TOP 10 GPS Running Watches
1. Polar RS800CX Multi
Running GPS Polar RS800CX
Specifications
- Dimensions: 2.3 x 2.3 inches
- Weight: 3.5 oz
Pros:
- Premium Heart Rate Monitor analysis
- Excellent data transmission with G3 GPS Sensor
- Excellent Signal Recepcion (G3 GPS)
- Precise speed, distance and pace data
- Infrared data transmission to PC
- Superior quality Software (Polar ProTrainer 5)
Cons:
- Software not Mac compatible
- GPS Sensor separately from the watch (GPS pod)*
* But we can consider this an advantage because the watch will not run out of battery as often of the GPS pod.
Running GPS watch Polar RS800CX Multi is Polar’s top product training tools. It’s perfect for the high-tech athletes and professional coaches who want to improve performance by planning, monitoring and analyzing training data. The RS800CX is an ideal tool to help you maximize your performance. Not only does the device track your speed and distance but it measures your body’s response to the effort you expend. The quality of the analysis of the Heart Rate Monitor allows you to track all kind of data and also has visual and audio alarms if you exceed or fall below your target. Target heart rate zones can be set automatically or manually giving you more control over your workout. The OwnZone® determines the personal heart rate limits and the Fitness Test™ with OwnIndex® measures your fitness level in just less than 5 minutes. Also the OwnOptimizer® enables you to test whether or not you have rested enough between exercise sessions. The RS800CX allows more in-depth analysis as it gathers more detailed information about your workouts than other units, including combining training files from different sports, and then synchronizes with the Polar ProTrainer 5 software for guidance, analysis and also for creating individual training sessions. It is water resistant to 50 meters and the GPS runs on a single AA battery for up to 30 hours. An optional foot pod is needed indoor to measure speed and distance (S3 Stride Sensor W.I.N.D. with impressive quality).
The G3 GPS sensor W.I.N.D. is a sensitive SIRF III GPS system that provides highly reliable GPS reception even in wooded areas
Polar RS800CX Multi Sport Heart Rate Monitor Watch with G3 GPS Sensor W.I.N.D. |
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2. Garmin Forerunner 405CX
Garmin Forerunner 405CX
Specifications
- Dimensions: 1.88 x 2.78 x 0.64 inches
- Weight: 2.11 oz
Pros:
- Wireless Data Transfer
- Touch-bezel control replaces botons
- Software Sharing
Cons:
- Touch-bezel control can be hard to use
- Heart Rate Monitor can be inaccurate
- 8 hours battery life
Running GPS watch Garmin Forerunner 405CX is a stylish watch with a very high-sensitive GPS receiver with HotFix™. It transfers data wireless to your PC or Mac. A touch-bezel can be hard to get used to but it eliminates several buttons. The unit allows you to view detailed graphs of your data. Your pace, speed, distance, calories burned and times can all be plotted over time. It can also track pace, elevation and heart rate. It also tracks calories used. All thru his easy to red display. The included software allows you to customize and schedule your workouts. You can get workout templates on the Internet. You can review your workout history and view maps of your routes you followed. Garmin Connect is a web application which allows you to upload your data for analyzation and creation of graphs. You can also use stored data from previous workouts to race against yourself or comprehensive analysis. Garmin çconnect presents your data in clear and easy ti understand evaluation. You can even load data from a friend’s workout to race against them being part of the Garmin Community. The Forerunner 405 is water-resistant (IPX7) making it one of the bests year-round, all-weather training tool. Ready for the triathletes?
Garmin Forerunner 405CX GPS Sport Watch with Heart Rate Monitor (Blue) |
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3. Polar RS300X G1
Polar RS300X G1
Specifications
- Dimensions: 2 x 2 inches
- Weight: 1.6 oz
Pros
- Easy to use
- Excellent Heart Rate Monitor analysis
- Appearance / Design
- Superior quality Software
Cons
- Software not Mac compatible
- G1 GPS Sensor can lose tracking
- GPS Sensor separately from the watch (G1 GPS pod)*
* But we can consider this an advantage because the watch will not run out of battery as often of the GPS pod.
