Nike Triax Elite Monitors Heart Rate, Running Speed and Distance
The Nike Triax Elite Heart Rate Monitor and Speed/Distance Monitor is one of the most full-featured personal fitness measurement devices available today. It's the top-of-the-line fitness measurement device from Nike, a company who has been expanding into this space over the past couple of years. The Triax Elite is aimed at runners and walkers because it combines a heart rate monitor with a very accurate electronic pedometer. It also comes with data upload capability to PCs or Macs, and excellent fitness journal software.
The Triax Elite is a stopwatch and a heart rate monitor strap that are both water resistant to 50 meters. It supports display of heart rate, current running pace, and pace target information for interval training. This puts it in the same league as other top-of-the-line fitness measurement devices like the Polar S610i and the Timex Bodylink. The Triax Elite's foot sensor is splash resistant but not as waterproof as the other components.
Nike's fitness journal and workout creation software is among the best I've ever seen. For an example of how powerful the software is, watch the Flash demo of creating a workout. This shows you how to build interval training workouts with point-and-click ease. I don't know of any other software included with a fitness gadget that makes building workouts this easy.
Nike's software also lets you tag workouts with sets of attributes. For instance, you can assign attributes to workouts that you do repeatedly. The Polar Precision Software, by comparison, lets you label each workout, but doesn't do anything to help you compare or aggregate similarly-named workouts.
The features that Polar offers in its S-Series heart rate monitors that are missing in the Nike Triax Elite are estimated V02 max and caloric consumption. Accurate caloric consumpution data is valuable to athletes who are carefully monitoring their diets, either for weight loss or performance optimization purposes. V02 max, the measure of maximum oxygen carrying capacity of an athlete's bloodstream, is an important fitness benchmark that is hard to measure accurately without a fitness lab workup. But, Polar's HRMs do an amazingly accurate job of it considering the data that is available from their system.
A lot of people who would use a Nike Triax Elite, however, would not be as interested in caloric consumpution estimates as in the advanced workout planning and reporting features of the Triax Elite software. I think V02 max is very helpful at certain stages of a long-term training program, but, a lot of people find detailed heart rate data far more important, and there is little apparent difference between Polar and Nike in this area
I was really impressed with the Nike Triax Elite. It is a great system for athletes whose training involves running or race walking at a high level. The system produces and analyzes enough data to be helpful to a professional fitness coach, although it would be better if it supported V02 max and physiological testing mechanisms like the UKK Walking Test or overtraining tests. The included fitness journal software is an improvement over the equivalent software from Polar in most areas.
If you are in the market for an advanced fitness measurement device that is designed primarily for running and has excellent interval management support and journal capabilities, the Nike Triax Elite would be an excellent choice.
Comments
I'm a serious runner and I'm trying to decide between the Nike Triax Elite and the Timex Bodylink system. Which in your opinion is the better product? I do a lot of my training 'cross country', will the Nike product be as accurate off road. Also, I have heard that the Nike product can be difficult to calibrate and relies on regular stride length for its accuracy. Is this the case? I would be most grateful for any advice you can give me... Kind regards, Keith Flynn (Ireland).
Posted by: Keith Flynn | January 2, 2004 11:52 AM
Keith:
I do some running this time of year, particularly when I don't have any ice hockey games to officiate. If I were in the market for a fitness measurement device with distance/pace and a heart rate monitor, I would not be concerned with one component of the system being pedometer-like.
I think most people's strides are fairly consistant unless you run on terrain that is quite varied. By this I mean that they periodically run major hills that have a large effect on stride length.
Although you have thought of the potential problem associated with a pedometer, let me point out a problem with a GPS-based system. GPS requires clear line of site to one or more satellites in orbit overhead. If you run in places with dense tree growth, this may have an impact on the data collected during the run. Exactly what the impact would be, I can't say, because I have not yet had a chance to take these two products out for a run in order to see how they compare to using my Polar S-Series HRM.
In the case of the Nike Triax Elite, I had the opportunity to play with it at a specialty running store nearby where a friend is good enough to let me take careful looks at all of the gadgets they get in stock. I was also able to get a lot of information about it from Nike's website. It has particularly detailed information about the fitness journal software, as I mentioned above.
In the case of the Bodylink, I met a guy who uses one at a race. (He likes the Bodylink a lot, but had never used any of the competing products.) I talked to him about what it was like to use it, but, I didn't think to ask him how it dealt with GPS signal loss. I also have not had the opportunity to look at the software that comes with it to the same extent as I have the Nike software.
