So I've been researching into GPS watches, and really two watches grabbed my attention, The Garmin Forerunner, and the Apple Watch. I saw many pros in the Apple Watch, and the same in the Forerunner - better accuracy in gps, and heart rate monitor, and many apps to use for the Apple Watch. So I was wondering which of these would you guys pick and why?
Everyone I know that has tried to make the Apple Watch their Running Watch has been disappointed.
Similarly, the Forerunner isn’t good at checking stocks or social media ;-)
It depends on what you are going to be using it for.
I've had 3 Garmins over the years and after the 3rd died after a short period of time i said, enough, and got the apple watch.
from every angle for running the apple watch has been a disappointment.
it seems it malfunctions in some way or another for every race i have done with it. short race, long race, doesn't matter, always fails.
in the winter it gets brushed with my long sleeve and stops
its useless in the lightest rain
its completely and utterly useless on a track to calculate splits
its a complete sh*t show.
my son can't wait for me to finally get a new garmin and give him my apple watch.
before my next big race i'll have to go back to a garmin.
very disappointing.
i use the apple watch for all my runs. I've never used a GPS on the track.. hint hint... i use the track! and typically do not use GPS in races either so I don't have the issues of the above person.
If you're just tracking your mileage, posting to strava, doing tempos, apple watch is okay as a running watch. obviously a watch optimized for running (garmin) will be better for running. The benefit of the apple watch is that it has many other uses. Works great as an every day watch. Other apps. And most importantly for me it can play music from itunes and podcasts. I use that at the gym all the time and sometimes outdoors if traffic isnt a concern. If running or working out at the gym with music/radio/podcasts is something that would interest you, then you might want to consider the apple watch.
agreed the apple watch is nice for many non-running apps. i like the messaging features, i use it to control my sonos stereo, etc.
to be clear, i don't need it on the track for GPS i just want it to work like an old school watch, it get me split times when i hit the stopwatch lap button.
oddly enough, as i type this it just did a random reset. i think its watching me....
cheers!
I bought an Apple Watch to use mostly for running. I hated it an returned it for a FR235. Couldn't be happier. The lack of physical buttons, a screen that goes to sleep, and daily charging were dealbreakers for me.
give me your opinion wrote:
So I've been researching into GPS watches, and really two watches grabbed my attention, The Garmin Forerunner, and the Apple Watch. I saw many pros in the Apple Watch, and the same in the Forerunner - better accuracy in gps, and heart rate monitor, and many apps to use for the Apple Watch. So I was wondering which of these would you guys pick and why?
You will be endlessly frustrated by the relatively poor gps and lack of ease of use with the AW. If you want an actual running watch to use while you're running, then the Garmin is it. (Happily own the FR230)
Id consider a wearOS watch like Huawei watch 2 or something.
They use the same firstbeat technology as Garmin and GPS is more accurate. They are basically a forerunner 645 with more bells and whistles including NFC...
Also great to load music or podcasts without needing to connect to a damn computer.
Fair point. I've been looking for a good stop watch to use a timer for intervals. The best one I've come across is actually apart of the stryd app. If lets you take manual splits by pressing the two side buttons. That worked well and reliably even when drenched in sweat during 400m repeats. The only issue is that its tied to the Stryd! I hoping some one could replicate that but just as a standalone timer.
After previously owning a Garmin FR305 for 10 years, I recently upgraded to the 235. I really like it and don't have any issues with it.
My only complaint with it is that I have a hard time buttoning the cuffs of my dress shirts over it. If you only wear it while running, then that is not an issue for you.
This is a fair criticism. I would wear my FR 225 all year round if it had a slimmer profile but as it is I only wear it when I run in the winter. When i'm wearing mostly short sleeve shirts I wear it all the time. Otherwise it is exactly what you want and need for running.
LI-Run wrote:
My only complaint with it is that I have a hard time buttoning the cuffs of my dress shirts over it. If you only wear it while running, then that is not an issue for you.
Some of my athletes have a Apple watch, then go out and buy a Garmin.
I've tried their Apple watches myself, and they are not running watches.
I got my trusty Forerunner 15, and it is great for running.
My daily wearer is my Seiko Automatic. Nothing beats a quality Japanese 23 jewel automatic movement. No batteries, no electricity, and more-so no electronics!
i have an apple watch and it's OK for just doing ordinary runs. bonus to have music/podcasts on bluetooth headphones without carrying anything
but for races/workouts/running in longsleeves, i have to admit, it's not very great.
This made me laugh. Deadspin ranked - getting run over with a car as a better gift than an Apple Watch.
Looks like Garmin wins for running. Don’t buy the Apple Watch. End of thread!
I use the Garmin a Forerunner 935 as my primary running (and cross training) watch and also an Apple Watch 3 so I can have cell service (leaving iPhone at home) and wireless music streaming to my BeatsX. I do use Nike Run Club app on my Apple Watch but I feel Garmin is a far superior run tracking watch.
The comparison is like apple to Oranges. Apple is a smartwatch with Fitness/Health functions. Garmin is more a fitness watch with few smartwatch features
What about comparing Garmin with Polar that offers much cheaper alternatives? Polar V800 has a battery life of 20+ days and now you can buy with a 200$ discount.
The big issue with Apple watch is its battery life and the screen/HR is not always on. This is a deal breaker for runners. As far as Garmin, it is overpriced. The low-end models don't have great battery life. Why can't Garmin offer a sub 200$ watch with long battery life like 935 without the triathlon features?
Seriously, how many people run triathlons?
Garmin Forerunner 230 is great!
Had it for over 2 yrs now, not a single problem. And super lightweight. No problem with wearing it in rain/ snow at all.
Hobbyintellectuals use iPhone and Macbook
Hobbyjoggers use AppleWatch
Thats iLife
For real life, get real things.
Garmin 645 Music. Wireless music, Garmin widgets for smart watch functions, text and email alerts, damn good watch.
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