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I'm a high school runner looking to amp up my training by getting a GPS watch.
In the watch I want a one screen with a real-time pace (min/mile), distance, and time.
I don't want to spend more than $200, really. I don't intend to get a heart rate monitor, yet.
I don't know if I want a Timex or Garmin watch or even a Nike Sportwatch.
If I were to get a Timex, I'd consider the Run trainer 1.0 GPS or the Run Trainer 2.0 GPS
My concern with Timex is the TrainingPeaks software. I'd like to have a FREE reliable software to analyze workouts and runs. I believe the Run Trainer 2.0 works with Strava, but I don't know if that
is free or if would be useful.
If I were to get a Garmin I'd consider the forerunner 110, forerunner 210, or possibly the forerunner 10. The forerunner 10 seems like it doesn't have the features I want though. I wouldn't want to shift between screens on a run. I also have no idea if Garmin Connect is any good.
My friend has the Nike Sportwatch, and it seems nice. I don't know if I want this one because it Garmin is reputable with GPS systems and Timex is great with watches -- Nike makes shoes. I also don't know if the Nike Sportwatch has a good software.
I really don't want to have to use a foot pod.
So, I'd like to know of these watches, which has the features I want (real time pace, time and distance in one screen), that comes with the best software, and is easiest to use for the price.
Thank you very much.
Answer
I'd generally stick with the Garmins. You should find something that is at least compatible with a heart rate monitor -- you will want one, and if you want to improve your training, it's virtually a must. I would also personally err on the side of getting something that will last you awhile, rather than going too low end. If you go too low, you're just going to get frustrated, and in a couple months go buy something higher end anyway.
The Garmin 310XT has been out awhile (so the price has come down from being $400-500 where it was when it came out), and now runs right at the $200 mark while including a heart monitor. It's essentially the waterproof version of the Forerunner 305, which was Garmin's #1 model for a very very long time. (The 305 is now discontinued and thus even more expensive.) The only other model I'd really recommend is the 910, but that's probably out of your price range, and it doesn't really include anything significant beyond the 310XT.
Do be forewarned that all the GPS watches have some difficulty with real time pacing. It's going to jump around a lot if you use the basic "pace" feature. Most people end up using lap pace, which let them measure their pace since hitting the lap button. Garmin keeps trying to improve the real time pacing measurement, but I think they still need to try and average it over a 10-20 second sample period. It's virtually impossible to have accurate real time pace with GPS satellites, but lap pace works fine for most.
Garmin Connect is likely fine for you, but you also might want to look into SportTracks. They're on version 3.1 now which isn't free, but the old version 2 is likely perfect for you and is entirely free if you can find it. (Over time you might consider upgrading to the paid version 3 if you like it, like most do.)
Anyway, at the $200 price range, I'd readily be going after the Garmin 310XT *with* heart monitor. And it should keep you happy a good while, too -- you won't be missing features, nor find anything else that can get more data on one screen or be so customizable.
I'd generally stick with the Garmins. You should find something that is at least compatible with a heart rate monitor -- you will want one, and if you want to improve your training, it's virtually a must. I would also personally err on the side of getting something that will last you awhile, rather than going too low end. If you go too low, you're just going to get frustrated, and in a couple months go buy something higher end anyway.
The Garmin 310XT has been out awhile (so the price has come down from being $400-500 where it was when it came out), and now runs right at the $200 mark while including a heart monitor. It's essentially the waterproof version of the Forerunner 305, which was Garmin's #1 model for a very very long time. (The 305 is now discontinued and thus even more expensive.) The only other model I'd really recommend is the 910, but that's probably out of your price range, and it doesn't really include anything significant beyond the 310XT.
Do be forewarned that all the GPS watches have some difficulty with real time pacing. It's going to jump around a lot if you use the basic "pace" feature. Most people end up using lap pace, which let them measure their pace since hitting the lap button. Garmin keeps trying to improve the real time pacing measurement, but I think they still need to try and average it over a 10-20 second sample period. It's virtually impossible to have accurate real time pace with GPS satellites, but lap pace works fine for most.
Garmin Connect is likely fine for you, but you also might want to look into SportTracks. They're on version 3.1 now which isn't free, but the old version 2 is likely perfect for you and is entirely free if you can find it. (Over time you might consider upgrading to the paid version 3 if you like it, like most do.)
Anyway, at the $200 price range, I'd readily be going after the Garmin 310XT *with* heart monitor. And it should keep you happy a good while, too -- you won't be missing features, nor find anything else that can get more data on one screen or be so customizable.
What is the best watch to use for swimming, running, and biking?
Ashley Kou
I want to use a watch to be able to swim, and I know alot of watches out there don't even pick up signal even if I place the watch in my swimming cap. Is there a watch out there that I can swim with, I know the satellite can't go through water so wearing it on my cap would be best, I just need to know if there is something oug there that can do so.
Answer
The best watch I would use that I know for a fact will give you the results you need in terms of keeping a GPS track on you while in water, is the Garmin Forerunner 310XT. I have purchased and used this watch intensely and the battery life is nothing of short. It lasts my entire triathlon and doesn't shy away from durability. I once dropped my watch mid race and it got ran over by another cyclist ahah, here is the link of a review where I found some information on the watch in the sources section.
The best watch I would use that I know for a fact will give you the results you need in terms of keeping a GPS track on you while in water, is the Garmin Forerunner 310XT. I have purchased and used this watch intensely and the battery life is nothing of short. It lasts my entire triathlon and doesn't shy away from durability. I once dropped my watch mid race and it got ran over by another cyclist ahah, here is the link of a review where I found some information on the watch in the sources section.
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