This is the best I can do at the moment. I hope you find my response slightly helpful. Good luck with your choice, and let us know what you decide to do.
Posted by: Dave Aiello | January 3, 2004 5:44 PM
Dave
With regards to the GPS on the Timex product... apparently, if you loose signal, due to a tunnel, or lots of very high trees, it will assume that you have run in a straight line from the last known position with GPS coverage, to your current position with GPS coverage.
Furthermore, and with regards to the comments about the accuracy of the pedometre of the Nike product, the Timex GPS unit tracks latitude, longitude and altitude, so it knows when you are running up and down hills and can calcuate your speed more accurately.
Posted by: Ronnie Chung | January 12, 2004 9:53 AM
Ronnie:
Thanks for reporting this. It makes sense that a GPS-based fitness gadget like the Bodylink would do this. I didn't really expect that the GPS data for the entire workout would be shot if you lost track on the satellites overhead. But, I had wondered how the Bodylink would perform in signal-loss situations.
I'm still interested in issues like how long it takes for the GPS unit to reacquire a signal once it is lost, and how long you have to be without a signal before the unit goes into its signal loss mode.
These issues have always been considerations with GPS-based devices. I know this because I have owned and used two Garmin consumer-oriented GPS devices. This has been an issue with both of them, although less so with the newer one, because the technology has gotten a lot better/cheaper in succeeding generations of receivers.
Posted by: Dave Aiello | January 12, 2004 1:10 PM
Hi, I just bought a Triax Elite and I'm having considerable problems getting the watch to link with my Mac. So far it only worked once. I've tried all the troubleshooting tips in the manual. Does anybody have any other suggestions?
Thanks, Michael
Posted by: Michael | February 12, 2004 2:45 AM
Regarding the Timex BodyLink: I have one here with all the components (watch, HRM, GPS, Data Recorder). I also had a lot of work with the Fitsense FS-1 Pro. If you are familiar with the Fitsense, it is a pedometer type watch. I was impressed with the accuracy of the FS-1. I sold it when I started running triathlons as I thought I would be able to use Timex BodyLink on the Bike & Run portion of the races.
As far as the Timex is concerned the accuracy of the GPS is good and watch is very easy to use. However, I think I am going to go back to the FS-1 or buy the Nike Triax Elite.
Here are my personal problems with the system:
1. The GPS keeps turning off in the middle of a run. I sent the unit back to Timex for a replacement and the new one did the same. I see now they have a new form factor in the GPS unit, maybe they fixed this with the new version?
2. The watch does not do intervals.
3. The data recorder is a separate buy and is not "link" to the watch. By this I mean that it start recording as soon as the recorder is turned on. This mean that when you start or stop activity you have to remember to turn off/on the data recorder as well as the watch.
4. The data recorder seems to stop and start in the middle of a workout. By this I mean, if you are exercising for 1 hour, when you hook the recorder up to the computer it might download the workout as three separate shorter activities.
As a heart rate monitor it is great. In fact sold a S610i that I had bought for my wife (way to hard to use for her), and now she uses my Timex with the HRM only when she is working out.
Like I was saying before, I am debating on going back to the FS-1 (which I really like) or trying the Triax. After browsing the Nike website, I want to give the Triax a shot. But after my experience with the Timex, I want to make sure that it works as advertised.
My 2 cents.
-Rick
Posted by: Rick Evans | February 22, 2004 4:32 PM
Rick:
Thanks for posting so much good information on the differences between the BodyLink and the FS-1. I'd like to know more about the issues with the Polar S610i that made it too difficult for your wife to use, although maybe this article is not the place for that.
I think the Triax Elite could be a very good device for runners, but it's not going to satisfy duathletes and triathletes because it doesn't collect cycling data.
I am hoping that Polar will make a true cross-over device available soon, now that they have announced the S625x which includes a footpod. The S625x is a runner's HRM, to be sure. It would be great if the Polar S1 footpod "just worked" with the S-series cycling computers as another data input. However, it's not clear that's the case at this point.
I am looking for a good contact inside Polar USA to talk through these and other issues. If I make any progress, you will see some stories posted on Operation Gadget.
