Buying my first Chess Clock and could use some ...

Hi,
I'm looking to buy my first chess clock and need some help in picking a good, reliable and sturdy model. Although I can afford any of them I would ideally like to save money. The models I have to choose from are (In cost order):

Saitek Competition Game Pro
DGT Easy Plus
Standard Turnier (BHB)
Standard Garde
DGT 2000 timer

Ideally I would prefer the Turnier (as at my current level of chess that is the standard clock used in clubs and low level tournaments) but I am unsure of its ability to handle blitz and other heavy handed, rapid modes of play. Also I do like the ability to have Fischer timings on the digital models

Also another thing I'd like to know is if I was using a digital clock at home and then had to use a analouge with the ticking noise at a tournament would it have a detrimental effect on my playing.

All help on this matter is massivley appreciated.
Many thanks

I personally prefer digital clocks (it's quieter as you can turn the sound off, and you quickly see the EXACT amount of time you have left) and use a 30 dollar Saitek. But yea, those two reasons are why I support digital

A good, inexpensive one with a lot of features is the Excalibur Gametime II for about 40 bucks.

So therefore is it possible to have digital clocks tick then?

Originally posted by longorefisher
Hi,
I'm looking to buy my first chess clock and need some help in picking a good, reliable and sturdy model. Although I can afford any of them I would ideally like to save money. The models I have to choose from are (In cost order):

Saitek Competition Game Pro
DGT Easy Plus
Standard Turnier (BHB)
Standard Garde
DGT 2000 timer

Ideally I would ...[text shortened]... mental effect on my playing.

All help on this matter is massivley appreciated.
Many thanks

Standard Garde.

Originally posted by chesskid001
A good, inexpensive one with a lot of features is the Excalibur Gametime II for about 40 bucks.

I have to echo this sentiment. Although you didn't have it listed, you can find it at just about any online chess site (including www.wholesalechess.com). It is very easy to use and can facilitate any time control you will ever need.

The only reason to get a DGT clock is if you have a DGT board.

The newest clock from Saitek, Game Pro III or something like that, looks interesting. I don't have one, but the clock has a nice look to it. It is considerably more complicated to operate than the GameTimeII though.

Personally the Saitek is very appealing as I purchase a lot of Saitek gaming hardware. The reason why the DGT (2000)became on the list is that it's the official FIDE clock and that its lever is great in blitz games. However what I'd really like to know is are Turnier clocks durable enough in blitz games

Originally posted by longorefisher
Hi,
I'm looking to buy my first chess clock and need some help in picking a good, reliable and sturdy model. Although I can afford any of them I would ideally like to save money. The models I have to choose from are (In cost order):

Saitek Competition Game Pro
DGT Easy Plus
Standard Turnier (BHB)
Standard Garde
DGT 2000 timer

Ideally I would ...[text shortened]... mental effect on my playing.

All help on this matter is massivley appreciated.
Many thanks

I'd also recommend digital. I have an analogue and it can be unfair for blitz games, as 1 player could have a fairly hefty advantage due to the difficulty in being entirely accurate.

DGT are nice clocks. I have no experience with the others.

D

Ok thanks for that

Originally posted by longorefisher
Hi,
I'm looking to buy my first chess clock and need some help in picking a good, reliable and sturdy model. Although I can afford any of them I would ideally like to save money. The models I have to choose from are (In cost order):

Saitek Competition Game Pro
DGT Easy Plus
Standard Turnier (BHB)
Standard Garde
DGT 2000 timer

Ideally I would ...[text shortened]... mental effect on my playing.

All help on this matter is massivley appreciated.
Many thanks

whatever you decide on...learn how to use it! Don't bring it to a tourney and expect someone else to know how to set it for you

I prefer my huge 1950 model Russian analog clock, but nobody wants to use it for some reason. It's a piece of history from back when Botvinnik was world champion & Reshevsky was the best US player. It's easy to set and if you stay out of time trouble you don't need to know to the second how much time is left.

I shouldn't worry about having to set it (I'm a techo geek 😛). It seems like getting a digital is preferred although I have one real big question, would an analog be robust enough to withstand hard knocks to the handles during fast play (or an uncaring friend 😕)

Originally posted by longorefisher
I shouldn't worry about having to set it (I'm a techo geek 😛). It seems like getting a digital is preferred although I have one real big question, would an analog be robust enough to withstand hard knocks to the handles during fast play (or an uncaring friend 😕)

Analogs are we ever used to use and they held up fine. I've seen them hammered relentlessly in 5 min. games and by angry opponents, knocked on the floor, etc. and survive. I have been using my German made clock for 30 years and it still works. The Russian clock has been in service over 50 years and still works.

Originally posted by longorefisher
So therefore is it possible to have digital clocks tick then?

I've never heard one tick. You can make them make an annoying beeping noise when you press the button though.

Ok Thanks for that. The field seems to be quite divided. Which would you say is better a Saitek or a DGT