What is the best timing system?

Most of you will have heard of the freelap timing system...and timing systems from tissot and swatch, but what is the best timing system for a reasonable budget?People may say that the freelap timing system is the best, i mean it is a brilliant idea but it wont work for more than a few people, say for instance you have 25 people to be timed...having 25 watches becomes very pricey.

So far i have managed to do with two walkie talkies a stop watch and two willing timers, one at the top and one at the bottom and the person at the bottom gives a countdown for the racer at the top and starts the timing and when they cross the finish line you stop the stopwatch....But on a very cold and wet day this is not fun, especially when you would rather be riding with everyone else.

So what i'm asking is what is the best timing system for a budget of say, 500 GBP. Does anyone know of a good timing system for less then £500?

Cheers from James