Polar RC3 GPS Review
From Fellrnr.com, Running tips
The Polar RC3 GPS is Polar's first sports watch that has an integrated GPS, rather than requiring a separate box. In many ways, it's quite nice unit, but it's not quite as good as the cheaper Garmin 310XT.
Contents
1 Polar RC3 GPS Pros
- Over the years I found the quality of Polar accessories to be much higher than Garmin. I've never had a Polar accessory fail on me, but I'm currently on my fourth Garmin chest transmitter and my third Garmin Footpod.
- I've had a few issues with the accuracy and reliability of the Polar Heart Rate Monitoring, but I've had to create a page dedicated to solving issues with Garmin Heart Rate Monitoring.
- It's available in several colors.
2 Polar RC3 GPS Cons
- The biggest flaw in the RC3 GPS is that it's not quite as good as the cheaper Garmin 310XT.
- It's much harder to get your data from a Polar device to the various training software that's available. Often you have to convert the files from the Polar format to TCX, and the best tool I've found is TcxCreator.
- It's only waterproof to IPX7, which 3'/1m for 30 minutes. It might be showerproof, but not much more than that.
3 Comparison Table
I evaluate running watches in three distinct ways. Firstly, you can use a watch on its own, without any kind of Footpod. This is probably the most common way runners use their watch, but you miss out on a lot. The second rating is with a standard Footpod that is available quite cheaply. These Footpod's can be reasonably accurate once the calibrated, but calibration is a little tedious. The final evaluation is with the Stryd Footpod, which is vastly more accurate than any other type of Footpod, or and more accurate than GPS. The table below looks at the score, and the value for money of each watch for each of the three conditions. (I’ve also tested the Apple Watch 3, but I’ve not included it in these tables as it’s not really a running watch.)
| Review | With Stryd Score | With Stryd Value for money | With Footpod Score | With Footpod Value for money | Without Footpod Score | Without Footpod Value for money | Price at Amazon.com |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Epix Review | 47 | 4.5 | 31 | 3.9 | 23 | 3.4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Fenix 5X Review | 47 | 2.9 | 32 | 2.3 | 24 | 1.9 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Fenix 3 Review | 45 | 3.8 | 28 | 3.1 | 24 | 3 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 935 Review | 45 | 3.6 | 30 | 3 | 22 | 2.4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Vivoactive HR Review | 40 | 4.9 | 21 | 3.8 | 17 | 3.8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 920XT Review | 39 | 4.4 | 30 | 4.7 | 24 | 4.5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Spartan Ultra Review | 37 | 2.6 | 27 | 2.3 | 23 | 2.1 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Vivoactive 3 Review | 36 | 4 | 19 | 2.9 | 15 | 2.8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Vivoactive Review | 34 | 5.1 | 14 | 3.4 | 10 | 3.3 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Spartan Trainer Review | 34 | 3.9 | 23 | 3.7 | 18 | 3.4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Polar V800 Review | 33 | 2.8 | 26 | 2.8 | 22 | 2.7 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Ambit2 Review | 32 | 3.9 | 25 | 4.3 | 21 | 4.5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Ambit3 Peak Review | 32 | 3.4 | 29 | 4.1 | 25 | 4.2 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Fenix 2 Review | 31 | 2.9 | 22 | 2.7 | 18 | 2.5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Ambit3 Run Review | 30 | 4 | 27 | 5.5 | 23 | 5.9 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Ambit2 R Review | 30 | 3.5 | 23 | 3.8 | 19 | 3.8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 235 Review | 28 | 2.9 | 20 | 2.8 | 12 | 2 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 620 Review | 27 | 3.8 | 24 | 5.1 | 20 | 5.6 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 910XT Review | 26 | 3.9 | 26 | 6.1 | 21 | 6.7 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 310XT Review | 25 | 4.6 | 24 | 8.3 | 18 | 10 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Polar M400 Review | 25 | 4.3 | 15 | 4.5 | 11 | 4.9 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 225 Review | 25 | 3.8 | 13 | 3.1 | 9 | 2.9 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| TomTom Cardio Runner Review | 25 | 3.3 | 10 | 2 | 10 | 2.5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Polar M430 Review | 25 | 3.2 | 15 | 2.9 | 11 | 2.7 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 610 Review | 24 | 3.3 | 20 | 4.3 | 14 | 3.9 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Leikr Review | 10 | 1 | 20 | 2.5 | 14 | 2 | Leikr ($380) |
| Epson SF-510 Review | 4 | 0.7 | 6 | 2 | 6 | 3 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Epson SF-810 Review | 4 | 0.6 | 6 | 1.6 | 6 | 2.3 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 10 Review | 2 | 0.3 | 2 | 0.6 | 2 | 0.9 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
The score is the sum of how well each watch can answer the four basic questions (how far, how fast, where are you, what's your cadence), plus some bonus points.
