UPDATE: Power Balance finally exposed by ACCC as not having any scientific substance

The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) has placed orders upon Power Balance Australia after the company finally admitted that there was no credible scientific evidence to support that the Holographic band provided any benefits in either power, balance or strength. In fact, a few months ago, Choice conducted some tests and concluded that it did little else than empty purchasers' wallets. You can read the various reports; one on news.com.au HERE plus the video of Graeme Samuel’s take on it all is on the same site. If you still think these are ridgy didge, then have a look at how it is debunked HERE (It is a longish video, but a bit of fast forward to at least half way will give you info on the trickery involved.
Finally, here at HTA we feel somewhat vindicated in our early call to get out and the hell away from this product. Power Balance have now admitted to misleading conduct which is a breach of the Trade Practices Act.

FIRMWARE UPDATE: Garmin Edge 800 changes made from 2.00 to 2.10

A few days ago, Garmin released a Firmware update to the Edge 800. Being the first such update, it contains all the most obvious and requested changes and therefore is highly recommended to all Edge 800 owners.

Check out the update on Garmin’s Edge 800 Updates & Downloads page: HERE

Changes made from version 2.00 to 2.10:

THIS WEEKS SUMMARY: Wednesday 22-Dec

1. Winner of December Giveaway.
2. Jan/Feb Giveaway - Win a GARMIN EDGE 800 valued at $649.
3. Timex Sale (with a twist) 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% Free.
4. Run with Peter “Chilliman”  from our store – 6:30pm Thursday 23rd.
5. New Years message and New News News !!!!
   

WINNER: The winner of the December Giveaway for a Garmin 410

The winner of the brand new Garmin 410 is……

Scooter

 Who is Scooter ?  We are not 100% sure, but we think we know.
If the real Scooter could step forward and claim the prize please !
Your new Garmin 410 is ready for you !!!!!

Blogger Labels: WINNER,December,Giveaway,Garmin,Scooter

CONTEST: Jan/Feb Giveaway; Win a Garmin Edge 800 Bundle GPS/HRM Cycle Computer

Win a brand new Garmin Edge 800 GPS Cycle Computer including Heart Rate Monitor, Aus/NZ TOPO maps and Speed/Cadence sensor. Delivered to your door for free. Valued at $649

What do you have to do to win ?????

Yes, we still need more help. So here we are again. Muster up your friends and family and enter as much as you can.

Up for grabs this time is a beauty !!!!   You spread the word about our new blog and we will enter you in the draw to win a brand new Garmin Edge 800 cycle computer. This is their new top of the range colour touchscreen computer released in late November. Be the envy of all your cycling buddies with the best cycling computer available on the market.

The winner gets the Edge 800 bundle version. includes Premium Heart Rate Monitor  strap+ Speed/Cadence sensor. PLUS the TOPO maps on SD card that will provide complete Australia and New Zealand coverage from City streets to outback contour maps. Great unit for not just cyclists but can be used as a Car navigation device with specific turn by turn directions based on driving (freeways etc.). Also can be used by Trail runners/walkers wanting in-depth navigation on remote trails with full logging/recording. Prize is valued at $649.00

Check it out here: Garmin Edge 800

As per usual the rules to enter will be as follows;

• One Free Entry into the draw for anyone who places a comment and joins our Blog as a Follower.

• Two Entries for those who comment, join our Blog as a Follower and also shares it on their Facebook or Twitter profile with a link to http://www.highlytunedathletes.com.au/.

• Five Entries for anyone who can do all of the above and also post a link on your own blog OR on a Website pointing to http://www.highlytunedathletes.com.au/ plus a link to our blog: http://highlytunedathletes.blogspot.com/

If you would like to help me keep track of all the entries, drop me a quick email here, this way we will be sure to include your # of entries:   CLICK HERE TO EMAIL

Entries close on Thursday 24^th FEB (11:59pm EDST)
....and the winner will be randomly drawn and notified on 25th Feb 2011.
Good luck everyone, any questions you can call us or email.


Blogger Labels: Edge,800,Athletes,Tuned,Highly,CONTEST,Giveaway,Garmin,Edge 800,Cycle,Blog,Follower,Facebook,Twitter,highlytunedathletes

SALE: Timex Sale (with a twist)

We have a unique sale for Cool Running Members.
Currently at 40% off all Timex watches (excluding GlobalTrainer,WS4 & T5k254)
Tomorrow Monday 20th, we will drop to 50% off and every week after, drop another 10%, until they are all gone.
Example.

