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From Fellrnr.com, Running tips
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A good running watch can provide valuable information while you run, as well as automating your [[The importance of a training log|training log]]. This article is a concise guide to the best running watches available today. It does not attempt to cover every watch on the market, but it does call out some to avoid. __NOTOC__=Summary =I would recommend…This is a summary of my recommendations. {| class="wikitable"!Watch!!Recommendation Reason!!With Heart Rate Monitor!!Without Heart Rate Monitor!!Accessory Heart Rate Monitor!!Footpod* |-|Garmin 310XT||The best value for nearly every runner.||[http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatch310W&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Forerunner-Waterproof-Running-Monitor%2Fdp%2FB0025VKUPM Garmin 310XT with HRM] is the best for nearly every runner. It's available without the [[Heart Rate Monitor]] as ||[http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatch310N&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Forerunner-310XT-Waterproof-Running%2Fdp%2FB0025VKW5K Garmin 310XT with without HRM]. (The [[Heart Rate Monitor]] is available separately as ||[http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatchHRM&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Premium-Heart-Monitor-Strap%2Fdp%2FB0029M3NSS Garmin HRM]||[http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatchFootpod&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.) com%2FGarmin-Foot-Pod-Retail-Packaging%2Fdp%2FB00264GKVQ Garmin Footpod]|-* |Garmin 610||Smaller than the other recommendations.||[http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatch610W&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Forerunner-Touchscreen-Watch-Monitor%2Fdp%2FB004XC3MXI Garmin 610T 610 with HRM] if you want something smaller and don't need much battery life||[http://go.fellrnr. Like the 310XT, the com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatch610N&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Forerunner-610-Touchscreen-Watch%2Fdp%2FB004WONCQE Garmin 610 is available without the [HRM]||[http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatchHRM&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Premium-Heart Rate -Monitor-Strap%2Fdp%2FB0029M3NSS Garmin HRM]||[http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatchFootpod&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Foot-Pod-Retail-Packaging%2Fdp%2FB00264GKVQ Garmin Footpod] as |-|Garmin 910XT||An improved version of the 310XT.<br>Better for swimmers & adds an altimeter.||[http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatch610NBestWatch&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Forerunner-910XT-GPS-Enabled-Monitor%2Fdp%2FB005T0Z9CU Garmin 910XT with HRM]||[http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatch&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Forerunner-610910XT-GPS-TouchscreenEnabled-WatchSport%2Fdp%2FB004WONCQE 2FB005SPCJ74 Garmin 610T 910XT without HRM].* ||[http://wwwgo.reifellrnr.com/product?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatchHRM&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Premium-Heart-Monitor-Strap%2Fdp%2FB0029M3NSS Garmin HRM]||[http://807629go.fellrnr.com/polar?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatchFootpod&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-rs800cxFoot-heartPod-rateRetail-monitor Polar RS800CXPackaging%2Fdp%2FB00264GKVQ Garmin Footpod] if you need a long (20+ hours) battery life* |-|Garmin 305 can sometimes be found cheap205||Limited functionality, but it's becoming rather rare these dayscheap||Not available||[http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatch205&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon. The com%2FGarmin-Forerunner-Receiver-Sports-Watch%2Fdp%2FB000CSQJ8C Garmin 205 is sometimes even cheaper if you can find one.]||N/A||N/A|-|} ==What to look for==
There are several features to consider when looking for a runners watch.
* GPS provides an easy measure of how far you've run, which is critical for your training. While it is possible to map out a run afterwards, this tends to be tedious and is typically less accurate than GPS.
** GPS is easy to use and accurate enough for most running, but it is not accurate enough for things like interval training.
** The errors in GPS average out over a run, but they cause a problem when trying to display current pace.
* A footpod [[FootPod]] can be used to provide [[Cadence]] and in some watches it can also provide pace and distance. Unlike GPS, footpods [[FootPod]]s need to be calibrated to provide accurate pace/distance. * A barometer 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.
* [[Heart Rate]] is important information when training, though it is important to understand the limitations of heart rate based training. Having a [[Heart Rate Monitor]] that will record your heart rate is particularly valuable for evaluating your training. The heart rate strap that goes across your chest can be intrusive and sometimes can chafe. Polar heart rate monitoring is far better than the Garmin equivalent.