- The "How far you've run" will be based on GPS only for "without Footpod" and "with Standard Footpod", but based on Stryd if supported in the "with Stryd Footpod" table..
- How fast you're running assumes you're using a Footpod if it's supported, otherwise the rating is 0-2 based on GPS accuracy.
- The "Where are you?" is based on various navigation features such as back to start, breadcrumbs, and preloaded maps. For some watches, you have to turn GPS off to get the benefit of Stryd, so those watches have worse "where are you scores" with Stryd than without.
- The cadence score uses 1 point for an internal cadence sensor, 2 points for footpod support, 1 point for support from chest strap cadence, and 1 point for cadence alerts.
- I give 1-2 bonus points for application support, 1-2 bonus points for data upload, 1-2 bonus points for Optical Heart Rate Monitoring, and 0-1 bonus points for battery life.
- Value for money is the score divided by the price (at the time I last updated the table.) Your needs may be different, so you might weight the different aspects of the watches differently, or be basing your decision on different criteria totally. Hopefully this table will give you a good starting point for your decision.
3.1 Score Breakdown without a Footpod
| Review | Score | Value for money6 | How far did you run?1 |
How fast are you running?2 |
Where are you?3 |
What's your cadence?4 |
Bonus Points5 | class="unsortable" |
Price at Amazon.com |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suunto Ambit3 Peak Review | 25 | 4.2 | 8 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 6 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 920XT Review | 24 | 4.5 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 6 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Fenix 3 Review | 24 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 6 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Fenix 5X Review | 24 | 1.9 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 6 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Ambit3 Run Review | 23 | 5.9 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Epix Review | 23 | 3.4 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 6 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Spartan Ultra Review | 23 | 2.1 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Polar V800 Review | 22 | 2.7 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 935 Review | 22 | 2.4 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 6 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 910XT Review | 21 | 6.7 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Ambit2 Review | 21 | 4.5 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 6 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 620 Review | 20 | 5.6 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 7 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Ambit2 R Review | 19 | 3.8 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 310XT Review | 18 | 10 | 7 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Spartan Trainer Review | 18 | 3.4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Fenix 2 Review | 18 | 2.5 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Vivoactive HR Review | 17 | 3.8 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 9 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Vivoactive 3 Review | 15 | 2.8 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 7 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 610 Review | 14 | 3.9 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Leikr Review | 14 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 3 | Leikr ($380) |
| Garmin 235 Review | 12 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Polar M400 Review | 11 | 4.9 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Polar M430 Review | 11 | 2.7 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Vivoactive Review | 10 | 3.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| TomTom Cardio Runner Review | 10 | 2.5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 225 Review | 9 | 2.9 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Epson SF-510 Review | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Epson SF-810 Review | 6 | 2.3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 10 Review | 2 | 0.9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
