Clocks for Chess Club

Hello! I'm currently running the chess club at the University of Oregon and we're considering buying new equipment. I'm not entirely certain what kind of clocks I should get. 

Currently I'm deciding between the DGT North American and the ZMF-II Digital Chess Timer. Currently our club has four DGT clocks, but I've heard from some people that they prefer the ZMF clocks. Does anyone have any suggestions?

A relatively recent review of some chess clocks....

https://chessbookreviews.wordpress.com/2016/09/02/time-for-a-new-clock/

See the end of the article for the "bottom-line" recommendations....

By the way....the author of the blog/article is John Hartmann...."schack_2" (chess.com ID).

https://www.chess.com/members/view/schack_2

That article is completely biased. Buy the Chronos or ZMF-II clocks.

The article is only biased in that it does not include specific clocks on the market and it also does not include, accurately, specific features of certain clocks.  It doesn't appear that the author likes or is biased to specific clocks to me.

Now, it is inaccurate as to what is currently available in the chess clock market.  And using that article as a buying guide would be a serious problem, in my opinion.

Referring to the OP and his question about the best clock for his university chess club, I would have to say that the DGT North American has proven to be the best for that type of usage.

There are basically 2 problems with the ZMF-II clocks for club use.

1. The first and biggest problem is that they use touch sensors instead of a button system.  The DGT clocks use a rocker arm which is a button system.  The touch sensors are all right but the rocker arms or other button mechanisms are more accepted and used more often.  The touch sensor clocks just aren't as readily accepted by the players as the button models.  There is a distinct lack of tactile feedback that the clock has been activated with the touch sensors that people do not care for.

2. I believe you can also get a better volume price on the DGT North American clock than the ZMF-II.  For instance if you are buying 10 clocks and can save $5 per clock, that's $50 saved to actually allow you to buy an extra clock with the same money.

Both the DGT North American and the ZMF-II clocks are sturdy enough for club use.

The display being the standard LCD of the North American or the LED of the ZMF-II really doesn't matter in the scheme of things.

We have DGT North Americans in one of our scholastic clubs and they hold up and work fine.

There are a couple of players in our local club that also have and use ZMF-II clocks and they also work fine.

I use a ZMF, but that's just me, and I use it mostly for tournaments. I don't use the DGTs very often, but they seem to work just fine. I would say whatever is easier and more affordable would be the right option.

I'm interested as I need to buy multiple chess clocks in the near future for my chess classes and that sounds like it'd fit my needs nicely. Do you have any information/pictures you could share of this clock?

Well if u plan to play chess for a long time. I suggest chronos i have many clock before buying the gx chronos. Why didnt i buy the chronos feom start to save money,, well its simple i was cheap and didnt want to drop money on a clock that is 100 plus... But if u if chess is a fad for u.. jus use ur phone n download a chess aps. Or buy some cheap clock. Like the dgt one that sell for 35 bucks.

If you are still looking, I was able to buy the DGT North American chess clocks at Our Pampered Home (yes odd place to sell them I know). Depending on how many you get you can get a holiday discount of 10-15% off plus free shipping. I actually purchased 12 and got them for $31/clock- well below their usual retail value. The link is below.

https://www.ourpamperedhome.com/dgt-north-american-chess-clock-and-game-timer/?CAWELAID=120148800000210964&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=19243566029&CATCI=aud-119624224109:pla-95233843229&catargetid=120148800000000260&cadevice=m&gclid=CKHS97W099ACFQgOaQod9vAJYw

That is an exceptionally good price.  Well done on your part.