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- Verified Buyer
I have own 8 Gymboss Mini Max timers since 2018. Of 8, 7 still function as they were when they were new. One of them got broken by being stepped on by accident.These Gymboss + timers have a feel that is MUCH lower in quality than the Mini Max. They operate less responsively than the Mini Max. There's a distinct delay between button presses and a response on the screen.But the big problem is the build quality. In 3 months of owning these timers, 3 of 8 have failed.How did they fail? A button will get depressed, and not spring back up. Rendering the timer completely useless.Each of the three timers that failed had a different button fail. So this problem is clearly an issue that needs to be sorted out immediately.I also want to be clear, these timers are also not being used in an inappropriate way or abused in any way.I set them to a specific interval, and when it's time to do our conditioning at the end of a training session, my clients know all they have to do is press one button to turn the screen on, one button to start their interval, and press and hold the same button to reset the timer.So in theory, they have to do nothing other than press a single button. But the button that's failed on the timers is not the button that's getting the most use throughout the week. It's completely at random.On top of that, I purchased different colors of timers, and certain colors just felt like the buttons were more spongey than others. So the build quality varies a bit between different color timers, as well, as far as I can tell.Overall, I do not recommend these at all. Functionally they work as intended. But do not expect them to last.Pay the extra ten dollars for the Mini Max, assuming the build quality on those has not lessened.Gymboss, if you read this, get your ish together. This is unacceptable.Obviously cutting costs by reducing build quality and clearly not putting these timers through any kind of long term quality control is not a way to win back repeat customers when you release a new product.I've owned 2 gymboss timers. One bought in 2011 and one in 2013. I replaced with the Plus. (After 5 years use, the previous gymboss works but the lines that make up the digital numerals are missing in spots, so that an 8 looks the same as a 3 or a 4 - none of the numerals display correctly.) I tried rebooting, new battery and it didn't get wet, but it still remains that way.I'd recommend the Gymboss based on current and on past performance.-The Plus has a LOUD beep. I got it because the description said it's louder but "The beep can be made dimmer". I primarily use it in a loud "Sirius XM Pop Channels" (yuck) gym for weightlifting intervals. I can hear it with in-ear earbuds. I want the low beep for my quieter gym, and not disturb others. The low beep is still loud, BUT what I saw in one of the image views of the timer turned out to be true. It's NOT explained on the Gymboss website or in their expanded directions (which another reviewer, well said, said download the directions, the ones with the timer are a tiny font).There is a + or - slide on the back of the PLUS which I assumed to be the "dimmer" for sound. That makes the low beep better in a quieter, crowded gym. Push the slide to the (-) to cover up the baffles.If you're running outside, or lead a loud indoor group, the loud beep is good.- The loud beep is good for outdoor intervals. It can be heard. I remember that I had used the old Gymboss in the past for walk/run intervals, and could often not hear the beeps with other, street noise.- I'd prefer the Start button to be on the right side, as in my old Gymboss, but it's on the left, and I'll get used to it.- Vibrate mode has never worked for me. I can't feel it -- I always use it on an armband. The new model, however, feels a little stronger.- The loud beep has a "b" (lower case "b" display) and the quieter a "B". Opposite of what it should be.- Setup isn't hard, may get it wrong a few times at first, but you'll get used to changing intervals fast.- Tried using a smartphone Tabata timer instead of Gymboss. Not loud enough, not as simple to use and adjust, and I don't carry my smartphone in gym anyway. Gymboss is easy to set, start, track, and stop (if you don't want to hear 10 beeps for the finish of your session).I wanted the low beep for a quieter gym, and thought the Plus could be "dimmed" lower. Fully closed it seems lower, or at least the same as the base model. But since I may start using it outside again, I'll keep the Plus for that.Sound is loud enough when I have earphones on and attach to neck of shirt.Does not fall off while run walk running or straight runs.Also vibrates if you put it on different part of body.HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! I just purchased the Gymboss+, but already own a few other Gymboss timers. The Gymboss is outstanding. I am a distance runner...numerous marathons and ultras since 1993. Gymboss is priceless for taking regularly scheduled walking breaks on long runs and doing dreaded interval training should that be your thing. I clip it on my vest or on the inside of my watchband and take breaks at the set times. Running ultra distances your body needs a break to change the rhythm, stress etc., and Gymboss is the perfect reminder that you need to walk. Yes, you can forget to take a walk break. You will find that taking those very important walk breaks you can run way farther than you ever thought possible. Warning: You may become an ultra runner! A great way for beginners to get as well by running X minutes and walking X minutesl. Beginning runners have it much easier. Right now, I have a knee sprain (dang stairs!) and I'm running 4 minutes and walking 1 minute during my daily hour run to relieve the stress during recovery. When the BOSS says it's time to walk I walk. When it beeps or vibrates I resume runnin. I can day dream, etc. The BOSS will let me know when it's time. You will not regret buying the Gymboss.I've just started running again after an op and this is perfect for timing my running vs walking sets. Just focus on the running and let the timer tell you when to change from run to walk and back. Brilliant bit of kit.Had a few over the years, great timers, very flexible and easy to use and set up. My only gripe is the size of the screen, could be slightly larger. Very robust also, don’t fall apart if you drop it. Would fully recommend for serious coaches and trainingolder models just get ruined with damp. This one states it is better sealed but it looks just the same as older models. Not sealed like a good watch must be. once water gets in the display the display is ruinedReally happyI used it for timing my duration and rest periods on the punchbag. I am very happy with it
