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=The best - Garmin 310XT=While not perfect, the best watch for most runners is currently the Garmin 310XT. See DC Rainmaker's [http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2009/09/garmin-forerunner-310xt-Most smartphones have a GPS built in-depth-reviewand support various applications that allow them to function as sports watches.html full review] for more details. These phones can have remarkable levels of [[File:Garmin310XT.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Garmin 310XTGPS Accuracy]]as well as many other advantages. ==Pros =Watches for Ultrarunning=* Choosing a watch for an ultramarathon requires some tradeoffs and there's no simple answer. The 310XT main factor is one of the most advanced battery life, as few watches available, but is no harder for a beginner can be relied on to use lost more than most alternatives20 hours with GPS active. I think there are three main approaches to this problem:* # [[Charge On The killer feature Run]]. This is the ability a little cumbersome as you typically have to use the optional footpod to display carry a battery pack and an adapter, or at least have them in your current pace while using GPS for overall pace, distance and routedrop bag. Only the 310XT and Garmin 610 can do this. * Not all watches support [[Charge On The GPS is more accurate than earlier watchesRun]], and has only a faster startup time. (It uses the SiRFstar III with Instafix, one subset of the latest GPS chipsets)* The housing is fully waterproof (to 50m/160ft), them do so running in the rain is no problemwith reasonable convenience. * Connection to a PC is wireless, using a USB adapter# Use two watches. This is less hassle also rather inconvenient and expensive, though you may be able to use to cheaper watches rather than any of the other options I've triedone more expensive watch. * The display is big enough to show four readings. I often display current pace, average pace for For the current lapsecond part of your run, average pace for the run second watch won't have your full time 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 so you'll need to make a note from the already mentioned footpod first watch and heart rate strapdo some math. For cyclists there (Doing math late in an ultra is also a speed/cadence sensor and as difficult as it works with various power sensorssounds. )* The vibration alert works nicely# Extended battery life. I often run with A number of watches allow you to reduce the 310XT set GPS accuracy to record a lap every mile, and it will vibrate as well as beepgain greater battery life. ==Cons==* The biggest downside This lack of accuracy can be offset by using the Stryd Footpod for most people is the pricefirst part of the race (they claim that Stryd lasts 20 hours. The watch without any accessories ) Another approach is $300, though you can sometimes get it to turn the GPS off entirely and rely on a little cheaper. Howeverfirst generation [[Footpod]], in which case many of the alternatives are even more expensivewatches will last several days. * Some people find While the 310XT to accuracy of a first gen [[Footpod]] can be rather largebetter than GPS, and it is much larger than a normal watchthe Footpod does not do so well if you're taking [[Walking Breaks]] or running on twisty single track. * The battery life is good for about 16-20 hours, which is enough for most people. Ultrarunners doing 100 mile or longer races And some runners will find this a problemwant navigation. * The heart rate monitoring is not as reliable as the Polar systems, though I'm told a new strap is coming that improves this. see three main approaches to I wish I find that the Garmin heart rate strap give bad readings far too oftencould provide, simple, clear cut advice, even with a conductive gelbut unfortunately things are not so easy. ThereYou's nothing more annoying than seeing your heart rate way too high when ll need to think about how long you're ll be running and having to joggle for, the strap to get it working again. =Cheaper - Garmin 305/205=These watches features that are the predecessors important to the 310XT and are quite similar in a number of ways. The 305 has a few extra featuresyou, such as the heart rate monitor and support for a footpod. See DC Rainmaker's [http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2007/11/review-of-garmin-forerunner-305.html full review] for more detailshow much compromise you can live with.[[File:Garmin305Charge On The Run - Fenix3 (2).jpg|center|thumb|right|200px|Garmin 305 with 205 on the right[[Charge On The Run]] is an option for ultras.]]