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From Fellrnr.com, Running tips
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=Summary =
I would recommend…
* [http://go.fellrnr.com?id=35454X937677&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F784873%2Fgarmin-forerunner-310xt-heart-rate-monitor Garmin 310XT ] is the best for nearly every runner.* Garmin 305 for those that can't afford the 310XT[http://www. The 205 is even cheaperrei.* com/product/816863/garmin-forerunner-610-gps-fitness-monitor Garmin 610 ] if you have to have want something smaller and don't need much battery life.* [http://www.rei.com/product/807629/polar-rs800cx-heart-rate-monitor Polar RS800CX ] if you need a long (20+ hours) battery life* Garmin 305 can sometimes be found cheap, but it's becoming rather rare these days. The 205 is sometimes even cheaper if you can find one.
=What to look for=
There are several features to consider when looking for a runners watch.
=The best - Garmin 310XT=
While not perfect, the best watch for most runners is currently the [http://go.fellrnr.com?id=35454X937677&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F784873%2Fgarmin-forerunner-310xt-heart-rate-monitor Garmin 310XT]. See DC Rainmaker's It is available as the [http://www.dcrainmakerrei.com/2009product/09791092/garmin-forerunner-310xt-ingps-depthfitness-review.html full reviewmonitor 310XT 'Fitness Monitor'] without the [[Heart Rate Monitor]] for more details$50 less.
[[File:Garmin310XT.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Garmin 310XT]]
==Pros ==
* The vibration alert works nicely. I often run with the 310XT set to record a lap every mile, and it will vibrate as well as beep.
==Cons==
* The biggest downside for most people is the price. The watch without any accessories is $300250, though you can sometimes get it a little cheaper(Black Friday). However, many of the alternatives are even more expensive.
* Some people find the 310XT to be rather large, and it is much larger than a normal watch.
* The battery life is good for about 16-20 hours, which is enough for most people. Ultrarunners doing 100 mile or longer races will find this a problem.
* The heart rate monitoring is not as reliable as the Polar systems, though I'm told a new strap is coming that improves this. I find that the Garmin heart rate strap give bad readings far too often, even with a conductive gel. There's nothing more annoying than seeing your heart rate way too high when you're running and having to joggle the strap to get it working again.
=Sometimes 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 At one time the 310XT. The 205 can could often be found for under $100, and 305 for under $130, but it's now hard to find. When I checked, the 305 was more expensive than the 310XT ([http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-Receiver-Heart-Monitor/dp/B000CSWCQA/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1341681302&sr=1-1&keywords=garmin+305+forerunner 305 at Amazon.com]. )
* Usability, display size, heart rate monitoring (305) and course display are similar to the 310XT.
==Cons==
* They're not fully waterproof, but I never had a problem with my 205 in the rain.
=Smaller – Garmin 610=
The [http://www.rei.com/product/816863/garmin-forerunner-610 -gps-fitness-monitor Garmin 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==
* The touchscreen interface works with gloves and in the rain, unlike most touchscreens found on phones or media players.
* Good GPS accuracy (uses the SiRF SiRFstarIV with the Instant Fix II)
==Cons==
* The battery life is rather short. It is claimed to provide 8 hours, but based on experience with other Garmin devices, the actual live may be quite a bit less. This is likely to cause an issue for slower marathon runners or ultrarunners.
=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 [http://www.rei.com/product/807629/polar-rs800cx-heart-rate-monitor RS800CX ] if battery life is of paramount importance.
==Pros==
* The battery life of the RS800CX is measured in months not hours.
[[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 [http://go.fellrnr.com?id=35454X937677&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F810800%2Fgarmin-forerunner-410 -gps-heart-rate-monitor 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.
=Not Recommended - Nike+ Sportwatch=
There is a lot to like about the Nike+ Sportwatch, but it has one weakness that I believe is unacceptable. 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 important]], and while beginners may not need one, buying a watch that prevents you from accessing your data in the future is too limiting. If you're still interested, have a read of [http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2011/04/nike-sportwatch-gps-in-depth-review.html DC Rainmaker's review]
