The purpose of this buying guide is to help you find the best
GPS running watches for your workout lifestyle.
Here are links to the complete guide:
In the last article we introduced you to the
GPS running watch. Now we will go into more detail on different features you can get with your GPS running watches.
Two Key Features Of GPS Running Watches
Linking up to GPS satellites: This is one of the most important features of a GPS watch. It is one of the reasons you are buying the GPS watch.
while you would think waiting a few minutes versus just a few seconds is not a big deal, when you are out there ready to run it can be quite aggravating to have to wait even just 5 to 10 seconds for your watch to link up so you can be ready to run. And not just link up, but stay up despite trees and other environmental obstructions when you go out running. A good example of a GPS watch with fast linking and great signal maintenance is the
Garmin Forerunner 410 (pictured right)
GPS Accuracy: After quick satellite acquisition, you will of course need accurate tracking on your GPS. The reason you want a GPS watch is to provide you with accurate training data: how fast are you going at which mile, what is your pace, what current elevation are you at is a bonus so you even know your speed with different grades. If you are in need of accurate data on your pace, distance, you will want to have an accurate GPS similar to if you are counting calories. However, if you are only casually needing the data as a reference point and just want relative data to keep you interested in working out, this may not be as important. However, a that's assuming the data will continue to have the same relative error. In other words, go for the GPS that provides you great location data and thus workout data.
More Features Of GPS Running Watches
Location And Workout Memory: it's helpful when GPS watches can store locations. Some watches will take it further and let you program locations into your watch. In other words, you can program the course you.re going to run and let your GPS running watch guide you. You can record routes and locations either using the software or by allowing you to record them yourself in some GPS running watches to recall back at a later date. This is helpful especially if you are running as part of a group and everyone wants to go their own pace. You can easily map out a route to follow and also a pace to follow as well. Some watches can remember and recall previous workouts. Also knowing how much you can store before deleting (or offloading) might be important to you.
Polar GPS running watches, such as the
Polar RCX5 (pictured below), tend to have the most complete training systems with just about every feature you'd ever want.
Prices: It is good to have a budget in mind as GPS watches can be as low as $100 and up to $500. But also realize you are investing in this training tool, so you will want to maybe only have a headache once when purchasing it versus a headache all the time if it does not do what you need it to do.
Training Software and Data Download: Some watches can download your data to a computer and use software to keep track of your workouts and even share workouts with other runners. How much data you can get depends on the software. Also software (as mentioned above) can also help you pre-program your routes for you also. From there: how easy is the software to use, and how accessible is your training data? Can you upload anything to the internet (such as the
Nike Sportwatch GPS Running Watch (pictured right) and the
Nike Plus sites)? Also, how easy is it to connect the watch to your computer. Can it be loaded wirelessly or require a USB connection? Just a few things to consider here. Just about every watch has this feature in some manner.
Display Readability and Customization: easy to read screens are very helpful, especially considering that you are likely trying to read your watch while on the run. The best watches also allow you to select several fields from a long list that you can display on the watch screen so you can just view the data you are interested in. Multiple displays and easily switching between them might be a feature you want also. And able to do that while on the run. And perhaps even in inclement weather. Can you still read it in the rain?
Usability: Touching and swiping, bezel buttons, ergonomics. The last thing you awnt to think about while running is having to interrupt your pace to try and figure out your watch. Not to meniton you will have to consider the controls if you've been sweating on the watch (the downfall of some bezel operation watches)
Battery: Battery life is important because you want to make sure the GPS will last you for your entire run. Very few GPS watches have easily swappable batteries also. Another thing to look at is how quickly will the battery charge so it.s ready for your next run. Most GPS running watches have a battery life of 6 to 10 hours (though the
Garmin Forerunner 310XT (pictured right) advertises a battery life of 20 hours!)
That Concludes This Portion Of Our Buying Guide
We will go over even more features in our next guide:
How To Buy A GPS Running Watch Part 3 More GPS RUnning Watch Features
Stay tuned!
Here are links to the complete guide:
Cheers!
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