40/25 second timer options

[IllRef]

Hi all,

I'm looking for input on the available options for counting the 40/25 second clock.  I've looked at Ready Ref, Ref Smart, and a non-smart digital watch (Google or iWatch). 

Please let me know your thoughts on the pros/cons (price, functionality, ease of use, etc.) of the timers.  For those using a digital watch, are there any in particular you prefer?  Also, if you are using a digital watch, are you counting down from 40 and then looking at the watch when it approaches 25?  Or are you counting down from a different time (20, 15 seconds) and then resetting it accordingly?  I know there are smart watches out there with applicable apps, but I don't want to invest in buying one.

Thank you for your help and guidance.

Regards.

[ilyazhito]

I use a Ready Ref. I bought the universal model, because I started out officiating both football and lacrosse. This made it easier to set my device to 25/40 mode for football than it would have been converting a football-only Ready Ref from 25/60 to 25/40 mode would have been. What I like is that I don't have to look at the device to set it, it buzzes at the appropriate intervals (10 seconds before the play clock expires, and a continuous buzz from 5 to 0 seconds), and it has a light at the top to verify that it is working. There is also a rocker switch and a reset button, to turn the device off once the ball is snapped. The side of the rocker switch closer to the light starts the 25-second clock, and the side further from the light starts the 40-second clock. To time a timeout, just start the 40-second clock, and start the 25-second clock once the 40-second clock buzzes for the 2nd time (at the 35-second mark).

[Kalle]

If you can get a good model from Casio, that would be a price efficient choice. Casio at least used to have watches with a configurable countdown set, ie. you could set it to 15-10-15, for example. I liked that, but after 10 years it broke down. Since then I've been pretty happy with my Apple Watch and the new Football Play Clock app, but that is obviously a very expensive solution if you don't already have an Apple Watch.

[bossman72]

Just get a watch with a stopwatch function and count up.  You probably already have one.  Easy breezy.

[clearwall]

I mentioned this on another thread, but I have a TicWatch(android) that has an app on it called "Universal Referee Timer" and I like it a lot. You can fully configure 3 buttons to operate whatever time you want however you want. I just leave the default of 25, 40, 1:00. It buzzes at :10 of each option and then a long buzz once it runs out. I never have to look at it if I am keeping the PC on the field. What I REALLY got it for, though was the ability to record through the watch. I can track fouls/interesting plays on the watch then at half and end of the game, I can send the recordings to my phone and listen or write them down when I have more time.

[Yellow Flag]

I have a new Ready Ref 40/25 for sale, cheaper than a new one. Email me if interested. Email: ndirish@bright.net