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From Fellrnr.com, Running tips
no edit summary
This is a summary of my recommendations.
{| class="wikitable"
!Watch!!Recommendation Reason!!With Heart Rate Monitor!!Without Heart Rate Monitor!!Accessory Heart Rate Monitor!!FootPodFootpod
|-
|Motorola Motoactv||If you can live with the flaws, it's cheap and brilliant.||Not available|as a package|[http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatchMoto&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FMotorola-MOTOACTV-Sports-Watch-Player%2Fdp%2FB007C1KKW8 Motoactv] <br>Varies between $150|and $250|[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 FootPodFootpod]
|-
|Garmin 310XT||The best watch<span style='color:\#FF0000'> </span>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]<br>$300|250|[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 without HRM]<br>$250|215|[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 FootPodFootpod]
|-
|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 610 with HRM]<br>$400||[http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatch610N&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Forerunner-610-Touchscreen-Watch%2Fdp%2FB004WONCQE Garmin 610 without HRM]<br>$350||[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 FootPodFootpod]
|-
|Garmin 910XT||An improved version of the 310XT.<br>Better for swimmers & adds an altimeter.||[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]<br>$450||[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]<br>$400||[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]|-|Soleus 1.0||Remarkably cheap.||Not available||[http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=Soleus10&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSoleus-SG001003-Black-Digital-Multi-Function%2Fdp%2FB005NGTO8A Soleus 1.0Footpod]<br>$75||Not available||Not available
|-
| Soleus 1.0
| Remarkably cheap.
| Not supported
| [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=Soleus10&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSoleus-SG001003-Black-Digital-Multi-Function%2Fdp%2FB005NGTO8A Soleus 1.0]
$75
| Not supported
| Not supported
|}
=What to look for=
** The errors in GPS average out over a run, but they cause a problem when trying to display current pace.
* '''Waterproofing.''' Even if you don't swim, having good waterproofing is important to prevent your watch being destroyed by the rain or sweat.
* '''Current pace from a [[FootPodFootpod]].''' A [[FootPodFootpod]] can be used to provide [[Cadence]] and in some watches it can also provide pace and distance. Unlike GPS, [[FootPodFootpod]]s need to be calibrated to provide accurate pace/distance.
* '''[[Heart Rate Monitor]].''' [[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.
* '''Data Upload.''' 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. A watch that can upload to a PC makes recording your workouts much easier.
Here's a table of these features foe each of the watches I recommend (all have GPS).
{| class="wikitable"
!Watch!!Waterproofing!!Pace from FootPod!!Heart Rate Monitor!!Data Upload!!Battery Life!!Altimeter|-|Motorola Motoactv||Water resistant with care||No||Yes||Limited||Poor (3-6hr)||No
|-
|Garmin 310XTMotorola Motoactv|Water resistant with care|Yes|No|Yes|Limited|Yes||Yes||Good Poor (20hr3-6hr)||No
|-
|Garmin 610|310XT|Yes||Yes||Yes||Yes||Fair Good (8hr20hr)||No
|-
|Garmin 910XT|610|Yes||Yes||Yes||Yes||Good Fair (20hr8hr)||YesNo
|-
|Soleus 1.0Garmin 910XT|Yes|Yes|Yes|No||No|Yes|No||Fair Good (8hr20hr)||NoYes
|-
| Soleus 1.0
| Yes
| No
| No
| No
| Fair (8hr)
| No
|}
==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]].
=Brilliant, but flawed – Motorola Motoactv=
The Motorola [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatchMoto&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FMotorola-MOTOACTV-Sports-Watch-Player%2Fdp%2FB007C1KKW8 Motoactv] is a revolutionary running watch, using a color touch screen, GPS and including an MP3 player. It is more like a smartphone than a traditional GPS watch, the Motoactv is brilliant, but it is also flawed. When it was originally introduced at $250, these flaws were too severe for it to compete with the Garmin alternatives. Now The price of the prices has dropped Motoactv tends to vary, but it is often available for under $150, and at that price the Motoactv is worthy of consideration. If you can live with each of these four flaws, then the Motoactv is a great buy. (See the cons section for more details on each.)
* '''Poor water resistance. '''Don't buy the Motoactv is you want to swim or if you're likely to forget to check the covers before your run.
* '''Limited battery life. '''If you run for less than 3 hours, you're fine with the Motoactv. If you run for between 3 and 6 hours then think carefully. If you run for more than 6 hours, look elsewhere.
* The Motoactv is 'water resistant' not waterproof. There are many reports of water damage and Motorola refusing to repair them. However, there are also many reports of using the Motoactv in torrential rain, which I've done myself. I suspect the issue is that the Motoactv has small covers for the headphone jack and the USB port, and if they are not in place, water can get in and destroy the watch.
* The battery life of the Motoactv is quite poor compared with other devices. If you use Bluetooth headphones and use the default setting the battery is dead in 3 hours. With no Bluetooth and the 'extended battery' setting it should last for 6 hours. This is probably plenty for most runners, but you have to remember to keep it plugged in, as the battery seems to drain faster than I would expect.
* Like any GPS watch, the display of your current pace varies too much to be of any use. This is an intrinsic problem with GPS, and I found the Motoactv was out by up to a minute/mile. This is why I recommend the Garmin 310XT/910XT/610 as they can display your current pace from the [[FootPodFootpod]] while still using the GPS for everything else. You can use the 'lap average pace' to get a reasonable idea of your pace, but if you need to hit a specific pace for a training run or a race, you're better off with one of the Garmin 310XT/910XT/610 and a [[FootPodFootpod]].
