One of the most practical and effective methods to see whether your swimming progress has genuinely developed is to track time for each skills completion. When being put under time pressure, swimmers will be able to push themselves harder.
These fitness trackers are even more beneficial to be used by swimming coaches since they are the experienced ones who can supervise your aqua workouts. Thus, coaches rely on stopwatches to manage your entire process and give true feedback on what needs improvement.
As both professional swimmers and swimming enthusiasts can use stopwatches to enhance their abilities underwater, it is difficult to resist the charm of the best stopwatches for swim coaches. Fine stopwatches would be the most thoughtful gift for swimming coaches.
See Also:
Table of Contents
- What Does a Stopwatch Measure?
- What Is the Best Stopwatch for Swim Coaches?
- Comparison Chart
- The 15 Best Stopwatches for Swim Coaches Reviews
- Ultrak 496 500M Swimming Stopwatch
- Ultrak 495 100M Swimming Stopwatch
- Seiko SVAS003 Swimming Master Stopwatch
- Seiko S141 Swimming Stopwatch
- ACCUSPLIT Pro Survivor A601X Swim Stopwatch
- ACCUSPLIT AX602 500M Swimming Stopwatch
- FINIS 3X-100M Swimming Stopwatch
- Marathon Adanac 3000 Swimming Stopwatch
- Marathon Adanac 4000 Swimming Stopwatch
- Travelwey Digital Swimming Stopwatch
- Learning Resources Simple Swim Stopwatch
- SportCount LapCounter Swim Stopwatch
- Champion Sports Swimming Stopwatch
- KingL Digital Swimming Stopwatch
- QWM Professional Swimming Stopwatch
- Finding the Best Stopwatch for Swim Coaches – Buying Guide
- How to Use a Stopwatch for Swimming?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Swim Network Overview
What Does a Stopwatch Measure?
There are a lot of support tools for swimming coaches to use when their swimmers are practicing underwater, such as heart rate monitors to track your heart rate and follow your health condition in the pool. A stopwatch is responsible for measuring performance time.
In order to attain better swimming time in general, for example, for the upcoming school competition, using stopwatches can lessen much of the hassle. It shows time tracking to the mere seconds and that is a solid proof for swimmers to reach the required swimming pace.
Furthermore, some of the stopwatches available on the market even include the side feature of measuring swimming stroke rate with a beeping sound whenever a button is pressed for better sound indication.
What Is the Best Stopwatch for Swim Coaches?
Subsequent to finding a reliable shopping place, you should be highly conscious of which stopwatch among thousands of them is truly the best one. I assure you would not want to waste a bunch of time and money on an ineffective product.
- Best Overall: Ultrak 496 500M Swimming Stopwatch
“3-row clear display, durable lithium battery, 500 laps memory recall.” - Best Budget: Travelwey Digital Swimming Stopwatch
“Minimalized buttons, budget-friendly, lightweight plastic material.” - Best With Stroke Rate: Ultrak 495 100M Swimming Stopwatch
“10-hour measurement, 5-year warranty, 100 laps memory recall.” - Best for Track Coach: Seiko SVAS003 Swimming Master Stopwatch
“Anti-bacterial body, 300-line timer display, dual memory mode.” - Best for Lap Counter: FINIS 3X-100M Swimming Stopwatch
“Cumulative timing display, adjustable neck strap, 100-split memory.”
Comparison Chart
Now that a few of the best stopwatches have been revealed with their highlight feature, a thorough comparison table of fundamental criteria to evaluate their quality to each other is significant. Take a look at these basic stopwatch standards.
The 15 Best Stopwatches for Swim Coaches Reviews
Prior to purchasing a swimming stopwatch for coaches, it is crucial for users to understand their insights to the utmost extent. By researching each of their finest functions with pros and cons, you can avoid buying one with the wrong intention.
Ultrak 496 500M Swimming Stopwatch
(Best Overall – Editor’s Choice)
The memory recall function of this stopwatch from Ultrak is impressive of 500 laps and it allows coaches to take splits in this mode. Being water-resistant enables the stopwatch to be used underwater in case there is no coach.
This Ultrak stopwatch can measure swimming time of up to 10 continuous hours as its lithium battery life is incredible. You will see that the bottom row of this watch is where coaches give a check of swimming events or lap time.
