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From Fellrnr.com, Running tips
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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-in-depth-review.html full review] for more details.
[[File:Garmin310XT.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Garmin 310XT]]
==Pros ==
* The 310XT is one of the most advanced watches available, but is no harder for a beginner to use than most alternatives.
=Cheaper - Garmin 305/205=
These watches are the predecessors to the 310XT and are quite similar in a number of ways. The 305 has a few extra features, 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 details.
[[File:Garmin305.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Garmin 305 with 205 on the right]]
==Pros==
* Much cheaper than the 310XT. The 205 can often be found for under $100, and 305 for under $130.
=Smaller – Garmin 610=
The 610 is a new watch from Garmin that is smaller, but overcomes many of the issues seen in the 4xx range (see below). See DC Rainmaker's [http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2011/04/garmin-forerunner-610-in-depth-review.html full review] for more details.
[[File:Garmin610.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Garmin 610]]
==Pros==
* Smaller than the 310XT/305/205 and closer to the size of a traditional watch.
* No display of course maps.
=Longer Battery – Polar RS800CX=
[[File:PolarRS800CX.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Polar RS800CX]]
I used Polar systems for many years and their quality is great. However, I find the convenience of the Garmin GPS systems to be superior and I'd only recommend the RS800CX if battery life is of paramount importance.
==Pros==
* While the RS800CX can support GPS, it requires an add-on box you strap to your arm, which is a rather crappy solution.
* There is no display of course maps
[[File:PolarG3.jpg|thumb|none|200px|The rather clunky GPS and arm band]]
=Not Recommended - 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 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.
