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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Best Runners Running Watch, including Garmin, Polar, & Suunto}}This As of Jan 2018, I'm no longer actively reviewing watches, but this page is not will remain accessible as a comprehensive or point in-depth review of the various time reference. The "what to look for in a running watches available. Its intention is to provide an overview of the options watch" remains valid and what I believe are 'd recommend understanding the most critical aspects limitations of the decisionGPS for running. For a deeper review of watches, check I'd recommend checking out the site http[https://www.dcrainmakerthewirecutter.com =Summary =I would recommend…* Garmin 310XT is /reviews/best-running-watch] for a fairly unbiased opinion, but you should read [[Stryd| my review of Stryd footpod]] as that remains one of the best most useful devices for nearly every runnermeasuring pace and distance.* Garmin 305 for those I would suggest avoiding "pseudo-marketing" sites that can't afford the 310XTproport to being detailed reviews without providing any critical thinking. The 205 A good litmus test is even cheaper.* Garmin 610 to check what they say about [[GPS Accuracy]] – if they say "it's all good" then you have to have something smaller and don't need much battery lifell know it's just marketing.* Polar RS800CX if [[File:Best Watch.png|center|thumb|400px|This flowchart is a simple guide to finding the right watch for you need . Use it as a long starting point, and read the detailed reviews to understand if a watch is really right for you. (20+ hoursClick for a larger version.) battery life]] =What to look Look forin a Running Watch=There are several A modern running watch often has a huge number of features , but I think it's best to consider when looking for a runners watchfocus on its ability to answer these basic questions. * GPS provides an easy measure of how '''How far youdid I run?'''ve run, which This is critical probably the key feature that most runners are looking for your training. While , and it is possible to map out a run afterwards, this tends to be tedious and is typically less accurate than requires good [[GPSAccuracy]]. ** GPS is easy to use and accurate enough for How much the accuracy of a watch will impact your running will depend on the course. Overall, most runningwatches do pretty well in straight lines, but it suffer when things get twisty. My testing is not accurate enough a tough challenge for things like interval training. ** The errors in GPS average out over a run, but they cause a problem when trying to display current paceso it highlights the differences between the great and the appalling. * A footpod can be used to provide \With the advent of the [\[Cadence\Stryd]\] footpod that's far more accurate than GPS and in some watches it can also provide pace and distance. Unlike doesn't require any calibration, Stryd support is now more important than GPS, footpods need to be calibrated to provide accurate pace/distanceaccuracy. * A barometer will measure the atmospheric pressure and give '''How fast am I running?''' While you altitude. This is more accurate than GPScan work out your average pace from your distance and time, but will require calibration you'll often want to adjust for weather related pressure changesknow how fast you're currently running. * Heart rate can be useful information when trainingUnfortunately, though it GPS is important to understand the limitations of heart rate based trainingrather poor at answering this question, so you need a [[Stryd]] footpod, or use [[Pace From A Footpod]] and a first-generation [[Footpod]]. The heart rate strap An accurate indication of your current pace is important for any training program that goes across your chest can be intrusive requires running at a specific pace, and sometimes can chafefor success in racing at many distances. Polar heart rate monitoring is far better than the Garmin equivalent. * The ability '''Where am I?''' It's not unreasonable to record your workout and store it in expect a GPS enabled watch to tell you where you are or how to get back to the start. Navigation varies from a training log such as [[Dailymile]] or [[SportTracks]] is vital. All simple compass needle showing the direction to return to the start to a display of the recommended watches here have that ability. Iroute you'd strongly advise even ve just run or a new runner to store their data so that they can look back over the months and years to understand their progresspreloaded course. =The best - Garmin 310XT=While not perfect, the best watch for most runners is currently the Garmin 310XT. See DC Rainmaker* '''What's [http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2009/09/garmin-forerunner-310xt-in-depth-review.html full reviewmy cadence? '''A display of [[Cadence]] for more detailsis 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 [[File:Garmin310XT.