3.2 Score Breakdown with a Standard Footpod
| Review | Score | Value for money6 | How far did you run?1 |
How fast are you running?2 |
Where are you?3 |
What's your cadence?4 |
Bonus Points5 | class="unsortable" |
Price at Amazon.com |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Fenix 5X Review | 32 | 2.3 | 1 | 4 | 9 | 10 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Epix Review | 31 | 3.9 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 10 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 920XT Review | 30 | 4.7 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 935 Review | 30 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Ambit3 Peak Review | 29 | 4.1 | 8 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 6 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Fenix 3 Review | 28 | 3.1 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 10 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Ambit3 Run Review | 27 | 5.5 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Spartan Ultra Review | 27 | 2.3 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 910XT Review | 26 | 6.1 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Polar V800 Review | 26 | 2.8 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Ambit2 Review | 25 | 4.3 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 6 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 310XT Review | 24 | 8.3 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 620 Review | 24 | 5.1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 10 | 7 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Ambit2 R Review | 23 | 3.8 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Spartan Trainer Review | 23 | 3.7 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Fenix 2 Review | 22 | 2.7 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 10 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Vivoactive HR Review | 21 | 3.8 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 9 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 610 Review | 20 | 4.3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 235 Review | 20 | 2.8 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Leikr Review | 20 | 2.5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | Leikr ($380) |
| Garmin Vivoactive 3 Review | 19 | 2.9 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 7 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Polar M400 Review | 15 | 4.5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Polar M430 Review | 15 | 2.9 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Vivoactive Review | 14 | 3.4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 225 Review | 13 | 3.1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| TomTom Cardio Runner Review | 10 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Epson SF-510 Review | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Epson SF-810 Review | 6 | 1.6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 10 Review | 2 | 0.6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
3.3 Score Breakdown with a Stryd Footpod
| Review | Score | Value for money6 | How far did you run?1 |
How fast are you running?2 |
Where are you?3 |
What's your cadence?4 |
Bonus Points5 | class="unsortable" |
Price at Amazon.com |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Epix Review | 47 | 4.5 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Fenix 5X Review | 47 | 2.9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Fenix 3 Review | 45 | 3.8 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 10 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 935 Review | 45 | 3.6 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 10 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Vivoactive HR Review | 40 | 4.9 | 10 | 10 | 1 | 10 | 9 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 920XT Review | 39 | 4.4 | 10 | 10 | 1 | 10 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Spartan Ultra Review | 37 | 2.6 | 10 | 10 | 6 | 6 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Vivoactive 3 Review | 36 | 4 | 10 | 10 | 1 | 8 | 7 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Vivoactive Review | 34 | 5.1 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 10 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Spartan Trainer Review | 34 | 3.9 | 10 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Polar V800 Review | 33 | 2.8 | 10 | 10 | 3 | 6 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Ambit2 Review | 32 | 3.9 | 10 | 10 | 6 | 0 | 6 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Ambit3 Peak Review | 32 | 3.4 | 10 | 10 | 6 | 0 | 6 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Fenix 2 Review | 31 | 2.9 | 10 | 10 | 6 | 0 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Ambit3 Run Review | 30 | 4 | 10 | 10 | 5 | 0 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Ambit2 R Review | 30 | 3.5 | 10 | 10 | 5 | 0 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 235 Review | 28 | 2.9 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 620 Review | 27 | 3.8 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 7 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 910XT Review | 26 | 3.9 | 10 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 310XT Review | 25 | 4.6 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Polar M400 Review | 25 | 4.3 | 10 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 225 Review | 25 | 3.8 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| TomTom Cardio Runner Review | 25 | 3.3 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Polar M430 Review | 25 | 3.2 | 10 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 610 Review | 24 | 3.3 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Leikr Review | 10 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Leikr ($380) |
| Epson SF-510 Review | 4 | 0.7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Epson SF-810 Review | 4 | 0.6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 10 Review | 2 | 0.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
3.4 Basic Features
|
Review |
Released | GPS Accuracy |
Weight (oz) | Size (CM3) | Display (mm) | Resolution (Pixels) | Waterproofing | Heart Rate Monitor |
Cadence | Data Upload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Epix Review | 2015 | 6.2 | 3.0 | 48 | 29 x 21 (609mm2) | 205 x 148 (30.3K total) | Good (50m) | Yes | Internal/Footpod/Heart Rate Monitor/Alert | Yes |
| Garmin Fenix 5X Review | 2017 | 5.6 | 3.5 | 36 | 30.5 (round) (731mm2) | 240 diameter (45.2K total) | Good (100m) | Yes | Internal/Footpod/Heart Rate Monitor/Alert | Yes |
| Garmin Fenix 3 Review | 2015 | 6.2 | 2.9 | 33 | 30 (round) (726mm2) | 218 diameter (37.3K total) | Good (100m) | Yes | Internal/Footpod/Heart Rate Monitor/Alert | Yes |
| Garmin 935 Review | 2017 | 5.6 | 1.7 | 24 | 30.5 (round) (731mm2) | 240 diameter (45.2K total) | Good (100m) | Yes | Internal/Footpod/Heart Rate Monitor/Alert | Yes |
| Garmin Vivoactive HR Review | 2016 | 4.9 | 1.7 | 19 | 21 x 29 (609mm2) | 148 x 205 (30.3K total) | Good (50m) | Yes (+OHRM) | Internal/Footpod/Heart Rate Monitor/Alert | Yes |
| Garmin 920XT Review | 2014 | 6.6 | 2.2 | 35 | 29 x 21 (609mm2) | 205 x 148 (30.3K total) | Good (50m) | Yes | Internal/Footpod/Heart Rate Monitor/Alert | Yes |
| Garmin Vivoactive 3 Review | 2017 | 1.5 | 17 | 30.5 (round) (731mm2) | 240 diameter (45.2K total) | Good (50m) | Yes (+OHRM) | Internal/Footpod | Yes | |
| Garmin Vivoactive Review | 2015 | 5.4 | 1.3 | 13 | 29 x 21 (592mm2) | 205 x 148 (30.3K total) | Good (50m) | Yes | Internal/Footpod/Heart Rate Monitor/Alert | Yes |
| Suunto Spartan Trainer Review | 2017 | 7.8 | 2.0 | 25 | 24 x 23 (529mm2) | 128 diameter (12.9K total) | Good (50m) | Yes (+OHRM) | Internal/Footpod | Yes |
| Suunto Ambit2 Review | 2013 | 7.6 | 3.1 | 30 | 29 (round) (661mm2) | 128 diameter (12.9K total) | Good (100m) | Yes | Internal/Footpod | Yes |
| Suunto Ambit3 Peak Review | 2014 | 7.9 | 2.9 | 30 | 29 (round) (661mm2) | 128 diameter (12.9K total) | Good (100m) | Yes | Internal/Footpod | Yes |
| Suunto Spartan Ultra Review | 2016 | 7.1 | 2.7 | 38 | 32 (round) (804mm2) | 320 diameter (80.4K total) | Good (100m) | Yes | Internal (Limited Footpod) | Yes |
