Garmin or TomTom (or others)

harryrarabrown

Hi all,

I am looking a buying my first GPS watch. I don't need anything too fancy but just don't want to be running with my phone in my pocket anymore.

Can anyone recommend which one to get? Will just be used for running, to track pace/distance and would like to be able to link to an app of some kind

Thanks
Harry

msf74

What's your budget?

harryrarabrown

Anything up to £150

msf74

harryrarabrown wrote: »

Anything up to £150

The world's your oyster at that price range and your decision will come down to personal preference.

Garmin 220 /Polar M400 / Tom Tom Runner are all worth looking considering.

harryrarabrown

Are there many differences between the 3 brands? I've looked at the garmin and the Tom Tom but only briefly read up about them

msf74

harryrarabrown wrote: »

Are there many differences between the 3 brands? I've looked at the garmin and the Tom Tom but only briefly read up about them

No, there isn't much discernible difference as far as I can see. Each brand will talk up their strength and technology but they are around the same (although the Polar does have an "activity tracking" function which you can use to track general activity if that's of interest to you.)

From my anecdotal experience Garmin is slightly more reliable in GPS tracking than Polar but there isn't much in it. I am sure the Tom Tom will be reliable for GPS as well.

You can check out DC Rainmaker's site if you want some more in depth info.

brianpperkins

When it comes to basic GPS functionality, they are all pretty similar. As the price increases, so does the amount of additional things they can do .. starting at just pace and distance with a requirement to physically connect the device to a computer for uploading ... to incorporation of external sensors (HR straps, internal optical HR, foot pods, temp sensors, internal accelerometers to track steps, etc) ... to progressing from just pace/distance to training programs in the device ... to bluetooth sync/upload through your phone once they are back in range of each other ... to full multisport/triathlon functionality at the touch of a single button at the top of the price ranges.

The best advice I can give is to think about what you truly need in a device ... what features you'd like in a device ... then see what is in your budget. Accept the fact that something new is coming out immediately after you make your purchase. DCRainmaker's site has some in depth reviews on most of the devices with functionality and price comparisons between major models.

msf74

brianpperkins wrote: »

The best advice I can give is to think about what you truly need in a device ... what features you'd like in a device ... then see what is in your budget.

Yes, I think that is good advice as well.

harryrarabrown

Thanks. Just had a quick look at his site, will go through in more detail when I get chance.

girlinahat

I have a tomtom Multisport that I am just getting used to. So far the GPS seems pretty good. I would also have a look around and read reviews on the interface of the equipment and whatever website/apps are on offer. I have found issues with connecting to Android, but iphone is fine for the Tomtom app. The app itself seems clunky, and I don't think the website is much better.

Having said that, it also syncs to Strava, so I tend to collate all the info on that (it picks up swims as well on Strava). It does however do odd things with MFP - I went for a walk at the weekend, and Tomtom and Strava record different times - I think Strava has corrected for actual moving time (I spent about an hour sitting chatting, which tomtom records as included in the activity).

In other words - you may be better at recording actual times/data in a third party app than the native app for the equipment.

msf74

harryrarabrown wrote: »

Thanks. Just had a quick look at his site, will go through in more detail when I get chance.

The below looks relevant to your interests

Winter Gadget Recommendations

huntersvonnegut

I've had fairly good results with Soleus and paid much less than what you're budgeted for.