From Monday 13th Dec 40% off.
From Monday 20th Dec 50% off.
From Monday 27th Dec 60% off.
From Monday 3rd Jan 70% off.
From Monday 10th Jan 80% off.
From Monday 17th Jan 90% off.
From Monday 24th Jan 100% off, yes FREE just pay the postage.
See them here: TIMEX SALE (with a twist) 

YES, thats correct, they keep coming down till they are ALL gone!
Find the item you want, keep a close eye on it, when it reaches the price you want, buy it!
But be quick, as stock is very limited and once they are gone, the sale will not be repeated. Some of the items we only have 1 of each, it really is limited!
No rainchecks, No customer orders, No holds. No returns or refunds for change of mind on these sale items. Full warranty applies.
First in, best dressed.

NEWS: Garmin make further changes to BING map integration !

With some unpopular changes to Garmin connect made a few weeks ago, Garmin have now responded with some positive news to take their online fitness software a step further. Time will tell whether this will get the standard back to where we were with Google maps, but for now, it is a step forward. Interested in your opinions ?????  Refer to press release below:

With a new release for Garmin Connect coming out Thursday, we wanted to thank everyone for their feedback. The transition to Bing Maps was based on the long-term development of Garmin Connect, and

THIS WEEKS SUMMARY Friday 26-Nov

1. Bing Maps on Garmin Connect; Has not gone down well ! Possible fix ??
2. Garmin Forerunner 410 release, Plus; win a free 410 before xmas.
3. Suunto M1 HRM works in water.
4. Edge 800: more coming soon.
5. Product reviewers wanted.

YOUR SAY: Garmin Edge 800's are in the mail, your feedback is welcome.

As of 17 Nov, all ordered Garmin Edge 800's have been posted.

Please tell us your feedback or experiences below.

CONTEST: December Giveaway; Win a Garmin 410 GPS/Heart Rate Monitor

Win a brand new Garmin 410 GPS HeartRate Monitor. Delivered to your door for free.

What do you have to do to win ?????

 Just help us get our new blog site kicking along and to do this we need your social networking skills. Just write a quick comment about either your current activities, experience with your HRM or any dealings you may have had with Highly Tuned Athletes. It doesnt have to be nice  or grovelling to HTA, thats up to you, we just want you to help us spread the word about our blog and website. Entries will put you into our draw as follows;

• One Free Entry will be given to anyone who places a comment on any of our previous blogs.

• Three Entries into the draw for anyone who joins our Blog as a Follower as well as a comment.

• Five Entries for those who comment, join our Blog as a Follower and also shares it on their facebook with a link to http://www.highlytunedathletes.com.au/.

• TEN Entries for anyone who can do all of the above and also post a link on your own blog pointing to http://www.highlytunedathletes.com.au/ plus a link to our blog: http://highlytunedathletes.blogspot.com/

If you would like to help me keep track of all the entries, drop me a quick email here, this way we will be sure to include your # of entries:   CLICK HERE TO EMAIL

Entries close on Monday 20^th DEC (11:59pm EDST)

....and the winner will be randomly drawn and notified on 21st DEC 2010.

Good luck everyone, any questions you can call us or email.
We need to spread the word and we need your help !
Get blogging and posting now !!

THIS WEEKS SUMMARY

1. Edge 800: hot product, pre-orders, delivery, Silicon case.
2. Suunto Contest closes Monday 15th Nov
3. Swimovate Poolmate Pro, now with download facility.
4. Casual Run Thursday 18th at 6:30pm
5. Garmin Forerunner 410 confirmed as end of the month.

NEW PRODUCT: Poolmate Pro by Swimovate

The Pool-Mate Pro is the latest addition to the award winning Swimovate range of swimming computers. As well as automatically counting your laps and strokes and calculating your speed, distance, calories and efficiency, and displaying on the watch, the Pro will download all this data effortlessly to your PC so you can analyse your progress.



$249 RRP  http://tinyurl.com/Poolmate-Pro 

 Available from Highly Tuned Athletes 22nd Nov 10

The watch contains motion sensors to automatically monitor the motion of your arm when swimming so you don’t have to worry ............... 