Ultrak even engineered the stopwatch to have an individual row for showing strokes that swimmers have made. It also rings on an alarm for better lap indication to swimmers in the pool without the need for words. A calendar is included in the display.
Pros
- It recalls the last 500 laps.
- It allows splitting in the recall mode.
- It is highly water-resistant.
- The timer stands up to 10 hours.
- It has a display row for stroke.
- It includes a helpful alarm.
Cons
- The shell tends to break soon.
Ultrak 495 100M Swimming Stopwatch
(Best With Stroke Rate)
This stopwatch is equipped with the famous Ultrak time measurement of up to 10 hours straight. It has separate reset and start/stop buttons for high convenience in timing a swimming process. You can track their stroke rate with this tool.
Differs from the Ultrak stopwatch above, it is capable of recalling the last 100 laps and it contains an extra lanyard for coaches and swimmers to wear around their neck. There are two appealing watch shades of black and yellow to choose from.
The brand Ultrak provides a 5-year warranty with a long lithium battery life of 5 years for this swimming stopwatch. Split events are easily taken during its recall mode to ensure the best swimming performance through divided stages.
Pros
- It measures up to 10 hours.
- Individual reset and start/stop buttons.
- It helps to follow the stroke rate.
- It memorizes the latest 100 laps.
- It has two color selections.
- It goes with a 5-year warranty.
- It allows taking split events.
Cons
- Its Mode button got stuck.
Seiko SVAS003 Swimming Master Stopwatch
(Best for Track Coach)
Most swimming coaches are keen on using a Seiko stopwatch for its worldwide fame. This stopwatch is indeed ideal for them to track swimming time due to the 1/100th second measurement. It views up to 999 times of the lap and split number.
Though this is a rare feature, the stopwatch from Seiko can recall the fastest lap to enable simple assessment from coaches for their swimmers. The entire watch is 10 ATM water-resistant so it is able to be used underwater without problems.
You are allowed to check the remaining memory storage of this stopwatch in its memory usage indicator. There is a total of 300 lines for the Seiko watch to display time tracking in laps, split events and the total time.
Pros
- It measures 1/100th second.
- It shows up to 999 laps and splits.
- The fastest lap is recallable.
- It is 10 ATM water-resistant.
- Its remaining memory can be checked.
- There are 300 lines for viewing.
Cons
- No defections recorded so far.
Seiko S141 Swimming Stopwatch
(Best for Long-Lasting Batteries)
The stopwatch from Seiko has 4 to 5 years of actual battery life tested by its past customers. Though it has a rugged construction, the overall volume is still adequate to be handheld with ease. There is an additional neck strap for this watch.
Users are capable of checking for its memory recall up and down. The 10 ATM water-resistant feature is what the brand Seiko tends to focus on bringing to all of their stopwatches. Its 3 panels enable large and clear digital display.
It is possible to find out how much memory storage is left in its indicator. It provides up to 10 hours of time tracking in 1/100th second accuracy. This Seiko stopwatch can work to record 300 laps and splits with the effective dual memory mode.
Pros
- It has 5-year long battery life.
- It can be easily handheld.
- Its memory is checked up/down.
- It is highly water-resistant.
- It measures time for 10 hours.
- It can count up to 300 laps.
Cons
- The buttons are a bit loose.
ACCUSPLIT Pro Survivor A601X Swim Stopwatch
(Best for Taking Splits)
A wide range of colors for the ACCUSPLIT stopwatch is available for coaches to choose as wish. It is both lightweight and low-cost but ensures the best value on the market. The lithium battery life is estimated to last for 5 years, which is quite long.
Not only is this swimming stopwatch water-resistant close to 100 feet, but it is also shock-resistant. Each watch will be sent in an exclusive “X” case for extra protection. Its large XL digital screen is optimal to view the numbers.
The watch can display the fastest and runner-up participants in a swimming race with their accurate split timer. You would be able to view the timing range of 24 hours and the date and month with this stopwatch from ACCUSPLIT.
Pros
- It has lots of color choices.
- It is lightweight and inexpensive.
- It is shock and water-resistant.
- It comes with an “X” case.
- Its digital screen is size XL.
- It tells the 1st and 2nd place.
Cons
- It does not count swimming laps.
ACCUSPLIT AX602 500M Swimming Stopwatch
(Best for Countdown Timer)
The 500 recallable laps are considered the highest possible memory viewing of stopwatches and this one from ACCUSPLIT is programmed to do so. As usual, the brand offers an ergonomic “X” case to protect this watch from external impacts.
