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A good running watch can provide valuable information while you run{{DISPLAYTITLE:Best Running Watch, including Garmin, Polar, as well as automating your [[The importance & Suunto}}As of a training log|training log]]. This article is a concise guide to the best running Jan 2018, I'm no longer actively reviewing watches available today. It does not attempt to cover every watch on the market, but it does call out some this page will remain accessible as a point in time reference. The "what to avoid. __NOTOC__=Summary=This is look for in a summary running watch" remains valid and I'd recommend understanding the limitations of my recommendationsGPS for running. {I'd recommend checking out [https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-running-watch] for a fairly unbiased opinion, but you should read [[Stryd| class="wikitable"!Watch!!Recommendation Reason!!With Heart Rate Monitor!!Without Heart Rate Monitor!!Accessory Heart Rate Monitor!!FootPod|-|Motorola Motoactv||If you can live with my review of Stryd footpod]] as that remains one of the flaws, it's cheap most useful devices for measuring pace and brilliantdistance.||Not available||[http://goI would suggest avoiding "pseudo-marketing" sites that proport to being detailed reviews without providing any critical thinking.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatchMoto&url=http%3A%2F%2FwwwA good litmus test is to check what they say about [[GPS Accuracy]] – if they say "it's all good" then you'll know it's just marketing.amazon[[File:Best Watch.com%2FMotorola-MOTOACTV-Sports-Watch-Player%2Fdp%2FB007C1KKW8 Motoactv] <br>$150png|center|thumb|400px|[http://goThis flowchart is a simple guide to finding the right watch for you.fellrnrUse it as a starting point, and read the detailed reviews to understand if a watch is really right for you.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatchHRM&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww(Click for a larger version.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Premium-Heart-Monitor-Strap%2Fdp%2FB0029M3NSS Garmin HRM)]]||[http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcustWhat to Look for in a Running Watch=BestWatchFootpod&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Foot-Pod-Retail-Packaging%2Fdp%2FB00264GKVQ Garmin FootPod]|-|Garmin 310XT||The best A modern running watch<span style=often has a huge number of features, but I think it's best to focus on its ability to answer these basic questions. * ''color:\#FF0000'> </span>for nearly every runner.||[http://go.fellrnr.com/How far did I run?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatch310W&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Forerunner-Waterproof-Running-Monitor%2Fdp%2FB0025VKUPM Garmin 310XT with HRM''' This is probably the key feature that most runners are looking for, and it requires good [[GPS Accuracy]]<br>$300||[http://go.fellrnrHow much the accuracy of a watch will impact your running will depend on the course.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatch310N&url=http%3A%2F%2FwwwOverall, most watches do pretty well in straight lines, but suffer when things get twisty.amazonMy testing is a tough challenge for GPS, so it highlights the differences between the great and the appalling.com%2FGarmin-Forerunner-310XT-Waterproof-Running%2Fdp%2FB0025VKW5K Garmin 310XT without HRMWith the advent of the [[Stryd]]<br>$250||[http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatchHRM&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwwwfootpod that's far more accurate than GPS and doesn't require any calibration, Stryd support is now more important than GPS accuracy.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Premium-Heart-Monitor-Strap%2Fdp%2FB0029M3NSS Garmin HRM]||[http://go* '''How fast am I running?''' While you can work out your average pace from your distance and time, you'll often want to know how fast you're currently running.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatchFootpod&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Foot-Pod-Retail-Packaging%2Fdp%2FB00264GKVQ Garmin FootPodUnfortunately, GPS is rather poor at answering this question, so you need a [[Stryd]]|footpod, or use [[Pace From A Footpod]] and a first-|Garmin 610||Smaller than the other recommendations.||generation [[http://goFootpod]].fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatch610W&url=http%3A%2F%2FwwwAn accurate indication of your current pace is important for any training program that requires running at a specific pace, and for success in racing at many distances.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Forerunner-Touchscreen-Watch-Monitor%2Fdp%2FB004XC3MXI Garmin 610 with HRM]<br>$400||[http://go.fellrnr.com/* '''Where am I?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatch610N&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon''' It's not unreasonable to expect a GPS enabled watch to tell you where you are or how to get back to the start.com%2FGarmin-Forerunner-610-Touchscreen-Watch%2Fdp%2FB004WONCQE Garmin 610 without HRM]<br>$350||[http://goNavigation varies from a simple compass needle showing the direction to return to the start to a display of the route you've just run or a preloaded course.fellrnr.com/* '''What's my cadence?