--Dave Aiello, Operation Gadget
Posted by: Dave Aiello | February 22, 2004 5:33 PM
Dave:
Concerning the Triax Elite, the fact that it dose not provide cycling data is OK with me. At first I wanted an all in one solution, hence the BodyLink. I have since found out there is no good solution for both biking and running. I now have a bike computer and am looking to get back into a good running watch.
As far as the S610i goes, there were just too many menus and it was not intuitive enough. All my wife was really looking for was a watch to setup Galloway (for marathon training) intervals and to monitor her heart rate at the same time. I think Nike has a product that may satisfy that need. I will keep looking. In the end, I was just not impressed with the Polar watches.
Sooooooo, that brings me back to a running watch for me. Again, I am in the last days of deciding whether I am going to repurchase an FS-1 or try the Triax Elite. Everything that I have seen concerning the Triax looks good, I just was looking for some feedback from previous customers as to there experience with the product.
So far, it seems that the Mac users are still having difficulties trying to connect to there computers. Other than that, I have not heard much good or bad about longer term user experiences.
Lastly, I would suggest you review the FS-1 as it is an excellent watch and it is around $100 cheaper than the Triax. However, on a side-by-side comparison I am not sure which one is better.
Thx,
Rick
Posted by: Rick Evans | February 23, 2004 6:41 AM
Dave:
Concerning the Triax Elite, the fact that it dose not provide cycling data is OK with me. At first I wanted an all in one solution, hence the BodyLink. I have since found out there is no good solution for both biking and running. I now have a bike computer and am looking to get back into a good running watch.
As far as the S610i goes, there were just too many menus and it was not intuitive enough. All my wife was really looking for was a watch to setup Galloway (for marathon training) intervals and to monitor her heart rate at the same time. I think Nike has a product that may satisfy that need. I will keep looking. In the end, I was just not impressed with the Polar watches.
Sooooooo, that brings me back to a running watch for me. Again, I am in the last days of deciding whether I am going to repurchase an FS-1 or try the Triax Elite. Everything that I have seen concerning the Triax looks good, I just was looking for some feedback from previous customers as to there experience with the product.
So far, it seems that the Mac users are still having difficulties trying to connect to there computers. Other than that, I have not heard much good or bad about longer term user experiences.
Lastly, I would suggest you review the FS-1 as it is an excellent watch and it is around $100 cheaper than the Triax. However, on a side-by-side comparison I am not sure which one is better.
Thx,
Rick
Posted by: Rick Evans | February 23, 2004 6:44 AM
I just purchased the Nike Triax Elite HRM/SDM and have used it on five occasions this week. I first wanted to assess the calibration of the SDM Pod...which incidentally was RIGHT on the mark. It accurately, and I mean within one stride, measured a mile. I used a marked track, my girlfriend driving a car with digital odometer next to me, as well as a treadmill. On all three occasions it was extremely accurate (99% or better) I was surprised at the treadmill workout because I assumed that my stride would be artificially short.
The chest strap is comfortable, the ergonomics of the watch are great, with easy controls. The true gem is the software. Intuitive, and fairly comprehensive. My only gripe is that it does not synch with my MAC. I have been synching at my office with a PC smoothly, but I would rather have all my info on one of my MACS at home. Whoever did the MAC side of the R&D/Software aspect to the package really dropped the ball.
I called NIKE several times, and I have written e-mails as well for them to expedite a software upgrade to correct the problem with synching for OS-X, whether it be Jaguar or Panther. So my advice for other MAC users out there is to flood NIKE with a deluge of calls and e-mails to GET ON IT!
Another software improvement could be allowing the watch to synch data to several different computers before just automatically erasing the data after the first synch.
Buy the Triax, you won't be sorry.....unless you have a MAC and can't wait for a fix.
Steve
Posted by: Steve | February 26, 2004 1:51 AM
I just purchased the Nike Triax Elite HRM/SDM and have used it on five occasions this week. I first wanted to assess the calibration of the SDM Pod...which incidentally was RIGHT on the mark. It accurately, and I mean within one stride, measured a mile. I used a marked track, my girlfriend driving a car with digital odometer next to me, as well as a treadmill. On all three occasions it was extremely accurate (99% or better) I was surprised at the treadmill workout because I assumed that my stride would be artificially short.
The chest strap is comfortable, the ergonomics of the watch are great, with easy controls. The true gem is the software. Intuitive, and fairly comprehensive. My only gripe is that it does not synch with my MAC. I have been synching at my office with a PC smoothly, but I would rather have all my info on one of my MACS at home. Whoever did the MAC side of the R&D/Software aspect to the package really dropped the ball.
