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OT Runners - opinions on GPS watches?

Posted on 11/26/14 at 9:44 am
Posted by HurricaneDunc
Houston
Member since Nov 2008
10472 posts
Posted on 11/26/14 at 9:44 am
Looking for some opinions on GPS watches. Which one are you using? Do you like it?

I've been using Nike+ on my iphone for runs, but considering moving to a watch. Not sure I see much of a difference other than the convenience of looking at my wrist during the run.
Posted by Chicagoland Tiger
North Scottsdale
Member since Feb 2011
305 posts
Posted on 11/26/14 at 9:46 am to
I have a Garmin 405CX....works well for me
Posted by mikelbr
Baton Rouge
Member since Apr 2008
47456 posts
Posted on 11/26/14 at 9:46 am to
quote:

I've been using Nike+ on my iphone for runs, but considering moving to a watch. Not sure I see much of a difference other than the convenience of looking at my wrist during the run.


Really not much. The gps in phones has improved a good deal in last 5 years so accuracy is there. I have contemplated the same issue and just don't see spending $100 on it when I still want to run with music via phone.
Posted by LSUfan4444
Member since Mar 2004
53723 posts
Posted on 11/26/14 at 9:47 am to
Garmin 910, but I am a triathlete so probably more than you need and yes...I love it.
Posted by ell_13
Member since Apr 2013
84937 posts
Posted on 11/26/14 at 9:47 am to
quote:

I've been using Nike+ on my iphone for runs, but considering moving to a watch. Not sure I see much of a difference other than the convenience of looking at my wrist during the run.
Typically, they're much more accurate.

Garmin is great but pricier. If you want something simple go with the forerunner 15. I have a 410 and it's a little outdated with the 620s out now which can do much more.

They sink to your PC to help keep track of distance and pace over time as well as your route. FYI, they'll need to be recharged fairly often, maybe once every 4 runs (depending on distance/time used)
Posted by BabyTac
Austin, TX
Member since Jun 2008
12025 posts
Posted on 11/26/14 at 9:48 am to
They work well esp when doing tempo runs. You can set a pace and it'll beep when you fall under it or when you've reached the preset distance interval.
Posted by ell_13
Member since Apr 2013
84937 posts
Posted on 11/26/14 at 9:49 am to
quote:

The gps in phones has improved a good deal in last 5 years so accuracy is there
The watches are programmed to connect to upwards of 30 satellites and can remember their location from run to run so they can easily reconnect. This also helps when running in shaded areas (trees and overpasses)
This post was edited on 11/26/14 at 9:50 am
Posted by mikelbr
Baton Rouge
Member since Apr 2008
47456 posts
Posted on 11/26/14 at 9:51 am to
quote:

The watches are programmed to connect to upwards of 30 satellites and can remember their location from run to run so they can easily reconnect. This helps when running in shaded areas (trees and overpasses)


Is that why watches are so much more accurate? I wondered about that. The phones are much improved though. Every now and then, particularly running the lakes, my phone app will be off by about .1 mile(which is a LOT IMO). but most times it's no big deal b/c I Know the course well and just laugh it off.
Posted by Broke
AKA Buttercup
Member since Sep 2006
65037 posts
Posted on 11/26/14 at 9:52 am to
quote:

opinions on watches


I'M HERE


quote:

OT Runners


I'M OUT
Posted by Styxion
St. George, LA
Member since Sep 2012
1596 posts
Posted on 11/26/14 at 9:53 am to
Love my Garmin, can't remember the model number off the top of my head. Used it and the phone gps for the Jazz Half just for comparison. The phone showed that I had ran 2 tenths of a mile farther than I actually ran. To me that's not a huge difference over 13 miles but to some it may be.
Posted by AbitaFan08
Boston, MA
Member since Apr 2008
26522 posts
Posted on 11/26/14 at 9:53 am to
So I do know that the Garmin watches are great. I'm thinking of asking for one for Christmas. Do you use the heart monitor as well or just the watch? And is there a product that's more accurate and useful than Nike+ that can also allow you to play music?
Posted by ell_13
Member since Apr 2013
84937 posts
Posted on 11/26/14 at 9:54 am to
quote:

The phones are much improved though
Of course! But the watches have improved as well and are still more accurate.

I don't know the licensing details with using satellites, but I know Garmin can connect to that many no problem. Maybe nike can, too, but idk.
Posted by HurricaneDunc
Houston
Member since Nov 2008
10472 posts
Posted on 11/26/14 at 9:54 am to
I was considering the Garmin Forerunner 220. Seems to be reasonably priced, although I'm a little skeptical of the touchscreen. It seems like it would be easy to unintentionally press something on it.
Posted by ell_13
Member since Apr 2013
84937 posts
Posted on 11/26/14 at 9:56 am to
quote:

Do you use the heart monitor as well or just the watch?
I have it, but I don't use it. It works fine, but the strap across my chest bothers me.
quote:

And is there a product that's more accurate and useful than Nike+ that can also allow you to play music?
Are you talking about a phone app? I don't run with a phone so I can't help you there. If I need music, I'll use the nano.
Posted by ell_13
Member since Apr 2013
84937 posts
Posted on 11/26/14 at 9:57 am to
quote:

I'm a little skeptical of the touchscreen. It seems like it would be easy to unintentionally press something on it.
Same. The 410's bezel is touch sensitive but can be disabled. I leave it on and don't have an issue with anything getting changed.
Posted by AbitaFan08
Boston, MA
Member since Apr 2008
26522 posts
Posted on 11/26/14 at 9:58 am to
Not a phone app. I find a phone way too bulky to run with. I used to use my Nike+ device on an iPod nano, but I was wondering if there was another device that works in a similar fashion but plugs into an iPod.

I suppose there's absolutely nothing wrong with wearing a watch and also having the iPod...I think I'm overthinking it
Posted by lsunurse
Member since Dec 2005
128950 posts
Posted on 11/26/14 at 10:02 am to
Why not a Microsoft Band? You can track your runs with GPS without your phone on you and sync to microsoft app on your phone and run keeper app when you have your phone by you. GPS tracking will show a map of your runs and pace, etc. I don't run but have a band and I love it.
Posted by LSUfan4444
Member since Mar 2004
53723 posts
Posted on 11/26/14 at 10:03 am to
Varsity Baton Rouge is putting garmin 10's on sale for $99 this Saturday. You can usually find them online for that or even cheaper, but this could save you shipping, support a local business and you can try it on before hand. Not to mention, if you don't like it or need any warranty help, they can assist.

Posted by LSUfan4444
Member since Mar 2004
53723 posts
Posted on 11/26/14 at 10:03 am to
quote:

although I'm a little skeptical of the touchscreen


Yeah, i would avoid anything with a touchscreen. As soon as your hands get wet with sweat it is a PIA
Posted by AbitaFan08
Boston, MA
Member since Apr 2008
26522 posts
Posted on 11/26/14 at 10:04 am to
Thanks!

I always support Varsity when I can. Bought all of my running shoes from them since high school. Speaking of which, I'm due for a new pair of those as well.
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