* 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.
* 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.
==Garmin Heart Rate Monitoring==
The [[Heart Rate Monitor|Heart Rate Monitoring]] of Garmin watches is not as reliable as the Polar systems, but there are [[Garmin Heart Rate Monitoring|things to can do to improve this]].
=The best value - Garmin 310XT=While not perfect, the The best value watch for most runners is currently the [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatch310W&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reiamazon.com%2Fproduct%2F784873%2Fgarmin2FGarmin-forerunnerForerunner-310xtWaterproof-heartRunning-rate-monitor Monitor%2Fdp%2FB0025VKUPM Garmin 310XTwith HRM]. It is available as the [http://www.rei.com/product/791092/garmin-forerunner-310xt-gps-fitness-monitor 310XT 'Fitness Monitor'] without the [[Heart Rate Monitor]] for $50 less. The [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatch&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Forerunner-910XT-GPS-Enabled-Monitor%2Fdp%2FB005T0Z9CU Garmin 910XT] is better, but not worth the extra cost for most runners.[[File:Garmin310XT.jpg|thumb|rightnone|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. (It's easier than the 4xx series Garmin watches.)* The killer 310XT is great value for money at this price level. * A great feature is the ability to use the optional footpod [[FootPod]] to display your current pace while using GPS for overall pace, distance and route. Only the 310XT , 910XT and Garmin 610 can do this.
* The GPS is more accurate than earlier watches, and has a faster startup time. (It uses the SiRFstar III with Instafix, one of the latest GPS chipsets)
* The housing is fully waterproof (to 50m/160ft), so running in the rain is no problem.
* The display is big enough to show four readings. I often display current pace, average pace for the current lap, average pace for the run 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 the already mentioned footpod [[FootPod]] and heart rate strap. For cyclists there is also a [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatch&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Speed-Cadence-Bike-Sensor%2Fdp%2FB000BFNOT8 speed/cadence sensor ] and it works with various power sensors.
* 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==
* 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, though it is possible to recharge it while in use. ** For 24 hour races where the GPS track is not important, you can extend the battery life by turning off the GPS receiver and use the footpod[[FootPod]]. After 12 hours of running I still had 85% of the battery left. If you're running on a reasonable smooth surface, the [[FootPod]] is often more accurate than GPS. * =The Best – Garmin 910XT=The heart rate monitoring [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatch&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Forerunner-910XT-GPS-Enabled-Monitor%2Fdp%2FB005T0Z9CU Garmin 910XT with HRM] is not as reliable as an improved version of the Polar systems310XT, though Ibut it'm told a new strap s about $100 more expensive. It can record laps when swimming, and is coming that improves thisbetter at recording altitude, and it's recommended if you need those features. I find that If you don't need them, then the Garmin heart rate strap give bad readings far too often, even with a conductive gel310XT is better value. There(It's nothing more annoying than seeing your heart rate way too high when you're running available without the [[Heart Rate Monitor]] as [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatch&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Forerunner-910XT-GPS-Enabled-Sport%2Fdp%2FB005SPCJ74 Garmin 910XT without HRM].) Nearly all of the pros and having cons of the 310XT apply to joggle the strap to get it working again910XT, so I won't repeat them here. [[File:Garmin-910xt.jpg|thumb|none|200px|Garmin 910XT]]
==Pros==
* At one time the 205 could often be found for under $100, and 305 for under $130The 910XT can record swimming, but it's now hard does this with an accelerometer rather than GPS. You have to find. When I checked, tell the 305 was more expensive than 910XT how long the 310XT ([http://wwwpool is, but it will detect each lap, as well as your stroke.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].)* UsabilityThe 910XT has a barometric altimeter, display size, heart rate monitoring (305) and course display are similar to the 310XTwhich is far more accurate at recording altitude changes than GPS.
