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From Fellrnr.com, Running tips
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This article is As of Jan 2018, I'm no longer actively reviewing watches, but this page will remain accessible as a concise guide point in time reference. The "what to look for in a running watch" remains valid and I'd recommend understanding the best limitations of GPS for running watches available today at differing prices and functionality. As well as recommendations for the I'd recommend checking out [https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best -running-watch] for a fairly unbiased opinion, I also have a few but you should read [[Stryd| my review of Stryd footpod]] as that are worth considering in spite remains one of their flaws, the most useful devices for measuring pace and some distance. I would suggest avoiding "pseudo-marketing" sites that proport to avoidbeing detailed reviews without providing any critical thinking. The flow chart below should help guide A good litmus test is to check what they say about [[GPS Accuracy]] – if they say "it's all good" then you through the selection process (click for a larger version'll know it's just marketing.)
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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Best Running Watch, including Garmin, Polar, & Suunto}}
[[File:Best Watch.png|center|thumb|400px|This flowchart is a simple guide to finding the right watch for you. Use it as a starting point, and read the detailed reviews to understand if a watch is really right for you. (Click for a larger version.)]]
=What to Look for in a Running Watch=
A modern running watch often has a huge number of features, but I think it's best to focus on its ability to answer these basic questions.
* '''How far did I run?''' This is probably the key feature that most runners are looking for, and it requires good [[GPS accuracyAccuracy]]. How much the accuracy of a watch will impact your running will depend on the course. Overall, most watches do pretty well in straight lines, but suffer when things get twisty. My testing is a tough challenge for GPS, so it highlights the differences between the great and the appalling. With the advent of the [[Stryd]] footpod that's far more accurate than GPS and doesn't require any calibration, Stryd support is now more important than GPS accuracy.
* '''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. Unfortunately, GPS is rather poor at answering this question, so you need a [[Stryd]] footpod, or use [[Pace From A Footpod]] and a first-generation [[Footpod]]. An 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.
* '''Where am I?''' It's not unreasonable to expect a GPS enabled watch to tell you where you are or how to get back to the start. Navigation 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.