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatchHRM&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Premium-Heart-Monitor-Strap%2Fdp%2FB0029M3NSS Garmin HRM'''A display of [[Cadence]]||[http://gois a critical training tool and newer watches are able to use an internal accelerometer to provide Cadence without any accessories.fellrnrOther watches may need a [[Footpod]] or the newer Garmin watches can use the running dynamics heart rate strap.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatchFootpod&url=http%3A%2F%2FwwwA Cadence alert will help you stay in the right cadence range, and is a useful feature.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Foot-Pod-Retail-Packaging%2Fdp%2FB00264GKVQ Garmin FootPod]|-|Garmin 910XT||An improved version of There are several additional features to you could consider, though I'd argue none are as important as the 310XTabove questions.<br>Better for swimmers & adds an altimeter* '''Weight.||[http://go''' None of these devices weigh enough to have a noticeable impact on running performance, but the weight can be noticeable.fellrnr* '''Size.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatch&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww''' The size of these devices varies widely, and the larger devices can feel a little bulky, especially if you have a smaller wrist.amazonI've provided the size as the volume in cubic centimeters to give a single number to compare.com%2FGarmin-Forerunner-910XT-GPS-Enabled-Monitor%2Fdp%2FB005T0Z9CU Garmin 910XT with HRM]<br>$450||[http://go* '''Waterproofing.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatch&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww''' Even if you don't swim, having good waterproofing is important to prevent your watch being destroyed by the rain or sweat.amazon* '''[[Heart Rate Monitor]].com%2FGarmin-Forerunner-910XT-GPS-Enabled-Sport%2Fdp%2FB005SPCJ74 Garmin 910XT without HRM''' [[Heart Rate]]<br>$400||[http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatchHRM&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwwwis important information when training, though it is important to understand the limitations of heart rate based training.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Premium-Having a [[Heart-Rate Monitor-Strap%2Fdp%2FB0029M3NSS Garmin HRM]||] that will record your heart rate is particularly valuable for evaluating your training. ** [[http://goOptical Heart Rate Monitoring]] is more convenient, but does not work very well.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatchFootpod&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Foot-Pod-Retail-Packaging%2Fdp%2FB00264GKVQ Garmin FootPod] ** While the chest strap based monitoring is remarkably reliable, you can have problems with chaffing and poor reception in some situations, but there are [[Fixing Heart Rate Monitor Problems|-|}=What to look Fixes for=Heart Rate Monitor Problems]]. There are several features to consider when looking for a runners watch* '''Data Upload. * GPS provides an easy measure of how far you've run, which is critical for '' The ability to record your training. While workout and store it is possible to map out in a run afterwards, this tends to be tedious and training log such as [[Dailymile]] or [[SportTracks]] is typically less accurate than GPSvital. ** GPS is easy All of the recommended watches here have that ability. I'd strongly advise even a new runner to use and accurate enough for most running, but it is not accurate enough for things like interval training. ** The errors in GPS average out store their data so that they can look back over a run, but they cause a problem when trying the months and years to display current paceunderstand their progress. * A [[FootPod]] watch that can be used upload to provide [[Cadence]] and in some watches it can also provide pace and distancea PC makes recording your workouts much easier.* '''Battery Life.''' How much battery life you need depends on how long you run for. Unlike GPS, [[FootPod]]It's need best to be calibrated to provide accurate pace/distancehave a watch that will last quite a bit longer than your longest run. * [[Heart Rate]] is important information when trainingI list the claimed battery life in my table, along with the results of my testing. For my tests, though it is important I do everything to understand the limitations of heart rate based trainingmaximize battery life without compromising GPS accuracy. Having a [[Heart Rate Monitor]] that will record your heart rate is particularly valuable for evaluating your trainingThat means normal GPS sampling frequency, but no backlight, no map display, and no button presses. The heart rate strap I also ensure Bluetooth, WAAS and GLONAS are disabled. I don't test devices that goes across your chest can be intrusive and sometimes can chafeI've had for a while, as the battery tends to degrade over time. Polar heart rate monitoring is far better than the Garmin equivalent. * '''Charges On The ability Run'''. For ultrarunners, one option to record your workout and store it in use a training log such as [[Dailymile]] or [[SportTracks]] watch for longer than the built in battery lasts is vitalto charge the watch while running. All of This involves connecting the recommended watches here have that abilitycable and carrying a USB battery pack. IIt'd strongly advise even a new runner to store their data so s cumbersome, but it can work. A value of "Yes" means that they can look back over the months watch will accept charge while recording and years to understand their progressdisplaying as usual. Some watches have a "yes" with a caveat, such as the display not functioning or difficulty in connecting the cable while wearing the watch.