Do you have a training watch that you love?

run4yourlife

I am planning to purchase a GPS-enabled watch and would like to hear from anyone who has one that they love. I am particularly looking for feedback on the following watches as these are the ones I am comparing (in order of my current picks):
Garmin Forerunner 405CX
Garmin Forerunner 410
Polar RCX5
I am a runner, although I may eventually buy accessories to try it with other sports like cycling or swimming. I want to easily be able to monitor my pace, distance, and HR, and upload wirelessly to my computer, which I know these three products can all do.

If you love (or hate) these products, I want to hear from you.
Thanks so much!

leadoff

I use the Garmin FR405. I had some issues with the battery draining after 11 months. Three mile runs were draining the battery about 25%. I contacted Garmin, and after some email exchanges, Garmin sent me a replacement. I will say Garmin consumer service was a big help and followed through to make sure I was happy with my watch. I also have the Garmin FR60 (not GPS enabled) that I use for track running with my footpod.

I have enjoyed my 405, but I will admit that the touch bezel can be a pain in the butt sometimes. My favorite feature of the watch is the Virtual Partner, which is great for using on tempo runs and for maintaining your pace on race day. Also, downloading and setting up specific workouts is a nice feature.

If you go the Garmin route, Garmin Connect is also amazing for tracking and mapping your runs. I just recently purchased a Tanita body comp scale and started using the Health tab on Garmin Connect. Excellent feature. I use my FR60 for that, though, as the 405 doesn't sync with the Tanita scale.

BTW....My wife has the Garmin FR110, which is simple and easy to use. Sometimes simple is better!

jillybeanruns

I have the 405CX, no major issues here. I did fry the battery after a little more than a year, the warranty was void but Garmin replaced it for free. I really love my 405CX, it's no more quirky that my Polar FT60 that I use (it's just technology for you) and it's never caused any trouble on my workouts. Just something to remember is that people tend to focus on the negatives when they review products (particularly on Amazon), but honestly I advocate the 405CX. Make sure that if you don't get your Garmin from Garmin and get it from another site that Garmin will still honor their warranty (there is a list on their site) because stuff happens and a year warranty is always a plus!

Oh and DC Rainmaker does a pheonomenal job reviewing...

410: http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2011/01/garmin-forerunner-410-in-depth-review.html

405: http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2008/10/garmin-forerunner-405-in-depth-review.html

RCX5: http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2011/06/polar-rcx5-in-depth-review.html

inside_lap

I have a garmin forerunner and love it for running. Very accurate!

Pebble321

I have a Forerunner 405 that I'm pretty happy with, but if I was buying it (it was a gift) I would get the CX model which uses your heart rate to calculate cals not just a formula, dristance etc.
The watch itself is pretty easy to use, I like the online setup at Garmin Connect and the chest strap is very comfy and washes well.
Basically, all good so far (3 months).

Bookers23

Dying for the Suunto ambit coming out this month! I have had several in the Suunto line, nothing better in my opinion. This one looks to be king of them all, the style is really great also I believe.

Eaglesfanintn

I have the forerunner 305 and I really like it. It's easy to use, the battery lasts a solid 6+ hours and you can set up different workouts (which I use all the time with the stuff my trainer has me do). It has a lot of great features and it's been very accurate.
The only down side, in my opinion, is the form factor - it's a bit bulky.

Bookers23

http://www.suunto.com/us/en/about-suunto/news/company-news/suunto-launches-the-ambit-gps-watch

Real gps, accelerometer, temp, altitude and a full array of the pod system is pretty amazing. Love that it's truly waterproof as well, have taken my Suunto swimming and along mud runs.

laineylynnfit

I have Garmin FR70 and I really like it. It's my first HRM so I have nothing to compare it too!

dpwellman

Timex Run Trainer.

http://www.timex.com/Run-Trainer-GPS-Health-Fitness-Sport-Ironman-Shop-Now/b/3092474011

Came out last August or so. I actually got mine for $160. . for that price it's an awesome deal. I have to charge it maybe. . . once every 10 days or so.

Of course, the original Timex Speed+Distance was much easier to use (save for the external GPS unit)

Another one worth looking at is the Nike+ GPS what it lacks in features it makes up for in user friendliness.

czmmom

I just got a garmin forerunner 405 for Christmas. I love it! It is very accurate. I also have the heart rate monitor with it. The touch bezel takes some getting used to. Overall though it is a good product!