Calling the HighGear XT7 is like calling Heidi Fleiss a hooker: it understates to the point of missing the point. The XT7 is a master (mistress?) of all trades, a wrist computer that builds on an ABC format watch to add in GPS functionality and a heart rate monitor.
The ABC functions are altitude, barometer and compass, all of which function as advertised. The watch does everything you could possibly ask of it, including speed/distance/pace, chronograph/timer and auto-syncing time/date/alarms, all backed up by a nice backlight and powered by a rechargeable battery.
The GPS is spot on, and combined with the altimeter you have a great record of not only your altitude loss and gain, but even slope percentages. The heart rate monitor strap is included, and pairs up seamlessly with the watch. The whole package is water resistant to 30m, so go nuts.
The unit is fairly thick, but the rounded corners and soft rubber strap make it feel light and tight, and the black color gives it a very nice low profile tactical look. Controls are easily accessible if you remember to use a pinch motion where your thumb is opposite on the bezel from the button you're pushing. They are a little small to use with gloves, but that's true of any unit in this class. Overall, the HighGear XT7 is gives stellar performance and a class leading feature set at a price point that's well below the competition.
This is a great gift idea for my friend who is a avid runner. She starts her day with a 5K and ends it with another 5K. I feel that she could optimize her workout if she was aware of the changes in her heart rate, as well as being able to see where she is with the GPS function on this watch. I would love to see if her heart rate changes with an increase or decrease in altitude. Thank you for showing me this awesome product. I can't wait to get this for her on her 27th birthday. Keep up the great reviews!
Posted by: Heart Rate Monitor USA | September 04, 2012 at 06:58 AM