* The Motoactv will upload your workout to Motoactv.com via a wireless network, so you don't even need a PC, which is a great idea. The problem is that it's hard to upload your workouts to any other training log. You can download each workout as a CSV file and upload it to another tool, but that sometimes requires going via a conversion program.
* The Motoactv will support a [[FootPodFootpod]], including the [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], and it can use the FootPod to show your pace/distance. This only works if you select to run outdoors, which turns the GPS off. The bigger problem is that there is no way of calibrating the Foodpod, so there is usually an error (for me it was out by 7%). The Motoactv does have an internal sensor that can be calibrated, but this does not work for the FoodPod. The Motoactv will use the FootPod to display your [[Cadence]], but I found the Cadence display to vary widely; my Garmin would show a steady cadence value when the Motoactv was swinging widely.
=The best value - Garmin 310XT=
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.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Forerunner-Waterproof-Running-Monitor%2Fdp%2FB0025VKUPM Garmin 310XT with 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.
* 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 310XT is great value for money at this price level.
* A great feature is the ability to use the optional [[FootPodFootpod]] 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.
* 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 [[FootPodFootpod]] 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.
==310XT 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 races where the GPS track is not important, you can extend the battery life by turning off the GPS receiver and use the [[FootPodFootpod]]. After 12 hours of running I still had 85% of the battery left. If you're running on a reasonable smooth surface, the [[FootPodFootpod]] is often more accurate than GPS.
=The Best – Garmin 910XT=
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 with HRM] is an improved version of the 310XT, but it's about $100 more expensive. It can record laps when swimming, and is better at recording altitude, and it's recommended if you need those features. If you don't need them, then the 310XT is better value. (It's 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 cons of the 310XT apply to the 910XT, so I won't repeat them here.
==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 [[FootPodFootpod]] 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)
==Soleus 1.0 Cons==
* There is no upload of data to a PC (which also means no firmware updates).
* No support for a [[Heart Rate Monitor]] or a [[FootPodFootpod]].
* The claimed battery life is 8 hours, which is a little short. However, I've read reports of people getting longer battery life.
* The initial acquisition of the GPS satellites is slower than the better watches like the 310XT/910XT.
* 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 [[FootPodFootpod]], 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.
==RS800CX Cons==
* Carrying a phone allows you to [[Running Safety| call for help]].
* You may be able to use the smartphone as an MP3 player.
* It is possible to use a [[Heart Rate Monitor]] or even a [[FootPodFootpod]] with a smartphone.
** The [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=PolarH7&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPolar-Bluetooth-Smart-Heart-Sensor%2Fdp%2FB007S088F4 Polar H7 heart rate monitor] works with iPhone 4S/5 for $63. This will work with RunKeeper, MapMyRun(+), EndoMondo (Pro), Runmeter, and others. (Android phones not supported.)
** The [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=Wahoo&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FWahoo-Fitness-WFFisica01-Key-iPhone%2Fdp%2FB0042WGO3Y Wahoo Key] is a $55 dongle that adds Ant+ support to an iPhone 4S/4/3GS. This allows you to use the [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] and other Ant+ accessories. It works with most apps including RunKeeper, MapMyRun(+), EndoMondo (Pro), Runmeter. Note that the dongle may cause problems finding a waterproof case.
** The [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=AntAdapt&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Adapter-iPhone-Monitor-Cadence%2Fdp%2FB005ZSYEOK Garmin Ant+ Adapter] is similar to the [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=Wahoo&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FWahoo-Fitness-WFFisica01-Key-iPhone%2Fdp%2FB0042WGO3Y Wahoo Key] but it has limited app support.
** The [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=ZephyrHxM&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FZephyr-HxM-Delivers-BlackBerry-Smartphones%2Fdp%2FB002PL33AQ Zepher HxM] is a $79 (+shipping) heart rate monitor that works with Android and Blackberry phones.
** Some [[https://support.garmin.com/support/searchSupport/case.faces?caseId=%7bf3027e90-f8de-11e0-73d0-000000000000%7d | Sony Ericsson android phones]] have Ant+ support built in.
==Smartphone Cons==
* A smartphone is usually bulky and has to be mounted on your upper arm, making it hard to see the display.
* Few smartphones are waterproof, so a specialist case will be required to protect it.
* The GPS accuracy of most smartphones is not as good as the latest GPS watches.
=Not Recommended =These watches have flaws or a price point that makes them unattractive. ==Suunto Ambit==The main attraction of the [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=SuuntoAmbit&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSuunto-Ambit-Watch-Black-Size%2Fdp%2FB006N0LIG6 Suunto Ambit] is it's 50 hour battery life. However, to get the long battery life you have to select a mode which only takes a GPS fix every 60 seconds GPS fix which gives poor accuracy. Other problems that prevent me from recommending it:* Difficulty in upload the data to other software.* No [[Footpod]].* The big advantage of GPS over a footpod is it will show you a map of where you've been and with the Garmin watches, you can upload a course to follow. The Ambit does not do that type of display.* The price; at $500 there are better options available cheaper. For the same price you could buy two 310XTs, three MOTOACTVs, or five Soleus 1.0 watches.==Garmin Fenix==Like the Suunto Ambit, the $400 [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=Fenix&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Hiking-Exclusive-Tracback- Feature%2Fdp%2FB008KEPUQC Garmin Fenix] claims a 50 hour battery life. However, there are reports that the battery life is much shorter in practice.==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.amazon.com%2FGarmin-Forerunner-GPS-Enabled-Sports-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. The Motoactv is a far more capable watch than the Nike+, though it too has some flaws.
=Not Recommended – =Garmin 305/205==
The 305/205 are the earlier generations of Garmin GPS watches, and occasionally they can be found quite cheap. However, with the price drop of the Motoactv, these Garmin watches no longer offer reasonable value for money.
