Review by David Watt

History
In 1981 a company was born in Southern California chasing the dream of bringing time into action sports. Action adventure junkies themselves, they understood the challenge of needing a way to balance the priorities of life and still be able to chase adventure. Freestyle watches were born out of a necessity; they wanted to mix innovation with function and purpose.  I will never forget the first Freestyle watch I saw; it was my older brothers and man I just wanted a chance to try it on. I will never forget that watch, the weight was solid and you could tell it was made to surf with. They called it the 'Shark'; how cool of a name is that?

Since then, Freestyle has kept to the same quality of time pieces.  I am now grown and have had need for few watches in my life time because of the quality of the product. I am a long time surfer and an avid adventurist, still running from time, but also trying to chase it down and balance a career and family. My recent battle with my arch nemesis 'time', takes me to triathlon, this mad man seems to just elude me by seconds every time. I was recently asked to try the Freestyle watch called 'STRIDE'.  I will try anything that can help me with my ongoing battle; any weapon I can put in my quiver I will gladly take.

Features
This weapon has many features that can help in the advancement of my skills, made but not limited to water workouts the Stride has the unique Hydro Pusher button system that allows you to use the buttons underwater at great depths. The watch also has 6 display modes NORMAL TIME, CHRONOGRAPH, RECALL, TIMER, HEAT TIMER and ALARM settings. The Chronograph lap counter has a handy button on the face of the watch to make lap counting easy and quick on the turns. The Recall mode will help you look back and see your splits and remember your best times. This watch is perfect for the swimming part of my work out. The Timer Setting I use for my 20 minute warm up. It will count down and alert me when 20 min. has passed and then I can switch to the lap counting. There is also a Heat Timer feature for the more inspired swimmer.  You also have the ability to switch from one setting to another and not stop the work out. The Alarm setting I didn’t like so much because this meant it was time to get out of bed and start the day, and also notifies me it's time to stop playing and get ready for work but I have to say it's part of the deal.

Final Say
With all that being said it is a little large for the small-wristed and the band is all plastic (to stay in water for long periods of time). This makes the watch sweat a little more with daily wearing and running workouts, but does not present the problem of long term stinking due to sweat build up in the band. The white numbers on a black back ground make it hard to see on some angles but are great under water. There is no problem seeing with polarized lenses and the face of the watch is very durable. Overall this watch is a great tool to have for your swimming work outs and at $60 retail, can be used in your Tri’s to conquer time.

Review by Gelder Lewis

History

I had a subscription to SURFING magazine when I was 13 years old. I remember the first time seeing the Freestyle SHARK  in the pages of that bright florescent mag. This was my introduction to the iconic surf sport watch of the 80's. That year I went to Hawaii and brought home my own Freestyle SHARK.  So, I am stoked that the SHARK is still around, or I should say it is making a strong comeback.

Features

The KILLER SHARK SKELETON is a clear, digital watch so you are looking at the circuits of the watch built into the face. This is the first ever wristwatch that you can actually see the motherboard. The numbers were difficult to see at first but this is only because I was naturally distracted by the cool circuitry behind the time display. Once you are used to it you will find yourself looking at the watch and pressing the light button just to see the whole face light up.  It is very much like a new toy and my kids love it. The wristband is super comfortable. With a silicone feel and smooth wristband locking strap you will enjoy wearing this watch in sun, surf, and snow. I have worn it to the beach, the mountains, running, snowboarding, camping, and to Disneyland, and the light worked really well in the haunted house.

Final Say

This watch pulls from the classic look of the original SHARK and puts it in a larger face and a more comfortable band. This watch has dual time, countdown timer, stopwatch and date. Coming in at $65 this watch is a such a great value you will want one in each color.

Stay tuned for our next review of the ABC and workout, other great watches from Freestyle SHARK.

For more information about Freestyle watches go to: www.freestyleusa.com