8,153
edits
Changes
no edit summary
* If the 310XT is too big and you want something more watch like, then the [[Garmin 610]] is great, and it's often available refurbished at a great price.
* The [[Garmin 620]] is a lovely watch, but it's more expensive and you can't get your current pace from a [[Footpod]].
* I rather like the [[Suunto Ambit2 R]], which has some nice features at a reasonable price. The more expensive version versions of the Ambit2 are worth considering, but I would avoid the updated Ambit3.
* Consider using a [[Running With A Smartphone| Smartphone]]; if you already have one they are a cheap option and can have outstanding [[GPS Accuracy]].
For a lighthearted look at running watches, check out [[If Running Watches were Sports Cars]]?
Here's a table of these features for each of the watches I recommend (all have GPS). For details of the meaning of each column see the reviews referenced in the table.
{{:Best Running Watch-table}}
=What to Look for in a Running Watch=
There are several features to consider when looking for a runners watch. <div style="float:right;">__TOC__</div>
* '''GPS.''' GPS provides an easy measure of how far you've run, which is critical for your training. While it is possible to map out a run afterwards, this tends to be tedious and is typically less accurate than GPS. However, '''<span style='color:#FF0000'>GPS is not accurate enough to display your current pace'''</span>. The Garmin 910XT, 310XT and 610 can display current pace from the Foodpod while using GPS for distance.
* '''GPS Accuracy.''' I've [[GPS Accuracy| Analyzed the Accuracy of GPS watches]], and I've found that there are wide differences in accuracy. The Garmin 620 10 and Garmin 10 Polar M400 are especially poor. Interestingly, adding a Footpod to the 310XT improves their accuracy noticeably. I've not tested all the watches yet, but more devices will be added as time allows. (My testing methodology requires me to run 100s of miles with each watch.)* '''Current pace from a [[Footpod]].''' A [[Footpod]] can be used to provide pace and distance. Displaying pace from the Footpod provides a far more accurate indication of current pace than GPS, which is important for any training program that requires running at a specific pace. Unlike GPS, [[Footpod]]s need to be calibrated to provide accurate pace/distance, but this is relatively easy. For most runners, once the Footpod is calibrated it will display the right pace across a wide range of paces.
* '''Weight.''' None of these devices weigh enough to have a noticeable impact on running performance, but the weight can be noticeable.
* '''Size.''' The size of these devices varies widely, and the larger devices can feel a little bulky, especially if you have a smaller wrist. I've provided the size as the volume in cubic centimeters to give a single number to compare.
* '''Waterproofing.''' Even if you don't swim, having good waterproofing is important to prevent your watch being destroyed by the rain or sweat.
* '''[[Heart Rate Monitor]].''' [[Heart Rate]] is important information when training, though it is important to understand the limitations of heart rate based training. Having a [[Heart Rate Monitor]] that will record your heart rate is particularly valuable for evaluating your training.
** Note that Optical heart rate monitoring is more convenient, but does not work very well. ** While the [[Heart Rate Monitor|Heart Rate Monitoring]] of Garmin watches chest strap based monitoring is not as remarkably reliable as the Polar systems, you can have problems with chaffing and poor reception in some situations, but there are [[Garmin Fixing Heart Rate MonitoringMonitor Problems|things to can do to improve the Garmin HRM issuesFixes for Heart Rate Monitor Problems]].
* '''Cadence'''. A display of [[Cadence]] is a critical training tool and newer watches are able to use an internal accelerometer to provide Cadence without any accessories. Other watches may need a Foodpod or the newer Garmin watches can use the running dynamics heart rate strap. A Cadence alert will help you stay in the right cadence range, and is a useful feature.
* '''Data Upload.''' The ability to record your workout and store it in a training log such as [[Dailymile]] or [[SportTracks]] is vital. All of the recommended watches here have that ability. I'd strongly advise even a new runner to store their data so that they can look back over the months and years to understand their progress. A watch that can upload to a PC makes recording your workouts much easier.