==ProsBattery Life==* Much cheaper than The claimed battery lives don't hold up in the 310XT. The 205 can often be found for under $100real world, with some watches going longer, and 305 for under $130others much shorter. * Usability, display size, heart rate monitoring (305) and course display are similar to If you want the 310XT. ==Cons==* The maximum battery life is quite a bit shorter than , you have to avoid the 310XT (6-10 hours)backlight, though still good enough for many runners. * The 305 can the use a footpod for cadence of map/course displays, and for when satellite reception is lost, but candon't display current pace from press the footpodbuttons unless you have to. * The GPS is not as accurate or as fast as In my testing, the 310XT. * Theylongest battery life that're not fully waterproof, but I never had a problem s available with my 205 in the rain. =Smaller – Garmin 610=The 610 GPS on is a new watch from Garmin that is smaller, but overcomes many of 30 hours with the issues seen in the 4xx range (see below). See DC Rainmaker's [http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2011/04/garmin[Epson SF-forerunner-610-in-depth-review.html full review510]] for more details., 24 hours with the [[File:Garmin610.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Garmin 610Polar V800]]==Pros==* Smaller than the 310XT/305/205 and closer to the size of a traditional watch. * The touchscreen interface works , 22 hours with gloves and in the rain[[Garmin Fenix 3]], unlike most touchscreens found on phones or media players. * Good GPS accuracy (uses the SiRF SiRFstarIV 19 with the Instant Fix II)* Available [[Garmin 920XT]], and 17 with the updated [[Garmin heart rate strap for improved accuracyEpix]]. ==Cons==* The battery life is rather short. It is claimed to provide 8 For ultras lasting less than 20 hours, but based on experience with other Garmin devicessuch as 50 miles or 100 Km, the actual live may be quite a bit less. This is likely to cause an issue for slower marathon runners or ultrarunnersyou have plenty of choice and battery life should not constrain you too much. * The price is quite high, listing at $350 For 24 hour races or $400 including the heart rate monitor. * Not 100 mile races where you expect a finish in the 24-30 hour range of accessories that the 310XT has, such as power meter for cycling. * No display of course maps. =Longer Battery – Polar RS800CX=[[File:PolarRS800CX.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Polar RS800CXEpson SF-510]]I used Polar systems for many years and their quality is great. However, I find worth considering though the convenience of the Garmin GPS systems to be superior and I'd only recommend the RS800CX if battery life is one of paramount importanceits few good points. ==ProsNavigation==* The battery life of the RS800CX For some ultras (and shorter trail runs), navigation is measured in months not hoursa problem. * Heart rate monitoring is far better than with Garmin. The RS800CX will even record each individual heart beat for analyzing beat to beat variation, though I've been lost on the occasional race and it's unlikely anyone will ever make use of that featurea horrible experience. * The RS800CX is Even when I've been on course, the size of a conventional watch, doubts and because stress of the long battery life, it worrying can be used as onean enormous drain.* Includes a barometer for altitude (My first GPS has very poor accuracy for altitude). * Fully waterproof.==Cons==* Itwatch was purchased so that I's Expensive at around $370d have an outline of the course I was running and there were many races where I was glad of its comforting conformation.* While Remember that using the RS800CX can support GPS, it requires an add-on box you strap to your arm, which is a rather crappy solutionnavigation features of these watches will dramatically reduce their battery life. * There is no display of course maps The [[File:PolarG3.jpg|thumb|none|200px|The rather clunky GPS Garmin Fenix 5X]] and arm bandthe [[Garmin Epix]]=Not Recommended - Garmin 405/405CX/410=The Garmin 4xx series watches use have a touch sensitive bezel which does not work well with gloves or when wetdisplay that shows full color maps, so for navigation, nothing else comes close. The 410 has an 'improved bezel'(Well, but there are the [[http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2011/01/look-at-new-garmin-fr410-touch-bezel.html still problemsLeikr]]. 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+ Sportwatcheven better, but it has one weakness that I believe is unacceptablea short battery life. ) * 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 importantGarmin 310XT]], [[Garmin 910XT]], [[Garmin 920XT]], and while beginners may not need one[[Garmin Fenix 3]], buying a watch that prevents you from accessing [[Suunto Spartan Ultra]] will show an outline of your data in the future is too limiting. If run (breadcrumbs) and allow you're still interested, have to load a read of [http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2011/04/nike-sportwatch-gps-in-depth-reviewcourse outline to follow.html DC Rainmaker's review]