* An altimeter will measure asterisk after the atmospheric pressure and give you altitudeyes indicates a Garmin device that needs to be set with the USB mode to "Garmin" not "Mass Storage". This A value of "no" means that charging is more accurate than GPS, but will require calibration impossible. * '''Altimeter. '''An altimeter will measure the atmospheric pressure and give you altitude. This is more accurate than GPS, but will require calibration to adjust for weather related pressure changes. ==Garmin Heart Rate Monitoring==The * '''[[Heart Rate MonitorFirstbeat|Heart Rate MonitoringTraining Effect]] .''' This is a measure of Garmin watches how hard a training run is not as reliable as the Polar systemsa numeric value of 1.0 to 5.0, but there are based on an analysis of [[Garmin Heart Rate Monitoring|things to can do to improve thisVariability]].=Brilliant, but flawed – Motorola Motoactv=The Motorola [http://go* '''Heart Rate Variability'''.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatchMoto&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FMotorola-MOTOACTV-Sports-Watch-Player%2Fdp%2FB007C1KKW8 Motoactv] There is a revolutionary running watch, growing interest in the possibility of using a color touch screen[[Heart Rate Variability]] (HRV) to evaluate training stress. While only one device will display HRV, GPS and including an MP3 playerthere are several that will record HRV for later analysis. It is more like a smartphone than a traditional * '''GPS Pre-cache'''. Some newer watches will download the predicted positions of the GPS watchsatellites for faster initial acquisition. This pre-cache works remarkably well, and the Motoactv data is brilliant, but it usually downloaded automatically when the watch is also flawedconnected to the internet. When it was originally introduced at $250However, these flaws were too severe the data is only valid for it to compete with a few days, so after that time the Garmin alternatives. Now the prices has dropped device will fall back to under $150, the Motoactv is worthy usual approach of considerationscanning for satellites. If you can live with =Comparison=Here's a table of these features for each of these four flaws, then the Motoactv is a great buy. watches I recommend (See the cons section for more details on eachall have GPS).) * '''Poor water resistance{{:Best Running Watch-table}}=GPS Accuracy=[[File:GPS Accuracy. '''Don't buy the Motoactv is you want to swim or if you're likely to forget to check png|none|thumb|600px|An infographic of [[GPS Accuracy]] of running watches. The top right corner represents the covers before your runmost accurate watches. (This graphic uses ISO 5725 terminology.)]]=Using a Smartphone=* ''Main article: [[Running With A Smartphone]]'Limited battery life. '''If you run for less than 3 hours, you're fine with the Motoactv Most smartphones have a GPS built in and support various applications that allow them to function as sports watches. These phones can have remarkable levels of [[GPS Accuracy]] as well as many other advantages. If you run =Watches for between 3 and 6 hours then think carefullyUltrarunning=Choosing a watch for an ultramarathon requires some tradeoffs and there's no simple answer. If you run for The main factor is battery life, as few watches can be relied on to lost more than 6 20 hours, look elsewherewith GPS active. I think there are three main approaches to this problem:* '''No usable 'current pace' display# [[Charge On The Run]].''' Don't try to use the Motoactv to keep you on pace.* '''Difficulty uploading workouts This is a little cumbersome as you typically have to carry a training log.''' If you want to keep battery pack and an automated training log (and you should)adapter, the Motoactv will be hard workor at least have them in your drop bag. {| class="wikitable" |- valign="top"|Not all watches support [[File:Motoactv.jpeg|none|thumb|200px|The Motoactv Charge On The Run]], and only a subset of them do so with the watch strap (it's available as with a clip instead)reasonable convenience.]]|[[File:MotoactvCovers.JPG|none|thumb|200px|The covers for the USB port # Use two watches. This is also rather inconvenient and the headphones have to expensive, though you may be in place for waterproofing. The headphone socket cover is tiny and easy able to lose.]]