==Cons==
* The battery life biggest downside for most people is the price, which is quite a bit shorter $100 more than the 310XT (6-10 hours), though still good enough for many runners. * The 305 can use a footpod for cadence and for when satellite reception is lost, but can't display current pace from While the footpod. * The GPS 910XT is not as accurate or as fast as slightly slimmer than the 310XT. * They're not fully waterproof, but I never had it is still rather large, and it is much larger than a problem with my 205 in the rainnormal watch.
=Smaller – Garmin 610=
The [http://wwwgo.reifellrnr.com/product/816863/garmin-forerunner?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatch610W&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-610Forerunner-gpsTouchscreen-fitnessWatch-monitor Monitor%2Fdp%2FB004XC3MXI Garmin 610with HRM] is a new watch from Garmin that is smaller, but overcomes many of the issues seen in the 4xx range (see below). [[File:Garmin610.jpg|thumb|rightnone|200px|Garmin 610]]
==Pros==
* Smaller than the 310XT/305/205 and closer to the size of a traditional watch.
* Like the 310XT, it can use the optional [[FootPod]] to display your current pace while using GPS for overall pace, distance and route. Only the 310XT, 910XT and 610 can do this (so far).
* 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.
* The price is quite high, listing at $350 or $400 including the heart rate monitor.
* Not the range of accessories that the 910XT/310XT has, such as power meter for cycling.
* No display of course maps.
=Cheaper - Garmin 205=The [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatch305&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Forerunner-Receiver-Heart-Monitor%2Fdp%2FB000CSWCQA Garmin 305] and the [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatch205&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Forerunner-Receiver-Sports-Watch%2Fdp%2FB000CSQJ8C Garmin 205] are the predecessors to the 310XT and are quite similar in a number of ways. The 305 has a few extra features over the 205, such as the heart rate monitor and support for a [[FootPod]]. The 205 is quite cheap, but the 305 is now more expensive than the 310XT and nowhere near as good. [[File:Garmin305.jpg|thumb|none|200px|Garmin 305 with 205 on the right]] ==Pros==* The [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatch205&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Forerunner-Receiver-Sports-Watch%2Fdp%2FB000CSQJ8C Garmin 205] is cheap.* Usability, display size and course display are similar to the 310XT. ==Cons==* The battery life is quite a bit shorter than the 310XT (6-10 hours), though still good enough for many runners. * The GPS is not as accurate or as fast as the 310XT. * They're not fully waterproof, but I never had a problem in the rain. * The 205 does not work as a [[Heart Rate Monitor]], something I believe is important. =Longer Battery If you need Heart Rate Variability – Polar RS800CX=[[File:PolarRS800CX.jpg|thumb|rightnone|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 would no longer recommend the [http://wwwgo.reifellrnr.com/product/807629/polar?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatchRS800&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPolar-rs800cxRS800CX-heartHeart-rateRate-monitor Monitor%2Fdp%2FB003G3YBR6 Polar RS800CX] if battery life is of paramount importanceunless you need a first rate [Heart Rate Monitor]] that will display [[Heart Rate Variability]].
==Pros==
* The RS800CX is the size of a conventional watch, and because of the long battery life, it can be used as one.
* Includes a barometer for altitude (GPS has very poor accuracy for altitude).
* There is a Polar [[FootPod]], the [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatchS3P&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPolar-91039283-S3-Stride-Sensor%2Fdp%2FB005RXZ1YU Polar S3+ Stride Sensor], which works nearly as well as the Garmin equivalent, but it's larger and more expensive.
* Fully waterproof.
==Cons==
* It's Expensive at around $370.
* While the RS800CX can support GPS, it requires [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatchGPS5&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPolar-G5-GPS-Sensor-Set%2Fdp%2FB005F5J3JY an add-on GPS box ] you strap to your arm, which is a rather crappy poor solution. The GPS has a battery life of only 20 hours and requires recharging. * There is no display of course maps .* This is a [[Heart Rate Monitor]] and it objects if you try to use it without the monitor.
[[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&xcust=BestWatchG410&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reiamazon.com%2Fproduct%2F810800%2Fgarmin2FGarmin-forerunnerForerunner-410GPS-gpsEnabled-heartSports-rate-monitor Watch%2Fdp%2FB0046BWRUK 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].