There are 3 clear timing rows being displayed on its large digital screen to keep coaches updated on the situation. Should swimmers wish to beat a certain swimming record, the watch enables an effective countdown timer in 3 different modes.
Its million-cycle switches deliver an outstanding operation for this stopwatch to track cumulative time. The watch can resist external pressure and water up to 100 feet in the pool. ACCUSPLIT provides it with a 3-year product warranty.
Pros
- It recalls the last 500 laps.
- It comes with an “X” case.
- It includes a 3-row display.
- Its countdown has 3 modes.
- It has million-cycle switches.
- It is shock and water-resistant.
- It has a 3-year warranty.
Cons
- It does not save single laps.
FINIS 3X-100M Swimming Stopwatch
(Best for Lap Counter)
You would be fascinated by a swimming stopwatch that can display both cumulative and lap splits, especially one from the popular brand FINIS. The watch enables coaches to review the latest memory without pausing its running timer.
In terms of competition in a swimming team, coaches would be capable of seeing exactly who came in 1st and 2nd in the same view on this stopwatch. It also provides auto calculation of stroke rate and is programmed for each 3rd stroke.
With its 100-lap dual memory and 10-hour measurement of 1/100th second, the stopwatch from FINIS is certain to assist coaches in the best way to count and track swimming laps. The lanyard is long and simple to alter for your convenience.
Pros
- It views cumulative and lap splits.
- It recalls without stopping the timer.
- It tells the 1st and 2nd place.
- It auto calculates the stroke rate.
- It measures up to 10 hours.
- Its neck strap is easily adjustable.
Cons
- Its beeping cannot be turned off.
See Also: Top 8 Best Swim Lap Counters
Marathon Adanac 3000 Swimming Stopwatch
There are multiple color choices of this Adanac swimming stopwatches and each of them comes with a convenient 46-inch neck strap. Its large screen would be easier for coaches to measure time and read it in poor light conditions.
It is a huge surprise to find out that you only need to spend less than $20.00 for a stopwatch that is both dust and water-resistant. Moreover, the watch is even laser tuned to provide accurate timing of 1/100th second.
The split-timing of this Adanic stopwatch can be frozen while its main total timer continues. You will be able to view month, day and date alongside the swimming time measurement. A wide range of users like PE teachers and athletes can use it.
Pros
- It provides versatile color options.
- It has a 46-inch lanyard.
- It is water and dust-resistant.
- It has been laser tuned.
- The split event timer can stop.
- Lots of vocations can use it.
Cons
- It does not save split times.
Marathon Adanac 4000 Swimming Stopwatch
(Best With Backlit Screen)
The Marathon stopwatch is engineered with a background light for its digital screen to improve reading in poor light conditions. It has an effective resistance combo against pool water, external dust and shock to protect the watch.
Its total measurement can continue to run while freezing the split-timing for coaches to give a check. This watch from Marathon contains a long 46-inch durable braided cord for convenience in usage. An alarm is included on the stopwatch.
The watch enables a fast finish memory recall for two places. Similar to other ones from Marathon, laser tuning is applied to this stopwatch for 1/100th second precision. Regarding most sports activities, this stopwatch is perfect to assist them all.
Pros
- It has a backlit digital screen.
- It is dust, water and shock-resistant.
- It enables smart split-timer.
- It comes with a neck strap.
- It recalls the 1st and 2nd place.
- It is suitable to use in sports.
Cons
- Cannot set the time or date.
Travelwey Digital Swimming Stopwatch
(Best Budget)
This watch is made from lightweight hard plastic. While other brands tend to add tons of different features into their items, Travelwey chooses to minimalize their stopwatches by reducing irrelevant details and making it less expensive.
It consumes standard AAA batteries and they are added in this stopwatch purchase for no extra charge. This stopwatch is suitable for users who prefer silence and simplicity and it is effortless for little children to use for recreational purposes.
Either a swimming coach or a football referee can benefit from the Travelwey stopwatch thanks to its excellent functionality for sports. The watch comes with an additional neck cord. It has a larger and better display than the old version.
Pros
- The plastic material is lightweight.
- It is basic and inexpensive.
- It includes AAA batteries.
- It has no extra sound or bells.