EVENT: Thursday night run with "Chilliman" - 6:30pm 18th NOV

On Thursday 18th November and for several other Thursdays TBA between now and Xmas, Peter “Chilliman”, our expert Garmin member, will be conducting weekly casual runs starting from the Highly Tuned Athletes store at 579 Hampton St, Hampton.

NEWS: Garmin Forerunner 410 - replaces 405cx

Yesterday Garmin officially announced the new Forerunner 410. This is a replacement for the 405 and 405cx with improved touch bezel. See specifications below.
RRP $449

Pre Orders for this product are now available at: http://tinyurl.com/HTA-FR410

$50 Deposit will secure one immediately upon release in Last week November/1st week December.

 

Garmins announcement
Garmin Australasia is pleased to announce the new Forerunner 410 GPS-enabled sport watch. 

NEWS: Garmin releases details of updated TOPO Aus/NZ maps

Details of New TOPO AUS/NZ map system released today by Garmin.....................

• Includes topographic and street maps for Australia and New Zealand.
• Provides terrain contours at 20 m (65 ft) intervals, approximating 1:100K maps.
• Contains tracks, outback trails, 4WD destinations, perennial and seasonal lakes, rivers and streams.
• Topographic terrain contours and summit points provide a detailed lay of the land.
• Provides searchable points of interest in urban, rural and outback areas, including lodging, restaurants, camping locations, homesteads, caravan parks, shopping and more.

UPDATE: Delivery Schedule of Edge 800

We can now advise delivery of the newly released Garmin Edge 800 is confirmed for release on Friday 12th November.

EVENT: Watch this space............

Thursday evening runs with ultra marathon runner Peter "Chilliman" coming to HTA soon.......

CONTEST: November Giveaway; Win one of 3 Suunto M2 Heart Rate Monitors

We are giving away 3 brand new Suunto M2 heart rate monitors (inc heart rate strap) valued at $149 each. These will be posted to the winners on the 16^th Nov.

What do you have to do to win ??

NEWS: Edge 800 is this years Hot Item !

Garmin announced in Sept10 their new top end cycle computer called Edge 800. Even before it arrives in November, it is Garmins top selling product with just about everyone buying it sight unseen. At $649 with Heart Rate, speed/cadence and full Aust/NZ mapping included, this new touch screen unit will be this years hot product. Get your pre-order in fast before you miss out.


Pre-Order - $70 deposit with Full Change of mind Rights

NEW PRODUCT @ HTA: Zero rh+ Eyewear Coming soon

Mid November will see our first steps into quality Eyewear. Not just any old brand but a quality Italian brand called Zero rh+.
It has been one of our most sought after products lines asked by our customers in store. All our gizmos and gadgets we stock are mostly high end products and our customers have been wanting us to select a quality Sport Eyewear brand to match. After scouring many popular brands and sinply rejecting most, we finally stumbled across this new Italian brand called Zero rh+. Great conservative yet sporty eyewear that has a real edge to it. We should have it instore around mid-November and one of the first customers will be myself. (Check out the Zero rh+ website) I like the RH690 ARX in light matt silver.
See the Zero rh+ website for more details on products:

http://www.zerorh.com/en/eyewear/eyewear%20strategy%20%3e%20man/

Return to us in November to see our range instore or call Rob on 03-9598-7888

EVENT: Online Giving - Grace Bailey's Online Giving page

Online Giving - Grace Bailey's Online Giving page

REVIEW: Comparison of Garmin Forerunner 110 to Garmin 405 range.

The latest GPS running watch from Garmin is the Forerunner 110. It has been out on the market for a few months now. With Garmin already having the Forerunner 405, 405cx available where does the 110 fit in?

The Garmin 405 range

The 405 range has a wealth of features, Virtual partner, the ability to set up interval training sessions, heart rate zones, auto lap, auto scroll, elevation and many more. All of these features are interesting and have their place. These features make it suitable for a range of users, elite athletes or top ranking age groupers, Coaches, athletes with a sports
science background and gadget lovers who want the best.

NEW PRODUCT @ HTA: The Bryton Rider

The Bryton Rider 50E and 50T.