I called NIKE several times, and I have written e-mails as well for them to expedite a software upgrade to correct the problem with synching for OS-X, whether it be Jaguar or Panther. So my advice for other MAC users out there is to flood NIKE with a deluge of calls and e-mails to GET ON IT!
Another software improvement could be allowing the watch to synch data to several different computers before just automatically erasing the data after the first synch.
Buy the Triax, you won't be sorry.....unless you have a MAC and can't wait for a fix.
Steve
Posted by: Steve | February 26, 2004 1:53 AM
I just purchased the Nike Triax Elite HRM/SDM and have used it on five occasions this week. I first wanted to assess the calibration of the SDM Pod...which incidentally was RIGHT on the mark. It accurately, and I mean within one stride, measured a mile. I used a marked track, my girlfriend driving a car with digital odometer next to me, as well as a treadmill. On all three occasions it was extremely accurate (99% or better) I was surprised at the treadmill workout because I assumed that my stride would be artificially short.
The chest strap is comfortable, the ergonomics of the watch are great, with easy controls. The true gem is the software. Intuitive, and fairly comprehensive. My only gripe is that it does not synch with my MAC. I have been synching at my office with a PC smoothly, but I would rather have all my info on one of my MACS at home. Whoever did the MAC side of the R&D/Software aspect to the package really dropped the ball.
I called NIKE several times, and I have written e-mails as well for them to expedite a software upgrade to correct the problem with synching for OS-X, whether it be Jaguar or Panther. So my advice for other MAC users out there is to flood NIKE with a deluge of calls and e-mails to GET ON IT!
Another software improvement could be allowing the watch to synch data to several different computers before just automatically erasing the data after the first synch.
Buy the Triax, you won't be sorry.....unless you have a MAC and can't wait for a fix.
Steve
Posted by: Steve Koos | February 26, 2004 2:08 AM
One of the posters listed a problem with the SD sensor turning off during a run. Mine did this too, and I tracked it down to weak springs holding the batteries in place. I "stretched" the springs so that they hold the batteries in place tighter and the problem went away. My main issue with the Timex BL is the "beep" on the watch quit working after 3-4 weeks of use. I have no resolution on this one yet. I guess I'll send it back to Timex after I conclude my 26.2 training.
Posted by: Dennis | March 17, 2004 3:05 PM
One of the posters listed a problem with the SD sensor turning off during a run. Mine did this too, and I tracked it down to weak springs holding the batteries in place. I "stretched" the springs so that they hold the batteries in place tighter and the problem went away. My main issue with the Timex BL is the "beep" on the watch quit working after 3-4 weeks of use. I have no resolution on this one yet. I guess I'll send it back to Timex after I conclude my 26.2 training.
Posted by: Dennis | March 17, 2004 3:06 PM
it's important to note that the Nike Triax Elite is not a pedometer like measuring instrument. The distance/speed calculations are not based on stride distance. Perhaps some physics major could explain how the accelerator measurements work.
Posted by: michel corbin | March 29, 2004 1:59 PM
I just purchased a Nike Triax Elite SDM/HRM and am curious about something. Maybe somebody here has an answer.
When you go to the setup menu you can adjust the display contrast lighter/darker. When adjusted darker you can see all the "elements" of the display. In the upper left corner one of the "elements" appears to be a bicycle (right next to T1 & T2).
What is the bicycle display element for??????
Just curious. Thx
Posted by: Randy | April 4, 2004 2:32 PM
I have one of these watches and it is excellent.
However the SDM has suddenly gone haywire for no reason in the middle of a run it said i was running a mile every 3 seconds.
Its been doing it ever since.
ANy body got any ideas why its doing this?
I am gonna try recalibrating it but i dont think it will work.
Its playing up and not wanting to switch on properly.
Please email me at
phillsmit@yahoo.co.uk
Posted by: phillip smith | April 6, 2004 9:38 AM
I called Nike and told them I was having problems with syncing the watch to my Mac. At first the guy claimed ignorance that the software didn't work in any configuration. Later he said that he was aware of an incompatibility with Mac OS X, but that they might have a new system 10 version of the software next week or maybe in two weeks. Later, in the conversation he said that they could release it tomorrow or maybe it was a month away.