- It is ideal for sports activities.
- The screen is larger than before.
Cons
- The battery cover is not firm.
Learning Resources Simple Swim Stopwatch
(Best for Classroom Activities)
Apart from measuring swimming time, stopwatches are used a lot for educational purposes as well. The stopwatch from Learning Resources is a brilliant example of a simple, colorful and children-friendly watch to track classroom tasks.
There are only 3 buttons with different shades and clear descriptions for each so little kids can use this watch at ease. It has an overall compact size of 3 inches and the surrounding raised nubs enable a firm grip for small children.
This stopwatch is able to measure accurate 1/100th second like other professional ones for adults. Kids can wear the watch around their neck with a lanyard when they are engaged in active activities inside and outside the classroom.
Pros
- It supports kinesthetic learning.
- It is simple for children.
- There are 3 clear buttons.
- It is equipped with raised nubs.
- It counts 1/100th second.
- It comes with a neck strap.
Cons
- It is not sold in a pack of 3.
SportCount LapCounter Swim Stopwatch
(Best for One-Hand Operation)
With an odd and unique design of a finger-size stopwatch, the item from SportCount is certain to raise a lot of curiosity from its potential customers. Among the timing statistics being shown, you can review the slowest recorded lap.
This stopwatch only has one button so swimmers are capable of using their thumbs to activate it on the same hand. The action will not interrupt your swimming position. Of course, this SportCount watch is waterproof to 50m.
The watchband made from rubber is durable and will not slip out of your finger underwater. If you obtain this SportCount stopwatch from an authorized seller, you would get a whole year of product warranty after purchase.
Pros
- It is worn straight on the finger.
- It displays the slowest lap.
- It has one convenient button.
- It is highly waterproof.
- Its watchband is anti-slippage.
- It goes with a 1-year warranty.
Cons
- The poorly designed battery holder.
Champion Sports Swimming Stopwatch
This stopwatch from Champion Sports is another minimal watch for swimming coaches to take advantage of. The watch is manufactured to have 6 different shades and in a small handheld size but with a large digital screen.
You can choose either the time format of 12 or 24 hours on this stopwatch. It features 1/100th second accuracy for the best swimming lap counter. The start/stop and reset buttons are separate to increase convenience in usage.
Pros
- It has 6 color selections.
- The digital display is big.
- It has 12/24-hour formats.
- It provides 1/100th second precision.
- It has separate buttons.
Cons
- Its beeping sound is loud.
KingL Digital Swimming Stopwatch
(Best for Low Energy Consumption)
The KingL swimming stopwatch provides diverse purchase options of 1 pack, 5 packs and 1 pack with a whistle. Weekdays are printed on its digital display to keep users updated. There is a small compass on the bottom right corner of this watch.
With its weight of only around 1.4 ounces, the stopwatch makes a perfect handheld time measurement device for coaches. The small volume enables this watch to be carried inside pants pockets without hardships so you will not lose it.
Most customers trust the brand KingL with their 30-day quality assurance for this swimming stopwatch. Its alarm can be turned on and off in a few simple steps. The watch consumes a low rate of energy so users do not need to change batteries often.
Pros
- It is sold in different packs.
- The screen has weekdays on.
- It has a small compass.
- It is a lightweight watch.
- Its small volume is convenient.
- It has a money guarantee.
Cons
- The hourly beeps do not stop.
QWM Professional Swimming Stopwatch
The last stopwatch on the list is equipped with two sets of memory with 100 records in each group. You can look up and down for its latest time measurement. It has two built-in alarms that are able to be turned off to eliminate worries about noises.
There is a special football mode with high expertise to track time in football games, which means this single watch is used for multiple sports fields. Its countdown timer works the same as normal timing for a maximum of 10 hours straight.
The 3 large row display enables easy time reading with the fastest recorded lap in its memory storage. Its system allows coaches to select a 12 or 24-hour format as wish. The stopwatch includes 1/1000 second timing that provides a high level of accuracy.
Pros
- It contains two memory sets.
- Its two alarms can be turned off.
- It has an expert football mode.
- Its countdown runs for 10 hours.
- It provides 12/24-hour formats.
- It tracks 1/1000 second.
Cons
- It cannot recall the splits.
Finding the Best Stopwatch for Swim Coaches – Buying Guide
It is highly possible that none of the best swimming stopwatches in this article excites you enough to purchase it, therefore I would like to present you with an informative buying guide to let you know exactly what to focus on when buying a stopwatch.
