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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. * The [[Garmin Epix]] has flow chart below should help guide you through the most features, though its GPS accuracy lets it down a little. It has full color maps selection process (click for navigation, something that's great when running in a strange town or out in the wilderness. It supports the [[Connect IQ]] downloadable apps to make it extensiblelarger version. ) * The [[Garmin 920XT]] can be thought of as a cut down version of the Epix, with slightly better [[GPS Accuracy]], but lacking some of the other features (mainly the color map)File:Best Watch. * The [[Garmin 310XT]] png|center|thumb|400px|This flowchart is a simple guide to finding the best value right watch for money and has all the features you're likely to need. (The [[Garmin 910XT]] has more featuresUse it as a starting point, but tends and read the detailed reviews to be understand if a little more pricy.)* If the 310XT watch is too big and really right for you want something more watch like, then the [[Garmin 610]] is great, and it's often available refurbished at a great price. * The [[Suunto Ambit2]] and [[Suunto Ambit3]] are both great watches, with excellent [[GPS Accuracy]]. For most runners the cheapest of the range (Ambit 2 R/Ambit 3 Run) are the best choice, but Click for ultrarunners the extra battery life of the (Ambit 2/Ambit 3 Peak) may be worthwhile. * The [[Garmin 620]] has a lovely usability, but it's more expensive than the 610 and you can't get your current [[Pace From A Footpod]]larger version. * For [[GPS Accuracy]], the [[Polar V800]] is the best, but it falls short in many other areas. * Several watches use [[Optical Heart Rate Monitoring]], but I've not found any of them accurate enough for real world use. * Consider using a [[Running With A Smartphone| Smartphone]]; if you already have one they are a cheap option and can have outstanding [[GPS Accuracy)]]. =Comparison=Here's a table of these features for each of the watches I recommend (all have GPS). {{:Best Running Watch-table}}

* '''How far did I run?''' This is 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 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. The Motoactv and Fenix 2 can display preloaded maps showing roads and names, while the Epix and Leikr show full color maps. * '''What's my cadence? '''A 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 Foodpod [[Footpod]] or the newer Garmin watches can use the running dynamics heart rate strap. A Cadence alert will help you stay in the right cadence range, and is a useful feature.

[[File:ChargingOnTheRun.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Charging a watch on the run can work, but it's awkward at best.]]Choosing a watch for an ultramarathon requires some tradeoffs and there's no simple answer. The main factor is battery life, as few watches can be relied on to lost more than 20 hours with GPS active. I think there are three main approaches to this problem:# [[Charge On The Run]]. This is a little cumbersome as you typically have to carry a battery pack and an adapter, or at least have them in your drop bag. Not all watches support [[Charge On The Run]], and only a subset of them do so with reasonable convenience.# Use two watches. This is also rather inconvenient and expensive, though you may be able to use to cheaper watches rather than one more expensive watch. For the second part of your run, the second watch won't have your full time and distance, so you'll need to make a note from the first watch and do some math. (Doing math late in an ultra is as difficult as it sounds.)# Extended battery life. 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 rely on a first generation [[Footpod]], in which case many watches will last several days. While the accuracy of a first gen [[Footpod]] can be better than GPS, the Footpod does not do so well if you're taking [[Walking Breaks]] or running on twisty single track.And some runners will want navigation. I see three main approaches to I wish I could provide, simple, clear cut advice, but unfortunately things are not so easy. You'll need to think about how long you'll be running for, the features that are important to you, and how much compromise you can live with. * If you need good navigation information, then I'd suggest the [[Garmin Epix]], though you'll need to carry a USB battery pack and charge on the go. File:Charge On The Epix will last for 17 hours, but using the navigation features will dramatically reduce that. For less money and better GPS Accuracy, consider the [[Garmin 910XT]]. The [[Garmin 920XT]] or the [[Garmin Fenix 3]] have more features, but worse accuracy. Run - Fenix3 (You'll still need the battery pack if you're going to use the navigation mapping with any of them2).)* For races up to 20 hours the [[Suunto Ambit3jpg|center|thumb|200px| Suunto Ambit3 Peak]] has great accuracy and a small form factor. * For races up to 30 hours the [[Epson SF-510Charge On The Run]] is the least bad an option. If you can afford it, get another watch that works better for training and shorter races, using the Epson only when you run for 20-30 hoursultras. * For races over 30 hours I'd either charge on the go, or use the [[Suunto Ambit3| Suunto Ambit3 Peak]] again. You can get 200 hours with 60 second sampling, which would give you a rough idea of how far and where you've gone for more than a week. If you're going to charge on the go, then any of the watches that support this are viable.

* The [[Garmin Fenix 5X]] and the [[Garmin Epix]] has 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]], and [[Garmin Fenix 3]], [[Suunto Spartan Ultra]] will show an outline of your run (breadcrumbs) and allow you to load a course outline to follow.