I asked to be a Beta tester for the software. He said they didn't do Beta testing. I told him they really should.
I asked them if I could speak to the person in charge of scheduling the next release. Nope.
Neither would he let me speak to a supervisor.
I asked him if he was aware that they are marketing the product as compatible with the Macintosh. He said that it works with System 9. I asked him if he was aware that they are marketing the product as compatible with the Macintosh Systems 8.6 through 10, and if it is not compatible with System 10, they are misleading their customers. He said that should be corrected.
Fat Chance
Posted by: Ted | April 8, 2004 2:06 PM
Hi All,
I'm thinking of buying either Nike Triax Elite or Polar S625x. But still not sure to buy which one... Do you all have any comments/suggestions on these two products?
Eric
Posted by: Eric | April 25, 2004 1:27 PM
I have used the triax elite since January and have had a terrible experience with synching the watch with xp home and pro. I have had some success with 98. Nike seems to be ignoring the problem. I have talked with them on several occasions. I wonder if they have actually used the product and tried to synch it on a repeated basis. They acknowledge that there is a problem but have no idea when a fix will be, if ever available. Why has not, the seemingly simple answer to correct the problem with a patch been addressed? When the system works it's absolutly great. I only wish their support of the product was as good.
Posted by: Leif | April 26, 2004 9:43 PM
Does anyone have any success with XP at atll?
Posted by: jo | May 11, 2004 10:44 AM
I ran across a newer version (Apr 19) of the triax elite software at:
http://www.nike.com/timing/extranet/elite_software/
I tested the OS X version with 10.3.3 and can now sync with my Mac.
Posted by: James | May 13, 2004 3:13 AM
Yes, it does work with Windows XP. I use it daily and love it. Although, the heart monitor strap is not the most comfortable it is not too bad either.
Posted by: Big J | June 8, 2004 4:07 PM
As a quick follow up to my last message. The only thing about it I don't like is the fact that the dongle will not stop blinking. Even with the application is shut off the dongle has a flashing blue light which is kind of annoying. Nike, are you listening? Enable a switch to turn off the blue flashy light.
Posted by: Big J | June 8, 2004 4:11 PM
Ive been using the Triax Elite for a few weeks, I love it... except today the clip on the chest strap broke GRRRRRRRR ):(
Posted by: Caracal | June 9, 2004 9:01 AM
I currently own a Polar S710 watch and I'm realy satisfied with it (good software also). I bought it for its bicycle functions and altimeter to log my MTB rides. However lately I'm doing a bit more running and of course only get the HRM function of the S710. Then I heard of the S625x which has ALL the functions of the S710 plus the accelerator thing footpod that meassures running speed/distance ... really cool stuff.
So I have sold my S710 and are waiting for the S625x to arrive which is next week or, depending on the dealer, at the end of the month.
Can't wait to use it and see how accurate it is. Will post results after testing.
Posted by: Neros | June 10, 2004 7:39 AM
Hmm... I still can't synch it with my windows XP - it was fine on 2000. I called Nike and they have no idea what the problem is. It seems like someone has problem with it while some don't. Any suggestions? I tried to uninstall and install it again for like 10 times now.
Posted by: jo | June 10, 2004 3:26 PM
Hi,
Ik have the same problem with the software. When the program runs for a couple of minutes, my pc stoppped responding.
Posted by: jeroen | June 12, 2004 4:01 AM
Very interesting to read all the comments above, as I only just happened upon this site. I've actually been using the Triax Elite now for about 14 or 15 months. I know, I know... it hasn't been out that long, but they were selling a handful at Niketown in Boston just prior to the 2003 Boston Marathon. As a highly addicted gadget freak, I couldn't resist.
I have tried a great number of things like this over the years. I tried the Nike SDM100, their original speed and distance watch, but returned it because I found the display very slow to respond in the winter cold. Accuracy was also a challenge, if I recall correctly. I tried the original Timex GPS watch, but it was completely useless for me in New York. Even in Central Park and along the Hudson River where the sky is visible, it simply could not acquire or hold a signal. So that went back too.
So I had settled on a Polar S610, which is a well constructed HRM, but lacked the highly desirable speed and distance functions. Like my previous Polar experiences, it was complicated enough that I felt I was probably using but 25% of its capability. However, I enjoyed it nonetheless and it just felt like a solid piece.