| Garmin Fenix 2 Review | 2014 | 5.7 | 3.2 | 32 | 31 (round) (755mm2) | 70 diameter (3.8K total) | Good (50m) | Yes | Internal/Footpod/Heart Rate Monitor/Alert | Yes |
| Suunto Ambit3 Run Review | 2014 | 7.9 | 2.5 | 30 | 29 (round) (661mm2) | 128 x 128 (16.4K total) | Good (50m) | Yes | Internal/Footpod | Yes |
| Suunto Ambit2 R Review | 2013 | 7.6 | 2.5 | 30 | 29 (round) (661mm2) | 128 diameter (12.9K total) | Good (50m) | Yes | Internal/Footpod | Yes |
| Garmin 235 Review | 2015 | 4.9 | 1.5 | 19 | 31 (round) (755mm2) | 215 diameter (36.3K total) | Good (50m) | Yes (+OHRM) | Internal/Footpod | Yes |
| Garmin 620 Review | 2013 | 7.1 | 1.5 | 20 | 25.4 (round) (507mm2) | 180 diameter (25.4K total) | Good (50m) | Yes | Internal/Footpod/Heart Rate Monitor/Alert | Yes |
| Garmin 910XT Review | 2011 | 7.5 | 2.5 | 49 | 33 x 20 (660mm2) | 160 x 100 (16K total) | Good (50m) | Yes | Footpod/Alert | Yes |
| Garmin 310XT Review | 2009 | 7.5 | 2.5 | 63 | 33 x 20 (660mm2) | 160 x 100 (16K total) | Good (50m) | Yes | Footpod | Yes |
| Garmin 225 Review | 2015 | 6.2 | 1.5 | 24 | 25.4 (round) (507mm2) | 180 diameter (25.4K total) | Good (50m) | Yes (+OHRM) | Internal/Footpod | Yes |
| TomTom Cardio Runner Review | 2015 | 6.0 | 2.2 | 30 | 22 x 25 (550mm2) | 144 x 168 (24.2K total) | Good (50m) | Yes (+OHRM) | Internal/Footpod | Yes |
| Polar V800 Review | 2014 | 8.0 | 2.8 | 31 | 23 x 23 (529mm2) | 128 x 128 (16.4K total) | Good (30m) | Yes | Internal/Footpod | Yes |
| Polar M430 Review | 2017 | 7.2 | 2.0 | 24 | 23 x 23 (529mm2) | 128 x 128 (16.4K total) | Good (50m) | Yes (+OHRM) | Internal/Footpod | Yes |
| Polar M400 Review | 2014 | 6.6 | 2.0 | 24 | 23 x 23 (529mm2) | 128 x 128 (16.4K total) | Good (30m) | Yes | Internal/Footpod | Yes |
| Garmin 610 Review | 2011 | 7.3 | 2.5 | 41 | 25.4 (round) (507mm2) | 128 diameter (12.9K total) | Fair (IPX7) | Yes | Footpod/Alert | Yes |
| Leikr Review | 2013 | 7.3 | 2.4 | 25 | 41 x 31 (1271mm2) | 206 x 148 (76.8K total) | Fair (IPX6) | Yes | Footpod | Limited |
| Epson SF-510 Review | 2015 | 4.4 | 1.7 | 24 | 28 x 22 (616mm2) | 128 x 96 (12.3K total) | Good (50m) | Yes | Limited Internal | Limited |
| Epson SF-810 Review | 2015 | 5.5 | 1.8 | 28 | 28 (round) (616mm2) | 128 diameter (12.9K total) | Good (50m) | OHRM Only) | Limited Internal | Limited |
| Garmin 10 Review | 2012 | 3.8 | 1.3 | 33 | 25 x 24 (600mm2) | 55 x 32 (1.8K total) | Good (50m) | No | No | Yes |
|
Review |
Battery Life (hr) |
Tested Battery Life (hr) |
Extended Battery Life (hr) |
Charge On The Run? | Training Effect |
HRV | GPS cache | Sensors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Epix Review | 24 | 17.6 | 50 | Yes (with USB=Garmin) | Yes | Record | Yes | Ant+ |
| Garmin Fenix 5X Review | 20 | 23 | 35 | Yes, but can't be worn | Yes | Record | Yes | Bluetooth/Ant+ |
| Garmin Fenix 3 Review | 20 | 22 | 50 | Yes (with USB=Garmin) | Yes | No | Yes | Ant+ |
| Garmin 935 Review | 24 | 24.5 | 60 | Yes, but can't be worn | Yes | Record | Yes | Bluetooth/Ant+ |
| Garmin Vivoactive HR Review | 13 | 13 | Yes (with USB=Garmin) | No | No | Yes | Ant+ | |
| Garmin 920XT Review | 24 | 19 | 40 | No (terminates) | Yes | Record | Yes | Ant+ |
| Garmin Vivoactive 3 Review | 13 | 13 | No | Yes | Bluetooth/Ant+ | |||
| Garmin Vivoactive Review | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes (with USB=Garmin) | No | No | Yes | Ant+ |
| Suunto Spartan Trainer Review | 10 | 11 | 30 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Bluetooth |
| Suunto Ambit2 Review | 15 | 50 | Yes | Yes | Record | Yes | Ant+ | |
| Suunto Ambit3 Peak Review | 20 | 100 | Yes | Yes | Record | Yes | Bluetooth | |
| Suunto Spartan Ultra Review | 18 | 17 | 26 | Yes, but can't be worn | Yes | Record | Yes | Bluetooth |
| Garmin Fenix 2 Review | 15 | 50 | Yes (with USB=Garmin) | Yes | No | Yes | Ant+ | |
| Suunto Ambit3 Run Review | 10 | 10.5 | 100 | Yes | Yes | Record | Yes | Bluetooth |
| Suunto Ambit2 R Review | 8 | 7.3 | 25 | Yes | Yes | Record | Yes | Ant+ |
| Garmin 235 Review | 11 | 11 | Yes, but no optical HR | Yes | No | Yes | Ant+ | |
| Garmin 620 Review | 10 | 10 | No (resets) | Yes | Record | Yes | Ant+ | |
