Would a footpod be much more accurate than a suunto gps pod?

Running Shoes/Running Gear Other

14 years ago 06/10/2009 12:37am EDT

I have a gps pod for a suunto t4, and it definitely isn't that accurate. Trying to read it at any given point in time is pointless, because it can fluctuate anywhere from 4 minutes to 10 minute per mile based on no consistent factors (I actually find it works better in forests oddly enough).

My best bet is to set the autolap to something short like .1 mile so it gives me the averages per lap, but even then it's really just not very accurate at all. It will usually fluctuate between 5:30 to 7:00 for what I am pretty certain is around 6:10 to 6:20 pace.

If I set the autolap to longer intervals, I get more accurate readings, but it's simply not that helpful for my purposes to only be able to see my pace every half mile or so.

I am wondering if anyone has experience with suunto footpods vs. suunto gps pods, and if they can tell me if it is accurate enough to be a worthwile investment. I already feel ripped off and don't wanna waste any more money if the footpod isn't going to be accurate either.

Thanks in advance my friends.

14 years ago 06/10/2009 1:20am EDT

re: Feeling ripped off

This is the problem with GPS. They are designed to give you total distance and average pace at the end, but do quite poorly for instantaneous pace. If you only want pace, a footpod is probably the way to go. The issue with footpods is that by the end they build up significant error. Your 10 mile run could easily end up reading as 10.5 or 9.5. So they each have flaws.

14 years ago 06/10/2009 8:44am EDT

re: Feeling ripped off

i have a t3c with the footpod and it is definitely more accurate for instantaneous speed that how you describe the GPS pod. although i notice it does run out of batteries pretty fast ~5 months or so. regardless i find the footpod a whole lot better than the GPS technology in general just because its easier to start up a run ie you don't have to wait for satellites. it also works indoors and on tracks unlike GPS's which won't pick up signals in certain places and cut off rounded corners. hope this helps!

14 years ago 06/10/2009 10:15am EDT

re: Feeling ripped off

If you want instantaneous speed, the foot pod is your only real choice. It's fairly precise, but not very accurate unless it's calibrated on a similar surface at a similar pace. This makes it very good at telling you whether you've sped up or slowed down, but not very good for determining absolute pace. Plus, you have this thing on your foot. I don't wear mine anymore. I have a 305 and use average lap pace with the laps set at 1 mile. It takes a couple of tenths to settle, so you could probably go as low as 0.5, but then you'd be looking at an accurate pace only about half the time.

14 years ago 06/10/2009 11:38am EDT

re: Feeling ripped off

Sorry to threadcrap but...Suunto sucks. I've got an X6HR and the HR function got unreliable after about 18 months. Watch has been in to their headquarters for service twice in that time. For an expensive product their support is lousy. Buy a $40 Timex and I don't expect it to last more than a few years (although they usually do), but a $300+ watch should last longer than 18 months.

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