8,153
edits
Changes
From Fellrnr.com, Running tips
no edit summary
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Best Running Watch, including Garmin, Polar, & Suunto}}
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. For most runners my top choice is the {{* The [[Garmin 310XT}}, which ]] is great value for money and has all the features you're likely to need. * If that's the 310XT is too big and you want something more watch like, then the {{[[Garmin 610}} ]] is great, and it's often available refurbished at a great price. Also* The [[Garmin 620]] is a lovely watch, but it's more expensive and you can't get your current pace from a [[Footpod]]. * I rather like the [[Suunto Ambit2 R]], which has some nice features at a reasonable price. The more expensive version of the Ambit2 are worth considering, consider but I would avoid the updated Ambit3. * Consider using a [[Running With A Smartphone| Smartphone]]; if you already have one they are a cheap option and can have outstanding [[GPS Accuracy]]. For a lighthearted look at running watches, check out [[If Running Watches were Sports Cars]]?
=Upcoming Reviews=
I am currently testing the Garmin 920XT, and the review will be published soon.
=Summary of FeaturesComparison=
Here's a table of these features for each of the watches I recommend (all have GPS). For details of the meaning of each column see the reviews referenced in the table.
{{:Best Running Watch-table}}
* '''Heart Rate Variability'''. There is a growing interest in the possibility of using [[Heart Rate Variability]] (HRV) to evaluate training stress. While only one device will display HRV, there are several that will record HRV for later analysis.
* '''GPS Pre-cache'''. Some newer watches will download the predicted positions of the GPS satellites for faster initial acquisition. This pre-cache works remarkably well, and the data is usually downloaded automatically when the watch is connected to the internet. However, the data is only valid for a few days, so after that time the device will fall back to the usual approach of scanning for satellites.
=GPS Accuracy=
[[File:Accuracy.jpg|none|thumb|600px|An infographic of [[GPS Accuracy]] of running watches. The top right corner represents the most accurate watches. (This graphic uses ISO 5725 terminology.)]]
=Using a Smartphone=
''Main article: [[Running With A Smartphone]]''
* You can extend the battery life a little by avoiding using the backlight or changing the display. Showing the map on the 310/910 seems to drain the battery quite fast. I've had 37+ hours out of the [[Suunto Ambit2 R]].
* Another option, depending on the race, is to have two watches and swap part way through.
* Some runners will recharge their watch during a race, but that seems to be more hassle than it's worth. [[File:RunsWithGear.JPG|none|thumb|300px|I don't normally run with quite this much gear, but my testing involves running with multiple devices concurrently. For this run, I have; iPhone 5s (left arm), Garmin 310XT (left wrist), Garmin Fenix2 (left hand), Garmin 620 and [[Basis Activity Tracker]] (right wrist), Pebble SmartWatch (right hand), [[Best Running MP3 Player| my favorite music player, the ClipZip]] (belt), Garmin Running Dynamics Heart Rate strap (chest), [[Best Running Headphones| the wonderful Koss Portapro headphones]], Garmin footpod and temperature pod (on shoes, not shown). I'm gathering GPS Accuracy data on the Fenix2 and iPhone 5s, with the 310XT to act as a sanity check, the 620 giving a [[Cadence]] alert and the Basis because I always wear it.]]
