Garmin Edge line, this full featured mapping computer coming out in October 2010 includes advanced satellite imagery and the ability to create custom maps. Essentially, a fully revamped Edge 705, but with a touch screen and more features.Garmin Swim:

This is Garmin’s first look at a swim-specific watch. The unit is designed purely for pool use, and tracks your laps/distance/times and then uploads it all wirelessly. Great little unit.Motorola:
————————————————Motorola Motoactv
This is the first sports and fitness device that Motorola has released and they hit the ground running hard. An incredibly impressive combination of a fitness watch and MP3 player. Perhaps the coolest part being the WiFi uploading capability.

Nike:
————————————————

Nike+ GPS Sportwatch
This is Nike’s first entrant into the GPS fitness market, as part of a partnership with TomTom. The watch offers significant integration with the existing Nike online community.

Polar:
————————————————

Polar RCX5 Multisport Watch
This is Polar’s latest multisport watch. The unit is compatible with the new G5 GPS pod, as well as the s3+ stride sensor. This is also the first Polar unit that I’ve put through the paces. One unique feature of this watch over every other device listed here is the ability to record heart rate underwater.

Soleus:
————————————————

Soleus GPS 1.0 Running Watch
This is the first sub-$100 GPS watch on the market today. While it doesn’t download data to a computer, it does do a good job of giving you speed, distance and time in a normal watch sized form factor.

Tacx Trainers:
————————————————

Tacx Bushido Computerized Trainer
This computer integrated trainer sells for half the price of the CompuTrainer, with a fair number more features. However, does software stability still make it a good deal? Check out for all the details.

Timex:
————————————————

Timex Ironman GPS Global Trainer
This is Timex’s first forray into the gps-enabled sports watch scene.  Out in June of 2010, this device connects to existing ANT+ Accessories (including power meters), and displays them in a triathlon friendly (read: waterproof) device.

Timex GPS Run Trainer
This is Timex’s latest forray into the gps-enabled sports watch scene.  It came out in October 2011, and at sub-$200 pretty much dominates that price point…and is fully waterproofed!

Timex Cycle Trainer GPS 2.0
This is the first bike-specific GPS unit Timex has made, in direct competition to the Garmin Edge 500. It shares much of the same featureset as the Timex Global Trainer – including the ability to use it while running. Cool stuff!

Timex Marathon GPS
This is the cheapest GPS offering from timex, at just under a $100. It’s identical to the Soleus watches, but just in a Timex branded style. It doesn’t (normally) upload to a computer, but is a good little starter watch.

Swimming Technology
————————————————
FINIS Swimsense by Sportsense:

The Swimsense is the most advanced swim watch out on the market today, keeping track of both sets as well as individual pool lengths. It measures distance, time, stroke rate and a host of other items.FINIS AquaPulse

The FINIS AquaPulse measures your heart rate while you swim and then audibly notes it to you via jawbone induction.Swimovate Pool-Mate Pro:

This smaller form factor watch keeps track of your workout sets and then allows downloading to a computer after the swim.Swimsense vs Pool-Mate Pro Comparison Post:
I go in depth with a shootout between the above two watches here.

This scale will digitally weight you and measure body fat, and then automatically transmit the data to your Garmin FR-60 or 310XT watch.  From there it sends it over to Garmin Connect and is viewable online.  But, it also comes with a bunch of software to analyze your daily metrics, even if you don’t own a Garmin watch.Wahoo Fitness ANT+ iPhone Adapter:
If you want to see the future of sports technology utilizing common phones, check out this little adapter. It enables you to connect your iPhone to your existing set of Garmin ANT+ Accessories.

I use the CompuTrainer for the bulk of my bike training…even in the summer. Yup, I toil away 2-3 days a week on the trainer, snow or shine. In doing so, I became rather familiar with it and my first year using it I decided to write-up a long post detailing it all. Check it out.CompuTrainer Real Course Videos:

These ‘videos’ go along with the CompuTrainer but are purchased separately. In short, they are real recorded races (i.e. Ironman Hawaii, Lake Placid, etc…) that you ride on your CompuTrainer. Then it shows you on the course at whatever speed you’re actually riding. Pretty cool stuff.Podium Quest Aero Bottle:

Probably one of the coolest products I’ve tested. This bedside table actually reads your brain waves and then analyzes your sleep patterns…oh, and you can even watch someone else sleep in realtime.Sof Sole Energy Footbeds:

Outdoors products:
————————————————

This tiny little device records where you went so that after you go on your trip you can automatically GeoTag all your photos with the exact location.  It’s about the size of an iPod Shuffle, and is relatively inexpensive.  Pretty cool for both taking photos out on a long ride/hike, or just jetsetting around the world.

Trail Leader H20 Fitness Watch:

Notes:
————————————————
Finally, if you’re curious what goes into my product reviews – read my ‘Behind the Scenes’ post for all the details.

Note: I’m always happy to do product reviews. If you’re a company and want me to review your product, simply e-mail me at the e-mail address on the sidebar to the right.