I'm pleasantly surprised at how small this interval timer actually is while at the same time having a large enough display to be easily read.
The beeping alarm is very loud. If you read some of the reviews of some sport watches (quite expensive ones) that have interval timers, most of them mention the alarm not being loud enough.
My favorite feature the Gymboss has though is the vibrating function. I run while listening to my MP3 so I set the alarm to vibrate instead of beep, and that is something you will never find in a sport watch that costs the $19.95 I paid for my Gymboss.
If you're shopping for an interval timer, this is definitely the one to get. Gymboss SILVER HARDCOAT
The biggest value provided for me is the volume of the tone at the end of an interval. I've used other timers and in the middle of a workout it's nice to clearly hear the end of the interval.
The other value is its size; easy to pop in a pocket or clip to your waist band without being noticeable.
The interval set-up is a bit clunky (you really have to hold the buttons down) and due to the size its not especially easy to see times.
If you are looking for an audible alert for interval training, this is great. If you need visual feedback this may not be ideal.
Gymboss timer is an inexpensive little interval timer that works very well for the price. It's the size of a matchbox and it's easy to clip into the waistband or even collar of your shirt. The belt clip is very secure, so there is little danger of the timer slipping off you belt. It would have been a nice addition though if there were a strap that would allow you to fasten the timer on your upper arm or an exercise machine, for example. Another improvement would have been if the belt clip would rotate, so that the display screen would be facing you the right way, no matter how you carry the timer. And speaking of display, it could be bigger and/or have better contrast.
The timer is plastic, and although it can stand being dropped to the ground, it would probably not take when stepped on, for example. They also market as water resistant but I would not use it with water sports, although it's not affected by the moisture if carried next to skin under clothing.
The timer has two different alarm sounds, and an optional vibrating alarm you can use together with the audible alarm, or just by itself. However, I feel the vibrating alarm is not strong enough to be relied without the sound, at least when engaged in a vigorous activity like running. In addition of having two different alarms, you can choose between alarm length of one, five and ten seconds. The high alarm voice is loud enough to hear the alarm even in the middle of traffic, and the lower tone alarm is good when exercising in more quiet environment like in your own home.
The timer has the option of using two separate intervals of different lengths, like Tabata intervals or boxing rounds. You can program the timer to go through a set number of rounds and then sounding an end of exercise -alarm, just counting rounds until you decide to end the exercise, or just simple countdown with no separate rounds. The rounds can vary in length between 2 seconds and 99 minutes 59 seconds.
It's easy to program the timer, but it could be a little faster. For example, if all I want to change is the number of intervals I want to go through, I have to go through the whole programming cycle just to add or reduce the number of rounds. It's not a big issue, but it there was a switch to choose which variable I want to change (the length of an interval, the alarm sound options, etc.), it would make the programming easier. I like the fact that the start/stop button of the timer is located on different side of the timer than the programming buttons. That way, it's easy to locate the start button by feel when the timer is on your waistband. You can also pause the timer by pressing the start button three times in succession.
All in all, I am very pleased with Gymboss timer. In fact, I'm so pleased with it that I'm considering buying another one for the office.
If you need an interval timer, there is nothing you can substitute for one - a clock on the wall or a stop watch - neither will work because you can't pay attention to a clock while you're working. You need an audible alert. GYMBOSS provides you with that alert. The alerts are either loud/soft/vibrate or some combination. The unit is small and weightless and clips to your workout cloths. It works.
Interval workouts consist of a work/rest cycle. But the work time and rest time aren't necessarily equal. For example, the Tabata interval I use is 20 seconds of work followed by 10 seconds of rest repeated 8 times. GYMBOSS allows you to program times that are not equal to each other with two separate intervals.
The problem with the unit is that written documentation that comes with the unit is minimal, poorly organized and poorly written. The labeling on the unit is also confusing. For Example: there are three buttons - Next/Change/Start. In order to power the unit ON you press? - take a guess - you press NEXT. It gets worse from there.
The unit looks cheap - like something you'd find in a dime store - and does not inspire confidence that it will last very long. However, "real" interval timers start at four times the price point of the GYMBOSS. So given your usage and expectations, this unit might or might not be for you. It works for me.
Finally let me add that I had originally written a 2 star review of this product. Customer service spotted the review, emailed me and walked me though use of their product. Proper usage should be done with good documentation, but the fact that CU went the extra mile ups my review to 4 stars. To get the fifth star they'll need to make documentation and design changes to make the product more user friendly. - Timer - Interval Training - Crossfit - Tabata'
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