Hey there! If you’re reading this, you’re probably in the market for a swim meet start system or wondering if it’s time to upgrade your current setup. I’ve been in the swim tech world for years now, and let me tell you – not all start systems are created equal.

Today I’m breaking down Colorado Time Systems’ start system lineup – specifically comparing the Championship Elite, Infinity Pro, standard Infinity, and Championship Series. Full disclosure: we not only sell these systems but we’re also certified technicians who can service and repair them all. So we know these machines inside and out!

Quick update before we dive in: The standard Infinity and Championship Series models are no longer being manufactured, so they’re not available for new purchase. However, if you already have one of these swim meet start systems, don’t worry! We can still service, rehab, and repair them to keep them running smoothly for years to come. To learn more, head over to our Timing Equipment Repair page.

Championship Elite: For When You’re Not Messing Around

Man, the Championship Elite is a beast. The first time I installed one at a major university, the head coach literally did a happy dance. No joke.

What makes it so special? This thing is basically the Ferrari of start systems:

  • It handles up to 12 platforms with Speedlights
  • Supports 13 EVIs (those visual indicators that make starts fair for everyone)
  • Powers up to 20 speakers or 2 underwater speakers
  • Keeps going for 15+ hours without needing a charge

The Visual Start Signaling system is absolutely clutch for inclusive programs. I remember watching a deaf swimmer nail the perfect start during a championship meet because of this feature – the smile on that kid’s face was everything.

And let’s talk about that training mode. You know those morning practices when you’re trying to run starts but also manage twenty other things? The automated “take your marks” sequence is a lifesaver. Just set it and focus on giving feedback while the system handles the timing.

Infinity Pro: Premium Without Breaking Your Back (Literally)

I take the Infinity Pro to about 30 swim meets a year, and my back is eternally grateful for its portability. At just 11 pounds with that molded handle, it’s actually designed for real humans to carry around.

The customization is what sells most coaches on this one:

  • Being able to adjust both the strobe brightness and horn volume means you can perfectly tune it to your facility
  • The battery is ridiculous – 12+ hours of use and recharges to 90% during a lunch break (4 hours)
  • That auto shut-off feature has saved me more times than I can count (we’ve all forgotten to turn equipment off, right?)

Last month, I was running a high school championship where we had a false start situation. The Infinity Pro‘s recall feature cut through the crowd noise instantly, and every swimmer heard it clearly. Those are the moments when you appreciate quality equipment.

The Legacy Start Systems: Standard Infinity & Championship Series

While you can’t buy these new anymore, we still service plenty of them around the country.

The standard Infinity is like that Nokia phone from the early 2000s – basic but nearly indestructible. With about 8 hours of battery life and a simple interface, it’s handled thousands of high school dual meets reliably. Nothing fancy, but it gets the job done.

I was at a facility last year that had been using their Infinity for over a decade. It needed some TLC, but after we serviced it, it was back to working perfectly. That’s the kind of longevity you rarely see in electronics these days.

The Championship Series sits in that middle zone. It added some nice upgrades – speakers under the blocks, Speedlight compatibility, dual microphone support. I’ve seen several college programs use these for years with great results.

One coach told me his Championship Series survived being accidentally knocked into the pool (though please don’t test this yourself!). After we dried it out and replaced a few components, it was back in action.

The Honest Truth About Why Premium Matters

Look, I get it. Pool budgets aren’t exactly overflowing, and every purchase gets scrutinized. But in 25+ years of working with swim programs, I’ve never seen anyone regret investing in a quality swim meet start system. Here’s why:

Last season, I watched a championship meet get delayed by almost an hour because of issues with an aging, lower-quality start system. The meet director told me later they lost revenue from concessions and merchandise because everything ran late. One equipment failure can cost more than the price difference between standard and premium.

But beyond the dollars and cents:

  • Your swimmers deserve consistent, fair starts at every practice and meet
  • Your officials and timers rely on clear signals to do their jobs accurately
  • Parents and spectators judge the quality of your program partly on how smoothly your meets run

What Should You Do With Your Current Swim Meet Start Systems?

If you’re using one of the legacy swim meet start systems (standard Infinity or Championship Series) and it’s working well, we can help you keep it that way. Our technicians can refurbish, repair, and even upgrade certain components to extend its life.

But if you’re experiencing issues or limitations with your current setup, the Championship Elite and Infinity Pro represent significant improvements in technology, reliability, and features.

Bottom Line: My Actual Recommendations

If you’re hosting serious competitions or running a college/club program with championship aspirations, the Championship Elite is the gold standard. It’s an investment in excellence that pays dividends in meet quality and preparedness.

If you run meets at multiple pools or prioritize portability without sacrificing quality, the Infinity Pro hits the sweet spot. The fast charging and lighter weight make it perfect for programs on the move.

If you have a legacy system that’s showing its age, let’s talk about whether repair or replacement makes more sense for your situation. Sometimes a thorough service can give you several more years of reliable operation.

Remember, we’re not just here to sell you equipment – we’re swimmers and coaches ourselves who happen to be tech nerds. We want your program to succeed, and that means having the right tools that work reliably every time those swimmers step up on the blocks.

Drop us a line if you have questions about your specific situation. We’re happy to help you figure out what makes the most sense for your pool, your program, and yes, your budget too!