|[[File:MotoactvGarminDisplayuse to cheaper watches rather than one more expensive watch.JPG|none|thumb|200px|The display For the second part of your run, the Motoactv is wonderful at night. This comparison with second watch won't have your full time and distance, so you'll need to make a note from the 310XT gives first watch and do some idea of the difference, but this math. (Doing math late in an ultra is with the 310XT illuminated, which only lasts a few secondsas difficult as it sounds.]])|}==Motoactv Pros==* With # Extended battery life. A number of watches allow you to reduce the recent price reduction the Motoactv is less than $150, which is far cheaper than any comparable productGPS accuracy to gain greater battery life. * The Motoactv is easy to use, and my family prefers This lack of accuracy can be offset by using the Motoactv over Garmin products. * The color display Stryd Footpod for the first part of the race (they claim that Stryd lasts 20 hours.) Another approach is nice, and to turn the simple monochrome display of other devices seems stale GPS off entirely and dated by comparison. * The combination of rely on a touch screen and physical buttons works quite wellfirst generation [[Footpod]], in which case many watches will last several days. The screen works when wet, though I found some occasional problems when there was just a drop While the accuracy of sweat rather than a soaking. I also found that heavy rain drops may act as screen presses, which is annoying. * I love having a continually lit display for [first gen [[Running in the DarkFootpod]]. You can press a button on a Garmin to illuminate be better than GPS, the display, but the Motoactv is much betterFootpod does not do so well if you're taking [[Walking Breaks]] or running on twisty single track. * The inclusion of an MP3 player is nice, and it claims And some runners will want navigation. I see three main approaches to learn what songs make your run harder. Personally I prefer using a separate MP3 playerwish I could provide, simple, clear cut advice, but having the one device that does both has some appealunfortunately things are not so easy. * The Motoactv will display a true map of the areaYou'll need to think about how long you'll be running for, showing the street layoutfeatures that are important to you, which is a huge improvement over the breadcrumb display of the Garmin watches. If you could upload a route then this would be great for running in a new cityand how much compromise you can live with. * [[File:Charge On The dimensions of the Motoactv are more pleasing than the Garmin 310XT/910XT. It still has a large display, but it Run - Fenix3 (2).jpg|center|thumb|200px|[[Charge On The Run]] is much thinneran option for ultras. ]]==Motoactv ConsBattery Life==* The Motoactv is claimed battery lives don'water resistant' not waterprooft hold up in the real world, with some watches going longer, others much shorter. There are many reports of water damage and Motorola refusing * If you want the maximum battery life, you have to repair them. Howeveravoid the backlight, there are also many reports the use of using the Motoactv in torrential rainmap/course displays, which Iand don've done myselft press the buttons unless you have to. I suspect * In my testing, the issue is longest battery life that 's available with GPS on is 30 hours with the Motoactv has small covers for the headphone jack and [[Epson SF-510]], 24 hours with the USB port[[Polar V800]], and if they are not in place, water can get in and destroy 22 hours with the watch[[Garmin Fenix 3]], 19 with the [[Garmin 920XT]], and 17 with the [[Garmin Epix]]. * The battery life of the Motoactv is quite poor compared with other devices. If For ultras lasting less than 20 hours, such as 50 miles or 100 Km, you use Bluetooth headphones have plenty of choice and use the default setting the battery is dead in 3 hourslife should not constrain you too much. With no Bluetooth and the 'extended battery' setting it should last for 6 hours. This is probably plenty for most runners, but * For 24 hour races or 100 mile races where you have to remember to keep it plugged expect a finish in, as the battery seems to drain faster than I would expect24-30 hour range the [[Epson SF-510]] is worth considering though the battery life is one of its few good points. * Like any GPS watch, the display of your current pace varies too much to be of any use. This ==Navigation==For some ultras (and shorter trail runs), navigation is an intrinsic a problem with GPS, and . I found 've been lost on the Motoactv was out by up to occasional race and it's a minute/milehorrible experience. This is why Even when I recommend 've been on course, the Garmin 310XT/910XT/610 as they doubts and stress of worrying can display your current pace from be an enormous drain. My first GPS watch was purchased so that I'd have an outline of the [[FootPod]] while still course I was running and there were many races where I was glad of its comforting conformation. Remember that using the GPS for everything elsenavigation features of these watches will dramatically reduce their battery life. You can use * The [[Garmin Fenix 5X]] and the 'lap average pace' to get [[Garmin Epix]] have a reasonable idea of your pacedisplay that shows full color maps, but if you need to hit a specific pace so for a training run or a racenavigation, nothing else comes close. (Well, you're better off with one of the [[Leikr]] is even better, but it has a short battery life.) * The [[Garmin 310XT/]], [[Garmin 910XT/610 and a ]], [[FootPodGarmin 920XT]], [[Garmin Fenix 3]], [[Suunto Spartan Ultra]].