Brand new in Australia the Bryton Rider. Great to see a new GPS cycling computer on the market. The Bryton Rider gives a middle ground between the Garmin edge 500 and the edge 705 (soon to be the edge 800)

We have only received them in the store today so I haven’t had a chance to fully test one yet.
However from taking it out of the box and getting charged up, so far it doesn’t look like they have missed

Built in GPS Sports Watches

There are some alternative GPS Devices other than Garmin !!

I guess Garmin are to GPS sports watches what Apple is to the mobile phone. However they are not the only product avaiable. There are some alternatives out there.

Suunto M Series

Suunto M Series.
The Suunto M series is now available in Australia. After a couple of months of waiting we received our shipment of M series heart rate monitors in the shop. As I expected they all look great. I know a good looking heart rate monitor like this will be a great Christmas present.
The range is the M1, M2, M4 and the M5

Looking after your Heart Rate Monitor Top Ten

TOP TEN TIPS

To preserve the life span and get the best use out of your Heart Rate Monitor (HRM)

Garmin Edge 800

One of the most common questions we get asked around here is “when is Garmin bringing out something new”.

Especially from cyclists who are always keen on new tech..

Well Finally I can give you the answer of late October, (well at least before Christmas 2010)

Garmin are bringing out the upgrade to the Edge 705 – with the Edge 800.

I am not going to provide a full review for the following reasons,

1) We haven’t got our hands on it just yet.
2) After DC rainmaker has done a review there is not much more I can add.

Swimovate pool mate

Can you relate to this.
You have your swimming training programme.
You do your warm up, a few drill, then Its time for the 10 x 100 on 2 mins.
Now your up to your 6th 100 or is it my 7th how many have I done again? Well that can now be a thing of the past.

With the Swimovate Pool Mate you can forget about counting laps and just concentrate on form and technique.
Finally an invotation in swimming I whish was around years ago.

The pool mate has many functions that if used properly will definatly improve your swimming, It can count laps so you don't have to, advise average strokes per length so you can monitor if you stroke is becomming more effiecent.
Total session time, measure distance and many others.

It has all the standard watch functions so can also be used as a day to day watch.

With a accuracty rate of 99.78% you can do away with some of those costly swimming coaches.

The pool mate will be avaiable from Highly Tuned Athletes from Monday 19/08/2010

Suunto M Series

To go hand in hand with the moves count website Suunto has just release the M series.
We will be getting them in stock shortly. I must say they look good, but today I wanted to look at the M series test on the Suunto web site.

http://www.suunto.com/mseriesforme
This is a great way to decide what heart rate monitor is going to suit your needs the best and also give you some basic training guidance.

Once again Suunto have outdone themselves with the flash programming and useability, if the m-series flash tool is anything to go by, the watch will be awesome.

After advising your preferred language and gender you then proceed to choose a few categories to find out some really useful personal information.

Why exercise with a HRM, Which HRM is best for me, how intensive should I exercise and how many calories do I need daily.

I recommend that you have a look at all the sections, I personally like the how intensive should I exercise. A very quick and easy way to look at your heart rate zones and the range you should be training in depending on what you want to achieve in that session.

So if you are new to exercising or just getting back into it. I urge you to consider having a look at the Suunto M series and the Suunto website for the Heart rate monitor test. Once the range is available I will complete some product testing and complete review on the new range.

Suunto Elementum

It’s finally here. After a long wait and a lot of work from both The Outdoor Watch Company and Amer Sports the Suunto Elementum is available in Australia.

With a range that comes in 3 models Terra (land), Aqua (diving), Ventus (Sailing).

All are fantastic looking and top quality precision watches that will stand out at any social event you may attend or provide you with necessary information you require when engaging in a range of outdoor activities.

All models have all the standard watch functions you would expect, Time, Date, Alarm, Stopwatch and all are available with a range of band choices, Rubber, Leather, or Steel.

Terra

The Terra is a beautiful ABC (Altimeter, Barometer, Compass) watch. Capable of indicating changes in barometric pressure, has a electronic compass and can record changes in altitude.

Aqua

This is the chunkiest of the 3 model and in my opinion the best looking, (Personally I have gone for the Terra as it is the most suitable for the activities I enjoy) The Aqua can measure and record current depth and changes in depth. It also has an auto sensor so it know when it is submerged in water and automatically display the depth gage screen.

