| Author | Message | ||
     Nicolette Hughes Member Username: Nicolettepurple Post Number: 10 Registered: 05-2008 |
thankyou every one, thats really helpful! | ||
| Vic Kusin Moderator Username: Vic Post Number: 10 Registered: 03-2007 |
The stop watches many people tend to use are made by Optimum Time. This is a British company, whose website is at www.optimumtime.co.uk. They make a number of sports watches, including an Equestrian range. The OE Jumbo Event model is the one most often used for carriage driving. Although you can easily use a cheap stopwatch for marathons, it's the old case of you get what you pay for. Cheap watches tend to become unreliable, sometimes after a very short time. They are not very waterproof and often the first thing to go is the stop/start button. This becomes intermittent or unresponsive so that when you press it, sometimes the watch won't start or stop. With a watch that isn't designed for sports and rough handling, it is also too easy to press the buttons accidentaly and arrive at the finish with a stopped watch ! This is why most people will use at least 2 watches on the marathon. If you have ever tried to read a watch while hurtling down a rough stony track, you will appreciate why you need a large and very clear display. Having gone through a selection of cheaper watches when we started competing, we found that it was certainly well worth while spending a little bit extra and getting the right thing. The Optimum Time watches are waterproof, have a large clear display and a good adjustable neoprene strap. The buttons are positioned so that you don't push them by accident while driving. They also use a fairly large battery, so you know that if you put in a fresh one before your first event, it will safely last you till the end of the season. Oh and by the way, Optimum Time also make the Timesaver range of timekeeper's clocks, which are used at virtually all National and Regional events. Their watches are available from a number of equestrian retailers. PS - we have no connection with Optimum Time, but we haven't found anything elese that's similar in this country. | ||
| Frances Collings Member Username: Victory Post Number: 2 Registered: 03-2007 |
We sell through Jack in a Box The Ultimate Time Stopwatch. If you ring Ian on 01424 756021 he can give you advice. | ||
| Christopher Priestley Member Username: Chrispriestley Post Number: 3 Registered: 04-2008 |
I've backstepped using a £14.99 Casio digital watch which has a stopclock function and got round with clear rounds after the specialist eventing wrist clock packed-up. I didn't find it particularly difficult to read or operate, but I guess it depends on your eyesight! | ||
| Nicolette Hughes Member Username: Nicolettepurple Post Number: 9 Registered: 05-2008 |
I want to buy a stopwatch for HDT, do I need any special functions or is a basic stop watch ok? Many thanks Nicolette |