In sports, times of fractions of a second can mean the difference between first and second place or setting a new world record. When training, it is imperative to know where you stand, and as helpful as smartphones can be, they simply don’t measure up against specially crafted stopwatches.
The best stopwatch for any need is the Ultrak 100 Lap Memory. This stopwatch has every feature you could ever want, from comparing laps to recording split times for tracking multiple athletes, and it’s all wrapped up in a highly durable, impact and water-resistant package.
Aside from the ability to count up from zero, stopwatches can have a mix of or all of the following features:
Generally, a stopwatch will run on lithium batteries. These are small, flat and round batteries less than an inch in diameter, which are often known as watch batteries. Stopwatches can last anywhere from three to five years on a single battery, but some models include solar panels to eke out more battery life or even keep it running once the battery dies nonetheless.
Stopwatches will have varying levels of resistance to water, dust, shocks and drops.
Stopwatches aren’t that expensive. The most basic stopwatches are available for only $10, while upgrading to a higher quality, midrange models will only run you between $15-$25. For the truly dedicated, there are also high-end models that can run for over $25.
A. Block memory is a function in stopwatches that allows you to store lap times and split times as separate blocks. This allows you to easily and quickly review the times of specific events. The most expensive stopwatch models can store multiple blocks.
A. Generally speaking, stopwatches tend to have a limit between eight to 24 hours. The manufacturer should always list the maximum times.
A. Most stopwatches are more accurate than either a digital watch or chronograph. That said, there are some truly supreme, high-end chronographs that manage to be more accurate than a stopwatch.
What you need to know: All the functions any coach could want, including lap comparison and recordable split times, make this stopwatch the best of the best.
What you’ll love: Impact and water resistance for any accidents, plus an incredibly handy lap calculation mode, make this a top choice.
What you should consider: The buttons require much more effort than you think. Plus, the recall function can have some issues at times.
ACCUSPLIT Pro Survivor – Extra Large Display
What you need to know: For anyone who needs a totally silent option to avoid distraction, this stopwatch doesn’t make a sound.
What you’ll love: The buttons feel great to press, and the clock syncs up automatically with Greenwich Mean Time.
What you should consider: Larger-handed individuals may find this stopwatch uncomfortable, and it does not automatically switch itself off, which can lead to battery drain.
Marathon Adanac 3000 Digital Stopwatch Timer
What you need to know: This ergonomic and intuitive stopwatch is a good choice for those with less extensive timing needs.
What you’ll love: This stopwatch has an easy-to-read display and is water-resistant around the casing.
What you should consider: Setting up the alarm can be tricky at first.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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