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Footpod]] or the newer Garmin 310XT]]==Pros ==* The 310XT is one of watches can use the most advanced watches availablerunning dynamics heart rate strap. A Cadence alert will help you stay in the right cadence range, but and is no harder for a beginner to use than most alternativesuseful feature. * The killer feature is the ability There are several additional features to use you could consider, though I'd argue none are as important as the optional footpod to display your current pace while using GPS for overall paceabove questions. * '''Weight.''' None of these devices weigh enough to have a noticeable impact on running performance, distance and route. Only but the 310XT and Garmin 610 weight can do thisbe noticeable. * '''Size.''' The GPS is more accurate than earlier watchessize of these devices varies widely, and has the larger devices can feel a faster startup time. (It uses little bulky, especially if you have a smaller wrist. I've provided the SiRFstar III with Instafix, one of size as the latest GPS chipsets)volume in cubic centimeters to give a single number to compare. * The housing '''Waterproofing.''' Even if you don't swim, having good waterproofing is fully waterproof (important to 50m/160ft), so running in prevent your watch being destroyed by the rain is no problemor sweat. * Connection to a PC is wireless, using a USB adapter'''[[Heart Rate Monitor]]. This ''' [[Heart Rate]] is less hassle than any of the other options I've tried. * The display important information when training, though it is big enough important to show four readingsunderstand the limitations of heart rate based training. I often display current pace, average pace for the current lap, average pace for the run and either Having a [[Heart Rate Monitor]] that will record your heart rate or distanceis particularly valuable for evaluating your training. * You can upload courses and display them. This * [[Optical Heart Rate Monitoring]] is great when running somewhere unfamiliarmore convenient, but does not work very well. * There are several optional extras for * While the 310XTchest strap based monitoring is remarkably reliable, including the already mentioned footpod you can have problems with chaffing and heart rate strap. For cyclists there is also a speed/cadence sensor and it works with various power sensorspoor reception in some situations, but there are [[Fixing Heart Rate Monitor Problems| Fixes for Heart Rate Monitor Problems]]. * The vibration alert works nicely'''Data Upload. I often run with the 310XT set ''' The ability to record a lap every mile, your workout and store it will vibrate in a training log such as well as beep[[Dailymile]] or [[SportTracks]] is vital. ==Cons==* The biggest downside for most people is All of the pricerecommended watches here have that ability. The watch without any accessories is $300, though you can sometimes get it I'd strongly advise even a little cheaper. However, many of new runner to store their data so that they can look back over the alternatives are even more expensivemonths and years to understand their progress. * Some people find the 310XT to be rather large, and it is A watch that can upload to a PC makes recording your workouts much larger than a normal watcheasier. * The '''Battery Life.''' How much battery life is good you need depends on how long you run for about 16-20 hours, which is enough for most people. Ultrarunners doing 100 mile or longer races will find this It's best to have a watch that will last quite a problembit longer than your longest run. * The heart rate monitoring is not as reliable as I list the Polar systems, though I'm told a new strap is coming that improves this. I find that the Garmin heart rate strap give bad readings far too oftenclaimed battery life in my table, even along with a conductive gelthe results of my testing. There's nothing more annoying than seeing your heart rate way too high when you're running and having For my tests, I do everything to joggle the strap to get it working againmaximize battery life without compromising GPS accuracy. =Cheaper - Garmin 305/205=These watches are the predecessors to the 310XT That means normal GPS sampling frequency, but no backlight, no map display, and no button presses. I also ensure Bluetooth, WAAS and GLONAS are quite similar in a number of waysdisabled. The 305 has I don't test devices that I've had for a few extra featureswhile, such as the heart rate monitor and support for a footpodbattery tends to degrade over time. See DC Rainmaker* '''Charges On The Run'''s [http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2007/11/review-of-garmin-forerunner-305.html full review] For ultrarunners, one option to use a watch for more detailslonger than the built in battery lasts is to charge the watch while running.