I currently use an Apple Watch Series 3 for both HR and to log runs and am looking to upgrade. My priority is to get the most accurate HR monitoring and distance (and therefore pace) possible. I'm having a heck of a time with all sorts of reviews between Apple Watch, Garmins, WorkOutdoors App, Stryd Foot Pods, HR chest straps, etc.
I'd love to get an apple series 6 and be done with it. However, I'm here for suggestions. Between watches, apps, foot pods and chest straps, what is the best combo?
Looking for a new GPS/HR watch set up - Recommendations?
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I run with a lot of different watches and setups for work (will preface by saying I work at Stryd) and have used a lot of these options...
I love running with the Apple Watch with how easy it is to set up with apps, and how it integrates with my phone, computer, headphones, etc. My vote would probably be toward AW no matter what just for usability overall. You can hook up a HR monitor just fine to override the wrist based HR if needed.
If you're going Garmin, anything like the 245, 645, 945, or one of the smaller Fenix watches will suit you well for most types of running. If you focus more on adding in cross training or longer trails then the 945 and larger Fenix watches will be a good go-to.
Worth mentioning some other brands like Suunto, Polar, and Coros for their compatibility with HR monitors and other accessories.
Like I mentioned above, for my biased section, I do think Stryd is a good tool to have if you're interested in accurate pace and distance data. Training with Power and other things available on the Stryd side are a good plus, but if accurate pace/distance is important Stryd can offer a good reassurance there. It'll work with any of the above mentioned devices and integration for pace/distance is extremely easy.
Again to reiterate anything mentioned above. I'd probably go AW(as new as you can go) +Stryd+HR strap. -
This is very helpful and I'm hoping you can tell me more about Stryd.
Is Stryd more helpful for real time pace data, or does it also offer a significant boost to overall, cumulative accuracy? How heavy is it and can it be attached to a waistband instead (I think my OCD would get the best of me if one foot felt different than the other).
The last question . . . seems its sold out . . . when can I get it? -
Not the poster you replied to, but I've been running with Stryd for about 2 months, and it is better for real-time pacing, as well as distance accuracy. It can be dead spot-on sometime like reading 400 m on a standard track lap.
https://fellrnr.com/wiki/Stryd -
As for HR, chest-strap is still your best bet.
My current combo is Garmin 945 + Garmin HRM Tri strap + Stryd. -
You don't need Stryd. No one needs Stryd. Simple watch with HR strap do the job.
Stryd is heavily marketed, but no one can prove they benefit from it or because they did the training. -
Amazfit Bip S. Cheap and durable with excellent battery. I LOVE IT <3
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AppleGarminMan wrote:
This is very helpful and I'm hoping you can tell me more about Stryd.
Is Stryd more helpful for real time pace data, or does it also offer a significant boost to overall, cumulative accuracy? How heavy is it and can it be attached to a waistband instead (I think my OCD would get the best of me if one foot felt different than the other).
The last question . . . seems its sold out . . . when can I get it?
You don't even notice it is on your shoe. -
Garmin venu sq is a killer deal.
For accurate hr you need a strap, the watch doesn’t matter -
GPS/HR wrote:
You don't need Stryd. No one needs Stryd. Simple watch with HR strap do the job.
Stryd is heavily marketed, but no one can prove they benefit from it or because they did the training.
There's no "proof" that anything works. And of course nobody "needs" Stryd. Nobody "needs" an HR strap or GPS watch either. But they're all useful tools. High level runners who I coach like Stryd. So does at least one World Marathon Major champion I know.
Stryd is great for people who do workouts away from the track or measured courses. Now, I get that most serious runners are not in the habit of doing that, largely because there hasn't historically been a good way to standardize or measure intensity on variable terrain, but Stryd does open up more possibilities. If you are going to stick to the track for your workouts, then I agree it's totally unnecessary because pace tells you exactly what you need to know.
I will say that I think the wind-sensor has made the product worse. It seems to be hyper sensitive, so the numbers are always bouncing around a lot and don't seem to correlate as much with effort. I preferred the previous footpod without the wind sensor. -
All of the wrist based heart rate monitors are garbage in my experience. I don't think you are going to find a lot of precision there so may just need to get a chest based one.
Apple Pros:
-Easy integration with other apple devices
-Looks good
Apple Cons:
-Bad battery life
-Horrible for anything requiring splits
-Touch interface tough to use in cold/warm weather
Gamin Pros:
-Great battery life
-Great for workouts
Garmin Cons:
-Can't really think of any honestly -
AppleGarminMan wrote:
Is Stryd more helpful for real time pace data, or does it also offer a significant boost to overall, cumulative accuracy?
How heavy is it and can it be attached to a waistband instead (I think my OCD would get the best of me if one foot felt different than the other).
The last question . . . seems its sold out . . . when can I get it?
Real time and cumulative yes. Weighs 7g, you cannot feel a different between shoes. The product actually started on the waist, but moved away due to errors associated with that placement. Should be in stock worldwide right now from the website!