Then I saw the Triax Elite in Boston. I had a few concerns from my prior SDM100 experiences, but the product manager was there from Oregon and was able to address (most of) my concerns/fears. I loved the idea of the speed, distance, HRM and computer download capabilities all in one. So I went for it.
Here are a few random thoughts/experiences over the year plus.
1. Someone pointed out the unused cyclist symbol in the LCD. The product manager pointed that out to me too and kind of winked to indicate something would be coming. However, I've not seen anything to indicate further plans, now more than a year later.
2. I have both a Mac and XP machine at home. It has worked perfectly well on the XP machine. I've also been able to sync on my Mac, but only in OS9 (Classic mode). Great to see the OS X link above! Interestingly, given the historically lesser Mac compatibility, the software was actually being demoed at Niketown on an iMac. Just looked a lot sleeker for marketing the latest technology then a Dell box, I guess...
3. Nike had some initial build quality issues, I found. I essentially paid to be a beta tester! But they came through (they promised they'd stand by me as an early adopter) and sent replacement components in a very timely manner. The quality of the final components I have seems absolutely fine.
4. Accuracy, when correctly calibrated, can be phenomenal (e.g., did a 6 mile, marked run the other day and the watch read 6.03mi). Variable pacing and hills don't seem to have a negative effect on the accuracy.
5. The foot "pod" seems highly sensitive to how it sits on your shoe. So when you move it to new shoes, it may need to be recalibrated. Fortunately, the watch allows you to tweak the current calibration relatively easily.
6. I don't notice the shoe pod on my shoe. The HRM strap feels fine as well. While I don't notice the weight of the watch during runs, it's too bulky for me for normal watch use. My Timex get's the nod for that duty.
7. It would be great if they could adopt a few of Timex' intelligent backlighting features. In particular, the option of having the backlight go on for several seconds with ANY button push, which is helpful when you are trying to review data during a run and need to press a sequence of buttons, is absent. But according to Nike, Timex has a patent on this, so it's a no go.
8. The watch has dual displays during a run, but unfortunately, you are provided only a standard menu of combinations and cannot independently control what you see on which line. For instance, I'd like to see pace and current lap distance simultaneously, but that combination simply doesn't exist and I must cycle through different readings to see what I want. Nike says this is something being developed on other newer watches (although whether a successor to the Triax Elite is in the cards, I do not know...). A firmware update would be a wonderful surprise!
9. The software is superior to the Polar log that came with the S610. It's not perfect, and I can't tell if Nike plans on pouring a lot of further development into it given how few consumers will actually be using it, but it was a decent first stab. I've read that the Garmin software for their Forerunner is terrible. I just don't think these companies have prioritized software, and perhaps rightfully so.
So overall, I'm pretty happy with it. I will always lust after the next great toy (e.g., am curious about the Polar s625x), but the Triax Elite does what it promises pretty well. And it promises a lot!
Happy to answer any questions, if anyone has any (after getting through this long post!), but it's a pretty impressive device and overall I'm happy with it.
Posted by: NYC Runner | June 25, 2004 10:02 AM
Great info. Have been using the Garmin Forerunner. Not happy at all. The inconsistency of sattelite tracking has ruined many important workouts. As a runner also, I really do not need some of the functions such as the map tracking, or waypoint usage. I just want to be able to track pace per mile, distance, and have heart rate functions.
I was leaning towards the Triax elite of the Fitsense. Still have not completely made up my mind, but I am leaning towards the Triax.
Posted by: mark | July 27, 2004 5:38 AM
Great info. Have been using the Garmin Forerunner. Not happy at all. The inconsistency of sattelite tracking has ruined many important workouts. As a runner also, I really do not need some of the functions such as the map tracking, or waypoint usage. I just want to be able to track pace per mile, distance, and have heart rate functions.
I was leaning towards the Triax elite of the Fitsense. Still have not completely made up my mind, but I am leaning towards the Triax.
Posted by: mark | July 27, 2004 5:39 AM
Great info. Have been using the Garmin Forerunner. Not happy at all. The inconsistency of sattelite tracking has ruined many important workouts. As a runner also, I really do not need some of the functions such as the map tracking, or waypoint usage. I just want to be able to track pace per mile, distance, and have heart rate functions.
I was leaning towards the Triax elite of the Fitsense. Still have not completely made up my mind, but I am leaning towards the Triax.