* The Motoactv will upload show an outline of your workout run (breadcrumbs) and allow you to Motoactv.com via load a wireless network, so you don't even need a PC, which is a great idea. The problem is that it's hard to upload your workouts to any other training log. You can download each workout as a CSV file and upload it course outline to another tool, but that sometimes requires going via a conversion program. * The Motoactv will support a [[FootPod]], including the [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatchFootpod&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Foot-Pod-Retail-Packaging%2Fdp%2FB00264GKVQ Garmin FootPod], and it can use the FootPod to show your pace/distance. This only works if you select to run outdoors, which turns the GPS off. The bigger problem is that there is no way of calibrating the Foodpod, so there is usually an error (for me it was out by 7%). The Motoactv does have an internal sensor that can be calibrated, but this does not work for the FoodPod. The Motoactv will use the FootPod to display your [[Cadence]], but I found the Cadence display to vary widely; my Garmin would show a steady cadence value when the Motoactv was swinging widely. =The best value - Garmin 310XT=The best value watch for most runners is currently the [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatch310W&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Forerunner-Waterproof-Running-Monitor%2Fdp%2FB0025VKUPM Garmin 310XT with HRM]. It is available as the [http://www.rei.com/product/791092/garmin-forerunner-310xt-gps-fitness-monitor 310XT 'Fitness Monitor'] without the [[Heart Rate Monitor]] for $50 less. The [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatch&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Forerunner-910XT-GPS-Enabled-Monitor%2Fdp%2FB005T0Z9CU Garmin 910XT] is better, but not worth the extra cost for most runners. [[File:Garmin310XT.jpg|thumb|none|200px|Garmin 310XT]]==310XT Pros==* The 310XT is one of the most advanced watches available, but is no harder for a beginner to use than most alternatives. (It's easier than the 4xx series Garmin watches.)* The 310XT is great value for money at this price level. * A great feature is the ability to use the optional [[FootPod]] to display your current pace while using GPS for overall pace, distance and route. Only the 310XT, 910XT and Garmin 610 can do this. * The GPS is more accurate than earlier watches, and has a faster startup time. (It uses the SiRFstar III with Instafix, one of the latest GPS chipsets)* The housing is fully waterproof (to 50m/160ft), so running in the rain is no problem. * Connection to a PC is wireless, using a USB adapter. This is less hassle than any of the other options I've tried. * The display is big enough to show four readings. I often display current pace, average pace for the current lap, average pace for the run and either heart rate or distance. * You can upload courses and display them. This is great when running somewhere unfamiliar. * There are several optional extras for the 310XT, including the already mentioned [[FootPod]] and heart rate strap. For cyclists there is also a [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatch&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Speed-Cadence-Bike-Sensor%2Fdp%2FB000BFNOT8 speed/cadence sensor] and it works with various power sensors. * The vibration alert works nicely. I often run with the 310XT set to record a lap every mile, and it will vibrate as well as beep. ==310XT Cons==* Some people find the 310XT to be rather large, and it is much larger than a normal watch. * The battery life is good for about 16-20 hours, which is enough for most people. Ultrarunners doing 100 mile or longer races will find this a problem, though it is possible to recharge it while in use. * For races where the GPS track is not important, you can extend the battery life by turning off the GPS receiver and use the [[FootPod]]. After 12 hours of running I still had 85% of the battery left. If you're running on a reasonable smooth surface, the [[FootPod]] is often more accurate than GPS. =The Best – Garmin 910XT=The [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatch&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Forerunner-910XT-GPS-Enabled-Monitor%2Fdp%2FB005T0Z9CU Garmin 910XT with HRM] is an improved version of the 310XT, but it's about $100 more expensive. It can record laps when swimming, and is better at recording altitude, and it's recommended if you need those features. If you don't need them, then the 310XT is better value. (It's available without the [[Heart Rate Monitor]] as [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatch&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Forerunner-910XT-GPS-Enabled-Sport%2Fdp%2FB005SPCJ74 Garmin 910XT without HRM].) Nearly all of the pros and cons of the 310XT apply to the 910XT, so I won't repeat them here. [[File:Garmin-910xt.jpg|thumb|none|200px|Garmin 910XT]]==910XT Pros==* The 910XT can record swimming, but it does this with an accelerometer rather than GPS. You have to tell the 910XT how long the pool is, but it will detect each lap, as well as your stroke. * The 910XT has a barometric altimeter, which is far more accurate at recording altitude changes than GPS.