running gps watch Polar RS300X G1 is a stylish heart rate monitor with GPS technology to provide you with accurate speed and distance information to help you get the most from your workout. The wrist heart rate monitor allows the watch to display your heart rate and it has a visual and audible alarm to notify you if your heart rate goes above or falls below your target zone. The Polar OwnZone feature helps you find your personal training zone and leads you through a warm-up designed around your current physical condition. The Polar OwnIndex Fitness Test calculates aerobic fitness providing a reference to base training intensity and measure improvement. And the Polar OwnCal that Shows your energy expenditure during one exercise session as well as your accumulated kilo calories during several exercise sessions. Because the OwnCal tracks both the energy expenditure during one exercise session and the accumulated kilo calories during a longer time (e.g. one week), it helps in achieving both short term and long term goals. Athletes can easily review up to 16 past workout files to check their progress and ensure they’re staying on track with their fitness or training plan. The optional Polar S1 Foot Pod will allow the watch to track your speed and distance during indoor runs. The RS300X G1 is water resistant to 50 meters. You can also upload your training data with the optional Polar Flowlink. The G1 GPS Sensor Battery Life is up to eight hours.
- Polar RS300X Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Orange) - Polar RS300X G1 Heart Rate Monitor Watch with G1 GPS Sensor (Black)  |
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4. Garmin Forerunner 310XT
Garmin Forerunner 310XT
Specifications
- Dimensions: 2.1 x 2.2 x 0.8 inches
- Weight: 2.5oz
Pros
- High-sensitivity GPS and HotFix™ satellite prediction
- Ready for multisport
- Precise speed, distance and pace data
Cons
- Optional wireless heart rate monitor
- Optional cadence sensor
- Big dimensions
- The GPS don’t work in the water
- Expensive
Running GPS watch Garmin Forerunner 310XT it seems designed for the triathletes. Forerunner 310XT moves easily from wrist to bike with the optional quick release and bike mounts, making the transition between sports effortless. It categorizes multisport activities in one workout and can also log transition time in the process. Triathletes can analyze their performance from start to finish. Forerunner 310XT is 50 meters waterproof. It’s also a perfect running gps watch for Ironmans and Half-Ironmans because the battery life is up to 20 hours. The lack of ability to toggle GPS on/off makes the erroneous GPS tracking in the water totally “hose” the time/distance for the race. The watch is considered expensive because is two times the price of the 305, which basically has the same functionality, except being waterproof.
Garmin Forerunner 310XT GPS Enabled Sports Watch |
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5. Garmin Forerunner 305
Garmin Forerunner 305
Specifications
- Dimensions: 2.1 x 2.7 x 0.7 inches
- Weight: 2.72 oz
Pros:
- High-sensitivity SiRFstar III GPS receiver
- Precise speed, distance and pace data
- Display fully costumizable
Cons:
- Variable pace readings
- Software not Mac compatible
- Not Mac friendly
- Short battery life (8 hours)
- Big dimensions
Running GPS watch Garmin Forerunner 305 is an excellent training watch with nearly flawless operation. The display is fully customizable. It has heart rate sampling, calories burned, distance, elevation, grade, and heading, as well as multiple lap and pace modes. It integrates with your PC via USB that also recharges the watch. The software includes training log updates that are fully automatic. Though initial acquisition of the satellites takes quite some time, once they have been acquired they rarely drop.This watch is very accurate. The display is easy to read and can be completely user-customized. There are readings for heart rate, distance, current pace, average lap pace, average run pace, and several others. One exception to its otherwise stellar accuracy is the elevation readout and pace measurement. It is very simple to upload your workout data to your PC. The Training Center software provides long-term data storage and is easy to use. It is very useful for analyzing and presenting the your data. The mapping and location marking functions are so rudimentary.
Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor |
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6. Suunto X10
Suunto X10
Specifications
- Dimensions: 2.2 x 2.2 x 0.6 inches
- Weight: 2.68 oz
Pros:
- Excellent satellite receiver
- Designed for a wide range of professionals
- Altimeter, Barometer and Compass
- 100 m water resistant
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Weak
- Software need to be reviewed
- Not Mac compatible
Running GPS watch Suunto X10 is more for professionals such as mountain guides, explorers, outdoors professionals; trekkers, adventure racers, bikers, hunters and fishermen. They will love the altimeter, barometer and compass capabilities that X10 offers. The X10 GPS watch is compatible with National Geographic TOPO! Maps, Google Earth, and Fugawi. You can plan routes on your PC and upload them to your watch. Calculate speed, distance, direction, and time to your next waypoint. The menus are easy to navigate and overall the watch functions as it should. The main pro is that Suunto X10 locks to satellites in seconds and it’s so difficult to loose the signal, even in dense vegetation or forest.
