Need recommendations for a running watch for my son

Garmin Forerunner. I've had the 910xt and now have the 920xt. Those are a bit overkill as they are a bit pricey since they cover swimming and biking. But, I'm sure the forerunners that just do running have the same running features. Allows you to build workouts on the Garmin Connect website and upload to the watch. Or you can simply set a distance alert. I set mine at quarter mile intervals. When I do HIIT, I run a quarter mile, then take a minute walk, hit lap and do another quarter mile.

They are great for keeping track of your progress. Uploads all your workouts to Garmin connect and strava to track progress. More data than you need. You do need a heart rate strap though. But they are more accurate than any optical watch based monitor anyway.

Don't know about what watch to get, but make sure they'll let your kid wear it during the game. When I played youth sports (never soccer though to be fair), all jewelry had to be taken off. If you had a necklace and they saw it they made you take that off.

Point being, make sure he can actually wear it before you drop 200 bones on a watch.

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before you drop 200 bones on a watch

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Also, check amazon for factory refurbs from Garmin. When I got the 920xt, it was $400. I got it for $192. Could not tell anything was wrong with it from an aesthetic standpoint and it has not had one single functioning issue.

Don't know what your looking to spend, but also try to get something with GLONASS and GPS if it's in your budget. I didn't have it on the 910xt. Took like 2 minutes to get satellites to pick up. The 920 will pick them up before I walk out the door. Not a must, but if two are in the same price range, get the one with GLONASS

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He won't be able to use it for games, this is for training more than anything

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Cool. Just wanted to make sure before you spent the money.

There are tons of options out there. Pick a cheaper one with good reviews. He's 11. He'll tear it up or lose it. Good luck

I just recently bought the Garmin Forerunner 230. That might be the best option for your son. Do you care about heart rate or do you just want it to track speed and distance? Especially if its just for running and not biking or swimming, that might be your best option. If you want all the other stuff I would recommend you get one of the other Garmin products.

I opened this thread again and realized I kind of quickly read over the face that your son is only 11. I still think there is some value in certain aspects of the watch, but I think any Garmin Forerunner will probably fulfill the needs of an 11 year old. And I would not worry about getting a cheaper one that does not have optical HR monitoring built in. As I had said earlier, most agree that a hear rate strap is more accurate anyway and I'm pretty sure all those watches will wirelessly link up with an ant+ strap.

Another option is used. I sell my stuff all the time. I know on another site I frequent, someone is selling a Garmin 910 (triathlon watch) for $50