Memory Recall
The majority of currently available swimming stopwatches are programmed to have a memory recall feature. It helps coaches to review a specific number of swimming laps they have recorded recently with the stopwatch.
As far as I am concerned, there are 3 common lap recalls in a stopwatch including 100, 300 to 500 laps. People often assume that the highest rate equals the best stopwatch but that is not necessarily true. It depends on your personal needs as well.
Purchase a swimming stopwatch with recallable data enables its users to take a thorough look into the latest insights of their training process. Swimmers can see whether they have improved or require harder practices to reach their aims.
Waterproof Ability
Concerning the waterproof function in swimming stopwatches, most of them are able to resist pool water but not all. Some stopwatches are entirely waterproof up to 100 feet underwater without causing any unwanted internal errors.
Swimmers should always prioritize this feature to use the stopwatch in the pool. You cannot exclude the scenario of working out alone and there is no coach to keep track of your performance time. A waterproof stopwatch will be a life savior in that case.
Do not worry that waterproof stopwatches cost more than other regular ones, most brands consider it a must so having this feature does not mean the watch is more expensive. Consequently, it is best to purchase a swimming stopwatch that is highly waterproof.
Neck Strap
An incredible number of swimming stopwatches come with a long neck strap (also known as a lanyard) to attach them to each other. Most of the stopwatch straps are durable and densely braided cord that dries out of the water in no time.
When standing on a pool deck, coaches should put the stopwatch on their necks to avoid dropping it into the pool and a lanyard will provide the best support. Individuals who swim alone can benefit from a neck strap to use the stopwatch underwater.
Among multiple neck cord lengths, 46 inches appear to be the standard and most optimal one. Apparently, there are still a lot of cordless swimming stopwatches but I expect you to shop for one with a neck strap included for the highest flexibility level.
Beeping Sounds
Several stopwatches produce beepings when particular buttons are pressed to indicate its users to start or stop the activities. The number of watches with this sound is considered a suitable function to support aqua training sessions.
The beeping sounds of a swimming stopwatch should maintain a sufficient volume since some might get too loud and irritate people. One of its obvious downsides is that a beeping stopwatch is not really good for users who prefer silence than sounds.
You should better check in advance to know whether the targeted stopwatch beeps or not. Moreover, this sound should be able to be turned off as wish to avoid the watch from making non-stop beeping noises even when you are not using it.
How to Use a Stopwatch for Swimming?
Most stopwatches will have separate start/stop and reset buttons. When the watch is operated, it tracks with accurate 1/100th second. The stopwatch shows cumulative time and even split events so users can review them all at once later.
Specifically for those that include recallable memory mode, a stopwatch can tell the 1st and 2nd place with the latest recorded laps from 100 to 500. Stopwatches that are a little more complex are usually equipped with an extra calendar and an alarm.
A stopwatch helps swimmers to achieve personal or competition records. Coaches should set a time record for teammates to compete since races are effective in encouraging swimmers and a stopwatch is significant in deciding who has the upper hand in the pool.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about stopwatches for coaches.
Swim Network Overview
A stopwatch for swim coaches is approved of being a multi-task support device due to the great benefits it brings to swimmers as well. It measures time in different ways and helps users review up to 500 latest recorded laps in 10 hours straight of its lap counter.
We cannot deny the best overall stopwatch is the Ultrak 496 500M Swimming Stopwatch. While classroom activities are ideal tasks for the Learning Resources Simple Swim Stopwatch to function. The Ultrak 495 100M Swimming Stopwatch is perfect for tracking stroke rate.
In order to make use of the countdown timer, the most recommended watch is the ACCUSPLIT AX602 500M Swimming Stopwatch. And the Marathon Adanac 3000 Swimming Stopwatch would suit plenty of other vocations than swimming coaches.
I expect the buying guide to be helpful for your swimming stopwatch shopping time, even if the stopwatches being reviewed here are not convincing enough to persuade you to spend money on them. Remember to always keep in mind all of my precious tips.
What is your opinion on this article of the best stopwatches for swim coaches in 2024? I would love to read personal feedbacks to improve the quality of my research. If the article is advantageous for your purposes, do not waste another minute to share it with other coaches via Facebook and Twitter right this instant!
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