[[File:Garmin305This involves connecting the cable and carrying a USB battery pack.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Garmin 305 with 205 on the right]]==Pros==* Much cheaper than It's cumbersome, but it can work. A value of "Yes" means that the 310XTwatch will accept charge while recording and displaying as usual. The 205 can often be found for under $100Some watches have a "yes" with a caveat, and 305 for under $130such as the display not functioning or difficulty in connecting the cable while wearing the watch. * Usability, display size, heart rate monitoring (305) and course display are similar An asterisk after the yes indicates a Garmin device that needs to be set with the 310XTUSB mode to "Garmin" not "Mass Storage". A value of "no" means that charging is impossible. ==Cons==* The battery life '''Altimeter. '''An altimeter will measure the atmospheric pressure and give you altitude. This is quite a bit shorter more accurate than the 310XT (6-10 hours), though still good enough GPS, but will require calibration to adjust for many runnersweather related pressure changes. * The 305 can use a footpod for cadence and for when satellite reception '''[[Firstbeat| Training Effect]].''' This is lost, but can't display current pace from the footpod. * The GPS a measure of how hard a training run is not as accurate or as fast as the 310XTa numeric value of 1.0 to 5. * They're not fully waterproof0, but I never had based on an analysis of [[Heart Rate Variability]].* '''Heart Rate Variability'''. There is a problem with my 205 growing interest in the rainpossibility of using [[Heart Rate Variability]] (HRV) to evaluate training stress. While only one device will display HRV, there are several that will record HRV for later analysis. =Smaller – Garmin 610=The 610 is a new watch from Garmin that is smaller, but overcomes many * '''GPS Pre-cache'''. Some newer watches will download the predicted positions of the issues seen in the 4xx range (see below)GPS satellites for faster initial acquisition. See DC Rainmaker's [http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2011/04/garminThis pre-forerunner-610-in-depth-reviewcache works remarkably well, and the data is usually downloaded automatically when the watch is connected to the internet.html full review] However, the data is only valid for more details.[[File:Garmin610a few days, so after that time the device will fall back to the usual approach of scanning for satellites.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Garmin 610]]==Pros=Comparison=* Smaller than the 310XT/305/205 and closer to Here's a table of these features for each of the size of a traditional watchwatches I recommend (all have GPS). * The touchscreen interface works with gloves and in the rain, unlike most touchscreens found on phones or media players. {{:Best Running Watch-table}}* Good =GPS accuracy (uses the SiRF SiRFstarIV with the Instant Fix II)Accuracy=* Available with the updated Garmin heart rate strap for improved accuracy[[File:GPS Accuracy.png|none|thumb|600px|An infographic of [[GPS Accuracy]] of running watches. ==Cons==* The battery life is rather shorttop right corner represents the most accurate watches. (This graphic uses ISO 5725 terminology. It is claimed to provide 8 hours, but based on experience with other Garmin devices, the actual live may be quite )]]=Using a bit less. This is likely to cause an issue for slower marathon runners or ultrarunners. Smartphone=''Main article: [[Running With A Smartphone]]''* The price is quite high, listing at $350 or $400 including the heart rate monitor. * Not the range of accessories Most smartphones have a GPS built in and support various applications that the 310XT has, such allow them to function as power meter for cyclingsports watches. * No display These phones can have remarkable levels of course maps. =Longer Battery – Polar RS800CX=[[File:PolarRS800CX.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Polar RS800CXGPS Accuracy]]as well as many other advantages. I used Polar systems =Watches for many years and their quality is greatUltrarunning=Choosing a watch for an ultramarathon requires some tradeoffs and there's no simple answer. HoweverThe main factor is battery life, I find the convenience of the Garmin GPS systems to as few watches can be superior and relied on to lost more than 20 hours with GPS active. I'd only recommend the RS800CX if battery life is of paramount importance. think there are three main approaches to this problem:==Pros==* # [[Charge On The battery life of the RS800CX is measured in months not hoursRun]]. * Heart rate monitoring This is far better than with Garmin. The RS800CX will even record each individual heart beat for analyzing beat a little cumbersome as you typically have to beat variationcarry a battery pack and an adapter, though it's unlikely anyone will ever make use of that feature. * or at least have them in your drop bag. Not all watches support [[Charge On The RS800CX is the size of a conventional watchRun]], and because only a subset of the long battery life, it can be used as onethem do so with reasonable convenience.