Runners: GPS watch and HR monitor?

Pinkranger626
Pinkranger626 Posts: 460 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So the longer my runs get the more I sort of wish I had a GPS watch rather than having to rely on my iPhone since the GPS on that is iffy some times, plus that would eliminate an armband and reduce my overall chafing issues. So my questions for the runners out there, which GPS watch would you recommend? I'd love to have a HR monitor on it as well as being able to upload onto Runkeeper (not sure if any of those do that), I would like to see distance traveled, pace, and calories burned. I've been trying to look over the different brands but I'm getting really conflicted with all the different brands and reviews.... so if anyone has real life experience that'd be very helpful.

Replies

  • jppd47
    jppd47 Posts: 737 Member
    I use a Garmin 405. Has a HR band for your chest. I like it. You can use it for biking as well. You can set up workouts in it, pace, distance, intervals, target heart rate.

    Definitely beats having the phone with you
  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
    Garmin is good. You can't go wrong with either the 610 or 210 depending on how much you want to spend.

    See http://www.dcrainmaker.com/product-reviews
  • DavidHusky
    DavidHusky Posts: 112 Member
    I've been looking/researching this too - right now i'm using my galaxy S3 with endomondo and the polar Wearlink bluetooth heart rate strap that syncs with the galaxy. But its a bit cumbersome having the arm band and not that easy to check mid run if I need to.

    It looks like the Garmin 110 is the most inexpensive garmin that does both GPS and heart rate ($229.00 for the version with hrm). Looks like the 210 adds interval training and has a model that supports the foot pod (clips on to your shoe to track distance for indoor/treadmill running and feeds you step cadence data). the 210 with just heart rate is $249, so basically 20 bucks for interval mode (the one with hrm & foot pod is $299.00).

    maybe i'll splurge on one for my birthday.
  • sjp_511
    sjp_511 Posts: 476 Member
    I have the Garmin 610. I like it a lot. I don't think it uploads to Runkeeper. Garmin has their own website that tracks things. It's ok.
  • Thomasm198
    Thomasm198 Posts: 3,189 Member
    Garmin Forerunner 110 does all that.

    GPS ☑
    HRM ☑ (with the optional chest strap)
    Importing into Runkeeper ☑ (through Garmin Connect)
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    I've got a garmin 610 that I've been pretty happy with. The one with the HRM is only like $50 more, so it's an easy upgrade if you want to go that route.

    I don't know if it uploads to runkeeper (never used it), but it does upload to strava as well as Garmin's own website.

    .
  • Thomasm198
    Thomasm198 Posts: 3,189 Member
    I've got a garmin 610 that I've been pretty happy with. The one with the HRM is only like $50 more, so it's an easy upgrade if you want to go that route.

    I don't know if it uploads to runkeeper (never used it), but it does upload to strava as well as Garmin's own website.

    .
    Any Garmin that uploads into Garmin Connect will sync into Runkeeper. In your Runkeeper account you look up apps and authorise Garmin Connect. Once the two accounts are linked Garmin automatically sends data to Runkeeper within an hour.
  • KyleB65
    KyleB65 Posts: 1,196 Member
    As I got into running, my family bought me a Timex Ironman GPS/HRM watch. I have been using it hard for a little over a year now. It has worked well. I especially like the software, Training Peaks that comes with the watch.

    The display is fairly easy to set up and during the day it is easy to see and read. I also do a fair amount of biking. I set the watch up for running but I can switch the workout to biking in Training Peaks. This I like a lot.

    On the downside. The USB connection to a computer is a clip with 4 pins. It is getting harder and harder to get a good connection where my laptop recognizes the watch. Also, I take the battery out of the HRM chest strap after every run. This has worn out the little screw cap that is the battery cover. This is likely my fault by over tightening the cap. But, still an aggravation as it seems like a poor set up for a $250 watch.

    I am slowly looking around for a replacement. Right now my thoughts are to get a Garmin. Like other comments here the 610 with the HRH chest strap seems to be the best that I can afford. The 910 being way too expensive!!
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Another happy Garmin user here. I had a 305 (discontinued it had great multi-sport support & a big display) and replaced it with a 610 which has a brilliant touch screen. Keeps my distances honest, makes monitoring pace (in real time) easy and the 610 is supposed to have one of the most accurate calorie estimating algorithms around.

    You probably can't go wrong with any of their lineup. For in-depth reviews check out http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2011/04/garmin-forerunner-610-in-depth-review.html
  • riblust
    riblust Posts: 20 Member
    Suunto Quest with the GPS pod
  • ThickMcRunFast
    ThickMcRunFast Posts: 22,511 Member
    I'll throw my hat in for Garmin. I love my 610, it has never let me down, and Garmin Connect has replaced all other forms of run tracking.
  • smerkord
    smerkord Posts: 101 Member
    I have just the Garmin 10. GPS no HRM. I would splurge for the HRM next time though. Runkeeper does have an option to upload Garmin data, but if it doesn't work, I download the GPX file from Garmin Connect and then upload it to Runkeeper. May seem inconvenient, but it takes less than 2 minutes.

    I keep runkeeper because it has 3 years of history.
  • glreim21
    glreim21 Posts: 206 Member
    I have the Garmin 210, and love it! Easy to use and has great GPS. I trail run and the Garmin GPS can pick up a signal in the middle of nowhere. I highly recommend. And the Garmin Connect website is so much fun.
  • DreamBanger
    DreamBanger Posts: 1
    There are alot of good ones. Choose any from garmin, polaris, tomtom and nike
  • Aquabird
    Aquabird Posts: 38 Member
    Putting my hat in for Garmin. DH and I both have Forerunners and love them! The only place we have had connection issues are under bridges in downtown Chicago. On the streets or along trails, we have had no troubles!
  • moxiept
    moxiept Posts: 200 Member
    Great info here!
  • Kblackm
    Kblackm Posts: 6 Member
    I have a Garmin Forerunner 110 that has the basic features and not the junk. It is great for trails and hills - gives you altitude as well as pace, distance. You can set it for 1 mile or 1/4 mile reads. The heart monitor works well. All of the GPS HRM take a little bit to find the satellite to get started. You have to remember to allow up to a minute.

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