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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 running watches availabletime reference. Its intention is The "what to provide an overview of the options look for in a running 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 [[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 need . (Click for a long (20+ hourslarger 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 focus on its ability to consider when looking for a runners watchanswer 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 , and it requires good [[GPS Accuracy]]. How much the accuracy of a watch will impact your trainingrunning will depend on the course. Overall, most watches do pretty well in straight lines, but suffer when things get twisty. While it My testing is possible to map out a run afterwardstough challenge for GPS, this tends to be tedious 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 typically less accurate now more important than GPSaccuracy. ** '''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 easy to 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 enough indication of your current pace is important for most any training program that requires runningat a specific pace, but it is not accurate enough and for things like interval trainingsuccess in racing at many distances. ** The errors in '''Where am I?''' It's not unreasonable to expect a GPS average out over 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, but they cause or a problem when trying to display current pacepreloaded course. * '''What's my cadence? '''A footpod can be used 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 [[CadenceFootpod]] and in some or the newer Garmin watches it can also provide pace use the running dynamics heart rate strap. A Cadence alert will help you stay in the right cadence range, and distanceis a useful feature. Unlike GPSThere are several additional features to you could consider, footpods need though I'd argue none are as important as the above questions. * '''Weight.''' None of these devices weigh enough to have a noticeable impact on running performance, but the weight can be calibrated to provide accurate pace/distancenoticeable. * A barometer will measure '''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 atmospheric pressure and volume in cubic centimeters to give a single number to compare. * '''Waterproofing.''' Even if you altitude. This don't swim, having good waterproofing is more accurate than GPS, but will require calibration important to adjust for weather related pressure changesprevent your watch being destroyed by the rain or sweat. * '''[[Heart Rate Monitor]].''' [[Heart rate can be useful Rate]] is important information when training, though it is important to understand the limitations of heart rate based training. The Having a [[Heart Rate Monitor]] that will record your heart rate strap that goes across is particularly valuable for evaluating your training. ** [[Optical Heart Rate Monitoring]] is more convenient, but does not work very well. ** While the chest strap based monitoring is remarkably reliable, you can be intrusive have problems with chaffing and sometimes can chafe. Polar heart rate monitoring is far better than the Garmin equivalentpoor reception in some situations, but there are [[Fixing Heart Rate Monitor Problems| Fixes for Heart Rate Monitor Problems]]. * '''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.* '''Battery Life.''' How much battery life you need depends on how long you run for. It's best to have a watch that will last quite a bit longer than your longest run. I list the claimed battery life in my table, along with the results of my testing. For my tests, I do everything to maximize battery life without compromising GPS accuracy. That means normal GPS sampling frequency, but no backlight, no map display, and no button presses. I also ensure Bluetooth, WAAS and GLONAS are disabled. I don't test devices that I've had for a while, as the battery tends to degrade over time. * '''Charges On The Run'''. For ultrarunners, one option to use a watch for longer than the built in battery lasts is to charge the watch while running. This involves connecting the cable and carrying a USB battery pack. It's cumbersome, but it can work. A value of "Yes" means that the watch will accept charge while recording and displaying 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 asterisk after the yes indicates a Garmin device that needs to be set with the USB mode to "Garmin" not "Mass Storage". A value of "no" means that charging is 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.* '''[[Firstbeat| Training Effect]].''' This is a measure of how hard a training run is as a numeric value of 1.0 to 5.0, based on an analysis of [[Heart Rate Variability]].* '''Heart Rate Variability'''. There is a growing interest in the possibility 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. * '''GPS Pre-cache'''. Some newer watches will download the predicted positions of the GPS satellites for faster initial acquisition. This pre-cache works remarkably well, and the data is usually downloaded automatically when the watch is connected to the internet. However, the data is only valid for a few days, so after that time the device will fall back to the usual approach of scanning for satellites. =Comparison=Here's a table of these features for each of the watches I recommend (all have GPS). {{:Best Running Watch-table}}=GPS Accuracy=[[File:GPS Accuracy.png|none|thumb|600px|An infographic of [[GPS Accuracy]] of running watches. The top right corner represents the most accurate watches. (This graphic uses ISO 5725 terminology.)]]=Using a Smartphone=''Main article: [[Running With A Smartphone]]''