Posted by: mark | July 27, 2004 5:39 AM
Hi, I write from germany, because I bought a Nike Elíte HRM SDM. But the watch can not link to the HRM and SDM. I tried it serval times, also with resetting the watch, batteries etc. Does anybody know what to do more? There is no support for this model in germany ... :-(
regards
Frank
Posted by: Frank Didszuleit | July 27, 2004 6:58 PM
Since my last post I have purchased a new computer and have found the Triax system to synch and function flawlessly. Same operating system (xp), different computer...I'm not sure why, but now it works great. I am anxious to try the polar s625x. It will be great to tie everything (bike, run) together in one system. But until then, I'm (now) happy with the Triax and Polar S720.
Posted by: Leif Strand | August 5, 2004 11:12 AM
I haved used the Polar s410, s610 and the Nike Triax in the exact same environments. The Polar watches are far more susceptible to radiofrequency interference than the Nike Triax. Exercise equipment, cars and transformers all interfered with the Polar but not the Nike. This results in loss of heart rate. The Nike coded digital RF system is far more robust and reliable than Polar's coded RF.
I returned the Polar watches and kept the Nike.
Posted by: George A. Holland | August 16, 2004 8:21 PM
I just recently purchased the Nike Triax CV10 and am extremely frustrated. I returned the first system because I couldn't get the heart monitor to synch with the watch. I returned the second system because I couldn't get accurate pace times. Despite repeated attempts to calibrate the system it would consistently read a much faster pace than my other running watch would time over the distance of a mile. For example, the pace would read about 8:30, and my other watch timed the mile at about 10:00. I returned the second watch after two frustrating weeks. This morning I tried a third one. Guess what! I was also reading too fast of a pace.
I am ready to give up on this system, but have read that others have not had a problem with calibration. Any suggestions?
Posted by: Darrell Bennett | August 30, 2004 8:53 AM
has anyone tried both the polar S625X and the Nike triax elite? what are the differences?
Posted by: maud | September 11, 2004 8:18 AM
what about suunto t6 as an all in one monitor
Posted by: koen | September 21, 2004 2:32 PM
Their is a Nike Timing Yahoo group starting for Triax watches with SDM/HRM
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/niketiming/
Posted by: Bob | September 24, 2004 7:45 AM
Hello All,
I've decided I need to become a slave to technology again after giving up on HRM training years ago.
( Running was FUN again, and I DO not have tons of cash besides...what's the matter with me!?)
Nonetheless, I am considering this model Triax HRM/SDm. my priorities are: 1) Ease of use/ intuitive abilities of the watch 2) Accuracy 3) Ability to sync to my MAC!!!!
If anyone has any input that is currrent, Feel free to respond . Alternative suggestions welcome.Thanks in advance. Suggestions welcome.
MS
Posted by: Mike | October 7, 2004 1:07 AM
I've been using the S625X for about two weeks now and am happy with it. I've been blogging about some of the day-to-day experiences with it at http://patricknolan.com
Posted by: Patrick | October 17, 2004 5:30 PM
Anyone from Chicago who owns a Nike Triax Elite?
We're looking for people who currently own this product for an upcoming research project. Please contact me at abj171@hotmail.com or call 312-337-2126 and ask to speak to Andra Naylor. There will be a free watch for your time. But, you must be from Chicago and own a Nike Triax Elite. Thanks!
Posted by: Kathleen | October 20, 2004 1:45 PM
I have a nike triax c10. I cannot get the watch to link with the monitor strap. I have exchanged the entire set once and changed the battery. I can only conclude that i am not doing something correctly. Any advice.
Posted by: bob | December 12, 2004 2:42 PM
A quick note to those that wondered about how the SDM pod adjusts to differing stride lengths, etc...as hinted at by a previous poster, the SDM pod is not a traditional stride-based measurement device. My understanding is that the SDM pod incorporates an accelerometer (like what is found in an airbag deployment sensor in your automobile) in the pod that measures (at very short intervals) the acceleration of your shoe. As anybody else that remembers (painfully) their college physics will tell you, the time integral of the acceleration measurments will give you your velocity and the second time integral will give you total distance traveled. Just add up all the acceleration measurements and divide by the time elapsed and you've got velocity. (likewise for distance) Since the device is not measuring strides, it does not care if your stride length gets longer or shorter during a run. What intrigues me...and was hinted at by yet another poster...was that this method of distance and velocity measurement should be (theoretically at least) applicable for use on a bike (or any other moving thing) as well. I wonder if that it what the little cycle icon was all about on the early versions of the product? Any confirmations of this speculation would be welcome.
