The ZMF-II is a new clock to Wholesale Chess so we wanted to check it out and share what we have found. To see the clock in action you can watch the video below. The video is also available on the product page.
At first glance the ZMF-II looks a lot like the Chronos clocks. It has a wide, low profile like the Chronos and the touch sensor buttons are very similar. However, the case of the ZMF-II clock is made from plastic where the Chronos case is metal. There is a middle button on the top of the clock to pause and reset games as well as access the programming. Unlike the Chronos, the ZMF-II has an On/Off switch which eliminates the need to tap multiple times to turn the clock off. The ZMF-II runs on 4 “C” batteries which according to the manual should provide 1,600 hours of use under normal conditions.
The display windows are made from “high impact-resistance polycarbonate” which according to the manual is the same material used in the windows of bank tellers. The LEDs are clear and easy to see when you are close to the clock. At 15’ away the LEDs were a little blurry. The manual indicates that the clock is intended for indoor use only. I tested the unit outdoors on a bright sunny day and could not see the LEDs at all. This is not the clock you want to use if you are playing at the park.
When you turn the clock on the last timing mode used is displayed. If you don’t need to make changes you are immediately ready to go. To make changes you press and hold the center button for five seconds to access the clock’s programming.
The ZMF-II offers several timing modes including delay (0 to 60 sec), increment (0 to 60 sec), Hour-glass and Byo-yomi. It also has a dual timer mode (where both clocks go up or down at the same time or individually) and a score keeper’s modes where with each touch of the button adds one to either side of the clock. The tournament mode offers up to three different time controls and includes an move counter.
Generally I found the controls fairly intuitive. After a few minutes of scanning through the manual I was able to program the clock as desired. If you are new to chess or are unfamiliar with chess clocks it may take more time to become familiar with the clock.
After selling a couple of hundred of these clocks we have had two or three come back with display issues. That is a fairly typical defect rate for chess clocks. These clocks are made in the USA and ZmartFun offers a one year warranty on the clocks. If you have a problem in the first year you can send the clock back to Wholesale Chess and we will work with ZmartFun to repair or replace the clock.
At $54.95the ZMF-II is priced in the middle of the chess clock market and about one half of the price of a Chronos clock. The timing modes offered is consistent with other clocks in the same price range.
With the unique LED options this is a fun clock to add a little color to your game.