| Garmin 910XT Review | 20 | 20 | Yes, but no display | Yes | Record | No | Ant+ | |
| Garmin 310XT Review | 20 | 20 | Yes, but no display | No | No | No | Ant+ | |
| Garmin 225 Review | 10 | 11 | 10 | No (resets) | No | No | Yes | Ant+ |
| TomTom Cardio Runner Review | 8 | 6.3 | 8 | No (resets) | No | No | Yes | Bluetooth HR |
| Polar V800 Review | 13 | 24 | 50 | No (terminates) | Yes | Display | Predictive | Bluetooth |
| Polar M430 Review | 8 | 8 | 8 | No | No | No | Yes | Bluetooth |
| Polar M400 Review | 8 | 8 | Yes, but can't be worn | No | No | No | Bluetooth | |
| Garmin 610 Review | 8 | 8 | Yes, but no display | Yes | Record | No | Ant+ | |
| Leikr Review | 5 | 6.5 | 5 | Yes, but can't be worn | No | No | Yes (few hours) | Ant+ |
| Epson SF-510 Review | 30 | 30 | 30 | No | No | No | Yes (few hours) | Bluetooth HR |
| Epson SF-810 Review | 20 | 26 | 20 | No | No | No | Yes (few hours) | None |
| Garmin 10 Review | 5 | 5 | No | No | No | No | None |
|
Review |
Color Maps | Breadcrumbs | Courses | To Waypoint | Compass | Reverse course | Beeline to start | Connect IQ | Altimeter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Epix Review | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Garmin Fenix 5X Review | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Garmin Fenix 3 Review | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Garmin 935 Review | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Garmin Vivoactive HR Review | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Garmin 920XT Review | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Garmin Vivoactive 3 Review | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Garmin Vivoactive Review | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Suunto Spartan Trainer Review | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Suunto Ambit2 Review | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Suunto Ambit3 Peak Review | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Suunto Spartan Ultra Review | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Garmin Fenix 2 Review | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Suunto Ambit3 Run Review | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Suunto Ambit2 R Review | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Garmin 235 Review | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Garmin 620 Review | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Garmin 910XT Review | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Garmin 310XT Review | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Garmin 225 Review | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| TomTom Cardio Runner Review | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Polar V800 Review | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Polar M430 Review | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Polar M400 Review | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Garmin 610 Review | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Leikr Review | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Epson SF-510 Review | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Epson SF-810 Review | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Garmin 10 Review | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
For "navigation":
- Color Maps gives you full color maps, rather like a smart phone, with roads and paths marked out.
- Track Outline is a display of where you've run, rather like a breadcrumb trail. If there are maps, the outline is superimposed otherwise this is just the outline on its own without any context.
- Course Outline is an outline of a route that can be downloaded. I've found this useful during ultras or in unfamiliar cities where I've needed to know where to go.
- Back To Start is a simple arrow point to your starting point, so it won't help you backtrack.
- Back To Waypoint returns you to a previously marked location using a simple arrow to point.
- Compass. A magnetic compass can help you orient yourself or the map. Without a magnetic compass you have to be moving for the GPS to give you a sense of direction.
(Older Reviews: Polar RC3 GPS, Soleus 1.0, Motorola Motoactv.)