Posted by: Eric | December 22, 2004 2:23 PM
I just got a Triax Elite HRM/SDM. I cannot get the watch set up to perform the initial calibration. The batteries in both the watch and pod are working. The foot icon is flashing. However, I am unable to get the screen "calib push start" to appear. I hold down the set/light button as instructed on the workout or the chronograph screen but cannot get the prompt. Nike tech support could not help. Any suggestions?
Posted by: Joi | December 29, 2004 8:11 PM
I have the Nike Triax Elite SDM HRM and I reallyl like it. I did a full review complete with pictures and software screen shots on my website: http://www.charanis.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8
I'm unique in that I have it tied in with a Mac OS X computer. Some challenges initially but Nike Tech Support has stepped up lately to help with these problems. The Software is fantastic - graphing progress and controlling the watch. The watch is also great - only some issues with the way data is displayed - would like a little more control over what data is shown during a run or workout. The SDM is accurate if you calibrate it correctly and the HRM is like most - accurate and it won't let you cheat. Watch battery life, however. You can change the batter in both the HRM and SDM but you don't have much warning - only that it starts to behave strangly (suddon rize in HR for example scared me on one run - then I realized there was no way my HR was 225!). Its a great watch
Jim Charanis
http://www.charanis.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8
Posted by: Jim Charanis | January 4, 2005 9:24 AM
Great site. found it by accident. I just (today) got the Triax Elite on sale at REI for $110.00. Girl at the register couldn't believe it. I think maybe it made the 50% off sale by mistake. Am looking forward to trying it out this week. Was originally thinking about the Timex GPS system as an all in one for Duathalon use. After reading the other comments I think I'll stick with the Nike. Thanks for the good scoop. Will post in a month or so with myobservations.
Posted by: Jason | February 14, 2005 6:01 PM
Hi,
I'm looking for a good running speedometer and I'm still trying to figure out which is the right choice between Fitsense, Trian Elite and the Timex.
Can anyone give me the Cliff notes version comparison.
Thanks,
Ken
Posted by: Ken Caputa | April 18, 2005 3:46 PM
Hi,
I'm looking for a good running speedometer and I'm still trying to figure out which is the right choice between Fitsense, Triax Elite and the Timex.
Can anyone give me the Cliff notes version comparison.
Thanks,
Ken
Posted by: Ken Caputa | April 18, 2005 3:47 PM
I have the fitsense pro. Watch looks like half an egg mounted to your wrist but is very comfortable and the foot pod is small like a champion chip. the watch displays are easy to see. It has some problems with major hills > 6%.After using it on multiple marathons it seemed to only be accurate for the first half. Maybe my paces were too sporadic towards the end and it didn't know which alogarythm to use walk or run.After two years of use the select button froze up so you couldn't use all of the functions.Also the glue on the rubber buttons came undone and water got into the system when I went swimming in a pool. End of watch. Overall I was very pleased with it. I used it a lot for long distance training runs, measuring courses up to 22 miles. A cool feature on the watch was that it automatically calculated 1 mile intervals and you could preset alarms for other distances as well. A good feature when you are practicing for a marathon and you know your water stations are about 2.5 miles apart.the Fitsense also has an optional data link and HRM strap and good software graphing functions ( seen on their website demo)however I never got these extras.
Posted by: Tony Borsella | June 14, 2005 6:24 PM
about to go for the Triax CV10... but am surprised -pleasantly- to hear about PC sync... the manual from niketiming.com does not mention it and i have seen no mention of software either....
and the links above are broken...
does anyone have up to date links for the software
and
also, how does the pc connection occur (is it hardware, i/r, what?)
cheers
Posted by: skidster | August 7, 2005 7:31 AM
koen - I bought a Suunto t6 and the footpod about 18 months ago (via eBay). While the Suunto is a great piece of watch and very accurate, the pod is difficult to calibrate, difficult to keep calibrated, and batteries die very quickly in it. If you're a Mac user you cannot use the workout software. I had to get Virtual PC in order to use it.
All in all, a bad experience. Perhaps if I had purchased directly from a Suunto dealer or had a PC my quality-of-life might have been all right. Risk it, if you dare.
Posted by: Michael Bowen | January 21, 2008 5:51 PM