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Best Running Watch

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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Best Running Watch, including Garmin, Polar, & Suunto}}
[[File:RunsWithGear.JPG|right|thumb|300px|I don't normally run with quite this much gear, but my testing involves running with multiple devices concurrently. For this run, I have; iPhone 5s (left arm), Garmin 310XT (left wrist), Garmin Fenix2 (left hand), Garmin 620 and [[Basis Activity Tracker]] (right wrist), Pebble SmartWatch (right hand), [[Best Running MP3 Player| my favorite music player, the ClipZip]] (belt), Garmin Running Dynamics Heart Rate strap (chest), [[Best Running Headphones| the wonderful Koss Portapro headphones]], Garmin footpod and temperature pod (on shoes, not shown). I'm gathering GPS Accuracy data on the Fenix2 and iPhone 5s, with the 310XT to act as a sanity check, the 620 giving a [[Cadence]] alert and the Basis because I always wear it.]]
This article is a concise guide to the best running watches available today at differing prices and functionality. As well as recommendations for the best watch, I also have a few that are worth considering in spite of their flaws, and some to avoid. For most runners my top choice is the {{Garmin 310XT}}, which is great value for money and has all the features you're likely to need. If that's 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. Also, consider using a [[Running With A Smartphone| Smartphone]]; if you already have one they are a cheap option and can have outstanding [[GPS Accuracy]]. (Note, I have a Garmin 920XT on pre-order and I'm about to start testing the Polar V800.)
=Summary of Features=
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 notes below the table.
=Not Recommended=
These watches have flaws or a price point that makes them unattractive.
==Polar V800==
The Polar V800 has been released, but critical functionality has not yet been implemented so I would recommend avoiding it at this point. Currently the V800 only supports loading data to a Polar web site, which is a fatal flaw in my opinion. Polar is planning on releasing this functionality in September 2014, and I am planning on reviewing the V800 and testing its GPS accuracy at that point. However, the functionality offered does not seem to justify the high price tag, and I've heard some anecdotal reports of GPS accuracy issues.
==Garmin 405/405CX/410==
The Garmin 4xx series watches use a touch sensitive bezel which does not work well with gloves or when wet. The [http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-GPS-Enabled-Sports-Watch/dp/B0046BWRUK Garmin 410] has an 'improved bezel', but there are [http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2011/01/look-at-new-garmin-fr410-touch-bezel.html still problems]. I also see more people struggling at the start of marathons with the 4xx watches than all the other devices combined.