The DGT 960 is by far one of the coolest new ones out there (folds up and fits in your shirt pocket) and the one I always carry with me. Been seeing a lot of these lately at USCF tournaments...
Which digital clock is most popular?
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In North America various models of the Chronos brand seem to be the most popular. I think in Europe the DGT 2010 and Xl are popular. (this is from what I have read, not from experience.) Among casual club and class players the more reasonably priced Excalibur and Saiteks are also popular.
I fail to see why the Duel Timer is so unpopular! I realize that some find the wood ugly, but many find it attractive. It is full featured, has quiet buttons and very easy to use. Despite its delicate looks, it is also quite rugged. Its display is clear and readable and it runs for like ever on a single inexpensive button battery. Any SD time control can be set up in mere seconds and it is not much harder to set up multi-period or use USCF style delay or Fischer increments. It does not however use the Bronstein method of delay. It has 26 preprogrammed chess modes, a Scrabble® mode, and 2 go modes. It also has “gong” and the silly “hourglass” mode.
To demonstrate how easy it is to use consider the following;
- The Chronos has a 48 page instruction manual.
- The Excalibur has a 18 page instruction manual.
- Both Saiteks have a 12 page instruction manual.
- The DGT 2010 & NA models have a 13 page manual.
- But the Duel Timer has only a 4 page manual!
So, what does the above info about the Duel Timer's instruction manual size, tell you about ease of use? So, why when it is so easy to use, is it so unpopular?
Althus said: "I'm not asking which one is best, but which one everybody else seems to buy."
I wasn't trying to say the Duel Timer is best, but I've often wondered why more people don't seem to buy it istead of others? It is more expensive than the Excaliburs & Saiteks, in the same Price range as the DGT 2010 and less expensive than Chronos.
As far as I can tell, the most common ones at tournaments are the Chronos, Saitek, and Excalibur. Any thoughts on which of these, or any others, you see most often? I'm not asking which one is best, but which one everybody else seems to buy.
Many thanks!