Ventus

A great tool for any keen sailor, As with the Terra the Ventus has an electronic compass to assist with navigation, A count timer which beeps every ten seconds to help get your timing right at the start of the race. It is also about to display the current barometric pressure and changes in barometric pressure.

As I said early I have personally gone for the Terra and apart from a night out at the casio I have not completed any field testing. I will provide another entry once I have completed some further testing.

Timex Global Trainer Review

Timex Global Trainer review

We received a Timex Global trainer at work as a Demo model and I was given the task of learning how to use the watch and to write a review.

It arrived without a manual so firstly I had to learn my way around the menus with no instruction.

Once I figured out that I had to hold the back/ pwr button down for a few seconds to unlock the menu it was very straight forward to navigate, the main two screens I was interested in were the Performance and the Configuration menus.

Entering my personal information in the configuration screen was very straight forward; To begin with I had to enter my details in imperial measurements as that is how it was currently set up. Eg, being a demo model, it had been started by the time it got to me and most likely had Imperial selected as its default.

The performance menu was pre-set with the information that I was interested in (Current Speed / Time / Heart rate and Distance) so I didn’t need to make any changes however that is just as easy as pressing the enter button while in performance page. You can customise the display between 1 – 4 pieces of data over 5 pages, so this should provide more information than needed.

Now for the road test, I ran 9km with a Garmin 405cx on one Wrist and the Timex Global Trainer on the other to compare the data provided by both.

Firstly I used the Timex heart rate strap is ant + so this is compatible with the Garmin and the whole time the heart rate readings were exactly the same as each other, so this was the first plus.

In the time I was waiting for the green man to change to cross the road I was able to acquire the GPS satellites and was ready to go (approx 1 minute).

Throughout the run I kept a close eye on the speed and distance between the Garmin and the Timex Global trainer. The readings were very close with the speed .1 - .2 of a km/ph difference at any given time. After I had completed the 9km there was a 250m difference between the Garmin and the Timex, Garmin showing the further distance.

The Global trainer connects to training peaks to download its history, This was a very straight forward process after downloading some software from training peaks You are able to see a comprehensive break down of your training session. I have had a brief look at Training peaks, it is a very in-depth training site, which will be well worth getting to know better when I have time.

If you want all the specification they can be found here - Global Trainer Specs
For a more detail review of the timex Global Trainer see DC rain makers review

Final verdict, Large watch face, however very comfortable to wear, (I found it more comfortable than the 405cx). Accurate information and display easy to see at night using the indiglo light, I would give it 4 out of 5 with the only downfall being the size of the watch face itself.

Who is Highly Tuned Athletes

Highly Tuned Athletes (HTA), prides it's self on being Australia's only dedicated Heart Rate Monitor Store. http://www.highlytunedathletes.com.au/

With over 15 years of retail experience we will guarantee to you an excellent customer experience.

Our customer service consultants are here to offer unbiased information on all Heart rate Monitors.

Based in Hampton, Melbourne Highly Tuned Athletes started as a small ebay business founded by Rob Grinter and has grown steadily over the last three years.

Our Main focus is to provide top quality products at the best price we can manage, with our focus being on heart rate monitors, to assist people monitor their fitness and exercise, our customers range from elite athletes through to beginners looking at starting their journey to better health.

The products lines we stock are, Suunto, Polar, Timex, Garmin, Cateye and Bryton heart rate watches and cycles computers. We also have a small amount of complementary products including 2XU and Skins compression garments and GU and Endura energy products.

As a part of Business growth we have now opened up HTA’s, sister shop and web site The Outdoor Watch Company (OWC), http://www.outdoorwatches.com.au/. something that we are very proud of at OWC is we have manage to gain the exclusive dealer rights to Suunto Elementum. A great looking, fully functional outdoor watch range.

As part of this blog we want to give our customers the ability to provide honest feedback of our services and also to review the latest cycling computers, latest running watches and any developments in the heart rate monitor field as they become available in the Australian market. Please feel free to make any comments - The good the bad and the Ulgy.

On my next blogs entries I will be reviewing the below new products.

The Timex Global Trainer

Suunto Elementum Range

The Bryton Rider

Thanks for reading and please feel free to provide any feedback and contact us for advice on any of the product we stock.