using the wetronome

[umi4smooth]

Hi, I have been using the wetronome for a couple of weeks now and I think it is a great and helpful tool. I also fully understand the rationale of the design with no keys and lcd: years ago I purchased another product (from finis i think) and the "down" button" died after only a few trials. However, the mk2 seems to run me into some trouble since I seem to switch the modes unintended. I only want to use use the stroke rate mode these days and under time pressure doing reps I seem to switch the mode from time to time. (Yes, I read the nice user guide, btw.) Anyone with a good hint how to avoid the unintended mode switch? and if the mode switch happened though: how to recover most efficiently?

[Paul Newsome]

Hi umi4smooth

Thanks for your post. The single thing you need to remember when switching modes (or not in this case!) is that to turn the Wetronome on into Stroke Rate mode you literally hold the wand against the Wetronome until it STARTS beeping. Conversely, to switch to Lap Interval mode, you need to hold the wand against the Wetronome until it FINISHES beeping. These methods are both at start-up obviously. If you're already in one mode over the other, you'll need to turn the unit off (i.e. hold the wand against the Wetronome until it flashes / beeps four times) and then re-start using the method described above. It is a little finnickity to master right away, but once you have it and remember the START / FINISH thing you'll be set.

Hope this helps!

Cheers

Paul

[Pete NZ]

I've been using my wetronome to ramp up my tempo when swimming consecutive sets at higher effort or faster speed (eg, 12 x 100m at 62 spm then 64, 66, 68 etc all the way to 84 spm). I find it easy enough to change the stroke rate between laps by tapping the wand against the unit under my swim cap. However, I have noticed that the unit doesn't always respond as expected if I try to change the settings while I'm holding the unit in my hand. Turning it off usually resolves things as I can start again from scratch when I wake it up. However, I have noticed that it is sometimes really difficult to turn off. I'm not blaming the unit (which is definately one of the best swim aids I've bought) and accept that I'm probably confusing it by tapping too many times, tapping in the wrong place or tapping in the wrong order...

I don't think it needs a screen, but I would like Mk 3 to have different coloured LEDs. How about red for stroke rate and green for lap mode? Not much use when swimming, but it would make it easier to see what mode it's in while setting it for the session.

[Paul Newsome]

That's a great bit of feedback Pete. I'll raise those suggestions with the manufacturers here in Perth. Quick tip on the tapping though - always aim to tap squarely between the ridges, be quite positive with each tap and lift the wand away from the Wetronome by a good inch or so between taps. It feels a little mechanical when you do it in such a rehearsed kind of way but should make your success rate much higher.

Cheers

Paul

[Pete NZ]

Cheers Paul. It's funny how I never seem to have a problem when tapping the wand against my head and I can't see a thing (I could be tapping it with the edge, side, top, bottom, who knows), but struggle when it's in my hand and I can actually see what I'm doing. Haha.

[doctoreli]

I have not actually used the wetronome but I have been experimenting with the cadence of my stroke. I found good success on increasing my recovery vs simply thinking about speeding up the pull. Have you found any specific techniques that work well for increasing cadence of the stroke?

[PamelaDolphin]

Huh! A Wetronome? I can't say that I've ever even heard of one (I'm new to swimming). I looked "wetronome" up on google and it immediately associated it with this site. How quaint! I've used a metronome before, but never a "wetronome." What makes this device different than a metronome? Is it the capability to be wet or immersed in water or is it pressurized? I'm fully intrigued!

[Pete NZ]

Hi Pam,

You are quite correct - the Wetronome is a waterproofed metronome. Buy one and try it - it will definately help you develop an even stroke rate.