Entry level running watch recommendations?

Briantime
Briantime Posts: 175 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I am currently doing C25K and am a novice runner but really enjoying it. One thing I have noticed is how nice it would be to have something that could track my times, distances, pacing without the need to bring my phone with me. I am seeing some Garmins with GPS that seem to do all of those things and am looking for suggestions. Since I am still a novice runner, I don't want to make a huge investment in this. What are your experiences?

Replies

  • BasicGreatGuy
    BasicGreatGuy Posts: 857 Member
    Polar M400 is an excellent running watch and can be had for about $115.00. It has GPS and other essential running basics. I used it for a few years before upgrading to a Suunto Ambit3 Peak for ultra running.
  • kd_mazur
    kd_mazur Posts: 569 Member
    Garmin Forerunner 220. I have had mine for over a year and I still really like it.
  • RoxieDawn
    RoxieDawn Posts: 15,488 Member
    edited November 2016
    I have been running for three years and got a Forerunner 25.. I bought this thinking I would need something more, but it does everything I need it to and well within price range..

    I already had the ANT device.. I just invested in a better soft strap (garmins straps I did not like at all)
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    I have a garmin 225, love it!
  • chelciebrown07
    chelciebrown07 Posts: 255 Member
    I also have a Garmin 225 and it does everything I could want and more.
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    Your three main manufacturers are Garmin, Suunto and Polar. They each have strengths and weaknesses, and at different price points compete for top spot. Personally I've used Garmin and Polar so don't have experience of the Suunto devices.

    My general recommendation would be Garmin in each of the price ranges. Polar HR monitoring is good but their GPS implementation is a bit mediocre.

    The Forerunner 25 or 35 in the entry level range are good, The 35 is a newer model but doesn't seem to add much. If you want to go into the mid range the 235 has moved things forwards lot from the 225.

Categories