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7. Timex Ironman Triathlon T5J985F5
Timex Ironman model T5J985F5
Specifications
- Dimensions: 9.5 x 1.8 x 0.5 inches
- Weight: 4.8 oz
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Easy to read
- Comfortable
Cons
- GPS-3D Pod looses signal easily
- Distance measurement may not be accurate
Running GPS watch Timex Ironman Triathlon combines heart rate monitoring with GPS location in a stylish unisex watch that attaches to the lightweight GPS receiver and chest strap heart rate monitor. Provides latitude, longitude and altitude and elevation data including ascent and descent rates. It measures your speed in real time, your average speed on a run and the maximum speed you ran. It calculates your pace and gives you your average and best pace.
Timex Ironman T5J985 Unisex Trail Runner Bodylink Heart Rate Monitor Watch |
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8. Garmin Forerunner 205
Garmin Forerunner 205
Specifications
- Dimensions: 2.1 x 2.7 x 0.7 inches
- Weight: 2.72 oz
Pros:
- Easy to read screen
- So simple to set up and use
Cons:
- No Heart Rate Monitor
- Poor Signal Recovery
- Not Mac friendly
- Short battery life
- Big
Running GPS watch Garmin Forerunner 205 can import courses, be programmed for advanced workouts and has a virtual partner feature. The 205′s interface it is big but comfortable. Its face is a little harder to read though. Its strap is made of plastic instead of Velcro and is more comfortable. It can be used for walking, running, biking, and skiing. But the heart and soul of the 205 can be found on the data screens. It has 2 main screens and an activity specific screen that you can customize on the fly. It allows you to mark way-points so that you can review your logs. The watch interfaces with a PC via USB. If you’re looking for an complicated workout with a variety of intervals and intensity levels, or just a quick three-mile jog against your best time last week, the 205 has you covered.
Garmin Forerunner 205 GPS Receiver |
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9. Suunto t6c
Suunto t6c
Specifications
- Dimensions: 1.34 x 1.34 x 0.5 inches
- Weight:
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Accurate heart rate monitor
- 100 m water resistant
Cons:
- For GPS data needs Suunto GPS Pod
- Software not compatible with Mac
Running GPS watch Suunto t6c is designed for triatheltes, spinners, mountain bikers, runners. Displays simultaneously heart rate, stopwatch and time/lap functions. The heart rate zone can be adjust with an alarm. Also have an interval timer with warm-up and real time average heart rate for each lap. It’s a good-looking and accurate heart rate monitor. Together with the software it gives you all the information you need to conduct a through workout review.
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10. Garmin Forerunner 201
Garmin Forerunner 201
Specifications
- Dimensions: 1.44 x 0.92 inches
- Weight: 2.75 oz
Pros:
- Big display
- Easy to read
Cons:
- No heart rate monitor
- Serial PC interface
- GPS signal weak
Running GPS watch Garmin Forerunner 201 is a good introductory training watch, much like the Forerunner 101 with a PC interface. It is a good product for the money. Oddly enough, it uses a serial port connection instead of USB. The included Training Center software is easy to use but very basic. You can program a virtual partner. It allows you to run intervals and monitors your pace and mileage. There is no heart-rate monitor. The watch suffers from accuracy problems when running in shaded areas. The altitude feature is seriously inaccurate. Though it looks chunky the watch is lightweight. Is waterproof up to 1 meter deep. It has several alarms and a function that automatically pauses the timer when you stop. The watch stores a detailed performance history and provides a summary of your last run. You can store a week’s worth of data on calories burned, mileage, and total training time. Its rechargeable lithium-alloy battery lasts approximately 14 hours.
Garmin Forerunner 201 Wrist-Mounted GPS Fitness Computer |
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