* Includes a barometer for altitude (GPS has very poor accuracy for altitude)# Use two watches. * Fully waterproofThis is also rather inconvenient and expensive, though you may be able to use to cheaper watches rather than one more expensive watch.==Cons==* ItFor the second part of your run, the second watch won's Expensive at around $370.* While the RS800CX can support GPS, it requires an add-on box you strap to t have your armfull time and distance, which is so you'll need to make a rather crappy solutionnote from the first watch and do some math. * There (Doing math late in an ultra is no display of course maps as difficult as it sounds.)[[File:PolarG3# Extended battery life.jpg|thumb|none|200px|The rather clunky A number of watches allow you to reduce the GPS accuracy to gain greater battery life. This lack of accuracy can be offset by using the Stryd Footpod for the first part of the race (they claim that Stryd lasts 20 hours.) Another approach is to turn the GPS off entirely and arm bandrely on a first generation [[Footpod]]=Not Recommended - Garmin 405/405CX/410=The Garmin 4xx series , in which case many watches use will last several days. While the accuracy of a touch sensitive bezel which first gen [[Footpod]] can be better than GPS, the Footpod does not work do so well with gloves if you're taking [[Walking Breaks]] or when wetrunning on twisty single track. The 410 has an 'improved bezel'And some runners will want navigation. I see three main approaches to I wish I could provide, simple, clear cut advice, but there unfortunately things are [http://wwwnot so easy.dcrainmaker.com/2011/01/look-at-new-garmin-fr410-touch-bezel.html still problems]. I also see more people struggling at You'll need to think about how long you'll be running for, the start of marathons features that are important to you, and how much compromise you can live with the 4xx watches than all the other devices combined.=Not Recommended [[File:Charge On The Run - Nike+ SportwatchFenix3 (2).jpg|center|thumb|200px|[[Charge On The Run]] is an option for ultras.]]==Battery Life==There is a lot to like about * The claimed battery lives don't hold up in the Nike+ Sportwatchreal world, but it has one weakness that I believe is unacceptablewith some watches going longer, others much shorter. The software for * If you want the Nike+ does not allow maximum battery life, you have to use avoid the data from your runs in anything other than backlight, the Nike web site. A [[The importance use of a training log|training log is important]]map/course displays, and while beginners may not need one, buying a watch that prevents don't press the buttons unless you from accessing your data in the future is too limitinghave to. If you* In my testing, the longest battery life that're still interesteds available with GPS on is 30 hours with the [[Epson SF-510]], have a read of 24 hours with the [[http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2011/04/nike-sportwatch-gps-in-depth-review.html DC Rainmaker's reviewPolar V800]], 22 hours with the [[Garmin Fenix 3]], 19 with the [[Garmin 920XT]], and 17 with the [[Garmin Epix]]. * For ultras lasting less than 20 hours, such as 50 miles or 100 Km, you have plenty of choice and battery life should not constrain you too much. * For 24 hour races or 100 mile races where you expect a finish in the 24-30 hour range the [[Epson SF-510]] is worth considering though the battery life is one of its few good points. ==Navigation==For some ultras (and shorter trail runs), navigation is a problem. I've been lost on the occasional race and it's a horrible experience. Even when I've been on course, the doubts and stress of worrying can be an enormous drain. My first GPS watch was purchased so that I'd have an outline of the course I was running and there were many races where I was glad of its comforting conformation. Remember that using the navigation features of these watches will dramatically reduce their battery life. * The [[Garmin Fenix 5X]] and the [[Garmin Epix]] have a display that shows full color maps, so for navigation, nothing else comes close. (Well, the [[Leikr]] is even better, but it has a short battery life.) * The [[Garmin 310XT]], [[Garmin 910XT]], [[Garmin 920XT]], [[Garmin Fenix 3]], [[Suunto Spartan Ultra]] will show an outline of your run (breadcrumbs) and allow you to load a course outline to follow.