Which Watch Should I Buy

Running Shoes/Running Gear Apparel

14 years ago 02/10/2010 2:53pm EST

I am trying to decide which watch to buy and I want to make the decision soon. I am heading to Colorado (Vail) next Wednesday and would love to map my daily runs. I live in NYC and run all over Manhattan - while I know my general pace and approximate distance, I'd like to have more precise data.

What I'm looking for in a watch:

- Good GPS functionality

- Easy (preferably idiot-proof) data uploading to PC MAC, and robust software/data manipulation (although still very user friendly)

- Relatively waterproof (not planning on anything more than running in the rain/snow or a pool at most)

- Standard stuff, tells time, monitors pace, etc.

What I don't need:

- I intend to use this strictly for running

Have looked at Garmin products - the 305 seems to have huge face and 405 has a lot of complaints about the bezel in many reviews - although am open to either if that's the right call. Non-Garmin does not have integrated GPS.

Appreciate all help. Thanks a ton.

14 years ago 02/10/2010 2:58pm EST

re: FastEG

I can't remember which watch I use when training, but it's great. It has all the features you listed and it's only $850 retail, so it's cheap enough so you don't fret if you lose it at a race or wherever. I'll follow up to this thread when I get home...I want to give you the correct model name.

14 years ago 02/10/2010 3:31pm EST

re: a triathlete

Is that $850 model the one that comes with a free fanny pack and arm warmers? Yeah, I think so. It's a great training model but leave it at home when racing, as you'll want to upgrade a bit for race day. (But the fanny pack, it's great for both racing and training! Holds tons of gels and shot blocks and your hotel keys and pepper spray, whatever you need for that upcoming 5k race. Sub-23 or bust!)

14 years ago 02/10/2010 5:27pm EST

re: FastEG

I have used the Garmin 205 for years all over the SW and it works perfectly. It is the same as the 305 except no heart rate monitor. It is not waterproof (I wouldn't swim with it) but I've run many times in the rain, and many times covered with sweat, and never had a problem. It maps great on a PC. It took forever to sync satellites when we visited NYC and went to run in Central Park, but here in the SW it never takes more than a minute, often less.

I have a friend with the 405 and he has problems with it. It's only advantage, as far as I can tell, is that it looks more like a real watch.

If it were me, I'd get the 205 for running and just use your regular watch other times.

Amazon has some great prices on the Nike Triax watches, by the way. No GPS but they are great for lap times and mine even has an interval timer for workouts. 100 lap memory model on sale for about $35.

14 years ago 02/10/2010 6:34pm EST

re: 4 corners runner

Thanks, very helpful reply - not quite as helpful as the great dude suggesting the $850 model (and to think people say LetsRun is full of a$$holes.)

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