==910XT Cons==* The biggest downside for most people is the price, which is $100 more than the 310XT.* While the 910XT is slightly slimmer than the 310XT, it is still rather large, and it is much larger than a normal watch. =Smaller – Garmin 610=The [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatch610W&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Forerunner-Touchscreen-Watch-Monitor%2Fdp%2FB004XC3MXI Garmin 610 with HRM] is a new watch from Garmin that is smaller, but overcomes many of the issues seen in the 4xx range (see below). [[File:Garmin610.jpg|thumb|none|200px|Garmin 610]]==610 Pros==* Smaller than the 310XT/305/205 and closer to the size of a traditional watch. * Like the 310XT, it can use the optional [[FootPod]] to display your current pace while using GPS for overall pace, distance and route. Only the 310XT, 910XT and 610 can do this (so far). * The touchscreen interface works with gloves and in the rain, unlike most touchscreens found on phones or media players. * Good GPS accuracy (uses the SiRF SiRFstarIV with the Instant Fix II)==610 Cons==* The battery life is rather short. It is claimed to provide 8 hours, but based on experience with other Garmin devices, the actual live may be quite a bit less. This is likely to cause an issue for slower marathon runners or ultrarunners. * The price is quite high, listing at $350 or $400 including the heart rate monitor. * Not the range of accessories that the 910XT/310XT has, such as power meter for cycling. * No display of course maps. =If you need Heart Rate Variability – Polar RS800CX=[[File:PolarRS800CX.jpg|thumb|none|200px|Polar RS800CX]]I used Polar systems for many years and their quality is great. However, I find the convenience of the Garmin GPS systems to be superior and I would no longer recommend the [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatchRS800&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPolar-RS800CX-Heart-Rate-Monitor%2Fdp%2FB003G3YBR6 Polar RS800CX] unless you need a first rate [Heart Rate Monitor]] that will display [[Heart Rate Variability]]. ==RS800CX Pros==* Heart rate monitoring is far better than with Garmin. The RS800CX will even record each individual heart beat for analyzing [[Heart Rate Variability]], though few people will ever make use of that feature. * The battery life of the RS800CX is measured in months not hours. This should not be an issue for most runners.* The RS800CX is the size of a conventional watch, and because of the long battery life, it can be used as one.* Includes a barometer for altitude (GPS has very poor accuracy for altitude). * There is a Polar [[FootPod]], the [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatchS3P&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPolar-91039283-S3-Stride-Sensor%2Fdp%2FB005RXZ1YU Polar S3+ Stride Sensor], which works nearly as well as the Garmin equivalent, but it's larger and more expensive. * Fully waterproof.==RS800CX Cons==* It's Expensive at around $370.* While the RS800CX can support GPS, it requires [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatchGPS5&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPolar-G5-GPS-Sensor-Set%2Fdp%2FB005F5J3JY an add-on GPS box] you strap to your arm, which is a rather poor solution. The GPS has a battery life of only 20 hours and requires recharging. * There is no display of course maps.* This is a [[Heart Rate Monitor]] and it objects if you try to use it without the monitor.[[File:PolarG3.jpg|thumb|none|200px|The rather clunky GPS and arm band]]=Not Recommended - Garmin 405/405CX/410=The Garmin 4xx series watches use a touch sensitive bezel which does not work well with gloves or when wet. The [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatchG410&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Forerunner-GPS-Enabled-Sports-Watch%2Fdp%2FB0046BWRUK Garmin 410] has an 'improved bezel', but there are [http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2011/01/look-at-new-garmin-fr410-touch-bezel.html still problems]. I also see more people struggling at the start of marathons with the 4xx watches than all the other devices combined.=Not Recommended - Nike+ Sportwatch=There is a lot to like about the Nike+ Sportwatch, but it has one weakness that I believe is unacceptable. The software for the Nike+ does not allow you to use the data from your runs in anything other than the Nike web site. A [[The importance of a training log|training log is important]], and while beginners may not need one, buying a watch that prevents you from accessing your data in the future is too limiting. The Motoactv is a far more capable watch than the Nike+, though it too has some flaws. =Not Recommended – Garmin 305/205=The 305/205 are the earlier generations of Garmin GPS watches, and occasionally they can be found quite cheap. However, with the price drop of the Motoactv, these Garmin watches no longer offer reasonable value for moneyfollow.
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