If your GPS watch broke, how fast would you buy another one?

elvid32 wrote:

A) ASAP. Hopefully before the next run. Gotta track every mile.

B) PDQ. You know the distances where you normally run though, so you can still track your miles that way.

C) Someday, but you want to shop around for the best watch.

D) Someday, but you want to shop around for the least expensive watch with the bare minimum functionality that you need.

E) Never. Maybe you don't even have one.

I'll admit that my answer would be B or D. They got me hooked. I would be pretty quick to replace my GPS watch.

I had a Garmin 305 for the longest time and only bought an FR10 because it former was too bulky for runs (although I kept using it for cycling until I could not longer sync it or pull files).

The FR10 lasted a few years but after fixing the strap a few times and a few other issues, I replaced it with the FR220. Sadly, the strap broke enough times and it would randomly delete my runs or even stop recording. Of course, it was after the warranty expired. Currently, I'm on the FR245 (non music). I use it for everything and it's still going strong. Won't replace it until I need to and even then, as few frills as possible.

I have 3 or 4 so I'd just start using one of my other GPS watches if one broke.

This is a trick question.

If my GPS watch broke, I wouldn’t be able to tell how fast I did anything.

B D

I only really need a watch for in-season track work. I use a watch a lot, but don't really care that much.

F) Who needs a frickking GPS watch?

The more I've had my watch the more I realize it isn't needed. You could buy a cheap watch at target for 10-15 bucks and be able to track time the exact same. Would work perfectly for track intervals and easy runs.

I do think runners can be slaves to their watches sometimes. I understand that in workouts you should want to track heart rate and pace to make sure you're running the right effort, but the uses beyond that are purely "Bonuses".

I dont want to lie to myself and say D, but I'd like to get there someday. Something like a very simple garmin that tracks pace/distance/time exclusively.

i have a 235 right now and would probably order another 235 for delivery immediately since it has no impact to my budget whatsoever. does that count as A or B? because i could hypothetically go to a store and get it faster than delivery.

F) I'd use my other GPS watch or an app on my phone until I fixed the one that broke. Recently, I noticed a strap screw loose on my old Ambit2 S, so I stopped using it until my $3 ebay order for replacements screws came in (slowly) from China. Last week I noticed a two small cracks in the strap of my Ambit3 Peak, so I just ordered a $9 replacement strap off ebay. I plan to use these watches until they break and can't be repaired, or no longer is supported such that I can't download data from them. The Ambit3 Peak doesn't make beep sounds anymore, but that doesn't bother me, and is not worth fixing.

If I didn't have two GPS watches, I'd go with D. My watches get really beat up/scratched to heck. It used to be from rock climbing, sticking my arms in cracks, etc. if I leave the watch on. Also from physical labor/work around the house, rough housing with the dogs, etc. Something expensive doesn't make sense because it will be scratched up within a month.

I just bought one 2 months ago after not having one for 2.5 years. I would sometimes bring my phone. It’s nice to run by feel.

Garmins dont break ?

A) ASAP

Last year I was racing a 50k and I got to the starting line only to realize my Suunto Ambit 2R had died. It was working the night before. Once I finished the race, I started shopping for a new GPS watch and I used my Apple Watch to track runs in the meantime. I ultimately got a good deal on a Garmin Forerunner 645.

Ambit lasted 6 years. I hope the Garmin lasts about as long. I am looking forward to experiencing the latest advances in GPS watches...in a few years.

Honestly? When my FR 225 broke (as in the the watch face no longer displayed anything), I went to the store and bought a FR 45 that same day. Pathetic, but I'd do it again, unless I upgraded to a FR 245 instead.

A. Probably a much cheaper one next time, though.

A.

I own a FR245 and if it broke I'd probably buy a FR45 instead. Or maybe a model with reliable barometric altimeter. That's all I'm missing with fr245 and It has so many unused features.

I would just use my Timex chronograph.

B, but it wouldn't necessarily be an expensive one.

I know my routes, but I would still be interested to the nearest 30-60 seconds for a 10k, say. And on 10-15 mile runs out-n-back, which I do usually for my long run, easy to make a slight miscalculation and be half a mile or so out. Not the end of the world but nor is buying and referring to a GPS watch.

I wouldn't spend a fortune though - GPS for distance, pace and time is all I need - I use a Polar M400 still, and have done for maybe 5ish years (same watch). Works fine for me, is accurate for GPS especially longer runs, and tbh is pretty robust so I don't see it breaking anytime soon.

If it broke, I'd buy an M430, unless I happened to have a lot more disposable income than the moment where I'd look at a Vantage but I'd be more than happy with the former.

I'm in the "I would replace it with another relatively bare bones GPS watch" camp.

I actually have one of the Epson GPS watches that is probably 6 years old at this point. Picked it up used for like $60 on ebay. Works perfect for me. It's accurate...good battery life still. Don't do anything with data uploads or crap like that.

ASAP i need my Garmin

B.

My watch (FR 235) currently has about 30 min of battery life on gps mode and on indoor mode it has about 2 hours, so it dies a lot (long runs can be slightly over 2 hours or if I forget to charge it).

Does anyone know of a cheap watch that only does time and can connect to my heart rate strap?